It is most probable that the other copies of this Edition have fallen under the ban of the Pope.
W. B. M.
James Smith. The mention of this gentleman by your Correspondent J. in your "Current Notes" for January (p. 7), reminds me that no author in the English language ever received so high a remuneration "per line" for his verses as James Smith. Longman's famous payment to Moore of a guinea a line for "Lalla Rookh" is as nothing to it, for Mr. Strachan, the King's printer, was so pleased with an epigram by Smith of eight lines, that he actually, in a codicil to his will bequeathed him £3000, or £375 per line.
R. S.
O. Smith! The name of the "far famed Ruffian of the Adelphi," as your Correspondent, Mr. John Smith, in your Current Notes for January last, p. 7, is pleased to style a gentleman of quiet habits and literary tastes, whose real Christian names, are Richard John—the O being merely his theatrical soubriquet, possesses in his Album among many other interesting records the following witty testimonial from the late Mr. Mathews:
"I am happy to have it in my power to express my perfect belief that Mr. O. Smith is a most respectable character in private life, though a Great Ruffian on the Stage.
C. Mathews.
"Theatre Royal,
English Opera House,
August 21st, 1827."