who desire
to attain what is called originality. This is only to be got by
following some model of a past generation, which has ceased to be
made use of by the public at large. We do not however recommend this
course, feeling sure that all writers in the end will derive far
more real satisfaction from producing fashionable, than original
verses; which two things it is impossible to do at one and the same
time._)

Take a couple of fine deadly sins; and let them hang before your eyes
until they become racy. Then take them down, dissect them, and stew them
for some time in a solution of weak remorse; after which they are to be
devilled with mock-despair.

HOW TO WRITE A PATRIOTIC POEM LIKE MR. SWINBURNE.

Take one blaspheming patriot, who has been hung or buried for some time,
together with the oppressed country belonging to him. Soak these in a
quantity of rotten sentiment, till they are completely sodden; and in
the mean while get ready an indefinite number of Christian kings and
priests. Kick these till they are nearly dead; add copiously broken
fragments of the Catholic church, and mix all together thoroughly. Place
them in a heap upon the oppressed country; season plentifully with very
coarse expressions; and on the top carefully arrange your patriot,
garnished with laurel or with parsley; surround with artificial hopes
for the future, which are never meant to be tasted. This kind of poem is
cooked in verbiage, flavoured with Liberty, the taste of which is much
heightened by the introduction of a few high gods, and the game of
Fortune. The amount of verbiage which Liberty is capable of flavouring,
is practically infinite.

CONCLUSION.

We regret to have to offer this work to the public in its present
incomplete state, the whole of that part treating of the most recent
section of modern poetry, _viz._, the blasphemous and the obscene, being
entirely wanting. It was found necessary to issue this from an eminent
publishing firm in Holywell street, Strand, where by an unforeseen
casualty, the whole of the first edition was seized by the police, and
is at present in the hands of the Society for the Suppression of Vice.
We incline however to trust that this loss will have but little effect;
as indecency and profanity are things in which, even to the dullest,
external instruction is a luxury, rather than a necessity. Those of our
readers, who, either from sense, self-respect, or ot