Page:The New Monthly Magazine - Volume 011.djvu/220

make a special exception in favour of the Roxburgh Club, the reprints of the Archaica, Heliconia, and other collections of scarce rubbish. The author of this proposition, who knows the exact value of his productions, would willingly throw himself into the fire, (in print,) like a second Curtius, for the good of his country, an example which he trusts would not be lost upon his brethren. After having suffered our minds to lie fallow for a reasonable time, we should then all start fair, readers as well as writers, to enjoy a new youth of intellect, and luxuriate in the fresh bloom and May-day blossoming of an untrodden Parnassus. We should be like the Argonauts of the early world, who encountered some enchanting vision or supernatural beauty at every step they took. Unhaunted by literary reminiscences, we should realise the averment that "men are but children of a larger growth," and plunge into the pages of the poet with all the raciness and enthusiasm of our boyhood.

Make ready then, ye patriotic authors—present your works with alacrity—and hesitate not when the command is given—to fire!