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 LECTURES

RHETORIC AND BELLES LETTRES.

BY

HUGH BLAIR, D.D. F.R.S.,

PROFESSOR OF RHETORIC AND BELLES LETTRES IN THE UNIVERSITY

AND MINISTER OF THE HIGH CHURCH, OF EDINBURGH.

8TO a J&emofv of tljc Stumor's mic.

TO WHICH ARE ADDED,

Copious Questions; and an Analysis of each Lecture,

BY ABRAHAM MILLS,
TEACHER OF RHETORIC AND BELLES LETTRES.

Stercotgp 2£ntbetstti?, CEollesc anfc School lEtoftfoit.

PUBLISHED BY

JAMES KAY, J UN. AND BROTHER, PHILADELPHIA.

122 Chestnut Street— near 4th.

JOHN I. KAY & CO., PITTSBURGH.

 . \

Southern District of New- Yorky ss.

Be it eemembered, That on the 18th day of August, A. D. 1829, in the 54th year
of the Independence of the United States of America, G. & C.& H. Carvill, of the
said District, have deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof they
claim as proprietors, in the words following, to wit : " Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles
Lettres, by Hugh Blair, D.D. F.R.S. Edin. one of the Ministers of the High Church, and
Professor of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres in the University of Edinburgh. To which are
added, Copious Questions, and an Analysis of each Lecture, by Abraham Mills, Teacher
j>f Rhetoric and Belles Lettres."

In conformity to the act of Congress of the United States, entitled, " An Act for the
encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to
the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the time therein mentioned." And
also to an act, entitled, " An Act, supplementary to an Act, entitled, an Act for the en-
couragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the
authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned, and ex-
tending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical
and other prints."
v
FRED. J. BETTS,
Clerk of the Southern District of New- York.
 ;

PREFACE.

The following Lectures were read in the university of Edinburgh, for

twenty-four years. The publication of them, at present, was not altogether
a matter of choice. Imperfect copies of them, in manuscript, from notes
taken by students who heard them read, were first privately handed about
and afterwards frequently exposed to public sale. When the author saw
them circulate so currently, as even to be quoted in print,* and found him-
self often threatened with surreptitious publications of them, he judged it to
be high time that they should proceed from his own hand, rather than come
into public view under some very defective and erroneous form.
They were originally designed for the initiation of youth into the study
of belles lettres, and of composition. With the same intention they are now
published ; and, therefore, the form of Lectures, in which they were at first
composed, is still retained. The author gives them to the world, neither as
a work wholly original, nor as a compilation from the writings of others.
On every subject contained in them, he has thought for himself. He con-
sulted his own ideas and reflections and a great part of what will be found
:

in these Lectures is entirely his own. At the same time he availed himself
of the ideas and reflections of others, as far as he thought them proper to be
adopted. To proceed in this manner, was his duty as a public professor.
It was incumbent on him to convey to his pupils all the knowledge that
could improve them to deliver not merely what was new, but what might
;

be useful, from whatever quarter it came. He hopes, that to such as are

•

studying to cultivate their taste, to form their style, or to prepare themselves

for public speaking or composition, his Lectures will afford a more compre-
•

hensive view of what relates to these subjects, than, as far as he knows, is to

.

* be received from any one book in our language.

In order to render his work of greater service, he has generally referred
^ to the books which he consulted, as far as he remembers them ; that the
readers might be directed to any farther illustration which they afford. But,
-q as such a length of time has elapsed since the first composition of these
r\ Lectures, he may, perhaps have adopted the sentiments of some author into
^ whose writings he had then looked, without now remembering whence he
derived them.
sj In the opinions which he has delivered concerning such a variety of
authors, and of literary matters, as come under his consideration, he cannot
5
expect that all his readers will concur with him. The subjects are of such
\ a nature, as allow room for much diversity of taste and sentiment and the
:

^ author will respectfully submit to the judgment of the public.

Retaining the simplicity of the lecturing style, as best fitted for conveying
, instruction, he has aimed, in his language, at no more than pei*spicuity. If,

after the liberties which it was necessary for him to take, in criticising the
style of the most eminent writers in our language, his own style shall be
thought open to reprehension, all that he can say, is, that his book will
add one to the many proofs already afforded to the world, of its being muck
easier to give instruction, than to set example.

* Biographia Britanica. Article Addison.

 ;

EDITOR'S PREFACE.

The Editor of the present edition of Dr. Blair's Lectures on Rhetoric

and Belles Lcttres, has endeavoured to present the work to the public, in
a style which he thinks will meet with entire approbation. The plates
worn which it is printed, were originally cast for Mr. George F. Hopkins,
from a late London copy, and were, in general, found to be very correct
a few errors were, however, on critical examination, detected but these ;

having been carefully removed, the Editor has now no hesitation in saying,
that this is as perfect an edition of the work, as any previously issued from
the press, either in this country or in Great Britain.
In addition to its correctness, this edition has to recommend it, a copious
collection of questions, which wqre prepared with the greatest care and at-
tention. The Editor is, however, aware, that this method of teaching has,
by some gentlemen of science, been objected to and considering the man-
;

ner in which questions have almost uniformly been written, the objection is
certainly not without foundation. But that the student may be preserved
from the disadvantages arising from using questions unskilfully prepared,
and, at the same time, be relieved from the tediousness of studying the
work without them, the Editor has been careful, so to construct these ques-
tions, that the answers which they require, necessarily include every sen-
tence of the work itself; thus effecting the double purpose of greatly facili-
tating the recitations of classes, and, at the same time, of compelling each
scholar to learn every word of the author.
To the lectures that require them, the Editor has also affixed analyses,
which arc principally designed to facilitate the studies of young gentlemen
at college, and of young ladies at school, who may be sufficiently advanced
to pursue this course and it affords the Editor peculiar pleasure here to
;

state, that they have been used by a number of classes of young ladies,
educated by himself, in this city, with entire success.
In preparing these analyses, the Editor has generally followed the natural
divisions of the lectures, as they are laiddown by the author himself; but
from the necessity of making each one of nearly the same length, he has,
perhaps, in a few instances, extended the number of his subdivisions be-
yond their natural length he presumes, however, that no inconvenience
:

will result to the student from the course which he has pursued, as the
omission of such subdivisions as may appear unnecessary, will be attended
with no material consequences.

New-York, August, 1S29.

 CONTENTS.

LECr. FAGS
I. INTRODUCTION, 9
II. Taste, 16
III. Criticism— Genius —Pleasures of Taste— Sublimity in Objects, 27
IV. The sublime in Writing-, 37
V. Beauty and other pleasures of taste, 49
VI. Rise and progress cf language, 58
VII. Rise and progress of language and of writing, 68
VIII. Structure of language, 78
IX. Structure of language — English tongue, 89
X. Style — Perspicuity and precision, 101
XI. Structure of sentences, 112
XII. Structure of sentences, 128
XIII. Structure of sentences Harmony, — 134
XIV. Origin and Nature of Figurative Language, 146
XV. Metaphor 158
—
XVI. Hyperbole Personification Apostrophe, — 169
XVII. Comparison, Antithesis, Interrogation, Exclamation, and other figures
of Speech, 181
XVIII. Figurative Language — General Characters of Style—Diffuse, Concise
—
Feeble, Nervous — Dry, Plain, Neat, Elegant, Flowery, 192
XIX. General characters of Style — Simple, Affected, Vehement — Directions
for forming a proper style, 205
XX. Critical Examination of the Style of Mr. Addison, in No. 411 of the
Spectator, 216
XXI. Critical Examination of the Style in No. 412 of the Spectator, 226
XXII. Critical Examination of the Slyle in No. 413 of the Spectator, 235
XXIII. Critical Examination of the Style in No. 414 of the Spectator, 242
XXIV. Critical Examination of the Style in a Passage of Dean Swift's writ-
ings, 250
XXV. Eloquence, — History of Eloquence — Grecian Elo-
or Public Speaking
quence — Demosthenes, j 260
XXVI. History of Eloquence continued — Roman Eloquence — Cicero — Mo-
dern Eloquence, 273
XXVII. Different kinds of Public Speaking — Eloquence of Popular Assemblies
—Extracts from Demosthenes, 284
XXVIII. Eloquence of the Bar— Analysis ofCiceiio's Oration for Cluentius, . . . 298
XXIX. Eloquence of the Pulpit, 312
XXX. Critical Examination of a Sermon of Bishop Atterbury's, 326
XXXI. Conduct of a Discourse in all its Parts — Introduction —Division — Nar- 341
ration, and Explication,
XXXII. Conduct of a Discourse—The Argumentative Part —The Pathetic Part
—The Peroration, 353
XXXIII. Pronunciation or Delivery, 365
A
VI CONTENTS.

XXXIV. Means of improving in Eloquence, 377

XXXV. Comparative Merit of the Ancients and the Moderns — Historical Writ-
ing 387
XXXVI. Historical Writing, 398
XXXVII. Philosophical Writing — Dialogue — Epistolary Writing — Fictitious
History, 410
XXXVIII. Nature of Poetry—Its Origin and Progress — Versification, 423
XXXIX. Pastoral Poetry— Lyric Poetry, 433
—
XL. Didactic Poetry Descriptive Poetry, 447
XLI. The Poetry of the Hebrews, 459
XLII. Epic Poetry, 471
XLIII. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey — Virgil's iEneid, 481
XLIV. Lucan's Pharsalia—Tasso's Jerusalem —Camoen's Lusiad —Fenelon s
Telemachus — Voltaire's Henriade— Milton's Paradise Lost, 493
XLV. Dramatic Poetry—Tragedy, 506
XLVI. Tragedy — Greek, French, English Tragedy, 519
XLVII. Comedy — Greek and Roman — French—English Comedy, 633
 THE

LIFE OF DR. HUGH BLAIR.

Dl{. HUGH BLAIR was born in Edinburgh on the 7th of April, 1718. He was de-
scended from the ancient and respectable family of Blair, in Ayrshire. His great
grandfather, Mr. Robert Blair, minister of St. Andrews, and chaplain to Charles I.
was distinguished by his firm attachment to the cause of freedom, and his zealous sup.
port of the Presbyterian form of church government, in the time of the civil wars. The
talents of this worthy man seem to have descended as an inheritance to his posterity.
Of the two sons who survived him, David, the eldest, was one of the Ministers of the
Old Church in Edinburgh, and father of Mr. Robert Blair, minister of Athelstaneford,
the celebrated airthor of the poem, entitled "The Gravk," and grandfather of Lord
President Blair, distinguished by his masculine eloquence, profound knowledge of law,
and hereditary love of Literature. From Ins youngest son Hugh, sprung Mr. John
Blair, who was a respectable merchant, and one of the Magistrates of Edinburgh. He
married Martha Ogston; and the first child of this marriage was the excellent person
who is the subject of this narrative.

In consequence of some misfortunes in trade, his father retired from mercantile

business, and obtained an office in the excise; yet his fortune was not so much impaired
as to prevent him from giving his son a liberal education.
From his earliest youth his views were turned towards the clerical profession, and
his education received a suitable direction. After going through the usual gramma-
tical course at the High-school, he entered the Humanity class, in the University of
Edinburgh, in October, 1730, and spent eleven years in that celebrated seminary in
the study of literature, philosophy, and divinity. In all the classes he was distinguish
ed among his companions, both for diligence and proficiency but in the Logic class
;

he attained particular distinction, by an Essay On the Beautiful: which had the good
fortune to attract the notice of Professor Stevenson, and was appointed to be read
publicly at the end of the session, with the most flattering marks of the Professor's
approbation. This mark of distinction made a deep impression on his mind, and de-
termined the bent of his genius towards polite literature.
At this time he formed a plan of study, which contributed much to the accuracy and
extent of his knowledge. Ft consisted in making abstracts of the most important works
which he read, and in digesting them according to the train of his own thoughts. His-
tory, in particular, he resolved to study in this manner, and constructed a very com-
prehensive scheme of chronological tables for receiving into its proper place every
important fact that should occur. This scheme has been given to the world in a more
extensive and correct form by his learned friend Dr. John Blair, Prebendary of West-
minster, in his " Chronology and History of the World."
In 1739, he took the degree of Master of Arts; and on that occasion, printed and
defended a thesis, De fundamentis el obligalione Legis Natures, which exhibits an out-
line of the moral principles by which the world was afterward to profit in his Sermons.
At this period he was engaged as a tutor in the family of Lord Lovat, and spent one
summer in the north country, attending his Lordship's eldest son, afterward General
Eraser. When his pupil was appointed to the command of the 71st Regiment, he tes-
tified his respect for his old tutor, by making him chaplain to one of its battalions.
On the completion of his academical course, he was licensed to preach the Gospel
by the Presbytery of Edinburgh, on the 21st of October, 1741. His first appearances
in the pulpit fully justified the expectations of his friends, and, in a few months, the
fame of his eloquence procured for him a presentation to the church of Collessie, in
Fifeshire, where he was ordained minister on the 23d September, 1742.
He was not permitted to remain long in the obscurity of a country parish. In con-
sequence of a vacancy in the second charge of the Cannongate of Edinburgh, which
was to be supplied by popular election, his friends were enabled to recall him to a sta»
 viii THE LIFE OF
tion more suited to his talents. Though Mr. Robert Walker, a popular and eloquent
preacher, was his competitor, he obtained a majority of votes, and was admitted on
the 14th of July, 1743. In this station he continued eleven years, assiduously devoted
to the attainment of professional excellence, and the regular discharge of his parochial
duties.
In 1748, he married his cousin, Catharine Bannatyne, daughter of the Rev. James
Bannatyne, one of the ministers of Edinburgh ; a woman distinguished for the strength
of her understanding, and the prudence of her conduct. In consequence of a call from
the Town Council of Edinburgh, he was translated from the Cannongate to Lady Yes-
ter's church, in the city, on the 11th of October, 1745; and from thence to the first
charge in the High Church, on the 15th of June, 1758, the most respectable clerical
situation in the kingdom. The uniform prudence, ability, and success, which for a
period of more than fifty years, accompanied all his ministerial labours in that conspi
cuous and difficult charge, sufficiently evince the wisdom of their choice. His dis
courses from the pulpit were composed with uncommon care, and attracted univer-
sal admiration.
In June, 1757, the University of St. Andrews showed its discernment by conferring
on him the degree of Doctor in Divinity; an academical honour which at that time was
very rare in Scotland.
His fame as a preacher was by this time established, but no production of his pen
had yet been given to the world except two Sermons, preached on particular occa-
sions, some translations, in verse, of passages of Scripture for the Psalmody of the
church, and the article on Dr. Hutcheson's " System of Moral Philosophy," in the
"Edinburgh Review;" a periodical work begun in 1755. Of this paper two numbers
only appeared, in which his learned friends Dr. Adam Smith, Dr. Robertson, and Mr.
Wedderburn, afterwards Earl of Roslin, had a principal share.
At an early period of his life, while he, and his cousin Mr. George Bannatyne, were
students in Divinity, they wrote a poem entitled The Resurrection, copies of which
were handed about in manuscript. No one appearing to claim the performance, an
edition of it was published in 1749, in f jlio, to which the name William Douglas, M. 1).
was appended as the author.
Besides the compositions above mentioned, he was by some supposed to have repelled
an attack on his friend Lord Kaimes, by Mr. George Anderson, in his " Analysis of the
Essays on Morality," he. in a pamphlet entitled Observations on the Analysis, he.
8vo. 1755, and was believed likewise to have lent his aid in a formal reply made by
Lord Kaimes himself, under the title of Observations against the Essays on Morality
and Natural Religion, examined, Svo. 1756."
Having now found sufficient leisure, from the laborious duties of his profession, to
turn his attention to general literature, he began seriously to think on a plan for teach-
ing to others that art which had contributed so much to the establishment of bis own
fame. Encouraged by the success of his predecessors, Dr Smith, and Dr. Watson,
and the advice of his friend Lord Kaimes, he prepared with this view, a course of
Lectures on Composition, and having obtained the approbation of the University, he
began to read them in the College on the 11th of December, 1759. To this under-
taking he brought all the qualifications requisite for executing it well; and along with
them a weight of reputation which could not fail to give effect to the lessons he should
teach. Accordingly, his first course of Lectures was well attended, and received with
great applause.
In August, 1760, the Town Council of Edinburgh instituted a Rhetorical class in the
University under his direction, as an addition to the system of academical education.
And, in April, 1762, on a representation to his Majesty, setting forth the advantages
of the institution, as a branch of academical education, the King, " in consideration of
his approved qualifications," erected and endowed his establishment in the University,
by appointing him the first Regius Professor of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres, with a sa-
lary of £70.
In 1760, he was made the instrument of introducing into the world, "Fragments
of Ancient Poetry, collected in the Highlands of Scotland, and translated from the
Gaelic or Erse language," 12mo. to which he prefixed a Preface. These "Fragments"
were communicated by Mr. Macpherson, and followed in the same year, by " Fingal"
and"Temora," published by him as translations of complete and regular epic poems,
the production of Ossian, a Highland bard, of remote antiquity. Being himself per-
suaded of their being completely genuine, he published in 1762, A
Critical Dissertation
on the Poems of Ossian, he. 4to. in proof of their antiquity, and illustrative of their
beauties, which spread the reputation of its author throughout Europe. Of those who

Lord Woodhouseke's Life of Loid Kaiine;, Vol. I. p. 142

 :

DR. BLAIR. ix

attended to the subject, a greater number were disposed to agree with him as to the
beautv of the Poems, than as to their authenticity. At the head of this set of critics
was Dr. Johnson, who in his "Journey to the Western Islands," strenuously maintained
their being altogether a forgery. Mr. Macpherson, the pretended translator, carefully
reserved his latent claims to the rank and merit of an original poet, and did not con-
ceal from those with whom he was particularly intimate, that the poems were entirely
his own composition.*
In 1773, it fell to his share to form the first uniform edition of the Works of the Bri-
tish Poets, which appeared in these kingdoms, printed at Edinburgh, in 42 vols. 12mo.
lor Messrs. Creech and Belfour. The elegance of this edition is no compensation for
its incompleteness ;the contracted list of authors, marked out by the editor, including
none of those who have been denominated our older classics, except Milton and Cowley.
His industry and taste were also exercised, about this time, in superintending an edi-
tion of the Works of Shakspeare, printed at Edinburgh, by Martin and Wotherspoon,
in 10 vols. 12mo.
Though his productions for the pulpit had long furnished instruction and delight to
his own congregation, yet it was not till the year 1777 that he gave to the world the
first volume of his Sermons, which was printed at London in Svo. for Messrs. Strahan
and Cadell, London, and had a very extensive sale.
It is remarkable, that when he transmitted his manuscript to Mr. Strahan the printer,
after keeping it by him for some time, he wrote a letter to him, declining the publica-
tion. Having, however, sent one of the sermons to Dr. Johnson, for the sake of his
opinion, he received from him, after the unfavourable letter was despatched, the fol-
lowing note
" I have read over Dr. Blair's first Sermon with more than approbation; to say it
is good, it is to say too little. It is excellently written, both as to doctrine and lan-
guage."t
Soon after, Mr. Strahan had a conversation with Dr. Johnson concerning the pub-
lication, and very candidly wrote again to Dr. Blair, enclosing Dr. Johnson's note, and
agreeing to purchase the volume for one hundred pounds.
This volume of discourses was followed, at different intervals, by three other volumes,
each succeeding volume increasing the sale of the former volumes. One hundred
pounds were given for the first volume, which, in consequence of the extensive sale,
the proprietors doubled. They gave him £300 for the second, and £600 for each of
the third and fourth volumes.
These discourses experienced a success unparalleled in the annals of pulpit elo-
quence. They circulated rapidly and widely wherever the English tongue extends,
were soon translated into almost all the languages of Europe, and were judged worthy
of a public reward by his Majesty, who, in the year 1780, was graciously pleased to
grant the author a pension of £200, which continued till his death. It is said, that
they were read to the Royal family by the Earl of Mansfield, and that her Majesty
honoured them with her approbation, and took an active part in procuring him this
proof of the Royal favour.
Hitherto, the writers of sermons, among the Scottish preachers, had produced no
models of a refined and polished eloquence. Their discourses abounded in cold divi-
sions, metaphysical discussion, or loose and incoherent declamation. Among his con-
temporaries, some preachers had distinguished themselves by the good sense, sound
reasoning, and manly simplicity of their pulpit compositions. " But the polish of Dr.
Blair, which gave elegance to sentiments not too profound for common comprehension,
nor too obvious to be uninteresting, was wanting to render this species of composition
popular, and generally pleasing. By employing the utmost exertions of a vigorous
mind, and of patient study, to select the best ideas, and to prune off" every superfluous
thought, by taking pains to embellish them by all the beauties of language and elegant
expression, and by repeatedly examining with the severity of an enlightened critic,
every sentence, and erasing every harsh and uncouth phrase, he has produced the most
elegant models of pulpit composition that have yet appeared in these kingdoms. "J
In the enjoyment of the praise of polished eloquence, there are other men who par-
ticipate with Dr. Blair ; but in the application of talents and of learning, to render
mankind wiser or better, there are few literary characters who can claim an equal
share; and, though the highest praise is due to his compositions for the pulpit, con-
sidered as the productions of genius and of taste, yet, when they are regarded in this
more important light, they entitle him to that still more honourable fame, which is the
portion of the wise and good alone, and before which all literary splendour disappears.

* Anderson's Life of Johnson, Sd edition, p. 342.

t Boswell's Life of Johnson, Vol. III. p. 100.

t Anderson's Life of Lo^an ; Works of the British Poets, Vol. XI. p. 1035.
 x THE LIFE OF
After reading his course of Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres in the Univer-
sityabove twenty years, he retired from the discharge of his academical dudes in 1783.
His academical prelections constitute an era in the history of the progress of taste and
elegance in Scotland. His classical taste, his aversion from refinement and skepti-
cism ; his good intentions, his respect for received opinions, his industry, and his expe-
rience in the art of teaching, enabled him to present to young men, aiming at literary
composition, a. most judicious, elegant, and comprehensive system of rules for forming
their style, and cultivating their taste.
The same year, he published his Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lttlres, in 2 vols.
4to. which brought him a considerable accession of emolument and fame. They have
been frequently reprinted in 3 vols. 8vo. and deservedly occupy a place in our schools
and universities, as an excellent elementary treatise on the studies of composition and
eloquence. They contain an accurate analysis of the principles of literary composi-
tion, in all the various species of writing; a happy illustration of those principles by
the most beautiful and apposite examples, drawn from the best authors, both ancient
and modern, and an admirable digest of the rides of elocution, as applicable to the
oratoiy of the pulpit, the bar, and the popular assembly. They do not aim at being
purely original ; for this would have been to circumscribe their utility ; neither in
point of style are they po'.ished with the same degree of care as his Sermons: yet, so
useful is the object of these lectures, so comprehensive their plan, and such the ex-
cellence of the matter they contain, that, if not the most splendid, they will perhaps
prove the most durable monument of his reputation.
From this period his talents were consecrated solely to the instruction of his congre-
gation, and the private and unseen labours of his office preparing for the world the
;

blessings of elegant instruction, and tendering to the mourner the lessons of divine
consolation. Fiom that part of his professional duty, which regarded the government
of the church, he was prevented by his timidity and diffidence in his abilities, from
taking anv active part but he was steadily attached to the cause of moderation, and
;

his opinion was eagerly courted by Dr. Robertson, Dr. Drvsdale, Dr. Hill, Dr. Finlay-
son, and others, who managed ecclesiastical business. The outline of the pastoral
admonition, which the General Assembly, in 1799, addressed to the people under then-
charge, proceeded from his pen.
In the course of his life he had frequently visited London, and had been introduced
to the acquaintance of Dr. Johnson, Di. Percy, afterward Bishop of Dromore, and
other distinguished literary characters in England. On the recommendation of Dr.
Percy, the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland committed to him the care of their
second son, Lord Algernon Percy, afterward Earl of Beverley, when he prosecuted
his studies at the University of Edinburgh. Among his countrymen, Lord Kaimes,
David Hume, Dr. Smith, Dr. Robertson, Dr. Ferguson, Mr. John Home, and Dr.
Carlyle, were the persons with whom he lived in. habits of intimacy, and with whom,
during the greater part of his life, he maintained social intercourse.
Upon the death of Dr. Robertson, Principal of the University of Edinburgh, in the
year 1793, the unanimous voice of the country acknowledged his claim to be appointed
the successor of that illustrious man. When the Magistrates and Council of Edinburgh
gave the appointment to another, it is certain that he felt the oversight as injurious to
his pretensions. Flattered with the respect of the world, and unaccustomed to disap
pointments during a long life, that had been devoted to literary pursuits, he could ill
brook any neglect, when that life w-as drawing to a close.
In the year 1795, he suffered a heavy domestic calamity by the death of Mrs. Blair,
who had shared, with the tenderest affection, in all his fortunes, and contributed near
half a century to his happiness and comfort. By her he had a son, who died in infan-
cy, and a daughter, of a most amiable disposition, and elegant accomplishments, who
died at the age of twenty.
For some years he had felt himself unequal to the fatigue of instructing his congre
gation from the pulpit, yet he continued to the end of his life in the active and cheerful
discharge of all his other official duties. At the solicitation of his friends, he preached
the annual Sermon for the benefit of the Sons of the Clergy of Scotland in 1797, which
produced a liberal collection, and closed the labours of the pulpit.
Though his bodily constitution was not robust, yet he enjoyed a general state of
good health, and, through habitual cheerfulness, temperance, and ease, survived the
usual term of human life. During the summer before his death, he was employed in
preparing the last volume of his Sermons for the press, and evinced his usual vigour ol
understanding, and capacity of exertion. A few days before he died he had no coir
plaint ;but on the 24th of December, 1800, he felt a pain in his bowels, which was
not then suspected to proceed from an inguinal hernia, which he considered as triflinc
On the afternoon of the 26th, the pain increased, and the symptoms became violen:
 DR. BLAIR. xi

and alarming. In consequence of an incarceration of the hernia, it produced a com-

plete stoppage in the bowels, and an inflammation commenced, which it was impossible
to resist. Retaining to the last moment the full possession of his mental faculties, he
expired on the morning of the 27th, with the composure and hope of a Christian pastor,
in the 83d year of his age, and the 59th of his ministry.
He bequeathed his house in Argyle-Square, which had been his residence above
thirty years, and his personal property, which was considerable, to his relation, Mr
Richard Bannatyne, merchant in Edinburgh, with an explicit injunction, suggested by
an excusable solicitude for his reputation, that all his manuscript sermons and letters
should be destroyed.
The Sermons which he had transcribed, and, in many parts, re-composed for the
press, after he had completed his eighty-second year, were delivered to the publishers
about six weeks before his death, and printed in 1801, with a short account of his life,
written by his friend and colleague, Dr. Finlayson who himself now needs a similar
;

memorial of his talents and virtues. He had himself paid a similar tribute to the
memory of his colleague Mr. Robert Walker, by prefixing a candid and affectionate
Preface to the last volume of his Sermons. A more ample and elaborate account of
his life and writings, di awn up at his request, by Dr. John Hill, Professor of Humanity
in the University of Edinburgh, was printed in 1807, when the writer himself was be-
yond the reach of praise or censure.
The name of Dr. Blair needs no panegyric. His literary honours are a trophy
which he has erected for himself, and which time will not destroy. Posterity will
justly regard him as a benefactor of the human race, and as no ordinary instrument, in
the hand of God, for refining the taste, improving the morality, and promoting the
religion of the Christian world,

RECOMMENDATIONS
TO G. & C. & H. CARVILL'S STEREOTYPE EDITION OF ELAIR'S LECTURES ON
RHETORIC AND BELLES LETTRES.
From the Nets- York Evening Post, September many more, some of which, it is obvious, musthava
25th, 1829. rendered the sense doubtful, have been corrected in
Blair's Lectures.—The excellence of Dr. Blair's this edition.
Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres, has been so But, although it is important to have the work
long and generally acknowledged, that the work has freed from inaccuracies of these kinds, yet the edi-
acquired the authority of a standard, and is the one tion which the Messrs. Carvill are about to publisli,
most used in our colleges and principal seminaries. has a still stronger recommendation. To every lec-
The best and most correct edition of this work hith- ture, Mr. Mills has affixed a list of questions, which
erto before the American public, is one that was pub- embrace the whole subject matter, and to be able to
lisned about tla-ee years ago, by Mr. G. F. Hopkins, answer which necessarily implies a, sufficient ac-
from stereotype plates, the proofs from which were quaintance with the autho'r. It is remarked in the
revised by several distinguished literary gentlemen, editor's preface, that this method of forwarding the
with an especial view to the correction of whatever end of tuition by questions, has been objected to by
errors might have occurred in the quotations from some well informed gentlemen' but we are inclined
;

the Latin and Greek. From these plates the brothers to think, that their objections must have had refe-

Carvill are now about to publish another edition but rence to the numerous interpolations, notes, and
;

in order to render it still more deserving of patronage, interrogatories, with which many excellent books on
than any previous one, they have not only been°?t education have been encumbered by quacks in lite-
greater cost with regard to the quality of paper, <fcc. rature, desirous of the reputation of authorship,
but have procured the entire work to be carefuliy without possessing the ability to write. For our own
read by Mr. Abraham Mills, teacher of Rhetoric and part, we are well convinced that the questions which
Belles Lettres, whose edition of Burke on the Sub- Mr. Mills has added to the lectures, cannot but have
lime and Beautiful, our readers may remember that a tendency to fix the topics of discussion more firmly
we mentioned with deserved approbation. In the on the mind of the student. In addition to the ques-
course of his examination, Mr. MiUs has discovered tions, an analysis, or brief of the contents of each

a very great number of errors, (not less than eighteen lecture, is given, by a perusal of which, after the
hundred in all,) of greater or less moment, but all of lecture has been read, all its topics, and in their pro-
per order, are brought at. once to mind. In everyre-
sufficient magnitude to require correction. We have
spect, both as regards the additions and correction*
a copy before us containing his annotations, and in
looking over it, have remarked a great number of in- of the editor, and the quality of the paper and typo-
stances where verbal inaccuraciesliad occurred, and graphy, this edition of Blair's Lectures, more than
where, by the substitution of a word that had been any other we have seen, is worthy of public patron-
omitted, or the restoration of the one intended by the age.
author, for the improper one that had crept into its
place, and been hitherto overlooked, the sense, from From the Morning Courier and Enquirer, Sep-
being obscure in some cases, and in others unintelli- tember 29th, 1829.
gible, has been rendered perfectly plain.
these important alterations and amendments, the
Besides —
Blair's Lectures. Messrs. G. &
C. &
H. Car-
vill have published a stereotyped edition of Blair's
punctuation, which was before very imperfect, has Lectures, adapted to the use of schools, by Mr. Abra-
undergone careful revision and a good number of
:
ham Mills, one of our most respectable and popular
merely literal errors of the press, such as passing We
teachers. have examined this work, and care-
instead of passion, seeks instead of speaks, and fully compared it with the most approved American
 RECOMMENDATIONS.
edition heretofore published. Mr. Mills lias made an From the New- York Daily Advertiser, October
immense number of corrections in typography and 2d, 1829.
punctuation, we should suppose nearly two thou-
Corrected Stereotyped Edition of Blair's Lec-
At the end of each lecture, Mr. Mills gives a
sand.
list of questions, so worded as to call upon the recol-
tures. —
Messrs. Carvill have just published an edi-
tion of Blair's Lectures, from the stereotype plates of
lection of the learner, without putting the answer
Hopkins, after making numerous corrections, and
into his mouth. He also appends to each lecture a introducing many additional pages of matter, peculi-
summary analysis, arranged with great care and arly well calculated to make the work still more use-
judgment. ful in the study of rhetoric.
This edition is decidedly superior to any other that It is a well known fact, to all persons familiar with
we have ever seen, English or American. the highly popular and useful lectures of Dr. Blair,
that numerous cases occur, in different parts of the
From the New-York American, September 30th,
work, in which the very faults of style which the au-
1829.
thor criticises and condemns, repeatedly occur.
Blair's Lectures, by Mills.— We have looked
These faults are so obvious, that it must have seemed
over this new edition of Blair, published under the surprisinEr, even to learners themselves, that they
direction of Mr. Mills, of this city, well known as a
should have been allowed to disfigure all the English
successful teacher ; and, upon comparing it with
editions, even the most recent, as well as our own. In
the best previous American edition, are satisfied of addition to this, there were almost innumerable irre-
its superior accuracy in typography and punctuation.
gularities in punctuation, calculated to confuse and
Indeed, but for the evidence this comparison has
mislead the reader or pupil and Mr. Mills, to whom
;

furnished of the fact, we should have hardly thought

the defects of the work had become intimately known,
it possible, that a book so constantly used as a stan-
through a long course of professional use, as a teacher
dard work in education, and printed with great ap- of rhetoric in some of the most respectable academies
parent care too, could have been so faulty.
of this city, was very judiciously engaged to make
Mr. Mills has appended to each chapter a series of the necessary correct ions. Wehave had an opportu-
questions, the answers to which embrace, of necessi-
nity to judge of the extent and importance of the la-
ty, every sentence in the chapter, so as to require the
bour he had to perform. About two thousand correc-
student to master the whole. This is followed by an
tions were made in the plates and, in addition to
analysis of each topic treated in the chapter. The ;

these, a series of questions follows every lecture,

two together wiU both aid and test the scholars profi- closely connected witli the subject, and requiring in
ciency.
the pupil a thorough knowledge of the lesson. These
questions amount to five thousand seven hundred and
From the Mercantile Advertiser, October 1st, 1829.
and each lecture is also furnished with a
Blair's Lectures. —We observed a few days
fifty in all ;

brief analysis, of great convenience and use. We

since, a notice of a new edition of this standard work
shall expect to see this improved work republished in
on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres, in which high praise England.
was awarded to Mr. Abraham Mills, for the detection
of numerous errors in a late American edition for —
an analysis of each lecture, and copious questions
arising from them. This praise was awarded on From the New-York Commercial Advertiser, Oc-
tober 3d, 1829.
what was said to be a careful comparison of the two
editions ; and, as we were struck with the strength
The Messrs. Carvills have just issued a new edi-
tion of Blair's Lectures, the text for which is perhaps
of the remarks, and wondered not a little at the bold-
ness which had attempted the emendation of Blair, entitled to be called immaculate. A few years ago,
we took the trouble to call on the publishers. Messrs. an edition was printed with extraordinary care, from
stereotype plates. Nearly two thousand errors have,
Carvill, to examine and compare for ourselves. The
result has been, that although Mr. Mills may have, in
however, been detected by Mr. Abraham Mills, well
one or two instances, been too fastidious in his correc- known as a teacher in this city. Some few of these
tions, yet, in the main, they are judicious, and, whe-
may, by possibility, have escaped Dr. Blair himself,
ther the errors arose from inadvertence in the learned
though they are violations of his own rules. The
bulk of them, however, had been accumulating
author, or the carelessness or ignorance of some of
his editors, the present corrections are invaluable to
through the successive editions of the work, as they
those for whom the work was intended. The correc-
were published in Great Britain and this country.
tions in punctuation are very numerous, and almost
Many were of a serious character, deforming the
sense ; while all were important in a work expressly
invariably unexceptionable. The analysis is such as
treating of accuracy in style. The punctuation in the
could not have been made but by one who, like Mr.
Mills, has been in the long and daUy practice of in-
former editions was very slovenly. It has, aswehave
ascertained by an examination of the copy sent to
structing by means of these lectures ; and the ques-
us, and by comparing it with that imprinted from
tions which" he has arranged at the close of all the lec-
the old plates, been judiciously corrected by Mr.
tures admitting of illustration by question, are also
Mills. The questions and analysis annexed to each
the results of close study, and correct understanding
lecture, are calculated to be of much practical use in
of the author. Mr. Mills is at present engaged in two
schools, and even in colleges, according to the pre-
of our most popular female, and oneof our best male
sent standard of education in this country. The
seminaries. We hope his work may compensate for
questions comprehend the literal whole of each lec-
the labour bestowed upon it, and remunerate the
ture ; the analysis, the whole of each of them in sub-
publishers for their enterprise, and the attendant ex-
stance.
pense of such a publication.
 LECTURE I.

INTRODUCTION.

One of the most distinguished privileges which Provide**.* has

conferred upon mankind, is the power of communicating their
thoughts to one another. Destitute of this power, reason would be
a solitary, and, in some measure, an unavailable principle. Speech
is the great instrument by which man becomes beneficial to man:

and it is to the intercourse and transmission of thought, by means of

speech, that we are chiefly indebted for the improvement of thought
itself. Small are the advances which a single unassisted individual
can make towards perfecting any of his powers. What we call
human reason, is not the effort or ability of one, so much as it is
the result of the reason of many, arising from lights mutually com-
municated, in consequence of discourse and writing.
It is obvious, then, that writing and discourse are objects entitled
to the highest attention. Whether the influence of the speaker, or
the entertainment of the hearer, be consulted ; whether utility or
pleasure be the principal aim in view, we are prompted, by the
strongest motives, to study how we may communicate our thoughts
to one another with most advantage. Accordingly we find, that in
almost every nation, as soon as language had extended itself beyond
that scanty communication which was requisite for the supply of
men's necessities, the improvement of discourse began to attract
regard. In the language even of rude uncultivated tribes, we can
trace some attention to the grace and force of those expressions
which they used, when they sought to persuade or to affect. They
were early sensible of a beauty in discourse, and endeavoured to
give it certain decorations, which experience had taught them it
was capable of receiving, long before the study of those decora-
tions was formed into a regular art.
But, among nations in a civilized state, no art has been cultivated
.vith more care, than that of language, style, and composition. The
attention paid to it may, indeed, be assumed as one mark of the
progress of society towards its most improved period. For, accord-
ing as society improves and flourishes, men acquire more influence
over one another by means of reasoning and discourse ; and in pro-
portion as that influence is felt to enlarge, it must follow, as a natu-
ral consequence, that they will bestow more care upon the methods
B 2
 ;

10 INTRODUCTION. . [lect. i.

of expressing; their conceptions with propriety and

eloquence.
Hence we find, that in all the polished nations of Europe,
this study
has been treated as highly important, and has possessed a consider-
able place in every plan of liberal education.
Indeed, when the arts of speech and writing are mentioned, I
am sensible that prejudices against them are apt to rise in the
minds of many. A
sort of art is immediately thoi.ght of, that is
ostentatious and deceitful the minute and trifling study of words
;

alone the pomp of expression ; the studied fallacies of rhetoric

;

ornament substituted in the room of use. We

need not wonder,
that, under such imputations, all study of discourse as an art,
should have suffered in the opinion of men of understanding and ;

I am far from denying, that rhetoric and criticism have sometimes

been so managed as to tend to the corruption, rather than to the
improvement, cf good taste and true eloquence. But sure it is
equally possible to apply the principles of reason and good sense to
this art, as to any other that is cultivated among men. If the fol-
lowing Lectures have any merit, it will consist in an endeavour to
substitute the application of these principles in the place of artificial
and scholastic rhetoric in an endeavour to explode false orna-
;

ment, to direct attention more towards substance than show, to re-

commend good sense as the foundation of all good composition,
and simplicity as essential to all true ornament.
When entering on this subject, I may be allowed, on this occa-
sion, to suggest a few thoughts concerning the importance and ad-
7

vantages of such studies, and the rank they are entitled to possess
in academical education.* I am under no temptation, for this pur-
pose, of extolling their importance at the expense of any other de-
partment of science. On the contrary, the study of Rhetoric and
Belles Lettres supposes and requires a proper acquaintance with
the rest of the liberal arts. It embraces them all within its circle,
and recommends them to the highest regard. The first care of all
such as wish either to write with reputation, or to speak in public,
so as to command attention, must be, to extend their knowledge;
to lay in a rich store of ideas relating to those subjects of which the
occasions of life may call them to discourse or to write. Hence,
among the ancients, it was a fundamental principle, and frequently
inculcated, " Quod omnibus disciplinis et artibus debet esse instruc-
tus orator;" that the orator ought to be an accomplished scholar, and
conversant in every part of learning. It is indeed impossible to con-
trive an art, and very pernicious it were if it could be contrived, which
should give the stamp of merit to any composition rich or splendid
in expression, but barren or erroneous in thought. They are the
wretched attempts towards an art of this kind, which have so often

* The author was the first who read lectures on this subject in the university ot"

Edinburgh. lie began with reading them in a private character in the year 1759. In
the following year he was chosen Professor of Rhetoric by the magistrates and
town-council of Edinburgh ; and, in 1762, his Majesty was pleased to erect and
endow a Profession of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres in that university, and the author
was appointed the first Regius Professor
lect. i.] INTRODUCTION. 11

disgraced oratory, and debased it below its true standard. The

graces of composition have been employed to disguise or to supply
the want of matter; and the temporary applause of the ignorant
has been courted, instead of the lasting approbation of the discern-
ing. But such imposture can never maintain its ground long.
Knowledge and science must furnish the materials that form the
body and substance of any valuable composition. Rhetoric serves
to add the polish; and we know that none but firm and solid bodies
can be polished well.
Of those who peruse the following Lectures, some by the pro-
fession to which they addict themselves, or in consequence of their
prevailing inclination, may have the view of being employed in com-
position, or in public speaking. Others, without any prospect of
this kind, may wish only to improve their taste with respect to wri-
ting and discourse, and to acquire principles which will enable them
to judge for themselves in that part of literature called the Belles
Lettres.
With respect to the former, such as may have occasion to commu-
nicate their sentiments to the public, it is abundantly clear that some
preparation of study is requisite for the end which they have in
view. To speak or to write perspicuously and agreeably with puri-
ty, with grace and strength, are attainments of the utmost conse-
quence to all who purpose, either by speech or writing, to address
the public. For without being master of those attainments, no man
can do justice to his own conceptions but how rich soever he may
;

be in knowledge and in good sense, will be able to avail himself less

of those treasures, than such as possess not half his store, but who
can display what they possess with more propriety. Neither are
these attainments of that kind for which we are indebted to nature
merely. Nature has, indeed, conferred upon some a very favour-
beyond others. But in these, as in
able distinction in this respect,
most other talents she bestows, she has left much to be wrought out
by every man's own industry. So conspicuous have been the effects
of study and improvement in every part of eloquence such remark-
;

able examples have appeared of persons surmounting, by their dili-

gence, the disadvantages of the most untoward nature, that among
the learned it has long been a contested, and remains still an unde-
cided point, whether nature or art confer most towards excelling
in writing or discourse.
With respect to the manner in which art can most effectually fur-
nish assistance for such a purpose, there may be diversity of opinions.
I by no means pretend to say that mere rhetorical rules, how just
soever, are sufficient to form an orator. Supposing natural genius to
be favourable, more by a great deal will depend upon private ap-
plication and study, than upon any system of instruction that is ca-
pable of being publicly communicated. But at the same time,
though rules and instructions cannot do all that is requisite, they may,
however, do much that is of real use. They cannot, it is true, in-
spire genius but they can direct and assist it.
; They cannot remedy
barrenness butthey may correct redundancy.
; They point out pro
12 INTRODUCTION. [lkct. i

per models for imitation. They bring into view the chief beauties
that ought to be studied, and the principal thoughts that ought to be
avoided; and thereby tend to enlighten taste, and to lead genius
from unnatural deviations, into its proper channel. What would not
avail for the production of great excellencies, may at least serve to
prevent the commission of considerable errors.
All that regards the study of eloquence and composition, merits
the higher attention upon this account, that it is intimately connect-
ed with the improvement of our intellectual powers. For I must
be allowed to say, that when we are employed, after a proper man-
ner, in the study of composition, we are cultivating reason itself.
True rhetoric and sound logic are very nearly allied. The study of
arranging and expressing our thoughts with propriety, teaches to
think as well as to speak accurately. By putting our sentiments into
words, we always conceive them more distinctly. Every one who
has the slightest acquaintance with composition knows, that when he
expresses himself ill on any subject, when his arrangement is loose,
and his sentences become feeble, the defects of his style can, al-
most on every occasion, be traced back to his indistinct conception
of the subject: so close is the connexion between thoughts and the
words in which they are clothed.
The study of composition, important in itself at all times, has ac-
quired additional importance from the taste and manners of the
present age. It is an age wherein improvements in every part of
science, have been prosecuted with ardour. To all the liberal arts
much attention has been paid and to none more than to the beauty
;

of language, and the grace and elegance of every kind of writing.

The public ear is become refined. It will not easily bear wdiat is
slovenly and incorrect. Every author must aspire to some merit
in expression, as well as in sentiment, if he would not incur the
danger of being; neglected and despised.
I will not deny that the love of minute elegance, and attention to
inferior ornaments of composition, may at present have engrossed
too great a degree of the public regard. It is indeed my opinion,
that we lean to this extreme often more careful of polishing style,
;

than of storing it with thought. Yet hence arises a new reason for
the study of just and proper composition. If it be requisite not to
be deficient in elegance or ornament in times when they are in such
high estimation, it is still more requisite to attain the power of
distinguishing false ornament from true, in order to prevent our being
carried away by that torrent of false and frivolous taste, which never
fails, when it is prevalent, to sweep along with it the raw and the ig-
norant. They who have never studied eloquence in its principles,
nor have been trained to attend to the genuine and manly beauties of
good writing, are always ready to be caught by the mere glare of
language : and when they come to speak in public, or to compose,
have no other standard on which to form themselves, except what
chances to be fashionable and popular, how corrupted soever, or er-
roneous, that may be.
But as there are many who have no such objects as either com-
lect. I.] INTRODUCTION. 13

position or public speaking in view, let us next consider what advan-

tages may be derived by them, from such studies as form the subject
of these lectures. To them, rhetoric is not so much a practical
art as a speculative science ;and the same instructions which assist
others in composing, will assist them in discerning and relishing
the beauties of composition. Whatever enables genius to execute
well, will enable taste to criticise justly.
When we name criticising, prejudices may perhaps arise, of the
same kind with those which I mentioned before with respect to rhe-
toric. As rhetoric has been sometimes thought to signify nothing
more than the scholastic study of words, and phrases, and tropes, so
criticism has been considered as merely the art of finding faults;
as the frigid application of certain technical terms, by means of
which persons are taught to cavil and censure in a learned manner.
But this is the criticism of pedants only. True criticism is a liberal
and humane art. It is the offspring of good sense and refined taste.
It aims at acquiring a just discernmenc of the real merit of authors.
It promotes a lively relish of their beauties, while it preserves us
from that blind and implicit veneration which would confound their
beauties and faults in our esteem. It teaches us, in a word, to ad-
mire and to blame with judgment, and not to follow the crowd
blindly.
In an age when works of genius and literature are so frequently
the subjects of discourse, when every one erects himself into a judge,
and when we
can hardly mingle in polite society without bearing
some share in such discussions studies of this kind, it is not to be
;

doubled, will appear to derive part of their importance from the use
to which they may be applied in furnishing materials for those fash-
ionable topics of discourse, and thereby enabling us to support a
proper rank in social life.
But I should be sorry if we could not rest the merit of such stu-
dies on somewhat of solid andintrinsical use, independent of appear-
ance and show. The exercise of taste and of sound criticism is, in
truth, one of the most improving employments of the understanding.
To apply the principles of good sense to composition and discourse;
to examine what is beautiful and why it is so ; to employ ourselves
in distinguishing accurately between the specious and the solid, be-
tween affected and natural ornament, must certainly improve us not
a little in the most valuable part of all philosophy, the philosophy
of human nature. For such disquisitions are very intimately con-
nected with the knowledge of ourselves. They necessarily lead us
to reflect on the operations of the imagination, and the movements
of the heart; and increase our acquaintance with some of the most
refined feelings which belong to our frame.
Logical and ethical disquisitions move in a higher sphere ; and
are conversant with objects of a more severe kind ; the progress of
the understanding in its search after knowledge, and the direction
of the will in the proper pursuit of good. They point out to
man the improvement of his nature as an intelligent being; and his
duties as the subject of moral obligation. Belles Lettres and criti-
 14 INTRODUCTION. [lect. i.

cism chiefly consider him as a being endowed with those powers of

taste and imagination, which were intended to embellish his mind,
and to supply him with rational and useful entertainment. They
open a field of investigation peculiar to themselves. All that relates
to beauty, harmony, grandeur, and elegance; all that can sooth the
mind, gratify the fancy, or move the affections, belongs to their pro-
vince. They present human nature under a different aspect from that
which it assumes when viewed by other sciences. They bring to
light various springs of action, which, without their aid, might have
passed unobserved; and which, though of a delicate nature, fre-
quently exert a powerful influence on several departments of human
life.

Such studies have also this peculiar advantage, that they exercise
our reason without fatiguing it. They lead to inquiries acute, but
not painful profound, but not dry nor abstruse. They strew flowers
;

in the path of science ;and while they keep the mind bent, in some
degree, and active, they relieve it at the same time from that more
toilsome labour to which it must submit in the acquisition of neces-
sary erudition, or the investigation of abstract truth.
The cultivation of taste is farther recommended by the happy ef-
fects which it naturally tends to produce on human life. The most
busy man, in the most active sphere, cannot be always occupied by
business. Men of serious professions cannot always be on the stretch
of serious thought. Neither can the most gay and flourishing situa-
tions of fortune afford any man the power of filling all his hours with
pleasure. Life must always languish in the hands of the idle. It
will frequently languish even in the hands of the busy, if they ha\ e not
some employments subsidiary to that which forms their main pursuit.
How then shall these vacant spaces, those unemployed intervals,
which more or less, occur in the life of every one, be filled up?
How can we contrive to dispose of them in any way that shall be
more agreeable in itself, or more consonant to the dignity of the
human mind, than in the entertainments of taste, and the study of
polite literature? He who is so happy as to have acquired a relish
for these, ha*s always at hand an innocent and irreproachable amuse-
ment for his leisure hours, to save him from the danger of many a
pernicious passion. He is not in hazard of being a burden to him-
self. He is not obliged to fly to low company, or to court the riot of
loose pleasures, in order to cure the tediousness of existence.
Providence seems plainly to have pointed out this useful purpose
to which the pleasures of taste may be applied, by interposing them
in a middle station between the pleasures of sense, and those of pure
intellect. We were not designed to grovel always among objects so
low as the former; nor are we capable of dwelling constantly in so
high a region as the latter. The pleasures of taste refresh the
mind after the toils of the intellect, and the labours of abstract
study; and they gradually raise it above the attachments of sense,
and prepare it for the enjoyments of virtue.
So consonant is tMs to experience, that in the education of youth,
no object has in evex'y age appeared more important to wise men,
lect. i.J INTRODUCTION. 15

than to tincture them early with a relish for the entertainments of

taste. The transition is commonly made with ease from these to
the discharge of the higher and more important duties of life.
Good hopes maybe entertained of those whose minds have this libe-
ral and elegant turn. It is favourable to many virtues. Where-
as to be entirely devoid of relish for eloquence, poetry, or any of
the fine arts, is justly construed to be an unpromising symptom of
youth and raises suspicions of their being prone to low gratifica-
;

tions, or destined to drudge in the more vulgar and illiberal pursuits

of life.

There are indeed few good dispositions of any kind with which
the improvement of taste is not more or less connected. A culti-
vated taste increases sensibility to all the tender and humane pas-
sions,by giving them frequent exercise ; while it tends to weaken
the more violent and fierce emotions.
•
lugenuas didicisse fideliter artes
Emollit mores, nee sink esse feros.*

The elevated sentiments and high examples which poetry, elo-

quence, and history, are often bringing under our view, naturally tend
to nourish in our minds public spirit, the love of glory, contempt of
external fortune, and the admiration of what is truly illustrious and
great.
not go so far as to say that the improvement of taste and of
I will
virtue the same ; or that they may always be expected to co-exist
is

in an equal degree. More powerful correctives than taste can apply,

are necessary for reforming the corrupt propensities which too fre-
quently prevail among mankind. Elegant speculations are some-
times found to float on the surface of the mind, while bad passions
possess the interior regions of the heart. At the same time this
cannot but be admitted, that the exercise of taste is, in its native
tendency, moral and purifying. From reading the most admired
productions of genius, whether in poetry or prose, almost every one
rises with some good impressions left on his mind ; and though these
may not always be durable, they are at least to be ranked among
the means of disposing the heart to virtue. One thing is certain,
and I shall hereafter have occasion to illustrate it more fully, that,
without possessing the virtuous affections in a strong degree, no man
can attain eminence in the sublime parts of eloquence. He must
feel what a good man feels, if he expects greatly to move, or to in-
terest mankind. They are the ardent sentiments of honour, vir-
tue, magnanimity, and public spirit, that only can kindle that fire of
genius, and call up into the mind those high ideas, which attract the
admiration of ages; and if this spirit be necessary to produce the
most distinguished efforts of eloquence, it must be necessary also to
our relishing them with proper taste and feeling.
On these general topics I shall dwell no longer; but proceed di-
rectly to the consideration of the subjects which are to employ the

* These polish VI arts have humaniz'd mankind,

Soften'd the rude, and calin'd the boist'rous mind.
16 INTRODUCTION. [lect. n
following Lectures. They
divide themselves into five parts. First,
some introductory on the nature of taste, and upon the
dissertations
sources of its pleasures. Secondly, the consideration of language
Thirdly, of style: Fourthly of eloquence, properly so called, or
public speaking in its different kinds. Lastly, a critical examination
of the most distinguished species of composition, both in prose and
verse.

LECTURE II.

TASTE.
The nature of the present undertaking leads me to begin with
some inquiries concerning taste, as it is this faculty which is always
appealed to, in disquisitions concerning the merit of discourse in
writing.
There are few which men talk more loosely and indis-
subjects on
tinctly than on taste; few which it is more difficult to explain with
precision and none which in this course of Lectures will appear
;

more dry or abstract. What I have to say on the subject, shall be

in the following order. I shall first explain the Nature of Taste as a
power or faculty in the human mind. I shall next consider, how far
it is an improveable faculty. I shall show the sources of its im-
provement, and the characters of taste in its most perfect state. I
shall then examine the various fluctuations to which it is liable, and
inquire whether there be any standard to which we can bring the
different tastes of men, in order to distinguish the corrupted from
the true.
Taste may be defined "The power of receiving pleasure from
the beauties of nature and of art." The first question that occurs
concerning it is, whether it is to be considered as an internal sense,
or as an exertion of reason ? Reason is a very general term but ;

if we
understand by it, that power of the mind which in speculative
matters discovers truth, and in practical matters judges of the fitness
of means to an end, I apprehend the question may be easily answer-
ed. For nothing can be more clear, than that taste is not resolv-
able into any such operation of reason. It is not merely through a
discovery of the understanding or a deduction of argument, that the
mind receives pleasure from a beautiful prospect or a fine poem.
Such objects often strike us intuitively, and make a strong impres-
sion, when we are unable to assign the reasons of our being pleased.
They sometimes strike in the same manner the philosopher and the
peasant the boy and the man. Hence the faculty by which we relish
;

such beauties, seems more nearly allied to a feeling of sense, than to

a process of the understanding; and accordingly from an external
sense it has borrowed its name that sense by which we receive
;

and distinguish the pleasures of food, having, in several languages,

 t

lect. ii.] TASTE. 17

given rise to the word taste, in the metaphorical meaning under

which we now consider it. However, as in all subjects which regard
the operations of the mind, the inaccurate use of words is to be
carefully avoided, it must not be inferred from what I have said,
that reason is entirely excluded from the exertions of taste. Though
taste, beyond doubt, be ultimately founded on a certain natural and
instinctive sensibility to beauty, yet reason, as I shall show hereafter,
assists taste in many of its operations, and serves to enlarge its power. *
Taste, in the sense in which I have explained it, is a faculty com-
mon in some degree to all men. Nothing that belongs to human
nature is more general than the relish of beauty of one kind or
other; of what is orderly, proportioned, grand, harmonious, new,
or sprightly. In children, the rudiments of taste discover them-
selves very early in a thousand instances in their fondness for regu-
;

lar bodies, their admiration of pictures and statues, and imitations

of all kinds; and their strong attachment to whatever is new or
marvellous. The most ignorant peasants are delighted with ballads
and tales, and are struck with the beautiful appearance of nature in
the earth and heavens. Even in the deserts of America, where
human nature shows itself in its most uncultivated state, the savages
have their ornaments of dress, their war and their death songs, their
harangues and their orators. We must therefore conclude the
principles of taste to be deeply founded in the human mind. It is
no less essential to man
have some discernment of beauty, than it
to
is to possess the attributes of reason and of speech.
But although none be wholly devoid of this faculty, yet the de-
grees in which it is possessed are widely different. In some men only
the feeble glimmerings of taste appear; the beauties which they re-
lish are of the coarsest kind and of these they have but a weak and
;

* See Dr. Gerard's Essay on Taste —

D'Alembert's Reflections on the use and abuse
:

of Philosophy in matters which relate to Taste —

Reflections Critiques sur laPogsie et
:

sur la Peinture, tome ii. ch. 22-31 — —

Elements of Criticism, chap. 25: Mr. Hume's
:

Essay on the Standard of Taste —

Introduction to the Essay on the Sublime and Beau-
:

tiful.

tOn the subject of taste, considered as a po« er or faculty of the mind, much less is
r

to be found among the ancient, than among the modern rhetorical and critical wri-
ters. The following remarkable passage in Cicero serves, however, to show that his
ideas on this subject agree perfectly with what has been said above. He is speaking
of the beauties of style and numbers. " Ulud autem nequis admirerur, quonam modo
hffic vulgus imperitorum in audiendo notct ; cum in omni genere, turn in hoc ipso, mag
na quaedam est vis, incredibilisque natures. Omnes enim tacito quodam s<;nsu, sine
ulla arte aut ratione, qua: sint in artibus ac rationibus recta et prava dijudicant id'pe
:

cum faciunt in picturis, et in signis, et in aliis operibus, ad quorum intelligentiam a na

tura minus habent instrumenti, turn multo ostendunt magis in verborum, numerorum
vocumque judicio quod ea sunt in communibus infixa sensibus ; neque earum reruin
;

quenquam funditus natura voluit esse expertem." Cic. de Orat lib. iii. cap. 50. edit.
Gruteri. —
Quintilian seems to include taste (for which, in the sense which we now give
to that word, the ancients appear to have had no distinct name) under what he calls
judicium. "JLocus de judicio, mea quidem opinione adeo partibus hujus operis omni
bus connectus ac mistus est, ut ne a sententiis quidem aut verbis saltern singulis
possit separari. nee magis arte traditur quam gustus aut odor. — Ut contraria
vitemus et communia, ne quid in eloquendo corruptum obscurumqne sit, referatur
oportet ad sensus qui non docentur." Institut. lib. vi. cap. 3. edit. Obrechti.

C 3
18 TASTE. [lect.ii.

confused impression while in others, taste rises to an acute dis-

;

cernment, and a lively enjoyment of the most refined beauties. In

general, we may observe, that in the powers and pleasures of taste,
there is a more remarkable inequality among men than is usually
found in point of common sense, reason, and judgment. The con
stitution of our nature in this, as in all other respects, discovers ad
mirable wisdom. In the distribution of those talents which are ne-
cessary for man's well-being, nature hath made less distinction among
her children. But in the distribution of those which belong only
to the ornamental part of life, she hath bestowed her favours with
more frugality. She hath both sown the seeds more sparingly ; and
rendered a higher culture requisite for bringing them to perfection.
This inequality of taste among men is owing, without doubt, in
part, to the different frame of their natures; to nicer organs, and
finer internal powers, with which some are endowed beyond others.
But, if it be owing in part to nature, it is owing to education and
culture still more. The illustration of this leads to my next remark
on this subject, that taste is a most improveable faculty, if there be
any such in human nature a remark which gives great encourage-
;

ment to such a course of study as we are now proposing to pursue.

Of the truth of this assertion we may easily be convinced, by only
reflecting on that immense superiority which education and improve-
ment give to civilized, above barbarous nations, in refinement of
taste ;and on the superiority which they give in the same nation to
those who have studied the liberal arts, above the rude and untaught
vulgar. The difference is so great, that there is perhaps no one par-
ticular in which these two classes of men are so far removed from each
other, as in respect of the powers and the pleasures of taste and :

assuredly for this difference no other general cause can be assigned,

but culture and education. I shall now proceed to show what the
means are by which taste becomes so remarkably susceptible of
cultivation and progress.
Reflect first upon that great law of our nature, that exercise is the
chief source of improvement in all our faculties. This holds both
in our bodily, and in our mental powers. It holds even in our exter-
nal senses, although these be less the subject of cultivation than
any of our other faculties. We see how acute the senses become
in persons whose trade or business leads to nice exertions of them.
Touch, for instance, becomes infinitely more exquisite in men whose
employment requires them to examine the polish of bodies, than it
is in others. They who deal in microscopical observations, or are
accustomed to engrave on precious stones, acquire surprising accu-
racy of sight in discerning the minutest objects; and practice in
attending to different flavours and tastes of liquors, wonderfully im-
proves the power of distinguishing them, and of tracing their com-
position. Placing internal taste therefore on the footing of a simple
sense, it cannot be doubted that frequent exercise, and curious at-
tention to its proper objects, must greatly heighten its power. Of
this we have one clear proof in that part of taste, which is called an
ear for music. Experience every day show?, that nothing is more
lect. ii.] TASTE. 19

improvable. Only the simplest and plainest compositions are

relished at first; use and practice extend our pleasure; teach us to
relish finer melody, and by degrees enable us to enter into the intri-
cate and compounded pleasures of harmony. So an eye for the
beauties of painting is never all at once acquired. It is gradually
formed by being conversant among pictures, and studying the works
of the best masters.
Precisely in the same manner, with respect to the beauty of com-
position and discourse, attention to the most approved models, study
of the best authors, comparisons of lower and higher degrees of the
same beauties, operate towards the refinement of taste. When one
is only beginning his acquaintance with works of genius, the senti-

ment which attends them is obscure and confused. He cannot point

out the several excellencies or blemishes of a performance which he
peruses; he is at a loss on what to rest his judgment: all that can
be expected is, that he should tell in general whether he be pleased
or not. But allow him more experience in works of this kind, and
his taste becomes by degrees more exact and enlightened. He
begins to perceive not only the character of the whole, but the
beauties and defects of each part; and is able to describe the pecu-
liar qualities which he praises or blames. The mist dissipates which
seemed formerly to hang over the object ; and he can at length pro-
nounce firmly, and without hesitation, concerning it. Thus in taste,
considered as mere sensibility, exercise opens a great source of im-
provement.
But although taste be ultimately founded on sensibility, it must
not be considered as instinctive sensibility alone. Reason and good
sense, as I before hinted, have so extensive an influence on all the
operations and decisions of taste, that a thorough good taste may
well be considered as a power compounded of natural sensibility to
beauty, and of improved understanding. In order to be satisfied of
this, let us observe, that the greater part of the productions of genius
are no other than imitations of nature; representations of the cha-
racters, actions, or manners of men. The pleasure we receive from
such imitations or representations is founded on mere taste: but to'
judge whether they be properly executed, belongs to the under-
standing, which compares the copy with the original.
In reading, for instance, such a poem as the iEneid, a great part
of our pleasure arises from the plan or story being well conducted,
and all the parts joined together with probability and due connexion ;

from the characters being taken from nature, the sentiments Deing
suited to the characters, and the style to the sentiments. The
pleasure which arises from a poem so conducted, is felt or enjoyed
.by taste as an internal sense; but the discovery of this conduct in
the poem is owing to reason and the more that reason enables us
;

to discover such propriety in the conduct, the greater will be our

pleasure. We are pleased, through our natural sense of beauty.
Reason shows us why, and upon what grounds, we are pleased.
Wherever in works of taste, any resemblance to nature is aimed at;
wherever there is any reference of parts to a whole, or of means to
20 TASTE. [lect. ii

an end, as there is indeed in almost every writing and discourse,

there the understanding must always have a great part to act.
Here then is a wide field for reason's exerting its powers in relation
to the objects of taste, particularly with respect to composition,
and works of genius ; and hence arises a second and a very consi-
derable source of the improvement of taste, from the application of
reason and good sense to such productions of genius. Spurious
beauties, such as unnatural characters, forced sentiments, affected
style, may please for a little ; but they please only because their
opposition to nature and to good sense has not been examined, or
attended to. Once show how nature might have been more justly
imitated or represented how the writer might have managed his
;

subject to greater advantage the illusion will presently be dissipat-

;

ed, and these false beauties will please no more.

From these two sources then, first, the frequent exercise of taste,
and next the application of good sense and reason to the objects of
taste, taste as a power of the mind receives its improvement. In
its perfect state, it is undoubtedly the result both of nature and of
art. It supposes our natural sense of beauty to be refined by fre-
quent attention to the most beautiful objects, and at the same time
to be guided and improved by the light of the understanding.
I must be allowed to add, that as a sound head, so likewise a good
heart, is a very material requisite to just taste. The moral beauties
arc not only themselves superior to all others, but they exert an
influence, either more near, or more remote, on a great variety of
other objects of taste. Wherever the affections, characters, or ac-
tions of men are concerned, (and these certainly afford the noblest
subjects to genius,) there can be neither any just or affecting des-
cription of them, nor any thorough feeding of the beauty of that
description, without our possessing the virtuous affections. He whose
heart is indelicate or hard, he who has no admiration of what is truly
noble or praise- worthy, nor the proper sympathetic sense of what is
soft and tender, must have a very imperfect relish of the highes*
beauties of eloquence and poetry.
The characters of taste, when brought to its most improved state,
are all reducible to two, Delicacy and Correctness.
Delicacy of taste respects principally the perfection of that natu
ral sensibility on which taste is founded. It implies those finer or-
gans or powers which enable us to discover beauties that lie hid from
a vulgar eye. One may have strong sensibility, and yet be deficient
in delicate taste. He may be deeply impressed by such beauties as
ho perceives ; but he perceives only what is in some degree coarse,
what is bold and palpable ; while chaster and simpler ornaments
escape his notice. In this state, taste generally exists among rude
and unrefined nations. But a person of delicate taste both feels
strongly, and feels accurately. He sees distinctions and differences
where others see none ; the most latent beauty does not escape him,
and he is sensible ol the smallest blemish. Delicacy of taste is
judged of by the same marks that we use in judging of the delicacy
of an external sense. As the goodness of the palate is not tried by
 ;;

lect. ii.] TASTE. 21

strong flavours, but by a mixture of ingredients, where, notwithstand-

ing the confusion, we remain sensible of each ; in like manner deli-
cacy of internal taste appears, by a quick and lively sensibility to Its
finest, most compounded, or most latent objects.
Correctness of taste respects chiefly the improvement which that
faculty receives through its connexion with the understanding. A
man of correct taste is one who is never imposed on by counterfeit
beauties ; who carries always in his mind that standard of good sense
which he employs in judging of every thing. He estimates with
propriety the comparative merit of the several beauties which he
meets with in any work of genius refers them to their proper classes
;

assigns the principles, as far as they car* be traced, whence their

power of pleasing flows ; and is pleased himself precisely in that
degree in which he ought, and no more.
It is true, that these two qualities of taste, delicacy and correct-
ness, mutually imply each other. No taste can be exquisitely deli-
cate without being correct ; nor can be thoroughly correct without
being delicate. But still a predominancy of one or other quality in
the mixture is often visible. The power of delicacy is chiefly seen
in discerning the true merit of a work ; the power of correctness, in
rejecting false pretensions to merit. Delicacy leans more to feeling
correctness, more to reason and judgment. The former is more
the gift of nature ; the latter, more the product of culture and art.
Among the ancient critics, Longinus possessed most delicacy; Aris-
totle, most correctness. Among the moderns, Mr. Addison is a high
examnle of delicate taste ; Dean Swift, had he written on the subject
of criticism, would perhaps have afforded the example of a correct
one.
Having viewed taste in its most improved and perfect state, I
come next to consider its deviations from that state, the fluctuations
and changes to which it is liable and to inquire whether, in the
;

midst of these, there be any means of distinguishing a true from a

corrupted taste. This brings us to the most difficult part of our
task. For it must be acknowledged, that no principle of the human
mind is, in its operations, more fluctuating and capricious than taste.
Its variations have been so great and frequent, as to create a suspicion
with some, of its being merely arbitrary grounded on no foundation,
;

ascertainable by no standard, but wholly dependent on changing

fancy ; the consequence of which would be, that all studies or regu-
lar inquiries concerning the objects of taste were vain. In architec-
ture, the Grecian models were long esteemed the most perfect. In
succeeding ages, the Gothic architecture alone prevailed, and after-
wards the Grecian taste revived in all its vigour, and engrossed the
public admiration. In eloquence and poetry, the Asiatics at no time
relished any thing but what was full of ornament, and splendid in a
degree that we should denominate gawdy ; whilst the Greeks admir-
ed only chaste and simple beauties, and despised the Asiatic osten-
tation. In our own country, how many writings that were greatly
extolledtwo or three centuries ago, are now fallen into entire disre-
pute and oblivion ? Without going back to remote instances, how
 ;

22 TASTE. [lect. ii.

very different is the taste of poetry which prevails in Great Britain

now, from what prevailed there no longer ago than the reign of king
Charles II. which the authors too of that time deemed an Augustan
age when nothing was in vogue but an affected brilliancy of wit
:

when the simple majesty of Milton was overlooked, and Paradise

Lost almost entirely unknown when Cowley's laboured and unna-
;

tural conceits were admired as the very quintessence of genius ;

Waller's gay sprightliness was mistaken for the tender spirit of love
poetry and such writers as Suckling and Etheridge were held in
;

esteem for dramatic composition ?

The question is, what conclusion we are to form from such instan-
ces as these? Is there a#y thing that can be called a standard of
taste, by appealing to which we may distinguish between a good
and a bad taste? Or, is there in truth no such distinction ? and are
we to hold that, according to the proverb, there is no disputing of
tastes but that whatever pleases is right, for that reason that it does
;

please ? This is the question, and a very nice and subtle one it is,
which we are now to discuss.
I begin by observing, that if there be no such thing as any standard
of taste, this consequence must immediately follow, that all tastes
are equally good; a position, which, though it may pass unnoticed
in slight matters, and when we speak of the lesser differences among
the tastes of men, yet when we apply it to the extremes, present-
ly shows its absurdity: For is there any one who will seriously
maintain that the taste of a Hottentot or a Laplander is as delicate
and as correct as that of a Longinus or an Addison ? or, that he can
be charged with no defect or incapacity who thinks a common news-
writer as excellent an historian as Tacitus ? As it would be held
downright extravagance to talk in this manner, we are led unavoid-
ably to this conclusion, that there is some foundation for the prefer-
ence of one man's taste to that of another; or, that there is a good
and a bad, a right and a wrong in taste, as in other things.
But to prevent mistakes on this subject, it is necessary to observe
next, that the diversity of tastes which prevails among mankind, does
not in every case infer corruption of taste, or oblige us to seek for
some standard in order to determine who are in the right. The
tastes of men may differ very considerably as to their object, and yet
none of them be wrong One man relishes poetry most; another
takes pleasure in nothing but history. One prefers comedy; another,
tragedy. One admires the simple another, the ornamented style.
;

The young are amused with gay and sprightly compositions. The
elderly are more entertained with those of a graver cast. Some
nations delight in bold pictures of manners, and strong representations
of passion. Others incline to more correct and regular elegance
both in description and sentiment. Though all differ, yet all pitch
upon some one beauty which peculiarly suits their turn of mind;
and therefore no one has a title to condemn the rest. It is not in
matters of taste, as in questions of mere reason, where there is but
one conclusion that can be true, and all the rest are erroneous.
Truth, which is the object of reason, is one; beauty, which is the
iECT. ii.] TASTE. 23

object of taste, is manifold. Taste, therefore, admits of latitude and

diversity of objects, in sufficient consistency with goodness or just
ness of taste.
But then, to explain this matter thoroughly, I must observe farther,
that this admissible diversity of tastes can only have place where the
objects of taste are different. Where it is with respect to the same

object that men disagree, when one condemns that as ugly, which
another admires as highly beautiful; then it is no longer diversity,
but direct opposition of taste that takes place ; and therefore one
must be in the right, and another in the wrong, unless that absurd
paradox were allowed to hold, that all tastes are equally good and
true. One man prefers Virgil to Homer. Suppose that I, on the
other hand, admire Homer more than Virgil. I have as yet no rea-
son to say that our tastes are contradictory. The other person is
more struck with the elegance and tenderness which are the charac-
teristics of Virgil; I, with the simplicity and fire of Homer. As
long as neither of us deny that both Homer and Virgil have great
beauties, our difference falls within the compass of that diversity of
tastes, which I have showed to be natural and allowable. But if the
other man shall assert that Homer has no beauties whatever; that
he holds him to be a dull and spiritless writer, and that he would as
soon peruse any old legend of knight-errantry as the Iliad ; then 1
exclaim, that my antagonist either is void of all taste, or that his taste
is corrupted in a miserable degree; and I appeal to whatever I think

the standard of taste, to show him that he is in the wrong.

What that standard is to which, in such opposition of tastes, we
are obliged to have recourse, remains to be traced. Astandard pro-
perly signifies, that which is of such undoubted authority as to be
the test of other things of the same kind. Thus a standard weight
or measure, is that which is appointed by law to regulate all other-
measures and weights. Thus the court is said to be the standard of
good breeding; and the scripture of theological truth.
When we say that nature is the standard of taste, we lay down a
principle very true and just, as far as it can be applied. There is no
doubt, that in all cases where an imitation is intended of some object
that exists in nature, as in representing human characters or actions,
conformity to nature affords a full and distinct criterion of what is
truly beautiful. Reason hath in such cases full scope for exerting
its authority; for approving or condemning; by comparing the copy

with the original. But there are innumerable cases in which this
rule cannot be at all applied ; and conformity to nature, is an ex-
pression frequently used, without any distinct or determinate mean-
ing. We must therefore search for somewhat that can be rendered
more clear and precise, to be the standard of taste.
Taste, as I before explained it, is ultimately founded on an inter-
nal sense of beauty, which is natural to men, and which, in its
application to particular objects, is capable of being guided and en-
lightened by reason. Now were there any one person who possessed
in full perfection all the powers of human nature, whose internal
senses were in everv instance exquisite and just, and whose reason
 ;

24 TASTE. [lect. n.

was unerring and sure, the determinations of such a person con-

cerning beauty, would, beyond doubt, be a perfect standard for the
taste of all others. Wherever their taste differed from his, it could
be imputed only to some imperfection in their natural powers. But
as there is no such living standard, no one person to whom all man-
kind will allow such submission to be due, what is there of sufficient
authority to be the standard of the various and opposite tastes of men?
Most certainly there is nothing but the taste, as far as it can be
gathered, of human nature. That which men concur the most in
admiring, must be held to be beautiful. His taste must be esteemed
just and true, which coincides with the general sentiments of men.
In this standard we must rest. To the sense of mankind the ulti-
mate appeal must ever lie, in all works of taste. If any one should
maintain that sugar was bitter and tobacco was sweet, no reasonings
could avail to prove it. The taste of such a person would infallibly
be held to be diseased, merely because it differed so widely from
the taste of the species to which he belongs. In like manner, with
regard to the objects of sentiment or internal taste, the common
feelings of men carry the same authority, and have a title to regulate
the taste of every individual.
But have we then, it will be said, no other criterion of what is
beautiful, than the approbation of the majority ? Must we collect
the voices of others, before we form any judgment for ourselves, of
what deserves applause in eloquence or poetry? By no means;
there are principles of reason and sound judgment which can be ap-
plied to matters of taste, as well as to the subjects of science and
philosophy. He who admires or censures any work of genius, is
always ready, if his taste be in any degree improved, to assign some
reasons for his decision. He appeals to principles, and points out
the grounds on which he proceeds. Taste is a sort of compound
power, in which the light of the understanding always mingles, more
or less, with the feelings of sentiment.
But though reason can carry us a certain length in judging con-
cerning works of taste, it is not to be forgotten that the ultimate
conclusions to which our reasonings lead, refer at last to sense and
perception. We may speculate and argue concerning propriety of
conduct in a tragedy, or an epic poem. Just reasonings on the sub-
ject will correct the caprice of unenlightened taste, and establish
principles for judging of what deserves praise. But, at the same
time, these reasonings appeal always in the last resort, to feeling.
The foundation upon which they rest, is what has been found from
experience to please mankind universally. Upon this ground we
prefer a simple and natural, to an artificial and affected style ; a
regular and well connected story, to loose and scattered narratives
a catastrophe which is tender and pathetic, to one which leaves us
unmoved. It is from consulting our own imagination and heart, and
from attending to the feelings of others, that any principles are
formed which acquire authority in matters of taste.*
* The difference between the authors who found the standard of taste upon the
common feelings of human nature ascertained by general approbation, and those
 lect. II.] TASTE. 25

When we refer to the concurring sentiments of men as the ultimate

taste of what is to be accounted beautiful in the arts, this is to be
always understood of men placed in such situations as are favourable
to the proper exertions of taste. Every one must perceive, that
among rude and uncivilized nations, and during the ages of igno-
rance and darkness, any loose notions tbat are entertained concern-
ing such subjects, carry no authority. In those states of society,
taste has no materials on which to operate. It is either totally sup-
pressed, or appears in its lower and most imperfect form. refer We
to the sentiments of mankind in polished and flourishing nations;
when arts are cultivated and manners refined when works of genius ;

are subjected to free discussion, and taste is improved by science

and philosophy.
Even among nations, at such a period of society, I admit that
accidental causes may occasionally warp the proper operations of
taste sometimes the taste of religion, sometimes the form of go-
;

vernment, may for a while pervert a licentious court may intro-

;

duce a taste for false ornaments, and dissolute writings. The usage
of one admired genius may procure approbation for his faults, and
even render them fashionable. Sometimes envy may have power
to bear down, for a little, productions of great merit; while popular
humour, or party spirit, may, at other times, exalt to a high, though
short-lived reputation, what little deserved it. But though such
casual circumstances give the appearance of caprice to the judg-
ments of taste, that appearance is easily corrected. In the course of
time, the genuine taste of human nature never fails to disclose itself,
and to gain the ascendant over any fantastic and corrupted modes of
taste which may chance to have been introduced. These may have
currency for a while, and mislead superficial judges but being sub- ;

jected to examination, by degrees they pass away while that alone ;

remains which is founded on sound reason, and the native feelings

of men.
by no means pretend, that there is any standard of taste, to which,
I
in every particular instance, we can resort for clear and immediate
determination. Where, indeed, is such a standard to be found for

who found it upon established principles which can be ascertained by reason, is

more an apparent than a real difference. Like many other literary controversies,
it turns chiefly on modes of expression. For they who lay the greatest stress on
sentiment and feeling-, make no scruple of applying argument and reason to mat-
ters of taste. They appeal, like other writers, to established principles, in judging
of the excellencies of eloquence or poetry and plainly show, that the general ap-
;

probation to which they ultima*~ly recur, is an approbation resulting from discus-

sion as well as from sentiment. They, on the other hand, who, in order to vindi-
cate taste from any suspicion of being arbitrary, maintain that it is ascertainable
by the standard of reason, admit, nevertheless, that what pleases universally, must,
on that account, be held to be truly beautiful ; and that no rules or conclusions con-
cerning objects of taste, can have any just authority, if they be found to contradict
the general sentiments of men. These two systems, therefore, differ in reality
very little from one another. Sentiment and reason enter into both ; and by al-
lowing to each of these powers its due place, both systems may be rendered con-
sistent. Accordingly, it is in this light that I have endeavoured to place the sub-
ject.

E> 4
 ;

26 TASTE. [lect. ii.

deciding any of those great controversies in reason and philosophy,

which perpetually divide mankind ? In the present case, there was
plainly no occasion for any such strict and absolute provision to be
made. In order to judge of what is morally good or evil, of what
man ought, or ought not in duty to do, it was fit that the means of
clear and precise determination should be afforded us. But to as-
certain in every case with the utmost exactness what is beautiful or
elegant, was not at all necessary to the happiness of man. And
therefore some diversity in feeling was here allowed to take place;
and room was left for discussion and debate, concerning the degree
of approbation to which any work of genius is entitled.
The conclusion, which it is sufficient for us to rest upon, is, that
taste is far from being an arbitrary principle, which is subject to the
fancy of every individual, and which admits of no criterion for deter-
mining whether it be false or true. Its foundation is the same in all
human minds. It is built upon sentiments and perceptions which
belong to our nature; and which, in general, operate with the same
uniformity as our other intellectual principles. When these senti
ments are perverted by ignorance and prejudice, they are capable
of being rectified by reason. Their sound and natural state is ulti-
mately determined, by comparing them with the general taste of
mankind. Let men declaim as much as they please concerning the
capi ice and the uncertainty of taste, it is found, by experience, that
there are beauties, which, if they be displayed in a proper light,
have power to command lasting and general admiration. In every
composition, what interests the imagination, and touches the heart,
pleases all ages and all nations. There is a certain string to which,
when properly struck, the human heart is so made as to answer.
Hence the universal testimony which the most improved nations
of the earth have conspired, throughout a long tract of ages, to give
to some few works of genius; such as the Iliad of Homer, and the
TEneid of Virgil. Hence the authority which such works have ac-
quired, as standards in some degree of poetical composition since;

from them we are enabled to collect what the sense of mankind is,
concerning those beauties which give them the highest pleasure, and
which therefore poetry ought to exhibit. Authority or prejudice
may, in one age or country, give a temporary reputation to an in-
different poet or a bad artist; but when foreigners, or when poste-
rity examine his works, his faults are discerned, and the genuine
taste of human nature appears. " Opinionum commenta delet dies
"naturae judicia confirmat." Time overthrows the illusions of
opinion, but establishes the decisions of nature.
 ;

{ 26 a )

Q.UESTIOXS.
Why does the nature of the present and an improved understanding ? How
undertaking lead our author to begin is from the reading of
this illustrated
with some inquiries concerning taste ? the iEneid of Virgil? In proportion to
Of it what is observed ? In what order what will our pleasure be increased ?
does our author propose to treat it? Through what are we pleased and ;

How may it be defined ? What is the what does reason show us? Where
must the understanding always have
first question that occurs concerning it?
Of reason, what is observed? From a greater part to act ? For what is there
what does it appear evident that taste here a wide field in what particular
;

is not resolvable into any operation of and hence what arises? Of spurious

reason and why ? How is this farther beauties, &c. what is observed ? How
;

illustrated, and what follows? Why may the illusion be dissipated ? From
must it not be inferred, from what has what does taste receive its improve-
been said, that reason is entirely ex- ment ? Of what is it the result in its
cluded from the exertions of taste ? perfect state; and what does it sup-
Though taste is ultimately founded on pose ? What remark is added ? Of
a certain natural sensibility to beauty, moral beauties what is observed ? How
yet what follows ? How does it appear is this illustrated ? Persons of what de-

that taste, in the sense in which it has scription must, necessarily, have a very
been explained, is a faculty common to imperfect relish of the highest beauties
all men ? How is this remark of eloquence and poetry ? To what are
illustra-
ted? What must we therefore con- the characters of taste, in its most per-
clude and why ? Though none are fect state, reducible ? What does deli-
;

entirely devoid of this faculty, yet how cacy of taste respect and what does it;

does it appear that the degrees in which imply? How is this illustrated ? Where
it is possessed are widely different ? does taste in this state exist ? Of a per-

What may we in general observe ? son of delicate taste, what is observed ?

How does it appear that the constitu- How is it illustrated, that delicacy of
tion of our nature, in this respect, dis- taste is judged of by the same marks
covers admirable wisdom ? To what is by which we judge of the delicacy of
this inequality of taste among men, to an external sense ? What does correct-
be, in part, attributed? To what is it ness of taste principally respect ? What
more particularly owing? To what is remarked of a man of correct taste ?
does the illustration of this lead ? Of How does it appear that delicacy and
this remark, what is observed? How correctness mutually imply each other?
may we be convinced of the truth of In what L? the power of delicacy chiefly
tins assertion ? Of this difference, what seen ; and of correctness ? To what do
is observed ? What is one of the first they respectively lean ? Of what is the

laws of our nature ? How is this illus- former the gift and how is the latter
;

trated? What, therefore, cannot be produced ? What examples of illustra-

doubted? In what have we a clear tion are given from the ancients; and
proof of this remark and how is this from the moderns?
;

illustrated ? Of the beauty of composi- Having viewed taste in its most im

tion and discourse, what is observed ? proved state, what does our author
How does it appear, that when a per- next consider ? Why
does this bring us
son commences an acquaintance with to the most difficult part of our task ?
works of genius, the sentiment which Of what have the greatness and fre-
attends them is obscure and confused ? quency of its variations created suspi-
What will be the effect of greater ex- cions ? How is this illustrated from the
perience in works of this kind ? How is architecture, eloquence, and poetry of
this further illustrated? As taste is the ancients and the taste for poetry
;

ultimately founded on sensibility, why among the moderns? What interroga-

may we not consider its foundation in tions follow ? If there is no standard of
instinctive sensibility alone ? How may taste, what consequence follows? Of
we be satisfied that, a good taste con- this position what is remarked ? How
sists in natural sensibility to beauty, is this illustrated ? As it would be con-
 ;

26 6 QUESTIONS. [lect. II.

sidered extravagant to talk in this acquire authority in matters of taste

manner, to what conclusion are we formed ? Why is it necessary that the
unavoidably led ? To prevent, mistakes, person to whom we refer as a standard,
what observation is it necessary, in the should live under circumstances fa-
next place, to make ? How does it ap- vourable to the exertions of taste ? To
pear that the tastes of men may diner the inhabitants of what nations do we,
very considerably in their object, and therefore, refer? Among nations at such
still none of them be wrong ? Though a period of society, in what different

all diner, yet, upon what do all pitch? ways may the proper operations of
How is this illustrated ? To explain this ? What appearance
taste be warped
matter thoroughly, what observation is do such casual circumstances give to
necessary? When does this disagree- the judgments of taste? How is that
ment among men cease to be diversity appearance easily corrected? Of the
of taste ;and what follows ? How is currency which these may have for a
this remark illustrated from the pre- while, what is remarked? To what
ference given by some men to Homer, does our author not pretend and what ;

and by others to Virgil? How long illustrative remarks follow ? What con-
may our diversity be considered natu- clusion is given, upon which it is suf-
ral and allowable ? What assertions ficient for us to rest? Of its foundation
would induce us to consider a man's what is remarked and upon what, is ;

taste corrupted in a miserable degree it built ?

;
When these sentiments are
and to what do we appeal ? What do perverted by ignorance and prejudice,
we, on any subject, consider a standard? how may they be rectified? How is
What illustrations are given ? How far their sound and natural state ultimate-
may nature be regarded as a standard ? ly determined? Though men declaim
In what cases does nature afford a full concerning the caprice of taste, yet
and distinct criterion of what is truly what is found by experience to be true?
beautiful? Of reason, in such cases, How is this illustrated; and hence
what is said ? Why
are we sometimes what follows? For an indifferent poet,
under the necessity of searching for or a bad artist, what may authority or
something that can be rendered more prejudice do ? But when will his faults
clear and precise than nature, as a be discerned, and the genuine taste of
standard of taste? On what is taste mankind appear ?
ultimately founded ? A
person of what
description might be considered a stand-
ard oi taste ? But as there is no such ANALYSIS.
living standard, what follows; and
hence what is the ultimate standard ? 1. Introductory remarks.
Hoav is this illustrated? How would 2. The definition of Taste.
the taste of such a person be regarded 3. The nature of Taste.
why; and what follows? What inter- a. Instinct and Reason.
rogations follow; and to them what b. Its universality.
reply is given; and why? Of the ad- c. Its degrees.
mirer or censurer of any work of D. Sources of its improvement.
genius, what remark follows ? Though a. Exercise.
reason can carry us a certain length in b. Reason and good sense.
judging concerning works of taste, yet Morals.
c.

what must not be forgotten ? Concern- 4. The characters of Taste.

ing what may we speculate and argue? a. Delicacy.
On this subject, what will just reason- B. Correctness.
ing correct ? At the same time, to what 5. The variations of Taste.
do these reasonings always appeal ? 6. The standard of Taste.
On what foundation do they rest? a. Arguments for, and against a
Upon this ground, what receives our standard.
preference ? How are principles which b. The conclusion.
 ;

(27)

LECTURE HI.

CRITICISM... .GENIUS....PLEASURES OF TASTE....

