The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-10-14
Honor of Ltterasure.


Honor. Of Literature.
Hume, in his history Of the reign Of James
1, Justly observes that such superiority
do the pursuits of literature possess above
every other occupation, that even he who
attains but mediocrity in them, merits the
preeminence above those that excel the
most in the common and vulgar professions.
In France, the mere title of 'homme de let
tres is as indicative OF distinct and honor
able profession as those Of 'militaire, 1uris-
consulte,' or 'medecin;' and it forms, as they
do, an unobjectionable passport with all the
upper classes. Till lately, in England, it
was common complaint that men OF learn
ing and artists, who had not parliamentary
interest, or could not give qiGid pro quo,
were defrauded Of their fair share of state
honors. tits hoped, however, that change
is about 10 take place. il it is not now in the
course OF operation; and the less that is said
upon the subject the better. Some have
commended for titles for men Of letters; but
genius is itselfa sufficient distinction for all
who possess, and abuse it not. Raleigh
Sidney, Newton, and a thousand other
names Of natures noblemen, are familiar in
our mouths as household words and the
'Sirs' which were added to these words, SO
big with meaning, so fraught with high re-
membranes, are never thought Of when We
think OF the men. Sir Charles adds moth
ing TO the lustre of Linneus and VINO ever
thought that the names of Shakespeare or
Milton would receive additional dignity or
value il Sir William or Lord John were
prehxed to theml
We believe that at no time had good lit
erature more solid consideration than at
present; at no time were its representatives,
according to their respective personal claims,
more freely accepted on a footing Of equali-
ty with the highest. But to use the words
OF a recent reviewer, TO the honor Of human
ity be il said, conduct goes far in regulating
the authors position in society; and there is
little risk Of a scampish Aretine meeting
with federation or fellowship. il, indeed,
there still remains any cause for complaint
respecting the position Of literary men, it
must be attributed to their desire for high as
socistions being mixed with such parasitic
tosdyisms as are incompatible with selfre-
spect Ii literature be a distinction, if ge-
MUS be natures own aristocracy, and il phi
losophy be a benefactress to mankind, why
should their representatives voluntarily take
their place below the salt, and look up
where they should look down. To the
same effect are the remarks Of Mr.. Dunlop,
who, in an address to the New York Acad-
envy, says, 'lt is in vain TO look for honor
from others if we do not honor ourselves. 1t
is for authors and artists 10 teach mankind the
true estimation in which they must be held.
And first, they must esteem themselves so
far as to avoid all that is low, all that is
servile, all that is false. Can there be any
thing 50 contemplate as sycophant who
debases the talent he possesses! Sycophan-
cy is incompatible with true genius. We
often see it united to mediocrity in the arts.
IL you see man bowling TO the rich or in
iuentisl for patronage and good dinners,
fsttering power FOR recommendation and
protection, becoming q thing Of bows,
smiles, and honied words, be assured that
be lacks mind as much as he lacks selfre-
spect. The bowling, smiling sycophant is
as opposite to The polite man as possible;
for politeness, the desire to exchange both
civilities and services, belongs to the indie
pendent man OF genius. Genius is modest,
but never suffers itself to be trampled upon.
Ii feels that it belongs to natures aristocra-
cy, and despises the aristocracy OF mere
wealth. The aristocracy Of nature is CON-
posed Of the mobiles who are stamped such
by their Maker, and are, in principle and
practice, true democrats-lovers OF their
feliow-men, and supporters Of the equal rights
Of all.
Many very praiseworthy examples are on
record OF the reverence which even mon
archs have shown towards genius. When
Beethoven formed a part Of the household
of the Elector of Cologne. the prince, a
true worshipper of talent, ordered that if
both required attendance at the same time,
the great composer should be waited on
hrst. This precedence was no doubt graft
flying TO Beethoven, who says correctly
enough, Kings and princes can indeed Gre
ate professors and privy councillors, and be.
deck them with titles and orders; but they
cannot make great men-spirits that rise
above the worlds rubbish: these they must
not attempt to create; and therefore must
these be held in honor. When two such
come together as | and Goethe, these great
lords must note what it is that passes for
greatness with such as we. Yesterday, as
we were returning homewards, we met the
whole imperial family: we saw them CON-
ing at some distance. whereupon Goethe
disengaged himself from my arm, in order
that he might stand aside; in spite of all
could say, l could not bring him step for
ward. | pulled my hat more firmly on
my head, buttoned up my top-coat. and
walked. with mv arms folded hahind me