but second-raters, as the majority of
authors are.

In many instances they are punsters; but punning is not a standard of
authorship; or, perhaps, there may be other second-rate authors present,
and if so, they know that they are in the company of literary
pickpockets.

To prove that this remark of the "Desennuyee" can only apply to
second-rate authors, let us examine into the conversational powers of
those who are first-rate. And here I can only speak of those whom I
have known--there may be many others. Where could you find such
conversationists as Coleridge, Charles Lamb, Sir John Malcolm, and many
others, who are now gone? And among those in existence, I have but to
mention Croker, Theodore Hooke, Professor Wilson, Bulwer, Lockhart, the
Smiths, and, in the other sex, Lady Blessington, Lady Morgan, Mesdames
Somerville, Austin, and Jameson.

Now these are all first-rate authors in their various styles; and I can
challenge any one to bring forward an equal number out of the whole mass
who are so powerful or delightful in society. And there is still more
to be said in favour of authors. I know many whose conversation is
superior to their writings; I will not name them as they, perhaps, would
not consider this to be a compliment but it fully tends to disprove the
remarks of the "Desennuyee" as to authors of talent reserving their
thoughts for their hooks, for, on the _contrary_, when in company, they
generally take the lead. Still, there is a difference arising from the
variety of temperament: some, accustomed to mix constantly in society,
will be indifferent whether they are acquainted with the parties present
or not; others, more retiring, require to feel at their ease, and it is
only in small coteries, and among friends, that their real value can be
appreciated. Theodore Hooke is a proof of the former, the late Charles
Lamb was of the latter. Some shine most when they have no competitors;
others are only to be brought out when other men of talent are in
company, and, like the flint and steel, their sparks are only to be
produced by collision.

If I might be permitted to offer an opinion to the authors themselves,
it would be, not to mix in general company, but confine themselves to
their own friends. They would stand much higher in reputation if they
adhered to this plan; above all, let them avoid what the author of the
"Desennuyee" terms those "Skinnerian lion feeds" given by those who have
no talent to