SUBLIMITY IN OBJECTS.
Taste, criticism, and genius, are words currently employed, with-
out distinct ideas annexed to them. In beginning a course of lec-
tures where such words must often occur, it is necessary to ascertain
their meaning with some precision. Having in the last lecture treat-
ed of taste, I proceed to explain the nature and foundation of criti-
cism. True criticism is the application of taste and of good sense
to the several fine arts. The object which it proposes is, to distin-
guish what is beautiful and what is faulty in every performance ;
from particular instances to ascend to general principles and so to
;

form rules or conclusions concerning the several kinds of beauty in

works of genius.
The rules of criticism are not formed by any induction a priori,
as it is called ; that is, they are not formed by a train of abstract
reasoning, independent of facts and observations. Criticism is an
art founded wholly on experience; on the observations of such beau-
ties as have come nearest to the standard which I before established
that is, of such beauties as have been found to please mankind most
generally. For example Aristotle's rules concerning the unity of
:

action in dramatic and epic composition, were not rules first disco
vered by logical reasoning, and then applied to poetry but they
;

were drawn from the practice of Homer and Sophocles: they were
founded upon observing the superior pleasure which we receive from
the relation of an action which is one and entire, beyond what we
receive from the relation of scattered and unconnected facts. Such
observations taking their rise at first from feeling and experience,
were found on examination to be so consonant to reason and to the
principles of human nature, as to pass into established rules, and to
be conveniently applied for judging^ of the excellency of any per-
formance This is the most natural account of the origin of criti-
cism.
A masterly genius, it is true, will of himself, untaugh-t, compose
in such a manner as shall be agreeable to the most material rules of
criticism for as these rules are founded in nature, nature will often
.

suggest them in practice. Homer, it is more than probable, was ac-

quainted with no systems of the art of poetry. Guided by genius
alone, he composed in verse a regular story, which all posterity has
admired. But this is no argument against the usefulness of criticism
as an art. For as no human genius is perfect, there is no writer but
may receive assistance from critical observations upon the beauties
and faults of those who have gone before him. No obsprvations or
rules can indeed supply the defect of genius, or inspne it where it
 28 CRITICISM. [lect. hi.

is wanting. But they may often direct it into its proper channel;
they may correct its extravagances, and point out to it the most just
and proper imitation of nature. Critical rules are designed chiefly
to show the faults that ought to be avoided. To nature we must be
indebted for the production of eminent beauties.
From what has been said, we are enabled to form a judgment con-
cerning those complaints which it has long been fashionable for petty
authors to make against critics and criticism. Critics have been
represented as the great abridgers of the native liberty of genius; as
the imposers of unnatural shackles and bonds upon writers, from
whose cruel persecution they must fly to the public, and implore its
protection. Such supplicatory prefaces are not calculated to give
very favourable ideas of the genius of the author. For every good
writer will be pleased to have his work examined by the principles
of sound understanding and true taste. The declamations against
criticism commonly proceed upon this supposition, that critics are
such as judge by rule, not by feeling; which is so far from being
true, that they who judge after this manner are pedants, not critics.
For all the rules of genuine criticism I have shown to be ultimately
founded on feeling; and taste and feeling are necessary to guide us
in the application of these rules to every particular instance. As
there is nothing in which all sorts of persons more readily affect to
be judges than in works of taste, there is no doubt that the number
of incompetent critics will always be great. But this affords no
more foundation for a general invective against criticism, than the
number of bad philosophers or reasoners affords against reason and
philosophy.
An objection more plausible maybe formed against criticism, from
the applause that some performances have received from the public,
which, when accurately considered, are found to contradict the
rules established by criticism. Now, according to the principles
laid down in the last lecture, the public is the supreme judge to
whom the last appeal must be made in every work of taste; as the
standard of taste is founded on the sentiments that are natural and
common to all men. But with respect to this, we are to observe, that
the sense of the public is often too hastily judged of. The genuine
public taste docs not always appear in the first applause given upon
the publication of any new work. There are both a great vulgar
and a small, apt to be catched and dazzled by very superficial beau-
ties, the admiration of which in a little time passes away; and some-
times a writer may acquire great temporary reputation merely by
his compliance with the passions or prejudices, with the party-spirit
or superstitious notions that may chance to rule for a time almost a
whole nation. In such cases, though the public may seem to praise,
true criticism may with reason condemn ; and it will in progress of
time gain the ascendant: for the judgment of true criticism, and the
voice of the public, when once become unprejudiced and dispassion-
ate, will ever coincide at last.
Instances, I admit, there are of some works that contain gross
transgressions of the laws of criticism, acquiring, nevertheless, a
lect. in. J GENIUS. 29

general, and even a lasting admiration. Such are the plays of

Shakspeare, which, considered as dramatic poems, are irregular in
the highest degree. But then we are to remark, that they have
gained the public admiration, not by their being irregular, not by
their transgressions of the rules of art, but in spite of such trans-
gressions. They possess other beauties which are conformable to
just rules; and the force of these beauties has been so great as to
overpower all censure, and to give the public a degree of satisfaction
superior to the disgust arising from their blemishes. Shakspeare
pleases, not by his bringing the transactions of many years into one
play; not by his grotesque mixtures of tragedy and comedy in one
piece, nor by the strained thoughts and affected witticisms, which he
sometimes employs. These we consider as blemishes, and impute
them to the grossness of the age in which he lived. But he pleases
by his animated and masterly representations of characters, by tbe
liveliness of his descriptions, the force of his sentiments, and his
possessing, beyond all writers, the natural language of passion:
Beauties which true criticism no less teaches us to place in the
highest rank, than nature teaches us to feel.
I proceed next to explain the meaning of another term, which
there will be frequent occasion to employ in these lectures; that is,
genius.
Taste and genius are two words frequently joined together ; and
therefore by inaccurate thinkers, confounded. They signify, how-
ever, two quite different things. The difference between them can
be clearly pointed out and it is of importance to remember it.
;

Taste consists in the power of judging genius, in the power of

;

executing. One may have a considerable degree of taste in poetry,

eloquence, or any of the fine arts, who has little or hardly any genius
for composition or execution in any of these arts: but genius cannot
be found without including taste also. Genius, therefore, deserves
to be considered as a higher power of the mind than taste. Genius
always imports something inventive or creative ; which does not rest
in mere sensibility to beauty where it is perceived, but which can,
moreover, produce new beauties, and exhibit them in such a manner
as strongly to impress the minds of others. Refined taste forms a
good critic ; but genius is farther necessary to form the poet, or the
orator.
It is proper also to observe, that genius is a word, which, in com-
mon acceptation, extends much farther than to the objects of taste.
It is used to signify that talent or aptitude which we receive from
nature, for excelling in any one thing whatever. Thus we speak of
a genius for mathematics, as well as a genius for poetry ; of a genius
for war, for politics, or for any mechanical employment.
This talent or aptitude for excelling in some one particular, is, I
have said, what we receive from nature. By art and study, no doubt,
it may be greatly improved ; but by them alone it cannot be acquir-

ed. As genius is a higher faculty than taste, it is ever, according to

the usual frugality of nature, more limited in the sphere of its opera-
tions. It is not uncommon to meet with persons who have an excel-
 :

30 PLEASURES OF TASTE. [lect. hi.

lent taste in several of the polite arts, such as music, poetry, painting,
and eloquence, altogether: but, to find one who is an excellent per-
former in all these arts, is much more rare; or rather, indeed, such
an one is not to be looked for. A sort of universal genius, or one
who is equally and indifferently turned towards several different pro-
fessions and arts, is not likely to excel in any. Although there may
be some few exceptions, yet in general it holds, that when the bent
of the mind is wholly directed towards some one object, exclusive in a
manner of others, there is the fairest prospect of eminence in that,
whatever it be. The rays must converge to a point, in order to
glow intensely. This remark I here choose to make, on account of
its great importance to young people; in leading them to examine

with care, and to pursue with ardour, the current and pointing of
nature towards those exertions of genius in which they are most
likely to excel.
xl genius for any of the fine arts, as I before observed, always sup-
poses taste; and it is clear, that the improvement of taste will serve
both to forward and to correct the operations of genius. In propor-
tion as the taste of a poet, or orator, becomes more refined with re-
spect to the beauties of composition, it will certainly assist him to
produce the more finished beauties in his work. Genius, however,
in a poet or orator, may sometimes exist in a higher degree than
taste that is, genius may be bold and strong, when taste is neither
;

very delicate, nor very correct. This is often the case in the infan-
cy of arts a period, when genius frequently exerts itself with great
;

vigour, and executes with much warmth while taste, which requires
;

experience, and improves by slower degrees, hath not yet attained

to its full growth. Homer and Shakspeare are proofs of what I now
assert ; in whose admirable writings are found instances of rudeness
and indelicacy, which the more refined taste of later writers, who
had far inferior genius to them, would have taught them to avoid.
As all human perfection is limited, this may very probably be the
law of our nature, that it is not given to one man to execute with
vigour and fire, and, at the same time, to attend to all the lesser and
more refined graces that belong to the exact perfection of his work
while, on the other hand, a thorough taste for those inferior graces is
for the most part, accompanied with a diminution of sublimity and
force.
Having thus explained the nature of taste, the nature and impor-
tance of criticism, and the distinction between taste and genius;
I am now to consider the sources of the pleasures of taste. Here
opens a very extensive field; no less than all the pleasures of the
imagination, as they are commonly called, whether afforded us by
natural objects, or by the imitations and descriptions of them.
But it is not necessary to the purpose of my lectures, that all these
should be examined fully ; the pleasure which we receive from
discourse, or writing, being the main object of them. All that I
propose is to give some openings into the pleasures of taste in
general ; and to insist more particularly upon sublimity and beauty.
lect. in.] PLEASURES OF TASTE. 31

We are far from having yet attained to any system concerning

this subject. Mr. Addison was the first who attempted a regular in-
quiry, in his Essay on the Pleasures of the Imagination, published in
the sixth volume of the Spectator. He has reduced these pleasures
—
under three heads, beauty, grandeur, and novelty. His specula-
tions on exceedingly profound, are, however, very
this subject, if not
beautiful and entertaining; and he has the merit of having opened
a track, which was before unbeaten. The advances made since his
time in this curious part of philosophical criticism, are not very
considerable though some ingenious writers have pursued the sub-
;

ject. This is owing, doubtless, to that thinness and subtilty which

are found to be properties of all the feelings of taste. They are
engaging objects but when we would lay firm nold of them, and
;

subject them to a regular discussion, they are always ready to elude

our grasp. It is difficult to make a full enumeration of the several
objects that give pleasure to taste it is more difficult to define all
:

those which have been discovered, and to. reduce them under pro-
per classes and, when we would go farther, and investigate the effi
;

cient causes! of the pleasure which we receive from such objects,

here, above all, we find ourselves at a loss. For instance ; we all
learn by experience, that certain figures of bodies appear to us
more beautiful than others. On inquiring farther, we find that the
regularity of some figures, and the graceful variety of others, are
the foundation of the beauty which we discern in them but when ;

we attempt to go a step beyond this, and inquire what is the cause

of regularity and variety producing in our minds the sensation of
beauty, any reason we can assign is extremely imperfect. These
first principles of internal sensation, nature seems to have covered
with an impenetrable veil.
It is some comfort, however,that although the efficient cause be
obscure, the final cause of those sensations lies in many cases more
open and, in entering on this subject, we cannot avoid taking notice
:

of the strong impression which the powers of taste and imagina-

tion are calculated to give us of the benignity of our Creator. By
endowing us with such powers, he hath widely enlarged the sphere
of the pleasure of human life and those, too, of a kind the most
;

pure and innocent. The necessary purposes of life might have

been abundantly answered, though our senses of seeing and hearing
had only served to distinguish external objects, without conveying
to us any of those refined and delicate sensations of beauty and gran-
deur, with which we are now so much delighted. This additional
embellishment and glory, which for promoting our entertainment,
the Author of nature hath poured forth upon his works, is one stri-
king testimony, among many others, of benevolence and goodness.
This thought, which Mr. Addison first started, Dr. Akenside, in his
poem on the Pleasures of the Imagination, has happily pursued.
Not content
With every food of life to nourish man,
By kind illusions of the wondering sense,
Thou mak'st ail nature beauty to his eye,
Or music to his ear.
E
32 SUBLIMITY IN OBJECTS. [lect. hi.

I shall begin with considering the pleasure which arises from sub-
limity or grandeur, which I propose to treat at some length ;
both, as this has a character more precise and distinctly marked
than any other of the pleasures of the imagination, and as it coin-
cides more directly with our main subject. For the greater dis-
tinctness I shall, first, treat of the grandeur or sublimity of external
objects themselves, which will employ the rest of this lecture and, ;

afterwards, of the description of such objects, or, of what is called

the sublime in writing, which shall be the subject of a following
lecture. I distinguish these two things from one another, the gran-
deur of the objects themselves when they are presented to the eye,
and the description of that grandeur in discourse or writing; though
most critics, inaccurately I think, blend them together; and I con-
sider grandeur and sublimity as terms synonymous, or nearly so.
If there be any distinction between them, it arises from sublimity's
expressing grandeur in its highest degree.*
It is not easy to describe, in words, the precise impression which
great and sublime objects make upon us, when we behold them but ;

every one has a conception of it. It produces a sort of internal ele-

vation and expansion it raises the mind much above its ordinary
;

state, and with a degree of wonder and astonishment, which it

fills it

cannot well express. The emotion is certainly delightful; but it is

altogether of the serious kind a degree of awfulness and solem
;

nity, even approaching to severity, commonly attends it when at its

height very distinguishable from the more gay and brisk emotion
;

raised by beautiful objects.

The simplest form of external grandeur appears in the vast and
boundless prospects presented to us by nature such as wide extend-
;

ed plains, to which the eye can see no limits the firmament of

;

heaven ; or the boundless expanse of the ocean. All vastness pro-

duces the impression of sublimity. It is to be remarked, however,
that space extended in length, makes not so strong an impression
as height or depth. Though a boundless plain be a grand object,
yet a high mountain, to which we look up, or an awful precipice or
tower whence we look down on the objects which lie below, is still
more so. The excessive grandeur of the firmament arises from its
height joined to its boundless extent and that of the ocean, not
;

from its extent alone, but from the perpetual motion and irresistible
force of that mass of waters. Wherever space is concerned, it is
clear that amplitude or greatness of extent, in one dimension or
other, is necessary to grandeur. Remove all bounds from any ob-
ject, and you presently render it sublime. Hence infinite space,
endless numbers, and eternal duration, fill the mind with great ideas,
From this some have imagined, that vastness, or amplitude of ex-
tent, is the foundation of all sublimity. But I cannot be of this
opinion, because many objects appear sublime which have no rela-
tion to space at all. Such, for instance, is great loudness of sound.
The burst of thunder or of cannon, the roaring of winds, the shout-
*
See a Philosophical Inquiry into the Origin of our Ideas of the Sublime and
BeaiMful :—Dr. Gerard on Taste, section ii :— Elements of Criticism, chap. iv.
 :

lect. in.] SUBLIMITY IN OBJECTS. 33

ing of multitudes, the sound of vast cataracts of water, are all

incontestably grand objects. "I heard the voice of a great multi-
tude, as the sound of many waters, and of mighty thunderings,
"saying, Allelujah." In general we may observe, that great power
and strength exerted, always raise sublime ideas ; and perhaps the
most copious source of these is derived from this quarter. Hence
the grandeur of earthquakes and burning mountains ; of great
conflagrations ; of the stormy ocean, and overflowing waters ; of
tempests of wind of thunder and lightning; and of all the uncom-
;

mon violence of the elements. Nothing is more sublime than

mighty power and strength. A
stream that runs within its banks, is
a beautiful object, but when it rushes down with the impetuosity and
noise of a torrent, it presently becomes a sublime one. From lions
and other animals of strength, are drawn sublime comparisons in
poets. A race-horse is looked upon with pleasure ; but it is the
war-horse, " whose neck is clothed with thunder," that carries gran-
deur in its idea. The engagement of two great armies, as it is the
highest exertion of human might, combines a variety of sources of
the sublime ; and has accordingly been always considered as one of
the most striking and magnificent spectacles that can be either pre-
sented to the eye, or exhibited to the imagination in description.
For the farther illustration of this subject, it is proper to remark,
that all ideas of the solemn and awful kind, and even bordering on
the terrible, tend greatly to assist the sublime such as darkness, ;

solitude, and silence. What are the scenes of nature that elevate
the mind in the highest degree, and produce the sublime sensation?
Not the gay landscape, the flowery field, or the flourishing city but ;

the hoary mountain, and the solitary lake the aged forest, and the ;

torrent falling over the rock. Hence, too, night-scenes are common-
ly the most sublime. The firmament when filled with stars, scattered
in such vast numbers, and with such magnificent profusion, strikes the
imagination with a more awful grandeur, than when we view it en-
lightened by all the splendour of the sun. The deep sound of a great
bell, or the striking of a great clock, are at any time grand but when ;

heard amid the silence and stillness of the night, they become doub-
ly so. Darkness is very commonly applied for adding sublimity to
all our ideas of the Deity. "He maketh darkness his pavilion; he
" dwelleth in the thick cloud." So Milton
How oft, amidst
Thick clouds and dark, does heaven's all-ruling Sire
Choose to reside, his glory unobscur'd,
And with the majesty of darkness round
Circles his throne Book II. 263.

Observe, with how much art Virgil has introduced all those ideas of
. silence, vacuity, and darkness, when he is going to introduce his hero
to the infernal regions, and to disclose the secrets of the great deep.
Dii, quibus imperium est animarum, umbrarque silentes,
Et Chao?, et Phlegethon, loca nocte silentia lat6,
Sit milii fas audita loqui ; sit numine vestro
Pandere res alta terra et caligine mersas.
Ibant 6bscuri, soli sub nocte, per umbram,
5
 ;

34 SUBLIMITY IN OBJECTS. [lect. in

Perque domos Ditis vacuos, et inania regna ;

Quale per incertain lunam, sub luce maligna
*
Est iter in Sylvis

These passages I quote at present, not so much as instances of sub-

lime writing, though in themselves they truly are so, as to show, by
the effect of them, that the objects which they present to us, belong
to the class of sublime ones.
Obscurity, we are farther to remark, is not unfavourable to the sub-
lime. Though it render the object indistinct, the impression, how-
ever, may be great; for as an ingenious author has well observed,
it is one thing to make an idea clear, and another to make it affect-

ing to the imagination ; and the imagination may be strongly affect-

ed, and, in fact, often is so, by objects of which we have no clear
conception. Thus we see, that almost all the descriptions given us
of the appearances of supernatural beings, carry some sublimity,
though the conceptions which they afford us be confused and indis-
tinct. Their sublimity arises from the ideas, which they always
convey, of superior power and might, joined with an awful obscuri-
ty. We may see this fully exemplified in the following noble pas-
sage of the book of Job. "In thoughts from the visions of the
"night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, fear came upon me, and
"trembling, which made all my bones to shake. Then a spirit
" passed before my face the hair of my flesh stood up it stood
; :

" still ; but I could not discern the form thereof an image was ;

" before mine eyes ; there was silence ; and I heard a voice Shall —
"mortal man be more just than God ?"t (Job iv. 15.) No ideas, it is
plain, are so sublime as those taken from the Supreme Being ; the
most unknown, but the greatest of all objects ; the infinity of whose
nature, and the eternity of whose duration, joined with the omnipo-
tence of his power, though they surpass our conceptions, yet exalt

* Ye subterranean gods, whose awful sway

The gliding ghosts and silent shades obey :

O Chaos, hear and Fhlegethon profound

! !

Whose solemn empire stretches wide around ;

Give me, ye great tremendous powers to tell
!

Of scenes and wonders in the depths of hell

Give mo your mighty secrets to display,
From those black realms of darkness to the day. PITT

Obscure they went through dreary shades that led

;

Along the waste dominions of the dead ;

As wander travellers in woods by night,
By the moon's doubtful and malignant light. drtdkn.

+ The picture which Lucretius has drawn of the dominion of superstition over
mankind, representing it as a portentous spectre showing its head from the clouds
and dismaying the whole human race with its countenance, together with the mag-
nanimity of Epicurus in raising himself up against it, carries all the grandeur of a
sublime, obscure, and awful image.

Humana ante oculos foede cum vita jaceret

In terris, oppressa gravi sub religione,
Qua? caput coeli regionibus ostendebat,
Horribili super aspectu mortalibns instans,
Primum Graius homo mortales tollere contra
Est oculos ansus Lib. »•
lect.iii.] SUBLIMITY IN OBJECTS. 35

them to the highest. In general, all objects that are greatly raised
above us, or far removed from us, either in space or in time, are apt
to strike us as great. Our viewing them, as through the mist of
distance or antiquity, is favourable to the impressions of their subli-
mity.
As obscurity, so disorder too, is very compatible with grandeur ;
nay, frequently heightens it. Few things that are strictly regular
and methodical, appear sublime. We
see the limits on every side ;
we feel ourselves confined there is no room for the mind's exerting
;

any great effort. Exact proportion of parts, though it enters often

into the beautiful, is much disregarded in the sublime. great A
mass of rocks, thrown together by the hand of nature with wildness
and confusion, strike the mind with more grandeur, than if they had
been adjusted to one another with the most accurate symmetry.
In the feeble attempts, which human art can make towards produ-
cing grand objects, (feeble, I mean, in comparison with the powers
of nature,) greatness of dimensions always constitutes a principal
part. No pile of building can convey any idea of sublimity, unless
it be ample and lofty. There is too, in architecture, what is called
greatness of manner; which seems chiefly to arise, from presenting
the object to us in one full point of view so that it shall make its
;

impression whole, entire, and undivided upon the mind. Gothic A

cathedral raises ideas of grandeur in our minds, by its size, its height,
its awful obscurity, its strength, its antiquity, and its durability.
There still remains to be mentioned one class of sublime objects,
which may be called the moral, or sentimental sublime ; arising
from certain exertions of the human mind ; from certain affections,
and actions, of our fellow-creatures. These will be found to be all,
or chiefly, of that class, which comes under the name of magnanimi-
ty or heroism and they produce an effect extremely similar to
:

what is produced by the view of grand objects in nature; filling the

mind with admiration, and elevating it above itself. A
noted in-
stance of this, quoted by all the French critics, is the celebrated
QuHl Mound of Corneille, in the tragedy of Horace. In the fa-
mous combat between the Horatii and the Curiatii, the old Horatius
being informed that two of his sons are slain, and that the third had
betaken himself to flight, at first will not believe the report; but be-
ing thoroughly assured of the fact, is fired with all the sentiments of
high honour and indignation at this supposed unworthy behaviour
of his surviving son. He is reminded, that his son stood alone
against three, and asked what he wished him to have done?
" To have died," he answers. In the same manner Porus, taken
prisoner by Alexander, after a gallant defence, and asked how
he wished to be treated ? answering, " Like a king ;" and Cae-
sar chiding the pilot who was afraid to set out with him in the
storm, "Quid times? Ceesarem vehis;"are good instances of this
sentimental sublime. Wherever, in some critical and high situation,
we behold a man uncommonly intrepid, and resting upon himself;
superior to passion and to fear ; animated by some great principle
36 SUBLIMITY IN OBJECTS. [lect.iii.

to the contempt of popular opinion, of selfish interest, of clangers,

or of death there we are struck with a sense of the sublime.*
;

High virtue is the most natural and fertile source of this moral
sublimity. However, on some occasions, where virtue either has
no place, or is but imperfectly displayed, yet if extraordinary vigour
and force of mind be discovered, we are not insensible to a de-
gree of grandeur in the character; and from the splendid conqueror
or the daring conspirator, whom we are far from approving, we
cannot withhold our admiration.!
I have now enumerated a variety of instances, both in inanimate
objects and in human life, wherein the sublime appears. In all
these instances, the emotion raised in us is of the same kind, although
the objects that produce the emotion be of widely different kinds.
A question next arises, whether we are able to discover some one
fundamental quality in which all these different objects agree, and
which is the cause of their producing an emotion of the same na-
ture in our minds ? Various hypotheses have been formed concern-
ing this but, as far as appears to me, hitherto unsatisfactory.
; Some
have imagined that amplitude, or great extent, joined with simplici-
ty, is either immediately, or remotely, the fundamental quality of
whatever is sublime but we have seen that amplitude is confined
;

to one species of sublime objects, and cannot, without violent strain-

* The sublime, in natural and in moral objects, is brought before us in one

view, and compared tog-ether, in the following' beautiful passage of Akenside's

Pleasures of the Imagination :

Look then abroad through nature to the range

Of planets, suns, and adamantine spheres,
Wheeling, unshaken, thro' the void immense ;

And speak, O man does this capacious scene,

!

With half that kindling majesty dilate

Thy strong conception, as when Rrutus rose,
Refulgent, from the stroke of Ca?sar's fate,
Amid the crowd of patriots and his arm
;

Aloft extending, like eternal Jove,

When guilt brings down the thunder, call'd aloud
On Tully's name, and shook his crimson steel,
And bade the father of his country hail ?
For, lo! the tyrant prostrate on the dust,
And Rome again is free. Book L

t Silius Italicus has studied

to give an august idea of Hannibal, by representing hiin
as surrounded with all his victories, in the place of guards. One who had formed a
design of assassinating him in the midst of a feast, is thus addressed :

Fallit te, mensas, inter quod credis inermem ;

Tot bellis qua?sita viro, tot ccedibus, armat
Majestas seterna ducem. Si admoveris ora
Cannas et Trebiam ante oculos, Trasymenaque busta
Et Pauli stare ingentcm miraberis umbram.
A thought somewhat of the same nature occurs in a French author: "II se
" cache ; mais sa reputation le decouvre II marche sans suite &. sans 6quipage
; ;

" mais chacun, dans son esprit, le met sur un char de triomphe. On compte en le
"voyant, lesennemis qu'il a vaincus, non pas les serviteurs qui le suivent. Tout
" seul qu'il est, on se figure, autour de lui, ses vertus, et ses victolres, qui l'accom-
" pagnent. Moins il est superbe, plus il devient ven6rable." Oraison fun^bre de
M. de Turenne, par M. Flechier. Both these passages are splendid, rather than
sublime. In the first, there is a want of justness in the thought in the second,
:

of simplicity in the expression.

LECT. III.] SUBLIMITY IN OBJECTS. 37

ing be applied to them all. The author of " a Philosophieal In-

" quiry into the origin of our ideas of the sublime and beautiful,"*
to whom we are indebted for several ingenious and original thoughts
upon this subject, proposes a formal theory upon this foundation,
that terror is the source of the sublime, and that no objects have
this character, but such as produce impressions of pain and danger.
It is indeed true, that many sublime and
terrible objects are highly ;

that grandeur does not refuse an alliance with the idea of danger.
But though this is very properly illustrated by the author, (many of
whose sentiments on that head I have adopted,) yet he seems to
stretch his theory too far, when he represents the sublime as con-
sisting wholly in modes of danger, or of pain. For the proper
sensation of sublimity appears to be distinguishable from the sen-
sation of either of these and on several occasions, to be entirely
;

separated from them. In many grand objects, there is no coinci-

dence with terror at all as in the magnificent prospect of wide
;

extended plains, and of the starry firmament or in the moral dis- ;

positions and sentiments, which we view with high admiration and ;

in many painful and terrible objects also, it is clear there is no sort

of grandeur. The amputation of a limb, or the bite of a snake,
are exceedingly terrible but are destitute of all claim whatever to
;

sublimity. I am inclined to think, that mighty force or power,

whether accompanied with terror or not, whether employed in pro-
tecting, or in alarming us, has a better title, than any thing that has
yet been mentioned, to be the fundamental quality of the sublime ;
as, after the review which we have taken, there does not occur to
me any sublime object, into the idea of which, power, strength, and
force, either enter not directly, or are not at least intimately asso-
ciated with the idea, by leading our thoughts to some astonishing
power as concerned in the production of the object. However, I
do not insist upon this as sufficient to found a general theory it is :

enough, to have given this view of the nature and different kinds of
sublime objects by which I hope to have laid a proper foundation
;

for discussing, with greater accuracy, the sublime in writing and

composition.
* Mr. Burke.

QUESTIONS.
How are taste, criticism, and genius, what is remarked ? Why may a mas-
currently employed? What therefore compose agree-
terly genius untaught,
is here necessary ? What is true criti-ably to the most important rules of
cism ; what object does it propose and criticism ? What illustration is given ?
;

how does it proceed ? Of the rules of Why

is this no argument against the
criticism, what is remarked 1 On the usefulness of criticism as an art ? As
observation of what beauties is criti- no observations or rules can supply the
cism founded ? How is this illustrated defects of genius, or inspire it where it
from Aristotle's rules concerning the is wanting, what are their advantages ?
unity of action in dramatic and epic- For what are critical rules chiefly de-
composition? Of such observations, signed ? For what must we look to
 ;;

37 a QUESTIONS. [LECT. III.

nature? What advantage do we de- was the first that attempted a regular
rivefrom what has been said? How inquiry into the sources of the pleasures
have critics been represented? Why of taste; and under what heads has
are not such prefaces calculated to he reduced them ? Of his speculations
give a very favourable idea of the on this subject what is remarked ; and
genius of the author ? Upon what sup- of what has he the merit ? Why have
position do the declamations against not very considerable advances been
criticism commonly proceed? How made since his time, in this part of
does it appear that this is not true? philosophical criticism? What is a very
How is this illustrated ? Why
will the difficult task; and when do we find
number of incompetent critics always ourselves at a loss? How is this illus-
be great and what follows ? What
; trated? Of the efficient and final cause
more plausible objection may be formed of these sensations, what is observed
against criticism ? According to the and, on entering on this subject, what
principles laid down in the last lecture, can we not avoid ? What remark fol-
to whom must the last appeal in every lows ? Without what might the neces-
work of taste be made and why ? ; sary purposes of life have been abun-
With respect to this, what is observed ? dantly answered? Of this additional
How is this observation illustrated ? In embellishment and glory, what is ob-
such cases, of the public, and of true served? By whom, and in what lan-
criticism, what is said? The plays of guage, has this thought been happily
Shakspeare, as dramatic compositions, preserved ?
contain the grossest violations of the With what does our author begin;
laws of criticism why then are they
; and why does he propose to treat it at
admired ? With what, in his writings, some length? What is the order in
are we displeased; but in what does which he proposes to treat it ? What
he surpass all other writers? What two things does our author distinguish
does our author next proceed to ex- and what does he consider synonimous
plain ? How do taste and genius differ ? terms? If there be any distinction
How is this difference illustrated ? between them, whence does it arise ?
What does genius, therefore, deserve What is it not easy to describe in
to be considered and Avhat does it im- words? What effect does it produce?
;

port ? Which forms the critic and What is the nature of the emotion that
;

which the poet and orator? On the it produces; and from what is this
common acceptation of the word genius, very distinguishable? In what does
what is it proper to observe and what the simplest form of external grandeur
;

is it used to signify ? How is this illus- appear? What examples are given?
trated ? Whence is this talent for ex- Though all vastness produces the im-
celling received ? Of the effect of art pression of sublimity, yet, what is to be
and study, what is remarked ? How is remarked ? How is this illustrated ?
the remark illustrated, that genius is Whence arises the excessive grandeur
more limited in its sphere of operation of the firmament ; and of the ocean ?
than taste ? What is said of a universal Wherever space is concerned, what is
genius and why ?
; Why
is this remark evident ? How is this illustrated and ;

here made ? As a genius for the fine hence, what follows ? From this, what
arts supposes taste, what is clear? have some imagined 1 Why
is not our

How is this illustrated, in reference to author of this opinion ? What are in-
a poet or an orator ? What remark fol- contestably grand objects ? What il-
lows, and when is this the case? Of lustration is given? In general, what
the writings of Homer and Shakspeare, may we observe and hence, what fol-
;

as proofs of this observation, what is lows ? When is a stream of water beau-

said? As all human perfection is limit- tiful ; and when sublime ? From what
ed, what, in all probability, is a law of animals do we draw sublime compari-
our nature? Having explained the sons ? What remark follows ? How has
nature of taste, &c. what are we next the engagement of two great armies
to consider ? How extensive is the field always been considered; and why?
that is here opened to us ? Why
need Farther to illustrate this subject, what
not all these be examined fully ? What is it proper to remark ? " What are the
is all that our author proposes? Who
scenes of nature that elevate the mind
LECT. IV.] QUESTION* 37 b

in the highest degree, and produce the displayed, can we not withhold our ad-
sublime sensation?" Hence, what fol- miration ? Of the emotion raised in the
lows ; and what illustration is given ? variety of instances enumerated, what
For what purpose is darkness very is said? What question next arises?

commonly applied ? What illustrations What have some imagined to be the

are given from David, from Milton fundamental quality of the sublime;
and from Virgil ? For what are these but what have we seen? What theory
passages here quoted ? From what ob- is proposed by Mr. Burke what is said ;

servation does it appear that obscurity of it and why ? In what grand ob-
;

is not unfavourable to the sublime ? jects, or moral dispositions and senti-

Thus, in the descriptions of the ap- ments, is there no coincidence with
pearances of supernatural beings, what terror ; and in what terrible objects,
do we see ? From what does their sub- also, there no sort of grandeur ?
is

limity arise ? In what passage may we What is our author inclined to think is
see this fully exemplified ? Why
are the fundamental quality of the sub-
ideas taken from the Supreme Being lime and for what reason ?
;

more sublime than any others? In

general, what objects strike us as great;
and what is favourable to the impres- ANALYSIS.
sions of their sublimity ? How does it
appear that disorder frequently heigh- 1. Criticism.
tens grandeur? Of exact proportion a. The definition of Criticism.
of parts, what is said ? How is this il- b. The nature and object of Criti-
lustrated from an irregular mass of cism.
rocks ? In the attempts which human c. Objections to it considered.
art can make towards producing the 2. Genius.
sublime, what always constitutes a a. The distinction between Taste
principal part ? From what does great- a ud Genius.
v

ness of manner, in architecture, seem B. Tie nature of Genius.

chiefly to arise? By what does a Gothic c. The connexion between Taste
cathedral raise ideas of grandeur in the and Genius.
mind ? What class of sublime objects 3. The
pleasures of Taste.
still remain to be mentioned and from
; a. Mr. Addison's Theory.
what do they arise ? Under what B. The sources of the pleasures of
names do they chiefly fall and what
; Taste.
effect do they produce ? Repeat the 4. Grandeur, or Sublimity, in external
instances given from Corneille, from objects.
Porus and Alexander, and from Caesar A. The nature of Sublimity.
and the pilot. Where are we struck B. The sources of Sublimity.
with a sense of the sublime ? Repeat c. Solemn and awful objects.
the passage from Akenside. What is d. Obscurity.
the most natural source of this sub- E. Disorder.
limity? On what occasions, when virtue F. Moral Sublimity.
cither has no place, or is imperfectly g The foundation of the Sublime.
.

LECTURE IV.

THE SUBLIME IN WRITING.

Having treated of grandeur or sublimity in external objects, the
way seems now to be cleared, for treating, with more advantage, of
the descriptions of such objects ; or, of what is called the sublime in
writing. Though I may appear early to enter on the consideration
of this subject ;
yet, as the sublime is a species of writing which de
 ;

38 SUBLIMITY IN WRITING. [lect. iv.

pends less than any other on the artificialembellishments of rheto-

ric, it may be examined with as much propriety here, as in any sub-
sequent part of the lectures.
Many critical terms have unfortunately been employed in a sense
too loose and vague none more so, than that of the sublime.
;

Every one is acquainted with the character of Caesar's Commenta-

ries, and of the style in which they are written a style remarkably
:

pure, simple, and elegant but the most remote from the sublime
;

of any of the classical authors. Yet this author has a German critic,
Johannes Gulielmus Bergerus, who wrote no longer ago than the
year 1720, pitched upon as the perfect model of the sublime, and has
composed a quarto volume, entitled Ds naturalipulchritudine Ora-
tionis ; the express intention of which is to show, that Caesar's Com-
mentaries contain the most complete exemplification of all Longi-
nus's rules relating to sublime writing. This I mention as a strong
proof of the confused ideas which have prevailed, concerning this
subject. The true sense of sublime writing, undoubtedly, is such a
description of objects, or exhibition of sentiments, which are in
themselves of a sublime nature, as shall give us strong impressions
of them. But there is another very indefinite, and therefore very
improper, sense, which has been too often put upon it; when it is
applied to signify any remarkable and distinguishing excellency of
composition ; whether it raise in us the ideas of grandeur, or those
of gentleness, elegance, or any other sort of beauty. In this sense,
Caesar's Commentaries may, indeed, be termed sublime, and so may
many sonnets, pastorals, and love elegies, as well as Homer's Iliad.
But this evidently confounds the use of words, and marks no one
species, or character, of composition whatever.
I am sorry to be obliged to observe, that the sublime is too often
used in this last and improper sense, by the celebrated critic Longi-
nus, in his treatise on this subject. He sets out, indeed, with des-
cribing it in its just and proper meaning as something that elevates
;

the mind above itself, and fills it with high conceptions, and a noble
pride. But from this view of it he frequently departs and substi-
;

tutes in the place of it, whatever, in any strain of composition, pleases

highly. Thus, many of the passages which he produces as instances
of the sublime, are merely elegant, without having the most distant
relation to proper sublimity witness Sappho's famous ode, on which
;

he descants at considerable length. He points out five sources of

the sublime. The first is boldness or grandeur in the thoughts
the second is, the pathetic; the third, the proper application of
figures the fourth, the use of tropes and beautiful expressions the
; ;

fifth,musical structure and arrangement of words. This is the plan

of one who was writing a treatise of rhetoric, or of the beauties of
writing in general ; not of the sublime in particular. For of these
five heads, only the two first have any peculiar relation to the sub-
lime ; boldness and grandeur in the thoughts, and in some instances,
the pathetic, or strong exertions of passion ; the other three, tropes,
figures, and musical arrangement, have no more relation to the
sublime, than to other kinds of good writing; perhaps less to the
 lect. iv.] SUBLIMITY IN WRITING. 39

sublime, than to any other species whatever ; because it requires

less the assistance of ornament. From this it appears, that clear and
precise ideas on this head are not to be expected from that writer.
I would not, however, be understood, as if I meant, by this censure,
to represent his treatise as of small value. I know no critic, ancient
or modern, that discovers a more lively relish of the beauties of fine
writing, than Longinus ; and he has also the merit of being himself
an excellent, and in several passages, a truly sublime, writer. But
as his work has been generally considered as a standard on this sub-
ject, it was incumbent on me to give my opinion concerning the
benefit to be derived from it. It deserves to be consulted, not so
much for distinct instruction concerning the sublime, as for excellent
general ideas concerning beauty in writing.
I return now to the proper and natural idea of the sublime in
composition. The foundation of it must always be laid in the na-
ture of the object described. Unless it be such an object as, if pre-
sented to our eyes, if exhibited to us in reality, would raise ideas of
that elevating, that awful and magnificent kind, which we call sub-
lime the description, however finely drawn, is not entitled to come
;

under this class. This excludes all objects that are merely beautiful,
gay, or elegant. In the next place, the object must not only, in it-
self, be sublime, but it must be set before us in such a light as is most
proper to give us a clear and full impression of it it must be des-
;

cribed with strength, with conciseness, and simplicity. This depends,

principally, upon the lively impression which the poet, or orator, has
of the object which he exhibits and upon his being deeply affected,
;

and warmed, by the sublime idea which he would convey. If his own
feeling be languid, he can never inspire us with any strong emotion.
Instances, which are extremely necessary on this subject, will clearly
show the importance of all the requisites which I have just now
mentioned.
It is, generally speaking, among the most ancient authors, that
we are to look for themost striking instances of the sublime. I am
inclined to think that the early ages of the world, and the rude unim-
proved state of society, are peculiarly favourable to the strong emo-
tions of sublimity. The genius of men is then much turned to admi-
ration and astonishment. Meeting with many objects, to them new
and strange, their imagination is kept glowing, and their passions are
often raised to the utmost. They think, and express themselves
boldly, and without restraint. In the progress of society, the genius
and manners of men undergo a change more favourable to accuracy,
than to strength or sublimity.
Of all writings, ancient or modern, the sacred Scriptures afford us
• the highest instances of the sublime. The descriptions of the Deity,
in them, are wonderfully noble both from the grandeur of the ob-
;

ject and the manner of representing it. What an assemblage, for

instance, of awful and sublime ideas is presented to us, in that pas-
sage of the xviiith psalm, where an appearance of the Almighty is
described : " In my distress I called upon the Lord ; he heard my
K voice out of his temple^ asO my cry ca:r,e before h:m. Then.
40 SUBLIMITY IN WRITING. [lect.iv.

" the earth shook and trembled the foundations also of the hills
;

" were moved because he was wroth. He bowed the heavens, and
;

" came down, and darkness was under his feet; and he did ride up-
" on a Cherub, and did fly yea, he did fly upon the wings of the
;

" wind; He made darkness his secret place his pavilion round
;

" about him were dark waters, and thick clouds of the sky/' Here,
agreeably to the principles established in the last lecture, we see
with what propriety and success the circumstances of darkness and
terror are applied for heightening the sublime. So, also, the pro-
phet Habakkuk, in a similar passage " He stood, and measured
:

"the earth he beheld, and drove asunder the nations. The ever-
:

" lasting mountains were scattered ; the perpetual hills did bow ;
" his ways are everlasting. The mountains saw thee ; and they
" trembled. The overflowing of the water passed by. The deep
" uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high."
The noted instance given by Longinus, from Moses, " God said,
" letthere be light; and there was light ;" is not liable to the censure
which I passed on some of his instances, of being foreign to the
subject. It belongs to the true sublime ; and the sublimity of it
arises from the strong conception it gives, of an exertion of power,
producing its effect with the utmost speed and facility. A thought
of the same kind is magnificently amplified in the following passage
of Isaiah: (chap. xliv. 24, 27, 28.) "Thus saith the Lord, thy Re-
" deemer, and he that formed thee from the womb I am the Lord
:

" that maketh all things, that stretchcth forth the heavens alone, that
—
" spreadeth abroad the earth by myself that saith to the deep, be
" dry, and 1 will dry up thy rivers that saith of Cyrus, he is my
;

" shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure; even, saying to Je-
" rusalem, thou shalt be built and to the temple, thy foundation
;

" shall be laid." There is a passage in the psalms, which deserves

to be mentioned under this head: "God," says the psalmist, "stil-
" leth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tu-
" mults of the people." The joining together two such grand ob-
jects, as the raging of the waters, and the tumults of the people,
between which there is so much resemblance as to form a very na-
tural association in the fancy, and the representing them both as sub-
ject, at one moment, to the command of God, produces a noble ef-
fect.
Homer is a poet, who, in all ages, and by all critics, has been
greatly admired for sublimity and he owes much of his grandeur
;

to that native and unaffected simplicity which characterizes his man-

ner. His descriptions of hosts engaging the animation, the fire,
;

and rapidity, which he throws into his battles, present to every reader
of the Iliad, frequent instances of sublime writing. His introduc-
tion of the gods, tends often to heighten, in a high degree, the ma-
jesty of his warlike scenes. Hence Longinus bestows such high and
just commendations on that passage, in the xvth book of the Iliad,
where Neptune, when preparing to issue forth into the engagement
is described as shaking the mountains with his steps, and driving

his chariot along the ocean. Minerva, arming herself for fight in
 — ::

lect. iv.] SUBLIMITY IN WRITING. 41

the vth book and Apollo, in the xvth, leading on the Trojans,
;

and flashing terror with his iEgis on the face of the Greeks, are simi
lar instances of great sublimity added to the description of battles,
by the appearances of those celestial beings. In the xxth book,
where all the gods take part in the engagement, according as they
severally favour either the Grecians or the Trojans, the poet's ge-
nius is signally displayed, and the description rises into the most
awful magnificence. All nature is represented as in commotion.
Jupiter thunders in the heavens Neptune strikes the earth with ;

his trident; the ship'.*, the city, and the mountains shake; the earth
trembles to its centre Pluto starts from his throne, in dread lest
;

the secrets of the infernal region should be laid open to the view of
mortals. The passage is worthy of being inserted.
The works of Ossian (as I have elsewhere shown) abound with
AoT« i~l\ /LAtB' 0Ul\CV 'OXVUTTlOt MAvQoV OtPeTgaHl,
v
Q.pto tr'"Ep/c k^*ts?h, X'Jlocsoo*;' aui J'' 'ASd'vx, —
Aus <T ''Agwr eTSgaSev, tpifjivYi X4i\x7ri <Voc,
"CI; Tx;a./m$a>TS£!sc /udx.xQe; Biol or^uvovn;,
3
'S.u/utfia.Kov, \t S wrote eg/J^* $wymvra fiagtiAV.
AilVOV J' i@pivTH<Ti CTltTttg ctvf^lfV T£ 8s&>V T8
P
'

Y4-c8iV aiiTsig hepQt Uoa-nS'^ajv irtlttZi

Tcttctv cLViigia-'M , ogeaiv t' ttiviNa. Kct^nvx.
Tlcivnc eT' tero-tioYTO WoJis 7ro\u7riS'ax.t: '
iJnf,
Kot) xogi/<j>*i, Tgw*' t" 6 7rb>Js, v*i viisc
'

A^aiSr.
''ES'S'tlo-iv ef* uirhepQtv a'l&£ ivi^cDV, 'AiJamuc,
AciVet; <f i» flgovK *Vro, ko.1 ?*%f (U» t>i ua'tgfl*

Tttlzv cLv*pp»'£m 1\.6<tu£j.uv tvoa-i^QaVf

Oix.1*. (Ts Bv»To1tI »»' dQllVOLTOlV-l QttVtHl
1uigS^\t, Siig«s8»*4, rai ts <rvy'txo-t 620} a-«/>

Xos-a-oc <*g* ic ri i5to{ aigTo 9e»v IflJi ^uvJovToiy.

Iliad, xx. 47. &c.

But when the powers descending swell'd the fight,

Then tumult rose, fierce rage, and pale affright
Now through the trembling shores Minerva calls,
And now she thunders from the Grecian walls.
Mars, hov'ring o'er his Troy, his terror shrouds
In gloomy tempests, and a night of '•louds ;

Now through each Trojan heart he fury pours,

With voice divine, from Ilion's topmost towers —
Above, the sire of gods his thunder rolls,
And peals on peals redoubled rend the poles;
Beneath, stern Neptune shakes the solid ground,
The forests wave, the mountains nod around ;
Through all her summits tremble Ida's woods,
And from their sources boil her hundred floods
Troy's turrets totter on the rocking plain,
And the toss'd navies beat the heaving main.
Deep in the dismal region of the dead,
Th' infernal monarch rear'd his horrid head,
Leapt from his throne, lest Neptune's arm should lay
His dark dominions open to the day ;
And pour in light on Pluto's drear abodes,
Abhorr'd by men, and dreadful ev'n to gods.
Such wars th' immortals wage ; such horrors rend
The world's vast concave, when the gods contend.
6
42 SUBLIMITY IN WRITING. [_
l ect. iv

examples of the sublime. The subjects of which that author treats,

and the manner in which he writes, are particularly favourable to it.
He possesses all the plain and venerable manner of the ancient times.
He deals in no superfluous or gaudy ornaments but throws forth
;

his images with a rapid conciseness, which enables them to strike the
mind with the greatest force. Among poets of more polished times
we are to look for the graces of correct writing, for just proportion
of parts, and skilfully conducted narration. In the midst of smiling
scenery and pleasurable themes, the gay and the beautiful will ap-
pear, undoubtedly, to more advantage. But amidst the rude scenes
of nature and of society, such as Ossian describes amidst rocks
;

and torrents, and whirlwinds and battles, dwells the sublime and ;

naturally associates itself with that grave and solemn spirit which
distinguishes the author of Fingal. "As autumn's dark storms
" pour from two echoing hills, so toward each other approached the
" heroes. As two dark streams from high rocks meet and mix, and
((
roar on the plain ; loud, rough, and dark, in battle met Lochlin
" and Inisfail chief mixed his strokes with chief, and man with
:

" man. Steel clanging sounded on steel. Helmets are cleft on

" high blood bursts, and smoke around. As the troubled noise
:

" of the ocean when roll the waves on high ; as the last peal of the
" thunder of heaven such is the noise of battle. The groan of
;

" the people spreads over the hills. It was like the thunder of night,
" when the cloud bursts on Cona, and a thousand ghosts shriek at
" once on the hollow wind." Never were images of more awful
sublimity employed to heighten the terror of battle.
I have produced these instances, in order to demonstrate that
conciseness and simplicity are essential to sublime writing. Sim-
plicity I place in opposition to studied and profuse ornament: and
conciseness, to superfluous expression. The reason why a defect,
either in conciseness or simplicity, is hurtful in a peculiar manner
to the sublime, I shall endeavour to explain. The emotion occa-
sioned in the mind by some great or noble object, raises it consi-
derably above its ordinary pitch. A sort of enthusiasm is produced,
extremely agreeable while it lasts; but from which the mind is ten-
ding every moment to fall down into its ordinary situation. Now,
when an author has brought us, or is attempting to bring us, into
this state ; if he multiplies words unnecessarily if he decks the sub-
;

lime object which he presents to us, round and round, with glittering
ornaments; nay, if he throws in any one decoration that sinks in the
least below the capital image, that moment he alters the key ; he
relaxes the tension of the mind; the strength of the feeling is emas-
culated, the beautiful may remain, but the sublime is gone. When
Julius Caesar said to the pilot who was afraid to put to sea with him
in a storm, " Quid times ? Caesarem vehis ;" we are struck with the
daring magnanimity of one relying with such confidence on his cause
and his fortune. These few words convey every thing necessary
to give us the impression full. Lucan resolved to amplify and adorn
the thought. Observe how every time he twists it round, it departs
farther from the sublime, till it ends at last in tumid declamation.
 j —

lect. iv. SUBLIMITY IN WRITING. 43

Sperne minas, inquit, pelagi, ventoque furcntl

Trade siniun Italian), si, ccelo auctore, recusas,
:

Me pete. Sola tibi causa liac estjusta timoris

Victorem non n6sse tuum ; quern nuinina nunquam
Destituent ; de quo male tunc Fortuna meretur
Cum post vota venit. Medias perrumpe procellas
Tutela secure mea. Co?li iste fretique
Non puppis nostne labor est. Hanc Ca?sare pressam
A fluctu defendet onus nam proderit undis ;

fsta ratis. .Quid tanta strage paratur

. .

Ignoras ? quaerit pelagi ccelique tumultu

Quid praestet fortuna mihi.* phars. v. 678.

On account of the great importance of simplicity and concise-

ness, I conceive rhyme, in English verse, to be, if not inconsistent
with the sublime, at least very unfavourable to it. The constrained
elegance of this kind of verse, and studied smoothness of the sounds,
answering regularly to each other at the end of the line, though they
be quite consistent with gentle emotions, yet weaken the native
force of sublimity besides, that the superfluous words which the
;

poet is often obliged to introduce in order to fill up the rhyme, tend

farther to enfeeble it. Homer's description of the nod of Jupiter,
as shaking the heavens, has been admired, in all ages, as highly sub-
lime. Literally translated, it runs thus: "He spoke, and bending
" his sable brows, gave the awful nod while he shook the celestial ;

" locks of his immortal head, all Olympus was shaken." Mr. Pope
translates it thus :

He spoke and awful bends his sable brows,

:

Shakes his ambrosial curls, and gives the nod,

The stamp of fate, and sanction of a God.
High heaven with trembling the dread signal took,
And all Olympus to its centre shook.

The image spread out, and attempted to be beautified ; but it

is
is, in truth, weakened. The third line " The stamp of fate, and —
" sanction of a God," is merely expletive, and introduced for no

* But Caesar still superior to distress,

Fearless, and confident of sure success,

Thus to the pilot loud: The seas despise, —
And the vain threat'ning of the noisy skies ;
Though gods deny thee yon Ausonian strand,
Yet go, I charge you, go, at my command.
Thy ignorance alone can cause thy fears,
Thou know'st not what a freight thy vessel bears ;

Thou know'st not I am he to whom 'tis given,

Never to want the care of watchful heaven.
Obedient fortune waifs my humble thrall,
And always ready, comes before I call.
Let winds and seas, loud wars at freedom wage,
And waste upon themselves their empty rage ;
A stronger, mightier da>mon is thy friend,
Thou, and thy bark, on Caesar's fate depend.
Thou stand'st amaz'd to view this dreadful scene,
And wonder'st what the gods and fortune mean ;
But artfully their bounties thus they raise,
And from my danger arrogate new praise;
Amidst the fears of death they bid me live,
And still enhance what they are sure to give. rows
4i SUBLIMITY IN WRITING. [lect. iv.

other reason but to fill up the rhyme; for it interrupts the descrip-
tion, and clogs the image. For the same reason, out of mere com-
pliance with the rhyme, Jupiter is represented as shaking his locks
before he gives the nod ; —
" Shakes his ambrosial curls, and gives
" the nod," which is trifling, and without meaning: whereas, in the
original, the hair of his head shaken, is the effect of his nod, and
makes a happy picturesque circumstance in the description.*
The boldness, freedom, and variety of our blank verse, is infinite-
ly more favourable than rhyme, to all kinds of sublime poetry. The
fullest proof of this is afforded by Milton an author whose genius
;

led him eminently to the sublime. The whole first and second
books of Paradise Lost, arc continued instances of it. Take only,
for an example, the following noted description of Satan, after his
fall, appearing at the head of the infernal hosts :

-He, above the rest,

In shape and gesture proudly eminent,
Stood like a tower his form had not yet lost
;

All her original brightness, nor appear'd

Less than archangel ruin'd ; and the excess
Of glory obscur'd: as when the sun new risen,
Looks through the horizontal misty air,
Shorn of his beams or, from behind the moon,
;

In dim eclipse, disastrous twilight sheds

On half the nations, and with fear of change
Perplexes monarchs. Darken'd so, yet shone
Above them all th' archangel.

Here concur a variety of sources of the sublime : the principal ob-

ject eminently great; a high superior nature, fallen indeed, buterect-
ing itself against distress the grandeur of the principal object
;

heightened, by associating it with so noble an idea as that of the sun

suffering an eclipse; this picture shaded with all those images of
change and trouble, of darkness and terror, which coincide so finely
with the sublime emotion and the whole expressed in a style and
;

versification, easy, natural, and simple, but magnificent.

I have spoken of simplicity and conciseness, as essential to sublime
writing. In my general description of it, I mentioned strength, as
another necessary requisite. The strength of description arises, in
a great measure, from a simple conciseness but, it supposes also
;

something more namely, a proper choice of circumstances in the

;

description, so as to exhibit the object in its full and most striking

point of view. For every object has several faces, so to speak, by
which it may be presented to us, according to the circumstances with
which we surround it ; and it will appear eminently sublime, or not,
in proportion as all these circumstances are happily chosen, and of a
sublime kind. Here lies the great art of the writer ; and, indeed,
the great difficulty of sublime description. If the description be
too general, and divested of circumstances, the object appears in a
faint light ; it makes a feeble impression, or no impression at all, on
the reader. At the same time, if any trivial or improper circum-
stances are mingled, the whole is degraded.

* See Webb on the Beauties of Poetry.

 : ;

lect. iv.] SUBLIMITY IN WRITING. 45

A storm or tempest, for instance, is a sublime object in nature

But to render it sublime in description, it is not enough either to give
us mere general expressions concerning the violence of the tempest,
or to describeits common vulgar effects, in overthrowing trees and
houses. must be painted with such circumstances as fill the mind
It
with great and awful ideas. This is very happily done by Virgil, in
the following passage
Ipse Pater, media nimborum in nocte, coruscd
Fulmina molitur dextra; quo maxima motu
Terra tremit ; fugere fera; ; et mortalia corda
Per gentes humilis stravit pavor Ille flagranti
:

Aut Atho, ant Rhodopen, aut alta Ceraunia telo

Dejicit.*. geor. i.

Every circumstance in the production of

this noble description is

an imagination heated and astonished with the grandeur of the object.

If there be any defect, it is in the words immediately following those
I have quoted " lngeminant Austri, et densissimus imber ;" where
:

the transition is made too hastily, I am afraid, from the preceding

sublime images, to a thick shower, and the blowing of the south
wind ; and shows how difficult it frequently is to descend with grace,
without seeming to fall.
The high importance of the rule which I have been now giving,
concerning the proper choice of circumstances, when description is
meant to be sublime, seems to me not to have been sufficiently at-
tended to. It has, however, such a foundation in nature, as renders
the least deflexion from it fatal. When a writer is aiming at the
beautiful only, his descriptions may have improprieties in them, and
yet be beautiful still. Some trivial, or misjudged circumstances, can
be overlooked by the reader; they make only the difference of more
or less the gay, or pleasing emotion, which he has raised, subsists
:

still. But the case is quite different with the sublime. There, one
trifling circumstance, one mean idea, is sufficient to destroy the whole
charm. This is owing to the nature of the emotion aimed at by
sublime description, which admits of no mediocrity, and cannot sub-
sist in a middle state ; but must either highly transport us, or, if un-
successful in the execution, leave us greatly disgusted and displeased.
We attempt to' rise along with the writer; the imagination is awaken-
ed, and put upon the stretch ; but it requires to be supported ; and
if, in the midst of its efforts, you desert it unexpectedly, down it

comes with a painful shock. When Milton, in his battle of the

The father of the gods liis glory shrouds,
Involv'd in tempests, and a night of clouds ;
And from the middle darkness flashing out,
By fits he deals his fiery bolts about.
Earth feels the motions of her angry God,
Her entrails tremble, and her mountains nod,
nod, >
And flying beasts in forests seek abode.
Deep horror seizes every human breast
Their pride is humbled, and their fears confest :
While he, from high, his rolling thunder throws,
And fires the mountains with repeated blows;
The rocks are from their old foundations rent,
The winds redouble, and the rains augment. DSVDBKi
G
 ;

46 SUBLIMITY IN WRITING. [lect. iv.

angels, decribes them as tearing up the mountains, and throwing

them one another there are, in his description, as Mr. Addison
at :

has observed, no circumstances but what are properly sublime:

From their foundations loos'ning to and fro,
They pluck'd the seated hills, with all their load,
Rocks, waters, woods and by the shaggy tops
;

Uplifting, bore them in their hands.

Whereas Claudian, in a fragment upon the wars of the giants, has

contrived to render this idea of their throwing the mountains, which
is in itself so grand, burlesque and ridiculous; by this single circum-

stance, of one of his giants with the mountain Ida upon his shoulders,
and a river which flowed from the mountain, running down along
the giant's back, as he held it up in that posture. There is a de-
scription too in Virgil, which, I think, is censurable; though more
slightly in this respect. It is that of the burning mountain iEtna a ;

subject certainly very proper to be worked up by a poet into a sub

lime description :

Horrificis juxta tonat JEtna minis.

Interdumque atram prorumpit ad a^thera nubem,
Turbine fumantem piceo, et candente favilla;
Attollitque globos flammaruin, et sidera lambit.
Interdum scopulos, avulsaque viscera montis
Erigit eructans, liquefactaque saxa sub auras
Cum gemitu glomerat, fundoque exa?stuat imo.* s.'S. in. 571.

Here, after several magnificent images, the poet concludes with per-
sonifying the mountain under this figure, " eructans viscera cum
gemitu," belching up its bowels with a groan which, by likening ;

the mountain to a sick or drunk person, degrades the majesty of the

description. It is to no purpose to tell us, that the poet here al-
ludes to the fable of the giant Enceladus lying under mount iEtna
and that he supposes his motions and tossings to have occasioned
the fiery eruptions. He intended the description of a sublime ob-
ject; and the natural ideas, raised by a burning mountain, are infinite-
ly more lofty, than the belchingsof any giant, how huge soever. The
debasing effect of the idea which is here presented, will appear in a
stronger light, by seeing what figure it makes in a poem of Sir Rich-
ard Blackmore's, who, through a monstrous perversity of taste, had
chosen this for the capital circumstance in his description, and there-
by (as Dr. Arbuthnot humourously observes, in his Treatise on the
Art of Sinking,) had represented the mountain as in a fit of thecholic.
JEtna., and all the burning mountains, find
Their kindled stores with inbred storms of wind

* Th? port capacious, and secure from wind,

Is to the footof thundering iEtna join'd.
By turns a pitchy cloud she rolls on high,
By turns hot embers from her entrails fly,
And flakes of mounting flames that lick the sky.
Oft from her bowels massy rocks are thrown,
And shiver'd by the force, come piece-meal down.
Oft liquid lakes of burning sulphur flow,
Fed from the fiery springs that boil below. dryden.
In this translation of Dryden 's, the debasing circumstance to which I object in the
anginal, is, with propriety, omitted.
lect. iv.] SUBLIMITY IN WPxITING. 47

Blown up to rage, and roaring out complain,

As tom with inward gripes, and torturing pain ;

Labouring, they cast their dreadful vomit round,

And with theirmelted bowels spread the ground.

Such instances show how much the sublime depends upon a just
and with how great care every circum-
selection of circumstances;
stance must be avoided, which by bordering in the least upon the
mean or even upon the gay or the trifling, alters the tone of the
emotion.
If it shall be inquired, what are the proper sources of the
now
sublime ? my answer
is, that they are to be looked for every where

in nature. It is not by hunting after tropes, and figures, and rhetori-

cal assistances, that we can expect to produce it. No it stands :

clear, for the most part, of these laboured refinements of art. It

.nust come unsought, if it comes at all and be the natural offspring
;

of a strong imagination.
Est Deus in nobis ; agitante calescimus illo.

Wherever a great and awful object is presented in nature, or a

very magnanimous and exalted affection of the human mind is dis-
played thence, if you can catch the impression strongly, and exhibit
;

it warm and glowing, you may draw the sublime. These are its only

proper sources. In judging of any striking beauty in composition,

whether it is, or is not, to be referred to this class, we must attend to
the nature of the emotion which it raises and only, if it be of that
;

elevating, solemn, and awful kind, which distinguishes this feeling,

we can pronounce it sublime.
From the account which I have given of the nature of the sub-
lime; it clearly follows, that it is an emotion which can never be long
protracted. The mind, by no force of genius, can be kept, for any
considerable time, so far raised above its common tone but will, of ;

course, relax into its ordinary situation. Neither are the abilities of
any human writer sufficient to furnish a long continuation of uninter-
rupted sublime ideas. The utmost we can expect is, that this fire of
imagination should sometimes flash upon us like lightning from
heaven, and then disappear. In Homer and Milton, this effulgence
of genius breaks forthmore frequently, and with greater lustre, than
in most authors. Shakspeare also rises often into the true sublime.
But no author whatever is sublime throughout. Some indeed,
there are, who, by a strength and dignity in their conceptions, and
a current of high ideas that runs through their whole composition,
preserve the reader's mind always in a tone nearly allied to the sub-
lime; for which reason they may, in a limited sense, merit the name
of continued sublime writers ; and, in this class, we may justly place
D.emosthenes and Plato.
As for what is called the sublime style, it is, for the most part, a
very bad one and has no relation, whatever, to the real sublime.
;

Persons are apt to imagine, that magnificent words, accumulated

epithets, and a certain swelling kind of expression, by rising above
what is usual or vulgar, contributes to, or even forms, the sublime.
Nothing can be more false. In all the instances of sublime writing,
48 SUBLIMITY IN WRITING. [lect. iv.

which I have given, nothing of this kind appears. "God said, let
" there he light; and there was light." This is striking and sublime.
But put it into what is commonly called the sublime style " The :

" sovereign arbiter of nature, by the potent energy of a single

" word, commanded the light to exist ;" and, as Boileau has well
observed, the style indeed is raised, but the thought is fallen. In
general, in all good writing, the sublime lies in the thought, not in
the words and when the thought is truly noble, it will for the most
;

part, clothe itself in a native dignity of language. The sublime,

indeed, rejects mean, low, or trivial expressions but it is equally ;

an enemy to such as are turgid. The main secret of being sublime,

is to say great things in few and plain words. It will be found to
hold without exception, that the most sublime authors are the sim-
plest in their styleand wherever you find a writer, who affects a
;

more than ordinary pomp and parade of words, and is always endea-
vouring to magnify his subject by epithets, there you may immedi-
ately suspect, that, feeble in sentiment, he is studying to support him-
selfby mere expression.
The same unfavourable judgment we must pass, on all that la-
boured apparatus with which some writers introduce a passage, or
description, which they intend shall be sublime; calling on their
readers to attend, invoking their muse, or breaking forth into gene-
ral, unmeaning exclamations, concerning the greatness, terribleness,
or majesty of the object, which they are to describe. Mr. Addison,
in his Campaign, has fallen into an error of this kind, when about to
describe the battle of Blenheim.
But O my muse what numbers
! wilt thou find
To the furious troops in battle join'd ?
sins;
Methinks, I hear the drum's tumultuous sound,
The victor's shouts, and dying groans, confound ; &.C.

Introductions of this kind, are a forced attempt in a writer, to spur

up himself, and his reader, when he finds his imagination begin to
flag. It is like taking artificial spirits in order to supply the want
of such as are natural. By this observation, however, I do not mean
to pass a general censure on Mr. Addison's Campaign, which in
several places, is far from wanting merit and in particular, the no-
;

ted comparison of his hero to the angel who rides in the whirlwind
and directs the storm, is a truly sublime image.
The faults opposite to the sublime are chiefly two the frigid, and :

the bombast. The frigid consists, in degrading an object or senti-

ment, which is sublime in itself, by our mean conception of it; or by
our weak, low, and childish description of it. This betrays entire
,'Ubsence, or at least great poverty of genius. Of this there are abun-
dance of examples, and these commented upon with much humour,
in the Treatise on the Art of Sinking, in Dean Swift's works; the in-
stances taken chiefly from Sir Richard Blackmore. One of these,
I had occasion already to give, in relation to mount iEtna, and it
were needless to produce any more. The bombast lies, in forcing
an ordinary or trivial object out of its rank, and endeavouring to raise
it into the sublime ; or, in attempting to exalt a sublime object be
lect iv.] SUBLIMITY IN WRITING. 49

yond all natural and reasonable bounds. Into this error, which is
but too common, writers of genius may sometimes fall, by unluckily
losing sight of the true point of the sublime. This is also called
fustian, or rant. Shakspeare, a great but incorrect genius, is not
unexceptionable here. Dryden and Lee, in their tragedies, abound
with it.
Thus far of the Sublime, of which I have treated fully, because it
is so capital an excellency in fine writing, and because clear and

precise ideas on this head are, as far as I know, not to be met with
in critical writers.
Before I conclude this lecture, there is one observation which I
choose to make at this time I shall make it once for all, and hope
;

it will be afterwards remembered. It is with respect to the instan-

ces of faults, or rather blemishes and imperfections, which, as I have

done in this lecture, I shall hereafter continue to take, when I can,
from writers of reputation. I have not the least intention thereby

to disparage their character in the general. I shall have other oc-

casions of doing equal justice to their beauties. But it is no reflec-

tion on any human performance, that it is not absolutely perfect.
The task would be much easier for me, to collect instances of faults
from bad writers. But they would draw no attention, when quoted
from books which nobody reads. And I conceive, that the method
which I follow, will contribute more to make the best authors be read
with pleasure, when one properly distinguishes their beauties from
their faults ; and is led to imitate and admire only what is worthy
of imitation and admiration.

QUESTIONS.
Having treated of grandeur or sub- what manner does he frequently de-
limity in external objects, for what part? How is this illustrated? What
does the way seem now to be cleared? are the five sources of the sublime point-
Why may the sublime in writing be ed out by him ? Of this plan, what is
examined here with as much propriety remarked ; and why ? From this what
as in any subsequent part of the lec- appears ? What remarks are made of
tures ? What evidence have we that Longinus, as a critic and a writer?
the sublime has often been employed Why was it necessary for our author
in a loose and vague sense ? Why is to give his opinion of his work; and
this mentioned ? What is the true sense why should it be consulted ? Where-
of sublime writing? What indefinite, must the foundation of the sublime in
and therefore very improper sense, has composition be laid ? When is the de-
often been applied to it ? If this were scription not entitled to come under this
correct, what would be the conse- class ? What objects does this exclude ?
quence? By whom is the sublime in How must the object be set before us,
this improper sense often used ? How and described ? On whatdoesthis princi-
does he set out but from this view, in
; pally depends ? Jf his own feelings be
 ;

49 QUESTIONS. [lect. IV.

languid, what consequence ? site to the sublime ? From what does it

will be the
Where do we generally find the most arise what does it suppose ; and why ?
;

striking instances of the sublime? To From what does it appear that the
what are the early ages of the world great art of the writer, and the diffi-
peculiarly favourable why ; and how culty of sublime description, lies here ?
;

is this illustrated ? To what is the In order to render a storm or a tempest

change undergone in the progress of sublime in description, what is requi-
society more favourable ? In what wri- site ? Repeat the passage in which this
tings do we find the highest instance is happily effected by Virgil. Of this
of the sublime ? Of the descriptions of description, what is said ? What, when
the deity, in them, what is observed ? description is meant to be sublime, seems
What illustrations are given from the not to have been sufficiently attended
18th Psalm, and from the prophet Ha- to ? When may a writer's descriptions
bakkuk? What instance is given by have improprieties in them, and yet be
Longinus, and what is said of it ? In beautiful and why ?
; Whyis the case
what language is the same thought quite different with the sublime ? Of
magnificently amplified by Isaialr ? the nature of the emotion aimed at by
What passage in the Psalms deserves the sublime, what is observed and ;

to be mentioned under this head and why ? What is said of Milton's descrip-
;

what is said of it ? To what does Ho- tion of the battle of the angels ? Repeat
mer owe much of his grandeur ? What, it. How has Claudius rendered this
to every reader of the Iliad, presents fre- idea burlesque and ridiculous? What
quent instances of sublime writing? description in Virgil is also censurable ?
What often heightens the majesty of Repeat it. What is said of this descrip-
his warlike scenes? Hence, on what tion ? How will the debasing effect of
passage has Longinus bestowed high the idea here presented, appear in a
and just commendations ? What is said still stronger light? What do such in-
of the passage in the 20th book, where stances show? Where are the proper
all the gods take part in the engage- sources of the sublime to be found?
ment ? Repeat it. In Ossian, what are How can we not expect to produce it ?
particularly favourable to the sublime ? Of what does it, for the most part,
What does he possess ? In what does he stand clear how must it come ; and
;

not deal how does he throw forth his of what must it be the natural off-
;

images; and what is the effect ? For spring? Whence may we draw the
what do we look among poets of more sublime? In judging of any striking
polished times; and why? Where beauty in composition, to what must
dwells the sublime, and with what we attend and when only can we pro-
;

does it materially associate itself? Re- nounce it sublime ? Why

cannot the
peat the passage. What is said of it ? emotion of the sublime be protracted ?
Why have these instances been pro- What is the utmost that we can ex-
duced? To what are they respectively pect ? In whom does this effulgence
exposed? Whyis a defect, either in frequently break forth with great lus-
conciseness or simplicity, hurtful, in a tre? Of the writings of some few indi-
peculiar manner, to the sublime? Re- viduals, such as Demosthenes and Pla-
peat Lucan's amplification of Caesar's to, what is observed ? What is remark-
address to the pilot. Why
is rhyme un- eel of what is called a sublime style
favourable to the sublime and what, and what are persons apt to imagine ?
;

in it, weakens the native force of sub- How does it appear that nothing can
limity ? What tends farther to enfeeble be more false than this opinion is ? Of
it? How is this illustrated from Ho- this illustration, what has Boileau ob-
mer's description of the nod of Jupiter? served? In general, in all good wri-
Of Pope's translation, what is remark- tings, where does the sublime lie and ;

ed? what follows? What expressions does

Of our blank verse, what is ob- the sublime reject and of being sub-
;

served? By what author is the fullest lime, in what does the great secret lie ?
proof of this given ? Repeat the illus- What will be found to hold without
tration. What is said of it? What is exception ; and what follows ? On
mentioned as another necessary requi- what must we pass the same unfa*
 ;

LECT. V.] QUESTIONS. 49 6

vourable judgment ? Into what error ANALYSIS.

of this kind lias Mr. Addison fallen ? 1. The term sublime vaguely Ucsed.
Repeat the passage. For what pur- a. Johannes Gulielmus Bergerus.
pose are introductions of this kind used B. Longinus.
and what are they like 1 By this ob- 2. The foundation of the sublime.
servation, what is not meant ; and 3. Instances of the sublime in writing.
why ? What two faults are the oppo- a. The sacred Scriptures.
site to the sublime ? In what does the B. Homer's poems.
frigid consist ; what does it betray, and c. The works of Ossian.
what examples are given? In what D. Milton's writings.
does the bombast lie? How may 4. Essentials to the sublime.
writers of genius sometimes fall into A. Conciseness and simplicity.
this error ? What examples are given ? B. Strength.
Why has our author treated thus ful- a. The proper choice of cir-
ly of the sublime ? What observation cumstances.
does he here, once for all, make ? Of b. Instances of illustration.
what has he, thereby, no intention ? 5. The sources of the sublime.
Why does he not collect his instances 6. The nature of a sublime emotion.
cf faults from bad writers ? To what 7. A sublime style.
does he think the method which he fol- 8. The faults opposite to the sublime.
lows will contribute ? A. The frigid style.
B. The bombastic style.

LECTURE V.

BEAUTY, AND OTHER PLEASURES OF TASTE.

As sublimity constitutes a particular character of composition,
and forms one of the highest excellences of eloquence and of po-
etry, it was proper to treat of it at some length. It will not be ne-
cessary to discuss so particularly all the other pleasures that arise
from taste, as some of them have less relation to our main subject.
On beauty only I shall make several observations, both as the sub-
ject is curious, and as it tends to improve taste, and to discover the
foundation of several of the graces of description and of poetry.*
Beauty, next to sublimity, affords, beyond doubt, the highest
pleasure to the imagination. The emotion which it raises, is very
distinguishable from that of sublimity. It is of a calmer kind ;

more gentle and soothing does not elevate the mind so much, but
;

*See Hutchinson's Inquiry concerning Beauty and Virtue —Gerard on Taste, chap :

iii.— Inquiry into the Origin of our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful — Elements of
: :

Criticism, chap. — Spectator, vol.

iii. :
-Essay on the Pleasures of Taste.
vi. :-
SO BEAUTY. [lect. v.

produces an agreeable serenity. Sublimity raises a feeling, too vio-

lent, as I showed, to be lasting ; the pleasure arising from beauty
admits of longer continuance. It extends also to a much greater
variety of objects than sublimity to a variety indeed so great, that
;

the feelings which beautiful objects produce, differ considerably, not

in degree only, but also in kind, from one another. Hence, no word
in the language is used in a more vague signification than beauty.
It is applied to almost every external object that pleases the eye, or
the ear ; to a great number of the graces of writing ; to many dis-
positions of the mind ; nay, to several objects of mere abstract sci-
ence. We talk currently of a beautiful tree or flower ; a beautiful
poem ; a beautiful character ; and a beautiful theorem in mathe-
matics.
Hence we may easily perceive, that, among so great a variety of
objects, to find out some one quality in which they
all agree, and

which is the foundation of that agreeable sensation they all raise,

must be a very difficult, if not, more probably, a vain attempt. Ob-
jects denominated beautiful, are so different, as to please, not in
virtue of any one quality common to them all, but by means of se-
veral different principles in human nature. The agreeable emotion
which they somewhat of the same nature; and
all raise, is therefore,
has the common name of beauty given to it but it is ; raised by
different causes.
Hypotheses, however, have been framed by ingenious men, for as-
signing the fundamental quality of beauty in all objects. In parti-
cular, uniformity amidst variety, has been insisted on as this funda-
mental quality. For the beauty of many figures, I admit that this
accounts in a satisfactory manner. But when we endeavour to apply
this principle to beautiful objects of some other kind, as to colour,
for instance, or motion, we shall soon find that it has no place. And
even in external figured objects it does not hold, that their beauty
is in proportion to their mixture of variety with uniformity; seeing

many please us as highly beautiful, which have almost no variety at

all, and others, which are various to a degree of intricacy. Laying
systems of this kind, therefore, aside, what I now propose is, to give
an enumeration of several of those classes of objects in which beau-
ty most remarkably appears ; and to point out, as far as I can, the
separate principles of beauty in each of them.
Colour affords, perhaps, the simplest instance of beauty, and
therefore the fittest to begin with. Here, neither variety, nor uni-
formity, nor any other principle that I know, can be assigned as the
foundation of beauty. We
can refer it to no other cause but the
structure of the eye, which determines us to receive certain modifi-
more pleasure than others. And we
cations of the rays of light with
see accordingly, that, as the organ of sensation varies in different
persons, they have their different favourite colours. It is probable,
that association of ideas has influence, in some cases, on the plea-
sure which we receive from colours. Green, for instance, may ap-
pear more beautiful, by being connected in our ideas with rural
prospects and scenes ; white, with innocence ; blue, with the sereni-
 ;

lect. v.] BEAUTY. 51

ty of the sky. Independent of associations of this kind, all that

we can farther observe concerning colours is, that those chosen for
beauty are, generally, delicate, rather than glaring. Such are those
paintings with which nature hath ornamented some of her works,
and which art strives in vain to imitate as the feathers of several
;

kinds of birds, the leaves of flowers, and the line variation of co-
lours exhibited by the sky at the rising and setting of the sun. These
present to us the highest instances of the beauty of colouring; and
have accordingly been the favourite subjects of poetical description
in all countries.
From colour we proceed to figure, which opens to us forms of
beauty more complex and diversified. Regularity first occurs to
be noticed as a source of beauty. By a regular figure, is meant, one
which we perceive to be formed according to some certain rule,
and not left arbitrary, or loose, in the construction of its parts.
Thus, a circle, a square, a triangle, or a hexagon, please the eye, by
their regularity, as beautiful figures. We must not, however, con-
clude, that all figures please in proportion to their regularity; or that
regularity is the sole, or the chief, foundation of beauty in figure.
On the contrary, a certain graceful variety is found to be a much
more powerful principle of beauty; and is therefore studied a great
deal more than regularity, in all works that are designed merely to
please the eye. I am, indeed, inclined to think, that regularity ap-
pears beautiful to us, chiefly, if not only, on account of its sugges-
ting the ideas of fitness, propriety, and use, which have always a
greater connexion with orderly and proportioned forms, than with
those which appear not constructed according to any certain rule.
It is clear, that nature, who is undoubtedly the most graceful artist,
hath, in all her ornamental works, pursued variety with an apparent
neglect of regularity. Cabinets, doors, and windows, are made after
a regular form, in cubes and parallelograms, with exact propor-
tion of parts; and by being so formed they please the eye: for this
good reason, that, being works of use, they are, by such figures, the
better suited to the ends for which they were designed. But plants,
flowers, and leaves, are full of variety and diversity. A straight ca-
nal is an insipid figure, in comparison of the meanders of rivers.
Cones and pyramids are beautiful but trees growing in their natural
;

wilderness, are infinitely more beautiful than when trimmed into py-
ramids and cones. The apartments of a house must be regular in
their disposition, for the conveniency of its inhabitants ; but a gar-
den which is designed merely for beauty, would be exceedingly dis-
gusting, if it had as much uniformity and order in its parts as a
dwelling-house.
Mr. Hogarth, in his Analysis of Beauty, has observed, that figures
bounded by curve lines are, in general, more beautiful than those
bounded by straight lines and angles. He pitches upon two lines,
on which, according to him, the beauty of figure principally depends
and he has illustrated and supported his doctrine, by a surprising
number of instances. The one is the waving line, or a curve bend-
ing backwards and forwards, somewhat in the form of the letter S
H
52 BEAUTY. [lect. v.

This he calls the line of beauty ; and shows how often it is found
in shells, flowers, and such other ornamental works of nature ; as is
common also in the figures designed by painters and sculptors, for
the purpose of decoration. The other line, which he calls the line
of grace, is the former waving curve, twisted round some solid body.
The curling worm of a common jack is one of the instances he
gives of it. Twisted pillars, and twisted horns, also exhibit it. In
all the instances which he mentions, variety plainly appears to be so
material a principle of beauty, that he seems not to err much when
he defines the art of drawing pleasing forms, to be the art of varying
well. For the curve line, so much the favourite of painters, derives,
according to him, its chief advantage, from its perpetual bending
and variation from the stiff regularity of the straight line.
Motion furnishes another source of beauty, distinct from figure.
Motion of itself is pleasing; and bodies in motion are, "caeteris
paribus," preferred to those in rest. It is, however, only gentle mo-
tion that belongs to the beautiful; for when it is very swift, or very
forcible, such as that of a torrent, it partakes of the sublime. The
motion of a bird gliding through the air, is extremely beautiful the ;

swiftness with which lightning darts through the heavens, is magnifi-

cent and astonishing. And here, it is proper to observe, that the
sensations of sublime and beautiful are not always distinguished by
very distant boundaries; but are capable, in several instances, ot
approaching towards each other. Thus, a smooth running stream
is one of the most beautiful objects in nature as it swells gradually
:

into a great river, the beautiful, by degrees, is lost in the sublime.

A young tree is a beautiful object ; a spreading ancient oak, is a
venerable and a grand one. The calmness of a fine morning is
beautiful; the universal stillness of the evening is highly sublime.
But to return to the beauty of motion, it will be found, I think, to
hold very generally, that motion in a straight line is not so beautiful
as in an undulating waving direction; and motion upwards is, com-
monly too, more agreeable than motion downwards. The easy cur-
ling motion of flame and smoke may be instanced, as an object
singularly agreeable and here Mr. Hogarth's waving line recurs
:

upon us as a principle of beauty. That artist observes, very ingeni-

ously, that all the common and necessary motions for the business of
life, are performed by men in straight or plain lines but that all
:

the graceful and ornamental movements are made in waving lines:

an observation not unworthy of being attended to, by all who study
the grace of gesture and action.
Though colour, figure, and motion, be separate principles of
beauty ; yet in many beautiful objects they all meet, and thereby
render the beauty both greater, and more complex. Thus, in flow-
ers, trees, animals, we are entertained at once with the delicacy of
the colour, with the gracefulness of the figure, and sometimes also
with the motion of the object. Although each of these produce a
separate agreeable sensation, yet they are of such a similar nature,
as readily to mix and blend in one general perception of beauty,
which we ascribe to the whole object as its cause: for beauty is al
 lect. v.J BEAUTY. 53

ways conceived by something residing in the object which

us, as
a sort of glory which dwells upon, and
raises the pleasant sensation ;

invests it. Perhaps the most complete assemblage of beautiful ob-

jects that can any where be found, is presented by a rich natural
landscape, where there is a sufficient variety of objects fields in
;

verdure, scattered trees and flowers, running water, and animals

grazing. If to these be joined some of the productions of art,
which such a scene: as a bridge with arches over a river, smoke
suit
rising from cottages in the midst of trees, and the distant view of a
fine building seen by the rising sun ; we then enjoy, in the highest
perfection, that gay, cheerful, and placid sensation which character-
izes beauty. To have an eye and a taste formed for catching the pe-
culiar beauties of such scenes as these, is a necessary requisite for
all who attempt poetical description.
The beauty of the human countenance is more complex than any
that we have yet considered. It includes the beauty of colour, ari-
sing from the delicate shades of the complexion ; and the beauty of
from the lines which form the different features of the
figure, arising
face. But the chief beauty of the countenance depends upon a
mysterious expression, which it conveys,ofthe qualities of the mind;
of good sense, or good humour; of sprightliness, candour, benevo-
lence, sensibility, or other amiable dispositions. How it comes to

pass that a certain conformation of features is connected in our idea

with certain moral qualities; whether we are taught by instinct, or
by experience, to form this connexion, and to read the mind in the
countenance, belongs not to us now to inquire, nor is indeed easy to
resolve. The fact is certain, and acknowledged, that what gives the
human countenance its most distinguishing beauty, is what is called
its expression ; or an image, which it is conceived to show of internal
moral dispositions.
This leads us to observe, that there are certain qualities of the
mind which, whether expressed in the countenance, orby words, or
by actions, always raise in us a feeling similar to that of beauty.
There are two great classes of moral qualities one is of the high and
;

the great virtues, which require extraordinary efforts, and turn upon
dangers and sufferings as heroism, magnanimity, contempt of plea-
;

sures, and contempt of death. These, as I have observed in a for-

mer lecture, excite in the spectator an emotion of sublimity and
grandeur. The other class is generally of the social virtues, and
such as are of a softer and gentler kind ; as compassion, mildness,
friendship, and generosity. These raise in the beholder a sensation
of pleasure, so much akin to that produced by beautiful external
objects, that, though of a more dignified nature, it may, without
impropriety, be classed under the same head.
A species of beauty, distinct from any I have yet mentioned, 'ari-
ses from design or art; or in other words, from the perception of
means being adapted to an end or the parts of any thing heing well
;

fitted to answer the design of the whole. When, in considering the

structure of a tree or a plant, we observe how all the parts, the roots,
the stem, the bark, and the leaves, are suited to the growth and
54 BEAUTY. [ lect. v.

nutriment of the whole much more when we survey all the parts
;

and members of a living animal; or when we examine any of the

curious works of art; such as a clock, a ship, or any nice machine;
the pleasure which we have in the survey, is wholly founded on this
sense of beauty. It is altogether different from the perception of
beauty produced by colour, figure, variety, or any of the causes for-
merly mentioned. When I look at a watch, for instance, the case
of it, if finely engraved, and of curious workmanship, strikes me as
beautiful in the former sense; bright colour, exquisite polish, figures
finely raised and turned. But when I examine the spring and the
wheels, and praise the beauty of the internal machinery, my pleasure
then arises wholly from the view of that admirable art, with which
so many various and complicated parts are made to unite for one
purpose.
This sense of beauty, in fitness and design, has an extensive influ-
ence over many of our ideas. It is the foundation of the beauty which
we discover in the proportion of doors, windows, arches, pillars, and
all the orders of architecture. Let the ornaments of a building be ever

so fine and elegant in themselves, yet, if they interfere with this sense
of fitness and design, they lose their beauty, and hurt the eye, like
disagreeable objects. Twisted columns, for instance, are undoubted-
ly ornamental; but as they have an appearance of weakness, they al-
ways displease when they are made use of to support any part of a
building that is massy, and that seems to require a more substantial
prop. We cannot look upon any work whatever, without being led,
by a natural association of ideas, to think of its end and design, and
of course to examine the propriety of its parts, in relation to this
design and end. When their propriety is clearly discerned, the work
seems always to have some beauty; but when there is a total want of
propriety, it never fails of appearing deformed. Our sense of fitness
and design,therefore, is so powerful, and holds so high a rank among
our perceptions, as to regulate, in a great measure, our other ideas of
beauty an observation which I the rather make, as it is of the utmost,
:

importance, that all who study composition should carefully attend

to it. For, in an epic poem, a history, an oration, or any work of ge-
nius, we always require, as we do in other works, a fitness, or adjust-
ment of means to the end which the author is supposed to have in
view. Let his descriptions be ever so rich, or his figures ever so ele-
gant, yet, if they are out of place, if they are not proper parts of that
whole, if they suit not the main design, they lose all their beauty, nay,
from beauties they are converted into deformities. Such power has
our sense of fitness and congruity, to produce a total transformation
of an object whose appearance otherwise would have been beautiful.
After having mentioned so many various species of beauty, it now
only remains to take notice of beauty as it is applied to writing or dis-
course; a term commonly used in a sense altogether loose and unde-
termined. For it is applied to all that pleases, either in style or sen-
timent, from whatever principle that pleasure flows; and a beautiful
poem or oration means, in common language, no other than a good
one, or one well composed. In this sense, it is plain, the word isal
lect. v.] PLEASURES OF TASTE. 55

together indefinite, and points at no particular species or kind of beau-

ty. There is, however, another sense, somewhat more definite, in
which beauty of writing characterizes a particular manner when it is
;

used to signify a certain grace and amenity in the turn cither of style
or sentiment for which some authors have been peculiarly distin-
guished. In this sense, it denotes a manner neither remarkably sub-
lime, nor vehemently passionate, nor uncommonly sparkling; but
such as raises in the reader an emotion of the gentle, placid kind,
similar to what is raised by the contemplation of beautiful objects in
nature; which neither lifts the mind very high, nor agitates it very
much, but diffuses over the imagination an agreeable and pleasing-
serenity. Mr. Addison is a writer altogether of this character; and is
one of the most proper and precise examples that can be given of it.
Fenelon, the author of the Adventures of Telemachus, may be given
as another example. Virgil too, though very capable of rising on oc-
casions into the sublime, yet, in his general manner, is distinguished
by the character of beauty and grace, rather than of sublimity. Among
orators, Cicero has more of the beautiful than Demosthenes, whose
genius led him wholly towards vehemence and strength.
This much it is sufficient to have said upon the subject of beauty.
We have traced it through a variety of forms as next to sublimity,
;

it is the most copious source of the pleasures of taste; and as the

consideration of the different appearances, and principles of beauty,
tends to the improvement of taste in many subjects.
But it is not only by appearing under the forms of sublime or
beautiful, that objects delight the imagination. From several other
principles also, they derive their power of giving it pleasure.
Novelty, for instance, has been mentioned by Mr. Addison, and
by every writer on this subject. An object which has no merit to
recommend it, except its being uncommon or new, by means of
this quality alone, produces in the mind a vivid and an agreeable
emotion. Hence that passion of curiosity, which prevails so gene-
rally among mankind. Objects and ideas which have been long
familiar, make too faint an impression to give an agreeable exercise
to our faculties. New and strange objects rouse the mind from its
dormant state by giving it a quick and pleasing impulse. Hence,
in a great measure, the entertainment afforded us by fiction and
romance. The emotion raised by novelty is of a more lively and
pungent nature, than that produced by beauty but much shorter
;

in its continuance. For if the object have in itself no charms to

hold our attention, the shining gloss thrown upon it by novelty soon
wears off.
Besides novelty, imitation is another source of pleasmo to taste.
This gives rise to what Mr. Addison terms, the secondary pleasures
of imagination which form, doubtless, a very extensive class. For
;

all imitation affords some pleasure not only the imitation of beauti-
;

ful or great objects, by recalling the original ideas of beauty or

grandeur which such objects themselves exhibited but even objects
;

which have neither beauty nor grandeur, nay, some which are terri-
ble or deformed, please us in a secondary or represented view.
56 IMITATION AND DESCRIPTION. [lect. v.

