Page:Sarah Sheppard - L. E. L.pdf/11

 Let it not be supposed, that, in the following remarks, the writer presumes to discover or attach any new merit to Miss Landon's genius. This would be indeed an attempt to "Gild refined gold, to paint the lily, And throw a perfume on the violet."

Her genius has been too long and rightly valued by the few, however unappreciated by the many, to require any additional setting forth. Still it is desirable to seek to counteract the spirit of the age by offering inducements to candid and impartial minds carefully to examine before they judge. This is our simple motive, and our earnest hope. The most devoted of L. E. L.'s friends may be satisfied for her fame to rise or fall according as her works shall bide the test of a right-minded and competent scrutiny by well-qualified judges; for it is vain to expect the admiration of the blind, though they were led through all the beauties and sublimities of natural scenery;— vain to hope that the deaf will be charmed, though amid the outpourings of the sweetest harmonies!