and his correspondent. Between the critics existed also a free interchange of letters. Not less than twenty with dates, and nearly as many without, passed from the senior to the junior within a short time, which became scattered at the younger Boswell’s sale,—their subjects, as may be supposed, Shakspeare and Shakspearemen from Capell to Warton, criticism, notes to plays, and passing circumstances bearing on such themes.
Steevens likewise adverts at this time (1778) to an intended trip of Malone to Dublin. In jest, as was often his habit, or with marvellous good-nature, he requests in such case, that “his notes may remain behind—ne quid detrimenti capiat respublica. St. George’s Channel has had its share of literary spoil.[1] Seal up your criticisms, however, for I shall not venture to examine them till your return.”
This journey, whether actual or only contemplated, arose from the persuasions of his family. A hard student in a strange land seems, and often must be, in a state of uncomfortable isolation; and so his sisters thought. Whether he felt so may be doubted. Men of resolution aiming at distinction in a specific pursuit, will seldom be turned from it by minor considerations; but sisterly affection sees such privations in a different light. They therefore pressed his return.
The following to the same effect from his brother,[2]
- ↑ In allusion probably to the loss of scarce works of Mr. Dennis Daly on the same voyage, collected by Malone.
- ↑ This gentleman was himself fond of the society of London, and paid it an annual visit. He became member of the Irish Parliament for Granard in 1768; for county of Westmeath in 1782; returned also for a borough in King’s County; in 1778, married Philippa, elder daughter of