The pleasures of melody and harmony belong also to taste: there

is no agreeable sensation we receive either from beauty or sublimity,
but what is capable of being heightened by the power of musical
sound. Hence the delight of poetical numbers, and even of the
more concealed and looser measures of prose. Wit, humour, and
ridicule, likewise open a variety of pleasures of taste, quite distinct
from any that we have yet considered.
At present it is not necessary to pursue any farther the subject ol
the pleasures of taste. I have opened some of the general princi-
ples ;it is time now to make the application to our chief subject.

If the question be put, to what class of those pleasures of taste which

I have enumerated, that pleasure is to be referred which we receive
from poetry, eloquence, or fine writing? My answer is, not to any
one, but to them all. This singular advantage, writing and discourse
possess, that they encompass so large and rich a field on all sides,
and have power to exhibit, in great perfection, not a single set of
objects only, but almost the whole of those which give pleasure to
taste and imagination whether that pleasure arise from sublimity,
;

from beauty in its different forms, from design, and art, from moral
sentiment, from novelty, from harmony, from wit, humour, and ridi-
cule. To whichsoever of these the peculiar bent of a person's taste
lies, from some writer or other, he has it always in his power to re-
ceive the gratification of it.

Now this highpower which eloquence and poetry possess, of sup-

plying taste and imagination with such a wide circle of pleasures,
they derive altogether from their having a greater capacity of imita-
tion and description than is possessed by any other art. Of all the
means which human ingenuity has contrived for recalling the images
of real objects, and awakening, by representation, similar emotions
to those which are raised by the original, none is so full and exten-
sive as that which is executed by words and writing. Through the
assistance of this happy invention, there is nothing, either in the
natural or moral world, but what can be represented and set before
the mind, in colours very strong and lively. Hence it is usual among
critical writers, to speak of discourse as the chief of all the imitative
or mimetic arts; they compare it with painting and with sculpture,
and in many respects prefer it justly before them.
This style was first introduced by Aristotle in his poetics and,;

since his time, has acquired a general currency among modern au-
thors. But as it is of consequence to introduce as much precision
as possible into critical language, I muot observe, that this manner
of speaking isnot accurate. Neither discourse in general, nor po-
etry in particular, can be called altogether imitative arts. Wemust
distinguish betwixt imitation and description, which are ideas that
should not be confounded. Imitation i3 performed by means of
somewhat that has a natural likeness and resemblance to the thing
imitated, and of consequence is understood by all such are statues
:

and pictures. Description, again, is the raising in the mind the

conception of an object by means of some arbitrary or instituted
symbols, understood only by those who agree in the institution of
 ;

lect. v.] IMITATION AND DESCRIPTION. 57

them such are words and writing. Words have no natural re-
;

semblance to the ideas or objects which they are employed to sig-

nify ; but a statue or a picture has a natural likeness to the original.
And therefore imitation and description differ considerably in their
nature from each other.
As far, indeed, as the poet introduces into his work persons
actually speaking and, by the words which he puts into their
;

mouths, represents the discourse which they might be supposed

to hold ; so far his art may more accurately be called imitative;
and this is the case in all dramatic composition. But, in narrative
or descriptive works, it can with no propriety be called so. Who,
for instance, would call Virgil's description of a tempest, in the first
iEneid, an imitation of a storm? If we heard of the imitation of a
battle, we might naturally think of some mock fight, or representa-
tion of a battle on the stage, but would never apprehend, that it
meant one of Homer's descriptions in the Iliad. I admit, at the
same time, that imitation and description agree in their principal
effect, of recalling, by external signs, the ideas of things which we
do not see. But though in this they coincide, yet it should not be
forgotten, that the terms themselves are not synonymous that they ;

import different means of effecting the same end and of course ;

make different impressions on the mind.*

Whether we consider poetry in particular, and discourse in gene-
ral, as imitative or descriptive it is evident that their whole pow-
;

er, in recalling the impressions of real objects, is derived from the

significancy of words. As their excellency flows altogether from
this source, we must, in order to make way for further inquiries,

* Though in the execution of particular parts, poetry is certainly descriptive rather

than imitative, yet there is a qualified sense in which poetry, in the general, may be
termed an imitative art. The subject of the poet (as Dr. Gerard has shown in the ap-
pendix to his Essay on Taste) is intended to be an imitation, not of things really exist-
ing-, but of the course of nature : that is, a feigned representation of such events, or
such scenes, as though they never had a being, yet might have existed ; and which,
therefore, by their probability, bear a resemblance to nature. It was probably in

this sense, that Aristotle termed poetry a mimetic art. How far either the imitation
or the description which poetry employs, is superior to the imitative powers of paint
ing and music, is well shown by Mr. Harris, in his treatise on music, painting, and
poetry. The chief advantage which poetry, or discourse in general, enjoys, is, that
whereas, by the nature of his art, the painter is confined to the representation of a sin-
gle moment, writing and discourse can trace a transaction through its whole pro-
gress. That moment, indeed, which the painter pitches upon for the'subject of his
picture, he may be said to exhibit with more advantage than the poet or orator ; inas-
much as he sets before us, in one view, all the minute concurring circumstances of
the event which happens in one individual point of time, as they appear in nature \
while discourse is obliged to exhibit them in succession, and by means of a detail
which is in danger of becoming tedious, in order to be clear ; or, if not tedious, is in
danger of being obscure. But to that point of time which he has chosen, the painter
being entirely confined, he cannot exhibit various stages of the same action or event
and he is subject to this farther defect, that he can only exhibit objects as they appear
to the eye, and can very imperfectly delineate characters and sentiments, which are
Ahe noblest subjects of imitation or description. The power of representing these
with full advantage, gives a high superiority to discourse and writing, above all other
imitative arts.

8
 : ;

58 QUESTIONS. [lect. v.

begin at this fountain-head. I shall, therefore, in the next lecture,

enter upon the consideration of language of the origin, the pro-

:

gress, and construction of which, I purpose to treat at some length.

Q,UESTIOWS.
Why was it necessary to treat of with what have these always a great
sublimity at some length? Why will connexion ? Of the course pursued by
it not be necessary to discuss, so parti- nature, what is clear? Of cabinets,
cularly, all the other pleasures that doors, and windows, what is observed
arise from taste ? Why are several ob- and why do they please ? Of a straight
servations made on beauty ? Beauty, canal, of cones and pyramids, and oi
next to sublimity, affording the highest the apartments of a house, what is
pleasure to the imagination, what is said? What has Mr. Hogarth, in his
the nature of the emotion which it Analysis of Beauty, observed? Upon
raises 1 To how great a variety of ob- what two lines does he pitch; and
jects does it extend ; and hence what what does he call them ? In what is the
ibllows? To what is it applied; and of line of beauty found and in what, the
;

what do we currently talk? Hence, line of grace ? How does he define the
what may we easily perceive ? By art of drawing pleasing forms; and
Avhat means do objects, denominated why? What furnishes another source
beautiful, please? Why has the of beauty; and what is said of it?
agreeable emotion which they all What motion only belongs to the beau-
raise, the common name of beauty tiful ; and why ? How is this illustra-
given to it ? For assigning what, have ted? Here, what is it proper to ob-
hypotheses been framed ? What has serve? How is this observation illus-
been insisted on, as the fundamental trated from a young tree, and an an-
quality of beauty? When does this cient oak and from the morning and
;

principle apply and when does it not?

; evening? In the beauty of motion,
Why does not this principle hold in ex- what, in general, will be found to hold
ternal figured objects? Laying sys- true ? What may be instanced as an
tems of this kind, therefore, aside, what object singularly agreeable? Of the
is proposed ? What affords the simplest common and necessary motions for the
instance of beauty ? Here, what can- business of life, and of the graceful and
not be assigned as the fundamental ornamental movements, what does Mr.
quality of beauty ? To what only can Hogarth very ingeniously observe ? Of
we refer it and what do we accord- the union of colour, figure, and motion,
;

ingly see? What, is it probable, in in many beautiful objects, what is ob-

some cases, has some influence; and served; and how is this illustrated?
what examples are given? Indepen- Of the sensation produced by each of
dent of associations of this kind, what is these, what is said ; and why ? In
all that can be farther observed con- what, perhaps, is the most complete
cerning colours? What instances are assemblage of beautiful objects present-
mentioned? Of these, what is said? ed? How may this be rendered the
From colour, to what do we proceed highest source of that gay, cheerful,
and of its beauty, what is observed? and placid sensation, that characterizes
In it, wha* Irst occurs to be noticed as beauty ? What is a necessary requisite
a source of beauty and by it what is for all who attempt poetical description?
;

meant? What examples are given? Of the beauty of the human counte-
What must we not, however, conclude ? nance, what is remarked and what ;

On the contrary, what is ft more pow- does it include ? But on what does its
erful principle of beauty and where is
; it.chief beauty depend? What belongs
studied ?Why is our author inclined to not to us now to inquire and what is ;

think regularity appears beautiful ; and certain ?

 ; ;

LECT. V.] QUESTIONS. 58 u

To what observation does this lead 1 we receive from poetry, eloquence, or

How are these qualities divided ; what fine writing, to be referred ? What sin-
is the first, on what do they turn, and gular advantage do writing and dis-
what emotion do they excite 1 Of what course possess? From what do elo-
virtues is the other class? Of the sen- quence and poetry derive the high
sation which these raise, what is ob- power of supplying the taste and the
served ? From what does a species of imagination with so wide a field ot
beauty, distinct from any which has pleasures; and what follows? From
been mentioned, arise ? In the examina- the assistance of this happy invention,
tions of what, is the pleasure which we what advantages [ire derived, and
receive wholly founded on this sense of hence how do critical writers usually
beauty ; and from what is it altogether speak of discourse ? With what do
different ? How is this illustrated in the they compare it? Where, and by whom
examination of a watch ? Of what is was this style first introduced and ;

this sense of beauty, in fitness and de- what has it since acquired ? In critical
sign, the foundation ? Of the ornaments language, what is of consequence
of a building, what is observed ; and and what follows ? Between what
how is this illustrated ? In the exami- ideas must we distinguish ? How is
nation of any work, to what are we na- imitation performed ? What is descrip-
turally led? When does the work tion ? From what does it appear that
seem to have some beauty ; and when imitation and description differ consi-
does it appear deformed ? What obser- derably in their nature from each
vation follows ; and why is it made ? other? Hoav far may the poet's art be
How is it fully illustrated in an epic called imitative, and in what composi-
poem, a history, an oration, or any tions is this the case ? In what can it
work of genius ? What species of beau- not, with propriety, be so called ; and
ty remains to be noticed ? From what how is this illustrated ? In what is it
does it appear that this term is used in admitted that imitation and descrip-
a sense altogether loose and undeter- tion agree ; yet what should not be
mined ? Of the word in this sense, what forgotten ? From what is the power
is observed ? When does beauty of wri- of poetry and discourse evidently de-

ting characterize a particular manner? rived ? Upon what, in the next lecture,
In this sense, what does it denote? shall we enter ; and why ?
What writers of this class are mention-
ed ; and what is said of them ? Why
has beauty been traced through a va-
riety of forms ? Objects deriving their ANALYSIS.
power of giving pleasure to the imagi
nation, from other principles besides 1. Beauty.
beauty and sublimity, what is the first a. The nature of beauty.
that is mentioned ; what is said of it B. Hypotheses of beauty.
and hence what passion arises? Of c. The beauty of colours.
objects and ideas that are familiar, and D. The beauty of figures.
of those that are new and strange, what a. Mr. Hogarth's Analysis of
is observed ; and hence what arises ? Beauty.
Why is the emotion raised by novelty, E. Motion a source of beauty.
though of a more lively and pungent F. The union of colour, figure, and
nature, yet much shorter in its continu- motion.
ance, than that which is produced by g. The beauty of the human coun-
beauty? What is another source of tenance.
pleasure to taste ; and to what does it H. Moral qualities.
give rise ? From what does it appear I.The beauty of design.
that these form a very extensive class? j. Beauty in writing.
Of the influence of melody and harmo- 2. Novelty.
ny, as sources of pleasure to taste, what 3. Imitation.
is observed; and hence what follows? 4. Melody and harmony.
Of wit, humour, and ridicule, as sources 5. Wit, humour, and ridicule.
of pleasure to taste, what is observed ? 6. Writing and discourse.
To what class is the pleasure which a. Imitation and description.
 (586)

LECTURE VI.

RISE AND PROGRESS OF LANGUAGE.

Having finished my observations on the pleasures of taste, which
were meant to be introductory to the principal subject of these lec-
tures, I now begin to treat of language ; which is the foundation of
the whole power of eloquence. This will lead to a considerable
discussion and there are few subjects belonging to polite litera-
;

ture, which more merit such a discussion. I shall first give a histo-

ry of the rise and progress of language in several particulars, from

its early to its more advanced periods which shall be followed by ;

a similar history of the rise and progress of writing. I shall next

give some account of the construction of language, on the principles

of universal grammar and shall, lastly, apply these observations
;

more particularly to the English tongue.*

Language, in general, signifies the expression of our ideas by cer-
tain articulate sounds, which are used as the signs of those ideas.
By articulate sounds, are meant those modulations of simple voice
or of sound emitted from the thorax, which are formed by means of
the mouth and its several organs, the teeth, the tongue, the lips, and
the palate. How far there is any natural connexion between the
ideas of the mind and the sounds emitted, will appear from what I
am afterwards to offer. But as the natural connexion can, upon
any system, affect only a small part of the fabric of language, the
connexion between words and ideas may, in general, be considered
as arbitrary and conventional, owing to the agreement of men among
themselves the clear proof of which is, that different nations have
;

different languages, or a different set of articulate sounds, which

they have chosen for communicating their ideas.
Tliis artificial method of communicating thought, we now behold
carried to the highest perfection. Language is become a vehicle
by which tne most delicate and refined emotions of one mind can
be transmitted, or, if we may so speak, transfused into another. Not

* See Dr. Adam Smith's Dissertation on the Formation of Languages Treatise of :

—
the Origin and Progress of Language, in 3 vols. —
Harris's Hermes, or a Philosophical
:

Inquiry concerning Language and Universal Grammar Essai sur l'Origine des Con-
: —
naissances Humaines, par l'Abbe Condillac —
Principes de Grammaire, par Marsais:
:

— Grammaire Generale et Raisonnee —

-Trait de la Formation Mechanique des Lan-
:

gues, par le President de Brosses :

—
Discours sur l'Inegalite parmi les Hommes, par
Rousseau —
Grammaire Generale, par Beauzee
:
—
Principes de la Traduction, par Bat-
:

—
teux: Warburton's Divine Legation of Moses, vol. iii. Sancti Minerva, cum notia :
—
Perizonii :
—
Les Vrais Principes de la Langue F*encoise, par l'Abbe Girard.
 ;

lect. vi.] OF LANGUAGE. 59

only are names given to all objects around us, by which means an
easy and speedy intercourse is carried on for providing the necessa-
ries of life, but all the relations and differences among these objects
are minutely marked, the invisible sentiments of the mind are de-
scribed, the most abstract notions and conceptions are rendered in-
telligible; and all the ideas which science can discover, or imagina-
tion create, are known by their proper names. Nay, language has
been carried so far as to be made an instrument of the most refined
luxury. Not resting in mere perspicuity, we require ornament also
not satisfied with having the conceptions of others made known to
us, we make a farther demand, to have them so decked and adorned
as to entertain our fancy; and this demand, it is found very possible
to gratify. In this state, we now find language. In this state, it has
been found among many nations for some thousand years. The
object is become familiar; and, like the expanse of the firmament,
and other great objects, which we are accustomed to behold, we
behold it without wonder.
But carry your thoughts back to the first dawn of language among
men. Reflect upon the feeble beginnings from which it must have
arisen, and upon the many and great obstacles which it must have
encountered in its progress and you will find reason for the highest
;

astonishment, on viewing the height which it has now attained. We

admire several of the inventions of art we plume ourselves on
;

some discoveries which have been made in latter ages, serving to

advance knowledge, and to render life we speak of
comfortable
;

them as the boast of human But

certainly no invention is
reason.
entitled to any such degree of admiration as that of language; which
too must have been the product of the first and rudest ages, if in-
deed it can be considered as a human invention at all.

Think of the circumstances of mankind when languages began to

be formed. They were a wandering scattered race no society ;

among them except families and the family society, too, very im-
;

perfect, as their method of living by hunting or pasturage must have

separated them frequently from one another. In this situation, when
so much divided, and their intercourse so rare, how could any one
set of sounds, or words, be generally agreed on as the signs of their
ideas? Supposing that a few, whom chance or necessity threw to-
gether, agreed by some means upon certain signs, yet by what au-
thority could these be propagated among other tribes or families, so
as to spread and grow up into a language? One would think, that in
order to any language fixing and extending itself, men must have
been previously gathered together in considerable numbers society ;

must have been already far advanced and yet, on the other hand,
;

there seems to have been an absolute necessity for speech, previ-

ous to the formation of society. For by what bond could any mul-
titude of men be kept together, or be made to join in the prosecu-
tion of any common interest, until once, by the intervention of
speech, they could communicate their wants and intentions to one
another ? So that, either how society could form itself, previously
to language, or how words could rise into a language, previously to
 60 RISE AND PROGRESS [lect. vi*

society formed, seem to be points attended with equal difficulty.

And when we consider farther, that curious analogy which prevails
in the construction of almost all languages, and that deep and subtle
logic on which they are founded, difficulties increase so much upon
us, on all hands, that there seems to be no small reason for referring
the first origin of all language to divine teaching or inspiration.
But supposing language to have a divine original, we cannot, how-
ever, suppose, that a perfect system of it was all at once given to
man. It is much more natural to think, that God taught our first
parents only such language as suited their present occasions ; leaving
them, as he did in other things, to enlarge and improve it as their
future necessities should require. Consequently, those first rudiments
of speech must have been poor and narrow; and we are at full liberty
to inquire in what manner and by what steps, language advanced
to the state in which we now find it. The history which I am to
give of this progress, will suggest several things, both curious in
themselves, and useful in our future disquisitions.
If we should suppose a period before any words were invented or
known, it is clear, that men could have no other method of commu-
nicating to others what they felt, than by the cries of passion, accom-
panied with such motions and gestures as were farther expressive
of passion. For these are the only signs which nature teaches all
men, and which are understood by all. One who saw another go-
ing into some place where he himself had been frightened, or ex-
posed to danger, and who sought to warn his neighbour of the dan-
ger, could contrive no other way of doing so than by uttering those
cries, and making those gestures, which are the signs of fear: just
as two men, at this day, would endeavour to make themselves be un-
derstood by each other, who should be thrown together on a desolate
island, ignorant of each other's language. Those exclamations,
therefore, which by grammarians are called interjections, uttered in
a strong and passionate manner, were, beyond doubt, the first ele-
ments or beginnings of speech.
When more enlarged communication became necessary, and
names began to be assigned to objects, in what manner can we sup-
pose men to have proceeded in this assignation of names, or inven-
tion of words? Undoubtedly, by imitating, as much as they could,
the nature of the object which they named by the sound of the
name which they gave to it. As a painter who would represent grass,
must employ green colour; so in the beginnings of language, one
giving a name to any thing harsh or boisterous, would of course em-
ploy a harsh or boisterous sound. He could not do otherwise, if he
meant to excite in the hearer the idea of that thing which he sought
to name. To suppose words invented, or names given to things, in
a manner purely arbitrary, without any ground or reason, is to sup-
pose an effect without a cause. There must have always been some
motive which led to the assignation of one name rather than an-
other; and we can conceive no motive which would more generally
operate upon men in their first efforts towards language, than a de-
sire to paint by speech, the objects which they named, in a manner
ldct vi.] OF LANGUAGE. 61

more or less complete, according as the vocal organs had it in their

power to affect this imitation.
Wherever objects were to be named, in which sound, noise, or
motion were concerned, the imitation by words was abundantly
obvious. Nothing was more natural, than to imitate, by the sound
of the voice, the quality of the sound or noise which any external
object made and to form its name accordingly.
; Thus, in all lan-
guages, we find a multitude of words that are evidently constructed
upon this principle. A certain bird is termed the cuckoo, from the
sound which it emits. When one sort of wind is said to luhistle, and
another to roar; when a serpent is said to hiss; a fly to buz, and
falling timber to crash ; when a stream is said to flow, and hail to
rattle; the analogy between the word and the thing signified is plain-
ly discernible.
In the names of objects which address the sight only, where
neither noise nor motion are concerned, and still more in the terms
appropriated to moral ideas, this analogy appears to fail. Many
learned men, however, have been of opinion, that though in such
cases it becomes more obscure, yet it is not altogether lost ; but
that throughout the radical words of all languages, there may be
traced some degree of correspondence with the object signified.
With regard to moral and intellectual ideas, they remark, that in
every language, the terms significant of them, are derived from the
names of sensible objects to which they are conceived to be analo-
gous ; and with regard to sensible objects pertaining merely to sight,
they remark, that their most distinguishing qualities have certain
radical sounds appropriated to the expression of them, in a great
variety of languages. Stability, for instance, fluidity, hollowness,
smoothness, gentleness, violence, &c. they imagine to be]painted by
the sound of certain letters or syllables, which have some relation to
those different states of visible objects, on account of an obscure
resemblance which the organs of speech are capable of assuming to
such external qualities. By this natural mechanism, they imagine
all languages] to have been at first constructed, and the roots of their
capital words formed.*
* The author who has carried his speculations on this subject the farthest, is the

President Des Brosses, in his " Traite de la Formation Mechanique des Langues."
Some of the radical letters or syllables which he supposes to carry this expressive
power in most known languages are, St, to signify stability or rest ; Fl, to de-
note fluency ; CI, a gentle descent ; R, what relates to rapid motion ; C, to cavity
or hollowness, he. A century before his time, Dr. Wallis, in his Grammar of the
English Language, had taken notice of these significant roots, and represented it
as a peculiar excellency of our tongue, that beyond all others, it expressed the
nature of the objects which it named, by employing sounds sharper, softer, weak-
er, stronger, more obscure, or more stridulous, according as the idea which is to
be suggested requires. He gives various examples. Thus, words, formed upon
St, always denote firmness and strength, analogous to the Latin sto ; as stand, stay
staff, stop, stout, steady, stake, stamp, stallion, stately, &.c. Words beginning
with Str, intimate violent force and energy, analogous to the Greek <rTga'vpt//u/; as,
strive, strength, strike, stripe, stress, struggle, stride, stretch, strip, he. Thr,
implies forcible motion : as throw, throb, thrust, through, threaten, thraldom
Wr, obliquity or distortion as, wry, wrest, wreath, wrestle, wring, wrong, wran-
;

gle, wrath, wrack, he. Sw, silent agitation, or lateral motion as, sway, awing,
;
62 RISE AND PROGRESS [lect. vi.

As far as this system is founded in truth, language appears to be

not altogether arbitrary in its origin. Among the ancient Stoic and
Platonic philosophers, it was a question much agitated, " Utrum
nomina rerum sint natura, an impositione ? <putfsi v Siifsi ;" by which they
meant, whether words were merely conventional symbols ; of the
rise of which no account could be given, except the pleasure of the
first inventors of language? or, whether there was some principle in
nature that led to the assignation of particular names to particular
objects? and those of the Platonic school favoured the latter opin-
ion.*
This principle, however, of a natural relation between words and
objects, can only be applied to language in its most simple and pri-
mitive state. Though in every tongue, some remains of it, as I
have shown above, can be traced, it were utterly in vain to search
for it throughout the whole construction of any modern language.
As the multitude of terms increase in every nation, and the immense
field of language is filled up, words, by a thousand fanciful and irre-
gular methods of derivation and composition, come to deviate wide-
ly from the primitive character of their roots, and to lose all analogy
or resemblance in sound to the things signified. In this state we
now find language. Words, as we now employ them, taken in the
general, may be considered as symbols, not as imitations; as arbi-
trary, or instituted, not natural signs of ideas. But there can be no
doubt, I think, that language, the nearer we remount to its rise
among men, will be found to partake more of a natural expression.
As it could be originally formed on nothing but imitation, it would,
in its primitive state, be more picturesque much more barren in- ;

deed, and narrow in the circle of its terms, than now but as far as ;

it went, more expressive by sound of the thing signified. This,

swerve, sweep, swim. SI, a gentle fall or less observable motion ; as, slide, slip,
sly, slit, slow, slack, sling-. Sp, dissipation or expansion ; as spread, sprout,
sprinkle, split, spring
spill,
1

. Terminations in ash, indicate something acting nimbly

and sharply ; as, crash, gash, rash, flash, lash, slash. Terminations in ush, some-
thing acting more obtusely and dully ; as, crush, brush, hush, gush, blush. The learn-
ed author produces a great many more examples of the same kind, which seem to
leave no doubt, that the analogies of sound have had some influence on the for-
mation of words. At the same time, in all speculations of this kind, there is so much
room for fancy to operate, that they ought to be adopted with much caution in forming
any general theory.

*Vid. Plat, in Cratylo. "Nomina verbaque non posita forruito, sed quadam vi et
" ratione naturae facta esse, P. Nigidius in Grammaticis Commentariis docet ; rem
" sane in philosophic dissertationibus celebrem. In earn rem multa argumenta
" dicit, cur videri possint, verba esse naturalia, magis quam arbitraria. Vos, in-
" quit, cum dicimus, motu quodam oris conveniente, cum ipsius verbi demonstra-
" tione utimur, et labias sensim primores emovemus, ac spiritum atque animam
" porro versum, et ad eos quibus consermocinamur jntendimus. At contra cum
" dicimus Nus, neque profuso inttntoque flatu vocis, neque projectis labiis pro-
" nunciamus ; sed et spiritum et labias quasi intra nosmet ipsos coercemus. Hoc
" sit idem et in eo quod dicimus hi, et ego, et mihi, et tibi. Nam sicuti cum adnui-
" mus et abnuimus, motus quodam illo vel capitis, vel oculorum, a natura rei quam
" signiflcat, non abhorret, ita in his vocibus quasi gestus quidam oris et spiritus
" naturalis est. Eadem ratio est in Grrecis quoque vocibus quam esse in nostrig
11
animadvertimus."
A. Gkllius, Noct. Atticce, lib.x. cap. 4
 lect. vr.] OF LANGUAGE. 63

then, may be assumed as one character of the first state, or begin-

ziings of language, among every savage tribe.
A second character of language, in its early state, is drawn from
the manner in which words were at first pronounced, or uttered, by
men. Interjections, I showed, or passionate exclamations, were the
first elements of speech. Men laboured to communicate their feel-
ings to one another, by those expressive cries and gestures which
nature taught them. After words, or names of objects, began to be
invented, this mode of speaking, by natural signs, could not be all at
once disused. For language, in its infancy, must have been ex-
tremely barren ; and there certainly was a period among all rude
nations, when conversation was carried on by a very few words, in-
termixed with many exclamations and earnest gestures. The small
stock of words which men as yet possessed, rendered these helps
absolutely necessary for explaining their conceptions ; and rude,
uncultivated men, not having always at hand even the few words,
which they knew, would naturally labour to make themselves un-
derstood, by varying their tones of voice, and accompanying their
tones with the most significant gesticulations they could make. At
this day, when persons attempt to speak in any language which they
possess imperfectly, they have recourse to all these supplemental
methods, in order to render themselves more intelligible. The plan,
too, according to which I have shown, that language was originally
constructed, upon resemblance or analogy, as far as was possible, to
the thing signified, would naturally lead men to utter their words
with more emphasis and force, as long as language was a sort of
painting by means of sound. For all those reasons this may be as-
sumed as a principle, that the pronunciation of the earliest languages
was accompanied with more gesticulation, and with more and
greater inflections of voice, than what we now use; there was more
action in it; and it was more upon a crying or singing tone.
To this manner of speaking, necessity first gave rise. But we
must observe, that after this necessity had, in a great measure, ceas-
ed, by language becoming, in process of time, more extensive and
copious, the ancient manner of speech still subsisted among many
nations; and what had arisen from necessity, continued to be used
for ornament. Wherever there was much fire and vivacity in the
genius of nations, they were naturally inclined to a mode of conver-
sation which gratified the imagination so much; for an imagination
which is warm, is always prone to throw both a great deal of action,
and a variety of tones, into discourse. Upon this principle, Dr.
Warburton accounts for so much speaking by action, as we find
among the Old Testament prophets; as when Jeremiah breaks the
potter's vessel, in sight of the people ; throws a book into the
Euphrates; puts on bonds and yokes; and carries out his household
stuff; all which, he imagines, might be significant modes of expres-
sion, very natural in those ages, when men were accustomed to ex-
plain themselves so much by actions and gestures. In like manner,
among the northern American tribes, certain motions and actions
were found to be much used as explanatory of their meaning, on all
 ;

64 RISE AND PROGRESS |lect. vi.

their great occasions of intercourse with each other; and by the

beltsand strings of wampum, which they gave and received, they
were accustomed to declare their meaning, as much as by their dis-
courses.
With regard
to inflections of voice, these are so natural, that to
some nations,has appeared easier to express different ideas, by va-
it

rying the tone with which they pronounced the same word, than to
contrive words for all their ideas. This is the practice of the Chi-
nese in particular. The number of words in their language is said
not to be great; but in speaking, they vary each of their words on
no less than five different tones, by which they make the same word
signify five different things. This must give a great appearance of
music or singing to their speech. For those inflections of voice
which, in the infancy of language, were no more than harsh or dis-
sonant cries, must, as language gradually polishes, pass into more
smooth and musical sounds; and hence is formed, what we call the
prosody of a language.
It is remarkable, and deserves attention, that, both in the Greek
and Roman languages, this musical and gesticulating pronunciation
was retained in a very high degree. Without having attended to
this, we shall be at a loss in understanding several passages of the
classics, which relate to the public speaking, and the theatrical en-
tertainments of the ancients. It appears from many circumstances,
that the prosody both of the Greeks and Romans, was carried much
farther than ours; or that they spoke with more and stronger inflec-
tions of voice than we use. The quantity of their syllables was
much more fixed than in any of the modern languages, and render-
ed much more sensible to the ear in pronouncing them. Besides
quantities, or the difference of short and long, accents were placed
upon most of their syllables, the acute, grave, and circumflex ; the
use of which accents we have now entirely lost, but which, we know,
determined the speaker's voice to rise or fall. Our modern pronun-
ciation must have appeared to them a lifeless monotony. The
declamation of their "orators, and the pronunciation of their actors
upon the stage, approached to the nature of recitative in music
was capable of being marked in notes, and supported with instru-
ments; as several learned men have fully proved. And if this was
the case, as they have shown,among the Romans, the Greeks, it is
well known, were still a more musical people than the Romans, and
carried their attention to tone and pronunciation much farther in
every public exhibition. Ariscotle, in his poetics, considers the
masic of tragedy as one of its chief and most essential parts.
The case was parallel with regard to gestures; for strong tones,
and animated gestures, we may observe, always go together. Ac-
tion is treated of by all the ancient critics, as the chief quality in
every public speaker. The action, both of the orators and the play-
ers in Greece and Rome, was far more vehement than what we are
accustomed to. Roscius would have seemed a madman to us. Ges-
ture was of such consequence upon the ancient stage, that there is
reason for believing, that on some occasions, the speaking and the
 lect. vi.] OF LANGUAGE. 65

acting part were divided, which, according to our ideas, would form
a strange exhibition ; one player spoke the words in the proper tones,
while another performed the corresponding motions and gestures.
We learn from Cicero, that it was a contest between him and Ros-
cius, whether he could express a sentiment in a greater variety of
phrases, or Roscius in a greater variety of intelligible significant ges-
tures. At last, gesture came to engross the stage wholly ; for, under
the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius, the favourite entertainment of
the public was the pantomime, which was carried on entirely by mute
gesticulation. The people were moved, and wept at it, as much as
at tragedies and the passion for it became so strong, that laws were
;

obliged to be made, for restraining the senators from studying the

pantomime art. Now, though in declamations and theatrical exhi-
bitions, both tone and gesture were doubtless carried much farther
than in common discourse; yet public speaking, of any kind, must,
in every country, bear some proportion to the manner that is used in
conversation, and such public entertainments as I have now men-
tioned could never have been relished by a nation, whose tones and
gestures, in discourse, were as languid as ours.
When the barbarians spread themselves over the Roman empire,
these more phlegmatic nations did not retain the accents, the tones,
and gestures, which necessity at first introduced, and custom and
fancy afterwards so long supported, in the Greek and Roman lan-
guages. As the Latin tongue was lost in their idioms, so the charac-
ter of speech and pronunciation began to be changed throughout
Europe. Nothing of the same attention was paid to the music of
Icui£uage, or to the pomp of declamation and theatrical action.
Both conversation and public speaking became more simple and
plain, such as we now find it ; without that enthusiastic mixture of
tones and gestures, which distinguished the ancient nations. At the
restoration of letters, the genius of language was so much altered,
and the manners of the people had become so different, that it was
no easy matter to understand what the ancients had said, concerning
their declamations and public spectacles. Our plain manner of
speaking in these northern countries, expresses the passions with suf-
ficient energy, to move those who are not accustomed to any more
vehement manner. But, undoubtedly, more varied tones, and more
animated motions, carry a natural expression of warmer feelings.
Accordingly, in different modern languages, the prosody of speech,
partakes more of music, in proportion to the liveliness and sensi-
bility of the people. A Frenchman both varies his accents, and
gesticulates, while he speaks, much more than an Englishman. An
Italian, a great deal more than either. Musical pronunciation and
expressive gesture, are to this day the distinction of Italy.
From the pronunciation of language, let us proceed, in the third
place, to consider the style of language in its most early state, and
its progress in this respect also. As the manner in which men first
uttered their words, and maintained conversation, was strong and
expressive, enforcing their imperfectly expressed ideas by cries
K 9
 ——
66 RISE AND PROGRESS [lect. vi.

and gestures ; so the language which they used, could be no other

than fullof figures and metaphors, not correct indeed, but forcible
and picturesque.
We are apt, upon a superficial view, to imagine, that those modes
of expression which are called figures of speech, are among the
chief refinements of speech, not invented till after language had
advanced to its later periods, and mankind were brought into a pol-
ished state and that, then, they were devised by orators and rhe-
;

toricians. The contrary of this is the truth. Mankind never em-

ployed so many figures of speech, as when they had hardly any
words for expressing their meaning.
For, first, the want of proper names for every object, obliged them
to use one name for many ; and of course, to express themselves
by comparisons, metaphors, allusions, and all those substituted forms
of speech which render language figurative. Next, as the objects
with which they were most conversant, were the sensible, material
objects around them, names would be given to those objects long
before words were invented for signifying the dispositions of the
mind, or any sort of moral and intellectual ideas. Hence, the early
language of men being entirely made up of words descriptive of
sensible objects, it became of necessity extremely metaphorical.
For, to signify any desire or passion, or any act or feeling of the
mind, they had no precise expression which was appropriated to
that purpose, but were under a necessity of painting the emotion
or passion which they felt, by allusion to those sensible objects which
had most relation to it, and which could render it, in some sort,
visible to others.
But it was not necessity alone, that gave rise to this figured style.
Other circumstances also, at the commencement of language, con-
tributed to it. In the infancy of all societies, men are much un-
der the dominion of imagination and passion. They live scattered
and dispersed they are unacquainted with the course of things ;
;

they are, every day, meeting with new and strange objects. Fear
and surprise, wonder and astonishment, are their most frequent pas-
sions. Their language will necessarily partake of this character ot
their minds. They will be prone to exaggeration and hyperbole.
They will be given to describe every thing with the strongest co-
lours, and most vehement expressions ; infinitely more than men
living in the advanced and cultivated periods of society, when their
imaginations are more chastened, their passions are more tamed,
and a wider experience has rendered the objects of life more fa
miliar to them. Even the manner in which I before showed that
the first tribes of men uttered their words, would have considerable
influence on their style. Wherever strong exclamations, tones, and
gestures, enter much into conversation, the imagination is always
more exercised ; a greater effort of fancy and passion is excited.
Consequently, the fancy kept awake, and rendered more sprightly
by this mode of utterance, operates upon style, and enlivens it more.
These reasonings are confirmed by undoubted facts. The style
of all the most early languages, among nations who are in the first
 ;

lect. vi.] OF LANGUAGE. 67

and rude periods of society, is found, without exception, to be full of

figures hyperbolical and picturesque in a high degree.
; have a We
striking instance of this in the American languages, which are known,
by the most authentic accounts, to be figurative to excess. The Iro-
quois and Illinois carry on their treaties and public transactions with
bolder metaphors, and greater pomp and style, than we use in our
poetical productions.*
Another remarkable instance is the style of the Old Testament,
which is carried on by constant allusions to sensible objects. Iniquity,
or guilt, is expressed by " a spotted garment ;" misery, by " drinking
the cup of astonishment;" vain pursuits, by "feeding on ashes;" a
sinful life, by "a crooked path;" prosperity, by "the candle of the
Lord shining on our head ;" and the like, in innumerable instances.
Hence we have been accustomed to call this sort of style the orien-
tal style ;
be peculiar to the nations of the east
as fancying it to
whereas, from the American style, and from many other instances,
it plainly appears not to have been peculiar to any one region or

climate ; but to have been common to all nations in certain periods

of society and language.
Hence we may receive some light concerning that seeming para-
dox, that poetry is more ancient than prose. I shall have occasion
to discuss this point fully hereafter, when I come to treat of the
nature and origin of poetry. At present, it is sufficient to observe,
that, from what has been said, it plainly appears that the style of all
language must have been originally poetical strongly tinctured with
;

that enthusiasm, and that descriptive metaphorical expression, which

distinguishes poetry.
As language in its progress began to grow more copious, it gra-
dually lost that figurative style, which was its early character. When
men were furnished with proper and familiar names for every object,
both sensible and moral, they were not obliged to use so many cir-
cumlocutions. Style became more precise, and, of course, more
simple. Imagination, too, in proportion as society advanced, had
less influence over mankind. The vehement manner of speaking

* Thus, to give an instance of the singular style of these nations, the Five Na-
tions of Canada, when entering on a treaty of peace with us, expressed themselves by
their chiefs, in the following language " We are happy in having buried under
:

" ground the red axe, that has so often been dyed with the blood of our brethren.
" Now, in this sort, we inter the axe, and plant the tree of peace. We plant a tree
" whose top will reach the sun, and its branches spread abroad, so that it shall be
" seen afar off. May its growth never be stifled and choaked ; but may it shade both
" your country and ours with its leaves Let us make fast its roots and extend them
!

" to the utmost of your colonies. If the French should come to shake this tree, we
u would know it by the motion of its roots reaching into our country. May the Great
" Spirit allow us to rest in tranquillity upon our mats, and never again dig up the axe
" to cut down the tree of peace ! Let the earth be trod hard over it, where it lies
" buried. Let a strong stream run under the pit, to wash the evil away out of our
" sight and remembrance. The fire that had long burned in Albany is extinguished.
u The bloody bed is washed clean, and the tears are wiped from our eyes. We now
u renew the covenant chain of friendship. Let it be kept bright and clean as silver,
" and not suffered to contract any rust. Let not any one pull away his arm from it."
These passages are extracted from Cadwallader Colden's Mistory of the Five Indian
Nations where it appears, from the authentic documents he produces, that such i*
:

their genuine style.

 ; ;

68 QUESTIONS. [lect. VI.

by tones and gestures, began to be disused. The understanding

was more exercised the fancy less. Intercourse among mankind
;

becoming more extensive and frequent, clearness of style, in signi-

fying their meaning to each other, was the chief object of attention.
In place of poets, philosophers became the instructors of men and ;

in their reasonings on all different subjects, introduced that plainer

and simpler style of composition which we now call prose. Among
the Greeks, Pherecydes of Scyros, the master of Pythagoras, is re-
corded to have been the first who, in this sense, composed any wri-
ting in prose. The ancient metaphorical and poetical dress of lan-
guage was now laid aside from the intercourse of men, and reserved
for those occasions only, on which ornament was professedly
studied.
Thus have pursued the history of language through some of the
I
variations has undergone
it I have considered it, in the first struc-
:

ture and composition of words in the manner of uttering or pro-

;

nouncing words and in the style and character of speech. I have

;

yet to consider it in another view, respecting the order and arrange-

ment of words when we shall find a progress to have taken place,
;

similar to what I have been now illustrating.

QUESTIONS.
Of the consideration of language^ with equal difficulty ? Upon considering
what remarked ? In what order does
is what, do difficulties increase upon us
our author propose to treat of it ? What and for what, consequently, does there
does language, in general, signify ? By appear no small reason ? If we admit
these sounds what are meant 1 What that language had a divine origin,
will appear from what is afterwards what can we not suppose ; why ; and
to be offered ? From what does it ap- what consequence follows? Of this
pear, that words and ideas may, in history, what is observed ? If we sup-
general, be considered arbitrary and pose that there was a period, before
conventional'? Of which, what is a words were invented or known, what
clear proof? In what state do we now follows and why ? How is this illus-
;

behold this artificial method of com- Of those exclamations, there-

trated ?
municating thought? What what is remarked ? When more
has lan- fore,
guage become ? By what remark is enlarged communications became ne-
this illustrated 1 Of what has language cessary, in what manner did men pro
become the instrument and how is ceed in the assignation of names?
;

this also illustrated! How long has What illustrations follow ? Under what
language been found in this refined circumstances, could he not do other
state; and what is the consequence? wise? What would be supposing an
To have reason for the highest asto- effect without a cause ; and why ? In
nishment, to what period must we this case, what motive would operate
carry our thoughts back ; and on what most generally? Where was the imita-
must we reflect % What do we admire tion of words abundantly evident and ;

and on what do we plume ourselves ? why? Thus, in all languages, what

What remark follows? In what cir- do we find ? How is this illustrated ?
cumstances did mankind live, when Where does this analogy seem to fail ?
language began to be formed ? Of this Many learned men, however, have
situation, what is remarked? What been of what opinion ? With regard to
would one naturally think and why ? ; moral and intellectual ideas, and also
What two points seem to be attended with regard to sensible objects that ad-
 J ;; ;

LECT. VI. QUESTIONS. 68 a

aress themselves merely to the sight, our modern pronunciation have ap-
what do they remark? How is this il- peared to them? To what did the
lustrated ? Of this system, what is re- declamation of their orators approach
marked? What question was much and of what was it capable ? If this
agitated among the ancient Stoic and was the case among the Romans, of
Platonic philosophers? Which opinion the Greeks what is well known ? How
did the Platonic school favour ? Wlien, did Aristotle consider the music of
only, can this principle of natural rela- tragedy ? Why was the case parallel
tion be applied? Though in every with regard to gestures? How
is ac-

tongue, some remains of it can be tion treated of by all the ancient

traced, yet what were utterly vain critics ? Of the action of the Greeks
and why? What may words, as we and Romans what is remarked ? How
now employ them, be considered ; but would Roscius have seemed to us?
of what can there be no doubt; and From the importance of gesticulation
what remark follows ? From what is a on the ancient stage, what have we
second character of language drawn ? reason to believe ? What do we learn
What have been shown to have been from Cicero ? Under the reigns of Au-
the first elements of speech ? How did gustus and Tiberius, what became the
men labour to communicate their feel- favourite entertainment of the pub-
ings to one another ? After words began lic ? To how great an extent was it
to be invented, why could not this mode carried, and what laws consequently
of speaking, by natural signs, be at became necessary? What evidence
once disused? What rendered these have we that such public entertain-
helps absolutely necessary, for explain- ments as have been mentioned, could
ing their conceptions? How would never have been relished by a nation
rude and uncultivated men labour to whose tones and gestures were as
make themselves understood; and why? languid as ours are? What effect was
How is this further illustrated? To produced by the barbarians, when they
what would this plan also naturally spread themselves over the Roman em-
lead ? For all those reasons, what may pire ? As the Latin tongue was lost in
be assumed as a principle ? their idiom, so what followed? To what
Though necessity gave rise to this was not the same attention paid ?
mode of speaking, yet, what must we What became more simple and plain ;
observe ? Of nations possessing much and without what ? What is said of
fire and vivacity, what is observed the genius of language at the restora-
and why? For what does Dr. War- tion of letters ? Of our plain manner
burton account ; and what illustration of speaking in these northern countries,
is given? In like manner, what were what is remarked ? What is the effect
found to be much used among the of more varied tones, and more anima-
northern American tribes; and how ted motions ? Accordingly, what effect
were they accustomed to declare their is produced; and how is this illustrated?
meaning? With regard to inflections From the pronunciation of language, to
of voice, what is observed ? With what what do we proceed? What reason
nation, particularly, is this the practice ? have we to believe that the language
As the number of words in their lan- of the ancients was full of figures and
guage is not great, how do they vary metaphors ? What are we, upon a su-
them? What appearance must this perficial view, apt to imagine? How
give to their speech ; why ; and hence does it appear that the contrary of this
is formed what ? What is remarkable, is the truth ? What is the first reason

and deserves attention ? Without having for this? What is the second; hence,
attended to this, in understanding what, what follows ; and why ? What other
shall we be at a loss ? From many cir- circumstances, besides necessity, con-
cumstances, with regard to the prosody tributed to produce this figurative style;
of the Greeks and the Romans, what and what, consequently, follows? Of
appears manifest ? Of the quantity of the style of the earliest languages,
their syllables what is observed ? Be- what is observed ? Where have we a
sides quantities, what were placed up- striking instance of this ? What exam-
on most of their syllables ; and of their ple is given ? Repeat it. What is ano-
use, what is remarked? How would ther remarkable instance ; and how is
 ;

68 b RISE AND PROGRESS [lect. VII.

this illustrated ?Hence, to what have ANALYSIS.

we been accustomed and why ? From
;

the American style, what plainly ap- Language.

pears? Concerning what, may we A. Its signification.
consequently receive some light ? On B. Its present state.
this subject, what, at present, is it suffi- c. Its origin.
cient to observe ? When did language D. The first method of communi-
lose this figurative character; and why? cating thoughts.
As style became more concise, what E. The principle upon which lan-
followed ; and what was its influence guage was formed.
on the imagination? As intercourse Pronunciation.
among mankind became more exten- A. Inflections.
sive, what was the chief object of atten- B. Gestures.
tion ? How was prose introduced ? The character ofLanguage changed.
Among the Greeks, who was the first The style of early Languages.
prose writer ; what was now laid aside A. The employment of figures.
from the intercourse of men ; and for B. These reasonings confirmed.
what occasions was it resumed ? Thus, c. The origin of Prose.
how has language been considered
and what remains to be done ?

LECTURE VII.

RISE AND PROGRESS OF LANGUAGE, AND OF

WRITING.
When we attend to the order in which words are arranged in a
sentence, or significant proposition, we find a very remarkable dif-
ference between the ancient and the modern tongues. The consi-
deration of this will serve to unfold farther the genius of language,
and to show the causes of those alterations, which it has undergone
in the progress of society.
In order to conceive distinctly the nature of that alteration of
which I now speak, let us go back, as we did formerly, to the most
early period of language. Let us figure to ourselves a savage, who
beholds some object, such as fruit, which raises his desire, and who
requests another to give it to him. Supposing our savage to be unac-
quainted with words, he would, in that case, labour to make himself
be understood, by pointing earnestly at the object which he desired,
and uttering at the same time a passionate cry. Supposing him to
have acquired words, the first word which he uttered would, of
course, be the name of that object. He would not express himself,
according to our English order of construction, "give me fruit;" but
;"
according to the Latin order, " fruit give me ;" " fructum da mihi
for this plain reason, that his attention was wholly directed towards
iruit, the desired object. This was the exciting idea the object ;

which moved him to speak and of course would be the first named.
;

Such an arrangement is precisely putting into words the gesture

 : ;

lect. vii.] OF LANGUAGE. 69

which nature taught the savage to make, before he was acquainted

with words; and therefore it may be depended upon as certain, that
he would fall most readily into this arrangement.
Accustomed now to a different method of ordering our words,
we call this an inversion, and consider it as a forced and unnatural
order of speech. But though not the most logical, it is, however,
in one view, the most natural order because it is the order sug-
;

gested by imagination and desire, which always impel us to mention

their object in the first place. We might therefore conclude, a priori,
that this would be the order in which words were most commonly
arranged at the beginnings of language and accordingly we find,
;

in fact, that, in this order, words are arranged in most of the an-
cient tongues ; as in the Greek and the Latin; and it is said also, in
the Russian, the Sclavonic, the Gaelic, and several of the Ameri-
can tongues.
In the Latin language, the arrangement which most commonly
obtains, is, to place first in the sentence, that word which expresses

theprincipal object of the discourse, together with its circumstances;

and afterwards, the person or the thing that acts upon it. Thus
Sallust, comparing together the mind and the body " Animi imperio,
:

corporis servitio, magis utimur," which order certainly renders the

sentence more lively and striking, than when it is arranged according
to our English construction; "we make most use of the direction
of the soul, and of the service of the body." The Latin order
gratifies more the rapidity of the imagination, which naturally runs
first to that which is its chief Jobject ; and having once named it,
carries it in view throughout the rest of the sentence. In the same
manner in poetry
Justura et tenacem propositi virum,
Non civium ardor prava jubentium,
Non vultus instantis tyranni,
Mente quatit solida

Every person of taste must be sensible, that here the words are ar-
ranged with a much greater regard to the figure which the several
objects make in the fancy, than our English construction admits
which would require the " Justum et tenacem propositi virum,"
though undoubtedly the capital object in the sentence, to be thrown
into the last place.
I have said, that, in the Greek and Roman languages, the most
common arrangement is, to place that first which strikes the imagi-
nation of the speaker most. I do not, however, pretend, that this
holds without exception. Sometimes regard to the harmony of the
period requires a different order ; and in languages susceptible of so
much musical beauty, and pronounced with so much tone and modu-
lation as were used by those nations, the harmony of periods was an
object carefully studied. Sometimes, too, attention to the perspi-
cuity, to the force, or to the artful suspension of the speaker's mean-
ing, alter this order; and produce such varieties in the arrangement,
that it is not easy to reduce them to any one principle. But, in
general, this was the genius and character of most of the ancient
 —
70 RISE AND PROGRESS [lect. vii.

languages, to give such full liberty to the collocation of words, as

allowed them to assume whatever order was most agreeable to the
speaker's imagination. The Hebrew is, indeed, an exception ;
which, though not altogether without inversions, yet employs them
less frequently, and approaches nearer to the English construction,
than either the Greek or the Latin.
All the modern languages of Europe have adopted a different ar-
rangement from the ancient. In their prose compositions, very lit-
tle variety is admitted in the collocation of words; they are mostly
fixed to one order, and that order is, what may be called, the order
of the understanding. They place first in the sentence, the person
or thing which speaks or acts ; next, its action and lastly, the ob-
;

ject of its action. So that the ideas are made to succeed to one an-
other, not according to the degree of importance which the several
objects carry in the imagination, but according to the order of nature
and of time.
An English writer, paying a compliment to a great man, would
say thus "it is impossible for me to pass over in silence, such re-
:

markable mildness, such singular and unheard of clemency, and

such unusual moderation in the exercise of supreme power." Here
we have first presented to us, the person who speaks :
" It is im-
possible for me ;" next, what that person is to do, "impossible for him
to pass over in silence?' and lastly, the object which moves him so
to do, " the mildness, clemency, and moderation of his patron."
Cicero, from whom I have translated these words, just reverses this
order ; beginning with the object, placing that first which was the
exciting idea in the speaker's mind, and ending with the speaker and
his action. " Tantam mansuetudinem, tarn inusitatam inauditamque
" clementiam, tantumque in summapotestate rerum omnium modum,
" tacitusnullo modo prseterire possum." (Orat. pro. Marcell.)
The Latin order is more animated the English more clear and
;

distinct. The Romans generally arranged their words according to

the order in which the ideas rose in the speaker's imagination.
We arrange them according to the order in which the understanding
directs those ideas to be exhibited, in succession, to the view of an-
other. Our arrangement, therefore, appears to be the consequence
of greater refinement in the art of speech ; as far as clearness in
communication is understood to be the end of speech.
In poetry, where we are supposed to rise above the ordinary style,
and to speak the language of fancy and passion, our arrangement is
not altogether so limited ; but some greater liberty is allowed for
transposition and inversion. Even there, however, that liberty is

confined within narrow bounds, in comparison of the ancient lan-

guages. The different modern tongues vary from one another in this
respect. The French language is, of them all, the most determin-
ate in the order of its words, and admits the least of inversion,
either in prose or poetry. The English admits it more. But the
Italian retains the most of the ancient transpositive character; though
one is apt to think it attended with a little obscurity in the style of
some of their authors, who deal most in these transpositions.
 : —;

lect. vii.] OF LANGUAGE. 71

proper next to observe, that there is one circumstance in

It is
the structure of all the modern tongues, which, of necessity, limits

their arrangement, in a great measure, to one fixed and determinate

train. Wehave disused those differences of termination, which in
the Greek and Latin, distinguished the several cases of nouns, and
tenses of verbs ; and which, thereby, pointed out the mutual rela-
tion of the several words in a sentence to one another, though the
related words were disjoined, and placed in different parts of the
sentence. This is an alteration in the structure of language, of which
I shall have occasion to say more in the next lecture. One obvious
effect of it is, that we have now, for the most part, no way left us
to show the close relation of any two words to each other in mean-
ing, but by placing them close to one another in the period. For
instance ; the Romans could, with propriety, express themselves
thus
Extinctum nymphae crudeli funere Daphniin
Flebant

Because " extinctum & Daphnim" being both in the accusative ease,
this showed, that the adjective and the substantive were related to
each other, though placed at the two extremities of the line and ;

that both were governed by the active verb "flebant," to which

u nymphae" plainly appeared to be the nominative. The different
terminations here reduced all into order, make the connexion
of the several words perfectly clear. But let us translate these
words literally into English, according to the Latin arrangement
" dead the nymphs by a cruel fate Daphnis lamented ;" and they
become a perfect riddle, in which it is impossible to find any meaning.
It was by means of this contrivance, which obtained in almost all
the ancient languages of varying the termination of nouns and verbs,
and thereby pointing out the concordance and the government of
the words in a sentence, that they enjoyed so much liberty of trans-
position, and'could marshal and arrange their words in any way that
gratified the imagination, or pleased the ear. When language came
to be modelled by the northern nations, who overran the empire,
they dropped the cases of nouns, and the different terminations of
verbs, with the more ease, because they placed no great value upon
the advantages arising [from such a structure of language. They
were attentive only to clearness, and copiousness of expression.
They neither regarded much the harmony of sound, nor sought to
gratify the imagination by the collocation of words. They studied
solely to express themselves in such a manner as should exhibit their
ideas to others in the most distinct and intelligible order. And hence,
ifour language, by reason of the simple arrangement of its words,
possesses less harmony, less beauty, and less force, than the Greek
or Latin ; it is, however, in its meaning, more obvious and plain.
Thus I have shown what the natural progress of language has
been, in several material articles and this account of the genius
:

and progress of language, lays 'a foundation for many observations,

both curious and useful. From what has been said in this, and th«
L
 —
72 RISE AND PROGRESS [lect. vn.

preceding lecture, it appears that language was at first barren in

words, but descriptive by the sound of these words and expressive
;

in the manner of uttering them, by the aid of significant tones and

gestures style was figurative and poetical arrangement was fanci-
: ;

ful and lively. It appears, that, in all the successive changes which

language has undergone, as the world advanced, the understanding

has gained ground on the fancy and imagination. The progress of
language, in this respect, resembles the progress of age in man.
The imagination is most vigorous and predominant in youth with ;

advancing years, the imagination cools, and the understanding ripens.

Thus language, proceeding from sterility to copiousness, hath, at
the same time, proceeded from vivacity to accuracy; from fire and
enthusiasm, to coolness and precision. Those characters of early
language, descriptive sound, vehement tones and gestures, figurative
style, and inverted arrangement, all hang together, have a mutual
influence on each other, and have all gradually given place to arbi-
trary sounds, calm pronunciation, simple style, plain arrangement.
Language is become, in modern times, more correct, indeed, and
accurate ; but, however, less striking and animated: in its ancient
state, more favourable to poetry and oratory in its present, to reason
;

and philosophy.
Having finished my account of the progress of speech, I proceed
to give an account of the progress of writing, which next demands
our notice though it will not require so full a discussion as the for-
;

mer subject.
Next to speech, writing is beyond doubt, the most useful art

which men possess. It is plainly an improvement upon speech, and

therefore must have been posterior to it in order of time. At first,
men thought of nothing more than communicating their thoughts
to one another, when present, by means of words, or sounds, which
they uttered. Afterwards, they devised this further method, of mu-
tual communication with one another, when absent, by means of
marks or characters presented to the eye, which we call writing.
Written characters are of two sorts. They are either signs for
things, or signs for words. Of the former sort, signs of things, are
the pictures, hieroglyphics, and symbols, employed by the ancient
nations ; of the latter sort, signs for words, are the alphabetical
characters now employed by all Europeans. These two kinds of
writing are generically and essentially distinct.
Pictures were, undoubtedly, the first essay towards writing. Imi-
tation is so natural to man, that, in all ages, and among all nations,
some methods have obtained, of copying or tracing the likeness of
Those methods would soon be employed by men
sensible objects.
for givingsome imperfect information to others, at a distance, of
what had happened; or for preserving the memory of facts which
they sought to record. Thus, to signify that one man had killed
another, they drew the figure of one man stretched upon the earth,
and of another standing by him with a deadly weapon in his hand.
We find, in fact, that when America was first discovered, this was
the only sort of writing known in the kingdom of Mexico. By his-
 —
lect. vii.] OF WRITING. 73

torical pictures, the ^Mexicans are said to have transmitted the me-
mory of the most important transactions of their empire. These,
however, must have been extremely imperfect records and the;

nations who had no other, must have been very gross and rude.
Pictures could do no more than delineate external events. They
could neither exhibit the connexions of them, nor describe such
qualities as were not visible to the eye, nor convey any idea of the
dispositions or words of men.
To supply, in some degree, this defect, there arose, in process
of time, the invention of what are called hieroglyphical characters'
which may be considered as the second stage of the art of writing
Hieroglyphics consist in certain symbols, which are made to stand
for invisible objects, on account of an analogy or resemblance which
such symbols were supposed to bear to the objects. Thus, an eye,
was the hieroglyphical symbol of knowledge a circle, of eternity,
;

which has neither beginning nor end. Hieroglyphics, therefore,

were a more refined and extensive species of painting. Pictures
delineated the resemblance of external visible objects. Hiero-
glyphics painted invisible objects, by analogies taken from the ex-
ternal world.
Among the Mexicans, were found some traces of hieroglyphical
characters, intermixed with their historical pictures. But Egypt
was the country where this sort of writing was most studied, and
brought into a regular art. In hieroglyphics was conveyed all the
boasted wisdom of their priests. According to the properties which
they ascribe to animals, or the qualities with which they supposed
natural objects to be endowed, they pitched upon them to be the
emblems, or hieroglyphics, of moral objects ; and employed them
in their writing for that end. Thus, ingratitude was denominated
by a viper; imprudence, by a fly wisdom, by an ant ; victory, by a
;

hawk; a dutiful child, by a stork; a man universally shunned, by

an eel, which they supposed to be found in company with no other
fish. Sometimes they joined together two or more of these hiero-
glyphical characters; as, a serpent with a hawk's head, to denote
nature, with God presiding over it. But, as many of those pro-
perties of objects which they assumed for the foundation of their
hieroglyphics, were merely imaginary, and the allusions drawn from
them were forced and ambiguous; as the conjunction of their charac-
ters rendered them still more obscure, and must have expressed very
indistinctly the connexions and relations of things this sort of wri-
;

ting could be no other than enigmatical, and confused in the highest

degree ; and must have been a very imperfect vehicle of knowledge
of any kind.
It has been imagined, that hieroglyphics were an invention of the
Egyptian priests, for concealing their learning from common view;
and that, upon this account, it was preferred by them to the alpha-
betical method of writing. But this is certainly a mistake. Hie-
roglyphics were, undoubtedly, employed at first from necessity, not
from choice or refinement; and would never have been thought of?
10
 ;;

74 RISE AND PROGRESS [lect. vii.

if alphabetical characters had been known. The nature of the in-

vention plainly shows it to have been one of those gross and rude
essays towards writing, which were adopted in the early ages of the
world, in order to extend farther the first method which they had
employed of simple pictures, or representations of visible objects.
Indeed, in after times, when alphabetical writing was introduced into
Egypt, and the hieroglyphical was, of course, fallen into disuse, it
is known, that the priests still employed the hieroglyphical charac-
ters, as a sacred kind of writing, now become peculiar to themselves,
and serving to give an air of mystery to their learning and religion.
In this state, the Greeks found hieroglyphical writing, when they
began to have intercourse with Egypt; and some of their writers
mistook this use, to which they found it applied, for the cause that
had given rise to the invention.
As writing advanced, from pictures of visible objects, to hiero-
glyphics, or symbols of things invisible; from these latter, it advanc-
ed, among some nations, to simple arbitrary marks which stood for
objects, though without any resemblance or analogy to the objects
signified. Of this nature was the method of writing practised among
the Peruvians. They made use of small cords, of different colours
and by knots upon these, of various sizes, and differently ranged,
they contrived signs for giving information, and communicating their
thoughts to one another.
Of this nature also, are the written characters, which are used to
this day throughout the great empire of China. The Chinese have
no alphabet of letters, or simple sounds, which compose their words.
But every single character which they use in writing, is significant
of an idea; it is a mark which stands for some one thing, or object.
By consequence, the number of these characters must be immense.
It must correspond to the whole number of objects, or ideas, which
they have occasion to express that is, to the whole number of
;

words which they employ in speech nay, it must be greater than

;

the number of words one word, by varying the tone with which
;

it is spoken, may be made to signify several different things. They

are said to have seventy thousand of those written characters. To

read and write them to perfection, is the study of a whole life
which subjects learning, among them, to infinite disadvantage; and
must have greatly retarded the progress of all science.
Concerning the origin of these Chinese characters, there have
been different opinions, and much controversy. According to the
most probable accounts, the Chinese writing began, like the Egyp-
tian, with pictures and hieroglyphical figures. These figures being,
in progress, abbreviated in their form, for the sake of writing them
easily, and greatly enlarged in their number, passed, at length, into
those marks or characters which they now use, and which have
spread themselves through several nations of the east. For we are
informed, that the Japanese, the Tonquinese, and the Corceans,
who speak different languages from one another, and from the in-
habitants of China, use, however, the same written characters with
them; and, by this means,correspond intelligibly with each other in
 lect. vii.] OF WRITING. 75

writing, though ignorant of the language spoken in their several

countries; a plain proof, that the Chinese characters are, like hie-
roglyphics, independent of language: are signs of things, not of words.
We have one instance of this sort of writing in Europe. Our
cyphers, as they are called, or arithmetical figures, 1,2, 3, 4, &c.
which we have derived from the Arabians, are significant marks,
precisely of the same nature with the Chinese characters. They
have no dependence on words but each figure denotes an object,
;

denotes the number for which it stands; and, accordingly, on be-

ing presented to the eye, is equally understood by all the nations
who have agreed in the use of these cyphers by Italians, Spaniards,
;

French, and English, however different the languages of those na-

tions are from one another, and whatever different names they give,
in their respective languages, to each numerical cypher.
As far, then, as we have yet advanced, nothing has appeared which
resembles our letters, or which can be called writing, in the sense
we now give to that term. What we have hitherto seen, were all
direct signs for things, and made no use of the medium of sound,
or words; either signs by representation, as the Mexican pictures;
or signs by analogy, as the Egyptian hieroglyphics; or signs by in-
stitution, as the Peruvian knots, the Chinese characters, and the
Arabian cyphers.
At length, in different nations, men became sensible of the im-
perfection, the ambiguity, and the tediousness of each of these
methods of communication with one another. They began to con-
sider, that by employing signs which would stand not directly for
things, but for the words which they used in speech for naming these
things, a considerable advantage would be gained. For they re-
flected farther, that though the number of words in every language
be, indeed, very great, yet the number of articulate sounds, which
are used in composing these words, is comparatively small. The
same simple sounds are continually recurring and repeated; and are
combined together, in various ways, for forming all the variety of
words which we utter. They bethought themselves, therefore, of
inventing signs, not for each word by itself, but for each of those
simple sounds which we employ in forming our words; and, by
joining together a few of those signs, they saw that it would be
practicable to express, in writing, the whole combinations of sounds
which our words require.
The first step, in this new progress, was the invention of an al-
phabet of syllables, which probably preceded the invention of an al-
phabet of letters, among some of the ancient nations; and which
is said to be retained to this day in Ethiopia, and some countries
of India. By fixing upon a particular mark, or character, for every
syllable in the language, the number of characters, necessary to be
used in writing, was reduced within a much smaller compass than
the number of words in the language. Still, however, the number
of characters was great; and must have continued to render both
reading and writing very laborious arts. Till, at last, some happy
genius arose, and tracing the sounds, made by the human voice, to
 ;

76 RISE AND PROGRESS [lect. vii.

their most simple elements, reduced them to a very few vowels and
consonants and, by affixing to each of these, the signs which we now
;

call letters, taught men how, by their combinations, to put in writing

all the different words, or combinations of sound, which they em-
ployed in speech. By being reduced to this simplicity, the art of
writing was brought to its highest state of perfection; and in this
state, we now enjoy it in all the countries of Europe.
To whom we are indebted for this sublime and refined discovery,
does not appear. Concealed by the darkness of remote antiquity,
the great inventer is deprived of those honours which would still be
paid to his memory, by all the lovers of knowledge and learning.
It appears from the books which Moses has written, that among the
Jews, and probably among the Egyptians, letters had been invented
prior to his age. The universal tradition among the ancients is, that
they were first imported into Greece by Cadmus the Phoenician
who, according to the common system of chronology, was cotempo-
rary with Joshua according to sir Isaac Newton's system, cotempo-
;

rary with king David. As the Phoenicians are not known to have been
the inventers of any art or science, though, by means of their ex-
tensive commerce, they propagated the discoveries made by other
nations, the most probable and natural account of the origin of al-
phabetical characters is, that they took rise in Egypt, the first civi-
lized kingdom of which we have any authentic accounts, and the great
source of arts and polity among the ancients. In that country, the
favourite study of hieroglyphical characters, had directed much
attention to the art of writing. Their hieroglyphics are known to
have been intermixed with abbreviated symbols, and arbitrary
marks; whence, at last, they caught the idea of contriving marks,
notforthings merely, butfor sounds. Accordingly Plato (in Phasdo)
expressly attributes the invention of letters to Theuth, the Egyptian,
who is supposed to have been the Hermes, or Mercury, of the

Greeks. Cadmus himself, though he passed from Phoenicia to

Greece, yet is affirmed, by several of the ancients, to have been ori-
ginally of Thebes in Egypt. Most probably, Moses carried with him
the Egyptian letters into the land of Canaan and there being
;

adopted by the Phoenicians, who inhabited part of that country, they

were transmitted into Greece.
The alphabet which Cadmus brought into Greece was imperfect,
and is said to have contained only sixteen letters. The rest were after-
wards added, according as signs for proper sounds were found to be
wanting. It is curious to observe, that the letters which we use at
this day, can be traced back to this very alphabet of Cadmus. The
Roman alphabet, which obtains with us, and with most of the Eu-
ropean nations, is plainly formed on the Greek, with a few variations.
And all learned men observe, that the Greek characters, especially
according to the manner in which they are formed in the oldest in-
scriptions, have a remarkable conformity with the Hebrew or Sama-
ritan characters, which, it is agreed, are the same with the Phoenician,
or the alphabet of Cadmus. Invert the Greek characters from left
to right, according to the Phoenician and Hebrew manner of wri
lect. vii. i
OF WRITING. 77

ting, and they are nearly the same. Besides the conformity of
figure, the names or denominations of the letters, alpha, beta, gamma,
&c. and the order in which the letters are arranged, in all the several
alphabets, Phoenician, Hebrew, Greek, and Roman, agree so much
as amounts to a demonstration, that they were all derived originally
from the same source. An invention so useful and simple was gree-
dily received by mankind, and propagated with speed and facility
through many different nations.
The letters were originally written' from the right hand towards
the left that is, in a contrary order to what we now practise. This
;

manner of writing obtained among the Assyrians, Phoenicians, Ara-

bians, and Hebrews and from some very old inscriptions, appears
;

to have obtained also among the Greeks. Afterwards, the Greeks

adopted a new method, writing their lines alternately from the right
to the left, and from the left to the right, which was called Bonstro-
phedon ; or, writing after the manner in which oxen plough the
ground. Of this, several specimens still remain; particularly, the
inscription on the famous Sigean monument; and down to the days
of Solon, the legislator of Athens, this continued to be the com-
mon method of writing. At length, the motion from the left hand
to the right being found more natural and commodious, the practice
of writing, in this direction, prevailed throughout all the countries
of Europe.
. Writing was long a kind of engraving. Pillars, and tables of
stone, were first employed for this purpose, and afterwards plates of
the softer metals, such as lead. In proportion as writing became
more common, lighter and more portable substances were employ-
ed. The leaves, and the bark of certain trees, were used in some
countries and in others, tablets of wood, covered with a thin coat
:

of soft wax, on which the impression was made with a stylus of iron.
In later times, the hides of animals, properly prepared and polished
fnto parchment, were the most common materials. Our present
method of writing on paper, is an invention of no greater antiquity
than the fourteenth century.
Thus I have given some account oC the progress of these two
great arts, speech and writing; by which men's thoughts are com-
municated, and the foundation laid for all knowledge and improve-
ment. Let us conclude the subject, with comparing in a few words,
spoken language, and written language or words uttered in our
;

hearing, with words represented to the eye ; where we shall find

several advantages and disadvantages to be balanced on both sides.
The advantages of writing above speech are, that writing is both
the more extensive, and a more permanent method of communication.
More extensive, as it is not confined within the narrow circle of those
who hear our words, but, by means of written characters, we can
send our thoughts abroad, and propagate them through the world;
we can lift our voice, so as to speak to the most distant regions of
the earth. More permanent also as it prolongs this voice to the
;

most distant ages it gives us the means of recording our senti-

;

ments to futurity, and of perpetuating the instructive memory of

 ;; ;

78 RISE AND PROGRESS, &c. [lect. VII

past transactions. It likewise affords this advantage to such as read,

above such as hear, that, having the written characters before their
eyes, they can arrest the sense of the writer. They can pause, and
revolve, and compare, at their leisure, one passage with another :

whereas, the voice is fugitive and passing you must catch the words
;

the moment they are uttered, or you lose them for ever.
But, although these be so great advantages of written language,
that speech, without writing, would have been very inadequate for
the instruction of mankind yet we must not forget to observe, that
;

spoken language has a great superiority over written language, in

point of energy or force. The voice of the living speaker, makes
an impression on the mind, much stronger than can be made by the
perusal of any writing. The tones of voice, the looks and gesture,
which accompany discourse, and which no writing can convey, ren-
der discourse, when it is well managed, infinitely more clear, and
more expressive, than the most accurate writing. For tones, looks,
and gestures, are natural interpreters of the sentiments of the mind.
They remove ambiguities they enforce impressions they operate
; ;

on us by means of sympathy, which is one of the most powerful in-

struments of persuasion. Our sympathy is always awakened more,
by hearing the speaker, than by reading his works in our closet.
Hence, though writing may answer the purposes of mere instruction,
yet all the great and high efforts of eloquence must be made by
means of spoken, not of written language.
QUESTIONS.
In attending to the order in which what was the genius and character of
words are arranged in a sentence, what most of the ancient languages ? What
do we find ? What advantage will a one is an exception and what is said
;

consideration of this difference afford ? of it ? Of the prose compositions of mo-

That we may conceive clearly the na- dern languages, what is remarked
ture of this difference, what is neces- and what may that order be called ?
sary? What must Ave figure to our- How do they dispose of the parts of
selves ? Unacquainted with words, how their sentences; and what follows?
would he proceed 1 Having acquired By what example is this remark illus-
words, what one would he first utter ? trated? Here, what have we present-
How would he express himself, and for ed to us? What order would Cicero
what reason? Of such an arrangement, have used ? How do these two orders
what is remarked ? What do we now compare with each other? How did
call this order why
; ; and how do we the Romans generally arrange their
consider it ? Though not the most logical, words ? How do we arrange them ? Of
yet why is it the most natural order ? what does our arrangement appear to
What might we therefore conclude be the consequence and how far ? Of ;

and accordingly, what do we find ? our arrangement in poetry, what is ob-

What arrangement, in the Latin lan- served ? In what order do different
guage, most commonly obtains, and modern tongues rary in this respect ?
what example is given ? What does What proper next to observe?
is it
the Latin order gratify? In the exam- is that circumstance ? What is
What
ple here given, of what must every one obvious effect of this ? What illus-
person of taste be sensible ? In the tration of this remark is given? By
Greek and Roman languages, what is means of this contrivance, what did
the most common arrangement? What, the ancients enjoy ? When were these
sometimes, requires a different order cases of nouns and terminations of
and what remark follows ? Sometimes, verbs dropped; and why? To what
too, what alters this order;and what only were they attentive? What did"
effect would it produce ? In general, they not much regard ; what solely
 ;

LECT. VII.] QUESTIONS. 78 a

study and hence what follows ? Thus, hieroglyphics and for what purpose ?
j ;

what has been shown and for what How does it appear that this is certain-
;

does it lay a foundation? From what ly a mistake ? What does the nature
has been said in this, and the preceding of the invention plainly show it to have
lecture, what appears evident ? In the been ? After alphabetical writing was
successive changes which language has introduced into Egypt, for what pur
undergone, what, also, isevident ? In pose did the priests still employ hiero-
this respect, what does the progress of glyphical characters ? Who found hie-
language resemble ? How is this illustra- roglyphical writing in this state ; and
ted i What were the characteristics of what was the consequence? As wri-
early language, and to what have they ting advanced from pictures to hiero-
all gradually given place? How do glyphics, from these latter to what did it
the modern and ancient characters of advance ? Where was this kind of wri-
language compare ? In its ancient ting practised ? What method did they
state, to what was it most favourable contrive to give information, or com-
and to what is it most favourable in municate their thoughts to one an-
its modern? Having finished his ac- other ? Where are these characters at
count of the progress of speech, to what present used ? As the Chinese have no
does our author next proceed ; and alphabet of letters, howare their words
what does he say of it ? Next to speech, composed; and what is the conse-
what is the most, useful art that men quence ? To what must the number ot
possess ? As it is plainly an improve- these characters correspond ? How
ment upon speech, what necessarily many of them are they said to have ?
follows ? Of what only did men at first What time does it require to learn to
think ; and what did they afterwards read and to write them correctly ; and
devise ? Of what two sorts are written to what does this subject learning ? In
characters ? What are examples of the what manner, is it probable, the Chi-
former ; and of the latter ? What nese proceeded in forming these cha-
were, doubtless, the first essay towards racters ? What reason have we for be-
writing; and why? For what purposes lieving this to have been the case?
would those methods soon be employ- What instance of this sort of writing
ed? How is this illustrated? Where do have we in Europe ; and whence did
we find this method to have prevailed we derive it ? Of these figures, what is
and at what time ? The memory of observed ; and accordingly, what fol
what did the Mexicans transmit by his- lows ? As far as we have advanced,
torical pictures ? Of these records, and what has not appeared ? Of what we
of the nations who had no other, what have hitherto seen, what is observed ;
is remarked ? What only could pic- and what examples are given? Of
tures delineate ; and what could they what did men at length become sensi-
not do? To supply, in some degree, ble? How did they begin to consider
this defect, what, in process of time, that much advantage would be gain-
arose ; and how may they be consider- ed ? On what did they reflect ? Of the
ed ? In what do hieroglyphics consist ? same simple sounds, what is remarked?
What examples are given ? What ad- Of what did they therefore bethink
vantage had hieroglyphics over pic- themselves ? In this new progress,
tures? What did pictures delineate? Avhat was the first step ; and what is
What did hieroglyphics paint; and said of it? How was the number of
how ? Among the Mexicans, what characters in writing reduced to a
were found? Where was this land of much smaller compass than the num-
writing most studied, and brought to a ber of words in the language ? Still, of
regular art? In hieroglyphics, what the number of characters, what is ob-
was conveyed? By what were they served? At length, by some happy
governed in forming them? How is genius, what was effected ? By being
this remark illustrated ? What did they reduced to this simplicity, to what was
sometimes join together ; and what ex- the art of writing brought ? Of the au-
ample is given ? Why was this sort thor of this sublime discovery, what is
of writing enigmatical and confused, observed? What appears, from the
and a very imperfect vehicle of know- books of Moses ? What is the tradition
'edffe of any kind ? among the ancients ; and with whom
Who, has it been imagined, invented was he contemporary ? Of the Phoeni-
M
 —
78 b QUESTIONS. [lect. VII.

dans, what is said; and what infer- What advantages

subject concluded?
ence follows? In that country, to have writing above speech ? Why is it
what had the favourite study of hiero- more extensive; and why more per-
glyphics directed much attention and manent ? What advantage does it
;

of them, what is known? Accordingly, likewise afford; and why? But, al-
to whom does Plato attribute the in- though these are the advantages of
vention of letters ? Of what nation was written language, yet what must we not
Cadmus, originally ? How, is it proba- forget ? Repeat the succeeding remarks,
ble, these characters were introduced on the advantages of spoken language.
to the Phoenicians ? How many letters Hence, what follows ?
did the alphabet of Cadmus contain ;

and how were the rest added ? What

is itcurious to observe ? Of the Roman
ANALYSIS.
alphabet, what is said; and of the
Greek, what do all the learned observe ? 1. Arrangement.
How will the Greek and Hebrew cha- a. The origin of arrangement.
racters appear nearly the same ? What B. Arrangement of the Greek and
amounts to a demonstration that they Latin languages.
were all originally derived from the c. Arrangement of modern lan-
same source ; and how was this inven- guages.
tion received? How were the letters a. Necessarily limited.
originally written ; and where did this 2. Writing.
method obtain? What method was Division of written characters.
adopted by the Greeks ? Of this me- A. Signs of tilings.
thod, what specimens remain and how ; a. Pictures.
long did it continue ? At length, what Hieroglyphical characters.
6.
method prevailed; and why? What Arbitrary marks.
c.
were at, first employed for purposes of B. Signs for words.
writing; and what several improve- a. The alphabet of syllables.
ments succeeded? When was paper b. Alphabetical characters.
invented ? Thus, an account of what 3. Comparative advantages of speech
has been given and with what is the
; and writing.

LECTURE
— VIII.
«*•

STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE.
After having given an account of the rise and progress of lan-
guage, proceed to treat of its structure, or of general grammar.
I

The structure of language is extremely artificial and there are few ;

sciences in which a deeper, or more refined logic is employed, than

in grammar. It is apt to be slighted by superficial thinkers as be-

longing to those rudiments of knowledge, which were inculcated

upon us in our earliest youth. But what was then inculcated before
we could comprehend its principles, would abundantly repay our
study in maturer years and to the ignorance of it, must be attribu-
;

ted many of those fundamental defects which appear in writing.

Few authors have written with philosophical accuracy on the
principles of general grammar and what is more to be regretted,
;

fewer still have thought of applying those principles to the English

language. While the French tongue has long been an object of
attention to many able and ingenious writers of that nation, who
have considered its construction, and determined its propriety with
great accuracy, the genius and grammar of the English, to the re-
proach of the country, have not been studied with equal care, oi
lect. vin.] STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE. 79

ascertained with the same precision. Attempts have been made,

indeed, of late, towards supplying this defect ; and some able wri-
ters have entered on the subject but much remains yet to be done.
;

Ido not propose to give any system, either of grammar in gene-

ral, or of English grammar in particular. A minute discussion of
the niceties of language would carry us too much off from other ob-
jects, which demand our attention in the course of lectures. But
I propose to give a general view of the chief principles relating to
this subject, in observations on the several parts of which speech or
language is composed remarking, as I go along, the peculiarities
;

of our own tongue. After which, I shall make some more particu-
lar remarks on the genius of the English language.
The thing to be considered is, the division of the several parts
first
of speech. The essential parts of speech are the same in all langua-
ges. There must always be some words which denote the names
of objects, or mark the subject of discourse other words, which de-
;

note the qualities of those objects, and express what we affirm con-
cerning them; and other words, which point out their connexions
and relations. Hence, substantives, pronouns, adjectives, verbs,
prepositions, and conjunctions, must necessarily be found in all lan-
guages. The most simple and comprehensive division of the parts
of speech is, into substantives, attributives, and connectives.* Sub-
stantives are all the words which express the names of objects, or
the subjects of discourse attributives, are all the words which ex-
;

press any attribute, property, or action of the former ; connectives,

are what express the connexions, relations, and dependencies,
which take place among them. The common grammatical division
of speech into eight parts ; noiins, pronouns, verbs, participles, ad-
verbs, prepositions, interjections, and conjunctions, is not very lo-
gical, as might be easily shown as it comprehends, under the ge-
;

neral term of nouns, both substantives and adjectives, which are

parts of speech genericallyand essentially distinct; while it makes
a separate part of speech of participles, which are no other than
verbal adjectives. However, as these are the terms to which our
ears have been most familiarized, and, as an exact logical division
is of no great consequence to our present purpose, it will be better
to make use of these known terms than of any other.
We are naturally led to begin with the consideration of substan-
tive nouns, which are the foundation of all grammar, and may be
considered as the most ancient part of speech. For, assuredly, as
soon as men had got beyond simple interjections, or exclamations of
* Quintilian informs us, that this was the most ancient division. " Turn videbit quot
" et quae sunt partes orationis. Quanquam de numero parum convenit. Veteres
" enim, quorum fuerant Aristoteles atque Theodictes, verba modo, et nomina, et con-
II
vinctiones tradiderunt. Videlicet, quod in verbis vim sermonis, in nominibus mate-
" riam, (quia alteram est quod loquimur, alteram de quo loquimur) in convinctionibus
" autem complexum eorum esse judicarunt ; quas conjunctiones a plerisque dici scio ;
" sed ha?c videtur ex vmS'it/hx. magis propria translatio. Paulatim a philosopliicis ac
" maxime, a stoicis, auctus est numerus ac primum convinctionibus articuli adjecti \
;

" post prapositiones ; nominibus, appellatio, deinde pronomen ; deinde mistum verbo
" participium ; ipsis verbis, adverbia." Lib. i. cap. iv.
 80 STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE, [lect. vin,

passion, and began to communicate themselves by discourse, they

would be under a necessity of assigning names to the objects they
saw around them, which, in grammatical language, is called the in-
vention of substantive nouns.* And here, at our first setting out,
somewhat curious occurs. The individual objects which surround
us, are infinite in number. A
savage, wherever he looked, beheld
forests and trees. To
give separate names to every one of those
trees, would have been an endless and impracticable undertaking.
His first object was to give a name to that particular tree, whose
fruit relieved his hunger, or whose shade protected him from the
sun. But observing, that though other trees were distinguished
from this by peculiar qualities of size or appearance, yet that they
also agreed and resembled one another, in certain common quali-
ties, such as springing from a root, and bearing branches and leaves,
he formed in his mind some general idea of those common quali-
ties, and ranging all that possessed them under one class of objects,
he called that whole class, a tree. Longer experience taught him to
subdivide this genus into the several species of oak, pine, ash, and
the rest, according as his observation extended to the several quali-
ties in which these frees agreed or difiered.
But, still, he made use only of general terms in speech. For the
oak, the pine, and the ash, were names of whole classes of objects;
each of which included an immense number of undistinguished in-
dividuals. Here then it appears, that though the formation of ab-
stract, or general conceptions, is supposed to be a difficult opera-
tion of the mind such conceptions must have entered into the
;

very first formation of language. For, if we except only the proper

names of persons, such as Caesar, John, Peter, all the other sub-
stantive nouns which we employ in discourse, are the names, not

* I do not mean to assert, that among all nations, the first invented words were sim-
ple and regular substantive nouns. Nothing is more difficult than to ascertain the pre-
cise steps in which men proceeded in the formation of language. Names for objects
must, doubtless, have arisen in the most early stages of speech. But, it is probable, as
the learned author of the Treatise on the Origin and Progress of Language, has shown,
(vol. i. p. 371, 395,) that, among several savage tribes, some of the first articulate sounds
that were formed, denoted a whole sentence, rather than the name of a particular ob-
ject ; conveying some information, or expressing some desires or fears suited to the
circumstances in which that tribe was placed, or relating to the business they had most
frequent occasion to carry on ; as, the lion is coming, the river is swelling, &z.c. Many
of their first words, it is likewise probable, were not simple substantive nouns, but sub-
stantives, accompanied with some of those attributes, in conjunction with which they
were most frequently accustomed to behold them ; as, the great bear, the little hut, the
wound made by the hatchet, &.c. Of all which, the author produces instances from se-
veral of the American languages; and it is, undoubtedly, suitable to the natural course
of the operations of the human mind, thus to begin with particulars the most obvious to
sense, and to proceed, from these, to more general expressions. He likewise observes,
that the words of those primitive tongues are far from being, as we might suppose them,
rude and short, and crowded with consonants ; but, on the contrary, are, for the most
part, long words, and full of vowels.
This is the consequence of their being formed upon the natural sounds which the
voice utters with most ease, a little varied and distinguished by articulation and:

he shows this to hold, in fact, among most of the barbarous languages which ara
known.
 —
lect. viii.] STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE. 81

of individual objects, but of very extensive genera, or species of

objects; as man, lion, house, river, &c. We are not, however, to
imagine that this invention of general, or abstract terms, requires
any great exertion of metaphysical capacity for, by whatever steps
:

the mind proceeds in it, it is certain that, when men have once ob-
served resemblances among objects, they are naturally inclined to
call all those which resemble one another, by one common name;
and, of course, to class them under one species. We may daily
observe this practised by children in their first attempts towards ac-
quiring language. >*•

But now, after language had proceeded as far as I have described,

the notification which it made of objects was still very imperfect:
for, when one mentioned to another in discourse, any substantive
noun, such as, man, lion, or tree, how was it to be known which
man, which lion, or which tree, he meant, among the many com-
prehended under one name ? Here occurs a very curious, and a
very useful contrivance for specifying the individual object intended,
by means of that part of speech called the article.
The force of the article consists in pointing or singling out from
the common mass, the individual of which we mean to speak. In
English we have two articles, a and the ; a is more general and un-
limited the more definite and special.
; Jl is much the same with
one, and marks only any one individual of a species; that individual
being either unknown or left undetermined ; as, a lion, a king.
The, which possesses more properly the force of the article, ascer-
tains some known or determined individual of the species; as, the
lion, the king.
Articles are words of great use in speech. In some languages,
however, they are not found. The Greeks have but one article,
6 r\ to, which answers to our definite, or proper article, the. The.y
have no word which answers to our article a, but they supply its
place by the absence of their article : Thus, BartXsus signifies a
king ; 6 Batfi'hsvg, the king. The Latins have no article. In the room
of it, they employ pronouns; as, hie, ille, iste, for pointing out the
objects which they want to distinguish. "Noster sermo," says
Quintilian, " articulos non desiderat, ideoque in alias partes ora-
" tionis sparguntur." This, however, appears to me a defect in the
Latin tongue as articles contribute much to the clearness and pre-
:

cision of language.
In order to illustrate this, remark what difference there is in the
meaning of the following expressions in English, depending wholly
on the different employment of the articles; " the son of a king.
" The son of the king. A son of the king's." Each of these three
phrases has an entirely different meaning, which I need not explain,
because any one who understands the language, conceives it clearly
at first hearing, through the different application of the articles a
and the. Whereas, in Latin, " filius regis," is wholly undetermined;
and to explain, in which of these three senses it is to be understood,
for it may bear any of them, a circumlocution of several words
11
 ;

82 STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE, [lect. viii

must be used. In the same manner, " are you a king ?" " are you
'"the king?" are questions of quite separate import; which, how-
ever, are confounded together in the Latin phrase, "esne tu rex?"
" thou art a man," is a very general and harmless position but, ;

" thou art the man," is an assertion capable, we know, of striking

terror and remorse into the heart. These observations illustrate the
force and importance of articles: and at the same time, I gladly
lay hold of any opportunity of showing the advantages of our own
language.
Besides this quality of being particularized by the article, three
affections belong to substantive nouns, number, gender, and case,
which require our consideration.
Number distinguishes them as one, or many, of the same kind,
called the singular and plural a distinction found in all languages,
;

and which must, indeed, have been coeval with the very infancy
of language as there were few things which men had more frequent
;

occasion to express, than the difference between one and many.

