ennobled and richly
endowed with places and pensions. Therefore, upon his opponent's own
showing, Henry Bulwer has made out his case. In another part of the
same work there is the following amusing passage, in advice given by a
lady of fashion to her protegee upon entering into London society.

"`Pore over their books as much as you please, but do not so much as dip
into the authors,' said she, when I proposed an introduction to one of
the most popular authors of the day. `These people expend their spirit
on their works--the part that walks through society is a mere lump of
clay, like the refuse of the wine-press after the wine has been
expressed.' In conversing with a clever author you sometimes see a new
idea brighten his eye or create a smile round his lip; but for worlds he
would not give it utterance. It belongs to his next work, and is
instantly booked in the ledger of his daily thoughts, value 3 shillings
6 pence. The man's mind is his mine; he can't afford to work it gratis,
or give away the produce."

If we are to draw any inference from this extract, it is, that although
some noblemen do extend their patronage to literary men, at all events
the general feeling is against them. I must say that I never was more
amused than when I read the above sarcasm. There is much truth in it,
and yet it is not true. In future when I _do_ say good things, as they
call them, in company, I shall know precise value of my
expenditure during the dinner or evening party by reckoning up the
three-and-sixpences. One thing is clear, that if an author say half a
dozen good things, he fully pays for his dinner.

In the "Student," Edward Bulwer makes some remarks which range in
opposition to the author of the above "Diary." In arguing that most
authors may be known by their works, he says--

"Authors are the only men we really do know; the rest of mankind die
with only the surface of their character understood."

It appears, then, that people have no excuse for being disappointed in
authors; when they meet them in company they have but to read their
works, and if they like the works they must live the authors. Before I
proceed I must be permitted to make a remark here. An author's opinion
given as his own will allow the public to have an insight into his
character and feelings, and the public are justified in forming their
opinions of an author upon such grounds. But it too often happens that
the public will form thei