_Coleridge's Christabel--The 3rd Part_ (Vol. viii., pp. 11, 12.).--MR. J.
S. WARDEN asks if I am correct in stating the 3rd part of _Christabel_ to
be the composition of Dr. Maginn. I can but "_give my authority_" in a
reference to a sketch of Maginn's life, in a new and well-conducted
periodical, _The Irish Quarterly Review_, which, in the number for
September, 1852, after giving a most humorous account of a first interview
between Blackwood and his wild Irish contributor, who had for more than a
year been mystifying the editor by contributions under various signatures,
proceeds thus:--
"A few days before the first interview with Blackwood, Maginn had sent
in his famous 'Third part of Christabel.' It is only to be found in the
Magazine; and as many of our readers must be unacquainted with the
poem, we here subjoin it."
{112} The poem follows, containing the lines which led to the first inquiry
on this subject.
It was having read the Memoir in _The Irish Quarterly_ which enabled me so
promptly to remember where the lines were to be found; but I had long
before heard, and never doubted, that the clever parody was composed by Dr.
Maginn.