Page:Landon in The London Literary Gazette 1820.pdf/5

 In his autobiography, William Jerdan, writing of the beginnings of Letitia Landon’s writing career, comments 'A temporary absence afforded the muse a season to reflect on friendly criticism and dogmatic rules, till August furnished a passing jeu d’esprit at its commencement' (in the week before a short acknowledgement of his coaching assistance was included)—

Both kinds of style our lecturer is engrossing; Verse is his matter, and his manner prosing.

A West Indian dandy (not Bond Street alone Can claim the dear exquisite thing as its own) Stood fix'd by the glass, while the new suit displays All its charms of stiff collars, short waists, and tight stays.— "Don't I look very well?" (here the mirror was eyed)— "Massa look like a lion," a Negro replied. "Where have you seen a lion?"—"Oh me see it each day— Ah! there's its long ears—it is coming this way." One moment the beau turn'd away from the glass, Look'd back—and beheld his resemblance an Ass. L.