The present constitution of the Edinburgh Review is this, that, at whatever time Brougham may be pleased to notify his intention of writing on any subject, all previous engagements are to be considered as annulled by that notification.

His language translated into plain English is this: "I must write about this French Revolution, and I will write about it.

If you have told Macaulay to do it, you may tell him to let it alone.

If he has written an article, he may throw it behind the grate.

He would not himself have the assurance to compare his own claims with mine.