* * * * *
_Byron and Tacitus_ (No. 20. p. 390.).--To your young friend, who
honestly signs himself "A SCHOOLBOY," let an older correspondent say,
that he will do more wisely to let the rules of his teachers keep him
from perusing an author who makes a mock of all moral and all honourable
feelings. But if he wishes to know whether the introduction of the
sentence from Tacitus into a poetical tale should be called "cabbaging,"
the reply will properly be, No. The poet expected that the well-known
figure, which he had thus thrown into verse, would be immediately
recognised by every literary reader, and that the recognition would give
pleasure. He was trying his hand at a task of which it has been affirmed
by a master, that _Difficile est proprie communia dicere_. The Schoolboy
knows where to find these words; and I hope that he also knows where to
find the words of one who speaks with greater authority, and has said
most kindly, "Cease, my son, to hear [read] the instruction that causeth
to err."