Gents Mag 1857 part 2 p.114

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	Gentleman's Magazine 1857 part 2 p.114 be distinguished by respective numbers, would have been a convenience to those who may happen to have occasion to refer others to any particular portion of the collection, as well as to the readers to whom such a reference may be given. In the important matter of editorial revision, the various articles have generally fared well. Large sections, Mr. De Quincey tells us, have been added, "and other changes made, which, even to the old parts, by giving very great expansion, give sometimes a character of absolute novelty." It is certain that, where the old text was familiar to our ear, and sometimes also to our heart, there is nothing in the new matter that does not easily associate itself with the old agreeable impression. The rifacciamento, as Mr. Coleridge was pleased to call the result of his kindred labours on "The Friend," is not such as to displease the admirers of the Essays as they first appeared. Mr. De Quincey, indeed, has too much of poor Goldsmith's gift of touching nothing without adorning it, to allow of any apprehensions being seriously entertained as to the effect of his revisions, be they ever so unsparing or extensive. We shall look, therefore, with a confident hope for the improvement of the old favourites which have yet to appear. Even papers like those on the Essenes and the Caesars may possibly come forth with a new value conferred upon them by his further care. Nor would it be a matter of surprise though the Suspira themselves - solemn, glorious, and surpassing affecting as they now are - should come to us with a deeper pathos in their grief, or with grander harmonies of speech, or more magnificence of imaginative beauty, when they come to us newly touched and tuned by him whose spiritual nature they disclose.

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