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 think ye wou'd hae a little mair predileection for deefamation.

I have no predilection, Sir, for defamation. I make a point of speaking the truth on all occasions; and it seldom happens that the truth can be spoken, without some stricken deer pronouncing it a libel.

You are perhaps, Sir, an enemy to literature in general.

If I were, Sir, I should be a better friend to periodical critics.

May I simply take the liberty to inquire into the basis of your objection?

I conceive that periodical criticism dissemi-