ABSTRACT
An exalted literature is the noblest feature of national greatness. In looking over the records of history, it will be found that of all the nations which have risen, flourished and fallen, those, and those only, shed forth an unfading lustre which have stood pre-eminent in literature. Literature must be emphatically own: and not as has been, to too great a degree, but the echo of Trans-Atlantic compeers. Hence we may infer that literature constitutes the noblest trait of national character; and, whilst we speak of the literary inferiority of own country, far, far be it from our purpose to detract from her intrinsic grandeur and greatness. Of France we say but little, not that she is inferior: her writers are not well known; as with Germany, so she is just beginning to unlock her deep store-houses, and pour forth their horded treasures.
