Chapter VIII: Letter 161: To Mr. Hodgson

"February 28. 1814.

"There is a youngster, and a clever one, named Reynolds, who has
just published a poem called 'Safie,' published by Cawthorne. He is
in the most natural and fearful apprehension of the Reviewers; and
as you and I both know by experience the effect of such things upon
a _young_ mind, I wish you would take his production into
dissection, and do it _gently_. _I_ cannot, because it is inscribed
to me; but I assure you this is not my motive for wishing him to be
tenderly entreated, but because I know the misery at his time of
life, of untoward remarks upon first appearance.

"Now for _self_. Pray thank your _cousin_--it is just as it should
be, to my liking, and probably _more_ than will suit any one
else's. I hope and trust that you are well and well doing. Peace be
with you. Ever yours, my dear friend."

* * * * *