For the greater facility of expressing it, it has, in all languages,
been marked by some variation made upon the substantive noun
as we see, in English, our plural is commonly formed by the addi-
tion of the letter S. In the Hebrew, Greek, and some other an-
cient languages, we find not only a plural, but a dual number; the
rise of which may very naturally be accounted for, from separate
terms of numbering not being yet invented, and one, two, and
many, being all, or at least, the chief numeral distinctions which
men, had any occasion to take notice of.
at first,
Gender, an affection of substantive nouns, which will lead us
is

into more discussion than number. Gender, being founded on the

distinction of the two sexes, it is plain, that in a proper sense, it
can only find place in the names of living creatures, which admit
the distinction of male and female; and, therefore, can be ranged
under the masculine or feminine genders. All other substantive
nouns ought to belong to what grammarians call, the neuter gender,
which is meant to imply the negation of either sex. But, with
respect to this distribution, somewhat singular hath obtained in the
structure of language. For, in correspondence to that distinction
of male and female sex, which runs through all the classes of ani-
mals, men have, in most languages, ranked a great number of in-
animate objects also, under the like distinctions of masculine and
feminine. Thus we find it, both in the Greek and Latin tongues.
Gladius, a sword, for instance, is masculine sagitta, an arrow, is
;

feminine ; and this assignation of sex to inanimate objects, this

distinction of them into masculine and feminine, appears often to be
entirely capricious derived from no other principle than the casual
;

structure of the language, which refers to a certain gender, words

of a certain termination. In the Greek and Latin, however, all ina-
nimate objects are not distributed into masculine and feminine but,
;

many of them where ail of them ought to have

are also classed,
been, under the neuter gender; as, templum, a church scdile, a seat.
;

But the "renins of the French and Italian tongues differs, in this
lect. vin.] STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE. 83

respect, from the Greek and Latin. In the French and Italian,
from whatever cause it has happened, so it is, that the neuter gen-
der is wholly unknown, and that all their names of inanimate ob-
jects are put upon the same footing with living creatures and dis- ;

tributed, without exception, into masculine and feminine. The

French have two articles, the masculine le, and the feminine la;
and one or other of these is prefixed to all substantive nouns in the
language, to denote their gender. The Italians make the same
universal use of their articles il and lo, for the masculine and la ;

for the feminine.

In the English language, it is remarkable that there obtains a pe-
culiarity quite opposite. In the French and Italian there is no
neuter gender. In the English, when we use common discourse,
all substantive nouns, that are not names of living creatures, arc
neuter without exception. He, she, and it, are the marks of the
three genders; and we always use it, in speaking of any object
where there is no sex, or where the sex is not known. The Eng-
lish is, perhaps, the only language in the known world (except the
Chinese, which is said to agree with it in this particular) where the
distinction of gender is properly and philosophically applied in the
use of words, and confined as it ought to be, to mark the real dis-
tinctions of male and female.
Hence arises a very great and signal advantage of the English
tongue, which it is of consequence to remark.* Though in com-
mon discourse, as I have already observed, we employ only the
proper and literal distinction of sexes yet the genius of the lan-
;

guage permits us, whenever it will add beauty to our discourse, to

make the names of inanimate objects masculine or feminine in a
metaphorical sense ; and when we do so, we are understood to quit
the literal style, and to use one of the figures of discourse.
For instance; if I am speaking of virtue, in the course of ordi-
nary conversation, or of strict reasoning, I refer the word to no sex
or gender; I say, "virtue is its own reward;" or, "it is the law of
" our nature." But if I choose t@ rise into a higher tone ; if I seek
to embellish and animate my discourse, I give a sex to virtue ; I
say, "she descends from heaven ;" "she alone confers true honour
" upon man ;" " her gifts are the only durable rewards." By this
means we have it in our power to vary our style at pleasure. By
making a very slight alteration, we can personify any object that
we choose to introduce with dignity and by this change of man-
;

ner, we give warning that we are passing from the strict and logical,
to the ornamented and rhetorical style.
This is an advantage which not only every poet, but every good
writer and speaker in prose, is, on many occasions, glad to lay hold
of, and improve; and it is an advantage peculiar to our tongue; no
other language possesses it. For, in other languages, every word
has one fixed gender, masculine, feminine, or neuter, which can,
" The following observations on the metaphorical use of genders,
in the English lan-
guage, are taken from Mr. Harris's Herices.
84 STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE. [lect. viii

upon no occasion, be changed; et£s<rtj, for instance, in Greek, virtics

in Latin, and la vertu in French, are uniformly feminine. She,

must always be the pronoun answering to the word, whether you
be writing in poetry or in prose, whether you be using the style of
reasoning, or that of declamation whereas, in English, we can ei-
:

ther express ourselves with the philosophical accuracy of giving no

gender to things inanimate or by giving them gender, and trans-
;

forming them into persons, we adapt them to the style of poetry,

and, when it is we enliven prose.
proper,
It deserves to be farther remarked on this subject, that, when
we employ that liberty which our language allows, of ascribing sex
to any inanimate object, we have not, however, the liberty of mak-
ing it of what gender we please, masculine or feminine but are, in
;

general, subjected to some rule of gender which the currency of lan-

guage has fixed to that object. The foundation of that rule is ima-
gined, by Mr. Harris, in his " Philosophical Inquiry into the Prin-
ciples of Grammar," to be laid in a certain distant resemblance, or
analogy, to the natural distinction of the two sexes.
Thus, according to him, we commonly give the masculine gender
to those substantive nouns used figuratively, which are conspicuous
for the attributes of imparting, or communicating; which are by
nature strong and efficacious, either to good or evil ; or which have
a claim to some eminence, whether laudable or not. Those again,
he imagines, to be generally made feminine, which are conspicuous
for the attributes of containing, and of bringing forth ; which have
more of the passive in their nature, than of the active which are
;

peculiarly beautiful, or amiable or which have respect to such ex-

;

cesses as are rather feminine than masculine. Upon these princi-

ples he takes notice, that the sun is always put in the masculine gen-
der with us, the moon in the feminine, as being the receptacle of the
sun's light. The earth is, universally, feminine. A ship, a coun-
try, a city, are likewise made feminine, as receivers, or containers.
God, in all languages, is masculine. Time, we make masculine, on
account of its mighty efficacy; virtue, feminine, from its beauty and
its being the object of love. Fortune is always feminine. Mr. Har-

ris imagines, that the reasons which determine the gender of such
capital words as these, hold in most other languages, as well as the
English. This, however, appears doubtful. A variety of circum-
stances, which seem casual to us, because we cannot reduce them to
principles, must, unquestionably, have influenced the original for-
mation of languages: and in no article whatever does language ap-
pear to have been more capricious, and to have proceeded less ac-
cording to fixed rule, than in the imposition of gender upon things
inanimate ; especially among such nations as have applied the dis-
tinction of masculine and feminine to all substantive nouns.
Having discussed gender, I proceed, next, to another remarkable
peculiarity of substantive nouns, which, in the style of grammar, is
called their declension by cases. Let us, first, consider what cases
signify. In order to understand this, it is necessary to observe, that,
after men had given names to external objects, had particularized
 ;

lect. vin.] STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE. 85

them by means of the article, and distinguished them by number

and gender, still their language remained extremely imperfect, till
they had devised some method of expressing the relations which
those objects bore, one towards another. They would find it of lit-
tle use to have a name for man, lion, tree, river, without being able,
at the same time, to signify how these stood with respect to each
other; whether, as approaching to, receding from, joined with, and
the like. Indeed, the relations which objects bear to one another,
are immensely numerous ; and therefore, to devise names for them
all, must have been among the last and most difficult refinements of

language. But, in its most early periods, it was absolutely necessary

to express, in some way or other, such relations as were most im-
portant, and as occurred most frequently in common speech. Hence
the genitive, dative, and ablative cases of nouns, which express the
noun itself, together with those relations of, to, from, with, and by
the relations which we have the most frequent occasion to mention.
The proper idea then of cases in declension, is' no other than an
expression of the state, or relation which one object bears to
another, denoted by some variation made upon the name of that
object; most commonly in the final letters, and by some languages,
in the initial.
All languages, however, do not agree in this mode of expression.
The Greek, Latin, and several other languages, use declension. The
English, French, and Italian, do not; or, at most, use it very imper-
fectly. In place of the variations of cases, the modern tongues ex-
press the relations of objects, by means of the words called preposi-
tions, which denote those relations, prefixed to the name of the object.
English nouns have no case whatever, except a sort of genitive,
commonly formed by the addition of the letter s to the noun; as
when we say "Dryden's Poems," meaning the Poems of Dryden.
Our personal pronouns have also a case, which answers to the
accusative of the Latin, /, me; he, him ; who, whom. There is
nothing, then, or at least very little, in the grammar of our lan-
guage, which corresponds to declension in the ancient languages.
Two questions, respecting this subject, may be put. First, Which
of these methods of expressing relations, whether that by declen-
sion, or that by prepositions, was the most ancient usage in lan-
guage? And next, Which of them has the best effect? Both methods,
it is plain, are the same as to the sense, and differ only in form.

For the significancy of the Roman language would not have been
altered, though the nouns, like ours, had been without cases, provi-
ded they had employed prepositions and though, to express a dis-
:

ciple of Plato, they had said, " Discipulus de Plato," like the modern
Italians, in place of "Discipulus Platonis."
Now with respect to the antiquity of cases, although they may,
on first view, seem to constitute a more artificial method than the
other, of denoting relations, yet there are strong reasons for think-
ing that this was the earliest method practised by men. We find, in
fact, that declensions and cases are used in most of what are called
the mother tongues, or original languages, as well as in the Greek
N
 ;

86 STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE. [lect. viii.

and Latin. And very natural and satisfying account can be given
a
why this usage should have early obtained. Relations are the most
abstract and metaphysical ideas of any which men have occasion to
form, when they are considered by themselves, and separated from
the related object. It would puzzle any man, as has been well ob-
served by an author on this subject, to give a distinct account of
what is meant by such a word as of'or from, when it stands by itself,
and to explain all that may be included under it. The first rude in-
venters of language, therefore, would not for a long while arrive at
such general terms. In place of considering any relation in the ab-
stract, and devising a name for it, they would much more easily
conceive it in conjunction with a particular object; and they would
express their conceptions of it, by varying the name of that object
through all the different cases; hominis, of a man; homini,to a man
homine, with a man, &c.
But though this method of declension was, probably, the only
method which men employed, at first, for denoting relations, yet, in
progress of time, many other relations being observed, besides those
which are signified by the cases of nouns, and men also becoming
more capable of general and metaphysical ideas, separate names
were gradually invented for all the relations which occurred, form-
ing that part of speech which we now call prepositions. Preposi-
tions, being once introduced, they were found to be capable of sup-
plying the place of cases, by being prefixed to the nominative of
the noun. Hence, it came to pass, that as nations were intermixed
by migrations and conquests, and were obliged to learn and adopt
the languages of one another, prepositions supplanted] the use of
cases and declensions. When the Italian tongue, for instance,
sprung out of the Roman, it was found more easy and simple by the
Gothic nations, to accommodate a few prepositions to the nomina-
tive of every noun, and to say, di Roma, al Roma di Carthago, al
Carthago, than to remember all the variety of terminations, Romas,
Romam, Carthaginis, Carthaginem, which the use of declensions
required in the ancient nouns. By this progress we can give a na-
tural account how nouns, in our modern tongues, come to be so void
of declension a progress which is fully illustrated in Dr. Adam
:

Smith's ingenious Dissertation on the Formation of Languages.

With regard to the other question on this subject, Which of these
two methods is of the greatest utility and beauty? we shall find ad-
vantages and disadvantages to be balanced on both sides. There is
no doubt that, by abolishing cases, we have rendered the structure
of modern languages more simple. We have disembarrassed it of
all the intricacy which arose from the different forms of declension,
of which the Romans had no fewer than five; and from all the ir-
regularities in these several declensions. We have thereby rendered
our languages more easy to be acquired, and less subject to the
perplexity of rules. But, though the simplicity and ease of lan-
guage be great and estimable advantages, yet there are also such
disadvantages attending the modern method, as leave the balance,
on the whole, doubtful, or rather incline it to the side of antiquity.
lect. viii.] STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE. 87

For, in the first place, by our constant use of prepositions for

expressing the relations of things, we have filled language with a
multitude of those little words, which are eternally occurring in eve
ry sentence, and may be thought thereby to have encumbered
speech, by an addition of terms and by rendering it more prolix,
;

to have enervated its force. In the second place, we have certainly

rendered the sound of language less agreeable to the ear, by de-
priving it of that variety and sweetness, which arose from the length
of words, and the change of terminations occasioned by the cases
in the Greek and Latin. But, in the third place, the most material
disadvantage is, that, by this abolition of cases, and by a similar al-
teration, of which I am to speak in the next lecture, in the conjuga-
tion of verbs, we have deprived ourselves of that liberty of transpo-
sition in the arrangement of words, which the ancient languages
enjoyed.
In the ancient tongues, as I formerly observed, the different ter-
minations, produced by declension and conjugation, pointed out the
reference of the several words of a sentence to one another, without
the aid of juxtaposition; suffered them to be placed, without ambi-
guity, in whatever order was most suited to give force to the mean-
ing, or harmony to the sound. But now, having none of those
marks of relation incorporated with the wok's themselves, we have
no other way left us, of showing what words in a sentence are most
closely connected in meaning, than that of placing them close by
one another in the period. The meaning of the sentence is brought
out in separate members and portions; it is broken down and di-
vided whereas the structure of the Greek and Roman sentences,
:

by the government of their nouns and verbs, presented the meaning

so interwoven and compounded in all its parts, as to make us per-
ceive it in one united view. The closing words of the period as-
certained the relation of each member to another; and all that ought
to beconnected in one idea, appeared connected in the expression,
Hence, more brevity, more vivacity, more force. That luggage of
an ingenious author happily expresses it), which we are
particles, (as
obliged always to carry along with us, both clogs style, and enfeebles
sentiment.*

* " The various terminations of the same word, whether verb or noun, are always

conceived to be more intimately connected with the term which they serve to lengthen,
than the additional, detached, and in themselves insignificant particles, which we are
obliged to employ as connectives to our significant words. Our method gives almost
the same exposure to the one as to the other, making the significant parts, and the in
significant, equally conspicuous ; theirs much oftener sinks, as it were, the former into
the latter, at once preserving their use and hiding their weakness. Our modern lan-
guages may, in this respect, be compared to the art of the carpenter in its rudest state ;
•when the union of the materials employed by the artisan, could be effected only by the
help of those external and coarse implements, pins, nails, and cramps. The ancient
languages resemble the same art in its most improved state, after the invention of dove-
tail joints, grooves, and mortices; when thus all the principal junctions are effected,
by forming properly the extremities or terminations of the pieces to be joined. For,
by means of these, the union of the parts is rendered closer, while that by which that
union is produced, is scarcely perceivable." The Philosophy of Rhetoric, by Dr. Camp-
bell, vol. ii.p. 412.
 88 STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE. [lbct. viii.

Pronouns are the class of words most nearly related to substantive

nouns; being, as the name imports, representatives, or substitutes,
of nouns. /, thou, he, she, and it, are no other than an abridged
way of naming the persons, or objects, with which we have immedi-
ate intercourse, or to which we are obliged frequently to refer in
discourse. Accordingly, they are subject to the same modifications
with substantive nouns, of number, gender, and case. Only, with
respect to gender, we may observe, that the pronouns of the first and
second person, as they are called, /and thou, do not appear to have
had the distinctions of gender given them in any language; for this
plain reason, that, as they always refer to persons who are present to
each other when they speak, their sex must appear, and therefore
needs not be marked by a masculine or feminine pronoun. But, as the
third person may be absent, or unknown, the distinction of gender
there becomes necessary; and accordingly, in English, it hath all the
three genders belonging to it; he, she, it. As to cases, even those
languages which have dropped them in substantive nouns, sometimes
retain more of them in pronouns, for the sake of the greater readi-
ness in expressing relations as pronouns are words of such frequent
;

occurrence in discourse. In English, most of our grammarians hold

the personal pronouns to have two cases, besides the nominative ; a
genitive, and accusative; /, mine, me; thou, thine, thee; he, his,
him; who, whose, whom.
In the first stage of speech, it is probable that the places of those
pronouns were supplied by pointing to the object when present, and
naming it, when absent. For one can hardly think that pronouns
were of early invention as tbey are words of such a particular and
;

artificial nature. I, thou, he, it, it is to be observed, are not names

peculiar to any single object, but so very general, that they may be
applied to all persons, or objects, whatever, in certain circumstan-
ces. //, is the most general term that can possibly be conceived, as
it may stand for any one thing in the universe, of which we speak.

At the same time, these pronouns have this quality, that in the cir-
cumstances in which they are applied, they never denote more than
one precise individual; which they ascertain and specify, much in
the same manner as is done by the article. So that pronouns are, at
once, the most general, and the most particular words in language.
They are commonly the most irregular and troublesome words to
the learner, in the grammar of all tongues as being the words most
;

in common use, and subjected thereby to the greatest varieties.

Adjectives, or terms of quality, such as, great, little, black, white,
yours, ours, are the plainest and simplest of all that class of words
which are termed attributive. They are found in all languages;
and, in all languages,must have been very early invented as objects
;

could not be distinguished from one another, nor any intercourse be

carried on concerning them, till once names were given to their
different qualities.
Ihave nothing to observe in relation to them, except that singu-
laritywhich attends them in the Greek and Latin, of having the
same form given them with substantive nouns; being declined, like
 ;

lect. vin.] STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE. 89

them, by cases, and subjected to the like distinctions of number and

gender. Hence it has happened, that grammarians have made them
to belong to the same part of speech, and divided the noun into sub-
stantive and adjective an arrangement founded more on attention
;

to the external form of words, than to their nature and force. For
adjectives or terms of quality, have not, by their nature, the least
resemblance to substantive nouns, as they never express any thing
which can possibly subsist by itself which is the very essence of
;

the substantive noun. They are, indeed, more akin to verbs, which,
like them, express the attribute of some substance.
It may, at first view, appear somewhat odd and fantastic, that ad-
jectives should, in the ancient languages, have assumed so much of
the form of substantives since neither number, nor gender, nor
;

cases, nor relations, have any thing to do, in a proper sense, with
mere qualities, such as good or great, soft or hard. And yet bonus,
and magnus, and tener, have their singular and plural, their mascu-
line and feminine, their genitives and datives, like any of the names
of substances, or persons. But this can be accounted for from the
genius of those tongues. They avoided, as much as possible, consi-
dering qualities separately, or in the abstract. They made them a
part, or appendage, of the substance which they served to distin-
guish : they made the adjective depend on its substantive, and re-
semble it in termination, in number, and gender, in order that the
two might coalesce the more intimately, and be joined in the form
of expression, as they were in the nature of things. The liberty of
transposition, too, which those languages indulged, required such a
method as this to be followed. For allowing the related words of a
sentence to be placed at a distance from each other, it required the
relation of adjectives to their proper substantives to be pointed out,
by such similar circumstances of form and termination, as, accord-
ing to the grammatical style, should show their concordance. When
I say in English, the " Beautiful wife of a brave man," the juxta-
position of the words prevents all ambiguity. But when I say in
Latin, " Formosa fortis viri uxor ;" it is only the agreement, in
gender, number, and case, of the adjective "formosa," which is the
first word of the sentence, with the substantive " uxor," which is the

last word that declares the meaning.

QUESTIONS.
After having given an account of more to be regretted? How does the
the rise and progress of lanfruacre, to attention of the French and English
what does our author proceed ? Of the to this subject compare? What has
structure of language, and of its com- lately been attempted ; and how have
parison with other sciences, what is they succeeded ? What is not our au-
remarked ? Why is it apt to be slighted thor's purpose and why not ? Of what
;

by superficial thinkers? To the igno- does he propose to give a general view

rance of what was then inculcated, and how? What is the first thing to
what is to be attributed? On what be considered ? Of the essential parts
have few authors written with philo- of speech in all languages, what is ob-
sophical accuracy ; and what is still served ? How is this remark illustrated;
89 a QUESTIONS. [lect. VLII.

and hence, what follows ? What is the names of living creatures and there- ;

most simple and comprehensive division fore, what follows? To what ought
of the parts of speech ? How are these all other substantive nouns belong;
respectively classed? Of the common and what is it meant to imply ? With
grammatical division of speech into respect to this distribution, what has
eight parts, what is observed and obtained ? How is this remark illustra-
;

why? Why, then, will it be better to ted? What examples are given? Of
make use of these known terms, than this assignation of sex to inanimate
of any others ? With what are we na- objects, what is remarked? What is
turally led to begin and why ? What
; observed of the gender of inanimate
here occurs; and why? A
savage, be- objects in the Greek and Latin lan-
holding trees in every direction, found guages? How do the French and
what to be an impracticable underta- Italian tongues differ from them in this
king? What was his first object? By respect ? In the latter, how is the gen-
what was he led to form, in his mind, der of nouns designated ? In the Eng-
some general ideas of the common lish language, what peculiarity ob-
qualities of all trees? What did longer tains? What are the marks of the
experience teach him ? To what disad- three genders and when is it used ?
;

vantage was he still subject ; and why? In this respect, what advantage has
Hence, then, what appears evident? the English language over all others,
How is this illustrated ? What, howe- the Chinese excepted ? What does the
ver, are we not to imagine ; and why genius of it permit? What example
not? Where is this daily practised? of illustration is given ? By this means,
Why was the notification which lan- what have we it in our power to do;
guage made of objects, still very im- and how ? Of this advantage, what is
perfect ? Here, what useful and very further observed and why ? What in-
;

curious contrivance occurs? In what stances are mentioned ? In English,

does the force of the article consist ? In how can we avoid this difficulty ?
English, how many articles have we ? What deserves further to be remarked?
Define them. A, is much the same Where is the foundation of this rule
with what, and what does it mark? imagined to be laid ? Thus, according
Of the article the, what is observed? to him, to what substantive nouns, used
What article, only, have the Greeks, figuratively, do we give the masculine
and to what does it answer? How do gender and to what the feminine 1
;

they supply the place of our article a? Upon these principles, of what does he
How is this illustrated ? As the Latins take notice ? What does Mr. Harris
had no article, how did they supply its further imagine ? Wliy does this ap-
place ? Whydoes this appear to be a pear doubtful ?
defect in the Latin tongue ? How is Having discussed gender, to what
this illustrated? Of each of these does our author next proceed ? To un-
phrases, what is remarked ? Of "Alius derstand what case signifies, what is
regis," what is observed and to ex-
; it necessary to observe? What would

plain in which of these senses it is to be they find of little use ? Of the relation
understood, what is necessary ? To il- which objects bear to one another, what
lustrate the force and importance of the is observed and what follows ? But,
;

article, what further examples are in its earliest periods, what was neces-
given ? Of showing what, does our au- sary; and hence, what cases were
thor gladly lay hold of any opportuni- found ? What, then, is the proper idea
ty? What other affections belong to of cases in declension ? What evidence
substantive nouns ? How does number have we that all languages do not agree
distinguish them ? Of this distinction in this mode of expression? How do
what is said and ; why must it have modern tongues express the relations
been coeval with the very infancy of of objects? What case only, have Eng-
language? For the greater facility of lish nouns and how is it formed ? ;

expressing it, by what has it, in all lan- What, in our language answers to the
guages been marked? In what lan- accusative casein Latin? What is there
guages do we find a dual number and not, then, in our language ? What two
;

how may its origin be accounted for ? questions, therefore, concerning this
Of gender, what is remarked ? Why subject, may be put? Of both methods,
is it, in its proper sense, confined to the what is remarked ; and why ? Which
 J ; ;

LECT. VIII. QUESTIONS. 89 b

was the earliest method practised by pronouns, what is remarked? In English,

men ? Where do we, in fact, find that what cases have pronouns ? How is it
declensions and cases are used ? What probablp the places of pronouns were
natural account can be given, why this supplied, in the first stage of speech; and
usage should have early obtained? why ? Of/, thou, he, and it, what isto be
What has been well observed, by our observed? OHt, what is remarked; and
author, on this subject ? What infe- why ? What other quality have these
rence, therefore, follows ? How would pronouns so that what follows ? Why
;

they most naturally conceive the rela- are they troublesome to the learner? Of
tions of a thing; and how would they adjectives, what is remarked? Where
express their conceptions of it ? How are they found ; and why must they
were separate names invented, to ex- have been early invented? What, only,
press the relations which occurred ; and is to be observed, in relation to them 1
what are they called ? Prepositions be- Hence, what has happened and on ;

ing once introduced, how were they what is this arrangement founded ?
found to be capable of supplying the Why have not adjectives the least re-
place of cases; and hence, what came semblance to substantive nouns? To
to pass? How is this illustrated? By what are they more akin ? What may,
this progress, of what can we give a at first view, appear somewhat odd and
natural account ? With regard to the fantastic and why ? How can this be
;

other question on this subject, what accounted for ? What did they avoid
shall we find? What effect has been and what did they make them ? On
produced, by the abolition of cases ? what did they make the adjective de-
Of what have we disembarrassed it pend; and why? What did the liberty
and how have we thereby rendered it ? of transposition require, and for what
Notwithstanding these advantages, yet reason ? How is this illustrated ?
what disadvantages, in the first place,
leave the balance inclining to the side ANALYSIS.
of antiquity? What in the second The parts of Speech.
place ? But, in the third place, what is 1. Articles.
the most material disadvantage? In a. The indefinite article.
the ancient tongues, what did the dif- B. The definite article.
ferent terminations pcint out and how
; c. The importance of the article
did it suffer them to be placed ? In ex- illustrated.
pressing relations, what method only 2. Substantive nouns.
have we now left ? How is the meaning a. Number.
of a sentence brought out ? How did b. Gender.
the structure of the Greek and Roman a. Its philosophical applica-
sentences express their meaning ? How tion.
was the relation of each member as- b. Mr. Harris's Theory.
certained ; and hence, what was pro- c. Case.
duced ? What are pronouns ? Of them, a. Its signification.
what is remarked and accordingly, to
; b. Its variations.
what are they subject ? Why have not (a.) By declension.
/ and thou had the distinctions of gen- (b.) By prepositions.
der given to them in any language ? 3. Pronouns.
Why is the distinction of gender neces- a. Their origin.
sary in the third person? Of the cases of 4. Adjectives.

LECTURE IX.

STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE.— ENGLISH TONGUE.

Of the whole class of words that are called attributive, indeed,
of the parts of speech, the most complex, by far, is the verb. It
all
is chiefly in this part of speech, that the subtile and profound meta-

physic of language appears and, therefore, in examining the na-

;

ture and different variations of the verb, there might be room for
 ;

90 STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE. [lect. ix.

ample discussion. But as I am sensible that such grammatical dis-

cussions, when they become intricate and obscure,
are pursued far,
I shall avoid dwelling any longer on this subject than seems abso-
lutely necessary.
The verb is same nature with the adjective, that it
so far of the
expresses, like an attribute, or property, of some person or thing.
it,

But it does more than this. For, in all verbs, in every language,
there are no less than three things implied at once; the attribute
of some substantive, an affirmation concerning that attribute, and
time. Thus, when I say, the sun shineth ;' shining is the attribute
'

ascribed to the sun the present time is marked; and an affirmation

;

is included, that this property of shining belongs, at that time, to

the sun. The participle 'shining,' is merely an adjective, which

denotes an attribute or property, and also expresses time; but car-
ries no affirmation. The infinitive mood, ' to shine,' may be called
the name of the verb; it carries neither time nor affirmation; but
simply expresses that attribute, action, or state of things, which is to
be the subject of the other moods and tenses. Hence the infinitive
often carries the resemblance of a substantive noun; and both in
English and Latin, is sometimes constructed as such. As, 'scire
tuum nihil est.' Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.' And, in
'

English, in the same manner: 'To write well is difficult; to speak

eloquently is still more difficult.' But as, through all the other ten-
ses and moods, the affirmation runs, and is essential to them; 'the
sun shineth, was shining, shone, will shine, would have shone,' &c.
the affirmation seems to be that which chiefly distinguishes the verb
from the other parts of speech, and gives it its most conspicuous
power. Hence there can be no sentence, or complete proposition,
without a verb either expressed or implied. For, whenever we
speak, we always mean to assert, that something is, or is not; and the
word which carries this assertion, or affirmation, is a verb. From
this sort of eminence belonging to it, this part of speech hath re-
ceived its name, verb, from the Latin verbum, or the word, by way of
distinction.
Verbs, therefore, from their importance and necessity in speech,
must have been coeval with men's first attempts towards the forma-
tion of language though, indeed, it must have been the work of
;

long time, to rear them up to that accurate and complex structure

which they now possess. It seems very probable, as Dr. Smith has
suggested, that the radical verb, or the first form of it, in most lan-
guages, would be, what we now call the impersonal verb. ' It rains
it thunders; it is light; it is agreeable;' and the like; as this is the

very simplest form of the verb, and merely affirms the existence of
an event, or of a state of things. By degrees, after pronouns were
invented, such verbs became personal, and were branched out into
all the variety of tenses and moods.
The tenses of the verb are contrived to imply the several distinc-
tions of time. Of these I must take some notice, in order to show
the admirable accuracy with which language is constructed. We
think commonly of no more than the three great divisions of time,
 ;

lect. ix.] STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE. 91

into the past, the present, and the future; and we might imagine,
that if verbs had been so contrived, as simply to express these, no
more was needful. But language proceeds with much greater subtilty.
It splits time into its several moments. It considers time as never
standing still, but always flowing things past, as more or less per-
;

fectly completed and things future, as more or less remote, by differ-

;

ent gradations. Hence the great variety of tenses in most tongues.

The present may, indeed, be always considered as one indivisible
point, susceptible of no variety. " I write, or, I am writing; scribo."
But it is not so with the past. There is no language so poor, but it
hath two or three tenses to express the varieties of it. Ours hath
no fewer than four. 1.A past action may be considered as left un-
finished ; which makes the imperfect tense, "I was writing, scribe-
bam" 2. As just now finished. This makes the proper perfect
tense, which, in English, is always expressed by the help of the aux-
iliary verb, " I have written." 3. It may be considered as finished
some time ago the particular time left indefinite. " I wrote, scrip-
;

si'" which may either signify, "I wrote yesterday, or, I wrote a
twelvemonth ago." This is what grammarians call an aorist, or in-
definite past. 4. It may be considered as finished before something
else, which is also past. This is the plusquamperfect. " I had writ-
ten; scripseram. I had written before I received his letter."
Here we observe with some pleasure, that we have an advantage
over the Latins, who have only three varieties upon the past time.
They have no proper perfect tense, or one which distinguishes an
action just now finished, from an action that was finished some time
ago. In both these cases they must say, "scripsi." Though there
be a manifest difference in the tenses, which our language express-
es, by this variation, " I have written," meaning, I have just now
finished writing; and, " I wrote," meaning at some former time,
since which, other things have intervened. This difference the
Romans have no tense to express ; and, therefore, can only do it by
a circumlocution.
The chief varieties in the future time are two a simple or inde-
;

finite future ; ' I shall write ; scribam ;' and a future, relating to
something else, which is also future. ' I shall have written ; scrip-
sero.' I shall have written before he arrives *
Besides tenses, or the power of expressing times, verbs admit the
distinction of voices, as they are called, the active and the passive
according as the affirmation respects something that is done, or some-
thing that is suffered; 'I love, or I am loved.' They admit, also,
the distinction of moods, which are designed to express the affirma-
tion, whether active or passive, under different forms. The indica-
tive mood, for instance, simply declares a proposition, ' I write ; I
have written ;' the imperative requires, commands, threatens, ' write
thou let him write.' The subjunctive expresses the proposition
;

* On the tenses of the verbs, Mr. Harris's Hermes may be consulted, by such as de
them scrutinized with metaphysical accuracy ; and also the Treatise on the
sire to see
Origin and Progress of Language, vol. ii. p. 125.
 92 STRUCTURE OF LANGUACxE. [lect. ix.

under the form of a condition, or in subordination to some other

thing, to which a reference is made, < I might write, 1 could write,
I should write, if the case were so and so.' This manner of ex-
pressing an affirmation, under so many different forms, together
also with the distinction of the three persons, /, thou, and he, con-
stitutes what is called the conjugation of verbs, which makes so
great a part of the grammar
of all languages.
It now clearly appears, as
I before observed, that, of all the parts
of speech, verbs are, by far, the most artificial and complex. Con-
sider only, how many things are denoted by this single Latin word
' amavissem, I would have loved.' First, The person who speaks, ' I.'

Secondly, An attribute or action of that person, ' loving.' Third-

ly, An affirmation concerning that action. Fourthly, The past
time denoted in that affirmation, ' have loved :' and, Fifthly, A con-
dition, on which the action is suspended, ' would have loved.' It
appears curious and remarkable, that words of this complex import,
and with more or less of this artificial structure, are to be found,
as far as we know, in all languages of the world.
Indeed, the form of conjugation, or the manner of expressing all
these varieties in the verb, differs greatly in different tongues. Con-
jugation is esteemed most perfect in those languages which,by vary-
ing either the termination or the initial syllable of the verb, express
the greatest number of important circumstances, without the help of
auxiliary words. In the oriental tongues, the verbs are said to have
few tenses, or expressions of time but then their modes are so con-
;

trived as to express a great variety of circumstances and relations.

In the Hebrew, for instance, they say, in one word, without the
help of any auxiliary, not only ' I have taught,' but, ' I have taught
exactly, or often I have been commanded to teach
; ; I have taught
myself.' The Greek, which is the most perfect of all the known
tongues, is very regular and complete in all the tenses and moods.
The Latin is formed on the same model, but more imperfect es- ;

pecially in the passive voice, which forms most of the tenses by the
nelp of the auxiliary ' sum.'
In all the modern European tongues, conjugation is very defec-
tive. They admit few varieties in the termination of the verb it-
self; but have almost constant recourse to their auxiliary verbs,
throughout all the moods and tenses, both active and passive. Lan-
guage has undergone a change in conjugation, perfectly similar to
that which I showed in the last lecture, it underwent with respect
to declension. As prepositions, prefixed to the noun, superseded
the use of cases so the two great auxiliary verbs, to have, and to
;

be, with those other auxiliaries which we use in English, do, shall,
will, may, and can, prefixed to the participle, supersede, in a great
measure, the different terminations of moods and tenses, which form-
ed the ancient conjugations.
The alteration, in both cases, was owing to the same cause, and
will be easily understood, from reflecting on what was formerly ob-
served. The auxiliary verbs are, like prepositions, words of a very
general and abstract nature. They imply the different modifications
lect. ix.] STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE. 93

of simple existence, considered alone, and without reference to any

particular thing. In the early state of speech, the import of them
would be incorporated, with every particular verb in its tenses
and moods, long before words were invented for denoting such
abstract conceptions of existence, alone, and by themselves. But
after those auxiliary verbs came, in the progress of language, to
be invented and known, and to have tenses and moods given to them
like other verbs it was found, that as they carried in their nature
;

the force of that affirmation which distinguishes the verb, they might,
by being joined with the participle which gives the meaning of the
verb, supply the place of most of the moods and tenses. Hence,
as the modern tongues began to rise out of the ruins of the ancient,
this method established itself in the new formation of speech. Such
words, for instance, as am, was, have, shall, being once familiar, it
appeared more easy to apply these to any verb whatever; as, I am
loved; I was loved; I have loved ; than to remember that variety of
terminations which were requisite in conjugating the ancient verbs,
amor, amabar, amavi, §-c. Two or three varieties only in the termi-
nation of the verb, were retained, as, love, loved, loving ; and all the
rest were dropt. The consequence, however, of this practice, was
the same as that of abolishing declensions. It rendered language
more simple and easy in its structure; but withal, more prolix, and
less graceful. This finishes all that seemed most necessary to be
observed with respect to verbs.
The remaining parts of speech, which are called the indeclinable
parts, or that admit of no variations, will not detain us long.
Adverbs are the first that occur. These form a very numerous
class of words in every language, reducible, in general, to the head
of attributives; as they serve to modify, or to denote some circum-
stance of an action or of a quality, relative to its time, place, order,
degree, and the other properties of it, which we have occasion to
specify. They are, for the most part, no more than an abridged mode
of speech, expressing, by one word, what might, by a circumlocu-
tion, be resolved into two or more words belonging to the other parts
of speech. 'Exceedingly,' for instance, is the same as 'in a high
degree;' 'bravely,' the same as, 'with bravery or valour;' 'here,'
the same as, 'in this place;' 'often, and seldom,' the same as, 'for
many and for few times,' and so of the rest. Hence, adverbs may
be conceived as of less necessity, and of later introduction into the
system of speech, than many other classes of words ; and accordingly,
the great body of them are derived from other words formerly es-
tablished in the language.
Prepositions and conjunctions, are words more essential to dis-
course than the greatest part of adverbs. They form that class of
words, called connectives, without which there could be no lan-
guage serving to express the relations which things bear to one
;

another, their mutual influence, dependencies, and coherence;

thereby joining words together into intelligible and significant pro-
positions. Conjunctions are generally employed for connecting sen-
tences, or members of sentences ; as, and, because, although, and
94 STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE. [lect. ix.

the like. Prepositions are employed for connecting words by show-

ing the relation which one substantive noun bears to another as, of, ;

from, to, above, below, 8?c. Of the force of these I had occasion to
speak before, when treating of the cases and declensions of sub-
stantive nouns.
It is abundantly evident, that all these connective particles must
be of the greatest use in speech seeing they point out the relations
;

and transitions by which the mind passes from one idea to another.
They are the foundation of all reasoning, which is no other thing
than the connexion of thoughts. And, therefore, though among
barbarous nations, and in the rude uncivilized ages of the world, the
stock of these words might be small, it must always have increased,
as mankind advanced in the arts of reasoning and reflection. The
more that any nation is improved by science, and the more perfect
their language becomes, we may naturally expect that it will abound
more with connective particles; expressing relations of things, and
transitions of thought, which had escaped a grosser view. Accord-
ingly, no tongue is so full of them as the Greek, in consequence of
the acute and subtile genius of that refined people. In every lan-
guage, much of the beauty and strength of it depends on the pro-
per use of conjunctions, prepositions, and those relative pronouns,
which also serve the same purpose of connecting the different parts
of discourse. It is the right, or wrong management of these, which
chiefly makes discourse appear firm and compacted, or disjointed
and loose which carries it on its progress with a smooth and even
;

pace, or renders its march irregular and desultory.

I shall dwell no longer on the general construction of language.
Allow me, only, before I dismiss the subject, to observe, that dry and
intricate as it may seem to some, it is, however, of great importance,
and very nearly connected with the philosophy of the human mind.
For, if speech be the vehicle, or interpreter of the conceptions of
our minds, an examination of its structure and progress cannot but
unfold many things concerning the nature and progress of our con-
ceptions themselves, and the operations of our faculties; a subject
that is always instructive to man. 'Nequis,' says Quintilian, an au-
thor of excellent judgment, 'nequis tanquam parva fastidiat gram-
matices elementa. Non quia magnre sit operae consonantes a vocali-
bus discernere, easque in semivocalium numerum, mutarumque par-
tiri, sed quia interiora velut sacri hujus adeuntibus, apparebit multa

rerum subtilitas, quae non modo acuere ingeniapuerilia, sed exercere

altissimam quoque eruditionem ac scientiam possit.'* i. 4.

Let us now come nearer to our own language. In this, and the
preceding lecture, some observations have already been made on its

* " Let no man despise, as inconsiderable, the elements of grammar, because it may
seem him a matter of small consequence, to show the distinction between vowels and
to
consonants, and to divide the latter into liquids and mutes. But they who penetrate
into the innermost parts of this temple of science, will there discover such refinement
and subtilty of matter, as is not only proper to sharpen the understandings of young
men, but sufficient to give exercise for the most profound knowledge and erudition."
lect. ix.] THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. 95

structure. But it is proper that we should be a little more particu-

lar in the examination of it.
The language which is, at present, spoken throughout Great Bri-
tain, is neither the ancient primitive speech of the island, nor de-
rived from it but is altogether of foreign origin. The language of
;

the first inhabitants of our island, beyond doubt, was the Celtic, or
Gaelic, common to them with Gaul ;from which country it appears,
by many circumstances, that Great Britain was peopled. This Celtic
tongue, which is said to be very expressive and copious, and is, pro-
bably, one of the most ancient languages in the world, obtained once
in most of the western regions of Europe. It was the language of Gaul,
of Great Britain, of Ireland, and, very probably, of Spain also ; till,
in the course of those revolutions which, by means of the con-
quests, first, of the Romans, and afterwards, of the northern nations,
changed the government, speech, and, in a manner, the whole face
of Europe, this tongue was gradually obliterated ; and now subsists
only in the mountains of Wales, in the Highlands of Scotland, and
among the wild Irish. For the Irish, the Welch, and the Erse, are
no other than different dialects of the same tongue, the ancient Celtic.
This, then, was the language of the primitive Britons, the first
inhabitants that we know of in our island ; and continued so till
the arrival of the Saxons in England, in the year of our Lord 450 ;

who, having conquered the Britons, did not intermix with them,
but expelled them from their habitations, and drove them, together
with their language, into the mountains of Wales. The Saxons were
one of those northern nations that overran Europe ; and their
tongue, a dialect of the Gothic or Teutonic, altogether distinct from
the Celtic, laid the foundation of the present English tongue. With
some intermixture of Danish, a language, probably, from the same
root with the Saxon, it continued to be spoken throughout the
southern part of the island, till the time of William the Conqueror.
He introduced his Norman, or French, as the language of the court,
which made a considerable change in the speech of the nation ; and
the English which was spoken afterwards, and continues to be spo-
ken now, is a mixture of the ancient Saxon, and this Norman
French, together with such new and foreign words as commerce
and learning have, in progress of time, gradually introduced.
The .history of the English language can, in this manner, be
clearly traced. The language spoken in the Low Countries of Scot-
land, is now, and has been for many centuries, no other than a dia-
lect of the English. How, indeed, or by what steps, the ancient
Celtic tongue came to be Low Country in Scot-
banished from the
land, and to make its retreat into the Highlands and islands, can-
not be so well pointed out, as how the like revolution was brought
about in England. Whether the southernmost part of Scotland was
once subject to the Saxons, and formed a part of the kingdom of
Northumberland; or whether the great number of English exiles
that retreated into Scotland, upon the Norman conquest, and upon
other occasions, introduced into that country their own language,
 96 THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. [lect. ix.

which afterwards, by the mutual intercourse of the two nations,

prevailed over the Celtic, are uncertain and contested points, the
discussion of which would lead us too far from our subject.
From what has been said, it appears that the Teutonic dialect is
the basis of our present speech. It has been imported among us in
three different forms, the Saxon, the Danish, and the Norman ; all
which have mingled together in our language. A
very great num-
ber of our words, too, are plainly derived from the Latin. These
we had not directly from the Latin, but most of them, it is probable,
entered into our tongue, through the channel of that Norman French,
which William the Conqueror introduced. For, as the Romans had
long been in full possession of Gaul, the language spoken in that
country, when it was invaded by the Franks and Normans, was a sort
of corrupted Latin, mingled with Celtic, to which was given the
name of Romanshe and as the Franks and Normans did not, like
:

the Saxons in England, expel the inhabitants, but, after their victo-
ries, mingled with them the language of the country became a
;

compound of the Teutonic dialect imported by these conquerors,

and of the former corrupted Latin. Hence, the French language
has always continued to have a very considerable affinity with the
Latin and hence, a great number of words of Latin origin, which
;

were in use among the Normans in France, were introduced into

our tongue at the conquest to which, indeed, many have since
;

been added, directly from the Latin, in consequence of the great

diffusion of Roman literature throughout all Europe.
From the influx of so many streams, from the junction of so many
dissimilar parts, it naturally follows, that the English, like every
compounded language, must needs be somewhat irregular. We
cannot expect from it that correspondence of parts, that complete
analogy in structure, which may be found in those simpler langua-
ges, which have been formed in a manner within themselves, and
built on one foundation. Hence, as I before showed, it has but small
remains of conjugation or declension and its syntax is narrow, as
;

there are few marks in the words themselves, that can show their
relation to each other, or, in the grammatical style, point out either
their concordance, or their government in the sentence. Our words
having been brought to us from several different regions, straggle,
if we may so speak, asunder from each other and do not coalesce
;

so naturally in the structure of a sentence, as the words in the

Greek and Roman tongues.
But these disadvantages, if they be such, of a compound lan-
guage, are balanced by other advantages that attend it; particularly,
by the number and variety of words with which such a language is
likely to be enriched. Few languages are, in fact, more copious
than the English. In grave subjects especially, historical, criti-
all

cal, political, least reason to complain

and moral, no writer has the
of the barrenness of our tongue. The studious reflecting genius of
the people, has brought together great store of expressions, on such
subjects, from every quarter. We
are rich too in the language of
poetry. Our poetical style differs widely from prose, not in point
 lect. rx 1 THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. 97

of numbers only, but in the very words themselves; which shows

what a stock and compass of words we have it in our power to se-
lect and employ, suited to those different occasions. Herein we are
infinitely superior to the French, whose poetical language, if it were
not distinguished by rhyme, would not be known to differ from their
ordinary prose.
It is chiefly, indeed, on grave subjects, and with respect to the
stronger emotions of the mind, that our language displays its power
of expression. We are said to have thirty words, at least, for de-
noting all the varieties of the passion of anger.* But, in describing
the more delicate sentiments and emotions, our tongue is not so fer-
tile. It must be confessed, that the French language far surpasses ours,

inexpressing the nicer shades of character ; especially those varieties

of manner, temper, and behaviour, which are displayed in our social
intercourse with one another. Let any one attempt to translate into
English, only a few pages of one of Marivaux's novels, and he will
soon be sensible of our deficiency of expression on these subjects.
Indeed, no language is so copious as the French for whatever is deli-
cate, gay, and amusing. It is, perhaps, the happiest language for con-
versation, in the known world but on the higher subjects of com-
;

position, the English may be justly esteemed to excel it considerably.

Language is generally understood to receive its predominant
tincture from the national character of the people who speak it. We
must not, indeed, expect that it will carry an exact and full impres-
sion of their genius and manners; for among all nations, the original
stock of words which they received from their ancestors, remain as
the foundation of their speech throughout many ages, while their
manners undergo, perhaps, very great alterations. National charac-
ter will, however, always have some perceptible influence on the
turn of language; and the gayety and vivacity of the French, and
the gravity and thoughtfulness of the English, are sufficiently im-
pressed on their respective tongues.
From the genius of our language, and the character of those who
speak it, it may be expected to have strength and energy. It is, in-
deed, naturally prolix, owing to the great number of particles and
auxiliary verbs which we are obliged constantly to employ; and this
prolixity must, in some degree, enfeeble it. We
seldom can express so
much by one word as was done by the verbs, and by the nouns, in
the Greek and Roman languages. Our style is less compact; our
conceptions being spread out among more words, and split, as it
were, into more parts, make a fainter impression when we utter
them. Notwithstanding this defect, by our abounding in terms for
expressing all the strong emotions of the mind, and by the liberty
'which we enjoy, in a greater degree than most nations, of com-
pounding words, our language may be esteemed to possess consider-
* Anger, wrath, passion, rage, fury, outrage, fierceness, sharpness, animosity, choler,
resentment, heat, heart-burning ; to fume, storm, inflame, be incensed, to vex, kindle,
irritate, enrage, exasperate, provoke, fret ; to be sullen, hasty, hot, rough, sour
peevish, he. Preface to Greenwood's Grammar.
13
 98 THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. [lect. ix.

able force of expression ; comparatively, at least, with the other

modern tongues, though much below the ancient. The style of
Milton alone, both in poetry and prose, is a sufficient proof, that the
English tongue is far from being destitute of nerves and energy.
The flexibility of a language, or its power of accommodation to
different styles and manners, so as to be either grave and strong, or
easy and flowing, or tender and gentle, or pompous and magnificent,
as occasions require, or as an author's genius prompts, is a quality
of great importance in speaking and writing. It seems to depend
upon three things; the copiousness of a language; the different ar-
rangements of which its words are susceptible; and the variety and
beauty of the sound of those words, so as to correspond to many
different subjects. Never did any tongue possess this quality so
eminently as the Greek, which every writer of genius could so mould,
as to make the style perfectly expressive of his own manner and pe-
culiar turn. It had all the three requisites, which I have mentioned
as necessary for this purpose. It joined to these the graceful variety
of its different dialects; and thereby readily assumed every sort ot
character which an author could wish, from the most simple and
most familiar, up to the most majestic. The Latin, though a very
beautiful language, is inferior, in this respect, to the Greek. It has
more of a fixed character of stateliness and gravity. It is always
firm and masculine in the tenour of its sound; and is supported hy
a certain senatorial dignity, of which it is difficult for a writer to di-
vest it wholly, on any occasion. Among the modern tongues, the
Italian possesses a great deal more of this flexibility than the French.
By its copiousness, its freedom of arrangement, and the great beauty
and harmony of its sounds, it suits itself very happily to most sub-
jects, either in prose or in poetry; is capable of the august and the
strong as well as the tender and seems to be, on the whole, the
;

most perfect of all the modern dialects which have arisen out of the
ruins of the ancient. Our own language, though not equal to the
Italian in flexibility, yet is not destitute of a considerable degree of
this quality. If any one will consider the diversity of style which
appears in some of our classics, that great difference of manner, for
instance, which is marked by the style of Lord Shaftesbury, and
that of Dean Swift, he will see, in our tongue, such a circle of ex-
pression, such a power of accommodation to the different taste of
writers, as redounds not a little to
its honour.
What the English has been most taxed with, is its deficiency in
harmony of sound. But though every native is apt to be partial to
the sounds of his own language, and may, therefore, be suspected of
not being a fair judge in this point; yet, I imagine, there are evi-
dent grounds on which it may be shown, that this charge against our
tongue has been carried too far. The melody of our versification,
its power of supporting poetical numbers without any assistance
from rhyme, is alone a sufficient proof that our language is far from
being unmusical. Our verse is, after the Italian, the most diversified
and harmonious of any of the modern dialects ; unquestionably far
beyond the French verse, in variety, sweetness, and melody. Mr.
lkct. ix.] THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. 99

Sheridan has shown, in his lectures, that we abound more in vowel

and diphthong sounds, than most languages; and these too, so divi-
ded into long and short, as to afford a proper diversity in the quanti-
ty of our syllables. Our consonants, he observes, which appear so
crowded to the eye on paper, often form combinations, not disagree-
able to the ear in pronouncing; and, in particular, the objection
which has been made to the frequent recurrence of the hissing con-
sonant s in our language, is unjust and ill-founded. For, it has not
been attended to, that very commonly, and in the final syllables es-
pecially, this letter loses altogether the hissing sound, and is trans-
formed into a z, which is one of the sounds on which the ear rests with
pleasure as in has, these, those, loves, hears, and innumerable more,
;

where, though the letter s be retained in writing, it has really the

power of z, not of the common s.
After all, however, it must be admitted, that smoothness, or beau-
ty of sound, is not one of the distinguishing properties of the Eng-
lish tongue. Though not incapable of being formed into melodious
arrangements, yet strength and expressiveness, more than grace,
form its character. We
incline, in general, to a short pronunciation
of our words, and have shortened the quantity of most of those
which we borrow from the Latin, as orator, spectacle, theatre, liberty,
and such like. Agreeable to this, is a remarkable peculiarity of
English pronunciation, the throwing the accent farther back, that is,
nearer the beginning of the word than is done by any other nation.
In Greek and Latin, no word is accented farther back than the third
syllable from the end, or what is called the antepenult. But, in
English, we have many words accented on the fourth, some on the
fifth syllable from the end, as, memorable, conveniency, ambulatory,
profitableness. The general effect of this practice of hastening the
accent, or placing it so near the beginning of a word, is to give a
brisk and a spirited, but at the same time, a rapid and hurried, and
not very musical, tone to the whole pronunciation of a people.
The English tongue possesses, undoubtedly, this property, that it
is the most simple in its form and construction, of all the European

dialects. from all intricacy of cases, declensions, moods,

It is free
and tenses. words are subject to fewer variations from their
Its
original form than those of any other language. Its substantives
have no distinction of gender, except what nature has made, and but
one variation in case. Its adjectives admit of no change at all, ex-
cept what expresses the degree of comparison. Its verbs, instead of
running through all the varieties of ancient conjugation, suffer no
more than four or five changes in termination. By the help of a
few prepositions and auxiliary verbs, all the purposes of significancy
in meaning are accomplished while the words, for the most part,
;

preserve their form unchanged. The disadvantages in point of ele-

gance, brevity, and force, whichfollow from this structure of our lan-
guage, I have before pointed out. But, at the same time, it must be ad-
mitted, that such a structure contributes to facility. It renders the ac-
quisition'ofour language less laborious, the arrangement of our words
more plain and obvious, the rules of our syntax fewer and more simple.
P
 ;

100 THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. [lect. ix.

I agree, indeed, with Dr. Lowth, (Preface to his grammar) in

thinking, that the simplicity and facility of our language occa-
sion its being frequently written and spoken with less accura-
cy. It was necessary to study languages which were of a more
complex and artificial form, with greater care. The marks of gen-
der and case, the varieties of conjugation and declension, the mul-
tiplied rules of syntax, were all to be attended to in speech. Hence
language became more an object of
art. It was reduced into form
a standardwas established and any departures from the standard
;

became conspicuous. Whereas, among us, language is hardly con-

sidered as an object of grammatical rule. We take it for granted,
that a competent skill in it may be acquired without any study: and
that in a syntax so narrow and confined as ours, there is nothing
which demands attention. Hence arises the habit of writing in a
loose and inaccurate manner.
I admit, that no grammatical rules have sufficient authority to con-
trol the firm and established usage of language. Established cus-
tom in speaking and writing, is the standard to which we must at
last resort for determining every controverted point in language and
style. But it will not follow from this, that grammatical rules are
superseded as useless. In every language, which has been in any
degree cultivated, there prevails a certain structure and analogy of
parts, which is understood to give foundation to the most reputable
usage of speech; and which, in all cases, when usage is loose or du-
bious, possesses considerable authority. In every language, there are
rules of syntax which must be inviolably observed- by all who would
either write or speak with any propriety. For syntax is no other than
that arrangement of words, in a sentence, which renders the meaning
of each word, and the relation of all the words to one another, most
clear and intelligible.
All the rules of Latin syntax, it is true, cannot be applied to our

language. Many of these rules arose from the particular form of

their language, which occasioned verbs or prepositions to govern,
some the genitive, some the dative, some the accusative or ablative
case. But, abstracting from these peculiarities, it is to be always
remembered, that the chief and fundamental rules of syntax are
common to the English as well as the Latin tongue and, indeed, be-
;

long equally to all languages. For in all languages, the parts which
compose speech are essentially the same substantives, adjectives,
;

verbs, and connecting particles and wherever these parts of speech

:

are found, there are certain necessary relations among them, which
regulate their syntax, or the place which they ought to possess in a
sentence. Thus, in English, just as much as in Latin, the adjective
must by position, be made to agree with its substantive; and the
verb must agree with its nominative in person and number; because,
from the nature of things, a word, which expresses either a quality
or an action, must correspond as closely as possible with the name
of that thing whose quality, or whose action, it expresses. Two or
more substantives, joined by a copulative, must always require the
verbs or pronouns, to which they refer, to be placed in the plural
 ;

LECT. IX.] THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. 101

number ; otherwise, their common relation to these verbs or pro-

nouns is not pointed out. An active verb must, in every language,
govern the accusative that is, clearly point out some substantive
;

noun, as the object to which its action is directed. A relative pro-

noun must, in every form of speech, agree with its antecedent in
gender, number, and person and conjunctions, or connecting parti-
;

cles, ought always to couple like cases and moods that is, ought ;

to join together words which are of the same form and state with
each other. I mention these, as a few exemplifications of that fun-

damental regard to syntax, which, even in such a language as ours,

is absolutely requisite for writing or speaking with any propriety.

Whatever the advantages or defects of the English language be,

as it is our own language, it deserves a high degree of our study and
attention, both with regard to the choice of words which we employ,
and with regard to the syntax, or the arrangement of these words
in a sentence. We know how much the Greeks and Romans, in their
most polished and flourishing times, cultivated their own tongues.
We know how much study both the French, and the Italians, have
bestowed upon theirs. Whatever knowledge may be acquired by
the study of other languages, it can never be communicated with ad-
vantage, unless by such as can write and speak their own language
well. Let the matter of an author be ever so good and useful, his
compositions will always suffer in the public esteem, if his expression
be deficient in purity and propriety. At the same time, the attain-
ment of a correct and elegant style, is an object which demands ap-
plication and labour. If any imagine they can catch it merely by
the ear, or acquire it by a slight perusal of some of our good authors,
they will find themselves much disappointed. The many errors, even
in point of grammar, the many offences against purity of language,
which are committed by writers who are far from being contempti-
ble, demonstrate, that a careful study of the language is previously
requisite, in all who aim at writing it properly.*

QUESTIONS.
Of the verb, what is observed ? In verb from'other parts of speech ? Hence,
it, what appears ; and therefore, what what follows ;. and why ? What has
follows? Why
will our author avoid arisen from this of eminence?
sort
dwelling longer on this subject, than is Why must verbs have been coeval
absolutely necessary ? What property with men's first attempts towards the
has the verb, in common with the ad- formation of language ? What, is it
jective? In all verbs, what three things probable, was its radical form ; and
are implied at once ? How is this re- why ? What did such verbs afterwards
mark illustrated ? Of the particle shi- become, and into what did they branch
ning; what remarked ? What may out ? For Avhat are the tenses contri-
is
the infinitive mood, to shine, be called ved? Why must notice be taken of
and why? Hence, what resemblance these? Of what divisions of time do we
does the infinitive mood often carry ? naturally think ? Under what circum-
What examples are driven ? What is stances might we imagine, that no more
that which chiefly distinguishes the were needful ? But how does language

* On this subject, the road fir ought to peruse Dr. Lowth's Short Introduction to English
Grammar, with Critical Notes Dr. Campbell's Philosophy of Rhetoric
; and Dr. iMest-
;

ly's RuOknents of English Grammar.

101 a QUESTIONS. [lect. IX-

proceed; and into what does it split what relations, do they serve? For
time? How does it consider it; and connecting what, are conjunctions em-
hence, what follows ? How may the ployed ; and what examples are given?
present be considered? What examples In what manner do prepositions connect
are given ? How many past tenses are words ; and what examples are given ?
found in the poorest languages ? How When was the force of these spoken of?
many has ours ? Define each, and give From what is it evident that all these
the illustrative examples. Here, what connective particles must be of the
do we, with pleasure, observe ? What greatest use in speech and, therefore,
;

tense have they not ? In both cases, what follows ? As a nation improves in
what must they say ? How is the ad- science, and as its language becomes
vantage of our language illustrated ? more what may we expect ?
perfect,
Define the two varieties ofthe future, and Accordingly, what language contains
give examples of each. Besides tenses, the greatest quantity of them and ;

what other distinction do verbs admit ? why ? On what does much ofthe beau-
For what are moods designed ? Define ty and strength of every language de-
the indicative, the imperative, and the pend ? What depends on the right or
subjunctive moods and give examples
; wrong management of them ? Before
of each. What does this manner of ex- he dismisses the subject of language,
pressing an affirmation, &c. form ? what observation does our author re-
What now clearly appears ? How is quest to be allowed to make and ;

this fully illustrated ? What is a curi- why ? How is this subject illustrated in
ous and remarkable fact? In what a quotation from Quintilian ? What
languages is conjugation esteemed most subject do we next approach ? Of the
perfect ? What is said of the tenses of language which is at pre**)nt spoken
oriental tongues ? How is this deficien- throughout Great Britain, what is ob-
cy supplied"? What example is given ? served? What Avas the language of
Of the tenses and moods of the Greek the first inhabitants of the island ? Of
language, what is remarked ? Of the this Celtic tongue, what is remarked,
Latin, what is observed ? What is the and where did it obtain ? Of what
state of conjugation, in modern Euro- countries was
the language ; and till
it

pean tongues ? In what do they admit what period? Where, only, does it now
few varieties and to what have they
; subsist? What evidence have we of
constant recourse ? To what is the this ? How long did this continue to be
change which language has undergone the language ofthe island?
in conjugation, similar? What illus- How did the Saxons treat the Bri-
tration of this remark is given ? How tons ? Of what was the Saxon tongue
may the alteration be easily under- a dialect ; and of what did it lay the
stood ? Of the auxiliary verbs, what is foundation ? How long did it continue
remarked? What do they imply? to be spoken throughout the southern
With what, in the early state of speech, part of the island? What language
would their import be incorporated ? did he introduce? Of what, then, is the
In what manner was it afterwards English which is now spoken a mix-
found that these auxiliaries might sup- ture ? What language is spoken in the
ply the place of most of the moods and low countries of Scotland? For what,
tenses ? Hence, what followed ? What can we not easily account ? What are,
examples of illustration are given? still, uncertain and contested points?

What few varieties were retained ? What appears, from what has been
What was the consequence of this said, to be the basis of our present
practice? What effect had it on lan- speech and how has it been imported ;

guage ? Wha 4
are the remaining parts among us? From what ancient lan-
-,

of speech called ? Of these, what are guage are many of our words, also,
the first, thai occur ? To what are they derived; and how did we receive them?
reducible ; and why? For the most What evidence have we of this ? With
part, what are they; expressing what? what language has the French always
Hence, of them, what may be con- continued to have a very considerable
ceived ; and accordingly, whence are affinity; and hence, what follows?
the great body of them derived? From the influx of so many streams,
What class of words do prepositions what naturally follows? What can
aiKi conjugations form ; and to express I we not expect from it ? Why is ite
 ;

LECT. IX.] QUESTIONS. 101 b

syntax narrow? What remark fol- what is remarked? What has Mr. She
lows ? How are these disadvantages, ridan, in his lectures, shown? Of our
if they be such, balanced ? In what consonants, what does he observe ; and
subject is our language particularly why? After all, what must be admit-
copious ? Flow has this been produced ? ted ? To what do we, in general, in-
fn what also are we rich and in what
; cline and agreeably to this, what is a
;

does it differ from prose? What does remarkable peculiarity of our pronun-
this shoAV ;and to what language are ciation ? How does the English differ
we, in this respect, infinitely superior ? from the Greek and Latin in this re-
Of their poetical language, what is re- spect? What is the general effect of
marked? Where does our language tlds practice ? What peculiar property
chiefly display its power of expression ? does the English language possess?
How many words are we said to have Illustrate this, fully. What opinion of
to denote the varieties of the passion of Dr. Lowth is here introduced ? Why
anger? Repeat them. Where is our were ancient languages an object of
tongue less fertile ? In what does the art? W
T
hat do we take for granted;
French tongue surpass ours ? How and hence, what follows ? For what
may any one be convinced of this? are grammatical rules insufficient ; and
For what is the French, of all lan- what in this case must be the stan-
guages, the most copious; and lor dard ? What will not follow from this
what is it the happiest language in the and why ? Why
cannot all the rules of
world ? But where does ours excel it ? Latin syntax be applied to our lan-
Whence does language receive its pre- guage ? But what is always to be re-
dominant feature? What must we, membered; and for what reason?
however, not expect; and why? What How is this fully illustrated ? What do
evidence, however, have we that na- these exemplifications show ? What
t ional character will always have some remark on the English language fol-
influence on the turn ol" language ? lows? How is this illustrated? Who
From the genius of our language, what will find themselves much disappoint-
may it be expected to have ? To what ed? What affords a sufficient proof that
is its prolixity owing ; and what is its a careful study of the language is re-
effect? How is this illustrated? Why quisite ?
may our language be esteemed to
still
possess considerable force of expression ?
Of what is the style of Milton a sufficient ANALYSIS.
proof? What is a quality of great im-
portance in speaking or writing ; and 1. Verbs.
on what three things does it depend ? a. Their nature and importance.
What tongue most eminently possesses b. Tenses.
this quality ?What advantages did it c. Voices.
possess? What is the character of the D. Moods.
Latin tongue in this respect ? Of the e. Conjugation.
Italian language, what is remarked? 2. Auxiliary verbs.
By considering whose style, may one 3. Adverbs.
be convinced that our language is not 4. Prepositions.
destitute of flexibility ? With what has 5. Conjunctions.
our language been most taxed ? What G. The origin of the English language.
alone is sufficient to prove that our lan- a. Its character.
guage is not unmusical ? Of our verse, B. Its syntax.

LECTURE X.

STYLE.—PERSPICUITY AND PRECISION

Having finished the subject of language, I now enter on the con-
sideration of style, and the rules that relate to it.

It is not easy to give a precise idea of what is meant by style.

The best definition I can give of it, is, the peculiar manner in which
102 PERSPICUITY. [lect. x.

a man expresses his conceptions, by means of language. It is dif-

ferent from mere language, or words. The words which an author
employs, may be proper and faultless and his style may, neverthe-
;

less, have great faults: it may be dry, or stiff, or feeble, or affected.

Style has always some reference to an author's manner of thinking.
It is a picture of the ideas which arise in his mind, and of the man-
ner in which they rise there; and hence, when we are examining an
author's composition, it is, in many cases, extremely difficult to se-
parate the style from the sentiment. No wonder these two should
be so intimately connected, as style is nothing else than that sort of
expression which our thoughts most readily assume. Hence, differ-
ent countries have been noted for peculiarities of style, suited to their
different temper and genius. The eastern nations animated their
style with the most strong and hyperbolical figures. The Athenians,
a polished and acute people, formed a style accurate, clear, and neat.
The Asiatics, gay and loose in their manners, affected a style florid
and diffuse. The like sort of characteristical differences are com-
monly remarked in the style of the French, the English, and the
Spaniards. In giving the general characters of style, it is usual to
talk of a nervous, a feeble, or a spirited style ; which are plainly the
characters of a writer's manner of thinking, as well as of expressing
himself: so difficult it is to separate these two things from one
another. Of the general characters of style, I am afterwards to dis-
course but it will be necessary to begin with examining the more
;

simple qualities of it; from the assemblage of which, its more com-
plex denominations, in a great measure, result.
All the qualities of good style may be ranged under two heads,
perspicuity and ornament. For all that can possibly be required of
language is, to convey our ideas clearly to the minds of others, and,
at the same time, in such a dress, as by pleasing and interesting them,
shall most effectually strengthen the impressions which we seek to
make. When both these ends are answered, we certainly accom-
plish every purpose for which we use writing and discourse.
Perspicuity, it will be readily admitted, is the fundamental quality
of style;' a quality so essential in every kind of writing, that for
the want of it, nothing can atone. Without this, the richest orna-
ments of style only glimmer through the dark and puzzle, instead ;

of pleasing the reader. This, therefore, must be our first object, to

make our meaning clearly and fully understood, and understood with-
out the least difficulty. -Oratio,' says Quintilian, 'debet negligen-
ter quoque audientibus esse aperta ut in animum audientis, sicut
;

sol in oculos, etiamsi in eum non intendatur, occurat. Quare non

solum ut intelligere possit, sed ne omnino possit non intelligere cu-
randum.'t If we are obliged to follow a writer with much care, to

*" Nobis prima sit virtus, perspicuitas, propria verba, rectus ordo, non in longum
dilata conclusio ; nihil neque desit, neque superfluat."
Qcintil. lib. viii.

t
" Discourse ought always to be obvious, even to the most careless and negligent
hearer so that the sonse shall strike his mind, as the light of the sun does our eyes,
:

though they are-nct directed upwards to it. We must study not only that every hearer
my understand us, but that it shall be impossible for him not to understand us."
 ;:

lect. x.] PERSPICUITY. 103

pause, and to read over his sentences a second time, in order to

comprehend them fully, he will never please us long. Mankind
are too indolent to relish so much labour. They may pretend to ad-
mire the author's depth, after they have discovered his meaning
but they will seldom be inclined to take up his work a second time.
Authors sometimes plead the difficulty of their subject as an ex-
cuse for the want of perspicuity. But the excuse can rarely, if ever,
be admitted. For whatever a man conceives clearly, that, it is in his
power, if he will be at the trouble, to put into distinct propositions,
or to express clearly to others: and upon no subject ought any man
to write, where he cannot think clearly. His ideas, indeed, may,
very excusably, be on some subjects incomplete or inadequate; but
still,as far as they go, they ought to be clear; and wherever this is
the case, perspicuity in expressing them is always attainable. The
obscurity which reigns so much among many metaphysical writers,
is, for the most part, owing to the indistinctness of their own con-

ceptions. They see the object but in a confused light ; and, of

course,can never exhibit it in a clear one to others.
Perspicuity in writing, is not to be considered as merely a sort
of negative virtue, or freedom from defect. It has higher merit
it is a degree of positive beauty. We are pleased with an author,
we consider him as deserving praise, who frees us from all fatigue
of searching for his meaning; who carries us through his subject
without any embarrassment or confusion wh-~>se style flows always
;

like a limpid stream, where we see to the very bottom.

The study of perspicuity requires attention, first, to single words
and phrases, and then to the construction of sentences. I begin
with treating of the first, and shall confine myself to it in this lec-
ture.
Perspicuity, considered with respect to words and phrases, re-
quires these three qualities in t\\em,purily,p? opriety, and precision.
,

Purity and propriety of language, are often used indiscriminately

for each other ; and, indeed, they are very nearly allied. A distinc-
tion, however, obtains between them. Purity is the use of such
words, and such constructions, as belong to the idiom of the lan-
guage which we speak in opposition to words and phrases that are
;

imported from other languages, or that are obsolete, or new coined,

or used without proper authority. Propriety is the selection of
such words in the language, as the best and most established usage
has appropriated to those ideas which we intend to express by them.
It implies the correct and happy application of them, according to
that usage, in opposition to vulgarisms or low expressions and to
;

•
words and phrases, which would be less significant of the ideas that
we mean to convey. Style may be pure, that is, it may all be strict-
ly English, without Scoticismsor Gallicisms, or ungrammatical irre-
gular expressions of any kind, and may, nevertheless, be deficient
in propriety. The words may be ill chosen not adapted to the
;

subject, nor fully expressive of the author's sense. He has taken all
his words and phrases from the general mass of English language ;
but he has made his selection among these words unhappily. Where-
 104 PRECISION IN STYLE. [lect. x.

as, style cannot be proper without being also pure; and where both
purity and propriety meet, besides making style perspicuous, they
also render it graceful. There is no standard, either of purity or of
propriety, but the practice of the best writers and speakers in the
country.
When I mentioned obsolete or new coined words, as incongruous
with purity of style, it will be easily understood, that some excep-
tions are to be made. On certain occasions, they may have grace.
Poetry admits of greater latitude than prose, with respect to coin-
ing, or, at least, new compounding words; yet, even here, this li-
berty should be used with a sparing hand. In prose, such innova-
tions are more hazardous, and have a worse effect. They are apt to
give style an affected and conceited air and should never be ven-
;

tured upon, except by such, whose established reputation gives them

some degree of dictatorial power over language.
The introduction of foreign and learned words, unless where ne-
cessity requires them, should always be avoided. Barren languages
may need such assistances but ours is not one of these. Dean
;

Swift, one of our most correct writers, valued himself much on

using no words but such as were of native growth: and his lan-
guage may, indeed, be considered as a standard of the strictest pu-
rity and propriety, in the choice of words. At present, we seem to
be departing from this standard. A multitude of Latin words have,
of late, been poured in upon us. On some occasions, they give an
appearance of elevation and dignity to style. But often, also, they
render it. stiff and forced and, in general, a plain, native style, as
:

it is more intelligible to all readers, so, by a proper management of

words, it may be made equally strong and expressive with this La-
tinised English.
Let us now consider the import of precision in language, which,
as it is the highest part of the quality denoted by perspicuity, me-
rits a full explication; and the more, because distinct ideas are, per-
haps, not commonly formed about it.
The exact import of precision, may be drawn from the etymolo-
gy of the word. It comes from ' prsecidere,' to cut off: it imports
retrenching all superfluities, and pruning the expression, so as to ex-
hibit neither more nor less than an exact copy of his idea who uses
it. I observed before, that it is often difficult to separate the quali-
ties of style from the qualities of thought and it is found so in this
;

instance. For, in order to write with precision, though this be pro-

perly a quality of style, one must possess a very considerable de-
gree of distinctness and accuracy in his manner of thinking.
The words which a man uses to express his ideas, may be faulty
in three respects they may either not express that idea which the
;

author intends, but some other which only resembles, or is akin to

it ; or, they may express that idea, but not quite fully and complete-

ly ; or, they may express it, together with something more than he
intends. Precision stands opposed to all these three faults ; but
chiefly to the last. In an author's writing with propriety, his being
free from the two former faults seems implied. The words which he
lect. x.] PRECISION IN STYLE. 105

uses are proper; that is, they express that idea which he intends,
and they express it fully; but to be precise, signifies, that they ex-
press that idea, and no more. There is nothing in his words which
introduces any foreign idea, any superfluous unseasonable accessory,
so as to mix it confusedly with the principal object, and thereby to
render our conception of that object loose and indistinct. This re-
quires a writer to have, himself, a very clear apprehension of the ob-
jecthe means to present to us ; to have laid fast hold of it in his
mind ; and never to waver in any one view he takes of it; a perfec
tion to which, indeed, few writers attain.
The use and importance of precision, may be deduced from the
nature of the human mind. It never can view, clearly and distinct-
ly, above one object at a time. If it must look at two or three to-
gether, especially objects among which there is resemblance or con-
nexion, it finds itself confused and embarrassed. It cannot clearly
perceive in what they agree, and in what they differ. Thus, were
any object, suppose some animal, to be presented to me, of whose
structure I wanted to form a distinct notion, I would desire all its
trappings to be taken off, I would require it to be brought before me
by itself, and to stand alone, that there might be nothing to distract
my attention. The same is the case with words. If, when you would
inform me of your meaning, you also tell me more than what conveys
it; if you join foreign circumstances to the principal object; if, by
unnecessarily varying the expression, you shift the point of view,
and make me see sometimes the object itself, and sometimes another
thing that is connected with it; you thereby oblige me to look on
several objects at once, and I lose sight of the principal. You load
the animal you are showing me, with so many trappings and collars,
and bring so many of the same species before me, somewhat resem-
bling, and yet somewhat differing, that I see none of them clearly.
This forms what is called a loose style and is the proper oppo-
;

site to precision. It generally arises from using a superfluity of

words. Feeble writers employ a multitude of words to make them-
selves understood, as they think, more distinctly; and they only
confound the reader. They are sensible of not having caught the
precise expression, to convey what they would signify; they do not,
indeed, conceive their own meaning very precisely themselves; and
therefore help it out, as they can, by this and the other word, which
may, as they suppose, supply the defect, and bring you somewhat
nearer to their idea: they are always going about it, and about it,
but never just hit the thing. The image, as they set it before you, is
always seen double and no double image is distinct. When an author
;

tells me of his hero's courage in the day of battle, the expression is

precise, and I understand it fully. But if, from the desire of multi-
plying words, he will needs praise his courage and fortitude; at the
moment he joins these words together, my idea begins to waver.
He means to express one quality more strongly; but he is, in truth,
expressing two. Courage resists danger; fortitude supports pain.
The occasion of exerting each of these qualities is different; and
Q 14
106 PRECISION IN STYLE. [lect. x.

being led to think of both together, when only one of them should
be in my view, my view is rendered unsteady, and my conception of
the object indistinct.
From what I have said, it appears that an author may, in a qualifi-
ed sense, be perspicuous, while yet he is far from being precise.
He uses proper words, and proper arrangement; lie gives you the
idea as clear as he conceives it himself; and so far he is perspicu-
ous but the ideas are not very clear in his own mind; they are
:

loose and general; and, therefore, cannot be expressed with preci-

sion. All subjects do not equally require precision. It is sufficient,
on many occasions, that we have a general view of the meaning.
The subject, perhaps, is of the known and familiar kind; and we
are in no hazard of mistaking the sense of the author, though every
word which he uses be not precise and exact.
Few authors, for instance, in the English language, are more clear
and perspicuous, on the whole, than Archbishop Tillotson, and Sir
William Temple; yet neither of them are remarkable for precision.
They are loose and diffuse; and accustomed to express their mean-
ing by several words, which show you fully whereabouts it lies, ra-
ther than to single out those expressions, which would convey clear-
ly the idea which they have in view, and no more. Neither, indeed,
is precision the prevailing character of Mr. Addison's style; although

he is not so deficient in this respect as the other two authors.

Lord Shaftesbury's faults, in point of precision, are much greater
than Mr. Addison's; and the more unpardonable, because he is a
professed philosophical writer ; who, as such, ought, above all
things, to have studied precision. His style has both great beauties
and great faults; and,on the whole, is by no means a safe model for
imitation. Lord Shaftesbury was well acquainted with the power of
words those which he employs are generally proper and well
;

sounding; he has great variety of them; and bis arrangement, as

shall be afterwards shown, is commonly beautiful. His defect, in
precision, is not owing so much to indistinct or confused ideas, as to
perpetual affectation. He is fond, to excess, of the pomp and pa-
rade of language; he is never satisfied with expressing any thing
clearly and simply he must always give it the dress of state and
;

majesty. Hence perpetual circumlocutions, and many words and

phrases employed to describe somewhat, that would have been de-
scribed much better by one of them. If he has occasion to men-
tion any person or author, he very rarely mentions him by his pro-
per name. In the treatise, entitled, Advice to an Author, he des-
cants for two or three pages together upon Aristotle, without once
naming him in any other way, than the master critic, the mighty
genius and judge of art, the prince of critics, the grand mastei
of art, and consummate philologist. In the same way, the grand
poetic sire, the philosophical patriarch, and his disciple of noble
birth and lofty genius, are the only names by which he conde-
scends to distinguish Homer, Socrates, and Plato, in another pas-
sage of the same treatise. This method of distinguishing persons
is extremely affected; but it is not so contrary to precision, as the
 ;

lect. x.J PRECISION IN STYLE. 107

frequent circumlocutions he employs for all moral ideas attentive, ;

on every occasion, more to the pomp of language, than to the clear-

ness which he ought to have studied as a philosopher. The moral
sense, for instance, after he had once defined it, was a clear term
but, how vague becomes the idea, when, in the next page, he calls
it,' That natural affection, and anticipating fancy, which makes the
sense of right and wrong?' Self examination, or reflection on our
own conduct, is an idea conceived with ease but when it is wrought
;

into all the forms of 'A man's dividing himself into two parties,
becoming a self-dialogist, entering into partnership with himself,
forming the dual number practically within himself;' we hardly
know what to make of it. On some occasions, he so adorns, or ra-
ther loads with words, the plainest and simplest propositions, as, if
not to obscure, at least, to enfeeble them.
In the following paragraph, for example, of the inquiry concern-
ing virtue, he means to show, that, by every ill action we hurt our
mind, as much as one who should swallow poison, or give himself a
wound, would hurt his body. Observe what a redundancy of words
he pours forth Now if the fabric of the mind or temper appeared
:
'

to us such as it really is; if we saw it impossible to remove hence

any one good or orderly affection, or to introduce any ill or disor-
derly one, without drawing on, in some degree, that dissolute state
which,at its height, is confessed to be so miserable; it would then,
undoubtedly, be confessed, that since no ill, immoral, or unjust ac-
tion, can be committed, without either a new inroad and breach on
the temper and passions, or a further advancing of that execution
already done whoever did ill, or acted in prejudice to his integrity,
:

goodnature, or worth, would, of necessity, act with greater cruelty

towards himself, than he who scrupled not to swallow what was poi
sonous, or who, with his own hands, should voluntarily mangle or
wound his outward form or constitution, natural limbs, or body.'*
Here, to commit a bad action, is, first, 'To remove a good and
orderly affection, and to introduce an ill or disorderly one;' next, it
is, 'To commit an action that is ill, immoral, and unjust;' and in the

next line, it is, To do ill, or to act in prejudice of integrity, good

'

nature, and worth;' nay, so very simple a thing as a man's wound

ing himself, is, 'To mangle, or wound, his outward form or consti
tution, his natural limbs or body.' Such superfluity of words is dis
gustful to every reader of correct tasteand serves no purpose but
;

to embarrass and perplex the sense. This sort of style is elegantly

described by Quintilian: 'Est in quibusdam turba inanium verbo-
rum, qui dum communem loquendi morem reformidant, ducti specie
nitoris, circumeunt omnia copiosa loquacitate quae dicere volunt'1
Lib. vii. cap. 2.

* Characterist. Vol. ii. p. 85.

1" A crowd of unmeaning words is brought together by some authors, who, afraid of
expressing themselves after a common and ordinary manner, and allured by an appear-
ance of splendour, surround every thing which they mean to say with a certain copious
loquacity."
108 PRECISION IN STYLE. [lect. x.

The great source of a loose style, in opposition to precision, is

the injudicious use of those words termed synonymous. They are
called synonymous, because they agree in expressing one principal
idea; but, for the most part, if not always, they express it with
some diversity in the circumstances. They are varied by some ac-
cessary idea which every word introduces, and which forms the dis-
tinction between them. Hardly, in any language, are there two
words that convey precisely the same idea; a person thoroughly
conversant in the propriety of the language, will always be able to
observe something that distinguishes them. As they are like differ-
ent shades of the same colour, an accurate writer can employ them
to great advantage, by using them, so as to heighten and to finish
the picture which he gives us. He supplies by one, what was want-
ing in the other, to the force, or to the lustre of the image which
he means to exhibit. But, in order to this end, he must be ex-
tremely attentive to the choice which he makes of them. For the
bulk of writers are very apt to confound them with each other; and
to employ them carelessly, merely for the sake of filling up a pe-
riod, or of rounding and diversifying the language, as if their signifi-
cation were exactly the same, while, in truth, it is not. Hence a
certain mist and indistinctness is unwarily thrown over style.
In the Latin language, there are no two words we should more
readily take to be synonymous, than amare and diligere. Cicero,
however, has shown us, that there is a very clear distinction betwixt
them. 'Quid ergo,' says he, in one of his epistles, 'tibi commen-
dem eum quern tu ipse diligis? Sed tamen ut scires eum non a me
diligi solum, verum etiam amari, ob earn rem tibi haec scribo.'*
In the same manner tutus and securus, are words which we should
readily confound yet their meaning is different.
;
Tutus, signifies
out of danger; securus, free from the dread of it. Seneca has ele-
gantly marked this distinction; 'Tuta scelera esse possunt, secura
non possunt. 't In our own language, very many instances might be
given of a difference in meaning among words reputed synonymous;
and, as the subject is of importance, I shall now point out some of
these. The instances which I am to give, may themselves be of
use; and they will serve to show the necessity of attending, with
care and strictness, to the exact import of words, if ever we would
write with propriety or precision.
Jlusterity severity, rigour.
, Austerity, relates to the manner of
living; severity, of thinking; rigour, of punishing. To austerity,
is opposed effeminacy ; to severity, relaxation ; to rigour, clemen-

cy. Ahermit, is austere in his life ; a casuist, severe in his applica-

tion of religion or law; a judge, rigorous in his sentences.
Custom, habit. Custom, respects the action; habit, the actor.
By custom, we mean the frequent repetition of the same act ; by
habit, the effect which that repetition produces on the mind or body.
By the custom of walking often the streets, one acquires a habit of
idleness.

* Ad. Famil. 1. 13. Ep. 47. t Epis. 97

 ;

lect. x.] PRECISION IN STYLE. 109

Surprised, astonished, amazed, confounded. I am surprised, with

what is new or unexpected I am astonished, at what is vast or great,
;

I am amazed, with what is incomprehensible; I am confounded, by

what is shocking or terrible.
Desist, renounce, quit, leave off. Each of these words imply some
pursuit or object relinquished; but, from different motives. We
desist, from the difficulty of accomplishing. We
renounce, on ac-
count of the disagreeableness of the object, or pursuit. quit, We
for the sake of some other thing which interests us more; and we
leave off, because we are weary of the design. A politician desists
from his designs, when he finds they are impracticable; he renoun-
ces the court, because he has been affronted by it; he quits ambition
for study or retirement; and leaves off his attendance on the great,
as he becomes old and weary of it.
Pride, vanity. Pride, makes us esteem ourselves vanity, makes ;

us desire the esteem of others. It is just to say, as Dean Swift has

done, that a man is too proud to be vain.
Haughtiness, disdain. Haughtiness, is founded on the high opin-
ion we entertain of ourselves; disdain, on the low opinion we have
of others.
To distinguish, to separate. We
distinguish, what we want not
to confound with another thing we separate, what we want to remove
;

from it. Objects are distinguished from one another, by their qual-
ities. They are separated, by the distance of time or place.
To weary, to fatigue. The continuance of the same thing Avea-
ries us; labour fatigues us. I am weary with standing; I am fatigued
with walking. A
suitor wearies us by his perseverance fatigues us ;

by his importunity.
To abhor, to detest. To abhor, imports, simply, strong dislike to ;

detest, imports also strong disapprobation. One abhors being in

debt; he detests treachery.
To invent, to discover. We
invent things that are new; we dis-
cover what was before hidden. Galileo invented the telescope; Har-
vey discovered the circulation of the blood.
Only, alone. Only, imports that there is no other of the same
kind ; alone, imports being accompanied by no other. An only
child, is one who has neither brother nor sister; a child alone, is
one who is left by There is a difference, therefore, in precise
itself.
language, betwixt these two phrases, 'virtue only makes us happy;'
and ' virtue alone makes us happy.' Virtue only makes us happy,
imports, that nothing else can do it. Virtue alone makes us happy,
imports, that virtue, by itself, or unaccompanied with other advanta-
ges, is sufficient to do it.

Entire, complete. A
thing is entire, by wanting none of its parts
complete, by wanting none of the appendages that belong to it. A
man may have an entire house to himself; and yet not have one
complete apartment.
Tranquillity, peace, calm. Tranquillity, respects a situation free
from trouble, considered in itself; peace, the same situation with
respect to any causes that might interrupt it; calm, with regard to
 ;

110 PRECISION IN STYLE. [lect. x.

a disturbed situation going before, or following it. A

good man
enjoys tranquillity in himself; peace, with others; and calm, after
the storm.
Ji difficulty, an obstacle. A difficulty, embarrasses; an obstacle,
stops us. We remove the one; we surmount the other. Generally,
the first expresses somewhat arising from the nature and circum-
stances of the affair ; the second, somewhat arising from a foreign
cause. Philip found difficulty in managing the Athenians from the
nature of their dispositions; but the eloquence of Demosthenes was
the greatest obstacle to his designs.
Wisdom, prudence. Wisdom, leads us to speak and act what is
most proper. Prudence, prevents our speaking or acting impro-
perly. A wise man employs the most proper means for success;
a prudent man, the safest means for not being brought into danger.
Enough, sufficient. Enough, rel.ttes to the quantity which one
wishes to have of any thing. Sufficient, relates to the use that is to
be made of it. Hence, enough, generally imports a greater quan-
tity than sufficient does. The covetous man never has enough
although he has what is sufficient for nature.
To avow, to acknowledge, to confess. Each of these words im-
ports the affirmation of a fact, but in very different circumstances. To
avow, supposes the person to glory in it; to acknowledge, supposes
a small degree of faultiness, which the acknowledgment compen-
sates; to confess, supposes a higher degree of crime. A patriot
avows his opposition to a bad minister, and is applauded; a gentle-
man acknowledges his mistake, and is forgiven a prisoner confesses
;

the crime he is accused of, and is punished.

To remark, to observe. We remark in the way of attention, in or-
der to remember; we observe, in the way of examination, in order
to judge. A traveller remarks the most striking objects he sees a ;

general observes all the motions of his enemy.

Equivocal, ambiguous. An equivocal expression is, one which
has one sense open, and designed to be understood another sense
;

concealed, and understood only by the person who uses it. An am-
biguous expression is, one which has apparently two senses, and
leaves us at a loss which of them to give it. An equivocal expres-
sion is used with an intention to deceive; an ambiguous one, when
it is used with design, is, with an intention not to give full informa-
tion. An honest man will never employ an equivocal expression a ;

confused man may often utter ambiguous ones, without any design.
I shall only give one instance more.
With, by. Both these particles express the connexion between
some instrument, or means of effecting an end, and the agent who
employs it; but with, expresses a more close and immediate connex-

ion by, a more remote one.

;
We kill a man with a sword ; he
dies by violence. The criminal is bound with ropes by the execu-
tioner. The proper distinction in the use of these particles, is ele-
gantly marked in a passage of Dr. Robertson's History of Scotland.
When one of the old Scottish kings was making an inquiry into the
tenure by which his nobles held their lands, they started up, and drew
lect. x.j PRECISION IN STYLE. Ill

their swords; '

By these,' said they, 'we acquired our lands, and
ivith these we will defend them.' ' By these we acquired our lands ;'

signifies the more remote means of acquisition hy force and martial

deeds; and, 'with these we will defend them;' signifies the imme-
diate direct instrument, the sword which they would employ in theii
defence.
These are instances of words, in our language, which by careless
writers, are apt to be employed as perfectly synonymous, and yet
are not so. Their significations approach, but are not precisely the
same. The more the distinction in the meaning of such words is
weighed, and attended to, the more clearly and forcibly shall wc
speak or write.*
From all that has been said on this head, it will now appear, that,

in order to write or speak with precision, two things are especially

requisite: one, that an author's own ideas be clear and distinct; and
the other, that we have an exact and full comprehension of the force
of those words which he employs. Natural genius is here required ;

labour and attention still more. Dean Swift is one of the authors,
in our language, most distinguished for precision of style. In his
writings, we seldom or never find vague expressions and synony-
mous words carelessly thrown together. His meaning is always clear,
and strongly marked.
I had occasion to observe before, that though all subjects of writ-
ing or discourse demand perspicuity, yet all do not require the same
degree of that exact precision which I have endeavoured to explain.
It is, indeed, in every sort of writing, a great beauty to have, at
least, some mersure of precision, in distinction from that loose
profusion of words which imprints no clear idea on the reader's
mind. But we must, at the same time, be on our guard, lest too
great a study of precision, especially in subjects where it is not
strictly requisite, betray us into a dry and barren style; lest, from
the desire of pruning too closely, we retrench all copiousness and
ornament. Some degree of this failing may, perhaps, be remark-
ed in Dean Swift's serious works. Attentive only to exhibit his
ideas clear and exact, resting wholly on his sense and distinctness,
he appears to reject, disdainfully, all embellishment, which, on
some occasions, may be thought to render his manner somewhat
hard and dry. To unite copiousness and precision, to be flowing
ind graceful, and at the same time correct and exact in the choice
of every word, is, no doubt, one of the highest and most difficult

* In French there is a very useful treatise on the subject, the Abbe Girard's
Syno-
nym.es Francoises, in which he has made a large collection of such apparent synonymes
in the language, and shown, with much accuracy, the difference in their signification.
It is much to be wished, that some such work were undertaken for our tongue, and
executed with equal taste and judgment. Nothing would contribute more to precise and
elegant writing. In the mean time, this French Treatise may be perused with con-
siderable profit. It will accustom persons to weigh, with attention, the force of
words ; and will suggest several distinctions betwixt synonymous terms in our own
language, analogous to those which he has pointed out in the French ; and, according-
ly, several of the instances above given, were suggested by the work of this author.
 ; ;

112 QUESTIONS. [lect. X.

attainments in writing. Some kinds of composition may require

more of copiousness and ornament others, more of precision and
;

accuracy nay, in the same composition, the different parts of it

;

may demand a proper variation of manner. But we must study

never to sacrifice, totally, any one of these qualities to the other
and by a proper management, both of them may be made fully con-
sistent, if our own ideas be precise, and our knowledge and stock
of words be, at the same time, extensive.

