Some wrote for fame, some for money; but all were agreed on one point--namely, that if Mr.Murray would undertake the publication of the poems, the authors' fame was secured.
When in doubt about any manuscript, he usually conferred with Croker, Campbell, or Gifford, who always displayed the utmost kindness in helping him with their opinions.

Croker was usually short and pithy.

Of one poem he said: "Trash--the dullest stuff I ever read." This was enough to ensure the condemnation of the manuscript.

Campbell was more guarded, as when reporting on a poem entitled "Woman," he wrote, "In my opinion, though there are many excellent lines in it, the poem is not such as will warrant a great sum being speculated upon it.

But, as it is short, I think the public, not the author or publisher, will be in fault if it does not sell one edition." Of a poem sent for his opinion, Gifford wrote: "Honestly, the MS.