[419:1] MS. R.S.E.
[419:2] Perhaps a false transcript for Hagley, the seat of Lord Lyttelton.
[420:1] Scots Mag. , 1807, p. 248.
[420:2] In Mackenzie's Account of Home.
[421:1] Blair, writing on 11th March, says,—
"I long exceedingly to hear of the success of 'The Fatal Discovery,' and am much pleased with what I have already heard. I read it a twelvemonth ago, and thought highly of it. I will not pronounce it quite equal to 'Douglas,' but inferior only to it. Mr. Garrick told me, when last in London, that he approved highly of it, and sent a message to the author by me, advising him to take measures for bringing it on. I am infinitely diverted with the trick which our friend has played to John concerning it. How foolish will he look when he finds how he has been imposed on. I beseech you write me how it goes on with the public."
[421:2] Dr. Robertson, of whom Blair says in the letter above cited:
"What an excellent performance has Robertson given us. What a treasure of curious and instructive historical information! I think it much superior to his former work. He is a little deaf at present, which I have told him is a thorn in the flesh wisely sent him, that he may not be too much lifted up with hearing the voice of applause. Your History of England, and his as an introduction to the History of Europe, form a perfect historical library. I congratulate myself on living in an age, when our own country and our friends have done such honour to literature. For myself I continue piddling still about my Lectures."
[422:1] Not very. The lines he intended to cite are:
Cum positis novus exuviis, nitidusque juventâ