The same paper, and a subsequent one, No. 95., contain some excellent remarks upon the allegation of resemblance between authors, and the charge of plagiarism so frequently raised upon it, but not always to be allowed with equal readiness.
In conclusion, let me express a wish, that the essays which I have pointed out could be perused by some of your correspondents, because I am convinced that we should in future have fewer discussions on parallel passages, which seldom possess much real interest, and frequently have a tendency to injure the fair fame of our most gifted writers, by calling in question their literary honesty without establishing the charge brought against them.
_Voltaire_ (Vol. iv., p. 457.).--Your correspondent J. R. is quite correct as to the name "Voltaire" being an anagram of "Arouet L. J." The fact, however, was first made public by M. Lepan in the _Détails Préliminaires sur les Biographies de Voltaire_, prefixed to his _Vie Politique, Littéraire et Morale de Voltaire_, many years before the communications to the _Gentleman's Magazine_ and the _Dublin Review_, referred to by your correspondent.
Your correspondent states that "Voltaire _was a little partial_ to his paternal name,"[7] and oddly enough gives two extracts from his letters to L'Abbé Moussinot, which prove the very contrary. Those extracts are _also_ to be found in M. Lepan's work, who has adduced them to show "son _mépris_ pour son nom de famille." _Vie de Voltaire_, p. 11. edit. 1817.
[Footnote 7: This was a misprint for "_so little partial_."--ED.]
_Tudur Aled_ (Vol. iv., p. 384.).--Your correspondent A STUDENT will find _nine_ poems by Tudur Aled, including the famous description of the Horse, in a 4to. collection of ancient Kymric poetry, published at Amwythig, in 1773, by Rhys Jones. It is entitled _Gorchestion Beirdd Cymrit_. Should A STUDENT wish to extend his acquaintance with this old bard, he will find other poems of his among the Welsh MSS. in the British Museum, in vols. 14,866. _et seq._
_Latin Verse on Franklin_ (Vol. iv., p. 443.).--The verse "Eripuit coelo," &c., seems to be a parody of the following lines of Manilius (_Astronom._ I. 105.):--
"Eripuitque Jovi fulmen, viresque tonanti."