I Write a Testimonial

Concerning this business of testimonials: I daresay those of my readers (if I have any readers) who are chief librarians (if any of them are) will agree with me that it is fraught with difficulties. When, as a mere counter‐hand, and lamentably few in the pod, so to speak, I first summoned up the temerity to appeal to the Overlord for the usual formal bouquet, it never occurred to me that I was subjecting him to a grave ordeal. For how—short of outrage to his immortal soul—could he be expected to dilate upon me? My shortcomings were, as Professor Saintsbury said of Donne's, “gross, open and palpable.”