EDWARD MOXON. 349 some more substantial manner of livelihood than the cultivation of the Muse seemed ever likely to afford him. In this strait, Rogers came forward and gene- rously offered to start him in life as a publisher, and, with the goal of matrimony in view, the offer was eagerly accepted. Accordingly, in 1830, Moxon opened a small pub- lishing shop at 34, New Bond Street. The first volume he issued was "Charles Lamb's Album Verses," and the dedication sufficiently explains its purpose : " DEAR MOXON, I do not know to whom a Dedi- cation of these trifles is more properly due than to yourself: you suggested the printing of them you were desirous of exhibiting a specimen of the manner in which the publications entrusted to your future care would appear. With more propriety, perhaps, the * Christmas,' or some of your own simple, unpre- tending compositions, might have served this purpose. But I forget you have bid a long adieu to the Muse ... it is not for me nor you to allude in public to the kindness of our honoured friend, under whose auspices you are becoming a bookseller. May this fine-minded veteran in verse enjoy life long enough to see his patronage justified. I venture to predict that your habits of industry, and your cheerful spirit, will carry you through the world. "ENFIELD, ist June, 1830." An unfavourable notice of these " Album Verses " appeared in the Literary Gazette ; but Lamb was too well loved to lack defenders, and some verses in reply, by Southey, were soon afterwards inserted in the Times. In the following year the Englishman's Magazine
