_Pursuits of Literature._--How came the author of the _Pursuits of
Literature_ to be known? I have before me the 11th edition (1801); and in
the Preface to the fourth and last dialogue, the author declares that
"_neither my name nor situation in life will ever be revealed_." He does
not pretend to be the sole depository of his own secret; but he says again:
"My secret will be for ever preserved, I _know_, under every change of
fortune or of political tenets, while honour, and virtue, and religion,
and friendly affection, and erudition, and the principles of a
gentleman have binding force and authority upon minds so cultivated and
dignified. When they fall, I am contented to fall with them."
Nevertheless, the author of the _Pursuits of Literature_ is known. How is
this?