J.E.B. MAYOR
[We shall be obliged by our correspondent forwarding, at his convenience, the proposed copies of Baker's MS. notes.]
THE PURSUITS OF LITERATURE.
Many years ago, the satirical poem, entitled The Pursuits of Literature, engaged public attention for a very considerable time; the author concealed his name; and from 1796 at least to 1800, the world continued guessing at who could be the author. Amongst the names to which the poem was ascribed were those of Anstey, Colman, Jun., Coombe, Cumberland, Harry Dampier, Goodall, Hudderford, Knapp, MATHIAS, Mansell, Wrangham, Stephen Weston, and many others, chiefly Etonians. George Steevens, it is believed, fixed upon the real author at an early period: at least in the St. James's Chronicle, from Tuesday, May 1. to Thursday, May 3. 1798, we find—
"THE PURSUER OF LITERATURE PURSUED
"Hic niger est.
"With learned jargon and conceit,
With tongue as prompt to lie as
The veriest mountebank and cheat,