When you talk of the clamours of Edinburgh, I will not
remind you of a tempest in a pot, for that would be to do injustice to the
metropolis of the north; but a hurricane in a horse-pond is a simile useful for
conveying my meaning, and not unjust to the venerable city of Edinburgh.
——’s review is imprudent in the expressions—more
than wrong in its doctrines; but you will not die of it this time, and are, I
believe, more frightened than hurt. As for me, I am very busy, and question
much whether I shall be able to
MEMOIR OF THE REV. SYDNEY SMITH. | 47 |
It is perfectly fair that any other set of men should set up a Review, and, in my opinion, very immaterial.
In all probability it is all over with Spain, and if so, probably there is an end of Europe; the rest will be a downhill struggle: I cannot help it, and so will be merry to the last. Allen writes word that the Junta has been very remiss, and Moore, that there is no enthusiasm at all; in addition, it is now said that there never have been more than seventy thousand men in arms.
Yours, my dear Jeffrey, in great haste, and very sincerely,