HOW AN EDITOR WAS "HAD."

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 335, 9 May 1885, Page 3

HOW AN EDITOR WAS "HAD."

A local poet tells a good story at the expense of the editor of a contemporary. The poet in question sent in for publication a few verses on a topic of passing interest, and having bestowed rather more care than usual on the "pome," was somewhat disgusted to gpt it back with the curt foot-note appended: "Keep it for 10 years, and then burn it." Not appreciating this kindly advice, the poet coj^ied out one of Byron's shorter pieces, and signing it "L.8." (for Lord Byron), sent that in. The editor took the bait. The verses were relegated to the waste-paper basket — the tomb of how many buried hopes ! After the lapse of a day or two the snubbed one waited on the man of letters, and representing himself as a friend of "L.B. 's," ventured to enquire what had become of that worthy's latest, attempt at versification. " Waste-paper basket," briefly responded the editor, with a grim smile; "not up to our standard. 'L.B. means well; but he should not attempt to write poetry. He wants dressing- down, and if he bothers us with any more of his rubbish he will be dressed down." "He has had one pretty bad ' dressing down,' as it is," murmured the visitor. "Indeed," said the editor, "I should say it was extremely probable. "When was that?" "In an article contributed to the Edinlmrgk Review, from the pen of Brougham, and Avhich provoked the celebrated rejoinder, ' English Bards and Scotch Eeviewers.' " "Why, bless my soul !" exclaimed the editor, " that was Byron." " And Byron wrote the lines signed 'L.8.,'" said the poet. The editor having a pressing engagement, the interview terminated abruptly.