Rather we must adopt the mental attitude of spectators of a scene of high comedy--the comedy which is dashed with satire and has a tragical side to it.

We are behind the scenes in Vanity Fair, and listening to the talk of three of its most famous performers, doubting whether they most deceive each other or the public or themselves.

The secret is an open one for us, now that the illusion which perplexed contemporaries has worn itself threadbare.
The most impressive letters are undoubtedly those of Swift--the stern sad humourist, frowning upon the world which has rejected him, and covering his wrath with an affectation, not of fine sentiment, but of misanthropy.

A soured man prefers to turn his worst side outwards.

There are phrases in his letters which brand themselves upon the memory like those of no other man; and we are softened into pity as the strong mind is seen gradually sinking into decay.