"We turn to poetry," he says, "not that we may see and feel what we see and feel in our daily experience, but that we may be refreshed by other emotions, and fairer prospects, that we may take shelter from the realities of life in the paradise of Fancy." The appearance of these two prominent reviews to a certain extent influenced the direction of Crabbe's genius for the remainder of his life.

He evidently had given them earnest consideration, and in the preface to the _Tales_, his next production, he attempted something like an answer to each.

Without mentioning any names he replies to Jeffrey in the first part of his preface, and to the _Quarterly_ reviewer in the second.

Jeffrey had expressed a hope that Crabbe would in future concentrate his powers upon some interesting and connected story.

"At present it is impossible not to regret that so much genius should be wasted in making us perfectly acquainted with individuals of whom we are to know nothing but their characters." Crabbe in reply makes what was really the best apology for not accepting this advice.