Q,UESTIOtf$.
What is the next subject of consi- attention? When considered with re-

deration ? What is the best definition spect to words and phrases, what three
that can be given of it ? How does it qualities does perspicuity require? Of
differ from mere language, or words ? purity and propriety of language what
To what has it always some reference? is observed ? How are they distinguish-
Of what is it a picture ; and hence, ed ? What does propriety imply ? How
what follows'? Why
is it no wonder may style be pure, and at the same

that these two should be so intimately time be deficient in propriety ? But as

connected ; and for what have different style cannot be proper without beintr
countries consequently been noted? pure also, what follows ? What is the
With what did the eastern nations ani- only standard of purity and propriety?
mate their style 1 Of the Athenians, Of the use of obsolete, or new coined
and their style ; and of the Asiatics, words, what is remarked ? In the use
and theirs, what is remarked? In what of them, where is the greatest latitude
modern languages are the same cha- admitted and how must this liberty
;

racteristical differences to be seen ? In be used ? What effect are they apt to

giving the general characters of style, give to style, in prose? Of the introduc-
of what is it usual to talk and what ; tion of foreign or learned words, what
are they ? As our author is afterwards is observed ? Where may such assist-

to discourse of the general characters ance be needed? On what did Dean

of style, with what is it necessary to Swift value himself; and of his lan-
begin ? Under what two heads may guage, what is remarked ? What is
the qualities of a good style be ranged the present state of oui language ? A
and why ? When both these ends are multitude of what words have of late
answered, what is accomplished? What been poured in upon us and what is
;

will be admitted to be the fundamental their effect ? What remark follows ?

quality of style; and what is said of what shall we next consider and why ?
;

it ? What, therefore, must be our first Whence may the exact import of pre-
object ? What writers will fail to please cision be drawn and what does it im-
;

us long and why? What do authors,

; port ? What was before observed ; and
sometimes, plead as an excuse for want why ? In what three respects, may the
of perspicuity ? Why
can this excuse words which a man uses to express his
rarely, if ever, be admitted ? When is ideas, be faulty ? To which of the three
perspicuity, in expressing our ideas, does precision chiefly stand opposed ?
always attainable? To what is the When an author writes with propriety,
obscurity which so generally reigns why does his being free from the two
among metaphysical writers, to be at- former faults seem implied ? But, to be
tributed ? In what manner do they see precise, signifies what? What is not
objects and what is the consequence ?
; found in his words? W T
hat does this
How is perspicuity to be considered ? require? From what may the use and
With an author of what description are importance of precision be deduced?
we pleased ? In what two particulars Why
can it not, clearly and distinctly,
does the study of perspicuity require view more than one object at a time?
 ;;

LECT. X.] QUESTIONS. 112 a

How is this illustrated ? How

is the re- own language, what might be given ?

mark, that the same the case with Of the instances which our author is to
is

words, illustrated'? What does this give, what does he observe ? What is
form; and to what is it the proper op- the difference between austerity, se
posite? From what does it generally verity, and rigour; what is opposed to
arise? Of feeble writers, what is ob- each ; and what examples of illustra-
served ? Of what are they sensible ? tion are given ? What
the difference is

What do they not distinctly conceive between custom and habit ? By them
and what is the consequence ? How is respectively, what do we mean ; and
the image as they set it before you al- what illustration follows ? What is the
ways seen ? How is this illustrated in difference between surprised, asto-
the use of the words courage and for- nished, amazed, and confounded?
titude ; and what is the difference be- What do desist, renounce, quit, and
tween them? Repeat the succeeding leave off, respectively imply and how ;

remark. From what has been said, is this illustrated? the What is diffe-
what appears ? How is this remark il- rence between pride and vanity and ;

lustrated ? All subjects, not equally re- what given? On what

illustration is
quiring precision, what, on some occa- are haughtiness and disdain respec-
sions, is sufficient and why ? Of the
; tively founded ? What is the difference
style of Archbishop Tillotson, Sir Wil- between to distinguish, and to sepa-
liam Temple, and Mr. Addison, what is rate ; and how is this difference illus-
remarked ? trated ? How is the difference between
Of Lord Shaftesbury's faults, in to weary, and to fatigue, illustrated ?
point of precision, what is observed; What do to abhor, and to detest, re-
and why is this, in him, the more un- spectively import ; and what illustra-
pardonable ? What is the quality of tion is given ? What
the difference is

his style? With what was he well between to invent, and to discover;
acquainted and of those which he em-
; and what illustration is given ? What
ploys, what is observed ? To what are do only and alone respectively import ;

his defects in precision to be attribu- and by what examples is this difference

ted ? Of what is he excessively fond illustrated ? There is, therefore, a diffe-
and with what is he never satisfied ? rence in precise language betwixt what
Hence, what follows ? If he has occa- two phrases and what do they respec- ;

sion to mention any person, or author, tively import? What is the difference
in what manner does he do it ? How is between entire and complete and ,-

this remark illustrated ? Of this method what illustration follows? What do

of distinguishing persons, what is ob- tranquillity, peace, and calm, respec-
served ? But it is not so contrary to pre- tively respect and by what example ;

cision as what ? What illustrations fol- is this illustrated ? How are a difficulty
low ? On some occasions, to what ex- and an obstacle distinguished and by ;

tent does he carry this affectation ? In what example is this illustrated? What
the following paragraph of the inquiry is the difference between wisdom and
concerning virtue, what does he mean prudence; and by what sentence is
to show ? Repeat the paragraph and this difference illustrated ? To what do
;

also the remarks upon it ? Of such su- enough, and sufficiently, respectively
perfluity of words, what is observed ? relate ? Hence, what follows and ;

Repeat Qumtilian's description of this what example is given ? What do to

sort of style ? What
the great source avow, to acknowledge, and to confess,
is

of a loose style? Why are they called sy-

respectively suppose and what illus- ;

nonymous ? How are they varied ? What trations are given ? What is the differ-
we hardly find in any language ?
will ence between to remark and to ob-
Why, and how, may an accurate writer serve ; and what illustration is given ?
always employ them to great advan- Distinguish ambiguous and equivocal
tage ? But, in order to this end, to what fully ; and give the examples of illus-
must he be extremely attentive; and tration. What connexion is expressed
why ? Hence, what is thrown over by the particles with and bys and what
style ? Of synonymous words hi the illustration follows? Repeat Dr. Ro-
Latin language, what is remarked; bertson's elegant distinction of these
and what instances are given ? In our particles, with the signification of each.
R
 ;

112 b STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. [lect. xi.

Of the words thus given, what is re- ANALYSIS.

marked? From what has been said, Style.
what will now appear and what are ; 1. The definition of style.
they ? What is here required and of ; A. Variations of style in diffe-
the writings of Dean Swift, what is ob- rent nations.
served'? To observe what, had our 2. Perspicuity.
author before occasion? What, in every A. Purity.
sort of writing, is a great beauty ? But B. Propriety.
against what must we be on our guard? c. Precision.
To what only was Dean Swift atten- a. A loose style.
tive ? Whatthe highest attainment
is b. Instances of deficiency
in writing ? What may different kinds in precision.
of composition require but what must
; 3. Synonymous words.
we study never to sacrifice ? 4. Concludinc: remarks.

LECTURE XI.
STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES.
Having begun to treat of style, in the last lecture I considered
itsfundamental quality, perspicuity. What I have said of this, relates
chiefly to the choice of words. From words I proceed to sentences
and as, in all writing- and discourse, the proper composition and
structure of sentences is of the highest importance, I shall treat of
this fully. Though perspicuity be the general head under which I,
at present, consider language, I shall not confine myself to this
quality alone, in sentences, but shall inquire also, what is requisite
for their grace and beauty that I may bring together, under one
:

view, all seems necessary to be attended to in the construction

that
and arrangement of words in a sentence.
It is not easy to give an exact definition of a sentence, or period,
farther, than as it always implies some one complete proposition or
enunciation of thought. Aristotle's definition is, in the main, a good
One :" Af.fw £%;«ra apxi v Kal T&tvrriv Kad' avrijv, Kai /Jtcytdo; tvavvoirTcv A form Ol
:

speech which hath a beginning and an end within itself, and is of

such a length as to be easily comprehended at once." This, how-
ever, admits of great latitude. For a sentence, or period, consists
always of component parts, which are called its members and as ;

these members may be either kw or many, and may be connected

in several different ways, the same thought, or mental proposition,
may often be either brought into one sentence, or split into two or
three, without the material breach of any rule.
The first variety that occurs in the consideration of sentences, is,
the distinction of long and short ones. The precise length of sen-
tences, as to the number of words, or the number of members,
which may enter into them, cannot be ascertained by any definite
measure. At the same time it is obvious, there may be an extreme
on either side. Sentences immoderately long, and consisting of too
many members, always transgress some one or other of the rules
which I shall mention soon, as necessary to be observed in every good
sentence. In discourses that are to be spoken, regard must be had to
the easiness of pronunciation, which is not consistent with too long
periods. In compositions where pronunciation has no place, still,
 lect. xi.] STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. 113

however, by using long periods too frequently, an author overloads

the reader's ear, and fatigues his attention. For long periods require,
evidently, more attention than short ones, in order to perceive
clearly the connexion of the several parts, and to take in the whole
at one view. At the same time, there may be an excess in too
many short sentences also by which the sense is split and broken
;

the connexion of thought weakened, and the memory burdened by

presenting to it a long succession of minute objects.
With regard to the length and construction of sentences, thv,
French critics make a very just distinction of style, into style
periodique and style coupe. The style periodique is where the sen-
tences are composed of several members linked together, and hang-
ing upon one another; so that the sense of the whole is not brought
out till the close. This is the most pompous, musical, and orato-
rical manner of composing ; as in the following sentence of Sir
William Temple i If you look about you, and consider the lives of
:

others as well as your own; if you think how few are born with ho-
nour, and how many die without name or children; how little beauty
we see, and how few friends we hear of; how many diseases, and how
much poverty there is in the world ; you will fall down upon your
knees, and, instead of repining at one affliction, will admire so many
blessings which you have received from the hand of God.' (Letter
to Lady Essex.) Cicero abounds with sentences constructed after
this manner.
The style coupe is, where the sense is formed into short inde-
pendent propositions, each complete within itself; as in the follow-
ing of Mr. Pope: 'I confess it was want of consideration that made
me an author. I writ, because it amused me. I corrected, because
it was as pleasant to me to correct as to write. I published, because
I was told, I might please such as it was a credit to please.' (Pre-
face to his works.) This is very much the French method of wri-
ting; and always suits gay and easy subjects. The style perio-
dique, gives an air of gravity and dignity to composition. The style
coupe, is more lively and striking. According to the nature of the
composition, therefore, and the general character it ought to bear, the
one or other may be predominant. But in almost every kind of
composition, the great rule is to intermix them. For the ear tires
of either of them when too long continued whereas, by a proper:

mixture of long and short periods, the ear is gratified, and a cer-
tain sprightliness is joined with majesty in our style. ' Non semper,'
says Cicero, (describing very expressively, these two different kinds
of styles, of which I have been speaking,) non semper utendum est
'

perpetuitate, etquasi eonversione verborum sed ssepe carpenda mera-

;

bris minutioribus oratio est.'*

This variety is of so great consequence, that it must be studied
not only in the succession of long and short sentences, but in the
structure of our sentences also. A
train of sentences, constructed

* " It is not proper always to employ a continued train, and a sort of regular com
pass of phrases but style ought to be oJfteu broken down into smaller members."
;

15
114 STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. [lect. xi.

in the same manner, and with the same number of members, whe-
ther long or short, should never be allowed to succeed one another.
However musical each of them may be, it has a better effect to in-
troduce even a discord, than to cloy the ear with the repetition of
similiar sounds: for, nothing is so tiresome as perpetual uniformity.
In this article of the construction and distribution of his sentences,
Lord Shaftesbury has shown great art. In the last lecture, I observ-
ed, that he is often guilty of sacrificing precision of style to pomp
of expression and that there runs through his whole manner, a
;

stiffness and affectation, which render him very unfit to be con-

sidered as a general model. But as his ear wxs fine, and as he was
extremely attentive to every thing that is elegant, he has studied the
proper intermixture of long and short sentences, with variety and
harmony in their structure, more than any other English author;
and for this part of composition he deserves attention.
From these general observations, let us now descend to a more
particular consideration of the qualities that are required to make a
sentence perfect. So much depends upon the proper construction of
sentences, that, in every sort of composition, we cannot be too
strict in our attentions to it. For, be the subject what it will, if the
sentences be constructed in a clumsy, perplexed, or feeble manner,
it is impossible that a work, composed of such sentences, can be

read with pleasure, or even with profit. Whereas, by giving atten-

tion to the rules which relate to this part of style, we acquire the ha-
bit of expressing ourselves with perspicuity and elegance; and, if a
disorder chance to arise in some of our sentences, we. immediately
see where it lies, and are able to rectify it.*
The properties most essential to a perfect sentence, seem to me
the four following: 1. Clearness and precision. 2. Unity. 3. Strength.
4. Harmony. Each of these I shall illustrate separately, and at
some length.
The first is, clearness and precision. The least failure here, the
leastdegree of ambiguity, which leaves the mind in any sort of sus-
pense as to the meaning, ought to be avoided with the greatest
care nor is it so easy a matter to keep always clear of this, as one
;

might, at first, imagine. Ambiguity arises from two causes either :

from a wrong choice of words, or a wrong collocation of them. Of

the choice of words, as far as regards perspicuity, I treated fuHy in
the last lecture. Of the collocation of them, I am now to treat.
The first thing to be studied here, is, to observe exactly the rules of
grammar, as far as these can guide us. But as the grammar of our
language is not extensive, there may often be an ambiguous colloca-

* On the structure of sentences, the ancients appear to have bestowed a great deal

of attention and care. The Treatise of Demetrius Phaiereus, mgi Eg^xve;*?, abounds
with observations upon the choice and collocation of words, carried to such a degree of
nicety, as would frequently seem to us minute. The Treatise of Dyonysius of Halicarnas-
sus, 7rin crt/vSwe&K ovc/mctrccv, is more masterly; but is chiefly confined to the musical
structure of periods ; a subject for which the Greek language afforded much more as-
sistance to their writers, than our tongue admits. On the arrangement of words in
English sentences, the xviiith chapt. of Lord Kaims's Elements of Criticism, ought to
be consulted ; and also the 2d volume of Dr. Campbell's Philosophy of Rhetoric.
 ;

lect. xi.] STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. 115

tion of words, where there is no transgression of any grammatical

rule. The relations which the words, or members of a period, bear
to one another, cannot be pointed out in English, as in the Greek
or Latin, by means of termination it is ascertained only by the po-
;

sition in which they stand. Hence a capital rule in the arrangement

of sentences is, that the words or members most nearly related,
should be placed in the sentence, as near to each other as possible
so as to make their mutual relation clearly appear. This is a rule not
always observed, even by good writers, as strictly as it ought] to be.
It will be necessary to produce some instances, which will both show
the importance of this rule, and make the application of it understood.
First, in the position of adverbs, which are used to qualify the
signification of something which either precedes or follows them,
there is often a good deal of nicety, ' By greatness,' says Mr. Ad-
dison, in the Spectator, No. 412, 'I do not only mean the bulk of
any single object, but the largeness of a whole view.' Here the
place of the adverb only, renders it a limitation of the following
word mean. The question may then be
'I do not only mean.'
put, What Had he placed it after bulk,
does be more than mean?
still it would have heen wrong. 'I do not mean the bulk only of any

single object.' For we might then ask, What does he mean

more than the bulk ? Is it the colour ? Or any other property ? Its
proper place, undoubtedly, is, after the word object. ' By great-
ness, I do not mean the bulk of any single object only ;' for then,
when we put the question, What more does he mean than the bulk
of a single object? The answer comes out exactly as the author
intends, and gives it; ' The largeness of a whole view.' 'Theism,'
says Lord Shaftesbury, l can only be opposed to polytheism, or athe-
ism. ' Does he mean that theism is capable of nothing else, except
being opposed to polytheism or atheism? This is what his words
literally import, through the wrong collocation of only. He should
have said, 'Theism can be opposed only to polytheism or atheism.'
In like manner, Dean Swift, (Project for the advancement of Reli-
gion,) 'The Romans understood liberty, at least, as well as we.'
These words are capable of two different senses, according as the
emphasis, in reading them, is laid upon liberty, or upon at least. In
the first case, they will signify, that whatever other things we may un-
derstand better than the Romans, liberty, at least, was one thing,
which they understood as well as we. In the second case, they will
import, that liberty was understood, at least as well by them as by
us ; meaning that by them it was better understood. If this last, as
I make no doubt, was Dean Swift's own meaning, the ambiguity

would have been avoided, and the sense rendered independent of

the manner of pronouncing, by arranging the words thus: 'The
Romans understood liberty as well, at least, as we.' The fact is,
with respect to such adverbs, as only , wholly , at least, and the rest of
that tribe, that in common discourse, the tone and emphasis we use
in pronouncing them, generally serves to show their reference, and
to make the meaning clear; and hence we acquire a habit of throw-
116 STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. [lect. xi.

ing them in loosely in the course of a But, in writing,

period.
where a man speaks to the eye, and not he ought to be
to the ear,
more accurate; and so to connect those adverbs with the words
which they qualify, as to put his meaning out of doubt, upon the
first inspection.
Secondly, when a circumstance is interposed in the middle of a
sentence, it sometimes requires attention how to place it, so as to
divest it of all ambiguity. For instance; 'Are these designs,' says
Lord Bolingbroke, Dissert, on Parties, Dedicat. Are these designs,
'

which any man, who is born a Briton, in any circumstances, in any

situation, ought to be ashamed or afraid to avow ?' Here we are
left at a loss, whether these words, 'in any circumstances, in any
situation] are connected with, 'a man born in Briton, in any cir-
cumstances, or situation,' or with that man's 'avowing his designs,
in any circumstances, or situation, into which he may be brought?'
If the latter, as seems most probable, was intended to be the mean-
ing, the arrangement ought to have been conducted thus ' Are these ;

designs, which any man who is born a Briton, ought to be ashamed

or afraid, in any circumstances, in any situation, to avow?' But,
Thirdly, still more attention is required to the proper disposition
of the relative pronouns, who, ivhich, what, whose, and of all those
particles which express the connexion of the parts of speech with
one another. As all reasoning depends upon this connexion, we
cannot be too accurate and precise here. A
small error may over-
cloud the meaning of the whole sentence; and even where the
meaning is intelligible, yet where these relative particles are out of
their proper place, we always find something awkward and disjoint-
ed in the structure of the sentence. Thus, in the Spectator, (No.
54.) 'This kind of wit,' says Mr. Addison, 'was very much in
vogue among our countrymen, about an age or two ago, who did
not practise it for any oblique reason, but purely for the sake of be-
ing witty.' We are at no loss about the meaning here but the con-
;

struction would evidently be mended by disposing of the circum-

stance, 'about an age or two ago,' in such a manner as not to sepa-
rate the relative who, from its antecedent our countrymen ; in this
way: ' About an age or two ago, this kind of wit was very much in
vogue among our countrymen, who did not practise it for any ob-
lique reason, but purely for the sake of being witty.' Spectator, No.
412. ' We no where meet with a more glorious and pleasingshow in
nature, than what, appears in the heavens at the rising and setting of
the sun, ivhich is wholly made up of those different stains of light,
that show themselves in clouds of a different situation.' Which is
here designed to connect with the word shot/:, as its antecedent;
but it stands so wide from it, that without a careful attention to the
sense, we would be naturally led, by the rules of syntax, to refer it
to the rising and setting of the sun, or to the sun itself; and, hence,
an indistinctness is thrown over the whole sentence. The following
passage in Bishop Sherlock's sermons, (vol. ii. serin. 15.) is strll
more censurable: 'Tt is folly to pretend to arm ourselves against
 ;:

mct.xi.] STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. 117

the accidents of life, by heaping up treasures, which nothing can

protect us against, but the good providence of our heavenly Father.'
Which, always refers grammatically to the immediately preceding
substantive, which is here ' treasures ;' and this would make non-
sense of the whole period. Every one feels this impropriety. The
sentence ought to have stood thus ' It is folly to pretend, by heap-
:

ing up treasures, to arm ourselves against the accidents of life,

which nothing can protect us against but the good providence of
our heavenly Father.'
Of the like nature is the following inaccuracy of Dean Swift's.
He recommending to young clergymen, to write their sermons
is

fully and distinctly. Many,' says he, * act so directly contrary to

'

this method, that, from a habit of saving time and paper, which they
acquired at the university, they write in so diminutive a manner,
that they can hardly read what they have written.' He certainly
does not mean, that they had acquired time and paper at the uni-
versity, but that they had acquired this habit there and therefore
;

his words ought to have run thus : From a habit, which they have
'

acquired at the university, of saving time and paper, they write in

so diminutive a manner.' In another passage, the same author has
left his meaning altogether uncertain, by misplacing a relative. It
is in the conclusion of his letter to a member of parliament, con-
cerning the sacramental test: 'Thus I have fairly given 3^ou, Sir,
my own opinion, as well as that of a great majority of both houses
here, relating to this weighty affair upon which I am confident you
;

may securely reckon.' Now I ask, what it is he would have his

correspondent to reckon upon, securely ? The natural construction
leads to these words, ' this weighty affair.' But, as it would be dif-
ficult to make any sense of this, it is more probable he meant that
the majority of both houses might be securely reckoned upon; though
certainly this meaning, as the words are arranged, is obscurely ex-
pressed. The sentence would be amended by arranging it thus
' Thus, Sir, I have given you my own opinion, relating to this
weighty affair, as well as that of a great majority of both houses
here upon which I am confident you may securely reckon.'
;

Several other instances might be given but I reckon those which

;

I have produced sufficient to make the rule understood; that, in the

construction of sentences, one of the first things to be attended to,
is the marshalling of the words in such order as shall most clearly
mark the relation of the several parts of the sentence to one another
particularly, that adverbs shall always be made to adhere closely to
the words which they are intended to qualify that, where a cir-
;

cumstance is thrown in, it shall never hang loose in the midst of a

period, but be determined by its place to one or other member of it;
and that every relative word which is used, shall instantly present
its antecedent to the mind of the reader, without the least obscurity.
I have mentioned these three cases, because I think they are the

most frequent occasions of ambiguity creeping into sentences.

With regard to relatives, I must further observe, that obscurity
often irises from the too frequent repetition of them, particularly of
 —

118 STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. [lbct. xi.

the pronouns who, and they, and them, and theirs, when we have
occasion to refer to different persons as, in the following sentence
;

of Archbishop Tillotson (vol. 1. serm. 42.) Men look with an evil

;
'

eye upon the good that is in others; and think that their reputa-
tion obscures them, and their commendable qualities stand in their
light and therefore they do what they can to cast a cloud over them,
;

that the bright shining of their virtues may not obscure them.' This is
altogether careless writing. It renders style often obscure, always em-
barrassed and inelegant. When we find these personal pronouns
crowding too fast upon us, we have often no method left, but to throw
the whole sentence into some other form, which may avoid those
frequent references to persons who have before been mentioned.
All languages are liable to ambiguities. Quintilian gives us some
instances in the Latin, arising from faulty arrangement. Aman,
he tells us, ordered by his will, to have erected for him, after his
death, ' Statuam auream hastam tenentem;' upon which arose a dis-
pute at law, whether the whole statue, or the spear only, was to be
of gold ? The same author observes, very properly, that a sentence
is always faulty, when the collocation of the words is ambiguous,
though the sense can be gathered. If any one should say, Chre- '

metem audivi percussisse Demeam,' this is ambiguous, both in sense

and structure, whether Chremes or Demea gave the blow. But if
this expression were used, ' Se vidisse hominem librum scribentem,'
although the meaning be clear, yet Quintilian insists that the ar-
rangement is wrong. 'Nam,' says he, 'etiamsi librum ab homine
scribi pateat, non certe hominem a libro, male tamen composuerat,
feceratque ambiguum quantum in ipso fuit.' Indeed, to have the
relation of every word and member of a sentence marked in the
most proper and distinct manner, gives not clearness only, but grace
and beauty to a sentence, making the mind pass smoothly and
agreeably along all the parts of it.
I proceed now to the second quality of a well-arranged sentence,

which I termed its unity. This is a capital property. In every

composition, of whatever kind, some degree of unity is required,
in order to render it beautiful. There must be always some con-
necting principle among the parts. Some one object must reign and
be predominant. This, as I shall hereafter show, holds in history,
in epic and dramatic poetry, and in all orations. But most of all, in
a single sentence, is required the strictest unity. For the very na-
ture of a sentence implies one proposition to be expressed. It may
consist of parts, indeed ; but these parts must be so closely bound
together, as to make the impression upon the mind, of one object,
not of many. Now, in order to preserve this unity of a sentence,
the following rules must be observed:
In the first place, during the course of the sentence, the scene
should be changed as little as possible. Weshould not be hurried
by sudden transitions from person to person, nor from subject to
subject. There is commonly, in every sentence, some person or
thing, which is the governing word. This should be continued so,
if possible, from the beginning to the end of it. Should I express
 ;

lect. xi.] STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. 119

myself thus: 'After we came to anchor, they put me on shore,

where I was welcomed by all my friends, who received me with the
greatest kindness.' In this sentence, though the objects contained
in it have connexion with each other, yet, by this man-
a sufficient
ner of representing them, by shifting so often both the place and the
person, we, and they, and 7, and who, they appear in such a disunited
view, that the sense of connexion is almost lost. The sentence is
restored to its proper unity, by turning it after the following man-
ner ' Having come to an anchor, I was put on shore, where I was
:

welcomed by all my friends, and received with the greatest kind-

ness.' Writers who transgress this rule, for the most part transgress,
at the same time,
A second rule; never to crowd into one sentence, things which
have so little connexion, that they could bear to be divided into two
or three sentences. The violation of this rule never fails to hurt and
displease a reader. Its effect, indeed, is so bad, that of the two, it is the
safer extreme, to err rather by too many short sentences, than by
one that is overloaded and embarrassed. Examples abound in au-
thors. I shall produce some to justify what I now say. 'Archbi-
shop Tillotson,' says an author of the History of England, < died
in this year. He was exceedingly beloved both by king William
and queen Mary, who nominated Dr. Tennison, Bishop of Lincoln,
to succeed him.' Who would expect the latter part of this sentence
to follow, in consequence of the former? 'He was exceedingly
beloved by both king and queen,' is the proposition of the sen-
tence we look for some proof of this, or at least something related
:

to it to follow; when we are on a sudden carried off to a new pro-

position, 'who nominated Dr. Tennison to succeed him.' The
following is from Middlcton's Life of Cicero: 'In this uneasy state,
both of his public and private life, Cicero was oppressed by a new
and cruel affliction, the death of his beloved daughter Tullia; which
happened soon after her divorce from Dolabella; whose manners
and humours were entirely disagreeable to her.' The principal ob-
ject in this sentence is, the death of Tullia, which was the cause of
her father's affliction the date of it, as happening soon after her di-
;

vorce from Dolabella, may enter into the sentence with propriety
but the subjunction of Dolabella's character is foreign to the main
object; and breaks the unity and compactness of the sentence to-
tally,by setting a new picture before the reader. The following
sentence, from a translation of Plutarch, is still worse: 'Their
march,' says the author, speaking of the Greeks under Alexander,
'their march was through an uncultivated country, whose savage
inhabitants fared hardly, having no other riches than a breed of lean
sheep, whose flesh was rank and unsavoury, by reason of their conti-
nual feeding upon sea-fish.' Here the scene is changed upon us
again and again. The march of the Greeks, the description of the
inhabitants through whose country they travelled, the account of
their sheep,and the cause of their sheep being ill-tasted food, form
a jumble of objects, slightly related to each other, which the reader
cannot, without much difficulty, comprehend under one view.
S
 ;

120 STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. [lect. xt.

These examples have been taken from sentences of no great

length, yet over-crowded. Authors who deal in long sentences, arf
very apt to be faulty in this article. One need only open Lord Cla-
rendon's history, to find examples every where. The long, involv-
ed, and intricate sentences of that author, are the greatest blemish
of his composition ; though, in other respects, as a historian, he has
considerable merit. In later, and more correct writers than Lord
Clarendon, we find a period sometimes running out so far, and com-
prehending so many particulars, as to be more properly a discourse
than a sentence. Take, for an instance, the following, from Sir Wil-
liam Temple, in his Essay upon Poetry: 'The usual acceptation
takes profit and pleasure for two different things and not only calls
;

the followers or votaries of them by the several names of busy and

idle men but distinguishes the faculties of the mind, that are con-
;

versant about them, calling the operations of the first, wisdom; and
of the other, wit; which is a Saxon word, used to express what the
Spaniards and Italians call ingenio, and the French, esprit, both
from the Latin; though I think wit more particularly signifies that
of poetry, as may occur in remarks on the Runic language.' When
one arrives at the end of such a puzzled sentence, he is surprised to
find himself got to so great a distance from the object with which
he at first set out.
Lord Shaftesbury, often betrayed into faults by his love of magni-
ficence, shall afford us the next example. It is in his rhapsody
where he is describing the cold regions: 'At length,' says he, 'the
sun approaching, melts the snow, sets longing men at liberty, and
affords them means and time to make provision against the next re-
turn of cold;' This first sentence is correct enough; but he goes
on: It breaks the icy fetters of the main, where vast sea-monsters
'

pierce through floating islands, with arms which can withstand the
crystal rock: whilst others, who of themselves seem great as islands,
are by their bulk alone armed against all but man, whose superiority
over creatures of such stupendous size and force, should make him
mindful of his privilege of reason, and force him humbly to adore
the great composer of these wondrous frames, and the author of his
own superior wisdom.' Nothing can be more unhappy or embar-
rassed than this sentence; the worse, too, as it is intended to be de-
scriptive, where every thing should be clear. It forms no distinct
image whatever. The it, at the beginning, is ambiguous, whether
it mean the sun or the cold. The object is changed three times in
the sentence beginning with the sun, which breaks the icy fetters
;

of the main; then the sea-monsters become the principal person-

ages; and lastly, by a very unexpected transition, man is brought
into view, and receives a long and serious admonition, before the
sentence closes. I do not at present insist on the impropriety of
such expressions as, God's being the composer offrames ; and the
sea-monsters having arms that withstand rocks. Shaftesbury's
strength lay in reasoning and sentiment, more than in description;
however much his descriptions have been sometimes admired.
I shall only give one instance more on this head, from Dean Swift
 —
lect. xi.] STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. 121

in his proposal, too, for correcting the English language where, in

:

place of a sentence, he has given a loose dissertation upon several

subjects. Speaking of the progress of our language, after the time
of Cromwell: 'To this succeeded,' says he, 'that licentiousness
which entered with the restoration, and from infecting our religion
and morals, fell to corrupt our language which last was not likely to
;

be much improved by those, who at that time made up the court of king
Charles the Second; either such as had followed him in his banish-
ment, or who had been altogether conversant in the dialect of these
fanatic times or young men who had been educated in the same
;

country so that the court, which used to be the standard of correct-

;

ness and propriety of speech, was then, and I think has ever since
continued, the worst school in England for that accomplishment:
and so will remain, till better care be taken in the education of our
nobility, that they may set out into the world with some foundation
of literature, in order to qualify them for patterns of politeness.'
How many different facts, reasonings, and observations, are here
presented to the mind at once and yet so linked together by the
!

author, that they all make parts of a sentence, which admits of no

greater division in pointing, than a semicolon between any of its
members ? Having mentioned pointing, I shall here take notice,
that it is in vain to propose, by arbitrary punctuation, to amend the
defects of a sentence, to correct its ambiguity, or to prevent its con-
fusion. For commas, colons, and points, do not make the proper
divisions of thought; but only serve to mark those which arise from
the tenour of the author's expression and, therefore, they are proper
;

or not, just according as they correspond to the natural division of

the sense. When they are inserted in wrong places, they deserve,
and will meet with, no regard.
I proceed to a third rule, for preserving the unity of sentences,

which is, to keep clear of all parentheses in the middle of them

On some occasions, these may have a spirited appearance; as
prompted by a certain vivacity of thought, which can glance happily
aside, as it is going along. But, for the most part, their effect is ex-
tremely bad; being a sort of wheels within wheels; sentences in tbe
midst of sentences; the perplexed method of disposing of some
thought, which a writer wants art to introduce in its proper place
It were needless to give many instances, as they occur so often
among incorrect writers. I shall produce one from Lord Boling-
broke the rapidity of whose genius, and manner of writing, betrays
;

him frequently into inaccuracies of this sort. It is in the introduc-

tion to his idea of a patriot king, where he writes thus ' It seems to
:

me, that, in order to maintain the system of the world, at a certain

point, far below that of ideal perfection, (for we are made capable of
conceiving what we are incapable of attaining) but, however, suffi-
cient, upon the whole, to constitute a state easy and happy, or, at the
worst, tolerable; I say, it seems to me, that the Author of Nature has
thought fit to mingle, from time to time, among the societies of men,
a few, and but a few, of those on whom he is graciously pleased to
Hi
 ;

122 STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. [lect. xi

bestow a larger portion of the ethereal spirit, than is given, in the

ordinary course of his government, to the sons of men.' very A
bad sentence this; into which, by the help of a parenthesis, and
other interjected circumstances, his lordship had contrived to
thrust so many things, that he is forced to begin the construction
again with the phrase, I say: which, whenever it occurs, may be
always assumed as a sure mark of a clumsy, ill-constructed sentence
excusable in speaking, where the greatest accuracy is not expected,
but in polished writing, unpardonable.
I shall add only one rule more for the unity of a sentence, which
is, to bring it always to a full and perfect close. Every thing that
is one, should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. I need not
take notice, that an unfinished sentence is no sentence at all, ac-
cording to any grammatical rule. But very often we meet with
sentences that are, so to speak, more than finished. When we have
arrived at what we expected was to be the conclusion, when we
have come to the word on which the mind is naturally led, by what
went before, to rest unexpectedly, some circumstance pops out
;

which ought to have been omitted, or to have been disposed of else-

where; but which is left lagging behind, like a tail adjected to the
sentence; somewhat that, as Mr. Pope describes the Alexandrian
line,

" Like a wounded snake, drag's its slow length along'."

All these adjections to the proper close, disfigure a sentence ex-

tremely. They give it a lame, ungraceful air, and, in particular,
they break its unity. Dean Swift, for instance, in his Letter to a
Young Clergyman, speaking of Cicero's writings, expresses himself
thus: With these writings, young divines are more conversant than
'

with those of Demosthenes, who, by man}^ degrees, excelled the

other; at least as an orator.' Here the natural close of the sentence
is at these words, 'excelled the other.' These words conclude the
proposition; we look for no more; and the circumstance added,
'at least as an orator,' comes in with a very halting pace. How
much more compact would the sentence have been, if turned thus:
'With these writings, young divines are more conversant than with
those of Demosthenes, who, by many degrees, as an orator at least,
excelled the other.' In the following sentence, from Sir William
Temple, the adjection to the sentence is altogether foreign to it.
Speaking of Burnet's Theory of the Earth, and Fontenelle's Plura-
lity of Worlds 'The first,' says he, ' could not end his learned trea-
:

tise without a panegyric of modern learning, in comparison of the

ancient; and the other, falls so grossly into the censure of the old
poetry, and preference of the new, that I could not read either of
these strains without some indignation; which no quality among
men is so apt to raise in me
as self-sufficiency.' The word ' indig-
nation,' concluded the sentence; the last member, 'which no quali-
ty among men is so apt to raise in me as self-sufficiency,' is a pro-
position altogether new, added after the proper close.
 ;

(122 a)
QUESTIONS.
In the last lecture, consi- causes does ambiguity arise ? How far
what was
iered the fundamental quality of style'? has the choice of words been consider-
To what, did what was said of this ed ; and of what is our author now to
chiefly relate ? From words, to what treat ? What is the first thing, here, to
does our author next proceed ; and be studied ? But as the grammar of our
why does he purpose treating it fully ? language is not extensive, what fol-
Besides perspicuity, into what does our lows? In what manner cannot the re-
author purpose to inquire ; and why ? lation of words in English be pointed
Farther than what, is it not easy to out ; and how only is it ascertained ?
give an exact definition of a sentence ? Hence, what is a capital rule in the ar-
What is Aristotle's definition 1 Why
rangement of sentences ; and of it,
does this admit of great latitude 1 What what is observed ? What, therefore,
is the first variety that occurs in the will be necessary ? In the position of
consideration of sentences? What can- adverbs, what is remarked ? What
not be ascertained by any definite mea- example is given from Mr. Addison
sure ? At the same time, what is obvi- and what remarks are made upon it ?
ous? Of sentences immoderately long, What example is given from Lord
what is observed ? To what must re- Shaftsbury ? What does it literally im-
gard be had, in discourses that are to portand what should he have said ?
;

be spoken ? What is the effect of using What example is given from Dean
long periods in compositions, where Swift? Of what different senses are
pronunciation has no place ; and why? these words capable ? What will they,
At the same time, what is remarked of in the first case, signify ; and what, in
short sentences? With regard to the the second? If this last was Dean
length and construction of sentences, Swift's meaning, how might the ambi-
what distinction do French critics guity been avoided ? Of such adverbs,
make ? What isthe style periodique ; as, only, wholly, and at least, what is
and what is said of it ? Repeat the ex- observed;, and hence, what habit do
ample from Sir William Temple's let- we acquire? How should adverbs, in
ter to LadyEssex. Who abounds with writing, be connected with the words
sentences of this kind? What is the which they qualify ? On the interposi-
style coupd ? Repeat the example from tion of a circumstance in the middle of
Pope's preface to his works. Whose a sentence, what is observed ? Whal
method of writing is this ; and what instance of a violation of this direction
subjects does it suit? What air do is given from Lord Bolingbroke ? Here,
these, styles respectively give to com- about what are we left at loss ? If the
position and what follows ?
; Why
is it latter was intended to be the meaning,
necessary, in almost every kind of com- how should the sentence have been ar-
position, to intermix them? How does ranged ? But, in the proper disposition
Cicero describe these two kinds of of what, is still more attention required?
style? Where must this variety be Why
can we not be too accurate and
studied, besides in the succession of precise here ? What may be the effect
long and short sentences; and why? of a small error ? Where the meaning
What remark follows ? In this article, is intelligible, yet where these relative
who has shown great art? What was particles are out of place, what do we
observed of his style, in the last lec- always find V To illustrate this remark,
ture? But, what has he studied more what example is y;iven from Mr. Addi-
than any other English author; and son ? How would the construction here,
why? From these general observations, evidently be mended ? Repeat the sen-
,o what do we now descend ? On what, tence in its improved form. Repeat 1 he

in every kind of composition, does much next example from Mr. Addison. Wiiat
depend and why ? By giving atten- is remarked on the position of the word
;

tion to the rules which relate to this ivhich, in this sentence ? What viola-
part of style, what shall we acquire tion of the same direction is quoted
;

and what follows ? What are the four from Bishop Sherlock's sermons?
properties, which are most essential to What are the remarks upon it; and
a perfect sentence? In the first of how should it have been arranged?
these, what ought, with the greatest Where is an inaccuracy of the same
care, to be avoided? From what two kind found, in the writings of Dean
122 b QUESTIONS. [lect. xi.

Swift? Repeat the passage. What is When one arrives at the end of such a
remarked upon it and how should it
; puzzled sentence, at what is he sur-
have been arranged ? What passage is prised ? Who affords us the next ex-
given from a letter to a member of par- ample ; and where is it found ? Re-
liament what remarks are made upon
; peat it. What are the remarks of our
it and by what arrangement might it
; author upon it ? Where did Shaftesbu-
be amended ? ry's strength lay ? From whom is the
To make what rule understood, are the next instance taken ; and where is it
instances already given considered suffi- found ? Repeat it. What is said of this
cient ? Why
have these three cases been passage ? Of arbitrary punctuation,
mentioned ? With regard to relatives, what is remarked? To what rule does
what is further observed? Of what one's our author next proceed ? When may
particularly ; and when? Repeat the these have a spirited appearance ?
example to illustrate this remark, quoted But, why is their effect, for the most
from Archbishop Tillotson. Of it, what part, extremely bad ? From whom is

is observed ? When we find these per- the instance to illustrate this rule
sonal pronouns crowded too fast upon taken; and what is said of Iris genius?
us, what is the consequence ? What Repeat the passage. Of this sentence,
instances of ambiguity arising from what is remarked ? To the use of what
faulty arrangement, are given by phrase was he, consequently, forced ;

Quintilian, in the Latin language ? and what said of it ? To preserve the

is
What is the effect of having the rela- unity of a sentence, what is the last
tion of every word and member of a rule given ? What should every thing
sentence marked in the most proper and that is one, have? Of what is it unneces-
distinct manner ? To what does our sary to take notice ? When is a sen-
author next proceed what is said of
; tence, so to speak, more than finished ?
it and why is some degree of it re-
; What
is the efiect of these adjectives
quired in every composition ? There proper close ? What air do they
to the
must always be what and what must ; give it ? What instance of a violation
reign ? This shall afterwards be shown of this rule is given from Dean Swift ?
to hold in what kinds of composition ? What is the natural close of this sen-
Where is it, most of all, required and tence ; and why ? How should it have
;

why ? When a sentence consists of dif- been arranged ? What instance of the
ferent parts, how closely must these same fault is given from Sir William
parts be bound together ? In order to Temple? What word properly closes
preserve this unity of a sentence, what the sentence and of the last member, ;

is the first rule to be observed ? What what is remarked ?

remarks follow and what example is
;

given to illustrate them ? Of this sen-

tence, what is remarked; and how may
ANALYSIS.
it be restored to its proper unity ? Wri- Sentences.

ters, who
transgress this rule, for the 1. The definition of a sentence.
most part, transgress what other ? 2. The distinction of long and
What is the effect of its violation? short sentences.
Than to err thus, what is a safer ex- 3. Clearness and precision.
treme? What is the first example A. In the position of adverbs.
given to justify what is now said? b. In the interposition of sen-
What remarks are made on it? tences.
Repeat the passage from Middleton's c. In the proper disposition of
Life of Cicero. What is its principal relatives.
object ; and what farther is remarked 4. Unity.
upon it ? What example is given from a. The scene should not be
Plutarch ? Of this passage, what is ob- changed.
served; and in it what are found? What B. Distinct subjects should not
authors are apt to be faulty in this ar- be introduced into the same
ticle? Of Lord Clarendon's sentences, sentence.
what is observed ? In later and more c. Parentheses in the middle of
correct writers, what do we find ? sentences should be avoided.
What instance is ffiven from Sir Wil- D. Sentences should be brought
liam Temple's Essay upon Pootry? to a full and perfect close.
 ( 123 )

LECTURE XII.

STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES.
Having treated of perspicuity and unity, as necessary to be studi-
ed in the structure of sentences, I proceed to the third quality of a
correct sentence, which I termed strength. By this, I mean, such
a disposition of the several words and members, as shall bring out
the sense to the best advantage; as shall render the impression,
which the period is designed to make, most full and complete: and
give every word, and every member, their due weight and force.
The two former qualities of perspicuity and unity, are, no doubt,
absolutely necessary to the production of this effect; but more is still
requisite. For a sentence may be clear enough ; it may also be
compact enough, in all its parts, or have the requisite unity ; and
yet by some unfavourable circumstance in the structure, it may fail
in that strength or liveliness cef impression, which a more happy ar-
rangement would have produced.
The first rule which I shall give, for promoting the strength of a
sentence,is, to divest it of all redundant words. These may, some-
times, be consistent with a considerable degree both of clearness and
unity ; but they are always enfeebling. They make the sentence
move along tardy and encumbered :

Est bvevitate opus, ut currat sententia, non se

Iinpediat verbis, lassas onerantibus aures.*

It is a general maxim, that any words which do not add some im-
portance to the meaning of a sentence, always spoil it. They can-
not be superfluous, without being hurtful. ' Obstat,'
says Quintil-
lan, 'quicquid non adjuvat.' All that can be easily supplied in the
mind, is better left out in the expression. Thus ' Content with de-
:

serving a. triumph, he refused the honour of it,' is better language

than to say, 'Being content with deserving a triumph, he refused
the honour of it' I consider it, therefore, as one of the most useful
exercises of correction, upon reviewing what we have written or
composed, to contract that round-about method of expression, and
to lop off those useless excrescences which are commonly found in a
first draught. Here a severe eye should be employed; and we
shall always find our sentences acquire more vigour and energy when
thus retrenched provided always thatwe run not into the extreme of
:

pruning so very close, as to give a hardness and dryness to style.

For here, as in all other things, there is a due medium. Some regard,
though not the principal, must be had to fulness and swelling of
sound. Some leaves must be left to surround and shelter the fruit.
As sentences should be cleared of redundant words, so also of
redundant members. As every word ought to present a new idea,
* " Concise your diction, let your &ense be clear,
" Nor with a weight of words, fatigue the ear.'' Francis
 124 STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. [lect. xii.

so every member ought to contain a new thought. Opposed to this,

stands the fault we sometimes meet with, of the last member of a
period, being no other than the echo of the former, or the repeti-
tion of it in somewhat a different form. For example; speaking
of beauty, 'The very first discovery of it,' says Mr. Addison,
'strikes the mind with inward joy, and spreads delight through all
its faculties.' (No. 412.) And elsewhere, It is impossible for us to
'

behold the divine works with coldness or indifference, or to survey

so many beauties, without a secret satisfaction and complacency.'
(No. 413.) In both these instances little or nothing is added by the
second member of the sentence to what was already expressed in
the first and though the free and flowing manner of such an author
;

as Mr. Addison, and the graceful harmony of his period, may

palliate such negligences; yet, in general, it holds, that style, freed
from this prolixity, appears both more strong and more beautiful
The attention becomes remiss, the mind falls into inaction, when
words are multiplied without a corresponding multiplication of ideas.
After removing superfluities, the second direction I give, for
promoting the strength of a sentence, is to attend particularly to the
use of copulatives, relatives, and all the particles employed for
transition and connexion. These little words, but, and, which, whose,
where, &c. are frequently the most important words of any; they
are the joints or hinges upon which all sentences turn, and of course,
much, both of their gracefulness and strength, must depend upon
such particles. The varieties in using them are, indeed, so infinite,
that no particular system of rules respecting them can be given.
Attention to the practice of the most accurate writers, joined with
frequent trials of the different effects produced by a different usage
of those particles, must here direct us.* Some observations, I
shall mention, which have occurred to me as useful, without pre-
tending to exhaust the subject.
What is called splitting of particles, or separating a preposition
from the noun which it governs, is always to be avoided. As if I
should say, 'Though virtue borrows no assistance from, yet it may
often be accompanied by, the advantages of fortune.' In such in-
stances, we feel a sort of pain, from the revulsion, or violent separa-
tion of two things, which, by their nature, should be closely united.
We are put to a stand in thought; being obliged to rest for a little
on the preposition by itself, which, at the same time, carries no sig-
nificancy, till it is joined to its proper substantive noun.
Some writers needlessly multiply demonstrative and relative par-
ticles, by the frequent use of such phraseology as this: 'There is
nothing which disgusts us sooner than the empty pomp of language.'
In introducing a subject, or laying down a proposition, to which we
demand particular attention, this sort of style is very proper; but,
in the ordinary current of discourse, it is better to express ourselves
more simply and shortly: 'Nothing disgusts us sooner than the
empty pomp of language.'
* On this head, Dr. Lowth's short Introduction to English Grammar deserves to be
consulted ; where several niceties of the language are well pointed out.
lect. xii.] STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. 125

Other writers make a practice of omitting the relative, in a phrase

of a different kind from the former, where they think the meaning
can be understood without it. As, ' The man I love.' ' The domi-
nions we possessed, and the conquests we made.' But though this
eliptical style be intelligible, and is allowable in conversation and
epistolary writing, yet in all writings of a serious or dignified kind,
it is ungraceful. There, the relative should always be inserted in its
proper place, and the construction filled up : * The man whom I
love.' ' The dominions which we possessed, and the conquests
which we made.'
With regard to the copulative particle, and, which occurs so fre
quently in all kinds of composition, several observations are to be
made. First, it is evident, that the unnecessary repetition of it en-
feebles style. It has the same sort of effect, as the frequent use of
the vulgar phrase, and so, when one is telling a story in common
conversation. We
shall take a sentence from Sir William Temple,
for an instance. He is speaking of the refinement of the French
language ; The academy set up by Cardinal Richelieu, to amuse
:

the wits of that age and country, and divert them from raking into
his politics and ministry, brought this into vogue; and the French
wits have, for this last age, been wholly turned to the refinement ol
their style and language ; and, indeed, with such success, that it can
hardly be equalled, and runs equally through their verse and theii
prose.' Here are no fewer than eight ands in one sentence. Thia
agreeable writer too often makes his sentences drag in this manner,
by a careless multiplication of copulatives. It is strange how a wri-
ter, so accurate as Dean Swift, should have stumbled on so impro-
per an application of this particle, as he has made in the following
sentence Essay on the Fates of Clergymen.
; ' There is no talent

so useful towards rising in the world, or which puts men more out of
the reach of fortune, than that quality generally possessed by the
dullest sort of people, and is, in common language, called discre-
tion: a species of lower prudence, by the assistance of which,' &c.
By the insertion of, and is, in place of, ivhich is, he has not only clog-
ged the sentence, but even made it ungrammatical.
But, in the next place, it is worthy of observation, that though the
natural use of the conjunction and, be to join objects together, and
thereby, as one would think, to make their connexion more close;
yet, in fact, by dropping the conjunction, we often mark a closer
connexion, a quicker succession of objects, than when it is inserted
between them. Longinus makes this remark ; which, from many
instances, appears to be just: 'Veni, vidi, vici,'* expresses with
more spirit, the rapidity and quick succession of conquests, than if
connecting particles had been used. So, in the following descrip-
tion of a rout, in Caesar's Commentaries: ' Nostri, emisis pilis, gla-
diis rem gerunt; repente post tergum equitatus cernitur; cohortes
alias appropinquant. Hostes terga vertunt; fugientibus equites oc-
currunt; fit magna csedes.'t Bel. Gal. 1. 7.
* " I came, I saw, I conquered."
f
" Our men, alter having discharged their javelins, attack with sword in hand j
126 STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. [lect. xii.

Hence it follows, that when, on the other hand, we seek to pre-

vent a quick transition from one object to another, when we are
making some enumeration, in which we wish that the objects should
appear as distinct from each other as possible, and that the mind
should rest, for a moment, on each object by itself; in this case, co-
pulatives may be multiplied with peculiar advantage and grace. As
when Lord Bolingbroke says, ' Such a man might fall a victim to
power; but truth, and reason, and liberty,would fall with him.' In
the same manner, Caesar describes an engagement with the Nervii:
* His equitibus facile pulsis ac proturbatis, incredibili celeritate ad
fiumen decurrerunt; utpene uno tempore, et ad silvas, etin flumine,
et jam in manibus viderentur.'*
nostris, hostes Bel. Gal. 1. 2.
Here, although he describing a quick succession of events,
is

yet, as it is his intention to show in how many places the enemy

seemed to be at one time, the copulative is very happily redoubled
in order to paint more strongly the distinction of these several
places.
This attention to the several cases, when it is proper to omit and
when to redouble the copulative, is of considerable importance to
all who study eloquence. For, it is a remarkable particularity in
language, that the omission of a connecting particle should some-
times serve to make objects appear more closely connected; and
that the repetition of it should distinguish and separate them, in
some measure, from each other. Hence, the omission of it is used
to denote rapidity and the repetition of it is designed to retard
;

and to aggravate. The reason seems to be, that, in the former case,
the mind is supposed to be hurried so fast through a quick succes-
sion of objects, that it has not leisure to point out their connexion;
it drops the copulatives in its hurry ; and crowds the whole series

together, as if it were but one object. When we enumerate,

with a view to aggravate, the mind is supposed to proceed with a
more slow and solemn pace ; it marks fully the relation of each ob-
ject to that which succeeds it; and, by joining them together with
several copulatives, makes you perceive, that the objects, though
connected, are yet, in themselves, distinct; that they are many, not
one. Observe, for instance, in the following enumeration, made by
the apostle Paul, what additional weight and distinctness is given to
each particular, by the repetition of a conjunction, I am persuaded,
'

that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor pow-
ers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of
God.' Rom. viii. 38, 39. So much with regard to the use of copu-
latives.
I proceed to a third rule, for promoting the strength of a sentence,
of a sudden, the cavalry make their appearance behind other bodies of men are seen
;

drawing near; the enemies turn their backs; the horse meet them in their flight; a
great slaughter ensues."
* " The enemy, having easily beat oflf, and scattered this body of horse, ran down

#-ith incredible celerity to the river ; so that, almost at one moment of time, they ap-
tsared to be in the woods, and in the river, and in the midst of our troops."
lect. xii.] STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. 127

which is, word or words, in that place of the

to dispose of the capital
sentence, where they will make the fullest impression. That such
capital words there are in every sentence, on which the meaning
principally rests, every one must see; and that these words should
possess a conspicuous and distinguished place, is equally plain. In-
deed, that place of the sentence where they will make the hest
figure, whether the beginning, or the end, or sometimes even in the
middle, cannot, as far as I know, be ascertained by any precise rule.
This must vary with the nature of the sentence. Perspicuity must
ever be studied in the first place; and the nature of our language
allows no great liberty in the choice of collocation. For the most
part,with us, the important words are placed in the beginning of the
sentence. So Mr. Addison: 'The pleasures of the imagination,
taken in their full extent, are not so gross as those of sense, nor so
refined as those of the understanding/ And this, indeed, seems the
most plain and natural order, to place that in the front which is the
chief object of the proposition we are laying down. Sometimes,
however, when we intend to give weight to a sentence, it is of ad van-
tage to suspend the meaning for a little, and then bring it out full at
the close: 'Thus/ says Mr. Pope, 'on whatever side we contem-
plate Homer, what principally strikes us, is, his wonderful invention/
(Pref. to Homer.)
The Greek and Latin writers had a considerable advantage above
us, in this part of style. By
the great liberty of inversion, which
their languages permitted, they could choose the most advantageous
situation for every word and had it thereby in their power to give
;

their sentences more force. Milton, in his prose works, and some
other of our old English writers, endeavoured to imitate them in
this. But the forced constructions which they employed, produced
obscurity ; and the genius of our language, as it is now written and
spoken, will not admit such liberties. Mr. Gordon, who followed
this inverted style, in his translation of Tacitus, has sometimes done
such violence to the language, as even to appear ridiculous; as in
this expression ' Into this hole thrust themselves, three Roman sen-
:

ators/ He has translated so simple a phrase as, ' Nullum ea tem-

pestate bellum,' by, ' War at that time there was none/ However,
within certain bounds, and to a limited degree, our language does
admit of inversions; and they are practised with success by the best
writers. So Mr. Pope, speaking of Homer, The praise of judg-
'

ment Virgil has justly contested with him, but his invention remains
yet unrivalled/ It is evident,that, in order to give the sentence its
due force, by contrasting properly the two capital words, 'judgment
and invention,' the arrangement is happier than if he had follow-
ed the natural order, which was, 'Virgil has justly contested with
him the praise of judgment, but his invention remains yet unri-
valled/
Some writers practise this degree of inversion, which our language
bears,much more than others; Lord Shaftesbury, for instance,
much more than Mr. Addison; and to this sort of arrangement is
owing, in a great measure, that appearance of strength, dignity, and
 12S STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. [lect. xii.

varied harmony, which Lord Shaftesbury's style possesses. This

will appear from the following sentences of his Inquiry into Vir-
tue where all the words are placed, not strictly in the natural or-
;

der, but with that artificial construction, which may give the period
most emphasis and grace. He is speaking of the misery of vice.
'This, as to the complete immoral state, is, what of their own ac-
cord men readily remark. Where there is this absolute degenera-
cy, this total apostacy from all candour, trust, or equity, there are
few who do not see and acknowledge the misery which is consequent
Seldom is the case misconstrued, when at worst. The misfortune
is, that we look not on this depravity, nor consider how it stands, in

less degrees. As if, to be absolutely immoral, were, indeed, the

greatest misery ; but, to be so in a little degree, should be no misery
or harm at all. Which to allow, is just as reasonable as to own,
that 'tis the greatest ill of a body to be in the utmost manner maim-
ed or distorted ; but that to lose the use only of one limb, or to be
impaired in some single organ or member, is no ill worthy the least
notice.' (Vol. ii. p. 82.) Here is no violence done to the language,
though there are many inversions. All is stately and arranged with
art ; which
the great characteristic of this author's style.
is
We need only open any page of Mr. Addison, to see quite a dif-
ferent order in the construction of sentences. 'Our sight is the
most perfect, and most delightful of all our senses. It fills the mind
with the largest variety of ideas, converses with its objects at the
greatest distance, and continues the longest in action, without being
tired, or satiated with its proper enjoyments. The sense of feeling
can, indeed, give us a notion of extension, shape, and all other ideas
that enter at the eye, except colours but at the same time, it is
;

very much straitened and confined in its operations,' &c. (Spectator,

No. 411.) In this strain he always proceeds, following the most
natural and obvious order of the language and if, by this means,
:

he has less pomp and majesty than Shaftesbury, he has, in return,

more nature, more ease and simplicity ; which are beauties of a
higher order.
But whether we practise inversion or not, and in whatever part of
the sentence we dispose of the capital words, it is always a point of
great moment, that these capital words shall stand clear and disen-
tangled from any other words that would clog them. Thus, when
there are any circumstances of time, place, or other limitations,
which the principal object of our sentence requires to have connect-
ed with it, we must take especial care to dispose of them, so as not
to cloud that principal object, nor to bury it under a load of cir-
cumstances. This will be made clearer by an example. Observe
the arrangement of the following sentence in Lord Shaftesbury's
Advice to an Author. He is speaking of modern poets, as compared
with the ancient: If, whilst they profess only to please,they secretly
'

advise, and give instruction, they may now, perhaps, as well as for-
merly, be esteemed, with justice, the best and most honourable
among authors.' This is a well constructed sentence. It contains
a great many circumstances and adverbs, necessary to qualify the
 ;

lect. xii.] STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. 129

meaning; only, secretly, as well, perhaps, now, with justice, for-

merly ; yet these are placed with so much art, as neither to embar-
rass nor weaken the sentence; while that which is the capital object
in it, viz. Poets being justly esteemed the best and most honourable
'

among authors/ comes out in the conclusion clear and detached, and
possesses its proper place. See, now, what would have been the effect
of a different arrangement. Suppose him to have placed the mem-
bers of the sentence thus 'If, whilst they profess to please only,
:

they advise and give instruction secretly, they may be esteemed the
best and most honourable among authors, with justice, perhaps, now
as well as formerly.' Here we have precisely the same words and
the same sense but, by means of the circumstances being so in-
:

termingled as to clog the capital words, the whole becomes perplex-

ed, without grace, and without strength.
A fourth rule, for constructing sentences with proper strength, is,
to make the members of them go on rising and growing in their im-
portance above one another. This sort of arrangement is called a
climax, and is always considered as a beauty in composition. From
what cause it pleases, is abundantly evident. In all things, we na-
turally love to ascend to what is more and more beautiful, rather
than to follow the retrograde order. Having had once some con-
siderable object set before us, it is with pain we are pulled back to
attend to an inferior circumstance. ' Cavendum est,' says Quintili-

an, whose authority I always willingly quote, ' nc decrescat oratio,

et fortiori subjungatur aliquid infirmius; sicut, sacrilego, fur; aut
latroni petulans. Augeri enim debent sententise et insurgere.'* Of
this beauty, in the construction of sentences, the orations of Cice-
ro furnish many examples. His pompous manner naturally led him
to study it; and, generally, in order to render the climax perfect,
he makes both the sense and the sound rise together, with a very
magnificent swell. So, in his oration for Milo, speaking of a design
of Clodius's for assassinating Pompey: ' Atqui si res, si vir, si tem-
pus ullum dignum fuit, certe hoec in ilia causa summa omnia fuerunt.
Insidiator erat in Foro collocatus, atque in vestibulo ipso Senatus ;
ei viro autem mors parabatur, cujus in vita nitebatur salus civitatis
eo porro reipublicae tempore, quo si unus ille occidisse*, non hsec solum
ci vitas, sed gentes omnes concidissent.' The following instance,
from Lord Bolingbroke, is also beautiful ' This decency, this grace,
:

this propriety of manners to character, is so essential to princes in

particular, that, whenever it is neglected, their virtues lose a great
degree of lustre, and their defects acquire much aggravation. Nay,
more ; by neglecting this decency and this grace, and for want of a
sufficient regard to appearances, even their virtues may betray them
.into failings, their failings into vices, and their vices into habits un-
worthy of princes, and unworthy of men.' (Idea of a Patriot King.)

* ' Care must be taken, that our composition shall not fall off, and that a weaker ex
pression shall not follow one of more strength ; as if, after sacrilege we should bring in
theft ; or, having mentioned a robbery, we should subjoin petulance. Sentences ought
always to rise and grow.'
17
130 STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. [lect. xn.

I must observe, however, that this sort of full and oratorical

climax, can neither be always obtained, nor ought to be always
sought after. Only some kinds of writing admit such sentences;
and, to study them too frequently, especially if the subject require
not so much pomp, is affected and disagreeable. But there is some-
thing approaching to a climax, which it is a general rule to study;
' ne decrescat oratio,' as Quintilian speaks, 'et ne fortiori subjun-
gatur aliquid infirmius.' A weaker assertion or proposition should
never come after a stronger one; and when our sentence consists of
two members, the longest should, generally, be the concluding one.
There is a twofold reason for this last direction. Periods, thus di-
vided, are pronounced more easily; and the shortest member be-
ing placed first, we carry it more readily in our memory as we
proceed to the second, and see the connexion of the two more
clearly. Thus to say, when our passions have forsaken us, we
'

flatter ourselves with the belief that we have forsaken them,' is both
more graceful and more clear, than to begin with the longest part
of the proposition ' we flatter ourselves with the belief that we
:

have forsaken our passions, when they have forsaken us.' In gen-
eral, it is always agreeable to find a sentence rising upon us, and
growing in its importance to the very last word, when this con-
struction can be managed without affectation, or unseasonable pomp.
' If we rise yet higher,' says Mr. Addison, very beautifully, 'and
consider the fixed stars as so many oceans of flame, that are each of
them attended with a different set of planets; and still discover new
firmaments and new lights, that are sunk farther in those unfathom-
able depths of tether; we are lost in such a labyrinth of suns and
worlds, and confounded with the magnificence and immensity of
Nature.' (Spect. No. 420.) Hence follows clearly,
A fifth rule for the strength of sentences, which is, to avoid con-
cluding them with an adverb, a preposition, or any inconsiderable
word. Such conclusions are always enfeebling and degrading.
There are sentences, indeed, where the stress and significancy rest
chiefly upon some words of this kind. In this case, they are not.
to be considered as circumstances, but as the capital figures; and
ought, in propriety, to have the principal place allotted them. No
fault, for instance, can be found with this sentence of Bolingbroke's :

' In their prosperity, m)? friends shall never hear of me ; in their

adversity, always.' Where never and always, being emphatical
words, were to be so placed, as to make a strong impression. But
I speak now of those inferior parts of speech, when introduced as
circumstances, or as qualifications of more important words. In such
case, they should always be disposed of in the least conspicuous
parts of the period; and so classed with other words of greater dig-
nity, as to be kept in their proper secondary station.
Agreeably to this rule, we should always avoid concluding with
any of those particles, which mark the cases of nouns, of, to, from,
with, by. For instance, it is a great deal better to say, 'Avarice is
a crime of which wise men are often guilty, than to say, 'Avarice
'

is 8 crime which wise men are often guilty of.' This is a phraseology
 lect. xii.] STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. 131

which all correct writers shun, and with reason. For besides the
want of dignity which arises from those monosyllables at the end,
the imagination cannot avoid resting, for a little, on the import of
the word which closes the sentence: and, as those prepositions
have no import of their own, but only serve to point out the rela-
tions of other words, it is disagreeable for the mind to be left pausing
on a word, which does not, by itself, produce any idea, nor form
any picture in the fancy.
For the same reason, verbs which are used in a compound sense,
with some of these prepositions, are, though not so bad, yet still
not so beautiful conclusions of a period; such as, bring about, lay
holdof, come over to, clear up, and many other of this kind ; instead
of which, if we can employ a simple verb, it alwaj^s terminates the
sentence with more strength. Even the pronoun it, though it has
the import of a substantive noun, and indeed often forces itself upon
us unavoidably, yet, when we want to give dignity to a sentence,
should, if possible, be avoided in the conclusion ; more especially,
when it is joined with some of the prepositions, as, with it, in it, to
it. In the following sentence of the Spectator, which otherwise is
abundantly noble, the bad effect of this close is sensible ' There is :

not in my opinion, a more pleasing and triumphant consideration

in religion, than this, of the perpetual progress which the soul makes
towards the perfection of its nature, without ever arriving at a period
in it.' (No. 111.) How much more graceful the sentence, if it had
been so constructed as to close with the word period.
Besides particles and pronouns, any phrase which expresses a
circumstance only, always brings up the rear of a sentence with a
bad grace. We
may judge of this, by the following sentence
from Lord Bolingbroke: (Letter on the State of Parties at the
Accession of King George I.) 'Let me, therefore, conclude by
repeating, that division has caused all the mischief we lament; that
union alone can retrieve it; and that a great advance towards this
union, was the coalition of parties, so happily begun, so successfully
carried on, and of late so unaccountably neglected ; to say no
worse.' This last phrase, to say no worse, occasions a sad falling off
at the end so much the more unhappy, as the rest of the period is
;

conducted after the manner of a climax, which we expect to find

growing to the last.
The proper disposition of such circumstances in a sentence, is
often attended with considerable trouble, in order to adjust them so,
as shall consist equally with the perspicuity and the grace of the
period. Though necessary parts, they are, however, like unshapely
stones in a building, which try the skill of an artist, where to place
them with the least offence. ' Jungantur,' says Quintilian, ' quo
congruunt maxime; sicut in structura saxorum rudium, etiam ipsa
enormitas invenit cui applicari, et in quo possit insistere.'*

* Let them be inserted wherever the happiest place for them can be found j as in a
<

structurecomposed of rough stones, there are always places where the most irregular
and unshapely may find some adjacent one to which it can be joined, and some basis
on which it may rest.'
 132 STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. [leot. xii.

The close is always an unsuitable place for them. When the

sense admits it, the sooner they are despatched, generally speaking,
the better; that the more important and significant words may pos-
sess the last place, quite disencumbered. It is a rule, too, never
to crowd too many circumstances together, but rather to intersperse
them in different parts of the sentence, joined with the capital words
on which they depend; provided that care be taken, as I before
directed, not to clog those capital words with them. For instance,
when Dean Swift says, 'What I had the honour of mentioning to
your Lordship, some time ago, in conversation, was not a new
thought.' (Letter to the Earl of Oxford.) These two circumstan-
ces,some time ago, and in conversation, which are here put together,
would have had a better effect disjoined thus: 'What I had the
honour, sometime ago, of mentioning to your Lordship in conver-
sation.' And in the following sentence of Lord Bolingbroke's:
(Remarks on the History of England.) ' A monarchy, limited like
ours, may be placed, for aught I know, as it has been often repre-
sented, just in the middle point, from whence a deviation leads, on
the one hand, to tyranny, and on the other, to anarchy.' The
arrangement would have been happier thus: 'A monarchy, limited
like ours, may, for aught I know, be placed, as it has often been
represented, just in the middle point,' &c.
I shall give only one ride more, relating to the strength of a
sentence, which is, that in the members of a sentence, where two
things are compared or contrasted to each other; where either a re-
semblance or an opposition is intended to be expressed ; some re-
semblance, in the language and construction, should be preserved.
For when the things themselves correspond to each other, we
naturally expect to find the words corresponding too. We are dis-
appointed when it is otherwise; and the comparison, or contrast,
appears more imperfect. Thus, when Lord Bolingbroke says,
'The laughers will be for those who have most wit the serious part
;

of mankind, for those who have most reason on their side;' (Dis-
sert, on Parties, Pref.) the opposition would have been more com-
plete, if he had said, ' The laughers will be for those who have
most wit; the serious, for those who have most reason on their side.'
The following passage from Mr. Pope's preface to his Homer, fully
exemplifies the rule I am now giving: 'Homer was the greater
genius ; Virgil, the better artist in the one, we most admire the
;

man; in the other, the work. Homer hurries us with a command-

ing impetuosity Virgil leads us with an attractive majesty.
; Ho-
mer scatters with a generous profusion ; Virgil bestows with a care-
ful magnificence. Homer, like the Nile, pours out his riches with
a sudden overflow; Virgil, like a river in its banks, with a constant
stream. And when we look upon their machines, Homer seems
like his own Jupiter, in his terrors, shaking Olympus, scattering the
lightnings, and firing the heavens; Virgil, like the same power, in
his benevolence, counselling with the gods, laying plans for empires,
and ordering his whole creation.' Periods thus constructed, when
introduced with propriety, and not returning too often, have a sen-
lect. xii.] STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES. 133

sible beauty. But we must beware of carrying our attention to tbis

beauty too far. It ought only to be occasionally studied, when
comparison or opposition of objects naturally leads to it. If such
a construction as this be aimed at in all our sentences, it leads to a
disagreeble uniformity ; produces a regularly returning clink in
the period, which tires the car; and plainly discovers affectation.
Among the ancients, the style of Isocrates is faulty in this respect;
and on that account, by some of their best critics, particularly by
Dionysius of Halicarnassus, he is severely censured.
This finishes what I had to say concerning sentences, considered,
with respect to their meaning, under the three heads of perspicuity,
unity, and strength. It is a subject on which I have insisted fully,
for two reasons: First, because it is a subject which, by its nature,
can be rendered more didactic, and subjected more to precise rule,
than many other subjects of criticism and next, because it appears
;

to me of considerable importance and use.

For, though many of those attentions which I have been recom-
mending, may appear minute, yet their effect, upon writing and
style, is much greater than might at first be imagined. A senti-
ment which is expressed in a period, clearly, neatly, and happily
arranged, makes always a stronger impression on the mind, than
one that is feeble or embarrassed. Every one feels this upon a
comparison: and if the effect be sensible in one sentence, how
much more in a whole discourse, or composition, that is made up
of such sentences ?
The fundamental rule of the construction of sentences, and into
which all others might be resolved, undoubtedly is, to communi-
cate, in the clearest and most natural order, the ideas which we
mean to transfuse into the minds of others. Every arrangement,
that does most justice to the sense, and expresses it to most advan-
tage, strikes us as beautiful. To this point have tended all the rules
I have given. And, indeed, did men always think clearly, and
were they, at the same time, fully masters of the language in which
they write, there would be occasion for few rules. Their sentences
would then, of course, acquire all those properties of precision,
unity, and strength, which I have recommended. For we may
rest assured, that, whenever we express ourselves ill, there is,besides
the mismanagement of language, for the most part, some mistake
in our manner of conceiving the subject. Embarrassed, obscure,
and feeble sentences, are generally, if not always, the result of em-
barrassed, obscure, and feeble thought. Thought and language
act and re-act upon each other mutually. Logic and rhetoric have
here, as in many other cases, a strict connexion ; and he that is
learning to arrange his sentences with accuracy and order, is learn-
ing, at the same time, to think with accuracy and order; an obser-
vation which alone will justify all the care and attention we have
bestowed on this subject.
 ;

( 133 a )

QUESTIONS.
What does our author term the sage. Here are how many ands? Of
third quality of a correct sentence and this agreeable Avriter, what is farther
;

what does he mean by it ? Of the two remarked ? Of a writer, so accurate as

former qualities, what is remarked Dean Swift, what is strange ? Repeat
but why is more than these requisite? the sentence and of it, what is remark-
;

What is the first rule given for pro- ed ? What, in the next place, is worthy
mot Log the strength OI a sentence ? of observation? Who makes this re-
"

With what may these, sometimes, be mark; what examples are given; and
consistent, but they always have what what is said of them ? Hence, what lbi-
effect ? What is a general maxim ? lows ? Wliat examples from Lord Bo-
They cannot be superfluous without lingbroke, and from Ceesar, are given to
what; and what follows? What ex- illustrate this observation? Of the latter
ample is given to illustrate this remark? illustration, what is remarked ? Why
What, therefore, is considered one of is this attention to the copulative of
the most useful of exercises, in cor- importance to all who
considerable
recting what we have written ? Here, eloquence ? Hence, for what
study
what should be employed and what ;purpose, are the omission, and the re-
will our sentences acquire, when thus petition of it, respectively used and for ;

retrenched ? Of what, however, must what reason? To illustrate this more

we be careful and wdiy ? To what
; fully, what example is given from the
must some regard be had and what writings of the apostle Paul ? What is
;

must be left? Besides redundant words, the third rule for promoting the strength
of what should sentences be cleared ? of a sentence ? What must every one
As every word ou<rht to present a new see; and what is equally plain? What,
idea, what follows ? What fault stands however, cannot be ascertained by any
opposed to this? What examples are precise rule ? With what must this
given to illustrate this remark ? In both vary? What must be studied, in the
these instances, what is observed of the first place ; and of the nature of our
second member of the sentence ; and language, what is remarked? In our
what remark follows? When words language, where, for the most part,
are multiplied, without a corresponding are the important words placed? To
multiplication of ideas, what is their illustrate this remark, what example is
etfect ? After removing superfluities, given ; and of this order, what is ob-
what is the second direction given for served? What, however, is sometimes
promoting the strength of a sentence ? advantageous? What example is
Of these little words, what is remarked ? given from Mr. Pope ? From the great
Why canHot a particular set of rules liberty of inversion, what advantage
respecting them be given? What, then, did the Greek and Latin writers enjoy?
must here direct us? Of the splitting Who endeavoured to imitate them in
of particles, what is observed ? What this ? What was the consequence am ;
1

example is given? In such instances why ? What two instances are giver,
what effect is produced and why are from Mr. Gordon, to illustrate this re-
;

we, in thought, put to a stand ? What mark ? But, notwithstanding these in-
do some writers needlessly multiply? stances, of our language, what is re-
What example is given? Where is marked? What example illustrates
such a style proper ? But, in the ordi- this remark; and of what is evident?
it,

nary current of discourse, how should Of some writers, what is observed ?

we express ourselves? Where do other what instance is given and to it, what
;

writers make it a practice of omitting is owing ? From what will this appear?
the relative ? What examples are Of what is he speaking ? Repeat the
given ? Of this eliptical style, what is passage. Of this passage, what is ob-
remarked ? How, therefore, should served ? On opening any page of Mr.
these sentences be written ? What is Addison, what will we see? What ex-
the first observation, made on the copu- ample is given ? How does this style
lative and and what sort of effect has
; compare with the style of Lord
it? To illustrate this remark, from Shaftesbury ?
whom is an example taken; and of Whether we practice inversion or
what is he speaking ? Repeat the pas- not, what is a point of great moment?
 LECT. XII.] QUESTIONS. 133 6

How is this remark illustrated ? How How would the two circumstances,
will this made clearer? Repeat it. Of some time ago, and in conversation,
be
this sentence, what is observed ? What have had a better effect ? What fur-
does it contain yet of these, what is ther illustration is given from Lord
;

remarked? Further to illustrate this Bolingbroke and how may the ar- ;

subject, what different arrangement is rangement be improved ? What is the

given and what is said of it ? What last rule given, relating to the strength
;

isthe fourth rule for constructing sen- of a sentence? Why

is this rule given?

tences with strength ? What is it call- When it is otherwise, what is the con-
ed ; and how is it always considered ? sequence Thus, what says Lord Bo-
?
Why does this sort of arrangement lingbroke and how might the opposi-
;

please? What says Quintilian ? Of this tion have been rendered more complete?
beauty, whose orations furnish us with Repeat the passage from Mr. Pope's
many examples? What naturally led preface to his Homer, which fully ex-
him to the study of it ; and what doesemplifies this rule? Of periods, thus
he generally do? What instance is constructed, what is remarked ; but ol
given from him, and also from Lord what must we beware? When only
Bolingbroke? What observation must, ought it to be studied ? If such a con-
however, be made ? What remark fol- struction be aimed at in all our senten-
lows ? What is there approaching to a ces, what will be the consequence ? Of
climax, which it is a general rule to the style of Isocrates, among the an-
follow ? What twofold reason is there cients, what is remarked? This re-
for this last direction ? What illustra- mark, finishes what? For what two
tion follows? In general, what is al- reasons has our author insisted on this
ways agreeable ? What illustration of subject fully and why ? Hoav is this
;

this remark is given from Mr. Addison? illustrated? In what does every one
What is the fifth rule for the strength feel this ; and what follows ? What is
of sentences? Of such conclusions, the fundamental rule for the construc-
what is observed ? There are sentences tion of sentences? What arrangements
of what kind ; and in this case, what strike us as beautiful ; and to this point,
follows ? What illustration is given what have tended ? Under what cir-
from Lord Bolingbroke ? Of what parts cumstances, would there be occasion
of speech does our author now speak ; for few rules would ? What properties
and how should they always be dispo- and why?
their sentences then acquire;
sed ? Agreeably to this rule, what Of what are embarrassed, obscure, and
should we always avoid? What in- feeble sentences, the result? What have
stance is noticed ? Why do all correct here astrict connexion; and what follows?
writers shun this phraseology ? For the
same reason, what verbs should we ANALYSIS.
not employ in closing sentences? In Strength.
preference to which, what should be 1. Redundant words.
used ? Of the pronoun it, as a closing A. Redundant members.
word, what is remarked; and when, 2. Copulatives, relatives, and other
especially, should it be avoided? In particles.
what noble sentence from the Specta- a. The splitting of particles.
tor, is the bad effect of this close sen- B. The multiplication, and omis-
sibly perceived? With what word sion of them.
should it have closed
Besides parti-
? c. The copulative and.
cles and pronouns, what always brings D. Copulatives further illustrated.
up the rear of a sentence with a bad 3. The proper disposition of the capi-
grace ? By what sentence may we tal words.
judge of this? Of the last phrase, to a. The advantages of the Greek
say no more, what is observed ? With and Latin languages.
. what is the proper disposition of such B.The subject further illustrated.
circumstances in a sentence often at- 4. The order ofsuccession in sentences.
tended; and why? What says Quin- 5. Sentences notto be concluded with
tilian ? When the sense admits it, adverbs, &c.
where should they be placed ? On this 6. Similarity of lansruajje in contrast
Bubject, what rule is given and with ; ed sentences.
what provision? What instance follows? 7. A fundamental rule.
 ( 134 )

LECTURE XIII.

STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES... .HARMONY.

Hitherto we have considered sentences, with respect to their
meaning, under the heads of perspicuity, unity, and strength. We
are now to consider them, with respect to their sound, their har-
mony or agreeableness to the ear; which was the last quality be-
longing to them that I proposed to treat of.
Sound is a quality much inferior to sense yet such as must not;

be disregarded. For, as long as sounds are the vehicle of convey-

ance for our ideas, there will be always a very considerable connex-
ion between the idea which is conveyed, and the nature of the sound
which conveys it. Pleasing ideas can hardly be transmitted to the
mind by means of harsh and disagreeable sounds. The imagina-
tion revolts as soon as it hears them uttered. ' Nihil,' says Quintilian,
'potest intrare in affectum, quod in aure, velut quodam vestibulo,
statim offendit.'* Music has naturally a great power over all men, to
prompt and facilitate certain emotions; insomuch, that there are
hardly any dispositions which we wish to raise in others, but certain
sounds may
be found concordant to those dispositions, and tending
to promote them. Now, language may, in some degree, be ren-
dered capable of this power of music ; a circumstance which must
needs heighten our idea of language as a wonderful invention. Not
content with simply interpreting our ideas to others, it can give them
those ideas enforced by corresponding sounds; and, to the pleasure
of communicating thought, can add the new and separate pleasure
of melody.
In the harmony of periods, two things may be considered. First,
agreeable sound, or modulation in general, without any particular
expression: Next, the sound so ordered, as to become expressive
of the sense. The first is the more common; the second, the high-
er beauty.
First, let us consider agreeable sound, in general, as the proper-
ty of a well-constructed sentence: and, as it was of prose sentences
we have hitherto treated, we shall confine ourselves to them under
this head. This beauty of musical construction in prose, it is plain,
will depend upon two things; the choice cf words, and the arrange-
ment of them.
I begin with the choice of words; on which head, there is not
much to be said, unless I were to descend into a tedious and frivo-
lous detail concerning the powers of the several letters, or simple
sounds, of which speech is composed. It is evident, that words

* ' Nothing can enter into the affections, which stumbles at the threshold by offen
ding the ear.'
 —
lect. xin.] HARMONY OF SENTENCES. 135

are most agreeable to the ear which are composed of smooth and
liquid sounds, where there is a proper intermixture of vowels and
consonants ; without too many harsh consonants rubbing against each
other; or too many open vowels in succession, to cause a hiatus, or
disagreeable aperture of the mouth. It may always be assumed as
a principle, that whatever sounds are difficult in pronunciation, are,
in the same proportion, harsh and painful to the ear. Vowels give
softness ; consonants, strength to the sound of words. The music
of language requires a just proportion of both ; and will be hurt,
will be rendered either grating or effeminate,by an excess of either.
Long words are commonly more agreeable to the ear than mono-
syllables. They please it by the composition, or succession of sounds
which they present to it: and accordingly, the most musical lan-
guages abound most in them. Among words of any length, those
are the most musical, which do not run wholly either upon long or
short syllables, but are composed of an intermixture of them ; such as
repent, produce, velocity, celerity, independent, impetuosity.
The next head, respecting the harmony which results from a
proper arrangement of the words and members of a period, is more
complex, and of greater nicety. For, let the words themselves be
ever so well chosen, and well sounding, yet, if they be ill disposed,
the music of the sentence is utterly lost. In the harmonious struc-
ture and disposition of periods, no writer whatever, ancient or
modern, equals Cicero. He had studied this with care; and was
fond, perhaps to excess, of what he calls, the ' Plena ac numerosa
oratio.' We need only open his writings to find instances that will
render the effect of musical language sensible to every ear. What,
for example, can be more full, round, and swelling, than the follow-
ing sentence of the 4th Oration against Catiline ? ' Cogitate quan-
tis laboribus fundatum imperium, quanta virtute stabilitam liberta-
tem, quanta Deorum benignitate auctas exaggeratasque fortunas,
una nox pene delerit. , In English, we may take, for an instance of
a musical sentence, the following from Milton, in his Treatise on
Education: 'We shall conduct you to a hill-side, laborious indeed,
at the first ascent; but else, so smooth, so green, so full of goodly
prospects, and melodious sounds, on every side, that the harp of Or-
pheus was not more charming.' Every thing in this sentence con-
spires to promote the harmony. The words are happily chosen ;
full of liquid and soft sounds; laborious, smooth, green, goodly , me-
lodious, charming: and these words so artfully arranged, that were
we to alter the collocation of any one of them, we should, present-
ly, be sensible of the melody suffering. For, let us observe, how
tinely the members of the period swell one above another. ' So

—
smooth, so green' ' so full of goodly prospects, and melodious
—
sounds on every side ;' till the ear, prepared by this gradual rise,
is conducted to that full close on which it rests with pleasure; ' that

the harp of Orpheus was not more charming.'

The structure of periods, then, being susceptible of a very sen-
sible melody, our next inquiry should be, how this melodious
structure is formed, what are the principles of it, and by what laws
136 HARMONY OF SENTENCES. [lect. xiii.

it is And, upon this subject, were I to follow the ancient

regulated ?

rhetoricians, would be easy to give a great variety of rules. For

it

here they have entered into a very minute and particular detail;
more particular, indeed, than on any other head that regards lan-
guage. They hold, that to prose as well as to verse, there belong
certain numbers, less strict, indeed, yet such as can be ascertained
by rule. They go so far as to specify the feet as they are called,
that the succession of long and short syllables, which should en-
is,

ter into the different members of a sentence, and to show what the
effect of each of these will be. Wherever they treat of the struc-
ture of sentences, it is always the music of them that makes the
principal object. Cicero and Quintilian are full of this. The
other qualities of precision, unity, and strength, which we consider
as of chief importance, they handle slightly; but when they come
to the 'junctura et numerusj the modulation and harmony, there
they are copious. Dionysius of Halicarnassus, one of the most ju-
dicious critics of antiquity, has written a treatise on the Composition
of fFords in a Sentence, which is altogether confined to their musical
effect. He makes the excellency of a sentence to consist in four
things; first, in the sweetness of single sounds; secondly, in the com-
position of sounds, that is, the numbers or feet; thirdly, in change or
variety of sound; and fourthly, in sound suited to the sense. On all
these points he writes with great accuracy and refinement: and is very
worthy of being consulted; though were one now to write a book
on the structure of sentences, we should expect to find the subject
treated of in a more extensive manner.
In modern times, this whole subject of the musical structure of
discourse, it is plain, has been much less studied; and indeed, for
several reasons, can be much less subjected to rule. The reasons,
it will be necessary to give, both to justify my not following the

tract of the ancient rhetoricians on this subject, and to show how it

has come to pass, that a part of composition, which once made so
conspicuous a figure, now draws much less attention.
In the first place, the ancient languages, I mean the Greek and
the Roman, were much more susceptible than ours, of the graces
and the powers of melody. The quantities of their syllables were
more fixed and determined their words were longer and more sono-
;

rous; their method of varying the terminations of nouns and verbs,

both introduced a greater variety of liquid sounds, and freed them
from that multiplicity of little auxiliary words which we are oblig-
ed to employ; and what is of the greatest consequence, the in-
versions which their languages allowed, gave them the power of pla-
cing their words in whatever order was most suited to a musical ar-
rangement. All these were great advantages which they enjoyed
above us, for harmony of period.
In the next place, the Greeks and Romans, the former especially,
were, in truth, much more musical nations than we; their genius
was more turned to delight in the melody of speech. Music is
known to have been a more extensive art among them than it is
with us; more generally studied, and applied to a greater variety
 lect. xiii.] HARMONY OF SENTENCES. 137

of objects. Several learned men, particularly the Abbe du Bos,

in his Reflections on Poetry and Painting, have clearly proved,
that the theatrical compositions of the ancients, both their tragedies
and comedies, were set to a kind of music. Whence the modos
fecit, and the tibiis dextris et sinistris, prefixed to the editions of
Terence's plays. All sort of declamation and public speaking, was
carried on by them in a much more musical tone than it is among
us. It approached to a kind of chanting or recitative. Among the
Athenians, there was what was called the Nomic melody or a par- ;

ticular measure prescribed to the public officers, in which they were

to promulgate the laws to the people lest, by reading them with
;

improper tones, the laws might be exposed to contempt. Among

the Romans, there is a noted story of C. Gracchus, when he was
declaiming in public, having a musician standing at his back, in or-
der to give him the proper tones with a pipe or flute. Even when
pronouncing those terrible tribunitial harangues, by which he in
flamed the one half of the citizens of Rome against the other;
this attention to the music of speech was, in those times, it
seems, thought necessary to success. Quintilian, though he con-
demns the excess of this sort of pronunciation, yet allows a ' can-
tus obscurior' to be a beauty in a public speaker. Hence, that
variety of accents, acute, grave, and circumflex, which we find
marked upon the Greek syllables, to express, not the quantity of
them, but the tone in which they were to be spoken the appli- ;

cation of which is now wholly unknown to us. And though the Ro-
mans did not mark those accents in their writing, yet it appears from
Quintilian, that they used them in pronunciation ' Quantum quale'
:

says he, 'comparantes gravi, interrogantes acuto tenore concludunt.'

