INDEX ΤΟ THE EMBELLISHMENTS. Page THE COTTAGE OF DE WEIMAR.... (on Steel) MY COUSINS IN THE COUNTRY.... (on Copper) PORTRAIT OF MISS J. PORTER.... (on Copper). . . . . . . . 405 Numerous WOOD VIGNETTES are also interspersed through different THE LITERARY MAGNET. BY TOBIAS MERTON, GENT. Quid verum atque decens, curo et rogo, et omnis in hoc sum.-HOR. ORIGINAL PAPERS. THANKS to the enterprising spirit of the age, the first appearance of new publications has become a matter of such daily occurrence, that an editor has no longer any occasion to introduce himself with that parade of professions and formalities, which so much embarrassed the periodical authors of the last century. Yet methinks there was something respectful in the custom of stepping forward, as it were, with a bow, to bespeak the public favour, and announce the nature of that acquaintance which the writer was ambitious of forming with his readers. It is no trifling effort for a person of any diffidence to address, either by speech, or writing, so large and various a body as I would fain hope will honour me with their attention. Amidst the endless diversity of tastes, habits, tempers, and characters, which enter into the composition of a community like ours, to which class shall I first address myself? For the success of the present Number, I feel strongly disposed to rely upon the lovers of novelty. With a view to secure their immediate patronage, I enjoined the Printer, at his peril to omit, a conspicuous figure of 1. I need, therefore, only refer to the date, and assure them that this really is the genuine first Number of a work "just published." "So much the worse," will be the involuntary exclamation of the antiquary: but I must beg of him not to visit upon the subsequent Numbers the punishment of a fault which I faithfully promise shall never be repeated. And whether the MAGNET shall continue till the completion of a century, must partly depend upon the continuance of his subscription. He may rest satisfied that I will do my best to procure for it the merit-and I think it no small one-of an honourable old age. The cheerful shall find me ready to contribute all the entertainment I am master of, besides inviting the greatest wits of my acquaintance to contribute every possible drollery" within the limit of becoming mirth." From this class of readers, however, I shall expect a proportionate return of good-humour and indulgence. Having taken the case of the grievous into serious consideration, I am in treaty with a love-sick gentleman, who having been lately jilted, is in a most unhappy frame of mind for administering to their melancholy gratification: and should his effusions prove attractive, I may be induced to open a correspondence with some sentimental student at one of the German universities, for an occasional supply of the most sorrowful sorrows that can be reared in that nursery of dolour and sentimentality. This promise is, however, merely contingent. It may, perhaps, be expedient, for the benefit of the dull, that I now and then appear a little heavy; but my readers in general, and the learned in particular, will please to understand, that this heaviness will be perfectly NO. 1.-Fourth Edition. B |