Letters of Lydia Maria Child, with a biographical introduction by John G. Whittier and an appendix by Wendell Phillips.

2 LETTERS&
unrestrainedcl; for I feel satisfied that you will excuse
a little freedom of expression from a sister, who wxillingly acknowledges the superiority of your talents
and advantages, and who fully appreciates your condescension and kindness.
TO THE SAM3E.
MNORRIIGEWOCK, September, 1817.
I perceive that I never shall convert you to my
opinions concerning AMilton's treatment to our sex.
-Whether the ideas I have formed of that author
be erroneous or not, they are entirely my own. I
knew Johnson was a violent opponent to Mlilton,
both in political and religious concerns; but I had
never seen, or heard, of any of his remarks upon his
poetical productions. -Mach as I admire Milton, I
must confess that Homer is a much greater favorite
with me. "Paradise Lost" is unquestionably the sublimest effort of human genius. It fixes us in a state
of astonishment and wonder; but it is not characterized by that impetuosity and animation which, I
think, gives to poetry its greatest charm.
TO THEE SA-NE.
F'ebruary 3, 1S19.
Ihave been reading Guy Mannering." I admi-ire
it for its originality. Dominie Sampson is certainly
a character that never had a precedent. BMeg Merrilies has something of that wild enthusiasmn which
characterizes the wife of MacGregor; and there is a
nameless something in her character which corresponds with the awful grandeur of Highland scenery.
Don't you think that the spells of the gypsy and
the astrology of Mlannering might have considerable