I am much obliged to you for the Review, and shall exercise the privilege of an
old friend in making some
| 120 | MEMOIR OF THE REV. SYDNEY SMITH. |
Without understanding anything of the subject, I was much pleased with the ‘Cassegrainian Telescope,’ as it seemed modest, moderate in rebuke, and to have the air of wisdom and erudition. The account of Scotch husbandry is somewhat coxcombical, and has the fault of digressing too much into political economy; but I should guess it to be written by a very good farmer;—I mean, by a man thoroughly acquainted with the method in which the art is carried on. I delight in the article on Carnot; it is virtuous and honourable to do justice to such a man. I should guess that the travels of the Frenchman in England are those of your friend and relation, M. Simond.
With respect to what you say of your occasional feelings of disgust at your office of editor, and half-formed intentions of giving it up, I think you should be slow to give up so much emolument, now that you are married and may have a family; but if you can get as great an income by your profession, and the two cannot be combined, I would rather see you a great lawyer than a witty journalist. There can be no doubt which is the most honourable and lucrative situation, and not much doubt which is the most useful.
It will give us the greatest pleasure to see you in the
spring, or, if not then, in your excursion to France. I like my new house very
much; it is very comfortable, and, after finishing it, I would not pay sixpence
to alter it; but the expense of it will keep me a very
| MEMOIR OF THE REV. SYDNEY SMITH. | 121 |
I shall never apologize to you for egotism; I think very few men, writing to their friends, have enough of it. If Horner were to break fifteen of his ribs, or marry, or resolve to settle in America, he would never mention it to his friends; but would write with the most sincere kindness from Kentucky, to inquire for your welfare, leaving you to marvel as you chose at the post-mark, and to speculate whether it was Kentucky or Kensington.
I think very highly of ‘Waverley,’ and was inclined to suspect, in reading it, that it was written by Miss Scott of Ancram.
I am truly glad to read of your pleasure from your little girl and your château. The haunts of Happiness are varied, and rather unaccountable; but I have more often seen her among little children, and home firesides, and in country houses, than anywhere else,—at least, I think so. God bless you!
