Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-01-13
For the Gazette.
THE STUDENT, No. 1:

"The desire of appearing to be persons
of ability often prevents our being So"
Rochefoucalt, from whose collection of
maxips and reflections we have culled our
motto, whose judgment of human nature,
from long experience, matured into sound
philosophy, aided by extraordinary talents
for discrimination, render him pre-eminent-
~ respectable as Inner Of the varied
traits in. the human character 1t was
Rochefouealt'sd discriminating judgmentthat
pointed out - unfortunate falling, exist
ing perhaps in his days as in ours--that rage
particularly manifested by our family OF
scribblers, of rendering themselves distin-
gdsshed for their talents and learning whilst
they neglect the important duties OF study,
and are content with mere superficial
knowledge Of causes and events, so they
sobtain the applause OF the gaping crowd and
wondering multitude.
1t is perhaps this ambition of appearing
to be persons of ability--this glory in being
accounted one of the l,teruti of the day,
that influences many OF our local writer's to
commit their cogitations without correction
or revision to the press, and are seemingly
contenied and Aattered 10 notice their esiu-
sions in the column of newspaper
Although common observation and pub
lie applause may place DIR Gazette poets
ani.essayists in the ranks Of genius, Tho
popular praise may present them the poets
need and muses. wreath, yet the glory OF a
scribbler is of transient duration. One
day his lrcubrations are deyoured with avI-
dity by all the old maids in the town; the
next, they are consigned as the wrappers
and coverings Of the several pounds OF su-
gar, candles, SC. which may emanate from
o grucer's counter.
Scrib5lers of this description are so posi-
tive in the idea OF being men of genius, so
pulled up with the vanity OF pedaotry, and
confirmed in the expansive intellect they
boast, they throw aside Blair and Watts and
other distinguished authorities tor taste 'Hid
correctness OF style---scarceiy deign 10
notice volume OF Rolliu, Adams, Goldsmith
or Hume, but strut about the streets,wlth a
5 "eiye US your bone, 4" to every good natured
fatterer they may chance 10 meet. Hey
what do YOU think of my ------ IN this
mornings paper. wrote it, sir, in ten
minutes, leaning against lamp post, on
nv way home and sent it to the office with
out a revision. The Eds knew the hand
OF their old correspondent, therefore no
difficulty in its receiving iuseftion-howe-
YER, confess, upon reading It, l think 1t
pretty potent. Here, what do you think OF
this tonch upon O.. Dsmme, should
like to lead the youth into controversy
taa.'s the fashion, you know. now a-days,
&c"
How we'll Pope reasoned when he OBJ
served q"
"Tbese shallow draughts ihtoxicate the
brain"
These tyroes in learning, how iuddled
their pericraniums--these 4" fools how wise
IN their own conceit no modern" exqul-
site" strutting in his laced person, WITH
his head jutting from a terrapin-sh II COL
lar. is halfso confident of exciting applause
mo anliquated mai,ieu more conscious Oh
dignity--no dashipg belle more sure OF adj
miration--no ball room busy body more
confirmed in importance, nor iabithy
Branbie more confident Of the superior at
fractions Of her accomplished "daaters. 4"
Preach modesty and difiidence TO the mo-
dern scrihbler. and he will laugh at you.
Tell him that men, his superiors in genius
and experience have offered almost every
thing that can be offered at the muses. al
tar,--and he replies
"Why ami learn'd. why Taught
With. all the priest and al! the sage have
taught,
1.-THE huge mass, within my bosom penf,
Must struggle there dispairing OF vent 2
Thou learn'd. alas for learning! she issped'
And hast thou dimm' d thy eyes and rack d
thy head
And broke thy rest for THIS. for THIS alone !
Audis thy knowledge nothing i not known!
O fool, fool. fool,--but still thou criest, 'tis
sweet Inject:
To hear THAT'S He, /" from every one we
That'she whom critic Bell declares divine,