Page:Paul Clifford Vol 1.djvu/119

Rh less beginnings!—Rome was not built in a day,—and I, Paul, I myself was not always the editor of the Asinæum: you say wisely, criticism is a great science—a very great science, and it may be divided into three branches; viz.—'to tickle, to slash, and to plaster.' In each of these three, I believe, without vanity, I am a profound adept! I will initiate you into all. Your labours shall begin this very evening. I have three works on my table, they must be dispatched by to-morrow night; I will take the most arduous, I abandon to you the others. The three consist of a Romance, an Epic in twelve books, and an Inquiry into the Human Mind, in three volumes; I, Paul, will tickle the Romance, you this very evening shall plaster the Epic, and slash the Inquiry!"

"Heavens, Mr. Mac Grawler!" cried Paul in consternation, "what do you mean?—I should never be even able to read an Epic in twelve books, and I should fall asleep in the first page of the Inquiry. No, no, leave me the Romance, and take the other two under your own protection!"

Although great genius is always benevolent, Mr. Mac Grawler could not restrain a smile