Their productions rarely have that superiority which secures a fair preference in the great literary market.

Their performances are, perhaps, said to be _wonderful, all things considered_, &c.

Charitable allowances are made; the books are purchased by associations of complaisant friends or opulent patrons; a kind of forced demand is raised, but this can be only temporary and delusive.

In spite of bounties and of all the arts of protection, nothing but what is intrinsically good will long be preferred, when it must be purchased.

But granting that positive excellence is attained, there is always danger that for works of fancy the taste of the public may suddenly vary: there is a fashion in these things; and when the mode changes, the mere literary manufacturer is thrown out of employment; he is unable to turn his hand to another trade, or to any but his own peculiar branch of the business.