Interludes / being Two Essays, a Story, and Some Verses

The collection opens with two essays that examine the practice of criticism, arguing that fair judgment depends on knowledge, appreciation, proportion, appropriateness, strength, naturalness, and good faith while highlighting common failings like ignorance, vanity, and herd opinion. A short fictional interlude sketches human foibles that echo those critical concerns, and a concluding group of verses supplies lyrical reflections and lighter counterpoints. Across the pieces, practical guidance about forming and receiving judgments is mingled with observations on taste, public reception, and the responsibilities of both critics and audiences.