Memory loves to retrace the earlier and brighter scenes of life, when the gratification now proposed was repeatedly enjoyed with this and other learned men, of whom many have fallen asleep. Where wit and humour, and a reciprocity of communication, not easily paralleled, diffused universal complacency. Where—
Stop, stop—a truce to this melancholy mood, and let us consider the number of our party.
The witty author—the satirist—the noble author—the factious author—Sylvanus Urban—the learned author.
Six—with ourselves—Eight. Shall we not ask a female?
Run over in your mind the Female Authors with whom we have acquaintance, and determine which of them you will invite. Shall it be Mrs. ⸺.
Oh! no, no. She is certainly exceedingly clever and accomplished, and can be very agreeable; but she values herself so highly on her musical talents, that she will be affronted, if not entreated to sing one of her Bravura songs, which to me are detestable, nor do I think them so very delightful to you. Besides she expects to be first fiddle, and demands from the celebrity of her name, more attention, than is consistent with that equality which ought invariably to prevail in friendly meetings.
Will you ask Miss ⸺?
No, I think not. She is a mighty good sort of person, and nobody disputes her cleverness; but she is suspected of taking notes of the conversations, at which she may be present, and you must not be surprized if, when you least expect it, you find some observation, or anecdote, or chit chat, gravely inserted in some note in an original novel, or translation from some of the books vended at Leipsic fair.
But why must this female be an author? Need we go far to find one, who though she has never written any thing for publication, has one of the finest understandings in the world, a correct taste, admirable judgment, refined manners, joined to the sweetest temper in the world; whose conversation is far preferable to the pedantry of any half-learned Precieuse, or the confidence which has been inspired by flattery unduly bestowed.
You need say no more. Eliza shall complete our party.