but laboured under the illusion that she was a poetess. She sought an interview with Hewson Clarke by inviting him to meet a lady who admired his writings in White Conduit Fields. He went, and was somewhat mortified to find a matron of about forty-five, who placed her MS. in his hand, and requested his candid opinion on a future day. She was lady-like and sensible upon all matters except her own poems. Of course his opinion was easily formed; but he assured her that, though the poems were very good, they would not suit the public taste, and that she would be rash in publishing. She took his advice, but unfortunately happened to know Peter Pindar, who had been one of her husband's friends. She devotes a "scrap" to a kiss which he gave her (p. 215.). He was blind, but on hearing some of her poems read, he exclaimed, "Oh, my God, madam, there is nothing like this in Shakspeare!" Such a compliment turned her head; she sold her annuity to publish her book, and was reduced to extreme distress and misery. This is stated in a notice of the book in The British Stage, Sept. 1817, p. 210. The article, which is signed K., was written by the editor, Mr. Jones Broughton of the India House, a friend of Hewson Clarke, and once editor of The Theatrical Inquisitor.
I agree with G. C. that the "scraps" are niaiseries; as literature nothing can be worse; but they are curious and, I think, deeply interesting as genuine expressions of feeling. Mary Mackey was vain and weak, but true-hearted,
generous, and affectionate; she conceals nothing, and lays bare her poverty and her wish to marry again. She advertises herself under the form of a pony for sale:
"For since she has been free by the death of her
Late owner, the poor thing has been a scamperer,
And has often known the want of a good meal;
For she was highly fed in her old master's lifetime.
But he, alas! sleeps in peace, and peace be to his soul.
He was a good master and a real gentleman,
And left his little trotter to a merciless world: