"
The publication of "Past and Present" elicited a paper "On the Genius
and Tendency of the Writings of Thomas Carlyle," from Mazzini, which
appeared in the "British and Foreign Review," of October, 1843.[A] It
is a candid and thoughtful piece of criticism, in which the writer,
while striving to do justice to Carlyle's genius, protests strongly
and uncompromisingly against the tendency of his teaching.
[Footnote A: Reprinted in the "Life and Writings of Joseph Mazzini."
(London, 1867). Vol. iv. pp. 56-144.]
Some months afterwards, when the House of Commons was occupied with
the illegal opening of Mazzini's letters, Carlyle spontaneously
stepped forward and paid the following tribute to his character:--
"TO THE EDITOR OF THE 'TIMES.'
"SIR,--
"In your observations in yesterday's _Times_ on the late disgraceful
affair of Mr. Mazzini's letters and the Secretary of State, you
mention that Mr. Mazzini is entirely unknown to you, entirely
indifferent to you; and add, very justly, that if he were the most
contemptible of mankind, it would not affect your argument on the
subject.
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