Such blemishes are microscopic enough.

It was not such trifles as these that proved stumbling-blocks to the "men of blood and foam," as he called his critics.
Of the generality of the critics of that day it would probably be well within the mark to aver that their equipment was more solid, and their competence more assured than that of their successors; {30} it would be safe to assert that their self-sufficiency was also decidedly more pronounced.

Now for reasons which we have endeavoured to explain, the equanimity of the critical reviewers was considerably ruffled by _Lavengro_.

Perplexed by its calling itself an autobiography, they were at the same time discontented both with its subject-matter and its style.
To a not altogether misplaced curiosity on the part of the public as to Borrow's antecedents, the author of the _Bible in Spain_ had responded by _Lavengro_, which he fully meant to be (what it indeed was) a masterpiece.

Yet public and critics were agreed in failing to see the matter in this light.