As, music, then, was an object much more attended to in speech,
among the Greeks and Romans, than it is with us; as, in all kinds of
public speaking, they employed a much greater variety of notes,
of tones or inflections of voice, than we use; this is one clear rea-
son of their paying a greater attention to that construction of sen-
tences, which might best suit this musical pronunciation.
It is farther known, that, in consequence of the genius of their
languages, and of their manner of pronouncing them, the musical
arrangement of sentences did, in fact, produce a greater effect in
public speaking among them, than it could possibly do in any mo-
dern oration; another reason why it deserved to be more studied.
Cicero, in his treatise, entitled, Orator, tells us, 'Conciones saepe
exclamare vidi, cum verba apte cecidissent. Id enim expectant
aures.'* And he gives a remarkable instance of the effect of an
harmonious period upon a whole assembly, from a sentence of one
of Carbo's orations, spoken in his hearing. The sentence was,
.' Patris dictum sapiens temeritas filii comprobavit.' By means of
the sound of which, alone, he tells us, ' Tantus clamor concionis

* I have often been witness to bursts of exclamation in the public assemblies,

'
when
sentences closed musically ; for that is a pleasure which the ear expects.'
18
 '

138 HARMONY OF SENTENCES. [lect. xiii.

excitatus est, ut prorsus admirable esset.' He makes us remark the

feet of which these words consist, to which he ascribes the power
of the melody; and shows how, by altering the collocation, the
whole effect would be lost; as thus: 'Patris dictum sapiens com-
probavit temeritas filii.' Now though it be true that Carbo's sen-
tence is extremely musical, and would be agreeable, at this day, to
an audience, yet I cannot believe that an English sentence, equally
harmonious, would, by its harmony alone, produce any such effect
on a British audience, or excite any such wonderful applause and
admiration, as Cicero informs us this of Carbo produced. Our
northern ears are too coarse and obtuse. The melody of speech
has less power over us; and by our simpler and plainer method of
uttering words, speech is, in truth, accompanied with less melody
than it was among the Greeks and Romans.*
For these reasons, I am of opinion, that it is in vain to think of
bestowing the same attention upon the harmonious structure of
our sentences, that was bestowed by these ancient nations. The
doctrine of the Greek and Roman critics, on this head, has misled
some to imagine, that it might be equally applied to our tongue;
and that our prose writing might be regulated by spondees and
trochees, and iambus's and paeons, and other metrical feet. But
first, our words cannot be measured, or, at least, can be measured

very imperfectly by any feet of this kind. For, the quantity, the
length, and shortness of our syllables, is far from being so fixed
and subjected to rule, as in the Greek and Roman tongues; but
very often left arbitrary, and determined by the emphasis, and the
sense. Next, though our prose could admit of such metrical regu-
lation, yet, from our plainer method of pronouncing all sorts of dis-
course, the effect would not be at all so sensible to the ear, nor be
relished with so much pleasure, as among the Greeks and Romans :

and, lastly, this whole doctrine about the measures and numbers of
prose, even as it is delivered by the ancient rhetoricians themselves,
is, in truth, in a great measure, loose and uncertain. It appears,
indeed, that the melody of discourse was a matter of infinitely more
attention to them, than ever it has been to the moderns. But, though
they write a great deal about it, they have never been able to re-
duce it to any rules which could be of real use in practice. If we
consult Cicero's Orator, where this point is discussed with the most
minuteness, we shall see how much these ancient critics differed
from one another, about the feet proper for the conclusion, and
other parts of a sentence; and how much, after all, was left to the
judgment of the ear. Nor, indeed, is it possible to give precise rules
concerning this matter, in any language as all prose composition must
;

be allowed to run loose in its numbers; and according as the tenourofa

discourse varies, the modulation of sentences must vary infinitely.

* In versu quidem, theatra tota exclamant si fuit una syllaba aut brevior aut
c

longior. Nee veru multitude- pedes novit, nee ullos numeros tenet ; nee illud quou
offendit, aut cur, aut in quo oflendat, intelligit ; et tamen omnium longitudinum e\
brevitatum in sonis sicut acutarum, graviumque vocutn, judicium ipsa natura \fi
auribus nostris collocavit Cicero. Orator, c. 5.
lect. xiii.] HARMONY OF SENTENCES. 139

But, although I apprehend that this musical arrangement can-

not be reduced into a system, I am far from thinking that it is a
quality to be neglected in composition. On the contrary, I hold
its effect to be very considerable; and that every one who studies

to write with grace, much more, who seeks to pronounce in public

with success, will be obliged to attend to it not a little. But it is
his ear, cultivated by attention and practice, that must chiefly di-
rect him for any rules that can be given on this subject, are
;

very general. Some rules, however, there are, which may be of

use to form the ear to the proper harmony of discourse. I proceed
to mention such as appear to me most material.
There are two things on which the music of a sentence chiefly
depends. These are the proper distribution of the several members
of it; and, the close or cadence of the whole.
First, I say, the distribution of the several members is to be
carefully attended to. It is of importance to observe, that
whatever is easy and agreeable to the organs of speech, always
sounds grateful to the ear. While a period is going on, the termi-
nation of each of its members forms a pause, or rest, in pronounc-
ing: and these rests should be so distributed as to make the course
of the breathing easy, and, at the same time, should fall at such
distances, as to bear a certain musical proportion to each other.
This will be best illustrated by examples. The following sentence
is from Archbishop Tillotson 'This discourse concerning the easi-
:

ness of God's commands, does, all along, suppose and acknow-

ledge the difficulties of the first entrance upon a religious course ;

except only in those persons who have had the happiness to be

trained up to religion by the easy and insensible degrees of a pious
and virtuous education.' Here there is no harmony; nay, there is
some degree of harshness and unpleasantness; owing principally to
this, that there is, properly, no more than one pause or rest in
the sentence, fallingbetwixtthe two members into which it is divided,
each of which is so long as to occasion a considerable stretch of the
breath in pronouncing it.
Observe, now, on the other hand, the ease with which the fol-
lowing sentence, from Sir William Temple, glides along, and the
graceful intervals at which the pauses are placed. He is speaking
sarcastically of man ' But, God be thanked, his pride is greater
:

than his ignorance, and what he wants in knowledge, he supplies

by sufficiency. When he has looked about him, as far as he can,
lie concludes, there is no more to be seen ; when he is at. the end

of his line, he is at the bottom of the ocean ; when he has shot his
best, he is sure none ever did, or ever can, shoot better, or beyond
it. His own reason he holds to be the certain measure of truth; and
his own knowledge, of what is possible in nature.'* Here every
* Or tliis instance. He is addressing himself toLady Essex, upon the death of her
child: I was once in hope, that what was so violent could not be long: but, when I ob-
<

served your grief to grow stronger with age, and to increase, like a stream, the farther
it ran when I saw it draw out to such unhappy consequences, and to threaten, no less
;

than your child, your health, and your life, 1 could no longer forbear this endeavour,
 ;

140 HARMONY OF SENTENCES. [lect. xiii.

thing is, at once, easy to the breath, and grateful to the ear
and, it is this sort of flowing measure, this regular and proportional
division of the members of his sentences which renders Sir Wil-
liam Temple's style always agreeable. I must observe at the same
time, that a sentence, with too many rests, and these placed at in-
tervals too apparently measured and regular, is apt to savour of
affectation.
The next thing to be attended to, is, the close or cadence of the
whole sentence, which, as it is always the part most sensible to the
car, demands the greatest care. So Quintilian; 'Non igitur du-
rum sit, neque abruptum, quo animi, velut, respirant ac reficiuntur.
Hsec est secies orationis; hoc auditor expectat; hie laus omnis de-
elamat.'* The only important rule that can be given here, is, that
when we aim at dignity or elevation, the sound should be made to
grow to the last; tbe longest members of the period, and the fullest
and most sonorous words, should be reserved to the conclusion.
As an example of this, the following sentence of Mr. Addison's
may be given: 'It fills the mind (speaking of sight) with the
largest variety of ideas; converses with its objects at the greatest
distance; and continues the longest in action, without being tired
or satiated with its proper enjoyments.' Every reader must be
sensible of a beauty here, both in the proper division of the mem-
bers and pauses, and the manner in which the sentence is rounded,
and conducted to a full and harmonious close.
The same holds in melody, that I observe to take place with re-
spect to signifieancy that a falling off at the end, always hurts great-
:

ly. For this reason, particles, pronouns, and little words, are as un-
gracious to the ear, at the conclusion, as I formerly showed they
were inconsistent with strength of expression. It is more than pro-
bable, that the sense and the sound have here a mutual influence on
each other. That which hurts the ear seems to mar the strength of
the meaning: and that which really degrades the sense, in conse-
quence of this primary effect, appears also to have a bad sound. How
disagreeable is the following sentence of an author, speaking of the
Trinity! 'It is a mystery which we firmly believe the truth of,
and humbly adore the depth of.' And how easily might it have
been mended by this transposition It is a mystery, the truth of
!
'

which we firmly believe, and the depth of which we humbly adore.'

In general it seems to hold, that a musical close, in our language,
requires either the last syllable, or the last but one, to be a long
syllable. Words which consist only of short syllables, as, con-
trary, particular, retrospect, seldom conclude a sentence har-

nor end it without begging of you, for God's sake and for your own, for your children
and your friends, your country and your family, that you would no longer abandon
yourself to a disconsolate passion ; but that you woidd at length awaken your piety,
give way to your prudence, or, at least, rouse the invincible spirit of the Percys, that
never yet shrunk at any disaster.'
* 'Let there be nothing harsh or abrupt in the conclusion of the sentence, on which
the mind pauses and rests. This is the most material part in the structure of discourse
Here every hearer expects to be gratified; here his applause breaks forth.'
 lect. xiii. J HARMONY OF SENTENCES. 141

moniously, unless a run of long syllables, before, has rendered them

agreeable to the ear.
It is necessary, however, to observe, that sentences so constructed
as to make the sound always swell and grow towards the end, and to
rest either on a long or a penult long syllable, give a discourse the
tone of declamation. The ear soon becomes acquainted with the
melody, and is apt to be cloyed with it. If we would keep up the
attention of the reader or hearer, if we would preserve vivacity and
strength in our composition, we must be very attentive to vary our
measures. This regards the distribution of the members, as well
as the cadence of the period. Sentences constructed in a similar
manner, with the pauses falling at equal intervals, should never follow
one another. Short sentences should be intermixed with long and
swelling ones, to render discourse sprightly, as well as magnificent.
Even discords, properly introduced, abrupt sounds, departures from
regular cadence, have sometimes a good effect. Monotony is a
great fault into which writers are apt to fall, who are fond of harmo-
nious arrangement and to have only one tune, or measure, is not
:

much better than having none at all. A

very vulgar ear will enable
a writer to catch some one melody, and to form the run of his sen-
tences according to it which soon proves disgusting.
; But a just
and correct ear is requisite for varying and diversifying the melody;
and hence we so seldom meet with authors, who are remarkably hap-
py in this respect.
Though attention to the music of sentences must not be neglect-
ed, yet it must also be kept within proper bounds: for
all appear-
ances of an author's affecting harmony, are disagreeable: especially
when the love of it betrays him so far, as to sacrifice, in any in-
stance, perspicuity, precision, or strength of sentiment, to sound.
All unmeaning words, introduced merely to round the period, or fill
up the melody, complementa numerorum, as Cicero calls them, are
great blemishes in writing. They are childish and puerile ornaments,
by which a sentence always loses more in point of weight, than it
can gain by such additions to the beauty of its sound. Sense has its
own harmony, as well as sound and, where the sense of a period is
;

expressed with clearness, force, and dignity, it will seldom happen

but the words will strike the ear agreeably; at least, a very
moderate attention is all that is requisite for making the cadence of
such a period pleasing: and the effect of greater attention is often
no other, than to render composition languid and enervated. After
all the labour which Quint ilian bestows on regulating the measures of
prose, he comes at last, with his usual good sense, to this conclusion :

' In universum, si sit necesse, duram potius atque asperam compositio-

nem malimesse, quam eflfeminatamac enervem, qualis apud multos.
Idecque, vincta quaedam de industria sunt solvenda, ne laborata vide-
antur; neque ullum idoneum aut aptum verbum prsetermittamus,
gratia lenitatis.'* (Lib. ix. c. 4.)

* ' Upon the whole, I would rather choose that composition should appear
rough and harsh, if that be necessary, than that it should be enervated and eftom-
142 HARMONY OF SENTENCES. [lect. xiii.

Cicero, as I before observed, is one of the most remarkable pat-

terns of a harmonious style. His love of it, however, is too visible,
and the pomp of his numbers sometimes detracts from his strength.
That noted close of his, esse videatur, which, in the Oration Pro
Lege Manilia, occurs eleven times, exposed him to censure among
his contemporaries. We
must observe, however, in defence of this
great orator, that there is a remarkable union, in his style, of harmo-

ny with ease, always a great beauty; and if his harmony be

which is

studied, that study appears to have cost him little trouble.

Among our English classics, not many are distinguished for musi-
cal arrangment. Milton, in some of his prose works, has very fine-
ly turned periods; but the writers of his age indulged a liberty of
inversion, which now would be reckoned contrary to purity of
style; and though this allowed their sentences to be more stately
and sonorous, yet it gave them too much of a Latinised construction
and order. Of later writers, Shaftesbury is, upon the whole, the
most correct in his numbers. As his ear was delicate, he has at-
tended to music in all his sentences; and he is peculiarly happy in
this respect, that he has avoided the monotony into which writers,
who study the grace of sound, are very apt to fall; having diversi-
fied his periods with great variety. Mr. Addison has also much
harmony in his style more easy and smooth, but less varied, than
;

Lord Shaftesbury. Sir William Temple is, in general, very flowing

and agreeable. Archbishop Tillotson, is too often careless and
languid and is much outdone by Bishop Atterbury in the music
;

of his periods. Dean Swift despised musical arrangement alto-

gether.
Hitherto have discoursed of agreeable sound, or modulation, in
I
general. yet remains to treat of a higher beaut}^ of this kind
It ;

the sound adapted to the sense. The former was no more than a
simple accompaniment, to please the ear; the latter supposes a pe-
culiar expression given to the music. Wc
may remark two degrees
of it: First, the current of sound, adapted to the tenour of a dis-
course; next, a particular resemblance effected between some ob-
ject and the sounds that are employed in describing it.
First, I say, the current of sound may be adapted to the tenour of
a discourse. Sounds have, in many respects, a correspondence with
our ideas partly natural, partly the effect of artificial associations.
;

Hence it happens, that any one modulation of sound continued, im-

prints on our style a certain character and expression. Sentences con-
structed with the Ciceronian fulness and swell, produce the impression
of what is important, magnificent, sedate for this is the natural tone
:

which such a course of sentiment assumes. But they suit no vio-

lent passion, no eager reasoning, no familiar address. These always
require measures brisker, easier, and often more abrupt. And,

inaxe. such as we find the style of too many. Some sentences, therefore, which we
have studiously formed into melody, should be thrown loose, that they may not seem
too much laboured nor ought we ever to omit any proper or expressive word, for the
:

sake of smoothing a period.'

lect. xiii.] HARMONY OF SENTENCES. 143

therefore, to swell, or to let down the periods, as the subject de-

mands, is very important ride in oratory. No one tenour, what-
a
ever, supposing it to produce no bad effect from satiety, will answer
to all different compositions; nor even to all the parts of the same
composition. It were as absurd to write a panegyric, and an invec-
tive, in a style of the same cadence, as to set the words of a tender
love-song to the air of a warlike march.
Observe, how finely the following sentence of Cicero, is adapted
to represent the tranquillity and ease of a Etsi ho-
satisfied state. '

mini nihil est magis optandum quam prospera, sequabilis, perpetua-

que fortuna, secundo vitse sine ulla offensione cursu tamen, si mihi
;

tranquilla etplacata omnia fuissentincredibili quadam et pene divi-

na, qua nunc vestro beneficio fruor, lsetitise voluptate caruissem.**
Nothing was ever more perfect in its kind it paints, if we may so
:

speak, to the ear. But, who would not have laughed, if Cicero had
employed such periods, or such a cadence as this, in inveighing
against Mark Antony, or Catiline? What is requisite, therefore, is,
that we previously fix, in our mind, a just idea of the general tone
of sound which suits our subject; that is, which the sentiments we
are to express most naturally assume, and in which they most com-
monly vent themselves whether round or smooth, or stately and
;

solemn, or brisk and quick, or interrupted and abrupt. This gent

ral idea must direct the modulation of our periods; to speak in the
style of music, must give us the key note, must form the ground of
the melody; varied and diversified in parts, according as either our
sentiments are diversified, or as is requisite for producing a suitable
variety to gratify the ear.
It may be proper to remark, that our translators of the Bible have
often been happy in suiting their numbers to the subject. Grave,
solemn, and majestic subjects, undoubtedly require such an arrange-
ment of words as runs much on long syllables and, particularly, they
;

require the close to rest upon such. The very first verses of the
Bible, are remarkable for this melody; 'In the beginning, God cre-
ated the heavens and the earth ; and the earth was without form
and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the
Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.' Several other
passages, particularly some of the Psalms, afford striking examples
of this sort of grave, melodious construction. Any composition
that arises considerably above the ordinary tone of prose, such as
monumental inscriptions, and panegyrical characters, naturally runs
into numbers of this kind.
But in the next place, besides the general correspondence of the
current of sound with the current of thought, there may be a more
particular expression attempted, of certain objects, by means of re-
sembling sounds. This can be, sometimes, accomplished in prose
composition; but there only in a more faint degree; nor is it so
much expected there. In poetry, chiefly, it is looked for; where
attention to sound is more demanded, and where the inversions and

Orat. ndQm'ritPs, post Reditum.

 :

144 HARMONY OF SENTENCES. [lect. xiii.

liberties of poetical style give us a greater command of sound as- ;

sisted, too, by the versification, and that cantus obscurior, to which

we are naturally led in reading poetry. This requires a little more
illustration.
The sounds of words may be employed for representing, chiefly,
three classes of objects; first, other sounds; secondly, motion and ;

thirdly, the emotions and passions of the mind.

First, T say, by a proper choice of words, we may produce a re-
semblance of other sounds which we mean to describe, such as, the
noise of waters, the roaring of winds, or the murmuring of streams.
This is the simplest instance of this sort of beauty. For the medium
through which we imitate here, is a natural one; sounds represent-
ed by other sounds and between ideas of the same sense, it is easy
;

to form a. connexion. No very great art is required in a poet when

he is describing sweet and soft, sounds, to make use of such words as
have most liquids and vowels, and glide the softest; or, when he is
describing harsh sounds, to throw together a number of harsh sylla-
bles which are of difficult pronunciation. Here the common struc-
ture of language assists him for it will be found, that in most lan-
;

guages, the names of many particular sounds are so formed, as to

carry some affinity to the sound which they signify; as with us, the
whistling of winds, the buz and hum of insects, the hiss of serpents,
the crash of falling timber; and many other instances, where the
word has been plainly framed upon the sound it represents. I shall
produce a remarkable example of this beauty from Milton, taken
from two passages in Paradise Lost, describing the sound made, in
the one, by the opening of the gates of hell in the other, by the ;

opening of those of heaven. The contrast between the two, dis-

plays, to great advantage, the poet's art. The first is the opening
of hell's gates:
-On a sudden, open fly,
With impetuous recoil, and jarring sound,
Th' infernal doors and on their hinges grate
;

Harsh thunder. B. i

Observe, now, the smoothness of the other:

-Heaven opened wide
Her ever-during gates, harmonious sound,
On golden hinges turning. B. ii.

The following beautiful passage from Tasso's Gierusalemme, has

been often admired on account of the imitation effected by sound
of the thing represented
Chiama gli habitator de l'ombre eterne
II rauco suon de la Tartareo tromba:
Treman spaciose atra caverne,
le
Et l'aer cieco a quel rumor rimbomba;
Ni stridendo cosi de la superne
Region! dele cielo, il folgor piomba;
Ne si scossa giammai la terra,
Quand vapori in sen gravida serra.
i
Cant. iv. Stanz. 4.

The second class of objects, which the sound of words is often

employed to imitate, is motion ; as it is swift or slow, violent or
 :

lect. xin.l HARMONY OF SENTENCES. 14<i

gentle, equable or interrupted, easy or accompanied with effort.

Though there be no natural affinity between sound, of any kind,
and motion, yet, in the imagination, there is a strong one as ap- ;

pears from the connexion between music and dancing. And there-
fore, here it is in the poet's power to give us a lively idea of the
kind of motion he would describe, by means of sounds which cor-
respond, in our imagination, with that motion. Long syllables natu-
rally give the impression of slow motion; as in this line of Virgil
Olli inter sese magna vi brachia tollunt.

A succession of short syllables presents quick motion to the mind ; as

Quadrupedante putrcm sonitu quatit ungula campum.

Both Homer and Virgil are great masters of this beauty and their ;

works abound with instances of it; most of them, indeed, so often

quoted, and so well known, that it is needless to produce them. I shall
give one instance, in English, which seems happy. It is the descrip-
tion of a sudden calm on the seas, in a poem, entitled, The Fleece.
-With easy course
The vessels glide ; unless their speed be stopp'd
By dead calms, that oft lie on these smooth seas
VVhen every zephyr sleeps ; then the shrouds drop ,

The downy feather, on the cordage hung,

Moves not; the flat sea shines like yellow gold
Fus'd in the fire,or like the marble floor
Of some old temple wide.

The third set of objects which I mentioned the sound of words

as capable of representing, consists of the passions and emotions of
the mind. Sound may, at first view, appear foreign to these; but,
that here also, there is some sort of connexion, is sufficiently pro-
ved by the power which music has to awaken, or to assist certain
passions, and, according as its strain is varied, to introduce one train
of ideas, rather than another. This, indeed, logically speaking,
cannot be called a resemblance between the sense and the sound,
seeing long or short syllables have no natural resemblance to any
thought or passion. But if the arrangement of syllables, by their
sound alone, recall one set of ideas more readily than another, and
dispose the mind for entering into that affection which the poet
means to raise, such arrangement may, justly enough, be said to
resemble the sense, or be similar and correspondent to it. I admit,
that, in many instances, which are supposed to display this beauty
of accommodation of sound to the sense, there is much room for
imagination to work; and, according as a reader is struck by a pas-
sage, he will often fancy a resemblance between the sound and the
sense, which others cannot discover. He modulates the numbers to
his own disposition of mind; and, in effect, makes the music which
he imagines himself to hear. However, that there are real instan-
ces of this kind, and that poetry is capable of some such expression,
cannot be doubted. Dryden's Ode on St. Cecilia's Day, affords a
very beautiful exemplification of it, in the English language. With-
out much study or reflection, a poet describing pleasure, joy, and
19
 ;

146 QUESTIONS. [lect. XIII

agreeable objects, from the feeling of his subject, naturally runs into
smooth, liquid, and flowing numbers
-Namque ipsa decoram
Ctesariem nato g-enetrix, lumenque juvcntse
Purpureum, et tatos oculis afflarat honores. *N. I.

Or,
Devenere locos laitos et amcena vircta
Fortunatorum, memorum, sedcsque bcatas ;

Larg-ior hie campos ather, ct luinine vestit

Purpureo, solemque suura, sua sidera norant. Ms. VI.

Brisk and lively sensations, exact quicker and more animated num-
bers :

-Juvenum manus cmicat ardens

Littus in Hesperium. Ms. VII.
Melancholy and gloomy subjects, naturally express themselves in
slow measures, and long words :

In those deep solitudes and awful cells,

Where heavenly pensive contemplation dwells.
Et caligantem nigra formidinc lucum.
I have now given sufficient openings into this subject a moderate :

acquaintance with the good poets, either ancient or modern, will

suggest many instances of the same kind. And with this I finish the
discussion of the structure of sentences having fully considered
:

them under all the heads I mentioned of perspicuity, unity, strength,

;

and musical arrangement.

Q,UESTIOtfS,
How have we hitherto considered Among words of any length, which
sentences and how are we now to are the most musical; and what ex-
;

consider them ? Of sound, what is ob- amples are given? Of the next head,
served and why must it not be disre- what is observed and why ? In the,
; ;

garded? What remark follows ? What harmonious structure and disposition

is their effect on the imagination ? of periods, who excelled all other wri-
What saysQuintilian? How extensive ters ? What is said of him and what ;

is the power of music over mankind ? example is given ? In English, from

Of what, therefore, may language be whom is a sentence selected ; and what
rendered capable ; and of what must is it ? What is said of it ? The struc-
this heighten our ideas ? What remark ture of periods being susceptible of
follows ? In the harmony of periods, very considerable melody, what is our
what two things may be considered ? next inquiry ? Were we to follow the
Of them, respectively, what is obser- ancient rhetoricians upon this subject,
ved ? First, then, what shall we consi- why would it be easy to give a great
der ; and to what shall we confine our- variety of rules ? What do they hold ;

selves ? This beauty of musical con- and how far do they go? What, con-
struction in prose, will depend upon what sequently, follows? are full of Who
two things ? With what does our au- this? What qualities do they handle
thor beffin and on this head, what is slightly and where are they copious ?
; ;

observed ? What words, is it evident, Of Diony:ius of Halicarnassus, what is

are most agreeable to the ear? What observed ; and what has he done ? In
may always be assumed as a principle? Avhat four things does he make the ex-
What do vowels and consonants, re- cellence of a sentence to consist ? On
spectively, give to the sound of a word ? all these points, how does he write
What does the music of language re- and what follows ? Of this whole sub-
quire and what will be the effect of ject of musical structure of discourse,
;

an excess in either ? Which arc most what is observed ? will it be ne- Why
agreeable to the ear? By what do cessary to give the reasons for this''
they please it and what follows ? What is the first reason assigned and
; ;
 ; ;

LECT. XIII.] QUESTIONS. 14G a

why ? What is the next reason assign- what is observed; and to this sort of

ed? Of music, among them, what is flowing measure, what must be attri-
observed ? What have several learned buted ? What must, however, at the
men clearly proved and what fol-
; same time be observed ?
lows ? How was all sort of declama- What is the next thing to be attend-
tion and public speaking carried on by ed to ? What says Quintilian on this
them and to what did it approach ?
;
subject? When we aim at dignity,
Among the Athenians, what existed ? what is the only important rule that
Among the Romans, what noted story can be given ? What example of this
prevails? What remark follows? Of is given ? Hence, of what must every

Quintilian, what is here observed? reader be sensible ? Why

does a fall-
Hence, what do we find marked upon ing off at the end injure the melody of
the Greek syllables and for what pur-
;
a sentence ? What is here more than
pose ? Of the Romans, what is here probable and for what reason ? To
;

observed ? What is one clear reason illustrate this remark, what example
why the Greeks and Romans paid isgiven ; and how might it be correct-
much greater attention to the musical ed? In general, what seems to hold
construction of their sentences than we true ? Under what circumstances only,
do? What is further known, as an- do short syllables conclude a sentence
other reason why it deserved to be more harmoniously? What sentences is it
studied ? What does Cicero tell us necessary, however, to observe, give a
and what does he give ? By means of discourse the tone of declamation and ;

the sound of which, alone, what effect why ? If we would keep up the atten-
does he tell us was produced ? Though tion of the reader or hearer, what is
it be true that Carbo s sentence is ex-
;
requisite ? What does this equally re-
tremely musical, yet, what cannot our gard ? What sentences should never
author believe why ; and what fol-
; follow one another ? Why should short
lows ? For these reasons, of what is it sentences be intermixed with long ones
in vain to think ? What has the doc- and even A\That have sometimes a good
trine of the Greeks and Romans, on effect? Of monotony, what is observed ;

this head, misled some to imagine ? On what writers are apt to fall into it ;

this subject, what is first

remarked and; and what follows ? How are a very
why ? What is the next remark ? And vulgar ear, and a just and correct one,
lastly, of this whole doctrine, what is here contrasted ? Though attention to
remarked ? Of the attention of the an- the music of sentences must not be
cients to the melody of discourse, what neglected, yet why must it be kept
isfurther observed ? If we consult Ci- in proper bounds? What are great
cero's Orator, what shall we see ? blemishes in writing and why ? As
;

Why is it not possible to give precise sense has its own harmony, as well ns
rules concerning this matter, in any sound, what follows ? To what conclu-
language ? Notwithstanding this musi- sion does Quintilian, after all the labour
cal arrangement cannot be reduced which he bestows to regulate the
into any system, yet what is our au- measure of prose, come ? What is here
thor far from thinking ? On the con- said of Cicero and what must we ob-
;

trary, what does he hold; and what serve in his defence ? Among the few
follows? What, in this, must chiefly English classical writers, what is re-
direct him and why? On what, two marked of Milton, and of the writers of
;

things does the music of a sentence the age in which he lived ? Of Lord
chiefly depend? In the proper distri- Shaftesbury, what is observed and ;

bution of the several members of a sen- also of Mr. Addison, Sir William Tem-
tence, what is it ofimportancctoobserve? ple, Archbir-hop Tillotson, Bishop At-
While the period is going on, what, terbury, and Dean Swift ? Hitherto, of
does the termination of each of its mem- what has our author discoursed and ;

bers form and how should these rests what yet remains ? How are these con-
;

be distributed ? By what example will trasted ? What are the two degrees of
this be best illustrated ? Why is there it, which we may remark ? With what
not, in this sentence, any harmony? have sounds a correspondence and ;

On the other hand, what shall we ob- hence, what happens? What is the
serve ? Of what is he speaking ? Re- effect of sentences constructed after the
peat the passage. Of this passage, Ciceronian fulness; and why ? Wha
 14G b QUESTIONS. [lect. XIII.

do they not suit ; and what do these is given? Of Homer and Virgil, what is
require? What, therefore, follows? here observed ? What happy instance
How is this illustrated ; and what were is given in English ? In what does the
absurd ? Of the sentence here intro third set of objects, which the sounds of
duced from Cicero, what is remarked ? words are capable of representing, con-
To have used the same periods where, sist? What remark follows? What,
would have been laughable and cannot this be called and why ? But
; ;

hence, what is requisite? What must what follows ? What is here admitted ?
this general idea direct ? What may it What follows ; and what examples are
be proper here to remark? What do given ? Without much study,, what
grave, solemn, and majestic subjects, may a poet do? Of brisk and lively,
require ? Where are examples of this and also of melancholy sensations,
to be (bund and what, naturally runs what is observed ? What is the closing
;

into numbers of tins kind? But, in the remark ?

next place, what is remarked ? Where
can this, sometimes, be accomplish-
ed ; but where is it to be chiefly looked
ANALYSIS.
for ; and why ? What three classes of Harmony.
objects may sounds of words be em- 1. Sounds without reference to sense.
ployed to represent ? First, by a proper a. The choice of words.
choice of words, what may be pro- B. The arrangement of words and
duced and why ? How is this illus-
; members of periods.
trated ? Here, what assists him ; and a. The advantages of the Greeks
why ? What examples are given ? and Romans.
What remarkable example of this b. The proper distribution of the
beauty is produced from Milton ? Re- members of a sentence.
peat the passages. What other beauti- c. The close or cadence of the
ful passage is given for the same pur- whole.
pose ? In the second place, what diffe- 2. Sounds adapted to the sense.
rent kinds of motion are imitated by A. Adapted to the tenour of a dis-
sounds of words? What observation course.
follows ; and, therefore, here, what is B. Resemblance between the sound
in the poet's power ? What impression and the object described.
do long syllables give of which, what
; a. Other sounds.
example have we ? What is the effect b. Motion.
of short syllables and what example
; c. Emotions and passions.

LECTURE XIV.
ORIGIN AND NATURE OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE.
Having now finished what related to the construction of sen-
tences, proceed to other rules concerning style.
I My general di-
vision of the qualities of style, was into perspicuity and ornament.
Perspicuity, both in single words and in sentences, 1 have considered.
Ornament, as far as it arises from a graceful, strong, and melodious
construction of words, has also been treated of. Another, and a
great branch of the ornament of style, is, figurative language which ;

is now to be the subject of our consideration, and will require a full

discussion.
Our first inquiry must be, what is meant by figures of speech 1*
In general, they always imply some departure from simplicity of
* Onthesnbject of figures of speech, all the writers who treat of rhetoric or composi-
lon, have insisted largely. To make references, therefore, on this subject, were encficss.
On the foundations of figurative language, in general, one of the most sensible and in-
structive writers appears to me to be M. Marsais, in his Traite des Tropes pour scrvir
d' Introduction a la Rhctorique et a la Logique. For observations on particular figures,
he Elements of Criticism may be consulted, where the subject is fully handled, and il-
ustrated by a great variety of examples.
 ;

lect. xiv.] FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE. 147

expression ; the idea which we intend to convey, not only enunciat-

ed to others, but enunciated, in a particular manner, and with some
circumstance added, which is designed to render the impression
more strong and vivid. When I say, for instance, ' That a good
man enjoys comfort in the midst of adversity;' I just express my
thought in the simplest manner possible. But when I say, ' To the
upright there ariseth light in darkness;' the same sentiment is ex-
pressed in a figurative style; a new circumstance is intz'oduced
light is put in the place of comfort, and darkness is used to suggest
the idea of adversity. In the same manner, to say, ' It is impossi-
ble, by any search we can make, to explore the divine nature fully,'
is to make a simple proposition. But when we say, l Canst thou, by
searching, find out God ? Canst thou find out the Almighty to perfec-
tion? It is high as heaven, what canst thou do ? deeper than hell,
what canst thou know?' This introduces a figure into style the ;

proposition being not only expressed, but admiration and astonish-

ment being expressed together with it.
But, though figures imply a deviation from what may be reckoned
the most simple form of speech, we are not thence to conclude,
that they imply any thing uncommon, or unnatural. This is so
far from being the case, that, on very many occasions, they are
both the most natural, and the most common method of uttering
our sentiments. It is impossible to compose any discourse without
using them often; nay, there are few sentences of any length, in
which some expression or other, that may be termed a figure, does
not occur. From what causes this happens, shall be afterwards ex-
plained. The fact, in the mean time, shows, that they are to be
accounted part of that language which nature dictates to men.
They are not the inventions of the schools, nor the mere product of
study: on the contrary, the most illiterate speak in figures, as of-
ten as the most learned. Whenever the imaginations of the vulgar
are much awakened, or their passions inflamed against one another,
they will pour fourth a torrent of figurative language as forcible as
could be employed by the most artificial declaimer.
What then is it, which has drawn the attention of critics and
rhetoricians so much to these forms of speech? It is this: They
remarked, that in them consists much of the beauty and the force
of language; and found them always to bear some characters, or
distinguishing marks, by the help of which they could reduce them
under separate classes and heads. To this, perhaps, they owe their
name of figures. As the figure, or shape of one body, distinguishes
it from another, so these forms of speech have, each of them, a

cast or turn peculiar to itself, which both distinguishes it from

the rest, and distinguishes it from simple expression. Simple expres-
sion just makes our idea known to others; but figurative language,
over and above, bestows a particular dress upon that idea; a dress,
which both makes it to be remarked, and adorns it. Hence, this sort
of language became early a capital object of attention to those who
studied the powers of speech.
Figures, in general, may be described to be that language, which
 ;

148 ORIGIN AND NATURE OF [lect. xiv

is prompted either by the imagination, or by the passions. The

justness of this description will appear, from the more particular ac-
count I am afterwards to give of them. Rhetoricians commonly
divide them into two great classes; figures of words, and figures
of thought. The former, figures of words, are commonly called
tropes, and consist in a word's being employed to signify something
that is from its original and primitive meaning; so that if
different
you alter the word, you destroy the figure. Thus, in the instance
I gave before; 'Light ariseth to the upright in darkness.' The
trope consists in light and darkness' being not meant literally, but
'

substituted for comfort and adversity, on account of some resem-

blance or analogy which they are supposed to bear to these con-
ditions of life. The other class, termed figures of thought, suppo-
ses the words to be used in their proper and literal meaning, and
the figure to consist in the turn of the thought; as is the case in ex-
clamations, interrogations, apostrophes, and comparisons; where,
though you vary the words that are used, or translate them from one
language into another, you may, nevertheless, still preserve the same
figure in the thought. This distinction, however, is of no great
use, as nothing can be built upon it in practice neither is it always
;

very clear. It is of little importance, whether we give to some par-

ticular mode of expression the name of a trope, or of a figure
provided we remember, that figurative language always imports some
colouring of the imagination, or from some emotion of passion, ex-
pressed in ourstyle and, perhaps, figures of imagination, and figures
:

of passion, might be a more useful distribution of the subject.

But without insisting on any artificial divisions, it will be more
useful, that I inquire into the origin and the nature of figures. On-
ly, before I proceed to this, there are two general observations
which it may be proper to premise.
The first is, concerning the use of rules with respect to figurative
language. I admit, that persons may both speak and write with
propriety, who know not the names of any of the figures of speech,
nor ever studied any rules relating to them. Nature, as was before
observed, dictates the use of figures; and, like Mons. Jourdain, in
Moliere, who had spoken for forty years in prose, without ever
knowing it, many a one uses metaphorical expressions to good pur-
pose, without any idea of what a metaphor is. It will not, how-
ever, follow thence, that rules are of no service. All science arises
from observations on practice. Practice has always gone before me-
thod and rule but method and rule have afterwards improved and
;

perfected practice in every art. Weevery day meet with persons

who sing agreeably without knowing one note of the: gamut. Yet, it
has been found of importance to reduce these notes to a scale, and
to form an art of music and it would be ridiculous to pretend, that
;

the art is of no advantage, because the practice is founded in nature.

Propriety and beauty of speech, are certainly as improveable as the
ear or the voice; and to know the principles of this beauty, or the rea-
sons which render one figure, or one manner of speech, preferable to
another, cannot fail to assist and direct a proper choice.
 :

lect. xiv.] FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE. 149

But I must observe,

the next place, that although this part of
in
style merits attention, and
is a very proper object of science and

rule; although much of the beauty of composition depends on

figurative language; yet we must beware of imagining that it de-
pends solely, or even chiefly, upon such language. It is not so.
The great place which the doctrine of tropes and figures has occu-
pied in systems of rhetoric the over-anxious care which has been
;

shown in giving names to avast variety of them, and in ranging them

under different classes, has often led persons to imagine, that if
their composition was well bespangled with a number of these orna-
ments of speech, it wanted no other beauty: whence has arisen much
stiffness and affectation. For it is, in truth, the sentiment or pas-
sion, which lies under the figured expression, that gives it any merit.
The figure is only the dress ; the sentiment is the body and the sub-
stance. No figures will render a cold or an empty composition in-
teresting whereas, if a sentiment be sublime or pathetic, it can
;

support itself perfectly well, without any borrowed assistance.

Hence, several of the most affecting and admired passages of the
best authors, are expressed in the simplest language. The follow-
ing sentiment from Virgil, for instance, makes its way at once to
the heart, without the help of any figure whatever. He is descri-
bing an Argive, who falls in battle, in Italy, at a great distance from
his native country
Sternitur, infelix, alieno vulnere, coelumque
Aspicit, et dulcis moriens reminiscitur Argos.* JEn. x. 781

A single stroke of this kind, drawn as by the very pencil of na-

ture, is worth a thousand figures. In the same manner, the sim
pic style of scripture :
' He he command-
spoke, and it was done ;

ed, and it stood fast.' 'God be light; and there

said, let there
was light ;' imparts a lofty conception, to much greater advantage,
than if it had been decorated by the most pompous metaphors. The
fact is, that the strong pathetic, and the pure sublime, not only have
little dependence on figures of speech, but generally reject them.
The proper region of these ornaments is, where a moderate degree
of elevation and passion is predominant; and there they contribute
to the embellishment of discourse, only when there is a basis

* " Anthares had from Argos travell'd far,

and brother of the war
Alcides' friend, ;

Now falling, by another's wound, his eyes

He casts to Heaven, on Argos thinks, and dies."
much of the beauty of the original is lost. 'On Argos thinks, and
In this translation,
by no means equal to 'dulcis moriens reminiscitur Argos.'
dies,' is As he dies he '

remembers his beloved Argos.' It is indeed observable, that in most of those tender
and pathetic passages, which do so much honour to Virgil, that great poet expresses
himself with the utmost simplicity ; as

Te, dulcis conjux, te solo in littore secum,

Te veniente die, te decedente canebat. Georg. IV.
And so in that moving prayer of Evander, upon his parting with his son Pallas

At vos, O Superi ! et Divum tu maxime rector.

Jnpiter, Arcadii queeso miserescite regis,
Et patrias audite prcces. Si minima vestra
 ;

150 ORIGIN AND NATURE OF [lect. xiv.

of solid thought and natural sentiment; when they are inserted in

heir proper place and when they rise, of themselves, from the
;

subject without being sought after.

Having premised these observations, I proceed to give an account
of the origin and nature of figures: principally of such as have their
dependence on language including that numerous tribe which the
;

rhetoricians call tropes.

At the first rise men would begin with giving names
of language,
to the different objectswhich they discerned, or thought of. This
nomenclature would, at the beginning, be very narrow. According
as men's ideas multiplied, and their acquaintance with objects in-
creased, their stock of names and words would increase also. But
to the infinite variety of objects and ideas, no language is adequate.
No language is so copious, as to have a separate word for every se-
parate idea. Men naturally sought to abridge this labour of multi-
plying words in infinitum ; and, in order to lay less burden on their
memories, made one word, which they had already appropriated to a
certain idea or object, stand also for some other idea or object; between
which and the primary one, they found, or fancied, some relation.
Thus, the preposition, in, was originally invented to express the cir-
cumstance of place: 'The man was killed in the wood.' In pro-
gress of time, words were wanted to express men's being connected
with certain conditions of fortune, or certain situations of mind; arKl
some resemblance, or analogy, being fancied between these, and the
place of bodies, the word in, was employed to express men's being
so circumstanced as, one's being in health, or in sickness, in pros-
;

perity or in adversity, in'^oy or in grief, in doubt, or in danger, or in

safety. Here we see this preposition, in, plainly assuming a tropical
signification, or carried off from its original meaning, to signify some-
thing else which relates to, or resembles it.
Tropes of this kind abound in all languages, and are plainly ow-
ing to the want of proper words. The operations of the mind and
affections, in particular, are, in most languages, described by words
taken from sensible objects. The reason is plain. The names of
sensible objects were, in all languages, the words most early
introduced; and were, by degrees, extended to those mental ob-
jects, of which men had more obscure conceptions, and to which
they found it more difficult to assign distinct names. They borrow-
ed, therefore, the name of some sensible idea, where their imagina-
tion found some affinity. Thus, we speak of a piercing judgment,
and a clear head a soft or a hard heart; a rough or a smooth beha-
;

viour. We say, injlamed by anger, warmed by love swelled with ;

Incolumem Pallanta mini, si fata reservant,

Si visurus eum vivo, et venturus in unum,
Vitam oro patiar queravis durarc laborem
;
'.

Sin aliquem infandum casum, Fortuna, minaris,

Nunc, O nunc liceat crudelem abrumpere vitam !

Dum curs ambigms, dum spes incerta futuri

Dum te, chare Puer mea sera et sola voluptas
! ?

Amplexu teneo; gravior ne nuncius aures

Vulneret JEv. VIII. 672.
lect. xiv.] FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE. 151

pride, melted into grief; and these are almost the only significant
words which we have for such ideas.
But, although the barrenness of languages, and the want of words, be
doubtless one cause of the invention of tropes yet it is not the only,
;

nor, perhaps, even the principal source of this form of speech. Tropes
have arisen more frequently, and spread themselves wider, from the in-
fluence which imagination possesses over language. The train on which
this has proceeded among all nations, I shall endeavour to explain.
Every object which makes any impression on the human mind, is
constantly accompanied with certain circumstances and relations,
that strike us at the same time. It never presents itself to our view
isole, as the French express it ; that is, independent on, and sepa-
rated from, every other thing; but always occurs as somehow
related to other objects ; going before them, or following them ;

their effect or their cause: resembling them, or opposed to them;

distinguished by certain qualities, or surrounded with certain circum-
stances. By this means, every idea or object carries in its train
some other ideas, which may be considered as its accessories. These
accessories often strike the imagination more than the principal idea
itself. They are, perhaps, more agreeable ideas or they are more
;

familiar to our conceptions or they recall to our memory a greater

;

variety of important circumstances. The imagination is more dis-

posed to rest upon some of them ; and therefore, instead of using
the proper name of the principal idea which it means to express, it
employs in its place the name of the accessory or correspondent
idea although the principal have a proper and well known name of
;

its own. Hence a vast variety of tropical or figurative words obtain

currency in all languages, through choice, not necessity; and men
of lively imaginations are every day adding to their number.
Thus, when we design to intimate the period at which a state en-
joyed most reputation or glory, it were easy to employ the proper
words for expressing this ; but as this is readily connected, in our
imagination, with the flourishing period of a plant or a tree, we lay
hold of this correspondent idea, and say, ' The Roman empire
flourished most under Augustus.' The leader of a faction is plain
language but because the head is the principal part of the human
:

body, and is supposed to direct all the animal operations, resting

upon this resemblance, we say, ' Catiline was the head of the par-
ty.' The word voice, was originally invented to signify the arti-
culate sound, formed by the organs of the mouth but, as by means
;

of it men signify their ideas and their intentions to each other, voice
soon assumed a great many other meanings, all derived from this
primary effect. ' To give our voice' for any thing, signified, to
give our sentiment in favour of it. Not only so but voice was
;

transferred to signify any intimation of will or judgment, though

given without the least interposition of voice in its literal sense, or
any sound uttered at all. Thus we speak of listening to the voice
of conscience, the voice of nature, the voice of God. This usage
takes place, not so much from barrenness of language, or want oi
a proper word, as from an allusion which we choose to make to
 152 ORIGIN AND NATURE OF [lect. xiv.

voice in its primary sense, in order to convey our idea, connected

with a circumstance which appears to the fancy to give it more
sprightliness and force.
The account which I have now given, and which seems to be a
full and fair one, of the introduction of tropes into all languages,
coincides with what Cicero briefly hints, in his third book, De
' Modus transferendi verba
Oratore. late patet ; quam necessitas
primum genuit, coacta inopia et angustia post autem delectatio,
;

jucunditasque celebravit. Nam ut vestis, frigoris depellendi causa

reperta primo, post adhiberi capta est ad ornatum etiam corporis et
dignitatem, sic verbi translatio institutaest inopiae causa, frequentata
delectationis.'*
From what has been said, it clearly appears how that must come
to pass, which
I had occasion to mention in a former lecture, that
all languages are most figurative in their early state. Both the cau-
ses to which I ascribed the origin of figures, concur in producing
this effect at the beginnings of society. Language is then most bar-
ren the stock of proper names which have been invented for things,
:

is small and, at the same time, imagination exerts great influence

;

over the conceptions of men, and their method of uttering them ;

so that, both from necessity and from choice, their speech will, at
that period, abound in tropes for the savage tribes of men are
;

always much given to wonder and astonishment. Every new object

surprises, terrifies, and makes a strong impression on their mind ;

they are governed by imagination and passion, more than by rea-

son and of course, their speech must be deeply tinctured by their
;

genius. In fact, we find, that this is the character of the American

and Indian languages bold, picturesque, and metaphorical; full of
:

strong allusions to sensible qualities, and to such objects as struck

them most in their wild and solitary life. An Indian chief makes a
harangue to his tribe, in a style full of stronger metaphors than an
European would use in an epic poem.
As language makes gradual progress towards refinement, almost
every object comes to have a proper name given to it, and perspi-
cuity and precision are more studied. But still, for the reasons
before given, borrowed words, or as rhetoricians call them, tropes,
must continue to occupy a considerable place. In every language,
too, there are a multitude of words, which, though they were figu-
rative in their first application to certain objects, yet, by long use,
lose their figurative power wholly, and come to be considered as
simple and literal expressions. In this case, are the terms which I
remarked before, as transferred from sensible qualities to the ope-
rations or qualities of the mind, a piercing judgment, a. clear head,
1

* 'The words is very extensive an usage to which necessity

figurative usage of ;

first gave on account of the paucity of words, and barrenness of language; but
rise,
tvhich the pleasure that was found in it afterwards rendered frequent. For as gar-
ments were first contrived to defend our bodies from the cold, and afterwards were
employed for the purpose of ornament and dignity, so figures of speech, introduced by
>vant, were cultivated for the sake of entertainment'
 : — :

lect. xiv.] FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE. 153

a hard heart, and the like. There are other words which remain in a
sort of middle state ; which have neither lost wholly their figurative
application, nor yet retain so much of it as to imprint any remarka-
ble character of figured language on our style; such as these phrases,
'apprehend one's meaning:' 'enter on a subject:' 'follow out an argu-
ment:' ' stir up strife :'and a great many more, of which our language
is full. In the use of such phrases, correct writers will always preserve

a regard to the figure or allusion on which they are founded, and will
be careful not to apply them in any way that is inconsistent with it.
One may be sheltered under the patronage of a great man :' but it were
'

wrong to say, 'sheltered under the mask of dissimulation,' as a mask

1

conceals, but does not shelter. An object, in description/ may be

' clothed,' if you will, ' with epithets ;' but it is not so proper to speak
of its being ' clothed with circumstances :' as the word circumstances' '

alludes to standing round, not to clothing. Such attentions as these

to the propriety of language are requisite in every composition.
What has been said on this subject, tends to throw light on the na-
ture of language in general, and will lead to the reasons, why tropes
or figures contribute to the beauty and grace of style.
First, They enrich language, and render it more copious. By
their means, words and phrases are multiplied for expressing all
sorts of ideas; for describing even the minutest differences the ;

nicest shades and colours of thought which no language could pos-

;

sibly do by proper words alone, without assistance from tropes.

Secondly, They bestow dignity upon style. The familiarity of
common words, to which our ears are much accustomed, tends to
degrade style. When we want to adapt our language to the tone of
an elevated subject, we should be greatly at a loss, if we could not
borrow assistance from figures which, properly employed, have a
;

similar effect on language, with what is produced by the rich and

splendid dress of a person of rank to create respect, and to give
;

an air of magnificence to him who wears it. Assistance of this

kind, is often needed in prose compositions; but poetry could not
subsist without it. Hence figures form the constant language of po-
etry. To say, that ' the sun rises,' is trite and common but it "becomes ;

a magnificent image when expressed, as Mr. Thomson has done

But yonder comes the powerful king- of day,
Rejoicing' in the east.

To say that 'all men are subject alike to death,' presents only a vul-
gar idea; but it rises and fills the imagination, when painted thus by
Horace
Pallida mors cequo pulsat pede, pauperum tabernas
Regumque turres.*
Or,
Omnes eodem cogimur ; omnium
Versatur urna, serius ocyus,
Sors exitura, et nos in eternum
Exilium impostura cymbae.

With equal pace, impartial fate

Knocks at the palace, as the cottage gate.
20
 ; :;

154 ORIGIN AND NATURE OF [lect. xiv.

In the third place, figures give us the pleasure of enjoying two

objects presented together to our view, without confusion; the prin-
cipal idea, which is the subject of the discourse, along with its ac-
cessory, which gives it the figurative dress. We see one thing in
another, as Aristotle expresses it which is always agreeable to the
;

mind. For there is nothing with which the fancy is more delighted,
than with comparisons, and resemblances of objects; and all tropes
are founded upon some relation or analogy between one thing and
another. When, instance, in place of ' youth,' I say the
for
* morning of the fancy is immediately entertained with all
life ;'

the resembling circumstances which presently occur between these

two objects. At one moment, I have in my eye a certain period of
human life, and a certain time of the day, so related to each other,
that the imagination plays between them with pleasure, and contem-
plates two similar objects, in one view, without embarrassment or
confusion. Not only so, but,
In the fourth place, figures are attended with this farther advan-
tage, of giving us frequently a much clearer and more striking view
of the principal object, than we could have of it were it expressed
in simple terms, and divested of its accessory idea. This is, indeed,
their principal advantage, in virtue of which, they are very properly
said to illustrate a subject, or to throw a light upon it. For they ex-
hibit the object, on which they are employed, in a picturesque form
they can render an abstract conception, in some degree, an object
of sense; they surround it with such circumstances, as enable the
mind to lay hold of it steadily, and to contemplate it fully. 'Those
persons,' says one, 'who gain the hearts of most people, who are
chosen as the companions of their softer hours, and their reliefs from
anxiety and care, are seldom persons of shining qualities, or strong
virtues: it is rather the soft green of the soul, on which we rest
our eyes, that are fatigued with beholding more glaring objects.'
Here, by a happy allusion to a colour, the whole conception is con-
veyed clear and strong to the mind in one word. By a well
chosen figure, even conviction is assisted, and the impression of a
truth upon the mind made more lively and forcible thanit would

otherwise be. As in the following illustration of Dr. Young's

' When we
dip too deep in pleasure, we always stir a sediment that
renders impure and noxious ;' or in this, A heart boiling with vio-
it '

lent passions, will always send up infatuating fumes to the head.' An

image that presents so much congruity between a moral and a sen-
sible idea, serves like an argument from analog}', to enforce what the
other asserts, and to induce belief.
Besides, whether we are endeavouring to raise sentiments of plea-
sure or aversion, we can always heighten the emotion by the figures
which we introduce; leading the imagination to a train, either of

Or,
We all must tread the paths of fate
And ever shakes the mortal urn ;

Whose lot embarks us, soon or late,

On Charon's boat, all never to
! return. Francis.
lect. xiv.] FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE. 155

agreeable or disagreeable, of exalting or debasing ideas, correspon-

dent to the impression which we seek to make. When we want to
render an object beautiful, or magnificent, we borrow images from
all the most beautiful or splendid scenes of nature we thereby na- ;

turally throw a lustre over our object we enliven the reader's mind,
;

and dispose him to go along with us, in the gay and pleasing impres-
sions which we give him of the subject. This effect of figures is
happily touched in the following lines of Dr. Akenside, and illustrat-
ed by a very sublime figure :

-Then th' inexpressive strain

Diffuses its enchantment. Fancy dreams
Of sacred fountains and Elysian groves,
And vales of bliss ; the intellectual power,
Bends from his awful throne, a wond'ring ear,
And smiles. Pleas, of Imaginat. I. 124.

What I now
explained, concerning the use and effects of
have
on the wonderful power of lan-
figures, naturally leads us to reflect
guage and, indeed, we cannot reflect on it without the highest ad-
;

miration. What a fine vehicle is it now become for all the concep-
tions of the human mind; even for the most subtile and delicate
workings of the imagination What a pliable and flexible instrument
!

in the hand of one who can employ it skilfully prepared to take ;

every form which he chooses to give it Not content with a simple !

communication of ideas and thoughts, it paints those ideas to the

eye it gives colouring and relievo, even to the most abstract con-
;

ceptions. In the figures which it uses, it sets mirrors before us, where
we may behold objects, a second time, in their likeness. It enter-
tains us, aswith a succession of the most splendid pictures; disposes
in the most artificial manner, of the light and shade, for viewing eve-
ry thing to the best advantage: in fine, from being a rude and im-
perfect interpreter of men's wants and necessities, it has now passed
into an instrument of the most delicate and refined luxury.
To make these effects of figurative language sensible, there are
few authors in the English language to whom I can refer with more
advantage than Mr. Addison, whose imagination is at once remark-
ably rich, and remarkably correct and chaste. When he is treating,
for instance, of the effect which light and colours have to entertain
the fancy, considered in Mr. Locke's view of them as secondary
qualities,which have no real existence in matter, but are only ideas
of the mind, with what beautiful painting has he adorned this philo-
sophic speculation! 'Things,' says he, 'would make but a poor ap-
pearance to the eye, if we saw them only in their proper figures and
motions. Now, we are every where entertained with pleasingshows
and apparitions; we discover imaginary glories in the heavens, and
in the earth, and see some of this visionary beauty poured out upon
the whole creation. But what a rough unsightly sketch of nature
should we be entertained with, did all her colouring disappear, and
the several distinctions of light and shade vanish ? In short, our souls
are at present delightfully lost, and bewildered in a pleasing delu-
sion and we walk about like the enchanted hero of a romance, who
:

sees beautiful castles, woods, and meadows : and at the same time
 : :

156 ORIGIN AND NATURE OF [lect. xiv.

hears the warbling of birds, and the purling of streams; but, upon
the finishing of some secret spell, the fantastic scene breaks up, and
the disconsolate knight finds himself on a barren heath, or in a soli-
tary desert. It is not improbable, that something like this may be
the state of the soul after its first separation, in respect of the images
it will receive from matter.' No. 413, Spectator.
Having thus explained, atsuflicient length, the origin, the nature,
and the effects of tropes, I should proceed next to the several kinds
and divisions of them. But, in treating of these, were I to follow
the common tract of the scholastic writers on rhetoric, I should
soon become tedious, and, I apprehend, useless at the same time.
Their great business has been, with a most patient and frivolous in-
dustry, to branch them out under a vast number of divisions, accord-
ing to all the several modes in which a word may be carried from its
literal is figurative, without doing any more;
meaning, into one that
as if the mere knowledge of the names and classes of all the tropes
that can be formed, could be of any advantage towards the proper,
or graceful use of language. All that I purpose is, to give, in a few
words, before finishing this lecture, a general view of the several
sources whence the tropical meaning of words is derived after :

which I shall, in subsequent lectures, descend to a more particular

consideration of some of the most considerable figures of speech,
and such as are in most frequent use by treating of which, I shall
;

give all the instruction I can, concerning the proper employment

of figurative language, and point out the errors and abuses which are
apt to be committed in this part of style.
All tropes, as I before observed, are founded on the relation which
one object bears to another; in virtue of which, the name of the
one can be substituted instead of the name of the other, and by such
a substitution, the vivacity of the idea is commonly meant to be in-
creased. These relations, some more, some less intimate, may all
give rise to tropes. One of the first and most obvious relations, is
that between a cause and its effect. Hence,in figurative language,
the cause is sometimes put for the effect. Thus, Mr. Addison, writ-
ing of Italy
Blossoms, and fruits, and flowers, together rise,
And the whole year ingay confusion lies.
Where the ' whole year' is plainly intended, to signify the effects or
productions of all the seasons of the year. At other times, again,
the effect is put for the cause as, ' gray hairs' frequently for old age,
;

which causes gray hairs and l shade,' for trees that produce the
;

shade. The relation between the container and the thing contain-
ed, is also so intimate and obvious, as naturally to give rise to
tropes
Ille impiger hausit
Spumantem pateram et pleno se proluit auro.

Where every one sees, that the cup and the gold are put for the li-
quor that was contained in the golden cup. In the same manner, the
name of any country is often used to denote the inhabitants of that
country; and Heaven, very often employed to signify God, be-
 ;;

lkct. xiv. J FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE. 157

cause he is conceived as dwelling in Heaven. To implore the assist-

ance of Heaven, is the same as to implore the assistance of God.
The relation hetwixtany established sign and the thing signified, is a
further source of tropes. Hence,
Cedant armatogae; concedat laurea lingua.

The ' being the badge of the civil professions, and the 'laurel'
toga,'
of military honours, the badge of each is put for the civil and mili-
tary characters themselves. To 'assume the sceptre,' is a common
phrase for entering on royal authority. To tropes, founded on these
several relations, of cause and effect, container and contained, sign
and thing signified, is given the name of Metonymy.
When the trope is founded on the relation between an antecedent
and a consequent, or what goes before, and immediately follows, it
is then called a Metalepsis; as in the Roman phrase of 'Fuit,' or
' Vixit,' to express that one was dead. 'Fuit Ilium et ingens gloria
Dardanidum,' signifies, that the glory of Troy is now no more.
When the whole is put for a part, or a part for the whole a ge- ;

nus for a species, or a species for a genus the singular for the plu-
;

ral, or the plural for the singular number; in general, when any thing
less, or any thing more, is put for the precise object meant; the
figure is then called a Synecdoche. It is very common, for instance,
to describe a whole object by some remarkable part of it ; as when
we say, 'a fleet of so many sail,' in the place of 'ships;' when we
use the ' head' for the ' person,' the ' pole' for the ' earth,' the * waves'
for the ' sea.' In like manner, an attribute may be put for a subject
as, 'youth and beauty,' for 'the young and beautiful;' and some-
times a subject for its attribute. But it is needless to insist longer on
this enumeration, which serves little purpose. I have said enough,
to give an opening into that great variety of relations between ob-
jects, by means of which, the mind is assisted to pass easily from one
to another; and understands, by the name of the one, the other to
be meant. It is always some accessory idea, which recalls the prin-
cipal to the imagination; and commonly recalls it with more force,
than if the principal idea had been expressed.
The relation which is far the most fruitful of tropes I have not yet
mentioned that is, the relation of similitude and resemblance. On
;

this is founded what is called the metaphor; when, in place of using

the proper name of any object, we employ, in its place, the name of
some other which is like it which is a sort of picture of it, and
;

which thereby awakens the conception of it with more force or

grace. This figure is more frequent than all the rest put together
and the language, both of prose and verse, owes to it much of its
elegance and grace. This, therefore, deserves very full and par-
ticular consideration; and shall be the subject of the next lecture.
 ( 157 a )

QUESTIONS.
Having finished what related to the Of the figure and of the dress, what is
construction of sentences, to what does observed; and what follows? Hence,
our author proceed ? What was the ge- how are several of the most affecting
neral division of the qualities of style ; passages of the best authors, express-
and which has been considered ? How ed ? Of the following sentiment from
far has ornament, also, been treated of? Virgil, what, is observed ? What is he
What is another, and a great branch of describing? Repeat the passage; and
figurative language? What must be of it, what is observed ? Of the simple
our first inquiry ? What do they always style of scripture, what is here observed;
imply? What instances are given to and what remark follows? Where is
illustrate this remark?
But, though the proper region of these ornaments;
figures imply a deviation from the most and there, when only do they contri-
simple forms of speech, what are we bute to the embellishment of discourse?
not thence to conclude ? How far is Having premised these observations, to
this from being the case; and what is what does our author proceed? At the
impossible? What does this fact show? first rise of language, how would men
What evidence have we that they are begin in giving names to objects; and
not the invention of schools ? What re- of this nomenclature, what is observed?
mark follows ? What, then, is it, which According to what, would their stock
has drawn the attention of critics and of words increase? But, of the inade-
rhetoricians so much to them? To this, quacy of language, here, what is ob-
what do they owe and how is this il- served ? How did men seek to obviate
;

lustrated? How are they compared this difficulty and what example is ;

with simple expressions? Hence, what given ? In progress of time, how was
follows ? How may figures, in general, the word in employed and here, what ;

be described ? From what will the just- do we see? Where do tropes of this
ness of this description appear ? How kind abound; and to what are they
do rhetoricians commonly divide them? owing? How are the operations of the
What are figures of words commonly mind, and affections in particular, in
called; and in what do they consist? most languages, described and for ;

To illustrate this, what instance is what reason ? What did they therefore
given? In what does the trope consist? borrow; and what examples have we?
What do figures of thought suppose? But, although the barrenness of lan-
As in what cases ? Why
not this dis- guage, and the want of words, be one
is

tinction of great use? What is of little cause of the invention of tropes, yet,
importance, provided we remember what does not follow? From what,
what? What, perhaps, might be a more then, have they arisen ? With what is
useful distribution of the subject ? With- every object, that makes an impression
out insisting on any artificial division, on the mind, constantly accompanied ?
what maybe useful? The first of these How does it never present itself to our
general observations, is concerning view ? By this means, what does every
what ? What is here admitted ? What idea, or object, carry in its train ; and
dictates the use of figures ; and what how do these often strike the imagi-
given? What, however, nation ? Of
illustration is them, what is farther ob-
will not follow thence;and why? Of served ? As the imagination is more
practice, and method and rule, what is disposed to rest upon them, what fol-
observed? With what, do we every lows ? Hence, what has been the con-
day meet yet, what has been found of sequence? How is this remark illus-
;

importance ? Of propriety and beauty trated ; and what example is given?

of speech, what is observed? In the On the sentence, the leader of a fac-
next place, what must be observed ? tion, and on the word voice, what is ob-
What has often led persons to imagine, served? From what allusion, particu-
that if their composition was well larly, does this usage take place?
bespangled with these ornaments of With what does the account, now
speech, it wanted no other beauty? given, coincide? Repeat the passage.
Hence, what has arisen; and why? From what has been said, what clear
 ;

LECT. XIV.] QUESTIONS. 157 b

ly appears? What, concur in producing language is found. Of Mr. Addison,

the beginnings of society;
this effect, at what is here remarked? What instance
and why? To what are the savage is mentioned ? Repeat the passage.
tribes of men always much given ; and Having thus explained the origin, the
what, consequently, is the effect of nature, and the effect of tropes, to what
every new object 7 By what are they does our author next proceed ? In treat-
governed; and what follows? Of what ing of these, what would be the effect
language do we find this to be the cha- of following the scholastic writers on
racter? Of the style of an Indian chief's rhetoric ? What has been their great
harangue, what is observed? In the business? What does our author pro-
advancement of language towards re- pose ? On what are all tropes, as was
finement, why are perspicuity and before observed, founded and in virtue ;

precisionmore studied ? But still, what of which, what can be done ?

T
hat is W
must continue to occupy a considerable one of the first and most obvious of
place? In every language, what do we these relations and hence, what fol-
;

find ? In this case, are what terms ? lows ? What instance is given ? Here,
Of those words which remain in a sort for what is the whole year plainly in-
of middle state, what is observed? tended? Repeat the instance in which
What phrases are given as examples ? the effect is put for the cause? Of the
In the use of such phrases, what will relation between the container, and the
correct writers always preserve ? Hew thing contained, what is observed ?
is this illustrated ? Where are such at- What instances are given ? Of the re-
tentions requisite? On what, does what lation between a sign, and the thing
lias been said on this subject tend to signified, what is observed? To what

throw light ; and to what will it lead ? tropes is the name Metonomy given?
What is the first reason and how does
; When is a trope called a Metalepsis ?
this appear? In the second place, what When is the figure called a Synec-
is their effect? To what does the fami- doche ? How is this illustrated ? To
liarity of common words tend ; and how give an opening of what, has enough
is this illustrated ? Where is assistance
been said ? It is always an idea of what
of this kind often needed and where is
; kind ; and with what force does it re-
it essential ? Hence, what do figures call the principal idea to the imagina-

form ; and how is this illustrated ? In tion? What relation is far the most
the third place, what peculiar pleasure fruitful in tropes ? On it, what is found-
do figures give us ? What do we see ed ; and what is observed of it ? Of this
and why ? To illustrate this, what in- figure, what is farther remarked ?
stance given ? At the same moment,
is

what have we before us ? In the fourth

place, with what further advantages
ANALYSIS.
are figures attended ? Of this advan-
tage, what is observed and for what Figures.
;

reason ? To illustrate this remark, what 1. Introductory remarks.

sentence is introduced from Burke ? On 2. Origin and nature of figures.
this sentence, what is remarked ? How 3. Language most figurative in its
is the same principle illustrated from early state.
Dr. Young ? What is the effect of such 4. The advantages of figures.
an image as is here introduced ? Be- a. They enrich language.
sides, by figures, what effect can we B. They bestow dignity upon style.
produce ? When we want to render an c. They present two objects to our
object beautiful or magnificent, what view at the same time.
course do we
pursue ; and what effect D. They render our views more
is thereby produced ? In what lines of distinct.
Dr. Akenside is this effect of figures 5. The different kinds of figures.
happily touched ? To what, does what a. Metonomy.
has been explained, naturally lead? B. Metalepsis.
Repeat the remarks here introduced on c. Synecdoche.
the present state of perfection, in which
 ( 15S )

LECTURE XV.
METAPHOR.
After the preliminary observations I have made, relating to
figurative language in general, I come now to treat separately of
such figures of speech, as occur most frequently, and require par-
ticular attention; and I begin with metaphor. This is a figure foun-
ded entirely on the resemblance which one object bears to another.
Hence, it is much allied to simile, or comparison, and is in-
deed no other than a comparison expressed in an abridged
form. When I say of some great minister, that he upholds
'

the state, like a pillar which supports the weight of a whole

edifice,' I fairly make a comparison; but when I say of such a
minister e
that he is the pillar of the state,' it is now become a
metaphor. The comparison betwixt the minister and a pillar, is
made in the mind but is expressed without any of the words that
;

denote comparison. The comparison is only insinuated, not ex-

pressed : the one object is supposed to be so like the other, that,
without formally drawing the comparison, the name of the one
may be put in the place of the name of the other. 'The minister
is the pillar of the state.' This, therefore, is a more livel}' and
animated manner of expressing the resemblances which imagination
traces among objects. There is nothing which delights the fancy
more, than this act of comparing things together, discovering re-
semblances between them, and describing them by their likeness.
The mind thus employed, is exercised without being fatigued; and
is gratified with the consciousness of its own ingenuity. We need
not be surprised, therefore, at finding all language tinctured strongly
with metaphor. It insinuates itself even into familiar conversation ;

and unsought, rises up of its own accord in the mind. The very
words which I have casually employed in describing this, are a proof
of what I say ; tinctured, insinuates, rises up, are all of them meta-
phorical expressions, borrowed from some resemblance which fancy
forms between sensible objects, and the internal operations of the
mind; and yet the terms are no less clear, and perhaps, more ex-
pressive, than if words had been used which were to be taken in
the strict and literal sense.
Though all metaphor imports comparison, and therefore is, in
that respect, a figure of thought; yet, as the words in a metaphor
are not taken literally, but changed from their proper to a figurative
sense, the metaphor is commonly ranked among tropes or figures of
words. But provided the nature of it be well understood, it signi-
fies very little whether we call it a figure or a trope. I have confined
it to the expression of resemblance between two objects. I must
remark, however, that the word metaphor is sometimes used in a
looser and more extended sense; for the application of a term in
any figurative signification, whether the figure be founded onresem-
lect. xv.] METAPHOR. 159

blance, or on some other relation, which two objects bear to one

another. For instance; when gray hairs are put for old age; as,
'to bring one's gray hairs with sorrow to the grave;' some writers
would call this a metaphor, though it is not properly one, but what
rhetoricians call a metonymy; that is, the effect put for the cause;
*gray hairs' being the effect of old age, but not bearing any sort of
resemblance to it. Aristotle, in his Poetics, uses metaphor in this
extended sense, for any figurative meaning imposed upon a word;
as a whole put for the part, or a part for the whole ; a species for
the genus, or a genus for the species. But it would be unjust to
tax this most acute writer with any inaccuracy on this account; the
minute subdivisions, and various names of tropes, being unknown in
his days, and the invention of later rhetoricians. Now, however,
when these divisions are established, it is inaccurate to call every
figurative use of terms, promiscuously, a metaphor.
Of all the figures of speech, none comes so near to painting as
metaphor. Its peculiar effect is to give light and strength to de-
scription; to make intellectual ideas, in some sort, visible to the
eye, by giving them colour, and substance, and sensible quali-
ties. In order to produce this effect, however, a delicate hand
is required: for, by a very little inaccuracy, we are in hazard

of introducing confusion, in place of promoting perspicuity. Se-

veral rules, therefore, are necessary to be given for the proper
management of metaphors. But before entering on these, I shall
give one instance of a very beautiful metaphor, that I may show
the figure to full advantage. I shall take my instance from Lord
Bolingbroke's remarks on the History of England. Just at the con-
elusion of his work, he is speaking of the behaviour of Charles I.
to his last parliament; ' In a word,' says he, 'about a month after
their meeting, he dissolved them; and, as soon as he had dissolved
them, he repented ; but he repented too late of his rashness. Well
might he repent; for the vessel was now full, and this last drop
made the waters of bitterness overflow.' 'Here,' he adds, 'we
draw the curtain, and put an end to our remarks.' Nothing could
be more happily thrown off. The metaphor, we see, is continued
through several expressions. The vessel is. put for the state, or tem-
per of the nation, already full, that is, provoked to the highest by
former oppressions and wrongs; this last drop, stands for the pro-
vocation recently received by the abrupt dissolution of the parlia-
ment; and the overflowing of the waters of bitterness, beautifully
expresses all the effects of resentment, let loose by an exasperated
people.
On this passage, we may make two remarks in passing. The
one, that nothing forms a more spirited and dignified conclusion of
a subject, than a figure of this kind happily placed at the close.
We see the effect of it, in this instance. The author goes off with
a good grace; and leaves a strong and full impression of his subject
on the reader's mind. My other remark is, the advantage which
a metaphor frequently has above a formal comparison. How much
would the sentiment here have been enfeebled, if it had been ex
2 A
 ;;

1G0 METAPHOR. [lect. xv.

pressed in the style of a regular simile, thus: 'Well might he re-

pent; for the state of the nation, loaded with grievances and pro-
vocations, resembled a vessel that was now full, and this superadded
provocation, like the last drop infused, made their rage and resent-
ment, as waters of bitterness, overflow.' It has infinitely more
spirit and force as it now stands, in the form of a metaphor. ' Well
might he repent: for the vessel was now full; and this last drop
made the waters of bitterness overflow.'
Having mentioned, with applause, this instance from Lord Boling-
broke, I think it incumbent on me here to take notice, that, though
I may have recourse to this author, sometimes, for examples of style,
it is his style only, and not his sentiments, that deserve praise. It is
indeed my opinion, that there are few writings in the English lan-
guage, which, for the matter contained in them, can be read with less
profit of fruit, than Lord Bolingbroke's works. His political writ-
ings have the merit of a very lively and eloquent style ; but they have
no other; being, as to the substance, the mere temporary productions
offaetion and party; no better, indeed, than pamphlets written for
the day. His posthumous, or as they are called, his philosophi-
cal works, wherein he attacks religion, have still less merit; for they
are as loose in the style as they are flimsy in the reasoning. An un-
happy instance, this author is, of parts and genius so miserably per-
verted by faction and passion, that, as his memory will descend
to posterity with little honour, so his productions will soon pass, and
are, indeed, already passing into neglect and oblivion.
Returning from this digression to the subject before us, I proceed
to lay down the rules to be observed in the conduct of metaphors
and which are much the same for tropes of every kind.
The first which I shall mention, is, that they be suited to the nature
of the subject of which we treat neither too many, nor too gay, nor
;

too elevated for it that we neither attempt to force the subject, by

;

means of them, into a degree of elevation which is not congruous to

it; nor, on the other hand, allow it to sink below its proper dignity.
This is a direction which belongs to all figurative language, and should
be ever kept in view. Some metaphors are allowable, nay, beautiful,
in poetry, which it would be absurd and unnatural to employ in prose
some may be graceful in orations, which would be very improper in
historical or philosophical composition. We must remember, that
figures are the dress of our sentiments. As there is a natural con-
gruity between dress, and the character or rank of the person who
wears it, a violation of which congruity never fails to hurt; the same
holds precisely as to the application of figures to sentiment. The
excessive, or unseasonable employment of them, is mere foppery in
writing. It gives a boyish air to composition and instead of raising
;

a subject, in fact, diminishes its dignity. For, as in life, true digni-

ty must be founded on character, not on dress and appearance, so
the dignity of composition must arise from sentiment and thoughl,
not from ornament. The affectation and parade of ornament, de-
tract as much from an author, as they do from a man. Figures and
metaphors, therefore, should on no occasion be stuck on too pro-
lect. xv.] METAPHOR. 1G1

fusely ; and never should be such as refuse to accord with the

strain of our sentiment. Nothing can be more unnatural, than for
a writer to carry on a train of reasoning, in the same sort of figura-
tive language, which he would use in description. When he reasons,
we look only for perspicuity; when he describes, we expect embel-
lishment; when he divides, or relates, we desire plainness and sim-
plicity. One of the greatest secrets in composition is, to know
when to be simple. This always gives a heightening to ornament,
in its proper place. The right disposition of the shade, makes the
light and colouring strike the more: 'Is enim est eloquens,' says
Cicero, 'qui et humilia subtiliter, et magna graviter, et mecliocria
temperate potest dicere. Nam qui nihil potest tranquille, nihil leni-
ter, nihil definite, distincte, potest dicere, is, cum non praeparatis au-

ribus infiammare rem coepit, furere apud sanos, et quasi inter sobri-
os bacchari temulentus videtur.'* This admonition should be par-
by young practitioners in the art of writing,
ticularly attended to
who away by an undistinguishing admiration
are apt to be carried
of what is showy and florid, whether in its place or not.t
The second rule which I give, respects the choice of objects,
from whence metaphors, and other figures, are to be drawn. The
field for figurative language is very wide. All nature, to speak in
the style of figures, opens its stores to us, and admits us to gather,
from all sensible objects, whatever can illustrate intellectual or moral
ideas. Not only the gay and splendid objects of sense, but the grave,
the terrifying, and even the gloomy and dismal, may, on different oc-
casions, be introduced into figures with propriety. But we must be-
ware of ever using such allusions as raise in the mind disagreeable,
mean, vulgar, or dirty ideas. Even when metaphors are chosen in
order to vilify and degrade any object, an author should study never
to be nauseous in his allusions. Cicero blames an orator of his time,
for terming his enemy 'Stercus Curice;' ' quamvis sit simile,' says
he, 'tamen est deformis cogitatio similitudinis.' But, in subjects of
dignity, it is an unpardonable fault to introduce mean and vulgar me-
taphors. In thetreatiseon the Art of Sinking, in Dean Swift's works,
there is a full and humorous collection of instances of this kind,

* " He is truly eloquent, who can discourse of humble subjects in a plain style, who
can treat important ones with dignity, and speak of things which are of a middle na-
ture, in a temperate strain. For one who, upon no occasion, can express himself in a
calm, orderly, distinct manner, when he begins to be on fire before his readers are pre-
pared to kindle along with him, has the appearance of raving like a madman among
persons who are in their senses, or of reeling like a drunkard in the midst of sober com-
pany."
+ What person of the least taste, can bear the following passage, in a late historian ?

He is giving an account of the famous act of parliament against irregular marriages in

England: The bill,' says he, 'underwent a great number of alterations and amendments,
<

which were not effected without violent contest.' This is plain language, suited to the
subject; and we naturally expect, that he should go on in the same strain, to tell us, that,
after these contests, it was carriedbyagreatmajority of voices, and obtained the royal as-
sent. But how does he express himself in finishing the period ? At length, however, it
'

was floated through both houses, on the tide of a great majority, and steered into the
safe harbour of royal approbation.' Nothing can be more p-ierile than such language,
Smollet's History of England, as quoted in Critical Review for Oct. 17(51, p- 251.
21
162 METAPHOR. [lect. xv.

wherein authors, instead of exalting, have contrived to degrade,

their subjects by the figures they employed. Authors of greater
note than those which are there quoted, have, at times, fallen into
this error. Archbishop Tillotson, for instance, is sometimes negli-
gent in his choice of metaphors; as, when speaking of the day of
judgment, he describes tbe world, as 'cracking about the sinners'
ears.' Shakspeare, whose imagination was rich and bold, in a much
greater degree than it was delicate, often fails here. The following,
for example, is a gross transgression; in his Henry V. having men-
tioned a dunghill, he presently raises a metaphor from the steam
of it; and on a subject too, that naturally led to much nobler ideas:
And those that leave their valiant bones in France,
Dying' like men, though buried in your dunghills,
They shall be fanvd for there the sun shall greet them,
;

And draw their honours reeking up to heaven. Act IV. Sc. 8.

In the third place, as metaphors should be drawn from objects of

some dignity, so particular care should be taken that the resemblance,
which is the foundation of the metaphor, be clear and perspicuous, not
far fetched nor difficult to discover. The transgression of this rule
makes what are called harsh or forced metaphors, which are always
displeasing, because they puzzle the reader, and, instead of illustrat-
ing the thought, render it perplexed and intricate. With metaphors of
this kind, Cowley abounds. He, and some of the writers of his age, seem
to have considered it as the perfection of wit, to hit upon likenesses
between objects which no other person could have discovered; and f

at the same time, to pursue those metaphors so far, that it requires

some ingenuity to follow them out and comprehend them. Tins
makes a metaphor resemble an senigma and is the very reverse of ;

Cicero's rule on this head: 'Verecunda debet esse translatio; ut

deducta esse in alienum locum non irruisse, atque ut voluntario non
vi venisse videatur.'* How forced and obscure, for instance, are the
following verses of Cowley, speaking of his mistress:
Wo to her stubborn heart, if once mine come
Into the self-same room,
'Twill tear and blow up all within,
Like a granado, shot into a magazine.
Then shall love keep the ashes and torn parts
Of both our broken hearts;
Shall out of both one new one make;
From hers th' alloy, from mine the metal take :

For of her heart, he from the flames will find

But little left behind;
Mine only will remain entire,
No dross was there to perish in the fire.

In Urn manner he addresses sleep:

drowsy god, I thee invoke;
In vain thou
who dost from fumes arise,
For thou,
Thou, who man's soul dost overshade,

# ** Ever\ metaphor should be modest, so that it may carry the appearance of having
r

beea led, not ofhaving forced itself into the place of that word whose room it occu
pies : that it mav seem to have come thither of its own accord, and not by con
" De
strain! Oratore, I,, iii. c 53
 J : ;

lect. xv. METAPHOR. 163

With a thick cloud by vapours made ;

Canst have no power to shut his eyes,

Whose flame's so pure that it sends up no smoke;
Yet how do tears but from some vapours rise !

Tears that be winter all my year;

The fate of Egypt I sustain,
And never feel the dew of rain,
From clouds which in the head appear;
But all my too much moisture owe
To overflowings of the heart below.*

Trite and common resemblances should indeed be avoided in oui

metaphors. To be new, and not vulgar, is a beauty. But when
they are fetched from some likeness too remote, and lying too far
out of the road of ordinary thought, then, besides their obscurity,
they have also the disadvantage of appearing laboured, and, as the
French call it, ' recherche :' whereas metaphor, like every other orna-
ment, loses its whole grace, when it does not seem natural and easy.
It is but a bad and ungraceful softening which writers sometimes
use for a harsh metaphor, when they palliate it with the expression,
as it tvere. This is but an awkward parenthesis ; and metaphors,
which need this apology of an as it were, would, generally, have
been better omitted. Metaphors, too, borrowed from any of the
sciences, especially such of them as belonged to particular profes-
sions, are almost always faulty by their obscurity.
In the fourth place, it must be carefully attended to, in the con-
duct of metaphors, never to jumble metaphorical and plain lan-
guage together; never to construct a period so, that part of it must
be understood metaphorically, part literally; which always produces
a most disagreeable confusion. Instances which are but too fre-
quent, even in good authors, will make this rule and the reason of
it, be clearly understood. In Mr. Pope's translation of the Odys-
sey, Penelope, bewailing the abrupt departure of her son Tele-
machus, is made to speak thus
Long" to my joys my dearest lord is lost,
His country's buckler, and the Grecian boast;
Now from my fond embrace by tempests torn,
Our other column of the state is borne,
Nor took a kind adieu, nor sought consent.f IV. 9t>2.

Here, in one line, her son is figured as a column; and in the

next, he returns to be a person, to whom it belongs to take
adieu, and to ask consent. This is inconsistent. The poet should
either have kept himself to the idea of man in the literal sense
or, if he figured him by a column, he should have ascribed no-
thing to him, but what belonged to it. He was not at liberty to as-

* See an excellent criticism on this sort of metaphysical

poetry, in Dr. Johnson's
Life of Cowley.
\ In the original, there is no allusion to a column, and the Metapho/ is reguiarly
supported.

"H ar^iv jutv <&o<riv efl-3-A.ov cL/nrm/uxra. Sx/jtoKiovrct

-
ri4VTo/»c otgeTMa * xiicao-^svcr iv Astvao/o-/
Eo-9-aov, tis jcxsoc tviv x«8' 'Ewctf*. kui (tea-ov 'Aeyoc'
Nov S'ttv 'srAiS'' nyx.&nifov av«g«%|.av7o &ui\\iti
'Ait\e* \% /uty*£cw, k<T 0£uh8sV7&c *kxt3.. A. 734.
 164 METAPHOR. [lect. xv.

cribe to that column the actions and properties of a man. Such un-
natural mixtures render the image indistinct: leaving it to waver,
in our conception, between the figurative and the literal sense.
Horace's rule, which he applies to characters, should be observed by
all writers who deal in figures:
-Servetur ad imum,
Qualis ab incepto processerit, et sibi constet.

Mr. Pope, elsewhere, addressing himself to the king, says,

To thee the world its present homage pays,
The harvest early, but mature the praise.
This, though not so gross, is a fault, however, of the same kind.
It is plainthat, had not the rhyme misled him to the choice of an
improper phrase, he would have said,
The harvest early, but mature the crop ;
And so would have continued the figure which he had begun.
Whereas, by dropping it unfinished, and by employing the literal
word praise, when we were expecting something that related to the
harvest, the figure is broken, and the two members of the sentence
have no proper correspondence with each other :

The harvest early, but mature the praise.

The works of Ossian abound with beautiful and correct meta-

phors; such as that on a hero: 'In peace, thou art the gale 01
spring; in war, the mountain storm.' Or this, on a woman: 'She
was covered with the light of beauty; but her heart was the house
of pride.' They afford, however, one instance of the fault we are
now censuring: Trothal went forth with the stream of his people,
'

but they met a rock: for Fingal stood unmoved; broken, they roll-
ed back from his side. Nor did they roll in safety ; the spear of the
king pursued their flight.' At the beginning, the metaphor is very
beautiful. The stream, the unmoved rock, the waves rolling back
broken, are expressions employed in the proper and consistent
language of figure; but, in the end, when we are told, 'they
did not roll in safety, because the spear of the king pursued
their flight,' the literal meaning is improperly mixed with the
metaphor: they are, at cne and the same time, presented to us
as ivaves that roll, and men that may be pursued and wounded ivith
a spear. If it be faulty to jumble together, in this manner, meta-
phorical and plain language, it is still more so,
In the fifth place, to make two different metaphors meet on one
object. This is what is called mixed metaphor, and is indeed one

of the grossest abuses of this figure; such as Shakspeare's expres-

sion,' to take arms against a sea of troubles.' This makes a most
unnatural medley, and confounds the imagination entirely. Quin-
' Id imprimis est cus-
tilianhas sufficiently guarded us against it.
todiendum, ut quo genere cceperis translationis, hoc finias. Multi
autem cum initium a tempestate sumserunt, incendio aut ruina fini-
unt; quae est inconsequentia rerum fcedissima.'* Observe, for in-
* " We must be particularly attentive to end with the same kind of metaphor with
which we have begun. Some, when they beg-in the figure with a tempest, conclude it
with a conflagration which forms a shameful inconsistency.
;
 : : : ;;

lect. xv.] METAPHOR. 165

stance,what an inconsistent group of objects is brought together by

Shakspeare, in the following passage of the Tempest; speaking of
persons recovering their judgment,after the enchantment which held
them was dissolved
-The charm dissolves apace,
And as the morning steals upon the night,
Melting the darkness, so their rising senses
Begin to chase the ignorant fumes that mantle
Their clearer reason.
So many ill sorted things are here joined, that the mind can see

nothing clearly the morning stealing upon the darkness, and at

;

the same time melting'\t\ the senses of men chasing fumes , igno-
rant fumes, and fumes that mantle. So again in Romeo and
Juliet:
-As glorious,
As is the winged messenger from heaven,
Unto the white upturned wondering eyes
Of mortals, that fall back to gaze on him,
When he bestrides the lazy pacing clouds,
And sails upon the bosom of the air.
Here the angel is represented, as at one moment, bestriding the
clouds, and sailing upon the air ; and upon the bosom of the air
too which forms such a confused picture, that it is impossible for
;

any imagination to comprehend it.

More correct writers than Shakspeare, sometimes fall into this
error of mixing metaphors. It is surprising how the following inac-
curacy should have escaped Mr. Addison, in his Letter from Italy
I bridle in my struggling muse with pain,
That longs to launch into a bolder strain*
The muse, figured as a horse, may be bridled; but when we speak
of launching, we make it a ship ; and by no force of imagination,
can it be supposed both a horse and a ship at one moment ; bridled
to hinder it from launching. The same author, in one of his num-
bers in the Spectator, says, ' There is not a single view of human
nature, which is not sufficient to extinguish the seeds of pride.' Ob-
serve the incoherence of the things here joined together, making
' a view extinguish, and extinguish seeds.'
Horace, also, is incorrect, in the following passage
Urit enim fulgore suo qui prsgravat artes
Infra se positas.

Urit (\mprsegravat. He dazzles who bears down with his weight

makes plainly an inconsistent mixture of metaphorical ideas.
Neither can this other passage be altogether vindicated
Ah quanta laboras in Charybdi,
!

Digne puer meliore flamma ?

Where a whirlpool of water, Charybdis, is said to be a flame not
good enough for this young man; meaning, that he was unfortu-
nate in the object of his passion. Flame is, indeed, become al-

* In my observation on this passage, I find that I had coincided with Dr. Johnson,
who passes a similar censure upon it, hi his life of Addison.
 !

166 METAPHOR. [lect. xv.

most a literal word for the passion of love: but as it still retains, in
some degree, its figurative power, it should never have been used
as synonymous with water, and mixed with it in the same metaphor.
When Mr. Pope (Eloisa to Abelard) says,
All thenis full, possessing and possest,

JNo craving void left aking in the breast.

A void may, metaphorically, be said to crave : but can a void be said

to ake?
A good rule has been given for examining the propriety of meta-
phors,when we doubt whether or not they be of the mixed kind ;

namely, that we should try to form a picture upon them, and consi-
der how the parts would agree, and what sort of figure the whole
would present, when delineated with a pencil. By this means, we
should become sensible, whether inconsistent circumstances were
mixed, and a monstrous image thereby produced, as in all those
faulty instances I have now been giving; or whether the object was,
all along, presented in one natural and consistent point of view.

As metaphors ought never to be mixed, so, in the sixth place, we

should avoid crowding them together on the same object. Suppos-
ing each of the metaphors to be preserved distinct, yet, if they be
heaped on one another, they produce a confusion somewhat of the
same kind with the mixed metaphor. may judge of this by theWe
following passage from Horace:
Motum ex Metello consule civicum,
Bellique causas, et vitia et ruodos,
Ludumque fortunae, gravesque
Principum amicitias, et arma
Nondum expiatis uncta cruoribus ;

Periculosaa plenum opus aleas

Tractas, et incedis per ignes
Suppositos cineri doloso.* Lib. ii. 1.

