naturally I shall be led to speak principally of that branch of which
we--probably all of us--think at once when the word is mentioned, viz.,
literary and artistic criticism. I think if criticism were juster and
fairer persons criticized would submit more readily to criticism. It is
certain that criticism is generally resented. We--none of us--like to be
told our faults.

"Tell Blackwood," said Sir Walter Scott, "that I am one of the Black
Hussars of Literature who neither give nor take criticism." Tennyson
resented any interference with his muse by writing the now nearly
forgotten line about "Musty, crusty Christopher." Byron flew into a
rhapsodical passion and wrote _English Bards and Scotch Reviewers_--

"Ode, Epic, Elegy, have at you all."

He says--

"A man must serve his time to every trade
Save censure. Critics all are ready made.
Take hackney'd jokes from Miller, got by rote,
With just enough of learning to misquote;
A mind well skilled to find or forge a fault;
A turn for punning--call it Attic salt;
To Jeffrey go, be silent and discreet,--
His pay is just ten sterling pounds per sheet;
Fear not to lie, 'twill seem a sharper hit;
Shrink not from blasphemy, 'twill pass for wit;
Care not for feeling--pass your proper jest,--
And stand a critic, hated yet caress'd."