The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1880-02-15
OLIO NO. 6.
DY MRS. M. s. WHITAKER. AUTHOR or ALBERT
4. HASTINGS.

HOW TO PLEASE THE CRITICS.
Many despairing author has asked this
question with despairing anxiety,
Then Rnawed his pen, and dashed Il on the
sinfins from thought to thoughts vast pro-
All history confirms the fact that too much
Difference to the opinions of others often leaves
us without any opinion Of our own, or, per-
haps even worse. intimidates Wa when ad-
vancing such ideas ~ we have.
Il IL amusing 70 hear the comments on
style. sentiment and whatever else should
distinguish good writer, to which we are
some times compelled 10 listen. without re-
ply, for critics are proverbially dogmatic;
and, having assumed the right Of judicial au-
thority, are wont TO axult III the privilege Of
railing at merit.
We have heard venerable man Of strong
Nah verse worth reading except Robt. Burns's
poetry.
Now We have sincere admiration for "the
plonxhman of the leas of Moesxeil. the least
vulgar man or his day" but we by no
means concede, In It's length and breadth.
that the assertion 81 our friend
established the fact stated. Again we are
mean such "a express their sentiments ripa
0oce, not being accustomed to the use OF the
ZEN az cOmpnSuists} who take on them to
condemn genius the most exalted and time
h0nored-sneh writer's as Milton, perhaps
falling under their malediction. But little he
recks Of feeble voice here and there, like
the crRsshopper's chirp, shrill, yet ineffec-
tive. He has passed over lower heads and
sits enthroned through all time with his
great brethren of the Tyre. 1t Is too late,
Heaven be praised, for small censure to touch
the glory OF his fame! Twenty pounds was
all his immortal poem OF Paradise Lost
brought that grand man with his darkened
eyes. No, not all; for centuries keep his
Perhaps the most mournful examples Of
the injury sustained through Rossipin9
critics ia found In the man who ekes out his
honest livelihood by occasional contributions
grew sentimental land there was not much
sentiment In the harsh old lexicographerl
when considering the unhappy position or
such an individual. 1t Is possible that he re-
membered the time when he. too, sought pub
lie favor as an author. But the battle had
been fought, the conquest was Won. and he
could afford 10 speak feeltnGly and kindly OF
those who, as he had done, were walking the
thorny path to fame. Our question, however,
remains unanswered. How shall We please
the critics Mend a fault, II 1t be clearly de-
fined by them. Despise their condemnation
when trenching on our we'll considered and
honest opinions. Never allow their su3ges-
lions to embarrass US In the delivery Of
thoughts whether on morals or taste, which
we have with elaboration and a good con-
science adopted. Never be discouraged by
their animadyersions, unless clearly con-
WINGED Of the ability, scholarship and SINGER
ity which prompts them.
The best school for those who aim high them
selves ts the study OF such authors as have
SCARED above comm capacity, and, perhaps
still better, the unfettered utterance or origi-
nal conceptions. Those not prompted by
place or circumstance are, owing to some nice
Rfinities and Rdapt&bilities, too subtle for our
comprehension, bein9 the gift OF some, while
denied to others.
List writer's. work out