The Sable School of Poetry. *

We are desirous, my public, of talking with you on two subjects of infinite national importance, to wit, ourselves and Warren’s Blacking. As our rheumatism (thanks to the Odontist) ¹ is somewhat abated, and we are now seated at Ambrose’s; ² with a jug of hot toddy on one side of us, and our beloved O’Doherty ³ on the other ⁽¹⁵⁾ , we intend to be exceedingly amiable, eloquent, and communicative. But by the bye, when were we ever otherwise? Our dispositions, like our alimentary organs, are always gently open; and though some pluckless flutterlings of Cockaigne ⁴ may wince at the occasional effervescence of our Tory bile, yet the majority of the civilised world will bear witness to our benevolent genius. ⁵ And well, indeed, may / they do so, for with our sweeping besom ⁶ of reform we have stirred up a revolution not only in periodical literature, but in every department of science. Sir Humphrey Davy ¹ and Sir Thomas Lawrence ² owe their reputation especially to us. We and Buonaparte ³ were among the first to point out the talents of the one, and we introduced the other to the notice of his present Majesty. ⁴