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exampled greatness in Europe and America! Here the subject fails. Vain man may as well attempt to stop the course of nature, as to do ample justice to this wonderful man!
Behold all nature stands aghast
To hear thy fame from east to west!
How great how grand of thee we hear,
Thou man of sense—thou eastern star!
All men inquire—but few can tell
How thou in science doth excel!
Great philosophie genius, we,
The meanest reptiles, bow the knee.
At thy majestic shrine we shrink!
What can we do, or say, or think!
When contemplating on thy worth,
Which hath astonish'd all the earth.
Great DEXTER, did the world do right,
Thy name would shine with brilliant light!
Each would declare thy wond'rous fame,
And shout at DEXTER'S mighty name!
Salem, June 14, 1805
My Lord Dexter,
By the politeness of Mr. Emerson I received the very valuable contents of your package. A new edition of that unprecedented performance, entitled "A Pickle for the Knowing Ones," &c. is very urgently called for by the friends of literature in this country and in England—and I presume with the additions and improvements intended to accompany the second edition, provided it should be well printed, would entitle the author to a seat with the Disciples of Sir Joseph Banks, if not to a place in Bonaparte's Legion of Honor—for my Lord DEXTER is an honorable man. But, sir, the work cannot be executed for the sum named—nor in the time specified.—I will print an edition of 500 copies with the additions, for fifth dollars, and cannot possibly do them for less.
Wishing your Lordship health in perpetuity—a continuance of your admirable reasoning faculties—good spirits, and an abundance of wealth—and finally a safe passage over any river not with Sticks, but a pleasure boat, I remain yours with the utmost profundity.
W. CARLTON.
The Right Honorable Lord Dexter,
Kt. Newburyport.
