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Introduction.

rendered in the estimation of most readers effective, and it is on this principle only, (though it has at present been laid aside) that he intends to renew these employments with regard to foreign literature, which have been long interrupted by other avocations.

It is, indeed, scarcely possible to imagine two civilized countries, between which there is found a more striking difference in regard to language and moods of mind, than that which exists between Germany and modern England. If we return to the period from the reign of Elizabeth to that of Charles I., however, many points of resemblance are discovered. Even the language of England was then more plastic,—there were daring spirits who made trials of its power,—theatrical authors, (as for the last ten years in Germany,) especially flourished,—and to such members of the Roxburgh or Bannatyne club as have been in the habit of reading, not Black-Letter books