This passage, though very poetical, is, however, harsh and ob-
scure; owing to no other cause but this, that three distinct meta-
phors are crowded together, to describe the difficulty of Pollio's
writing a history of the First, ' Tractas arma uncta cru-
civil wars.
oribus nondum opus plenum periculosae aleae ;' and
expiatis:' next, '

then ' Incedis per ignes suppositos doloso cineri.'

; The mind has
difficulty in passing readily through so many different views, given it
in quick succession, of the same object.
The only other rule concerning metaphors which I shall add, in
* Of warm commotions, wrathful jars,
The growing seeds of civil wars ;

Of double fortune's cruel games,

The spacious means, the private aims,
And fatal friendships, of the guilty great,
Alas ! how fatal to the Roman state !

Of mighty legions late subdu'd,

And arms with Latian blood embru'd ;
Yet unaton'd (a labour vast
Doubtful the die, and dire the cast !)
ITou treat adventurous, and incautious tread
On fires with faithless embers overspread. Francis
 :

lect. xv.] METAPHOR. 167

the seventh place, is, that they be not too far pursued. If the re-
semblance, on which the figure is founded, be long dwelt upon, and
carried into all its minute circumstances, we make an allegory in-
stead of a metaphor; we tire the reader, who soon becomes weary
of this play of fancy and we render our discourse obscure.
; This
is called straining a metaphor. Cowley deals in this to excess; and
to this error is owing, in a great measure, that intricacy and harsh-
ness, in his figurative language, which I before remarked. Lord
Shaftesbury is sometimes guilty of pursuing his metaphors too far.
Fond, to a high degree, of every decoration of style, when once he
had hit upon a figure that pleased him, he was extremely loth to part
with it. Thus, in his advice to an author, having taken up soliloquy
or meditation, under the metaphor of a proper method of evacua-
tion for an author, he pursues this metaphor through several pages,
under all the forms 'of discharging crudities, throwing off froth and
scum, bodily operation, taking physic, curing indigestion, giving
vent to choler, bile, flatulencies, and tumours ;' till, at last, the idea
becomes nauseous. Dr. Young, also, often trespasses in the same
way. The merit, however, of this writer, in figurative language, is
great, and deserves to be remarked. No writer, ancient or modern,
had a stronger imagination than Dr. Young, or one more fertile in
figures of every kind. His metaphors are often new, and often na-
tural and beautiful. But his imagination was strong and rich,
rather than delicate and correct. Hence, in his Night Thoughts,
there prevails an obscurity, and a hardness in his style. The meta-
phors are frequently too bold, and frequently too far pursued; the
reader is dazzled, rather than enlightened ; and kept constantly
on the stretch to keep pace with the author. We
may observe, for
instance, how the following metaphor is spun out
Thy thoughts are vagabond ; all outward bound,
Midst sands,and rocks, and storms, to cruise for pleasure;
If gain'd, dear bought and better miss'd than gain'd.
:

Fancy and sense, from an infected shore,

Thy cargo brings ; and pestilence the prize ;
Then such the thirst, insatiable thirst,
By fond indulgence but inflam'd the more,
Fancy still cruises, when poor sense is tir'd.

Speaking of old age, he says, it should

Walk thoughtful on the silent, solemn shore
Of that vast ocean, it must sail so soon ;
And put good works on board 5 and wait the wind
That shortly blows us into worlds unknown.

The two first lines are uncommonly beautiful ' walk thoughtful
;

on the silent,' &c. but when he continues the metaphor, 'to putting
good worksonboard, and waitingthe wind,' it plainly becomes strain-
ed, and sinks in dignity. Of all the English authors, I know none
so happy in his metaphors as Mr. Addison. His imagination was
neither so rich nor so strong as Dr. Young's but far more chaste
;

and delicate. Perspicuity, natural grace and ease, always distinguish

his figures. They are neither harsh nor strained they never appeal
:

2B
 ;

168 ALLEGORY. [lect. xv.

to have been studied or sought after but seem to rise of their own
:

accord from the subject, and constantly embellish it.

I have now treated fully of the metaphor, and the rules that should
govern it, a part of style so important, that it required particular
illustration. I have only to add a few words concerning allegory.

An allegory may be regarded as a continued metaphor; as it is

the representation of some one thing by another that resembles it,
and that is made to stand for it. Thus, in Prior's Henry and Em-
ma, Emma, in the following allegorical manner, describes her con-
stancy to Henry :

Did but purpose to embark with thee

I
On the smooth surface of a summer's sea,
While gentle zephyrs play with prosperous gales,
And fortune's favour fills the swelling sails ;
But would forsake the ship, and make the shore,
When the winds whistle, and the tempests roar ?

We may take also from the scriptures a very fine example of an

allegory, in the 80th Psalm; where the people of Israel are repre-
sented under the image of a vine, and the figure is supported through-
out with great correctness and beauty Thou hast brought a vine
;
'

out of Egypt, thou hast cast out the heathen and planted it. Thou
preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and
it filled the land. The hills were covered with the shadow of it
and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars. She sent out
her boughs into the sea, and her branches into the river. Why hast
thou broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way
do pluck her The boar out of the wood doth waste it ; and the
!

wild beast of the field doth devour it. Return, we beseech thee,
God of Hosts, look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this
vine !' Here there is no circumstance, (except, perhaps, one phrase
at the beginning, 'thou hast cast out the heathen') that does not
strictly agree to a vine, whilst, at the same time, the whole quadrates
happily with the Jewish state represented by this figure. This is the
first and principal requisite in the conduct of an allegory, that the
figurative and the literal meaning be not mixed inconsistently toge-
ther. For instance, instead of describing the vine, as wasted by the
boar from the wood, and devoured by the wild beast of the field,
had the Psalmist said, it was afflicted by heathens, or overcome by
enemies, (which is the real meaning) this would have ruined the al-
legory, and produced the same confusion, of which I gave examples
in metaphors, when the figurative and literal sense are mixed and
jumbled together. Indeed, the same rules that were given for meta-
phors, may also be applied to allegories, on account of the affinity
they bear to each other. The only material difference between
them, besides the one being short and the other being prolonged, is,
that a metaphor always explains itself by the words that are connect-
ed with it in their proper and natural meaning as when I say
;

'Achilles was a lion;' an 'able minister is the pillar of the state.'

My lion and my pillar are sufficiently interpreted by the mention of
Achilles and the minister, which I join to them: but an allegory is,
or may be, allowed to stand more disconnected with the literal mean-
 ;

LECT. XV.] ALLEGORY. 169

ing ; the interpretation not so directly pointed out, but left to our
own reflection.
Allegories were a favourite method of delivering instructions in
ancient times for what we call fables or parables, are no other than
;

allegories where, by words and actions attributed to beasts or inani-

;

mate objects, the dispositions of men are figured and what we call ;

the moral, is the unfigured sense or meaning of the allegory. An

aenigma, or riddle, is also a species of allegory one thing represent- ;

ed or imagined by another but purposely wrapt up under so many

;

circumstances, as to be rendered obscure. Where a riddle is not

intended, it is always a fault in allegory to be too dark. The mean-
ing should be easily seen through the figure employed to shadow it.
However, the proper mixture of light and shade in such composi-
tions, the exact adjustment of
the figurative circumstances with
all

the literal sense, so as neither to lay the meaning too bare and open,
nor to cover and wrap it up too much, has ever been found an af-
fair of great nicety ; and there are few species of composition in
which it is more difficult to write so as to please and command atten-
tion, than in allegories. In some of the visions of the Spectator, we
have examples of allegories very happily executed.

Q,UESTIOtfS.
After the preliminary observations metaphor more nearly approach than
made relating to figurative language any other figure ; and what is its pecu-
in general, of what does our author liar effect ? In order to produce this ef-
come to treat? With which does he fect, what is required; and why?
begin ; and on what is it founded ? What, therefore, is necessary ? But be-
Hence, of it, what is observed 1 How fore entering on these, what does our
is this remark illustrated 7 Of the com- author propose to do ; and why ?
parison betwixt the minister and a pil- Whence, is the instance taken ? Re-
lar, what is remarked ? This, therefore, peat it. Of it, what is observed? On
is what and how does it affect the fan- this passage, what two remarks are
;

cy ? Of the mind, when thus employed, made? By what arrangement would

what is observed ? At what, therefore, the sentiment have been enfeebled ?
need we not be surprised; and what Having mentioned with applause this
remark follows ? How is this illustrated, instance from Lord Bolingbroke, what
from the words here casually employ- does our author think it incumbent on
ed ? Why is the metaphor commonly him here to notice ? Of his writings,
ranked among tropes, or figures of what is our author's opinion? What
thought? But provided the nature of it merit have his political writings ? Of
be well understood, what matters but his philosophical works, what is ob
little and to what has our author con- served ? Of what is this author an un-
;

fined it ? In what sense, however, is happy instance ? Returning from this

the word metaphor sometimes used ? digression, to what does our author pro-
From what example is this illustrated ceed? What is the first? Of this di-
and of it, what is observed ? How does rection, what is observed ? How is this
metaphor ? illustrated? What rnnstwe remember?
Aristotle, in his Poetics, use
But to tax him with what, would be What remark folknvs ? Of the exces-
unjust; and why? Now, however, sive employment of them, what is ob-
what is inaccurate ? To what does served ? What air does it give to com-
 ;

169 a QUESTIONS. [lect. XV.

position ; and how does this appear ? As rule which Horace applies to charac-
the affectation and parade of ornament ters, what is observed 1 Repeat, it ; and
detract as much from an author as they also Mr. Pope's lines addressed to the
do from a man, what follows ? What King? Of the latter, what is observed?
is most unnatural 1 For what do we re- What is said of the works of Ossian ?
spectively look, when he reasons, when What examples are given ? What do
he describes, or when he relates ? What they, however, afford and what is it ?
;

is one of the greatest secrets in compo- Of the metaphor in this passage, what
sition ? What does this give ? What is is observed ? If it be faulty to jumble
the effect of a right disposition of the together metaphorical and plain lan-
shade ? What says Cicero on this sub- guage, what, in the fifth place, is still
ject ? By whom should this admonition more so ? What is this called ; and
be attended to 1 What does the second what is said of it? What instance is
rule given, respect 2 How extensive is given ? What does this make ? What
the field of figurative language? says Quintilian on this subject ? What
What objects may be introduced into example is given from Shakspeare's
figures with propriety ? But of what Tempest and of it, what is observed ?
;

must we beware ; and even when ? In What one is given from Romeo and
what subjects is it an unpardonable Juliet ? Here, how is the angel repre-
fault to introduce mean and vulgar sented? What inaccuracy of the same
metaphors ? What do we find in the kind is given from Mr. Addison ; and
treatise on the Art of Sinking, in Dean what is observed of it ? What does the
Swift's works ? Authors of what cha- same author, in one of his numbers of
racter, have fallen into this error? the Spectator, say and of it, what is
;

What instance is given ? Of Shaks- observed ? In what passages is Horace

peare, what is here observed ? What also incorrect; and what is said of
example is given from his Henry V. ? them ? What illustration of this rule is
In the third place, about what should given from Mr. Pope ? What good rule
particular care be taken ? The trans- has been given for examining the pro-
gression of this rule, makes what ; and priety of a metaphor ? By this means,
what is said of them ? Who
abounds with of what should we become sensible ?
metaphors of this kind ? What did he, As metaphors ought never to be mixed,
and some of the writers of his age, seem so, in the sixth place, what should we
to consider the perfection of wit ? This avoid ? How may they produce a con-
makes a metaphor resemble what fusion of the same kind with the mix-
and is the reverse of what, rule? Re- ed metaphor ? By what passage from
peat the following verses from Cowley, Horace may we judge of this? To
in which he is speaking of his mis- what is the harshness and obscurity of
tress; and also his address to sleep. this passage owing ? What are they ?
What should be avoided in our meta- In what does the mind here find diffi-
phors? What is a beauty? When culty ? What is the only other rule
have metaphors the disadvantage of which is to be given concerning meta-
appearing laboured and when do phors? How shall we weary the fan-
;

they lose their whole grace? What cy, and render our discourse obscure ?
paliative do writers sometimes use for What is this called ? To what is this
a harsh metaphor and what is said of error in Cowley owing? Of Lord
;

it ? What metaphors are almost al- Shaftesbury, what is observed ? What,

ways faulty by their obscurity ? illustration is given? Of the merit of
In the fourth place, what must be Dr. Young in figurative language,
carefully attended to? What aoes a what is remarked ? Of his metaphors,
violation of this direction always pro- and of his imagination, what is ob-
duce? What will make this rule, and served? Hence, in his Night Thoughts,
the reason of it, clearly understood? what prevails? What is said of the
What is the first one given ? Here, in metaphors? In the following metaphor,
one line, her son is made to appear like what may we observe? Repeat it.
what and what does he return to be
; Speaking of old age, what does he say,
in the next ? To what should tbe poet and what is remarked of this passage ?
have kept himself? To do what was How does Mr. Addison, in metaphori-
he not at liberty; and why? Of the cal language, compare with othei
LECT. XV."] QUESTIONS. 169 b

English authors 1 How does his imagi- ANALYSIS.

nation compare with that of Dr. Young ? 1. Metaphor.
What always distinguish his figures ? a. The metaphor and the compari-
Of what has our author now treated son contrasted.
fully ; and, as a part of style, what is B. The peculiar properties of the
observed of it? How may an allegory metaphor.
be regarded ; and why 1 What exam- c. Rules for the conduct of metaphors.
ple is given from Prior? What very a. They should be suited to the
fine example of this figure may we subject.
take from scripture? Here, what is b. They should be drawn from ob-
not found ? What is the first and prin- jects of dignity.
cipal requisite in the conduct of an al- c. The resemblance should be clear
legory ? How is this illustrated ? What and perspicuous.
rules may be applied to allegories? d. Metaphorical and plain lan-
What is the only material difference guage should not be jumbled to-
between them? What illustration is gether.
given ? How does it appear that alle- e. Two metaphors should not
gories were a favourite method of de- meet on the same object.
livering instructions in ancient, times ? They should not be crowded to-
f.
What is an enigma, or riddle ? Where gether on the same object.
a riddle is not intended, what follows ? g. They should not be too far pur-
What has ever been an affair of great sued.
nicetyand what is the consequence ?
;
2. Allegory.
Where have we examples of allego- A. Its nature.
ries very happily executed ? b. Fables and fenigmas.

LECTURE XVI,

HYPERBOLE.— PERSONIFICATION.— APOSTROPHE.

The next figure concerning which am' to treat, is called hyper-
I

bole, or exaggeration. magnifying an object beyond

It consists in
its natural bounds. It may be considered sometimes as a trope,
and sometimes as a figure of thought and here, indeed, the distinc-
:

tion between these two classes begins not to be clear, nor is it of

any importance that we should have recourse to metaphysical sub-
tilties, in order to keep them distinct. Whether we call it trope or
figure, it is plain that it is a mode of speech which hath some foun-
dation in nature. For in all languages, even in common conversation,
hyperbolical expressions very frequently occur as swift as the wind : ;

as white as the snow ; and the like and our common forms of com-
:

pliment are almost all of them extravagant hyperboles. If any

thing be remarkably good or great in its kind, we are instantly ready
to add to it some exaggerating epithet ; and to make it the greatest
or best we ever saw. The imagination has always a tendency to
gratify itself, by magnifying its present object, and carrying it to
excess. More or less of this hyperbolical turn will prevail in lan-
guage, according to the liveliness of imagination among the people
who speak it. Hence, young people deal always much in hyper-
boles. Hence, the language of the orientals was far more hyperbo-
lical than that of the Europeans, who are of more phlegmatic, or, if
you please, of more correct imagination. Hence, among all wri-
170 HYPERBOLE. [mct. xvi

ters in early times, and in the rude periods of society, we may ex

pect this figure to abound. Greater experience, and more cultivat-
ed society, abate the warmth of imagination, and chasten the man-
ner of expression.
The exaggerated expressions to which our ears are accustomed
in conversation, scarcely strike us as hyperboles. In an instant we
make the proper abatement, and understand them according to
their just value. But when there is something striking and unusual
in the form of a hyperbolical expression, it then rises into a figure of
speech which draws our attention: and here it is necessary to ob-
serve, that, unless the reader's imagination be in such a state as dis-
poses it to rise and swell along with the hyperbolical expression, he
is always hurt and offended b} r it. For a sort of disagreeable force
is put upon him; he is required to strain and exert Ins fancy, when

he feels no inclination to make any such effort. Hence the hyper-

bole is a figure of difficult management; and ought neither to be
frequently used, nor long dwelt upon. On some occasions, it is un
doubtedly proper; being, as was before observed, the natural style
of a sprightly and heated imagination but when hyperboles are un-
;

seasonable, or too frequent, they render a composition frigid and

unaffecting. They are the resource of an author of feeble imagina
tion; of one, describing objects which either want native dignity in
themselves, or whose dignity he cannot show by describing them
simply, and in their just proportions, and is therefore obliged to
rest upon tumid and exaggerated expressions.
Hyperboles are of two kinds either such as are employed in des-
;

cription, or such as are suggested by the warmth of passion. The

best by far, are those which are the effect of passion: for if the
imagination has a tendency to magnify its objects beyond their na-
tural proportion, passion possesses this tendency in a vastly stronger
degree; and therefore not only excuses the most daring figures, bul
very often renders them natural and just. All passions, without ex-
ception, love, terror, amazement, indignation, anger, and even grief,
throw the mind into confusion, aggravate their objects, and of course,
prompt a hyperbolical style. Hence the following sentiments of Sa-
tan in Milton, as strongly as they are described, contain nothing
but what is natural and proper; exhibiting the picture of a mind
agitated with rage and despair.
Me, miserable! which way shall I fly
Infinite wrath, and infinite despair ?

Which way I fly is hell,myself am hell)

And in the lowest depth, a lower deep
Still threat'nin<r to devour me, opens wide,
To which the hell I suffer seems a heaven. B. iv. 1. 73.

In simple description, though hyperboles are not excluded, yet

they must be used with more caution, and require more prepara-
tion, in order to make the mind relish them. Either the object
described must be of that kind, which of itself seizes the fancy
strongly, and disposes it to run beyond bounds; something vast,
surprising, and new; or the writer's art must be exerted in heating
fancy gradually, and preparing it to think highly of the object
 ;; ;

lect. xvi.] HYPERBOLE. 171

which he intends (o exaggerate. When a poet is describing an

earthquake or a storm, or when he has brought us into the midst of
a battle, we can bear strong hyperboles without displeasure. But
when he is describing only a woman in grief, it is impossible not to
be disgusted with such wild exaggeration as the following, in one of
our dramatic poets;
1 found her on the floor
In the storm of grief, yet beautiful
all
Pouring forth tears at such a lavish rate,
That were the world on fire, they might have drown'd
The wrath of Heaven, and queneh'd the mighty ruin. Lee.
This is mere bombast. The person herself who was under the
distracting agitations of grief, might be permitted to hyperbolize
strongly; but the spectator describing her, cannot be allowed an
equal liberty ; for this plain reason, that the one is supposed to ut-
ter the sentiments of passion, the other speaks only the language of
description, which is always, according to the dictates of nature, on
a lower tone: a distinction, which, however obvious, has not been
attended to by many writers.
How far a hyperbole, supposing it properly introduced, may be
safely carried without overstretching it; what is the proper measure
and boundary of this figure, cannot, as far as I know, be ascertained
by any precise rule. Good sense and just taste must determine the
point, beyond which, if we pass, we become extravagant. Lucan
maybe pointed out as an author apt to be excessive in his hyperboles.
Among the compliments paid by the Roman poets to their Empe-
rors, it had become fashionable to ask them, what part of the hea-
vens they would choose for their habitation, after they should have
become gods ? Virgil had already carried this sufficiently far in his
address to Augustus.
Tibi brachia contrahit ingens
Scorpius, et Coelijusta plus parte relinquit. 11

But Lucan. Resolved to outdo all his predeces-

this did not suffice
sors, in a like address toNero, he very gravely beseeches him not
to choose his place near either of the poles, but to be sure to occupy
just the middle of the heavens, lest, by going either to one side or
the other, his weight should overset the universe:
Sed neque in Arctoo sedem tibi legeris orbe,
Nee polus adversi calidus qua mergitur Austri
j^theris immensi partem si presseris unam
Sentiet axis onus. Librati pondera Coeli
Orbe tene medio.f Phars. I. 53.

* 'The Scorpion, ready to receive thy laws,

Yields half his region, and contracts his paws.' Dryden,
t ' But oh! whatever be thy Godhead great,
Fix not in regions too remote thy seat
Nor deign thou near the frozen bear to shine,
Nor where the sultry southern stars decline.
Press not too much on any part the sphere,
Hard were the task thy weight divine to bear ;

Soon would the axis feel th' unusual load,

And, groaning, bend beneath th' incumbent God j
O'er the mid orb more equal shalt thou rise,
And with a juster balance fix the skies. Rowe.
 ; ;

172 PERSONIFICATION. [lect. xvi

Such thoughts as these, arc what the French call oulres, and always
proceed from a false fire of genius. The Spanish and African
writers, as Tertullian, Cyprian, Augustin, are remarked for beingfond
of them. As in that Epitaph on Charles V. by a Spanish writer:
Pro tumulo ponas orbem, pro teg-mine cceliun,
Siileiii pro facibus, pro lacrymis maria.

Sometimes they dazzle and impose by their boldness; but wherever

reason and good sense are so much violated, there can be no true
beauty. Epigrammatic writers are frequently guilty in this res-
pect ; resting the whole merit of their epigrams on some extrava-
gant hyperbolical turn; such as the following of Dr. Pitcairn's, upon
Holland's being gained from the ocean
Tellurem fecere Dii sua littora Belga;;
;

Immensreque inolis opus utrumque fuit;

Dii vacuo sparsas glomerarunt aethere terras,
Nil ibi quod operi |>ossit obesse fuit.
At Belgis maria et coeli, naturaqne renim
Obstitit; obstantcsbi domucre Deos.

So much for the hyperbole. We proceed now to those figures which

lie altogether in the thought; where the words are taken in their com-
mon and literal sense.
Among these, the first place is unquestionably due to personifi-
cation, or that figure by which we attribute life and action to inan-
imate objects. The technical term for this Prosopopoeia; but as
is

personification is of the same import, and more allied to our own

language, it will be better to use this word.
It is a figure, the use of which is very extensive, and its founda-
tion is laid deep in human nature. At first view, and when considered
abstractly, it would appear to be a figure of the utmost boldness,
and to border on the extravagant and ridiculous. For what can
seem more remote from the track of reasonable thought, than to
speak of stones and trees, and fields and rivers, as if they were
living creatures, and to attribute to them thought and sensation,
affections and actions? One might imagine this to be no more than
childish conceit, which no person of taste could relish. In fact,
however, the case is very different. No such ridiculous effect is
produced by personification, when properly employed ; on the
contrary, it is found to be natural and agreeable, nor is any very
uncommon degree of passion required, in order to make us relish
it. All poetry, even in its most gentle and humble forms, abounds
with it. From prose, it is far from being excluded; nay, in com-
mon conversation, very frequent approaches are made to it. When
we say, the ground thirsts for rain, or the earth smiles with plenty
when we speak of ambition's being restless, or a disease being deceit-
ful, such expressions show the facility with which the mind can ac-
commodate the properties of living creatures to things that are in-
animate, or to abstract conceptions of its own forming.
Indeed, it is very remarkable, that there is a wonderful proneness
in human nature to animate all objects. Whether this arises from a
sort of assimilating principle, from a propension to spread a resem-
lect. xvi.] PERSONIFICATION. 173

blance of ourselves over all other things, or from whatever other

cause it arises, so it is, that almost every emotion, which in the
least agitates the mind, bestows upon its object a momentary idea
of life. Let a man by an unwary step, sprain his ankle, or hurt his
foot upon a stone, and in the ruffled, discomposed moment, he will
sometimes feel himself disposed to break the stone in pieces, or
to utter passionate expressions against it, as if it had done him an
injury. If one has been long accustomed to a certain set of objects
which have made a strong impression on his imagination ; as to a
house where he has passed many agreeable years or to fields, and
;

trees, and mountains, among which he has often walked with the
greatest delight when he is obliged to part with them, especially
;

if he has no prospect of ever seeing them again, he can scarce avoid

having somewhat of the same feeling as when he is leaving old
friends. They seem endowed with life. They become objects of
his affection and in the moment of his parting, it scarcely seems
;

absurd to him, to give vent to his feeling in words, and to take a

formal adieu.
So strong is that impression of life, which is made upon us by
the more magnificent and striking objects of nature especially, that
I doubt not, in the least, of this having been one cause of the multi-
plication of divinities in the heathen world. The belief of Dryads
and Naiads, the genius of the wood, and the god of the river, among
men of lively imaginations, in the early ages of the world, easily arose
from this turn of mind. When their favourite rural objects had
often been animated in their fancy, it was an easy transition to at-
tribute to them some real divinity, some unseen power or genius
which inhabited them, or in some peculiar manner belonged to
them. Imagination was highly gratified, by thus gaining some-
what upon with more stability ; and when belief coincided
to rest
so much with imagination, very slight causes would be sufficient
to establish it.

From this deduction, may be easily seen how it comes to pass,

that personification makes so great a figure in all compositions,
where imagination or passion have any concern. On innumerable
occasions, the very language of imagination and passion, and
it is

therefore, deserves to be attended to, and examined with peculiar

care. There are three different degrees of this figure which it is;

necessary to remark and distinguish, in order to determine the pro-

priety of its use. The first is, when some of the properties or
qualities of living creatures are ascribed to inanimate objects the ;

second, when those inanimate objects are introduced as acting like

such as have life ; and the third, when they are represented either
as speaking to us, or as listening to what we say to them.
The first and lowest degree of this figure, consists in ascribing
to inanimate objects some of the qualities of living creatures. Where
this is done, as is most commonly the case, in a word or two, and
by way of an epithet added to the object, as, "a raging storm, a
deceitful disease, a cruel disaster," &c. it raises the style so little,
that the humblest discourse will admit it without any force. This,
2C
 174 PERSONIFICATION. £lect. xvi.

indeed, is such an obscure degree of personification, that one may

doubt whether it deserves the name, and might not be classed with
simple metaphors, which escape in a manner unnoticed. Happily
employed, however, it sometimes adds beauty and sprightliness to
an expression; as in this line of Virgil;
Aut conjurato desceudens Dacus ab Istro. Geor. II. 474.

Where the personal epithet, conjurato, applied to the river Istro, is in-
finitely more poetical than if it had been applied to the person, thus :

Aut conjuratus descendens Dacus ab Istro.

A very little taste will make any one feel the difference between
these two lines.
The next degree of this figure is, when we introduce inanimate
objects acting like those that have life. Here we rise a step high-
er, and the personification becomes sensible. According to the
nature of the action, which we attribute to those inanimate objects,
and the particularity with which we describe it, such is the strength
of the figure. When pursued to any length, it belongs only to
studied harangues, to highly figured and eloquent discourse when ;

slightly touched, it may be admitted into subjects of less elevation.

Cicero, for instance, speaking of the cases where killing another is
lawful in self-defence, uses the following words Aliquando nobis
:
'

gladius ad occidendum hominem ad ipsis porrigitur legibus.' (Orat*

pro Milone.) The expression is happy. The laws are personified,,
as reaching forth their hand to give us a sword for putting one to
death. Such short personifications as these may be admitted ever.'
into moral treatises, or works of cool reasoning; and provided they
be easy and not strained, and that we be not cloyed with too fre-
quent returns of them, they have a good effect on style, and render
it both strong and lively.

The genius of our language gives us an advantage in the use of

this figure. As, with us, no substantive nouns have gender, or are
masculine and feminine, except the proper names of male and fe-
male creatures by giving a gender to any inanimate object, or ab-
;

stract idea, that is, in place of the pronoun it, using the personal
pronouns, he or she, we presently raise the style, and begin personi-
fication. In solemn discourse, this may often be done to good pur-
pose, when speaking of religion, or virtue, or our country, or any
such object of dignity. I shall give a remarkably fine example,
from a sermon of Bishop Sherlock's, where we shall see natural re-
ligion beautifully personified, and be able to judge from it, of the
spirit and grace which this figure, when well conducted, bestows on
a discourse. I must take notice, at the same time, that it is an in-
stance of this figure, carried as far as prose, even in its highest ele-
vation, will admit, and therefore suited only to compositions where
the great efforts of eloquence are allowed. The author is compar-
ing together our Saviour and Mahomet; ' Go,' says he, ' to your na-
tural religion lay before her Mahomet, and his disciples, arrayed
:

in armour and blood, riding in triumph over the spoils of thousands

who fell bv his victorious sword. Show her the cities which he set
 — : ;

lect. xvi.] PERSONIFICATION. 175

in flames, the countries which he ravaged and destroyed, and the

miserable distress of all the inhabitants of the earth. When she has
viewed him in this scene, carry her into his retirement; show her the
prophet's chamber; his concubines and his wives and let her hear ;

him allege revelation, and a divine commission, to justify his adulte-

ry and lust. When she is tired with this prospect, then show her the
blessed Jesus, humble and meek, doing good to all tbe sons of men.
Let her see him in his most retired privacies let her follow him to :

the mount,and hear his devotions and supplications to God. Carry

her to his table, to view his poor fare, and hear his heavenly discourse.
Let her attend him to the tribunal, and consider the patience with
which he endured the scoffs and reproaches of his enemies. Lead
her to his cross let her view him in the agony of death, and hear
;

his last prayer for his persecutors Fat her,forgive them, for they know
;

not what they do ! When natural religion has thus viewed both, ask
her which is the Prophet of God ? But her answer we have already
had, when she saw part of this scene, through the eyes of the cen-
turion, who attended at the cross. By him she spoke, and said,
Truly, this man was the Son of God.''* This is more than elegant
it is truly sublime. The whole passage is animated and the figure ;

rises at the conclusion, when natural religion, who, before, was only
a spectator, is introduced as speaking by the centurion's voice. It
has the better effect too, that it occurs at the conclusion of a dis-
course, where we naturally look most warmth and dignity. Did
for
Bishop Sherlock's sermons, any English sermons what-
or, indeed,
ever, afford us many passages equal to this, we should oftener have re-
course to them for instances of the beauty of composition.
Hitherto we have spoken of prose in poetry, personifications of
;

this kind are extremely frequent, and are, indeed, the life and soul
of it. We expect to find every thing animated in the descriptions of
a poet who has a lively fancy. Accordingly, Homer, the father and
prince of poets, is remarkable for the use of this figure. War,
peace, darts, spears, towns, rivers, everything, in short, is alive in his
writings. The same is the case with Milton and Shakspeare. No
personification, in any author, is more striking, or introduced on a
more proper occasion, than the following of Milton's, on occasion of
Eve's eating the forbidden fruit
So saying, her rash hand, hour
in evil
Forth reaching to the fruit, she pluck'd, she ate ;
Earth felt the wound and nature from her seat
;

Sighing, through all her works, gave signs of wo

That all was lost. ix. 780.

All the circumstances and ages of men, poverty, riches, youth, old
age, all the dispositions and passions, melancholy, love, grief, con-
tentment, are capable of being personified in poetry, with great pro-
priety. Of this we meet with frequent examples in Milton's Allegro
and Penseroso, Parnell's Hymn to Contentment, Thomson' s Seasons,
and all the good poets: nor, indeed, is it easy to set any bounds to
personifications of this kind, in poetry.

* Bishop Sherlock's Sermons, Vol T Bisc ix

 176 PERSONIFICATION. [lect. xvi.

One of the greatest pleasures we receive from poetry, is, to find

ourselves always in the midst of our fellows ; and to see every thing
thinking, feeling, and acting as we ourselves do. This is, perhaps,
the principal charm of this sort of figured style, that it introduces
us into society with all nature, and interests us, even in inanimate
objects,by forming a connexion between them and us, through that
sensibilitywhich it ascribes to them. This is exemplified in the fol-
lowing beautiful passage of Thomson's Summer, wherein the life
which he bestows upon all nature, when describing the effects
of the rising sun, renders the scenery uncommonly gay and interest-
ing:
But yonder comes the powerful king of day-
Rejoicing in the east. The lessening cloud,
The kindling azure, and the mountain's brow,
Tipt with scthereal gold, his near approach
Betoken glad. •

By thee refin'd,
In brisker measures, the relucent stream
Frisks o'er the mead. The precipice abrupt,
Projecting horror on the blacken'd flood,
Softens at thy return. The desert joys,
Wildly, through all his melancholy bounds,
Rude ruins glitter and the briny deep,
:

Seen from some pointed promontory's top

Reflects from every fluctuating wave,
A glance extensive as the day
The same effect is remarkable in that fine passage of Milton :

To the nuptial bower

.

I led her, blushing like the morn. All heaven

And happy constellations, on that hour,
Shed their selectest influence. The earth
Gave signs of gratulations, and each hill.
Joyous the birds ; fresh gales and gentle airs
Whispered it to the woods, and from their wings
Flung rose, flung odour from the spicy shrub,
Disporting.

The third and highest degree of this figure remains to be mention-

ed, when inanimate objects are introduced, not only as feeling and
acting, but as speaking to us, or hearing and listening when we ad-
dress ourselves to them. This, though on several occasions far from
being unnatural, is, however, more difficult in the execution, than the
other kinds of personification. For this is plainly the boldest of all
rhetorical figures it is the style of strong passion only
; and, there-
;

fore, never to be attempted, unless when the mind is considerably

heated and agitated. A slight personification of some inanimate
thing, acting as if it had life, can be relished by the mind, in the
midst of cool description, and when its ideas are going on in the or-
dinary train. But it must be in a state of violent emotion, and have
departed considerably from its common track of thought, before it
can so far realize the personification of an insensible object, as to
conceive it listening to what we say, or making any return to us. All
strong passions, however, have a tendency to use this figure, not on-
ly love, anger, and indignation, but even those which are seemingly
more dispiriting, such as, grief, remorse, and melancholy. For all
 ;

lect. xvi.] PERSONIFICATION. 177

passions struggle for vent, and if they can find no other object, will,
rather than be silent, pour themselves forth to woods, and rocks, and
the most insensible things; especially if these be in any degree con-
nected with the causes and objects that have thrown the mind into
this agitation. Hence, in poetry, where the greatest liberty is allow-
ed to the language of passion, it is easy to produce many beautiful
examples of this figure. Milton affords us an extremely fine one,
in that moving and tender address which Eve makes to Paradise,
just before she is compelled to leave it.

Oh unexpected
! stroke, worse than of death !

Must thus leave thee, Paradise thus leave

I !

Thee, native soil, these happy walks, and shades,

Fit haunt of gods where I had hope to spend
!

Quiet, though sad, the respite of that day,

Which must be mortal to us both. O flower? !

That never will in other climate grow,

My early visitation and my last
At which I bred up with tender hand,
ev'n,
From your first op'ning buds, and gave you names !

Who now shall rear you to the sun, or rank

Your tribes, and water from th' ambrosial fount ? Book II. 1. 268.

This is altogether the language of nature, and of female passion.

It is observable, that all plaintive passions are peculiarly
prone to the
use of this figure. The complaints which Philoctetes, in Sopho-
cles, pours out to the rocks and caves of Lemnos, amidst the excess
of his grief and despair, are remarkably fine examples of it* And
there are frequent examples, not in poetry only, but in real life, of
persons when just about to suffer death, taking a passionate fare-
well of the sun, moon, and stars, or other sensible objects around
them.
There are two great rules for the management of this sort of per-
sonification. The never to attempt it, unless when
first rule is,

prompted by strong passion, and never to continue it when the passion

begins to flag. It is one of those high ornaments, which can only
find place in the most warm and spirited parts of composition; and
there, too, must be employed with moderation.
The second rule is, never to personify any object in this way,
but such as has some dignity in itself, and can make a proper
figure in this elevation to which we raise it. The observance of
this rule is required, even in the lower degrees of personification
but still more, when an address is made to the personified object.
To address the corpse of a deceased friend, is natural but to address :

the clothes which he wore, introduces mean and degrading ideas. So

©xga>V o^tttev, a> itdt.raj>pa>yis t&trpat

Tm/v to.S'- & ya.g a.K\ov oiS" otui Xiyai'
' Arx&XettofteU tartt^xn toic uaBoTiv, &.C.
' mountains, rivers, rocks, and savage herds,
' To you I speak to you alone I now
!

' Must breathe my sorrows you are wont to hear

!

'
My sad complnints, and I will tell you all
1
That I have suffered from Achilles' son !'
Franklijj
23
 178 PERSONIFICATION. [lect. xvi.

also, addressing the several parts of one's body, as if they were

animated, is not congruous to the dignity of passion. For this rea-
son, I must condemn the following passage, in a very beautiful poem
of Mr. Pope's, Eloisa to Abelard.
Dear fatal name rest ever unreveal'd,
!

Nor pass these lips in holy silence seal'd.

Hide it, my heart, within that close disguise,
Where, mix'd with God's, his lov'd idea lies ;

Oh write it not, my hand

! —
his name appears
!

Already written : —
Blot it out, my tears!

Here are several different objects and parts of the body personi-
fied ;and each of them is addressed or spoken to; let us con-
sider with what propriety. The first is the name of Abelard Dear : <

fatal name rest ever,' &c.

! To this no reasonable objection can be
made; for, as the name of a person often stands for the person
himself, and suggests the same ideas, it can bear this personification
with sufficient dignity. Next, Eloisa speaks to herself, and personi-
fies her heart for this purpose Hide it, my heart, within that
:
'

close,' &c. As the heart is a dignified part of the human frame, and
is often put for the mind, or affections, this also may pass without

blame. But, when from her heart she passes to her hand, and tells her
hand not to write his name, this is forced and unnatural a personi- ;

fied hand is low, and not in the style of true passion and the figure
;

becomes still worse, when, in the last place, she exhorts her tears
to blot out what her hand had written; 'Oh! write it not,' &c.
There is, in these two lines, an air of epigrammatic conceit, which
native passion never suggests; and which is altogether unsuitable to
the tenderness which breathes through the rest of that excellent
poem.
In prose compositions, this figure requires to be used with still
greater moderation and delicacy. The same liberty is not allowed
to the imagination there, as in poetry. The same assistances cannot
be obtained for raising passion to its proper height by the force of
numbers, and the glow of style. However, addresses to inanimate
objects are not excluded from prose; but have their place only in
the higher species of oratory. A public speaker may, on some oc-
casions, very properly address religion or virtue; or his native
country, or some city or province, which has suffered perhaps great
calamities, or been the scene of some memorable action. But we
must remember, that as such addresses are among the highest efforts
of eloquence, they should never be attempted, unless by persons of
more than ordinary genius. For if the orator fails in his design of
moving our passions by them, he is sure of being laughed at. Of
all frigid things, the most frigid are the awkward and unseasonable

attempts sometimes made towards such kinds of personification, es-

pecially if they be long continued. We
see the writer or speaker
toiling and labouring to express the language of some passion,
which he neither feels himself, nor can make us feel. remain We
not only cold, but frozen and are at full leisure to criticise on the
;

ridiculous figure which the personified object makes, when we ought

to have been transported with a glow of enthusiasm. Some of the
 :

lect. xvi.] aFOSTROPHE. 179

French writers, particularly Bossuet and Flechier, in their sermons

and funeral orations, have attempted and executed this figure, not
without warmth and dignity. Their works are exceedingly worthy of
being consul ted, for instances of this, and of several other ornaments of
style. Indeed,the vivacity and ardour of the French genius is more
suited to this bold species of oratory, than the more correct, but
less animated genius of the British, who, in their prose works,
very rarely attempt any of the high figures of eloquence.* So
much for personification or prosopopoeia, in all its different forms.
Apostrophe is a figure so much of the same kind, that it will not
require many words. It is an address to a real person, but one who
is either absent or dead, as if he were present, and listening to us.

It is so much allied to an address to inanimate objects personified,

that both these figures are sometimes called apostrophes. However,
the proper apostrophe is in boldness one degree lower than the ad-
dress to personified objects for it certainly requires a less effort of
;

imagination to suppose persons present who are dead or absent, than

toanimate insensible beings, and direct our discourse to them. Both
same rule of being prompted by passion, in
figures are subject to the
order to render them natural for both are the language of passion or
;

strong emotions only. Among the poets, apostrophe is frequent as

in Virgil
-Pereunt Hypenisque Dymasque
Confixi a sociis; nee te, tua plurima, Pantheu

* In the ' Oraisons Funebres de M. Bossuet,' which I consider as one of the master-
pieces of modern eloquence, apostrophes and addresses to personified objects frequent-
ly occur, and are supported with much spirit. Thus, for instance, in the funeral ora-
tion of Mary of Austria, Queen of France, the author addresses Algiers, in the prospect
of the advantage which the arms of Louis XIV. were to gain over it: 'Avant lui la
France, presque sans vaisseaux, tenoit en vain aux deux mers. Maintenant, on les
voit couvertes, depuis le levant jusqu'au couchant, de nos flottes victorieuses ; et la
hardiesse Francoise porte partout la terreur avec le nom de Louis. Tu cederas, tu tom-
bcras sous le vainqueur, Alger! riche des depouilles de la Chretiente. Tu disois en
ton cceur avare, je tiens la mer sous ma loi, et les nations sont ma proie. La legurete
de tes vaisseaux te donnoit de la confiance. Mais tu te verras attaque dans tes murailles,
comme un oisseau ravissant, qu'on iroit chercher parmi scs rochers, et dans son nid,
ou il partage son butin a ses petits. Tu rends deja tes esclaves. Louis abrise les fers
dont tu accablois ses sujets, he' In another passage of the same oration, he thus apos-
trophizes the Isle of Pheasants, which had been rendered famous by being the scene of
those confex ences, in which the treaty of the Pyrenees between France and Spain, and
-

the marriage of this princess with the king of France, were concluded. ' Isle paci-
fique ou se doivent terminer les differends de deux grands empires a qui tu sers delimites
isle eternellement memorable paries conferences de deux grands ministres. Auguste
journee oudeuxfieres nations, long tems ennemis,et alors rexoncilies par Marie Therese,
s'avaucent sur leurs con6ns, leurs rois a leur tete, non plus pour se combattre, mais
pour s'embrasser. Fetes sacrees, marriage fortune, voile nuptial, benediction, sa-
crifice, puis je meler aujourdhui vos c6remonies, et vos pompes avec ces pompes
funebres, et le comble des grandeurs avec leurs mines !' In the funeral oration of
Henrietta, Queen of England, (which is perhaps the noblest of all his compositions)
after recounting all she had done to support her unfortunate husband, he concludes
with this beautiful apostrophe: 'O mere! O femme O reine admirable, et digne
!

d'une meilleure fortune, si les fortunes de la terre etoient quelque chose ! Enfin
il faut ceder a votre sort. Vous avez assez soutenu l'etat qui est attaque, par une force
Invincible et divine. 11 ne reste plus desormais, si non que vous teniez ferme parmi
ses mines.
ISO APOSTROPHE. [lect. xvi.

Labentem pietas, liec Apollinis insula texit !*

The poems of Ossian are full of the most beautiful instances of

this figure: 'Weep on the rocks of roaring winds, maid of Inis-
tore Bend thy fair head over the waves, thou fairer than the ghosts
!

of the hills, when it moves in a sunbeam at noon over the silence of

Morven He is fallen Thy youth is low pale beneath the sword of
! !
;

Cuchul!in!'t Quintilian affords us a very fine example in prose;

when in the beginning of his sixth book, deploring the untimely
death of his son, which had happened during the course of the
work, he makes a very moving and tender apostrophe to him. ' Nam
quo ille animo, qua medicorum admiratione, mensium octo valetu-
dinem tulit? ut me in supremis consolatus est? quam etiam jam
deficiens, jamque non noster, ipsum ilium alienatre mentis errorem
circa solas literas habuit? Tuosne ergo, meae spes inanes laben- !

tes oculos, tuum fugientem spiritum vidi ? Tuum corpus frigidum,

exangue complexus, animam recipere, auramque communem hau-
rire amplius potui ? Tone, consulari nuper adoptione ad omnium
spes honorum patris admotum, te, avunculo praetori generum desti-
natum; te, omnium spe Atticae eloquentiae candidatum, parens su-
perstes tantum ad poenas amisi !'J In this passage Quintilian shows
the true genius of an orator, as much as he does elsewhere that of
the critic.
For such bold figures of discourse as strong personifications, ad-
dresses to personified objects, and apostrophes, the glowing imagina-
tion of the ancient oriental nations was particularly fitted. Hence,
inthesacred scriptures, we find some very remarkable instances: '0
thou sword of the Lord how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put
!

thyself up into thy scabbard, rest and be still How can it be quiet, !

seeing the Lord hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against
the sea-shore? there he hath appointed it.'|| There is one passage
in particular, which I must not omit to mention, because it contains
a greater assemblage of sublime ideas, of bold and daring figures,
than is perhaps any where to be met with. It is in th.3 fourteenth
chapter of Isaiah, where the prophet thus describes the fall of the
Assyrian empire 'Thou shalt take up this proverb against the king
:

of Babylon, and say, how hath the oppressor ceased the golden !

* Nor Panthcus thee, thy mitre, nor the bands

!

Of awful Phoebus, sav'd from impious hands. Drvden.

t Fingal, B. I.

t With what spirit,

' and how much
admiration of the physicians, did he bear
to the
throughout eight months his lingering distress? With what tender attention did he
study, even in the last extremity, to comfort me ? And when no longer himself, how
affecting was it to behold the disordered efforts of his wandering mind, wholly employ
ed on subjects of literature? Ah my frustrated and fallen hopes Have 1 thei. -eheld
! !

your closing eyes, and heard the last groan issue from your lips ? After naving
embraced your cold and breathless body, how was it in my power to draw the vital
air or continue to drag a miserable life ? When I had just beheld you raised by con-
sular adoption to the prospect of all your father's honours, destined to be son-in-law to
your uncle the Praetor, pointed out by general expectation as the successful candidate
for the prize of Attic eloquence, in this moment of your opening honours must I
suffer wo !'
lose you for ever, and remain an unhappy parent, surviving only to
II Jev xlvii. 6, 7.
 ;

LECT. XVI.] APOSTROPHE. 181

city ceased ! The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the
sceptre of the rulers. He who smote the people in wrath with a
continual stroke he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted,
;

and none hindereth. The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet they :

break forth into singing. Yea, the fir-trees rejoice at thee, and the
cedars of Lebanon, saying, since thou art laid down, no feller is come
up against us. Hell from beneath is moved for thee, to meet thee
at thy coming it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief
:

ones of the earth it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings
:

of the nations. All they shall speak, and say unto thee, art thou
also become weak as we 1 art thou become like unto us 1 Thy pomp
is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols the worm ;

is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. How art thou
fallen from Heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning how art thou !

cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations For thou !

hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into Heaven, I will exalt my
throne above the stars of God I will sit also upon the mount of
:

the congregation, in the sides of the north. I will ascend above the
heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High. Yet thou shalt
be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee
shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, is this the
man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms'?
That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities
thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? All the kings
of the nations, even all of them lie in glory, every one in his own
house. But thou art cast out of thy grave, like an abominable
branch and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through
:

with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit, as a carcass

trodden under feet.' This whole passage is full of sublimity. Every
object is animated a variety of personages are introduced we hear
; ;

the Jews, the fir-trees, and cedars of Lebanon, the ghosts of depart-
ed kings, the king of Babylon himself, and those who look upon his
body, all speaking in their order, and acting their different parts,
without confusion.

aUESTIOXS.
What isthe next figure of which ence, and more cultivated society?
our author to treat called
is and in What scarcely strike us as hyperboles
;

what does it consist? How may it be and why? When does it rise into a

considered and what remark follows ? figure of speech which draws our at-
;

Whether we call it trope or figure, tention ? What is it necessary here to

what is plain and why ? How is this observe and why? Hence, what fol-
; ;

illustrated? In what manner has the lows? Why

is it on some occasions
imagination a tendency to gratify it- proper ? When they are unseasonable,
self? According to what will more or what is their effect? Of what authors
less of this hyperbolical turn prevail? are they the resource ? Of what two
Hence, what consequences follow ? kinds are hyperboles? Which are the
What is the effect of greater experi- best; and why? Of all the passions,
2D
 ;;

181 a QUESTIONS. [lect. XVI.

what is observed ? Hence, of the fol- easily be seen ? On innumerable occa-

lowing sentiments of Satan, in Milton, sions, what is it; and therefore, what
what observed ? Repeat the passage.
is does it deserve ? How many degrees
In simple description how must hyper- of this figure are there; and why is it
boles be used what do they require
; necessary to distinguish them ? Repeat
and why ? When can we bear strong them. WTiere the lowest degree of this
hyperboles without displeasure ? But, figure is used, in what is it most com-
when is it impossible not to be disgust- monly done; what examples are given;
ed % What example is given and of ; and what is its effect ? Of this degree
it what is observed ? Who might, and of personification, what is observed?
who might not be permitted to hyper- When happily, however, what is its
bolize thus strongly; and for what effect? What example is given; and
reason? WTiat cannot be ascertained what is said of it ? What is the next
by any precise rule ? What must de- degree of this figure and what is said ;

termine the point ; and what follows ? of it? According; to what, is the strength
Of Lucan, what is observed'? Among of this figure ? hen pursued to any W
the compliments paid by the Roman length, to what only does it belong ;

poets to their Emperors, be- and when slightly touched, into what
what had
come common? What illustration of may it be admitted ? To illustrate this
this remark have we from Virgil ? Re- remark, what instance is given from
solved to outdo all his predecessors, Cicero? Where may such short per-
what does Lucan very gravely request sonifications be admitted ; and under
of Nero % Repeat the passage. What what circumstances do they have a
do the French call such thoughts and ; good effect upon style ?
from what do they always proceed ? Why does the genius of our language
What, writers are remarkable for being give us an advantage in the use of this
fond of them and what is sometimes
; figure? In what discourse may this
their effect? On what do epigrammatic often be done to good purpose? To illus-
writers frequently rest the whole merit trate this remark, what example is

of their epigrams? What example is given, and what do we see in it ? At

given? To what figures do we now the same time, what must be noticed ?
proceed ? Among these, to what is the Whom is the author comparing toge-

first place due ? Why

is personification ther ? Repeat the passage. Of it, what
used instead of prosopopoeia ? Of the is observed ? What circumstance, also,

use of this figure, what is observed contributes to its effect ? Did any Eng-
and where is its foundation laid? At lish sermons afford us many passages
first view, and when considered ab- equal to this, what would be the conse-
stractly, how would it appear ; and quence? Where are personifications of
why ? What might one imagine this to this kind extremely frequent and ;

be ; on the contrary, what is re-

but, what are they ? In the descriptions of
marked of it ? What abounds with it a poet who has a lively fancy, what do
and from what is it far from being ex- we expect; accordingly, what follows?
cluded? What instances of its use in com- What are alive in his writings; and
mon conversation are mentioned, and with whom is the case the same?
what do such expressions show? Indeed, What is said of Milton's personification
what is very rema rkable ? What remark of Eve's eating the forbidden fruit?
follows? How is this remark illustrated? Repeat the passage. What are capa-
What further illustrations are given ? ble of being personified in poetry, with
With what do they seem endowed of ; great propriety? Of this, where do we
what do they become objects and in ; meet with frequent examples ? What
the moment of parting, what scarcely is one of the greatest pleasures we
seems absurd ? Of what is it probable, receive from poetry ? What is perhaps
that this strong impression of life was the principal charm of this kind of figu-
one cause ? In the early ages of the rative style ? Where is this exempli-
world, what easily arose from this turn fied ? Repeat the passage. In what
of mind ? How is this illustrated ? By passage of Milton, is the same effect
thus gaining what, was the imagina- remarkable ? What is the third and
tion highly gratified; and what follow- highest deojee of this figure? Of this,
ed 2 From this deduction, what may what is observed and why ? When ;
 ;

LECT. XVII.] QUESTIONS. iSl b

can a slight personification of some in- what are frequent and what example ;

animate thing, be relished % But, what is given ? Of the poems of Ossian, what
follows? What, however, have a ten- is observed; and what example is given?
dency to use this figure; what exam- Under what circumstances does Quin-
ples are given and why ? Hence, tilian make a very moving apostrophe?
;

what follows ? In what does Milton Repeat the passage; and in it, what
afford an extremely fine example of does he show? For such bold figures
this ? Repeat the passage ; and of it of discourse as strong personification,
what is observed'? What is here ob- what was particularly fitted ? Hence,
servable? What affords a very fine ex- where do we find some very remarka-
ample? Repeat it. Of what are there ble instances? Repeat the following
frequent examples in real fife ? Of the passage ? Why must our author not
two great rules for the management of omit to mention the passage in the four-
this figure, what is the first; and why? teenth chapter of Isaiah? Repeat it.
What is the second ? Where is the ob- Of what is this whole passage full
servation of this rule required ? How and what further remarks are made
is this illustrated ? For this reason, upon it ?
what passage does our author con-
demn ? What remarks are made upon
it ? Howdoes this figure require to be ANALYSIS.
used in prose composition? What there 1. Hyperbole.
is not allowed; and what cannot be a. Hyperboles employed in descrip-
ascertained? However, what follows; tion.
and how is this illustrated ? But what B. Hyperboles suggested by the
must we remember and why ? Of all ; warmth of passion.
frigid things, what are the most frigid ? Figures of thought.
In what situation do we see the writer or 2. Personification.
speaker and in what situation do we
; a. Living properties ascribed to in-
find ourselves ? How have some of the animate objects.
French writers executed this figure? B. Inanimate objects acting like those
For what are their works exceedingly that have life.
Avorthy of being consulted and for ; c. Inanimate objects introduced as
what reason ? Of the apostrophe, what speaking to us.
is observed ? What is it? To what is it a. To be employed only when
much However, what is the
allied? prompted by strong passion.
proper apostrophe and why 1 To what
; b. Objects of dignity only should
rule are both figures subject? What be personified.
example is given ? Among the poets, 3. Apostrophe.

LECTURE XVII.

COMPARISON, ANTITHESIS, INTERROGATION,

EXCLAMATION, AND OTHER FIGURES
OF SPEECH.
We are still engaged in the consideration of figures of speech ;
which, as they add much to the beauty of style when properly em-
ployed, and are, at the same time, liable to be greatly abused, require
a careful discussion. As it would be tedious to dwell on all the va-
riety of figurative expressions which rhetoricians have enumerated, I
choose to select the capital figures, such as occur most frequently, and
182 COMPARISON. [lect. xvii.

and make my remarks on these; the principles and rules laid down
concerning them, will sufficiently direct us to the use of the rest,
either in prose or poetry. Of metaphor, which is the most common of
them all, I treated fully, and in the last lecture I discoursed of hy
perbole, personification, and apostrophe. This lecture will nearly
finish what remains on the head of figures.
Comparison, or simile, is what I am to treat of first; a figure fre-
quently employed both by poets and prose writers, for the ornament
of composition. In a former lecture, I explained fully the difference
betwixt this and metaphor. A metaphor is a comparison, implied,
but not expressed as such as when I say, ' Achilles is a lion,' mean-
;

ing, that he resembles one in courage or strength. A compa-

rison is, when the resemblance between two objects is expressed in
form, and generally pursued more fully than the nature of a meta-
phor admits as when I say, ' the actions of princes are like those
;

great rivers, the course of which every one beholds, but their springs
have been seen by few.' This slight instance will show, that a happy
comparison is a kind of sparkling ornament, which adds not a little
lustre and beauty to discourse ;and hence such figures are termed
by Cicero, * Orationis luminal
The pleasure we take in comparisons is just and natural. We may
remark three different sources whence it arises. First, from the
pleasure which nature has annexed to that act of the mind by which
we compare any two objects together, trace resemblances among
those that are different, and differences among those that resemble
each other a pleasure, the final cause of which is, to prompt us to
;

remark and observe, and thereby to make us advance in useful know-

ledge. This operation of the mind is naturally and universally
agreeable as appears from the delight which even children have in
;

comparing things together, as soon as they are capable of attending

to the objects that surround them. Secondly, the pleasure of
comparison arises from the illustration which the simile employed
gives to the principal object; from the clearer view of it which it
presents or the more strong impression of it which it stamps upon
;

the mind and, thirdly, it arises from the introduction of a new,

:

and commonly a splendid object, associated to the principal one of

which we treat; and from the agreeable picture which that object
presents to the fancy new scenes being thereby brought into vie\v,
;

which, without the assistance of this figure, we could not have en-
joyed.
All comparisons whatever may be reduced under two heads, ex-
plaining and embellishing comparisons. For when a writer likens
the object of which he treats to any other thing, it always is, or at
least always should be, with a view either to make us understand that
object more distinctly, or to dress it up and adorn it. All manner
of subjects admit of explaining comparisons. Let an author be rea-
soning ever so strictly, or treating the most abstruse point in philo-
sophy, he may very properly introduce a comparison, merely with a
view to make his subject better understood. Of this nature, is the
following in Mr. Harris's Hermes, employed to explain a very ab
lect. xvii.] COMPARISON. 183

stract point, the distinction between the powers of sense and imagi-
nation in the human mind. 'As wax,' says he, 'would not be ade-
quate to the purpose of signature, if it had not the power to retain
as well as to receive the impression ; the same holds of the soul,
with respect to sense and imagination. Sense is its receptive pow-
er; imagination its retentive. Had it sense without imagination, it
would not be as wax, but as water, where,though all impressions be
instantly made, yet as soon as they are made, they are instantly lost.'
In comparisons of this nature, the understanding is concerned much
more than the fancy; and therefore the only rules to be observed,
with respect to them, are, that they be clear and that they be useful ;
that they tend to render our conception of the principal object more
distinct; and that they do not lead our view aside, and bewilder it
with any false light.
But embellishing comparisons, introduced not so much with a
view to inform and instruct, as to adorn the subject of which we
treat, are those with which we are chiefly concerned at present, as
figures of speech ; and those, indeed, which most frequently oc-
cur. Resemblance, as I before mentioned, is the foundation of
this figure. We must not, however, take resemblance, in too strict
a sense, for actual similitude and likeness of appearance. Two objects
may sometimes be very happily compared to one another,
though they resemble each other, strictly speaking, in nothing;
only because they agree in the effects which they produce upon
the mind because they raise a train of similar, or what may be
;

called, concordant ideas; so that the remembrance of the one,

when recalled, serves to strengthen the impression made by the
other. For example, to describe the nature of soft and melancho-
ly music, Ossian sa} s, 'The music of Carry 1 was, like the memo-
T

ry of joys that are past, pleasant and mournful to the soul.' This
is happy and delicate. Yet, surely, no kind of music has any re-
semblance to a feeling of the mind, such as the memory of past
joys. Had it been compared to the voice of the nightingale, or
the murmur of the stream, as it would have been by some ordinary
poet, the likeness would have been more strict: but, by founding his
simile upon the effect which Carryl's music produced, the poet, while
he conveys a very tender image, gives us, at the same time, a
much stronger impression of the nature and strain of that music :

'Like the memory of joys that are past, pleasant and mournful to
the soul.'
In general, whether comparisons be founded on the similitude of
the two objects compared, or on some analogy and agreement in
their effects, the fundamental requisite of a comparison is, that it
shall serve to illustrate the object, for the sake of which it is intro-
duced, and to give us a stronger conception of it. Some little ex-
cursions of fancy may be permitted, in pursuing the simile; but
they must never deviate far from the principal object. If it be a
great and noble one, every circumstance in the comparison must
tend to aggrandize it; if it be a beautiful one, to render it more
amiable ; if terrible, to fill us withmore awe. But to be a little more
 ;

184 COMPARISON. [lect. xvii.

particular: The rules to be given concerning comparisons, respect

chiefly two articles; the propriety of their introduction, and the
nature of the objects whence they are taken. First, the propriety
of their introduction. From what has been already said of com-
parisons, it appears, that they are not, like the figures of which I
treated in the last lecture, the language of strong passion. No
they are the language of imagination rather than of passion; of an
imagination, sprightly indeed, and warmed; but undisturbed by
any violent or agitating emotion. Strong passion is too severe to
admit this play of fancy. It has no leisure to cast about for resem-
bling objects; it dwells on that object which has seized and taken
possession of the soul. It is too much occupied and filled by it, to
turn its view aside, or to fix its attention on any other thing. An
author, therefore, can scarcely commit a greater fault, than in the
midst of passion, to introduce a simile. Metaphorical expression
may be allowable in such a situation though even this may be car-
;

ried too far; but the pomp and solemnity of a formal comparison
is altogether a stranger to passion. It changes the key in a moment;
relaxes and brings down the mind and shows us a writer perfectly
;

at his ease, while he is personating some other, who is supposed to

be under the torment of agitation. Our writers of tragedies are very
apt to err here. In some of Mr. Rowe's plays, these flowers of
similes have been strewed unseasonably. Mr. Addison's Cato, too,
is justly censurable in this respect; as when Portius, just after Lucia

had bid him farewell for ever, and when he should naturally have
been represented as in the most violent anguish, makes his reply in
a studied and affected comparison :

Thus o'er the dying lamp th' unsteady flame

Hangs quiv'ring on a point, leaps off by fits,
And falls again, as loth to quit its hold.
Thou must not go my; soul still hovers o'er thee,
And can't get loose.
Every one must be sensible, that this is quite remote from the lan-
guage of nature on such occasions.
However, as comparison is not the style of strong passion, so
neither, when employed for embellishment, is it the language of a
mind wholly unmoved. It is a figure of dignity, and always requires
some elevation in the subject, in order to make it proper for it supposes :

the imagination to be uncommonly enlivened, though the heart be

not agitated by passion. In a word, the proper place of compari-
sons lies in the middle region, between the highly pathetic, and the
very humble style. This is a wide field, and gives ample range to
the figure. But even this field we must take care not to overstock
with it. For, as we before said, it is a sparkling ornament; and all
things that sparkle, dazzle and fatigue, if they recur too often.
Similes should, even in poetry, be used with moderation; but in
prose writings, much more; otherwise the style will become dis-
agreeably florid, and the ornament lose its virtue and effect.
I proceed, next, to the rules that relate to objects, whence com-
parisons should be drawn; supposing them introduced in their pro-
per place.
lect. xvn.] COMPARISON. 185

In the first place, they must not be drawn from things, which
have too near and obvious a resemblance to the object with which
we compare them. The great pleasure of the act of comparing
lies, in discovering likenesses among things of different species,
where we would not, at the first glance, expect a resemblance.
There is little art or ingenuity in pointing out the resemblance of two
objects, that are so much akin, or lie so near to one another in nature,
that every one sees they must be alike. When Milton compares Satan's
appearance, after his fall, to that of the sun suffering an eclipse, and af-
frighting the nations with portentous darkness, we are struck w ith the
happiness and the dignity of the similitude. But when he compares
Eve's bower in Paradise, to the arbour of Pomona or Eve herself, to
;

a driad, or wood-nymph, we receive little entertainment as every one;

sees, that one arbour must, of course, in several respects, resemble

another arbour, and one beautiful woman another beautiful woman.
Among similes, faulty through too great obviousness of the like-
ness, we must likewise rank those which are taken from objects
become trite and familiar in poetical language. Such are the simi-
les of a hero to a lion, of a person in sorrow to a flower drooping
its head, of violent passion to a tempest, of chastity to snow, of

virtue to the sun or the stars, and many more of this kind, with
which we are sure to find modern writers, of second rate genius,
abounding plentifully handed down from one writer of ver-
;

ses to another, as by hereditary right. These comparisons were,

at first, perhaps, very proper for the purposes to which they are
applied. In the ancient original poets, who took them directly from
nature, not from their predecessors, they had beauty. But they
are now beaten; our ears are so accustomed to them, that they give
no amusement to the fancy. There is, indeed, no mark by which
Ave can more readily distinguish a poet of true genius, from one of
a barren imagination, than by the strain of their comparisons. All
who call themselves poets, affect them but, whereas, a mere versi-
:

fier copies no new image from nature, which appears, to his

uninventive genius, exhausted by those who have gone before
him, and, therefore, contents himself with humbly following
their track; to an author of real fancy, nature seems to unlock,
spontaneously, her hidden stores; and the eye, 'quick glancing
from earth to Heaven,' discovers new shapes and forms, new like-
nesses between objects unobserved before, which render his similes
original, expressive, and lively.
But in the second place, as comparisons ought not to be founded
on likenesses too obvious, still less ought they to be founded on those
which are too faint and remote. For these, in place of assisting,
strain the fancy to comprehend them, and throw no light upon the
subject. It is also to be observed, that a comparison, which, in
the principal circumstances, carries a sufficiently near resemblance,
may become unnatural and obscure, if pushed too far. Nothing
is more opposite to the design of this figure, than to hunt after a

great number of coincidences in minute points, merely to show

24
i8o COMPARISON. [lect. xvii.

how wit can stretch the resemblance.

far the poet's This is Mr.
Cowley's common fault; whose comparisons generally run out so
far, as to become rather a studied exercise of wit, than an illustra-
tion of the principal object. We
need only open his works, his odes
especially, to find instances every where.
In the third place, the object from which a comparison is drawn,
should never be an unknown object, or one of which few people
can form clear ideas ' Ad inferendam rebus lucem,' says Quintilian,
:

1
repertae sunt similitudines. Prgecipue, igitur, est custodiendum ne
id quod similitudinis gratia ascivimus, aut obscurum sit,aut ignotum.
Debet enim id quod illustrandae alterius rei gratia assumitur, ipsum
quod illuminatur.'* Comparisons, therefore, founded
esse clarius eo
on philosophical discoveries, or on any thing with which persons of
a certain trade only, or a certain profession, are conversant, attain not
their proper effect. They should be taken from those illustrious,
noted objects, which most of the readers either have seen, or can
strongly conceive. This leads me to remark a fault of which mo-
dern poets are very apt to be guilty. The ancients took their simi-
les from that face of nature, and that class of objects, with which
they and their readers were acquainted. Hence,lions, and wolves,
and serpents,were fruitful, and very proper sources of similes amongst
them and these having become a sort of consecrated, classical images,
;

are "very commonly adopted by the moderns; injudiciously, how-

ever, for the propriety of them is now in a great measure lost.
It is only at second hand, and by description, that we are acquainted
with many of those objects and, to most readers of poetry, it were
;

more to the purpose, to describe lions or serpents, by similes taken

from men, than to describe men by lions. Now-a-days, we can more ea-
sily form the conception of a fierce combat between two men, than be-
tween a bull and a tiger. Every country has a scenery peculiar to it-
self, and the imagery of every good poet will exhibit it. The introduc-
tion of unknown objects,or of a foreign scenery, betrays a poet copy ing
not after nature, but from other writers. I have only to observe further,
In the fourth place, that, in compositions of a serious or elevated
kind, similes should never betaken from low or mean objects. These
are degrading: whereas, similes are commonly intended to embel-
lish, and to dignify: and therefore, unless in burlesque writings, or
where similes are introduced purposely to vilify and diminish an
object, mean ideas should never be presented to us. Some of Ho-
mer's comparisons have been taxed, without reason, on this account.
For it is to be remembered, that the meanness or dignity of objects
depends, in a great degree, on the ideas and manners of the age.
wherein we live. Many similes, therefore, drawn from the inci-
dents of rural life, which appear low to us, had abundance of digni-
ty in those simpler ages of antiquity.
* Comparisons have been introduced into discourse, for the sake of throwing light
«

on the subject. We must, therefore, be much on our guard, not to employ, as the ground
of our simile, any object which is either obscure or unknown. That,surely, which is
used for the purpose of illustrating some other thing, ought to be more obvious and
'

plain, than the thing intended to be illustrated

lect. xvii.] ANTITHESIS. 187

I have now considered such of the figures of speech as seemed

most to merit a full and particular discussion: metaphor, hyperbole,
personification, apostrophe, and comparison. A few more yet re-
main to be mentioned the proper use and conduct of which will
;

be easily understood from the principles already laid down.

As comparison is founded on the resemblance, so antithesis on
the contrast or opposition of two objects. Contrast has always this
effect, to make each of the contrasted objects appear in the stronger
light. White, for instance, never appears so bright, as when it is
opposed to black and when both are viewed together. Antithe-
;

sis, therefore, may, on many occasions, be employed to advantage,

in order to strengthen the impression which we intend that any ob-
ject should make. Thus Cicero, in his oration for Milo, represent-
ing the improbability of Milo's forming a design to take away the
life of Clodius, at a time when all circumstances were unfavourable
to such a design, and after he had let other opportunities slip when
he could have executed the same design, if he had formed it, with
much more ease and safety, heightens our conviction of this impro-
bability by a skilful use of this figure ' Quern igitur cum omnium
:

gratia interficere noluit, hunc voluitcum aliquorum querela ? Quern

jure, quern loco, quern tempore, quern impune, non est ausus, hunc
injurio, iniquoloco, alieno tempore, periculo capitis, non dubitavit
occidere ?'* In order to render an antithesis more complete, it is
always of advantage, that the words and members of the sentence,
expressing the contrasted objects, be, as in this instance of Cicero's,
similarly constructed, and made to correspond to each other. This
leads us to remark the contrast more, by setting the things which
we oppose more clearly over against each other; in the same man-
ner as when we contrast a black and a white object, in order to
perceive the full difference of their colour, we would choose to have
both objects of the same bulk, and placed in the same light. Their
"resemblance to each other, in certain circumstances, makes their
disagreement in others more palpable.
At the same time, I must observe, that the frequent use of anti-
thesis, especially where the opposition in the words is nice and
quaint, is apt to render style disagreeable. Such a sentence as the
following, from Seneca, does very well, where it stands alone * Si :

quern volueris esse divitem, non est quod augeas divitias, sed minu-
as cupiditates.'tOr this: ' Si ad naturam vives, nunquam eris pau-
per; ad opinionem, nunquam dives.'J
si maxim or moral say- A
ing, properly enough receives this form ; both because it is supposed

* Is it credible that, when he declined putting Clodius to death with the consent of
'

all, he would choose to do it with the disapprobation of many ? Can you believe that
the person whom he scrupled to slay, when he might have done so with full justice, in
a convenient place, at a proper time, with secure impunity, he made no scruple to mur-
der against justice, in an unfavourable place, at an unseasonable time, and at the
risk of capital condemnation ?'
t If you seek to make one rich, study not to increase his stores, but to diminish
'

his desires.'
$ 'If you regulate your desires according to the standard of nature, you will never
be poor ; if according to the standard of opinion, you will never be rich."
2E
 :

188 INTERROGATION AND [lect. xvii.

to be the fruit of meditation, designed to be engra-

and because it is

ven on the memory, which recalls it more

by the help of such
easily
contrasted expressions. But where a string of such sentences suc-
ceed each other; where this becomes an author's favourite and pre-
vailing manner of expressing himself, his style is faulty; and it is
upon this account Seneca has been often, and justly, censured.
Such a style appears too studied and laboured it gives us the im- ;

pression of an author attending more to his manner of saying things,

than to the things themselves which he says. Dr. Young, though a
writer of real genius, was too fond of antithesis. In his Estimate of
Human Life, we find whole passages that run in such a strain as this:
'
The peasant complains aloud the courtier in secret repines. In
;

want, what distress ? in affluence, what satiety ? The great are un-
der as much difficulty to expend with pleasure, as the mean to la-
bour with success. The ignorant, through ill-grounded hope, are
disappointed the knowing, through knowledge, despond.
; Igno-
rance occasions mistake; mistake disappointment; and disappoint-
ment is misery. Knowledge, on the other hand, gives true judg-
ment; and true judgment of human things, gives a demonstration
of their insufficiency to our peace.' There is too much glitter in
such a style as this, to please long. We
are fatigued, by attending
to such quaint and artificial sentences often repeated.
There is another sort of antithesis, the beauty of which consists
in surprising us by the unexpected contrast of things which it brings
together. Much wit may be shown in this but it belongs wholly :

to pieces of professed wit and humour, and can find no place in

grave compositions. Mr. Pope, who is remarkably fond of antithe-
sis, is often happy in this use of the figure. So, in his Rape of the
Lock
Whether the nymph shall break Diana's law,
Or some frail china jar receive a flaw;
Or stain her honour, or her new brocade ;

Forget her prayers, or miss a masquerade;

Or lose her heart or necklace at a ball,
Or whether Heav'n has doom'd that Shock must fall.

What is called the point of an epigram, consists, for the most parf, in
some antithesis of this kind surprising us with the smart and unex-
;

pected turn which it gives to the thought and in the fewer words
;

it is brought out, it is always the happier.

Comparisons and antitheses are figures of a cool nature; produc-
tions of imagination, not of passion. Interrogations and exclama-
tions, of which I am next to speak, are passionate figures. They are,
indeed, on so many occasions, the native language of passion, that,
their use is extremely frequent and in ordinary conversation, when
;

men are heated, they prevail as much as in the most sublime ora-
tory. The unfigured literal use of interrogation, is to ask a ques-
tion ; but
when men are prompted by passion, whatever they would
affirm or deny, with great vehemence, they naturally put in the form
of a question expressing thereby the strongest confidence of the
;

truth of their own

sentiment, and appealing to their hearers for the
impossibility of the contrary. Thus in scripture: 'God is not a
 !

lect. xvii.] EXCLAMATION. 189

man that he shouldneither the son of man, that he should re-

lie,

pent. Hath he and shall he not do it? Hath he spoken

said it,

it, and shall he not make it good?'* So Demosthenes, addressing

himself to the Athenians: 'Tell me, will you still go about and ask
one another, what news? What can be more astonishing news than
this, thatthe man of Macedon makes war upon the Athenians, and
disposes of the affairs of Greece? Is Philip dead? No, but he is
sick. What signifies you whether he be dead or alive ? For, if
it to
any thing happens you will immediately raise up an-
to this Philip,
other.' All this, delivered without interrogation, had been faint and
ineffectual; but the warmth and eagerness which this questioning
method expresses, awakens the hearers, and strikes them with much
greater force.
Interrogation may often be applied with propriety, in the course
of no higher emotions than naturally arise in pursuing some close
and earnest reasoning. But exclamations belong only to stronger
emotions of the mind ; to surprise, admiration, anger, joy, grief, and
the like :
Heu pietas heu prisca fides invictaque bello
! !

Dextra
Both interrogation and exclamation, and, indeed, all passionate
figures of speech, operate upon us by means of sympathy. Sym-
pathy is a very powerful and extensive principle in our nature, dis-
posing us to enter into every feeling and passion, which we behold
expressed by others. Hence, a single person coming into company
with strong marks, either of melancholy or joy, upon his counte-
nance, will diffuse that passion, in a moment, through the whole
circle. Hence, in a great crowd, passions are so easily caught, and
so fast spread, by that powerful contagion which the animated looks,
cries, and gestures of a multitude, never fail to carry. Now, inter-
rogations and exclamations, being natural signs of a moved and
agitated mind, always, when they are properly used, dispose us to
sympathize with the dispositions of those who use them, and to feel
as they feel.
From this it follows, that the great rule with regard to the con-
duct of such figures is, that the writer attend to the manner in which
nature dictates to us to express any emotion or passion, and that
he give his language that turn, and no other; above all, that he
never affect the style of a passion which he does no feel. With in-
terrogations he may use a good deal of freedom; these, as above
observed, falling in so much with the ordinary course of language
and reasoning, even when no great vehemence is supposed to have
place in the mind. But, with respect to exclamations, he must be
more reserved. Nothing has a worse effect than the frequent and
unseasonable use of them. Raw, juvenile writers, imagine, that
by pouring them forth often, they render their compositions warm
and animated. Whereas quite the contrary follows. They render
it frigid to excess. When an author is always calling upon us to en-
ter into transports which he has said nothing to inspire, we are both

* Numbers, chap, xxiii. v. 19.

190 INTERROGATION, &c. [lect. xvn.

disgusted and enraged at him. He raises no sympathy ; for he gives

us no passion of his own, in which we can take part. He gives us
words and not passion; and of course, can raise no passion, unless
that of indignation. Hence, I am inclined to think, he was not much
mistaken, who said, that when, on looking into a book, he found
the pages thick bespangled with the point which is called, 'Punc-
tum admirationis,' he judged this to be a sufficient reason for his lay-
ing it aside. And, indeed, were it not for the help of this 'punc-
tual admirationis,' with which many writers of the rapturous kind
so much abound, one would be often at a loss to discover, whether
or not it was exclamation which they aimed at. For, it has now
become a fashion, among these writers, to subjoin points of admi-
ration to sentences, which contain nothing but simple affirmations,
or propositions; as if, by an affected method of pointing, they
could transform them in the reader's mind into high figures of elo-
quence. Much akin to this, is another contrivance practised by
some writers, of separating almost all the members of the senten-
ces from each other, by blank lines; as if, by setting them thus
asunder, they bestowed some special importance upon them and
required us, in going along, to make a pause at every other -vord,
and weigh it well. This, I think, may be called a typograpnical
figure of speech. Neither, indeed, since we have been led to men-
tion the arts of writers for increasing the importance of their words,
does another custom, which prevailed very much some time ago,
seem worthy of imitation ; I mean that of distinguishing the signifi-
cant words, in every sentence, by italic characters. On some occa-
sions, it is very proper to use such distinctions. But when we carry
them so far, as to mark with them every supposed emphatical word,
these words are apt to multiply so fast in the author's imagination.
that every page is crowded with italics which can produce no effect
;

whatever, but to hurt the eye, and create confusion. Indeed, if the
sense point not out the most emphatical expressions, a variation in
the type, especially when occurring so frequently, willgive small aid.
And, accordingly, the most masterly writers, of late, have with
good reason laid aside all those feeble props of significancy, and
trusted wholly to the weight of their sentiments for commanding
attention. But to return from this disgrcssion.
figure of speech, proper only to animated and warm
Another
composition, is what some critical writers call vision; when, in
place of relating something that is past, we use the present tense, and
describe it as actually passing before our eyes. Thus Cicero, in his
fourth oration against Catiline. ' Vicleor enim mihi banc urbem
videre, lucem orbis terrarum atque arcem omnium gentium, subito
uno incendio concidentem cerno animo sepulta in patria miseros
;

atque insepultos acervos civium; versatur mihi ante oculos aspectus

Cethegi, et furor, i n vestra cade bacchantis.'* This manner of des-
seem to myself to behold this city, the orament of the earth, and the capital of
* 'I

allnations, suddenly involved in one conflagration. I see before me the slaughtered

heaps of citizens lying unburied in the midst of their ruined country. The furious
countenance of Cet'hegus rises to my view, while with a savage joy he is triumphing
in your miseries.'
lect. xvii.] AMPLIFICATION. 191

eription supposes a sort of enthusiasm which carries the person who

describes it in some measure out of himself; and when well execu
ted, must needs impress the reader or hearer strongly, by the force
of that sympathy which I have before explained. But, in order
to a successful execution, it requires an uncommonly warm imagi-
nation, and such a happy selection of circumstances, as shall make
us think we see before our eyes the scene that is described. Other-
wise, it shares the same fate with all feeble attempts towards pas-
sionate figures; that of throwing ridicule upon the author, and leav-
ing the reader more cool and uninterested than he was before. The
same observations are to be applied to Repetition, Suspension, Cor-
rection, and many more of those figurative forms of speech, which
rhetoricians have enumerated among the beauties of eloquence.
They are beautiful, or not, exactly in proportion as they are na-
tive expressions of the sentiment or passion intended to be height-
ened by them. Let nature and passion always speak their own
language, and they will suggest figures in abundance. But when
we seek to counterfeit a warmth which we do not feel, no figures
will either supply the defect, or conceal the imposture.
There is one figure (and I shall mention no more) of frequent use
among all public speakers, particularly at the bar, which Quintilian
insists upon considerably, and calls amplification. It consists in an
artful exaggeration of all the circumstances of some objector action
which we want to place in a strong light, either a good or a bad one.
It is not so properly one figure, as the skilful management of several
which we make to tend to one point. It may be carried on by a
proper use of magnifying or extenuating terms, by a regular enu-
meration of particulars, or by throwing together, as into one mass,
a crowd of circumstances; by suggesting comparisons also with
things of a like nature. But the principal instrument by which it
works, is by a climax, or a gradual rise of one circumstance above
another, till our ideas be raised to the utmost. I spoke formerly of
a climax in sound ; a climax in sense, when well carried on, is a figure
which never fails to amplify strongly. The common example
of this, is that noted passage in Cicero, which every school-boy
knows: 'Facinusest vincire civem Romanum; scelus verberare,
prope parricidium, necare quid dicam in crucem tollere ?'*
; I shall
give an instance from a printed pleading of a famous Scotch lawyer,
Sir George M'Kenzie. It is in a charge to the jury, in the case of
a woman accused of murdering her own child. Gentlemen, if one '

man had any how slain another, if an adversary had killed his op-
poser, or a woman occasioned the death of her enemy, even these
criminals would have been capitally punished by the Cornelian law:
but, if this guiltless infant, who could make no enemy, had been
murdered by its own nurse, what punishments would not then the
mother have demanded? With what cries and exclamations would

* < It is a crime; to put a Roman citizen in bonds; it is the height of guilt to scourge
him ; little less than parricide to put him to death. What name then shall I give to
crucifying him ?'
 ; '

192 AMPLIFICATION. [lect. XVII.

she have stunned your ears ? What shall we say, then, when a wo-
man, guilty of homicide, a mother, of the murder of her innocent
child, hath comprised all those misdeeds in one single crime ; a
crime, in its own nature detestable in a woman, prodigious in a ; ;

mother, incredible and perpetrated against one whose age called

;

for compassion, whose near relation claimed affection, and whose in-
nocence deserved the highest favour.' I must take notice, however,
that such regular climaxes as these, though they have considerable
beauty, have, at the same time, no small appearance of art and
study and, therefore, though they may be admitted into formal
;

harangues, yet they speak not the language of great earnestness

and passion, which seldom proceed by steps so regular. Nor,
indeed, for the purposes of effectual persuasion, are they likely to be
so successful, as an arrangement of circumstances in a less artificial
order. For when much art appears, we are always put on our
guard against the deceits of eloquence but when a speaker has rea- ;

soned strongly, and, by force of argument, has made good his main
point, he may then, taking advantage of the favourable bent of our
minds, make use of such artificial figures to confirm our belief, and
to warm our minds.

Q,UESTIOtfS.
With what are we
engaged take resemblance in too strict a sense
still ;

and why do they require a careful dis- for actual similitude and likeness of
cussion ? Winy does our author select appearance? What example to il-
only the capital figures for discussion? lustrate this, given from Ossian ? Of
is
What figures have already been dis- this, whatobserved yet what fol-
is ;

cussed ? With what does our author lows? How might the likeness have
begin and what is said of it ? In a
; been rendered more strict? But, by
former lecture, what was fully explain- founding his simile on the effect which
ed ? What is a metaphor ; and how is Carryl's music produced, what does
this illustrated ? What is a compari- he give us ? In general, what is the
son; and what example is given? fundamental requisite of a comparl
What will this slight instance show? son ? In pursuing the simile, what may
What remarked of the pleasure
is be permitted but from what must they
;

which we take in comparison and ; never deviate ? What remark follows ?

how many sources of it shall Ave no- But, to be a little more particular, what
tice ? is the first source ? How
What two articles do the rules to be given
does it appear that this operation of the concerning comparisons, respect ? From
mind is naturally and universally what has already been said of compa-
agreeable ? What is the second source risons, what appears? Of what are
whence this pleasure arises? And they the language ? is strong pas- Why
what is the third? Under what two sion too severe to admit this play of
heads may all comparisons whatever fancy ? What, therefore, is one of the
be reduced; and why? How exten- greatest faults that an author can com-
sively may explaining comparisons be mit? Of metaphorical expressions in
used ? How is this remark illustrated such a situation, what is observed ?
and what example is given 1 In com- But what isaltogether a stranger to
parisons of this nature, what faculty is passion ; and why ? What writers are
most employed and, therefore, what
; very apt to err here ; and what indi-
are the only rules to be observed in viduals are mentioned? In Mr. Addi-
them? Of embellishing comparisons, son's Cato, what instance is mentioned ?
what is here observed ? What was be- Repeat the passage. Of what must
fore mentioned as the foundation of this every one here be sensible ? However,
figure ? Why
must we not, however, as comparison is not the style of strong
 ;

LECT. XVII.] QUESTIONS. 192

passion,what follows 1 It is a figure of presentation ? Repeat the passage. In

what kind what does it require and order to render an antithesis more com-
; ;

why ? Where does the proper place of plete, what is always of advantage ?
comparison lie ? Of this field, what is How does this lead us the more to re-
observed 7 But even here, of what must mark the contrast ? Their resemblance
we take care ; and why ? Even in poe- to each other, in certain circumstances,
try, how should similes be used and produces what effect? At the same
;

why with much more in prose? To time, on the frequent use of the anti-
what does our author next proceed? thesis, what is observed? What sen-
In the first place, from what object tences from Seneca are here intro-
should they not be drawn and why ? duced ? Why does a maxim, or moral
;

In pointing out what, little art saying, properly receive

is there this form ?
or ingenuity? "What illustrations of But when is an author's style faulty ?
these remarks are given from Milton ? How
does such a style appear ; and
Among similes, faulty through too what impression does it give us ? Of Dr.
great obviousness of the likeness, Ave Young, what is here observed ; and
must likewise rank those taken from from his writings, what instances of
what objects? What examples are this are given ? Of this style, what is
given and what writers use them ? observed ; and by what are we fa-
;

In whom had these comparisons beau- tigued ? What other sort of antithesis
ty; and why? At present, what is is there? In it, what may be shown
their effect ; and what remark follows ? but to what only does it belong ? What
What the difference, in this respect, instance of happy antithesis ishere intro-
is

between a mere versifier, and an au- duced from Mr. Pope ? In what does
thor of real fancy? From what objects, the point of an epigram principally
in the second place, ought not compari- consist? Comparisons and antitheses
sons to be drawn; and why not? are figures of what nature; and of
What is also to be observed? What what are they the productions ? What
practice is directly opposite to the de- kind of figures are interrogations and
sign of this figure ? This is what au- exclamations? is their use ex- Why
thor's common fault ; and of his com- tremely frequent ; and where do they
parisons, generally, what is as in the most sublime
observed ? prevail as much
In the third place, from what objects oratory ? What is the literal use of in-
should comparisons never be drawn ? terrogation ; and when is it used as a
What says Quintilian on this subject ? figurative expression ? What is there-
What comparisons, therefore, attain by expressed ; and what appeal is
not their proper effect? From what made ? What example is given from
objects should they be taken? This the scriptures ?
T
hat example is also W
leads our author to remark what fault ? given from Demosthenes' address to
Whence did the ancients take their simi- the Athenians ? What is said of it ?
les ; and hence, what follows ? Of the When may interrogations often be ap-
adoption of these images by the mo- plied with propriety ? But to what only
derns, what is observed ? How is this do exclamations belong ? By means of
remark illustrated? Every country has what do all passionate figures of speech
what and what follows ? In the fourth
; operate upon us and of it, what is
;

place, what only has our author to ob- observed ? Hence, by a single person,
serve? Why should they not? Whose what effect may be produced and ;

comparisons have been taxed on this what effect does it also produce on a
account but why without reason ?
; great crowd ? When interrogations and
What remark follows ? exclamations are properly used, to
What figures has our author now what do they dispose us and why ? ;

considered? Of those that remain to From what follows ? With inter-

this,
be mentioned, what is observed ? What rogations, what may he use and why? ;

is the difference between comparison Bat with respect to exclamations, why

and antithesis? Contrast has always must he be more reserved ? What do
what effect; and what instance is juvenile writers imagine ? But what is
given? For what purpose, therefore, their effect? How is this illustrated;
may antithesis be employed, on many and hence, what is our author inclined
occasions, to advantage ? Thus Cicero, to think ? What remark follows ? Why
in his oration for Milo, makes what re- is this the case ? What other contri-
192 b QUESTIONS. [lect. XVII.

vance, which is much akin to this, is may it be carried on ? What is the prin-
practised by some Avriters 1 What may
cipal instrument by which it works 1
this be called? other custom, What is the effect of climax in sense,
What
which prevailed some time ago, is un- when well carried on ? What example
worthy of imitation 1 Though on some is given from Cicero ? What one from
occasions they may be very proper, a pleading of Sir George M'Kenzie ?
yet, to what danger are we exposed by Of what must our author take notice,
carrying them too far % If the sense relative to such regular climaxes ; and
point not out the most emphatical ex- why?
pressions, what will give but little as-
sistance and accordingly, what course
;
ANALYSIS.
have the most, masterly writers latterly 1. Comparison.
pursued? What is the next figure of a. Explaining comparisons.
speech mentioned what is meant by
; B. Embellishing comparisons.
it and when only should it be used ?
; Rules concerning comparisons.
What example is given from Cicero ? a. Obviousness of resemblance should
What does this manner of description be avoided.
suppose ;and when well executed, B. The likeness should not be too re-
what is its effect ? But, in order to a mote.
successful examination of it, what does c. They should not be drawn from
it require ? Otherwise, what fate will unknown objects.
it share? To what other figures of d. They should not be taken from
speech are the same observations low or mean objects.
applicable and in what proportion
; 2. Antithesis.
are they beautiful ? What remark fol- 3. Interrogation.
lows ? What is the last figure of speech 4. Exclamation.
mentioned ; and hi what does it con- 5. Vision.
sist ? Of it, what is observed ; and how 6. Amplification.

