But, as there is no chance of that for the next number, I ought, I think, to consider myself as his bail, and to surrender myself to your disposal in his stead.
I have been thinking of a subject, light and trifling enough, but perhaps not the worse for our purpose on that account.

We seldom want a sufficient quantity of heavy matter.

There is a wretched poetaster of the name of Robert Montgomery who has written some volumes of detestable verses on religious subjects, which by mere puffing in magazines and newspapers have had an immense sale, and some of which are now in their tenth or twelfth editions.

I have for some time past thought that the trick of puffing, as it is now practised both by authors and publishers, is likely to degrade the literary character, and to deprave the public taste, in a frightful degree.

I really think that we ought to try what effect satire will have upon this nuisance, and I doubt whether we can ever find a better opportunity.
Yours very faithfully T.B.MACAULAY.
To Macvey Napier, Esq.
London: August 19, 1830.
My dear Sir,--The new number appeared this morning in the shop windows.
The article on Niebuhr contains much that is very sensible; but it is not such an article as so noble a subject required.