54
HEADLONG HALL.
think ye wou'd hae a little mair predileection for deefamation.
Mr. Escot.
I have no predilection, Sir, for defamation. I make a point of speaking the truth on all occasions; and it seldom happens that the truth can be spoken, without some stricken deer pronouncing it a libel.
Mr. Nightshade.
You are perhaps, Sir, an enemy to literature in general.
Mr. Escot.
If I were, Sir, I should be a better friend to periodical critics.
Mr. Treacle.
May I simply take the liberty to inquire into the basis of your objection?
Mr. Escot.
I conceive that periodical criticism dissemi-
