'[Critics] have been as graciously disposed towards me as I could expect. The Edinborough more particularly who have praised me into some Reputation for writing Lyrical Verses, that is to say, Songs, a Talent with which I did not previously flatter myself that I was I possession of & it is marvelous how much even acute Readers are led & influenced by these periodical Critics who dictate to us all more than perhaps any of us are willing to allow.'