Notes and Queries/Series 2/Volume 1/Number 2/Reprints of Early English Poetry

REPRINTS OF EARLY ENGLISH POETRY.

In pointing out the errors of other people in my article of last week, under the above head, I have fallen into a very singular, but I trust not unpardonable, blunder myself. I there spoke of Mr. E. V. Utterson as dead; I am most happy to be informed that he is living and well, but during the last six months at least, I have been, I hardly know how, under the unfortunate persuasion that he had ceased to be among us. My notion was that I had heard one of my family read the account of Mr. Utterson's decease from The Times, but I must have been mistaken; and the only apology I can now make is, at once to acknowledge the error, and to express my hearty sorrow for having fallen into it, as well as my hearty joy at the continued health of a gentleman to whom I have been under so many literary obligations. These obligations I not only did not scruple to admit, but I was glad to admit them at the moment I was so incautious in the statement of them. It may be some excuse to say that, residing at a distance from London, I had not any ready means of inquiry; but, on the other hand, this very circumstance ought to have rendered me more careful. The commencement of my article shows how strong was the conviction in my mind; it never suggested itself to me as a matter of doubt. I think I know Mr. Utterson well enough to feel sure that he will accept the amends contained in this note. J. Payne Collier.

Maidenhead, Jan. 8, 1856.