LECTURE XVIII.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE.— GENERAL CHARACTERS
OF STYLE.— DIFFUSE, CONCISE, FEEBLE, NER-
VOUS.— DRY, PLAIN, NEAT, ELEGANT, FLOWERY.
Having treated at considerable length of the figures of speech,
of their origin, of their nature, and of the management of such of
them as are important enough to require a particular discussion, be-
fore finally dismissing this subject, I think it incumbent on me to
make some observations concerning the proper use of figurative lan-
guage in general. These, indeed, I have, in part, already antici-
pated. But as great errors are often committed in this part of style,
especially by young writers, it may be of use that I bring together,
under one view, the most material directions on this head.
I begin with repeating an observation, formerly made, that neither

all the beauties, nor even the chief beauties of composition, depend
upon tropes and figures. Some of the most sublime and most pathe-
tic passages of the most admired authors, both in prose and poetry,
are expressed in the most simple style, without any figure at all in- ;

stances of which I have before given. On the other hand, a compo-

sition may abound with these studied ornaments the language may ;

be artful, splendid, and highly figured, and yet the composition be

on the whole frigid and unaffecting. Not to speak of sentiment and
thought, which constitute the real and lasting merit of any work, it
the style be stiff and affected, if it be deficient in perspicuity or pre-
 lkct. xvm.] FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE. 193

cision, or in ease and neatness,

all the figures that can be employed

will never render agreeable: they may dazzle a vulgar, but will
it

never please a judicious eye.

In the second place, figures, in order to be beautiful, must always
rise naturally from the subject. I have shown that all of them are
the language either of imagination, or of passion some of them ;

suggested by imagination, when it is awakened and sprightly, such

as metaphors and comparisons; others by passion or more heated
emotion, such as personifications and apostrophes. Of course, they
are beautiful then only, when they are prompted by fancy, or by
passion. They must rise of their own accord; they must flow
from a mind warmed by the object which it seeks to describe; we
should never interrupt the course of thought to cast about for figures.
If they be sought after coolly, and fastened on as designed ornaments,
they will have a miserable effect. It is a very erroneous idea,
which many have of the ornaments of style, as if they were things
detached from the subject, and that could be stuck to it, like lace
upon a coat: this is indeed,
Purpureus late qui splendeat unus aut alter
Assuitiir pannus.* Ars Poet.
And it is which has often brought attention to the
this false idea
beauties of writing into disrepute. Whereas, the real and proper
ornaments of style arise from sentiment. They flow in the
same stream with the current of thought. A writer of genius
conceives his subject strongly ; his imagination is filled and im-
pressed with it; and pours itself forth in that figurative language
which imagination naturally speaks. He puts on no emotion which
his subject does not raise in him; he speaks as he feels; but his
style will be beautiful, because his feelings are lively. On occasions,
when fancy is languid, or finds nothing to rouse it, we should never
attempt to hunt for figures. We
then work, as it is said, 'invita
Minerva ;' supposing figures invented, they will have the appearance
of being forced : and in this case, they had much better be omit-
ted.
In the third place, even when imagination prompts, and the sub-
ject naturally gives rise to figures, they must, however, not be em
ployed too frequently. In all beauty, 'simplex munditiis,' is a capi-
tal quality. Nothing derogates more from the weight and dig-
nity of any composition, than too great attention to ornament.
When the ornaments cost labour, that labour always appears though ;

they should cost us none, still the reader or hearer may be surfeited
with them and when they come too thick, they give the impression
;

of a light and frothy genius, that evaporates in show, rather than

brings forth what is solid. The directions of the ancient critics, on
this head, are full of good sense, and deserve careful attention.
' Voluptatibus maximis,' says Cicero, de Orat. 1. iii. 'fastidium fin-

itimum est in rebus omnibus; quo hoc minus in oratione miremur.

* ' Shreds of purple with broad lustre shine,
' Sew'd on vour poem.' Francis.
SF 25
 '

194 FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE, [lect. xvin.

In quavel ex poetis, vel oratoribus possumus judicare, concinnam,

ornatam, festivam, sine intermissione quamvis claris sit coloribus
picta, vel poesis, vel oratio, non posse in delectatione esse diutur-
na. Quare, bene et prgeclare, quamvis nobis saepe dicatur, belle
et festive nimium saepe nolo.'* To the same purpose are the excel-
lent directions with which Quintilian concludeshis discourse concern-
ing figures, 1. ix. c. 3. 'Ego illud de iis figuris quae vere fiunt,
adjiciam breviter, sicutornant orationem opportunaspositae, ita inep-
tissimas esse cum immodice petuntur. Sunt, qui neglecto rerum
pondere et viribus s«ntentiarum, si vel inania verba in hos modos de
pravarunt, summos se judicant artifices: ideoque non desinunt eas
nectere; quas sine sententia sectare, tarn est ridiculum quam
quaerere habitum gestumque sine corpore. Ne hae quidem quas rec
tae fiunt,densandae sunt nimis. Sciendum imprimis quid quisque
postulet locus, quid persona, quid tempus. Major enim pars harum
figurarum posita est in delectatione. Ubi vero, atrocitate, invidia,
miseratione pugnandum est; quis ferat verbis contrapositis, et con-
similibus et pariter cadentibus, irascentem, flentem, rogantem?
Cum in his rebus, cura verborum deroget affectibus fidem; et
ubicunque ars ostentatur, Veritas abesse videatur.'t After these ju-
dicious and useful observations, I have no more to add, on this
subject, except this admonition:
In the fourth place, that, without a genius for figurative language,
none should attempt it. Imagination is a power not to be acquired ;

it must be derived from nature. Its redundancies we may prune, its

deviations we may correct, its sphere we may enlarge; but the fa-
culty itself we cannot create but all efforts towards a metaphorical
:

ornamented style, if we are destitute of the proper genius for it, will
prove awkward and disgusting. Let us satisfy ourselves, however,
by considering, that without this talent, or at least with a very small
measure of it, we may both write and speak to advantage. Good
*
'In all human things, disgust borders so
nearly on the most lively pleasures,
that we need not be surprised to find this
hold in eloquence. From reading either
poets or orators we may easily satisfy ourselves, that neither a poem nor an ora-
tion which, without intermission, is
showy and sparkling, can please us long
Wherefore though we may wish for the frequent praise of having expressed our-
selves well and properly, we should not covet repeated
applause, for being bright
and splendid.'
t
'
I must add, concerning those figures which are proper in themselves,
that as they beautify a composition when they are seasonably introduced, so they
deform it greatly, if too frequently sought after. There are some who, neglecting
strength of sentiment and weight of matter, if they can only force their empty
words into a figurative style, imagine themselves great writers and therefore con-
;

tinually string together such ornaments; which is just as ridiculous, where there
is no sentiment to support them, as to
contrive gestures and dresses for what wants
a body. Even those figures which a subject admits, must not come too thick.
We must begin with considering what the occasion, the time, and the person who
speaks render proper. For the object aimed at by the greater part of these
figures is entertainment. But when the subject becomes deeply serious, and
strong passions are to be moved, who can bear the orator, who, in affected lan-
guage and balanced phrases, endeavours to express wrath, commiseration, oi
earnest entreaty ? On all such occasions, a solicitous attention to words weakens
nassior! and vhen so much art is shown, there is suspected to be little aim
;

ceriry
lect. xviii.] GENERAL CHARACTERS OF STYLE. 195

sense, clear ideas, perspicuity of language, and proper arrangement

of words and thoughts, will always command attention. These are
indeed the foundations of all solid merit, both in speaking and wri-
ting. Many subjects require nothing more; and those which admit
of ornament, admit it only as a secondary requisite. To study and
to know our own genius well ; to follow nature to seek to improve,
;

but not to force it, are directions which cannot be too often given
to those who desire to excel in the liberal arts.
When I entered upon the consideration of style, I observed that
words being the copies of our ideas, there must always be a very in-
timate connexion between the manner in which every writer em-
ploys words, and his manner of thinking; and that from the pecu-
liarity of thought and expression which belongs to him, there is a
certain character imprinted on his style, which may be denominated
his manner; commonly expressed by such general terms, as strong,
weak, dry, simple, affected, or the like. These distinctions carry, in
general, some reference to an author's manner of thinking, but re-
fer chiefly to his mode of expression. They arise from the whole
tenour of his language; and comprehend the effect produced by all
those parts of style which we have already considered the choice ;

which he makes of single words his arrangement of these in sen-

;

tences the degree of his precision; and his embellishment, by

;

means of musical cadence, figures, or other arts of speech. Of

such general characters of style, therefore, it remains now to
speak as the result of those underparts of which I have hitherto
treated.
That different subjects require to be treated of in different sorts of
style, is a position so obvious, that I shall not stay to illustrate it.

Every one sees that treatises of philosophy, for instance, ought not
to be composed in the same style with orations. Everyone sees also,
that different parts of thesame composition require a variation in
the style and manner. In a sermon, for instance, or any harangue,
the application or peroration admits more ornament and requires
more warmth, than the didactic part. But what I mean at present
to remark is, that amidst this variety, we still expect to find in the
compositions of any one man, some degree of uniformity or consist-
ency with himself in manner we expect to find some predominant
;

character of style impressed on all his writings, which shall be suit-

ed to, and shall mark his particular genius and turn of mind. The
orations in Livy differ much in style, as they ought to do, from the
rest of his history. The same is the case with those in Tacitus. Yet
both in Livy's orations, and in those of Tacitus, we are able clearly
to trace the distinguishing manner of each historian; the magnifi-
cent fullness of the one, and the sententious conciseness of the other.
The ' Letters Persanes,' and ' L'Esprit des Loix,' are the works of the
same author. They required very different compositions surely, and
accordingly they differ widely; yet still we see" the same hand.
Wherever there is real and native genius, it gives a determination to
one kind of style rather than another. Where nothing of this ap-
pears; where there is no marked nor peculiar character in the com-
196 CONCISE AND [lect. xvm.

positions of any author, we are apt to infer, not without reason, that
he is a vulgar and trivial author, who writes from imitation, and not
from the impulse of original genius. As the most celebrated paint-
ers are known by their hand, so the best and most original writers
are known and distinguished, throughout all their works, by their
style and peculiar manner. This will be found to hold almost with-
out exception.
The ancient critics attended to these general characters of style
which we are now to consider. Dionysius of Halicarnassus divides
them into three kinds; and calls them the austere, the florid, and the
middle. By the austere, he means a style distinguished for strength
and firmness, with a neglect of smoothness and ornament for ex- ;

amples of which, he gives Pindar and iEschylus among the poets,

and Thucydides among the prose writers. By the florid, he means,
as the name indicates, a style ornamented, flowing, and sweet; rest-
ing more upon numbers and grace, than strength he instances He-
;

siod, Sappho, Anacreon, Euripides, and principally Isocrates. The

middle kind is the just mean between these, and comprehends the
beauties of both; in which class he places Homer and Sophocles
among the poets; in prose, Herodotus, Demosthenes, Plato, and
(what seems strange) Aristotle. This must be a very wide class, in-
deed, which comprehends Plato and Aristotle under one article as to
style.* Cicero and Quintilian make also a threefold division of
style, though with respect to different qualities of it; in which they
are followed by most of the modern writers on rhetoric: the
simplex, tenue ovsubtle ; thegrave orvehemens ; and the medium or
temper at um genus dicendi. But these divisions, and the illustra-
tions they give of them, are so loose and general, that they cannot
advance us much in our ideas of style. I shall endeavour to be a
little more particular in what I have to say on this subject.
One of the first and most obvious distinctions of the different kinds
of style, is what arises from an author's spreading out his thoughts
more or less. This distinction forms what are called the diffuse
and the concise styles. A concise writer compresses his thoughts
into the fewest possible words he seeks to employ none but such as
;

are most expressive; he lops off as redundant, every expression

\vhich does not add something material to the sense. Ornament he
does not reject; he may be lively and figured but his ornament is
;

intended for the sake of force, rather than grace. He never gives
you the same thought twice. He places it in the light which appears
to him the most striking; but if you do not apprehend it well in that
light, you need not expect to find it in any other. His sentences are
arranged with compactness and strength, rather than with cadence
and harmony. The utmost precision is studied in them; and they
are commonly designed to suggest more to the reader's imagination
than they directly express.
A diffuse writer unfolds his thought fully. He places it in a variety
oflights, and gives the reader every possible assistance for understand-

" De Compositions Verborum, cap 28,

lect. xviii.] DIFFUSE STYLE. 197

ing it completely. He is not very careful to express it at first in its

fullstrength, because he is to repeat the impression ; and what he
wants in strength, he proposes to supply by copiousness. Writers of
this character generally love magnificence and amplification. Their
periods naturally run out into some length, and having room for orna-
ment of every kind, they admit it freely.
Each of these manners has its peculiar advantages; and each
becomes faulty when carried to the extreme. The extreme of
conciseness becomes abrupt and obscure; it is apt also to lead into
a style too pointed, and bordering on the epigrammatic. The ex-
treme of diffuseness becomes weak and languid, and tires Mie reader.
However, to one or other of these two manners, a writer may lean
according as his genius prompts him; and under the general cha-
racter of a concise, or of a more open and diffuse style, may pos
sess much beauty in his composition.
For illustrations of these general characters, I can only refer to
the writers who are examples of them. It is not so much from
detached passages, such as I was wont formerly to quote for instan-
ces, asfrom the current of an author's style, that we are to collect
the idea of a formed manner of writing. The two most remarkable
examples that I know, of conciseness carried as far as propriety
will allow, perhaps in some cases farther, are Tacitus the historian,
and the President Montesquieu in 'L'Espritde Loix.' Aristotle
too holds an eminent rank among didactic writers for his brevity.
Perhaps no writer in the world was ever so frugal of his words as
Aristotle; but this frugality of expression frequently darkens his
meaning. Of a beautiful and magnificent diffuseness, Cicero is, be-
yond doubt, the most illustrious instance that can be given. Ad-
dison also, and Sir William Temple, come in some degree under
this class.
In judging when proper to lean to the concise, and when
it is

to the diffuse manner, we must

be directed by the nature of the
composition. Discourses that are to be spoken, require a more
copious style, than books that are to be read. When the whole
meaning must be catched from the mouth of the speaker, without
the advantage which books afford of pausing at pleasure, and re-
viewing what appears obscure, great conciseness is always to be
avoided. We
should never presume too much on the quickness of our
hearer's understanding; but our style ought to be such, that the bulk
of men can go along with us easily, and without effort. A
flowing co-
pious style, therefore, is required in all public speakers; guarding,
at the same time, against such a degree of diffusion, as renders
them languid and tiresome; which will always prove the case, when
they inculcate too much, and present the same thought under too
many different views.
In written compositions, a certain degree of conciseness posses-
ses great advantages. It is more lively ; keeps up attention makes ;

a brisker and stronger impression; and gratifies the mind by supply-

ing more exercise to a reader's own thought. A sentiment, which
198 CONCISE AND DIFFUSE STYLE, [j.ect. xvm.

expressed diffusely, will barely be admitted to be just; expressed

concisely, will be admired as spirited. Description, when we want
to have it vivid and animated, should be in a concise strain. This
is different from the common opinion; most persons being ready to
suppose, that upon description a writer may dwell more safely than
upon other things, and that by a full and extended style, it is render-
ed more rich and expressive. I apprehend, on the contrary, that

a diffuse manner generally weakens it. Any redundant words or

circumstances encumber the fancy, and make the object we pre-
sent to it, appear confused and indistinct. Accordingly, the most
masterly describers, Homer, Tacitus, Milton, are almost always
concise in their descriptions. They show us more of an object at
one glance, than a feeble diffuse writer can show, by turning it
round and round in a variety of lights. The strength and vivacity
of description, whether in prose or poetry, depend much more upon
the happy choice of one or two striking circumstances,than upon the
multiplication of them.
Addresses to the passions, likewise, ought to be in the concise,
rather than in the diffuse manner. In these it is dangerous to be dif-
fuse, because it is very difficult to support proper warmth for any
length of time. When we become prolix, we are always in hazard
of cooling the reader. The heart, too, and the fancy, run fast;
and if once we can put them in motion, they supply many par-
ticulars to greater advantage than an author can display them.
The case is different when we address ourselves to the understand-
ing; as in oil matters of reasoning, explication, and instruction.
There I would prefer a more free and diffuse manner. When you
are to strike the fancy, or to move the heart, be concise; when you
are to inform the understanding, which moves more slowly, and re-
quires the assistance of a guide, it is better to be full. Historical
narration may be beautiful, either in a concise or a diffuse manner,
according to the writer's genius. Livy and Herodotus are diffuse;
Thucydides and Sallust are succinct; yet all of them are agreeable.

I observed that a diffuse style generally abounds in long periods ; and

a concise writer, it is certain, will often employ short sentences.
It is not,however, to be inferred from this, that long or short sen-
tences are fully characteristical of the one or the other manner. It
is very possible for one to compose always in short sentences, and to

be withal extremely diffuse, if a small measure of sentiment be

spread through many of these sentences. Seneca is a remarkable
example. By the shortness and quaintness of his sentences, he
may appear at first view very concise yet he is far from being so.
;

He transfigures the same thought into many different forms. He

makes it pass for a new one, only by giving it a new turn. So also,
most of the French writers compose in short sentences, though their
style in general is not concise ; commonly less so than the bulk of
English writers, whose sentences are much longer. A French au-
thor breaks down into two or three sentences, that portion of thought
which an English author crowds into one. The direct effect of short
 lect. xvin.] NERVOUS, DRY, AND FEEBLE. 199

sentences, is to render the style brisk and lively, but not always con-

cise. By the quick successive impulses which they make on the

mind, they keep it awake ; and give to composition more of a
spirited character. Long periods, like Lord Clarendon's, are grave
and stately; but like all grave things, they are in hazard of be-
coming dull. An intermixture of long and short ones is requisite,
when we would support solemnity, together with vivacity, leaning
more to the one or the other, according as propriety requires that
the solemn or the sprightly should be predominant in our composi-
tion. But of long and short sentences, I had occasion formerly to
treat, under the head of the construction of periods.
The nervous and the feeble, are generally held to be characters
of style, of the same import with the concise and the diffuse. They
do indeed very often coincide. Diffuse writers have, for the most
part, some degree of feebleness and nervous writers will generally
;

be inclined to a concise expression. This, however, does not al-

ways hold and there are instances of writers, who, in the midst of
;

a full and ample style, have maintained a great degree of strength.

Livy is an example; and in the English language Dr. Barrow.
Barrow's style has many faults. It is unequal, incorrect, and redun-
dant; but withal, for force and expressiveness, uncommonly distin-
guished. On every subject, he multiplies words with an overflow-
ing copiousness but it is always a torrent of strong ideas and signi-
:

ficant expressions which he pours forth. Indeed, the foundations of

a nervous or a weak style are laid in an author's manner of thinking.
If he conceives an object strongly, he will express it with energy;
but if he has only an indistinct view of his subject ; if his ideas be
loose and wavering ; if his genius be such, or, at the time of his wri-
ting, so carelessly exerted, that he has no firm hold of the concep-
tion which he would communicate to us; the marks of all this will
clearly appear in his style. Several unmeaning words and loose epi-
thets will be found: his expressions will be vague and general; his
arrangement indistinct and feeble; we shall conceive somewhat of
his meaning, but our conception will be faint. Whereas a nervous
writer, whether he employs an extended or a concise style, gives us
always a strong impression of his meaning; his mind is full of his
subject, and his words are all expressive; every phrase and every
figure which he uses, tends to render the picture, which he would
set before us, more lively and complete.
I observed under the head of diffuse and concise style, that an
author might lean either to the one or to the other, and yet be beau-
tiful. This is not the case with respect to the nervous and the feeble.
•
Every author, in every composition, ought to study to express him-
self with some strength, and, in proportion as he approaches to the
feeble, he becomes a bad writer. In all kinds of writing, however,
the same degree of strength is not demanded. But the more grave
and weighty any composition is, the more should a character of
strength predominate in the style. Hence in history, philosophy,
and solemn discourses, it is expected most. One of the most com-
plete models of a nervous style, is Demosthenes in his orations.
 200 NERVOUS AND FEEBLE STYLE, [lect. xviii

As every good quality in style has an extreme, when pursued to

which it becomes faulty, this holds of the nervous style as well as
others. Too
great a study of strength, to the neglect of the other
qualities of style, is found to betray writers into a harsh manner.

Harshness arises from unusual words, from forced inversions in the

construction of a sentence, and too much neglect of smoothness and
ease. This is reckoned the fault of some of our earliest classics in
the English language; such as Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Francis Ba-
con, Hooker, Chillingworth, Milton in his prose works, Harrington,
Cudworth, and other writers of considerable note in the days of
Queen Elizabeth, James I. and Charles I. These writers had nerves
and strength in a high degree, and are to this day eminent for that
quality in style. But the language in their hands was exceedingly
different from what it is now, and was indeed entirely formed upon
the idiom and construction of the Latin in the arrangement of sen-
tences. Hooker, for instance, begins the preface to his celebrated
work of Ecclesiastical Polity, with the following sentence: 'Though
for no other cause, yet for this, that posterity may know we have
not loosely, through silence, permitted things to pass away as in a
dream, there shall be, for men's information, extant this much, con-
cerning the present state of the church of God established amongst
us, and their careful endeavours which would have upheld the same.'
Such a sentence now sounds harsh in our ears. Yet some advan-
tages certainly attended this sort of style and whether we have
;

gained or lost, upon the whole, by departing from it, may bear
a question. By the freedom of arrangement which it permitted,
it rendered the language susceptible of more strength, of more

variety of collocation, and more harmony of period. But however

this be, such a style is now obsolete and no modern writer
;

could adopt it without the censure of harshness and affectation.

The present form which the language has assumed, has, in some
measure, sacrificed the study of strength to that of perspicuity
and ease. Our arrangement of words has become less forcible,
perhaps, but more plain and natural: and this is now understood to
be the genius of our language.
The restoration of King Charles II. seems to be the sera of the
formation of our present style. Lord Clarendon was one of the first
who laid aside those frequent inversions which prevailed among
writers of the former age. After him, Sir William Temple polished
the language still more. But the author, who by the number and re-
putation of his works, formed it more than any one, into its present
state, is Dryden. Dryden began to write at the restoration, and
continued long an author both in poetry and prose. He had made
the language his study; and though he wrote hastily, and often in-
correctly, and his style is not free from faults, yet there is a richness
in his diction, a copiousness, ease, and variety in his expression,
which has not been surpassed by any who have come after him.*
* Dr. Johnson, in his life of Dryden, gives the following character of his prose
*tyle : His prefaces have not the formality of a settled style, in which the first
'

half of the sentence betravs the other The clauses are never balanced, nor ths
 ;:

lect. xvin.] DRY AND PLAIN STYLE, 201

Since his time, considerable attention has been paid to purity and
elegance of style: but it is elegance, rather than strength, that forms
the distinguishing quality of most of the good English writers.
Some of them compose in a more manly and nervous manner than
others; but, whether it be from the genius of our language, or from
whatever other cause, it appears to me, that we are far from the
strength of several of the Greek and Roman authors.
Hitherto we have considered style under those characters that
respect its expressiveness of an author's meaning. Let us now pro-
ceed to consider it in another view; with respect to the degree of
ornament employed to beautify it. Here, the style of different
authors seems to rise, in the following gradation; a dry, a plain, a
neat, an elegant, a flowery manner. Of each of these in their order
First, a dry manner. This excludes all ornament of every kind.
Content with being understood, it has not the least aim to please
either the fancy or the ear. This is tolerable only in pure didactic
writing and even there, to make us bear it, great weight and solidi-
;

ty of matter is requisite, and entire perspicuity of language. Aris-

totle is the complete example of a dry style. Never, perhaps, was
there any author who adhered so rigidly to the strictness of a didac-
tic manner, throughout all his writings, and conveyed so much in-
struction without the least approach to ornament. With the most
profound genius, and extensive views, he writes like a pure intelli-
gence, who addresses himself solely to the understanding, without
making any use of the channel of the imagination. But this is a
manner which deserves not to be imitated. For, although the
goodness of the matter may compensate the dryness or harshness ol
the style, yet is that dryness a considerable defect; as it fatigues

attention, and conveys our sentiments with disadvantage to the rea-

der or hearer.
A plain style rises one degree above a dry one. A writer of
this character employs very little ornament of any kind, and rests,
almost, entirely upon his sense. But, if he is at no pains to engage
us by the employment of figures, musical arrangement, or any other
art of writing, he studies, however, to avoid disgusting us like a dry
and a harsh writer. Besides perspicuity, he pursues propriety, puri-
ty, and precision, in his language which form one degree, and no
;

inconsiderable one, of beauty. Liveliness, too, and force, may be

consistent with a very plain style; and therefore, such an author, if
his sentiments be good, may be abundantly agreeable. The differ-
ence between a dry and a plain writer, is, that the former is incapa-
ble of ornament, and seems not to know what it is the latter seeks
;

not after it. He gives us his meaning, in good language, distinct

and pure any further ornament, he gives himself no trouble about
;

periods modelled every word seems to drop by chance, though it falls into its
;

proper place. Nothing is cold or languid the whole is airy, animated and vigor-
;

ous ;what is little is gay, what is great is splendid. Though all is easy, nothing
is feeble; though all seems careless, there is nothing harsh; and though, since
his earlier works more than a century has passed, they have nothing yet uncouth
or obsolete.'
2G 26
202 NEAT STYLE. [lect. XVIII.

either, because lie thinks it unnecessary to his subject; or, because

his genius does not lead him to delight in it; or, because it leads
him to despise it.*
This last was the case with Dean Swift, who may be placed at the
head of those that have employed the plain style. Few writers
have discovered more capacity. He treats every subject which he
handles, whether serious or ludicrous, in a masterly manner. He
knew, almost beyond any man, the purity, the extent, the precision
of the English language; and, therefore, to such as wish to attain a
pure and correct style, he is one of the most useful models. But
we must not look for much ornament and grace in his language.
His haughty and morose genius, made him despise any embellish-
ment of this kind as beneath his dignity. He delivers his sentiments
in a plain, downright, positive manner, like one who is sure he is in
the right; and is very indifferent whether you be pleased or not.
His sentences are commonly negligently arranged; distinctly enough
as to the sense; but, without any regard to smoothness of sound;
often without much regard to compactness, or elegance. If a me-
taphor, or any other figure, chanced to render his satire more poign-
ant, he would, perhaps, vouchsafe to adopt it, when it came in his
way; but if it tended only to embellish and illustrate, he would
rather throw it aside. Hence, in his serious pieces, his style often
borders upon the dry and unpleasing; in his humorous ones, the
plainness of his manner sets off" his wit to the highest advantage.
There no froth nor affectation in it; it flows without any studied
is

preparation and while he hardly appears to smile himself, he makes

;

his reader laugh heartily. To a writer of such a genius as Dean

Swift, the plain style was most admirably fitted. Among our phi-
losophical writers, Mr. Locke comes under this class; perspicuous
and pure, but almost without any ornament whatever. In works
which admit or require ever so much ornament, there are parts
where the plain manner ought to predominate. But we must re-
member, that when this is the character which a writer affects
throughout his whole composition, great weight of matter and great
force of sentiment are required, in order to keep up the reader's
attention, and prevent him from becoming tired of the author.
What is called a neat style comes next in order and here we are ;

got into the region of ornament; but that ornament, not of the high-
est or most sparkling kind. A
writer of this character shows, that
he does not despise the beauty of language. It is an object of his
attention. But his attention is shown in the choice of words, and
in a graceful collocation of them, rather than in any high efforts of
imagination or eloquence. His sentences are always clean, and
free from the encumbrance of superfluous words; of a moderate
length; rather inclining to brevity, than a swelling structure ; clos-
* On head, of the general characters of style, particularly the plain and
this
the simple, and the characters of those English authors who are classed under
them, in this, and the following lecture, several ideas have been taken from a
manuscript treatise on rhetoric, part of which was shown to me, many years ago,
by the learned and ingenious author, Dr. Adam Smith; and which, it is hoped,
will be given by him to the public.
usct. xviii.] ELEGANT STYLE. 203

ing with propriety; without any tails or adjections dragging after

the proper close. His cadence is varied; but not of the studied
musical kind. His figures, if he uses any, are short and correct, ra-
ther than bold and glowing. Such a style as this may be attained
by a writer who has no great powers of fancy or genius by industry ;

merely, and careful attention to the rules of writing, and it is a style

always agreeable. It imprints a character of moderate elevation on our
composition, and carries a decent degree of ornament, which is not
unsuitable to any subject whatever. A
familiar letter, or a law paper,
on the driest subject, may be written with neatness and a sermon, ;

or a philosophical treatise, in a neat style, will be read with pleasure.

An elegant style is a character, expressing a higher degree of or-
nament than a neat one; and indeed, is the term usually applied to
style, when possessing all the virtues of ornament, without any of
its excesses or defects. From what has been formerly delivered, it
will easily be understood, that complete elegance implies great per-
cpicuity and propriety purity in the choice of words, and care and
;

dexterity in their harmonious and happy arrangement. It implies

farther, the grace and beauty of imagination spread over style, as
far as the subject admits it; and all the illustration which figurative
language adds, when properly employed. In a word, an elegant
writer is one who pleases the fancy and the ear, while he informs
the understanding: and who gives us his ideas clothed with all the
beauty of expression, but not overcharged with any of its misplaced
finery. In this class, therefore, we place only the first rate writers in
the language; such as Addison, Dryden, Pope, Temple, Boling-
broke, Atterbury, and a few more: writers who differ widely from
one another in many of the attributes of style, but whom we now
class together, under the denomination of elegant, as, in the scale
of ornament, possessing nearly the same place.
When the ornaments applied to style, are too rich and gaudy in
proportion to the subject; when they return upon us too fast, and
strike us either with a dazzling lustre, or a false brilliancy, this forms
what is called a florid style; a term commonly used to signify the
excess of ornament. In a young composer this is very pardonable.
Perhaps it is even a promising symptom in young people, that their
style should incline to the florid and luxuriant; Volo se efferat in
'

adolescente fsecunditas,' says Quintilian, 'multum inde decoquent

anni, multum ratio limabit, aliquid velut usu ipso deteretur; sit
modo unde excidi possit quid et exculpi. Audeat haec setas plura,
et inveniat et inventis gaudeat; sint licet ilia non satis interim sicca
et severa. Facile remedium est ubertatis: sterilia nullo labore vin-
cuntur.'* But, although the florid style may be allowed to youth,

* In youth, I wish to see luxuriancy of fancy appear.

' Much of it will be dimin-
ished by years much will be corrected by ripening' judgment ; some of it, by the mere
;

practice of composition, will be worn away. Let there be only sufficient matter, at
first, that can bear some pruning and lopping off. At this time of life, let genius be
bold and inventive, and pride itself in its efforts, though these should not, as yet,be cor
rect. Luxuriancy can easily be cured but for barrenness there is no remedy.'
;
204 FLORID STYLE. [lect. xviii

in their first essays, it must not receive the same indulgence from
writers of maturer years. It is to be expected, that judgment, as it

ripens, should chasten imagination, and reject as juvenile all such

ornaments as are redundant, unsuitable to the subject, or not condu-
cive to illustrate it. Nothing can be more contemptible than that tinsel
splendour of language, which some writers perpetually affect. It were
well, if this could be ascribed to the real overflowing of a rich ima-
gination. We
should then have something to amuse us, at least, if
we found little to instruct us. But the worst is, that with those frothy
writers, it is a luxuriancy of words, not of fancy. We
see a laboured
attempt to rise to a splendour of composition, of which they have
formed to themselves some loose idea; but having no strength of genius
for attaining it, they endeavour to supply the delect by poetical words,
by cold exclamations, by common-place figures, and every thing that
has the appearance of pomp and magnificence. It has escaped these
writers, that sobriety in ornament is one great secret for rendering it
pleasing and that without a foundation of good sense and solid
;

thought, the most florid style is but a childish imposition on the pub-
lic. The public, however, are but too apt to be so imposed on at ;

least, the mob of readers, who are very ready to be caught, at first,
with whatever is dazzling and gaudy.
I cannot help thinking, that it reflects more honour on the religious

turn, and good dispositions of the present age, than on the public taste,
that Mr. Hervey's Meditations have had so great a currency. The
pious and benevolent heart which is always displayed in them, and
the lively fancy which, on some occasions, appears, justly merits ap-
plause : but the perpetual glitter of expression, the swoln imagery,
and strained description which abound in them, are ornaments of a
false kind. I would, therefore, advise students of oratory to imitate

Mr. Hervey's piety rather than his style: and, in all compositions of a
serious kind, to turn their attention, as Mr. Pope says, ' from sounds
to things, from fancy to the heart.' Admonitions of this kind, I have
already had occasion to give, and may hereafter repeat them as I ;

conceive nothing more incumbent on me in this course of lectures,

than to take every opportunity of cautioning my readers against the
affected and frivolous use of ornament and instead of that slight and
:

superficial taste in writing, which I apprehend to be at present too

fashionable, to introduce, as far as my endeavours can avail, a taste
for more solid thought, and more manly simplicity in style.

QUESTIONS.
Having treated at considerable the other hand, what is remarked? How
length of the figures of speech, before is this illustrated ? In the second place,
finally dismissing this subject, what does that figures be beautiful, what is requi-
our author think incumbent on him? site ? What has been shown ? When
Though these have, in part, been anti- only, therefore, are they beautiful and ;

cipated, yet, what may be of use ; and what remark follows? When will they
why ? With repeating what observa- have a miserable effect and what is a
;

tion, does our author begin ? Instances very erroneous idea? This is indeed,
of what, have alreadvbeen rriven? On what ? What has often been the effect
 ;; ;

LECT. XVIII.] QUESTIONS. fc04 a,

of this false idea 1 From what does the obvious distinctions of the different
real and proper ornaments of style arise kinds of style arise, and what does it
and how do they flow? Of a writer of form ? Of a concise writer, what is ob-
genius, what is remarked ? On what oc- served ? How does he regard ornament?
casions should we never attempt to hunt In what light does he place his thoughts?
for figures and why 1 What is the third How are his sentences arranged what
;
;

direction given concerning the use of is studied in them; and for what are
figures ; and why ? What is the effect they commonly designed? Of a diffuse
on composition of too great attention to writer, what is remarked ? Whydoes
ornament and what remark follows ? he place his thought in a variety of
;

What is said of the direction of the an- lights; and why is he not careful to ex-
cient critics on this head 7 What says press it in its full strength at first?
Cicero? With what direction doesQuin- What do writers of this character
tilian conclude his discourse concerning generally love; and of their periods,
them ? On the uce of figurative lan- what is observed ? Of each of these
guage, what is the fourth direction ? Of manners, what is observed ? What re-
imagination, what is observed ? What mark follows ? For illustrations of these
improvement may it derive from culti- general characters, to whom does our
vation; but what will prove disgusting? author refer? How are we to collect
With what consideration should we sa- the idea of a formed manner of writing?
tisfy ourselves? What will always com-
T
Who are the two most remarkable ex-
mand attention and of what are they amples known by our author ? Of Aris-
;

the foundation ? What remark follows? totle, and of his frugality, what is ob-
What directions cannot be too often served ? Of a beautiful and magnificent
fiven to those who wish to excel in the diffuseness, who is the most illustrious
beral arts? When our author entered instance that can be given and what
;

upon the consideration of style, what other writers fall in some degree under
did he observe ? To what do these dis- this class? In judging when it is proper
tinctions, in general, carry some refe- to lean to the concise, and when to the
rence ; but refer chiefly to what? From diffuse manner, by what must we be
what do they arise ; and what do they directed ? Why do discourses that are
comprehend ? Of what does it remain to be spoken, require a more copious
now to speak ? Of the style necessary style, than books that are to be read ?
for different subjects, what is observed? On what should we never presume?
How is this illustrated from philosophi- What style, therefore, is required in all
cal writings, from orations, and from public speeches; guarding, at the same
the different parts of a sermon ? But time, against what? In written compo-
what does our author at present mean sitions, why does a certain degree of
to remark ? How is this remark illus- conciseness, possess great advantages 1
trated from the writings of Livy, and How is this illustrated? When should
of Tacitus? How is this further illus- description be in a concise strain ? How
trated ? Wherever there is real and na- does it appear that this is different from
tive genius, what is its effect ? Where the common opinion? What does our
nothing of this appears, what are we author, on the contrary, apprehend
apt to infer ? How is this illustrated ? and why? Accordingly, of the most
Anions: the ancients, how did Dionysi- masterly describers, what is observed ?
us of Halicarnassus, divide these gene- At one glance, what do they show us?
ral characters of style ? By the austere, Upon what, does the strength and vi-
what does he mean ; and what exam- vacity of description much depend ?
ples are given ? What does he mean by In what style should addresses to the
the florid ? Whom does he instance as passions be made ? In these, why is it
writers of this character ? What is the dangerous to be diffuse? What hazard
middle kind what does it comprehend attends becoming prolix? Of the heart,
;

and in this class who are placed ? Of and the fancy, what is observed? In ad-
this last class, what is observed ; and dresses to what, is the case quite differ-
why? Of Cicero, and Quintilian's di- ent and there, what manner is prefer-
;

vision of style, what does our author red ? When should you be concise, and
remark and why does he not dwell on when is it better to be full ? Of historical
;

it 1 From what does one of the most narration, what is observed and how ;
 ;; ;;
;

204 6 QUESTIONS. [lect. XVIII.

is this illustrated ? Of a diffuse writer, does the style of different authors seem
what was observed ; and of a concise to rise ? Of a dry manner, what is ob-
writer, what, therefore, is certain ? served ? Where, only, is it tolerable
What, however, is not to be inferred and what, even there, is requisite ? Of
from this; and why not? Who is a Aristotle, what is here observed ? Why
remarkable example of this; and of does not this manner deserve to be imi-
liis sentences, what is observed? Of tated? What is remarked of a plain

the style of most of the French wri- style ? Of a writer of this character,
ters, what is observed? What does a what is observed ? What does he pur-
French author do; and what is the sue in his language ? What, also, may
direct effect of these short sentences? be consistent with a very plain style
What is the effect of the quick, succes- and therefore, what follows ? What is

sive impulses, which they make on the the difference between a dry and a
mind? Of long periods, what is ob- plain writer ? Repeat the remarks here
served ? When is an intermixture of made on the style of Dean Swift. What,
long and short sentences requisite ? But also, is remarked of Mr. Locke ? In a
of them, what is said ? How are the neat style, what have we reached
nervous and the feeble generally held ? and of a writer of this character, what
How does it appear that they do very is observed ? By whom may such a
often coincide ? As this does not always style as this be attained; and how?
hold, of what are there instances? Of it, what is remarked, and how ex-
Who are examples and of the latter tensively may it. be used ? Of an ele-
;

style, what is observed ? Where is the gant style, what is observed ? From
foundation of a nervous or weak style what has been formerly delivered, what
laid ? How is this illustrated? Of his will be easily understood ? What far-
words and expressions, what is obser- ther does it imply; and of an elegant
ved? What impression does a ner- writer, what is observed ? may Whom
vous writer give us of his subject and we place in this class; and of them
;

why ? What was before observed ? what is observed? What forms a florid
How should every author study to ex- style? Of it, in a young composer, what
press himself? What remark follows is remarked and what says Quintilian?
;

and when should strength predominate Why

must not this style receive the
in style ? Hence, where is it expected same indulgence from writers of ma-
most and who is one of the most per- ture years? Of these frothy writers,
;

fect examples? What holds of the ner- what is observed and in them, what ;

vous style as well as others ? What is do we see? What has escaped them ?
the effect of too great a study of strength Of Mr. Hervey's Meditations, what is
and from what does harsnness arise? Of observed ? In them, what justly merits
whom is this reckoned the fault? Of applause but what are of a false kind ?;

these writers, and of the language in What advice, to students of oratory, is

their hands, what is observed ? What therefore given? Why
are admonitions
illustration of this remark is given ? of this kind repeated ?
What advantages attend this sort of
style ? To what has the present form of ANALYSIS.
our lamruaare sacrificed the study of 1. Directions about the use of figures.
strength ? Of our arrangement of words, a. The chief beauties of composition do
not depend upon them.
what is remarked ? What was the area b. They must rise naturally from the
of the formation of our present style ? subject.
Who was the first who laid aside those c. They should not be employed too fre-

frequent inversions ? Who

polished the quently.
d. Without a genius for them, they should
language still more ? But to whom are
not be attempted.
we most indebted for the present state 2. Style, with respect to its expression.
of our language and of
; him, what is a. The diffuse and the concise style.
observed ? Since his time, to what has b. The nervous and the feeble style.

considerable attention been paid but. 3. ;

Style, with respect to ornament.
A. A dry style.
what follows? How do we now com- b. A plain style.
pare with the ancients ? Hitherto, how c. A neat style.
have we considered style ? How do we i). An elegant style.

now proceed to consider it ? Here, Iioav e. A florid style.

 (205)

LECTURE XIX.

GENERAL CHARACTERS OF STYLE.— SIMPLE, AF-

FECTED, VEHEMENT.— DIRECTIONS FOR
FORMING A PROPER STYLE.
Having entered, in the last lecture, on the consideration of the
general characters of style, I treated of the concise and diffuse, the
nervous and feehle manner. I considered style also, with relation
to the differentdegrees of ornament employed to beautify it, in
which view, the manner of different authors rises according to the
following gradation dry, plain, neat, elegant, flowery.
:

I am next to treat of style under another character, one of great

importance in writing, and which requires to be accurately examin-
ed, that of simplicity, or a natural style, as distinguished from affec-
tation. Simplicity, applied to writing, is a term very frequently
used; but,like otber critical terms, often used loosely and without
precision. This has been owing chiefly to the different meanings
given to the word simplicity, which, therefore, it will be necessary
here to distinguish ; and to show in what sense it is a proper attri-
bute of style. We may remark four different acceptations in which
it is taken.
The first is, simplicity of composition, as opposed to too great a
variety of parts. Horace's precept refers to this :

Denique sit quod vis simplex duntaxat et unum*

This is the simplicity of plan in a tragedy, as distinguished from
double plots, and crowded incidents; the simplicity of the Iliad, or
iEneid, in opposition to the digressions of Lucan, and the scattered
tales of Ariosto; the simplicity of Grecian architecture, in opposition
to the irregular variety of the Gothic. In this sense, simplicity is
the same with unity.
The second sense is simplicity of thought, as opposed to refine-
ment. Simple thoughts are what arise naturally what the occasion ;

or the subject suggest unsought ; and what, when once suggested,

are easily apprehended by all. Refinement in writing, expresses a
less natural and obvious train of thought, and which it required a
peculiar turn of genius to pursue; within certain bounds very beau-
tiful ; but when carried too far, approaching to intricacy, and hurting
us by the appearance of being recherche, or far sought. Thus, we
would naturally say, that Mr. Parnell is a poet of far greater simpli-
city, in his turn of thought, than Mr. Cowley ; Cicero's thoughts on
moral subjects are natural; Seneca's too refined and laboured. In
these two senses of simplicity, when it is opposed, either to variety
of parts, or to refinement of thought, it has no proper relation to style,

* ' Then learn the wandering humour to control,

And keep one equal tenour through the whole.' Francis,
206 SIMPLICITY AND [lect. xix.

There is a third sense of simplicity, in which it has respect to

style; and stands opposed to too much ornament or pomp of lan-
guage ;
as when we say, Mr. Locke is a simple, Mr. Hervey a florid
writer; and it is in this sense, that the 'simplex,'' the 'tenue,' or
'subtile genus dicendi,' is understood by Cicero and Quintilian. The
simple style, in this sense, coincides with the plain or the neat style,
which I before mentioned; and, therefore, requires no farther illus-
tration.
But there is a fourth sense of simplicity, also, respecting style;
but not respecting the degree of ornament employed, so much as
the easy and natural manner in which our language expresses our
thoughts. This is quite different from the former sense of the word
just now mentioned, in which simplicity was equivalent to plainness :

whereas, in this sense, it is compatible with the highest ornament.

Homer, for instance, possesses this simplicity in the greatest perfec-
tion; and yet no writer has more ornament and beauty. This sim-
plicity, which is what we are now to consider, stands opposed, not
to ornament, but to affectation of ornament, or appearance of labour
about our style and it is a distinguishing excellency in writing.
;

A
writer of simplicity expresses himself in such a manner, that
every one thinks he could have written in the same way; Horace
describes it,

-ut sibi quivis

Speret idem, sudet multum, frustraque laboret
Ausus idem.*

There are no marks of art in his expression: it seems the very lan-
guage of nature you see in the style, not the writer and his labour,
;

but the man in his own natural character. He may be rich in his
expression he may be full of figures, and of fancy but these flow
;
;

from him without effort; and he appears to write in this manner, not
because he has studied it, but because it is the manner of expression
most natural to him. A
certain degree of negligence, also, is not
inconsistent with this character of style, and even not ungraceful in
it for too minute an attention to words is foreign to it
;
' Habeat :

ille,' says Cicero, ( Orat. No. 77 ) ' molle quiddam, et quod indicet

non ingratam negligentiam hominis, de re magis quam de verbo la-

borantis.'t This is the great advantage of simplicity of style, that,
like simplicity of manners, it shows us a man's sentiments and turn
of mind laid open without disguise. More studied and artificial
manners of writing, however beautiful, have always this disadvan-
tage, that they exhibit an author in form, like a man at court, where
the splendour of dress, and the ceremonial of behaviour, conceal those
peculiarities which distinguish one man from another. But reading
an author of simplicity, is like conversing with a person of distinction
* '
From well-known tales such fictions would 1 raise,

As all might hope to imitate with ease;

Yet while they strive the same success to gain,
Should find their labours, and their hopes in vain.' Francis.
f Let this style have a certain softness and ease, which shall characterize a neg
'

lirence not unpleasing in an author, who appears to be more solicitous about the
»!->r>iifrht than th(? expression.
lect. xrx.] AFFECTATION IN STYLE. 207

at home, and with ease, where we find natural manners, and a mark-
ed character.
The highest degree of this simplicity, is expressed by a French
term, to which we have none that fully answers in our language,
naivete. It is not easy to give a precise idea of the import of this
word. It always expresses a discovery of character. I Delieve the

best account of it is given by a French critic, M. Marmontel, who

explains xtthus That sortof amiable ingenuity,or undisguised open-
:

ness, which seems to give us some degree of superiority over the

person who shows it; a certain infantine simplicity, which we love in
our hearts, but which displays some features of the character that
we think we could have art enough to hide and which, therefore, ;

always leads us to smile at the person who discovers this character.

La Fontaine, in his Fables, is given as the great example of such
naivete. This, however, is to be understood, as descriptive of a par-
ticular species only of simplicity.
With respect to simplicity in general, we may remark, that the an-
cient original writers are always the most eminent for it. This hap-
pens from a plain reason, that they wrote from the dictates of natu-
ral genius, and were not formed upon the labours and writings of
others, which is always in hazard of producing affectation. Hence,
among the Greek writers, we have more models of a beautiful sim-
plicity than among the Roman. Homer, Hesiod, Anacroon, Theo-
critus, Herodotus, and Xenophon, are all distinguished for it. Among
the Romans also, we have some writers of this character, particular-
ly Terence, Lucretius, Phsedrus, and Julius Caesar. The following
passage of Terence's Andria, is a beautiful instance of simplicity of
manner in description.
Funus interim
Procedit ; sequimur; ad sepulchrum veniraus;
In ignem imposita est; fletur. Interea hac soror,
Quam dixi, ad flammam accessit imprudentius
Satis cum periculo. Ibi turn exanimatus Pamphilus,
Bene dissimulatum amorem, et celatum iudicat;
Occurrit pr seeps, mulierem ab igne retrahit,
Mea Glycerium, inquit, quid agis? Cur tu is perditum ?

Turn ilia, ut consuetum facile amorem cerneres,

Rejecit se in earn, flens quam familiariter.*

All the words here are remarkably happy and elegant; and convey
a most lively picture of the scene described while, at the same time,
;

K * Meanwhile the funeral proceeds ; we follow ;

Come to the sepulchre: the body's placed
Upon the pile ; lamented ; whereupon
This sister I was speaking of, all wild,
Ran to the flames with peril of her life.
There! there! the frighted Pamphilus betrays
His well-dissembled and long hidden love;
Runs up and takes her round the waist, and cries,
Oh my Glycerium! what is it you do?
!

Why, why endeavour to destroy yourself?

Then she, in such a manner, that you thence
Might easily perceive their long, long love,
Threw herself back into his a. ms, and wept,
Oh! how familiarly" ' CoittAli.

2H
 ;

208 SIMPLICITY AND [lect. xix.

the style appears wholly artless and unlaboured. Let us,nextj con-
sider some English writers who come under this class.
Simplicity is the great beauty of Archbishop Tillotson's manner.
Tillotson has long been admired as an eloquent writer, and a model
for preaching. But his eloquence, if we can call it such, has been
often misunderstood. For, if we include in the idea of eloquence,
vehemence and strength, picturesque description, glowing figures, or
correct arrangement of sentences, in all these parts of oratory the
Archbishop is exceedingly deficient. His style is always pure, in-
deed, and perspicuous, but careless and remiss; too often feeble and
languid little beauty in the construction of his sentences, which are
;

frequently suffered to drag unharmoniously; seldom any attempt to-

wards strength or sublimity. But, notwithstanding these defects,
such a constant vein of good sense and piety runs through his works,
such an earnest and serious manner, and so much useful instruction
conveyed in a style so pure, natural, and unaffected, as will justly re-
commend him to high regard, as long as the English language re-
mains; not, indeed, as a model of the highest eloquence, but as a
simple and amiable writer, whose manner is strongly expressive of
great goodness and worth. I observed before, that simplicity of
manner may be consistent with some degree of negligence in style,
and it is only the beauty of that simplicity which makes the negli-
gence of such writers seem graceful. But, as appears in the Arch-
bishop, negligence may sometimes be carried so far as to impair the
beauty of simplicity, and make it border on aflat and languid manner.
Sir William Temple is another remarkable writer in the style of
simplicity. In point of ornament and correctness, he rises a degree
above Tillotson; though, for correctness, he is not in the highest
rank. All is easy and flowing in him; he is exceedingly harmoni-
ous smoothness, and what may be called amenity, are the distinguish-
;

ing characters of his manner; relaxing, sometimes, as such a man-

ner will naturally do, into a prolix and remiss style. No writer what-
ever has stamped upon his style a more lively impression of his own
character. In reading his works, we seem engaged in conversation
with him we become thoroughly acquainted with him, not merely as
;

an author, but as a man and contract a friendship for him. He may

;

be classed as standing in the middle, between a negligent simplicity,

and the highest degree of ornament, which this character of style
admits.
Of the latter of these, the highest, most correct, and ornamented
degree of the simple manner, Mr. Addison, is, beyond doubt, in the
English language, the most perfect example: and, therefore, though
not without some faults, he is, on the whole, the safest model for
imitation, and the freest from considerable defects, which the lan-
guage affords. Perspicuous and pure, he is in the highest degree
his precision, indeed, not very great, yet nearly as great as the sub-
jects which he treats of require; the construction of his sentences
easy, agreeable, and commonly very musical; carrying a character
of smoothness more than of strength. In figurative language, he is
rich, particularly in simile5 and metaphors^ which are so employ-
lect. xix.] AFFECTATION IN STYLE. 209

ed, as to render his style splendid, without being gaudy. There is

not the least affectation in his manner; we see no marks of labour;
nothing forced or constrained; but great elegancejoined with great
ease and simplicity. He is, in particular, distinguished by a charac-
ter of modesty, and of politeness, which appears in all his writings.
No author has a more popular and insinuating manner; and the great
regard which he every where shows for virtue and religion, recom-
mends him highly. If he fails in any thing, it is in want of strength
and precision, which renders his manner, though perfectly suited to
such essays as he writes in the Spectator, not altogether a proper mo-
del for any of the higher and more elaborate kinds of composition.
Though the public have ever done much justice to his merit, yet the
nature of his merit has not always been seen in its true light; for,
though his poetry be elegant, he certainly bears a higher rank among
the prose writers, than he is entitled to among the poets; and, in
prose, his humour is of a much higher, and more original strain, than
his philosophy. The character of Sir Roger de Coverly discovers
more genius than the critique on Milton.
Such authors as those, whose characters I have been giving, one is
never tired of reading. There is nothing intheir manner that strains
or fatigues our thoughts we are pleased, without being dazzled by
;

their lustre. So powerful is the charm of simplicity, in an author

of real genius, that it atones for many defects, and reconciles us to
many a careless expression. Hence, in all the most excellent au-
thors, both in prose and verse, the simple and natural manner may
be always remarked ; although other beauties being predominant,
this forms not their peculiar and distinguishing character. Thus Mil-
ton is simple in the midst of all his grandeur and Demosthenes in
;

the midst of all his vehemence. To grave and solemn writings,

simplicity of manner adds the more venerable air. Accordingly,
this has often been remarked as the prevailing character throughout
all the sacred scriptures; and, indeed, no other character of style was
so much suited to the dignity of inspiration.
Of authors who, notwithstanding many excellencies, have ren-
dered their style much less beautiful by want of simplicity, I cannot
give a more remarkable example than Lord Shaftesbury. This is
an author on whom I have made observations several times before,
and shall now take leave of him, with giving his general character
under this head. Considerable merit, doubtless, he has. His
works might be read with profit for the moral philosophy which they
contain, had he not filled them with so many oblique and invidious
insinuations against the christian religion ; thrown out, too, with
so much spleen and satire, as do no honour to his memory, either
as an author or a man. His language has many beauties. It is firm,
and supported in an uncommon degree; it is rich and musical. No
English author, as I formerly showed, has attended so much to the
regular construction of his sentences, both with respect to propriety,
and with respect to cadence. All this gives so much elegance and
pomp to his language, that there is no wonder it should have been
27
210 SIMPLICITY IN STYLE. [lect. xix.

highly admired by some. It is greatly hurt, however, by perpe-

tual stiffnessand affectation. This is its capital fault. His lordship
can express nothing with simplicity. He seems to have considered
it as vulgar, and beneath the dignity of a man of quality, to speak

like other men. Hence he is ever in buskins; and dressed out with
magnificent elegance. In every sentence, we see the marks of
labour and art nothing of that ease which expresses a sentiment
;

coming natural and warm from the heart. Of figures and orna-
ment of every kind, he is exceedingly fond sometimes happy in
;

them but his fondness for them is too visible; and having once laid
;

hold of some metaphor or allusion that pleased him, he knows not

how to part with it. What is most wonderful, he was a professed
admirer of simplicity; is always extolling it in the ancients, and
censuring the moderns for the want of it; though he departs from
it himself as far as any one modern whatever. Lord Shaftesbury
possessed delicacy and refinement of taste, to a degree that we
may call excessive and sickly; but he had little warmth of passion;
few strong or vigorous feelings, and the coldness of his character,
led him to tbat artificial and stately manner which appears in his
writings. He was fonder of nothing than of wit and raillery but he ;

is far from being happy in it. He attempts it often, but always

awkwardly he is stiff, even in his pleasantry and laughs in form,
; ;

like an author, and not like a man.*

From the account which I have given of Lord Shaftesbury's man-
ner, it may easily be imagined, that he would mislead many who
blindly admired him. Nothing is more dangerous to the tribe of
imitators, than an author, who, with many imposing beauties, has
also some very considerable blemishes. This is fully exemplified
in Mr. Blackwall, of Aberdeen, the author of the Life of Homer,
the Letters on Mythology, and the Court of Augustus; a writer of
considerable learning, and of ingenuity also; but infected with an
extravagant love of an artificial style, and of that parade of lan-
guage which distinguishes the Shaftesburean manner.
Having now said so much to recommend simplicity, or the easy
and natural manner of writing, and having pointed out the defects
of an opposite manner; in order to prevent mistakes on this subject,
it is necessary for me to observe, that it is very possible for an au-

thor to write simply, and yet not beautifully. One may be free
from affectation, and not have merit. The beautiful simplicity sup-
poses an author to possess real genius; to write with solidity, purity,
and liveliness of imagination. In this case, the simplicity orunaf-
fectedness of his manner, is the crowning ornament; it heightens
every other beauty it is the dress of nature, without which, all
;

beauties are Lnperfect. But if mere unaffectedness were sufficient

* It may perhaps be not unworthy of being' mentioned, that the first edition of
his Inquiry into Virtue, was published, surreptitiously, I believe, in a separate
form, in the year 169!); and is sometimes to be met with: by comparing- which,
with the corrected edition of the same treatise, as it now stands among his works,
we see one of the most curious and useful examples that I know, of what is cal-
led LimcB labor; the art of polishing language, breaking long- sentences, and workirg
up an imperfect draught into a highly finished performance.
 ;

lect. xix. j
VEHEMENT STYLE. 211

to constitute the beauty of style, weak, trifling, and dull writers

might often lay claim to this beauty. And accordingly we fre-
quently meet with pretended critics, who extol the dullest wri-
ters on account of what they call the 'chaste simplicity of their
manner;' which, in truth, is no other than the absence of every
ornament, through the mere want of genius and imagination. We
must distinguish, therefore, between that simplicity which accom-
panies true genius, and which is perfectly compatible with every
proper ornament of style, and that which is no other than a careless
and a slovenly manner. Indeed, the distinction is easily made
from the effect produced. The one never fails to interest the rea-
der; the other is insipid and tiresome.
I proceed to mention one other manner or character of style,
different from any that I have yet spoken of; which may be dis-
tinguished by the name of the vehement. This always implies
strength, and is not, by any means, inconsistent with simplicity
but, in its predominant character, is distinguishable from either the
strong or the simple manner. It has a peculiar ardour; it is a glow-
ing style; the language of a man, whose imagination and passions
are heated, and strongly affected by what he writes; who is there-
fore negligent of lesser graces, but pours himself forth with the
rapidity and fullness of a torrent. It belongs to the higher kinds of
oratory and indeed is rather expected from a man who is speaking,
;

than from one who is writing in his closet. The orations of De-
mosthenes furnish the full and perfect example of this species of
style.
Among English writers, the one who has most of this character,
though mixed, indeed, with several defects, is Lord Bolingbroke.
Bolingbroke was formed by nature to be a factious leader; the de-
magogue of a popular assembly. Accordingly, the style that runs
through all his political writings, is that of one declaiming with
heat, rather than writing with deliberation. He abounds in rheto-
rical figures; and pours himself forth with great impetuosity. He
is copious to a fault; places the same thought before us in many

different views ;but generally with life and ardour. He is bold

rather than correct a torrent that flows strong, but often muddy.
;

His sentences are varied as to length and shortness; inclining, how-

ever, most to long periods ; sometimes including parentheses, and
frequently crowding and heaping a multitude of things upon one an-
other, as naturally happens in the warmth of speaking. In the
choice of his words, there is great felicity and precision. In exact
construction of sentences, he is much inferior to Lord Shaftesbury;
but greatly superior to him in life and ease. Upon the whole, his
merit as a writer would have been very considerable, if his matter
had equalled his style. But while we find much to commend
in the latter, in the former, as I before remarked, we can hardly
find any thing to commend. Inhis reasonings, forthe most part, he is
flimsy and false; in his political writings, factious; in what h.e calls
his philosophical ones, irreligious and sophistical in the highest de-
gree
212 GENERAL CHARACTERS [lect. xix.

I shall insist no longer on the different manners of writers, or the

genera] characters of style. Some others, beside those which I have
mentioned, might be pointed out; but I am sensible that it is very-
difficult to separate such general considerations of the style of au-
thors from their peculiar turn of sentiment, which it is not my
business, at present, to criticise. Conceited writers, for instance,
discover their spirit so much in their composition, that it imprints
on the<ir style a character of pertness; though I confess it is diffi-
cult to say, whether this can be classed among the attributes of
style, or rather is to be ascribed entirely to the thought. In what-
ever class we rank it, all appearances of it ought to be avoided
with care, as a most disgusting blemish in writing. Under the gen-
eral heads which I have considered, I have taken an opportunity of
giving the character of many of the eminent classics in the English
language.
From what I have said on this subject, it may be inferred, that
to determine among all these different manners of writing, what
is precisely the best, is neither easy, nor necessary. Style is a
field that admits great latitude. Its qualities in different authors
may be very different; and yet in them all beautiful. Room must
be left here for genius; for that particular determination which
every one receives from nature to one manner of expression more
than another. Some general qualities, indeed, there are, of such
importance, as should always, in every kind of composition, be
kept in view; and some defects we should always study to avoid.
An ostentatious, a feeble, a harsh, or an obscure style, for instance,
are always faults; and perspicuity, strength, neatness, and sim-
plicity, are beauties to be always aimed at. But as to the mixture
of all, or the degree of predominancy of any one of these good
qualities, for forming our peculiar distinguishing manner, no precise
rules can be given nor will I venture to point out anyone model
;

as absolutely perfect.
It will be more to the purpose, that I conclude these dissertations
upon style, witli a £ew directions concerning the proper method of
attaining a good style, in general ; leaving the particular character
of that style to be either formed by the subject on which we write,
or prompted by the bent of genius.
The first direction which J give for this purpose, is, to study clear
ideas on the subject concerning which we are to write or speak. This
is a direction which may at first appear to have small relation to
style. Its relation to it, however, is extremely close. The founda-
tion of all good good sense, accompanied with a lively ima-
style, is
gination. The and thoughts of a writer are so intimately con-
style
nected, that, as I have several times hinted, it is frequently hard to
distinguish them. Wherever the impressions of things upon our
minds are faint and indistinct, or perplexed and confused, our style
in treating of such things will infallibly be so too. Whereas, what
we conceive clearly and feel strongly, we shall naturally express
with clearness and with strength. This, then, we may be assured,
is a capital rule as to style, to think closely of the subject, till we
 ;

lect. xix.] OF STYLE. 213

have attained a full and distinct view of the matter which we are
to clothe in words, till we become warm and interested in it then, ;

and not till then, shall we find expression begin to flow. Generally
speaking, the best and most proper expressions, are those which a
clear view of the subject suggests, without much labour or inquiry
after them. This is Quintilian's observation, lib. viii. c. 1. 'Ple-
rumque optima verba rebus cohaerent, et cernuntur suo lumine.
At nos quserimus ilia, tanquam lateant, seque subducant. Ita nun-
quam putamus verba esse circa id de quo dicendum est sed ex aliis ;

locis petimus, et inventis vim affierimus.'*

In the second place, in order to form a good style, the frequent
practice of composing is indispensably necessary. Many rules con-
cerning style I have delivered, but no rules will answer the end,
without exercise and habit. At the same time, it is not every sort of
composing that will improve style. This is so far from being the
case, that by frequent, careless, and hasty composition, we shall ac-
quire certainly a very bad style; we shall have more trouble after-
wards in unlearning faults, and correcting negligences, than if we
had not been accustomed to composition at all. In the beginning,
therefore, we ought to write slowly and with much care. Let the
facility and speed of writing, be the fruit of longer practice. 'Mo-
ram et solicitudinem,' says Quintilian,with the greatest reason, 1. x.

c. 3. 'initiis impero. Nam primum hoc constituendum ac obtinen-

dum est, ut quam optime scribamus: celeritatem dabit consuetudo.
Paulatim res facilius se ostendent,verba respondebunt, compositio
prosequetur. Cuncta denique ut in familia bene instituta in officio
erunt. Summa hasc est rei cito scribendo non fit ut bene scribatur
;
'

bene scribendo, fit ut cito.'' 1

We must observe, however, that there may be an extreme, in

too great and anxious care about words. We must not retard
the course of thought, nor cool the heat of imagination, by pausing
too long on every word we employ. There is, on certain occasions,
a glow of composition which should be kept up, if we hope to ex-
press ourselves happily, though at the expense of allowing some
inadvertencies to pass. A more severe examination of these must
be left to be the work of correction. For, if the practice of compo-
work of correcting is noless so: it is
sition be useful, the laborious
indeed absolutely necessary to our reaping any benefit from the
habit of composition. What we have written, should be laid by
The most proper words for the most part adhere to the thoughts which are
* '

to he expressed by them, and may be discovered as by their own light. But we

hunt after them, as if they were hidden, and only to be fou. d in a corner. Hence,
instead of conceiving the words to lie near the subject, we go in quest of them to
some other quarter, and endeavour to give force to the expressions we have found
out.'
enjoin, that such as are beginning the practice of composition, write slowly,
t 'I
and with anxious deliberation. Their great object at first should be, to write as
well as possible; practice will enable them to write speedily. By degrees, matter
will offer itself still more readily ; words will be at hand ; composition will flow ;
every thing as in the arrangement of a well-ordered family, will present itself in 1 i
proper place. The sum of the whole is this; by hasty composition, we shall never
acquire the art of composing well ; by writing well, we shall come to write speedily.
 214 DIRECTIONS FOR [lect. xix

for some little time, till the ardour of composition be past, till the
fondness for the expressions we have used be worn oil", and the ex-
pressions themselves be forgotten; and then, reviewing our work
with a cool and critical eye, as if it were the performance of another,
we shall discern many imperfections which at first escaped us. Then
is the season for pruning redundances; for weighing the arrange-
ment of sentences; for attending to the juncture and connecting
particles; and bringing style into a regular, correct, and supported
form. This Llmx Labor, , must be submitted to by all who would
;

communicate their thoughts with proper advantage to others; and

some practice in it will soon sharpen their eye to the most necessary
objects of attention, and render it a much more easy and practicable
work than might at first be imagined.
In the third place, with respect to the assistance that is to be gain-
ed from the writings of others, it is obvious, that we ought to render
ourselves well acquainted with the style of the best authors. This
is requisite both in order to form a just taste iu style, and to supply

us with a full stock of words on every subject. In reading authors

with a view to style, attention should be given to the peculiarities of
their diiferent manners; and in this, and former lectures, I have en-
deavoured to suggest several things that may be useful in this view.
I know no exercise that will be found more useful for acquiring
a proper style, than to translate some passages from an eminent En-
glish author, into our own words. What 1 mean is. to take, for in-
stance, some page of one of Mr. Addison's Spectators, and read it
carefully over two or three times, till we have got a firm hold of the
thoughts contained in it; then to lay aside the book; to attempt to
write out the passage from memory, in the best way we can; and
having done so, next to open die book, and compare what we have
written with ilie style of the author. Such an exercise will, by com-
parison, show us where the delects of our style lie; will lead us to
the proper attentions for rectifying them; and, among the different
ways in which the same thought may be expressed, will make us
perceive that which is the most beautiful. But,
In the fourth place, I must caution, at the same time, against a ser-
vile imitation of any author whatever. This is always dangerous.
It hampers genius ; it is likely to produce a stiff manner ; and those
who are given to close imitation, generally imitate an author's faults
as well as his beauties. No man will ever become a good writer or
speaker, who has not some degree of confidence to follow his own
genius. We ought to beware, in particular, of adopting any author's
noted phrases, or transcribing passages from him. Such a habit will
prove fatal to all genuine composition. Infinitely better it is to have
something that is our own, though of moderate beauty, than to affect
to shine in borrowed ornaments, which will, at last, betray the utter
poverty of our genius. On these heads of composing, correcting,
reading, and imitating, I advise every student of oratory to consult
what Quintilian has delivered in the tenth book of his Institutions,
where he will find a variety of excellent observations and directions,
that well deserve attention.
 J

lect. xix. FORMING STYLE. 215

In the fifth place, it is an obvious, but material rule, with respect

we always study to adapt it to the subject, and also to the
to style, that
capacity of our hearers, if we are to speak in public. Nothing me-
rits the name of eloquent or beautiful, which is not suited to the oc-
casion, and to the persons to whom it is addressed. It is to the last
degree awkward and absurd, to attempt a poetical florid style, on
occasions when it should be our business only to argue and reason ;
or to speak with elaborate pomp of expression, before persons who
comprehend nothing of it, and who can only stare at our unseasona-
ble magnificence. These are defects not so much in point of style,
as, what is much worse, in point of common sense. When we begin
to write or speak, we ought previously to fix in our minds a clear con-
ception of the end to be aimed at; to keep this steadily in our view,
and to suit our style to it. If we do not sacrifice to this great object
every ill-timed ornament that may occur to our fancy, we are unpar-
donable; and though children and fools may admire, men of sense
will laugh at us and our style.
In the last place, I cannot conclude the s< bject without this admo-
nition, that in any case, and on any occasion, attention to style must
not engross us so much, as to detract from a higher degree of atten-
tion to the thoughts. 'Curam verborum/ says the great Roman cri-
tic, 'rerum volo esse solicit udinem.'* A
direction the more neces-
sary, as the present taste of the age in writing, seems to lean more to
style than to thought. It is much easier to dress up trivial and com-
mon sentiments with some beauty of expression, than to afford a fund
of vigorous, ingenious, and useful thoughts. The latter, requires
true genius the former may be attained by industry, with the help
;

of very superficial parts. Hence, we find so many writers frivolously

rich in style, but wretchedly poor in sentiment. The public ear is
now so much accustomed to a correct and ornamented style, that
no writer can, with safety, neglect the study of it. But he is a
contemptible one who does not look to something beyond it: who
does not lay the chief stress upon his matter, and employ such
ornaments of style to recommend it, as are manly, not foppish :

'Majore animo,' says the writer whom I have so often quoted, 'ag-
gredienda est eloquentia; quas si toto corpore valet, ungues polire, et
capillum componere, non existimabitad curam suam pertinere. Or-
natus et virilis et fortis et sanctus sit; nee effeminatam levitatem, et
fuco ementitum colorem amet; sanguine et viribus niteat.'t

* '
To
yoi;r expression? be attentive but about your matter be solicitous.'
:

t
'
higher spirit ought to animate those who study eloquence. They ought to
A
consult the health and soundness of the whole body, rather than bend their atten-
tion to such trifling objects as paring the nails, and dressing the hair. Let orna-
ment be manly and chaste, without effeminate gayety, or artificial colouring ; let
it shine with the glow of health and strength.'

21
 ( 215 a )

Q,UESTIGKS.
Of what kinds of style did our au- ner; and how has he long been ad-
thor treat in the last lecture? With mired ? Of his eloquence, what is ob-
relation to what, was style also consi- served ; and why ? What is said of his
dered ? Under what other character style? Bat notwithstanding these de-
is he next to consider style? Of simpli- fects, what will ever recommend him

city, when applied to writing, what is to high regard; and as what? What
observed 1 To what, chielly, has this was before observed on simplicity of
been owing; and what is, consequent- manner ? But. how far may this sim
ly, necessary ? How many different ac- sometimes be carried ? In sim-
plicity
ceptations of it may we remark and ; how does Sir William Temple
plicity,
what is the first? Repeat the precept compare with Tillotson ? Of his style
of Horace, in reference to this. By and manner, what is observed and on ;

what' examples is the nature of this his style, what is stamped ? What ef-
simplicity illustrated ? In this sense, it fect is produced reading his works ?in
is the same with what ? What is the How may he be classed ? Of Mr. Ad-
second acceptation in which simplicity dison's style, what is observed; and,
is taken? What are simple thoughts? therefore, what lollows ? Of his perspi-

Of refinement in writing, what is ob- cuity, purity, and precision, and also of
served ? Thus, what should we natu- the construction of his sentences, what
rally say ? In these two senses, to what is remarked ? How is he in figura-
has simplicity no proper rek don? To tive language and what is said of
;

what does simplicity, in the rliird sense, his manner ? By what is he particu-
stand opposed ? What illustration of larly distinguished? Of his manner,
this is given ? With what does simple what is observed ; and what recom-
style, in this sense, coincide and what mends him highly ? If in any thing, in
;

follows? What does simplicity, in the what does he fail; and what is the
fourth sense, particularly respect? consequence ? From what does it ap-
From what is simplicity, in this, quite pear that his merit has not always
different ;and with what is it compati- been seen in its true li<iht and what ;

ble ? How is this remark illustrated ? illustration is given ? is one never Why
To what does this simplicity stand op- tired of reading such authors as those
posed and what is it considered ? How whose characters our author has been
;

does a writer of simplicity express him- giving ? Of the charm of simplicity in

self? How does Horace describe it ? Of an author of real genius, what is ob-
his expression, what is observed; and served? Hence, what follows? What
in his style, what do you see ? Of his examples are given ? What is the ef-
expression, figures, and fancy, what
is fect of simplicity in grave and solemn
remarked ? What, not incon- writings? Accordingly, of what wri-
also, is
sistent with this character of style; tings has this often been remarked to
and why ? What says Cicero ? What be the prevailing character ; and why ?
is the great advantage of simplicity of Of what is Lord Shaftesbury a re-

style ? What disadvantages have more markable example? Were it not for
studied and artificial manners of wri- what, might his works be read with
ting ? But reading an author of simpli- profit, for the moral philosophy which
city, is like what ? By what French they contain ? Of his language, and ol
term is the highest degree of this sim- his sentences, what is observed ? What
plicity expressed ? What does it always is the effect of all this ? What is his
express? What is the best account capital fault? How
is this remark il-
that can be oiven of it ? Where are lustrated ? Of his figures and orna-
many examples of it to be found ; and ments of every kind, wnat is observed ?
how is this to be understood ? With re- Of him, what is most wonderful ? To
spect to simplicity in general, what what degree did he possess delicacy
n ay we remark ? How does this hap- and refinement of taste ? But what re-
pen? Hence, what follows? Among mark follows ? Of his wit and raillery,
the Greeks, and also among the Ro- what is observed ?
mans, what individuals were distin- From the account given of Lord
guished for it? Repeat the passage Shaftesbury's manner, what may ea-
here introduced from Terence's Andria ? sily be imagined? What remark fol-
Of this passage, what is observed ? lows? In whom is this fully exemplifi
What shall we next consider? What h- ed and what is said of him ? After all
;

the great beauty o c Tillotson'a man- that has been said, what is it necessa
 ;

LECT. XIX.] QUESTIONS. 215 b

ry to observe ? From what may one be What will be the effect of writing fre-
free, and not have merit ? "What does quently, carelessly and hastily and ;

the beautiful simplicity suppose? In what remarks follow? What says

this case, what is the crowning orna- Quintilian, with the greatest reason ?
ment and what is its effect ? But if What must we, however, observe and
; ;

mere unaffectedness were sufficient to why? Why must a more severe ex-
constitute the beauty of style, what amination of these be left to correction?
consequence would follow? And ac- What disposition should we, for a short
cordingly, with what do we frequently time, make 01 what we have written ?
meet ? Between what, therefore, must Then is the season for what ? Of the
we distinguish ? What different effects LimcB Labor, what is observed ? In
do they produce? To mention what, the third place, with respect to the as-
does our author now proceed ? What sistance that is to be gained from the
does this always imply ; and with wdiat writings of others, what is obvious?
is it not inconsistent? But from what, Why is this requisite ? In reading au-

in its predominant character, is it dis- thors with a view to style, to what

tinguishable ? Describe it. To what should attention be given ? In acquir-
does it belong; and from whom is it ing a proper style, wdiat exercise is
expected ? Where do we find a perfect very useful ? By that, what does our
example of it ? Who. among; English author mean ? What will be the effect
writers, has the most of this character? of such an exercise ? But, in the fourth
For what was he, by nature, formed place, what caution is given ? Of this,
and accordingly, what follows? With what is observed ? What man will
what does he abound ; and of his copi- never become a good writer or speak-
ousness, what is observed? What re- er ? What should we particularly
mark follows ? Of his sentences, what avoid ? What is the effect of such a
is observed? In the choice of his words, habit and wdiat is infinitely better ?
;

and in the exact construction of his On these heads, to do what is every

sentences, what is observed? Under student of oratory advised ? In the fifth
what circumstances would his merit, place, what is an obvious, but material
as a writer, be very considerable? rule, with respect to style ? How is the
But, what follows ? Why
will our au- necessity of this rule fully illustrated ?
thor no longer insist on the different When we begin to write or speak, what
manners of writers, or the general cha- ouo-ht w e previously to fix in our minds?
r

racters of style ? How is this illustrated What must we sacrifice to this? In the
from conceited writers? In whatever last place, what admonition is given?
class we rank it, what is said of it ? What says the Roman critic on this
Under the general heads, which has subject ? Why
is this direction, at pre-

been considered, what has been done? sent, particularly necessary ? How is
From what has been said on this sub- this remark fully illustrated ? To what
ject, what may be inferred ; and why ? is the public now much accustomed ?
Here, for what must room be left? What remark follows ? What says the
What remark follows and how is it writer whom our author has so often
;

illustrated ? But for what can no pre- quoted ?

cise rule be given ? To conclude these
ANALYSIS.
dissertations upon style in what man- 1. Simplicity of style.
ner, will be more to our purpose ? What a. Simplicity of composition.
is the first direction given for this pur- b. Simplicity of thought.
pose? How the necessity of this di-
is c. Simplicity in opposition to too much
ornament.
rection illustrated? On the intimate
d. Simplicity in the expression.
connexion between the style and a. Instances among the ancients and
thoughts of a good wT riter, what has the moderns.
several times been hinted ? How is this 2. The vehement style.

illustrated ? What, then, may we be 3. Directions for attaining a good style.

assured, is a capital rule, as to style ?

a. Weshould study clear ideas on tho
subject.
Generally speaking, what are the best b. We should compose frequently.
and most proper expressions ? Repeat c. We should be "familiar with the beat
what Quintilian says on this subject. authors.
In the second place, in erder to form a d. We should avoid servile imitation.

good style, what is indispensably ne-

E. We should adapt our style to the sub-
ject.
cessary ? What remark follows ? At f. We should attend les9 to our style
the same time, what is observed ? than toour thoughts
 ( 216 )

LECTURE XX.
CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE STYLE OF MR.
ADDISON, IN No. 411 OF THE SPECTATOR.
I have insisted fully on the subject of language and style, both
because it is, in itself, of great importance, and because it is more
capable of being ascertained by precise rule, than several other parts
of composition. A
critical analysis of the style of some good au-
thor will tend further to illustrate the subject; as it will suggest ob-
servations which I have not had occasion to make, and will show, in
the most practical light, the use of those which I have made.
Mr. Addison is the author whom I have chosen for this purpose.
The Spectator, of which his papers are the chief ornament, is a book
which is in the hands of every one, and which cannot be praised too
highly. The good sense, and good writing, the useful morality, and
the admirable vein of humour which abound in it, render it one of
those standard books which have done the greatest honour to the
English nation. I have formerly given the general character of Mr.
Addison's style and manner, as natural and unaffected, easy and polite,
and full of those graces which a flowery imagination diffuses over wri-
ting. At the same time, though one of the most beautiful writers in
the language, he is not the most correct; a circumstance which ren-
ders his composition the more proper to be the subject of our pre-
sent criticism. The free and flowing manner of this amiable writer
sometimes led him into inaccuracies, which the more studied cir-
cumspection and care of far inferior writers have taught them to
avoid. Remarking his beauties, therefore, which I shall have fre-
quent occasion to do, as I proceed, I must also point out his negli-
gences and defects. Without a free, impartial discussion,of both the
faults and beauties which occur in his com position, it is evident, this
piece of criticism would be of no service; and, from the freedom
which I use in criticising Mr. Addison's style, none can imagine that
I mean to depreciate his writings, after having repeatedly declared
the high opinion which I entertain of them. The beauties of this
author are so many, and the general character of his style is so ele-
gant and estimable, that the minute imperfections I shall have occa-
sion to point out, are but like those spots in the sun, which may be
discovered by the assistance of art, but which have no effect in ob-
scuring its lustre. It is, indeed, my judgment, that what Quintilian
applies to Cicero, ' Ille se profecisse sciat, cui Cicero valde place-
bit,' may, with justice, be applied to Mr. Addison ; that to be high-

ly pleased with his manner of writing, is the criterion of one's having

acquired a good taste in English style. The paper on which we are
now to enter, is No. 411, the first of his celebrated Essays on the
Pleasures of the Imagination, in the sixth volume of the Spectator
It begins thus:
 , ;

lect. xx.] CRITICAL EXAMINATION, &c. 217

' Our sight is the most perfect, and most delightful, of all our
senses.'
This is an excellent introductory sentence. It is clear, precise,
and simple. The author lays down, in a few plain words, the propo-
sition which he is going to illustrate throughout the rest of the para-
graph. In this manner, we should always set out. A
first sentence
should seldom be a long, and never an intricate one.
H e m ght have said ' Our sight is the mostperfect, and the most de-
i

3
lightful. But he has judged better, in omitting to repeat the article
the. For the repetition of it is proper, chiefly when we intend to
point out the objects of which we speak, as distinguished from, or
contrasted with, each other; and when we want that the reader's at-
tention should rest on that distinction. For instance; had Mr. Ad-
dison intended to say, that our sight is at once the most delightful,
and the most useful, of all our senses, the article might then have
been repeated with propriety, as a clear and strong distinction would
have been conveyed. But,as between perfect and delightful there is
less contrast, there was no occasion for such repetition. It would
have had no other effect, but to add a word unnecessarily to the sen-
tence. He proceeds:
' It fills the mind with the largest variety of ideas, converses with

its objects at the greatest distance, and continues the longest in action,

without being tired or satiated with its proper enjoyments.'

This sentence deserves attention, as remarkably harmonious, and
well constructed. It possesses, indeed, almost all the properties of a
perfect sentence. It is entirely perspicuous. It is loaded with no
superfluous or unnecessary words. For, tired or satiated, towards the
end of the sentence, are not used for synonymous terms. They con-
vey distinct ideas, and refer to different members of the period;
that this sense continues the longest in action ivilhout being tired,
that is, without being fatigued with its action and also, without being
;

satiated ivith its proper enjoyments. That quality of a good sentence,

which I termed its unity, is here perfectly preserved. It is our
sight of which he speaks. This is the object carried through the
sentence, and presented to us, in every member of it, by those verbs,
fills, converses, continues, to each of which it is clearly the nomina-
tive. Those capital words are disposed of in the most proper places
and that uniformity is maintained in the construction of the sentence,
which suits the unity of the object.
Observe, too, the music of the period consisting of three mem-
;

bers, each of which, agreeable to a rule I formerly mentioned, grows

and rises above tbe other in sound, till the sentence is conducted, at
last, to one of the most melodious closes which our language admits;
without being tired or satiated with its proper enjoyments. Enjoy-
ments is a word of length and dignity, exceedingly proper for a close
which is designed to be a musical one. The harmony is the more hap-
members of the period which suits the
py, as this disposition of the
sound so well, no less just and proper with 1 espect to the sense. It
is

follows the order of nature. First, we have the variety of objects

28
218 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xx.

mentioned, which sight furnishes to the mind next, we have the

;

action of sight on those objects; and lastly, we have the time and
continuance of its action. No order could be more natural and
happy.
This sentence has still another beauty. It is figurative, without
being too much so for the subject. A metaphor runs through it.
The sense of sight is, in some degree, personified. We are told of
its conversing with its objects; and of its not being tired or satiated
with its enjoyments ; all which expressions are plain allusions to the
actions and feelings of men. This is that slight sort of personifica-
tion which, without any appearance of boldness, and without elevat-
ing the fancy much above its ordinary state, renders discourse
picturesque, and leads us to conceive the author's meaning more
distinctly, by clothing abstract ideas, in some degree, with sensible
colours. Mr. Addison abounds with this beauty of style beyond
most authors; and the sentence which we have been considering, is
very expressive of his manner of writing. There is no blemish in
it whatever, unless that a strict critic might perhaps object, that the

epithet large, which he applies to variety — the largest variety of

ideas, is an epithet more commonly applied to extent than to num-
ber. It is plain, that he here employed it to avoid the repetition of
the xvorA great, which occurs immediately afterwards.
' The sense of feeling can, indeed, give us a notion of extension,

shape, and all other ideas that enter at the eye, except colours ;

but, at the same time, it is very much straitened and confined in

its operations, to the number, bulk, and distance of its particular
objects.'
This sentence is by no means so happy as the former. It is, in-
deed, neither clear nor elegant. Extension and shape can, with
no propriety, be called ideas ; they are properties of matter. Nei-
ther is it accurate, even according to Mr. Locke's philosophy, (with
which our author seems here to have puzzled himself,) to speak of
any sense giving us a notion of ideas ; our senses give us the ideas
themselves. The meaning would have been much more clear, if
the author had expressed himself thus ' The sense of feeling can,
:

indeed, give us the idea of extension, figure, and all the other
properties of matter which are perceived by the eye, except co-
lours.'
The latter part of the sentence is still more embarrassed. For
what meaning can we make of the sense of feeling, being confined
inits operation, to the number, bulk, and distance, of its particular
objects? Surely, every sense is confined, as much as the sense of
feeling, to the number, bulk, and distance of its own objects.
Sight and feeling are, in this respect, perfectly on a level neither
;

of them can extend beyond its own objects. The turn of expres-
sion is so inaccurate here, that one would be apt to suspect two words
to have been omitted in the printing, which were originally in Mr.
Addison's manuscript because the insertion of them would render the
;

sense much more intelligible and clear. These two words are, with
—
regard: it is very much straitened and confined in its operations,
lect. xx.] THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR, No. 411. 219

with regard to the number, bulk, and distance of its particular ob-
jects. The meaning then would be, that feeling is more limited
than sight in this respect ; that it is confined to a narrower circle, to
a smaller number of objects.
The epithetparticular, applied to objects, in the conclusion of the
sentence, is redundant, and conveys no meaning whatever. Mr.
Addison seems to have used it in place of peculiar, as indeed he
does often in other passages of his writings. But particular and pe-
culiar, though they are too often confounded, are words of dif-
ferent import from each other. Particular stands opposed to gene-
ral ; peculiar stands opposed to what is possessed in common ivith
others. Particular, expresses what, in the logical style, is called
species; peculiar, what is called differentia. Its peculiar objects,
would have signified, in this place, the objects of the sense of feel-
ing, as distinguished from the objects of any other sense ; and
would have had more meaning than its particular objects ; though,
in truth, neither the one nor the other epithet was requisite. It was
sufficient to have said simply, its objects.
'Our sight seems designed to supply all these defects, and may
be considered as a more delicate and diffusive kind of touch, that
spreads itself over an infinite multitude of bodies, comprehends
the largest figures, and brings into our reach some of the most re-
mote parts of the universe.'
Here again the author's style returns upon us in all its beauty.
This is a sentence distinct, graceful, well arranged, and highly mu-
sical. In the latter part of it, it is constructed with three members,
which are formed much in the same manner with those of the second
sentence, on which I bestowed so much praise. The construction is
so similar, that if it had followed immediately after it, we should
have been sensible of a faulty monotony. But the interposition of
another sentence between them, prevents this effect.
'It is this sense which furnishes the imagination wiui its ideas;
so that by the pleasures of the imagination or fancy, (which I shall
use promiscuously,) I here mean such as arise from visible objects,
either when we have them actually in our view ; or when we call
up their ideas into our minds by paintings, statues, descriptions,
or any the like occasion.'
In place of, It is this sense which furnishes, the author might have
said more shortly, This sense furnishes. But the mode of expres-
sion which he has used, is here more proper. This sort of full and
ample assertion, it is this which, is fit to be used when a proposition
of importance is laid clown, to which we seek to call the reader's
attention. It is like pointing with the hand at the object of which
we speak. The parenthesis in the middle of the sentence, ivhich
I shall use promiscuously is not clear. He ought to have said,
,

terms which I shall use promiscuously ; as the verb use relates not to
the pleasures of the imagination, but to the terms of fancy and
imagination, which he was to employ as synonymous. Jiny the
Hke occasion. To call a painting or a statue an occasion, is not a hap-
py expression, nor is; it very proper to speak of calling up ideas by
220 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xx.

occasions. The common phrase, any such means, would have been
more natural.
'We cannot indeed have a single image in the fancy, that did
not make its first entrance through the sight; but we have the
power of retaining, altering, and compounding those images which
we have once received, into all the varieties of picture and vision
that are most agreeable to the imagination; for, by this faculty, a
man in a dungeon is capable of entertaining himself with scenes
and landscapes more beautiful than any that can be found in the
whole compass of nature.'
It may be of use to remark, that in one member of this sentence,
there is an inaccuracy in syntax. It is very proper to say, altering
and compounding those images which we have once received into all
,

thevarieties ofpicture and vision. But we can with no propriety say,

retaining them into all the varieties; and yet, according to the man-
ner in which the words are ranged, this construction is unavoidable.
For retaining, altering, and compounding, are participles, each of
which equally refers to, and governs, the subsequent noun, those
images ; and that noun again is necessarily connected with the fol-
lowing preposition, into. This instance shows the importance of
carefully attending to the rules of grammar and syntax; when so
pure a writer as Mr. Addison could, through inadvertence, be guilty
of such an error. The construction might easily have been recti-
fied, by disjoining the participle retaining from the other two parti-
ciples, in this way: 'We have the power of retaining, altering, and
compounding those images which we have once received ; and of
forming them into all the varieties of picture and vision.' The lat-
ter part of the sentence is clear and elegant.
' There are few words in the English language which are employ

ed in a more loose and uncircumscribed sense, than those of the

fancy and the imagination.'
—
There at 'few words which are employed. It had been better, if
our author here had said more simply, few tuords in the English
language are employed. Mr. Addison, whose style is of the free and
full, rather than the nervous kind, deals, on all occasions, in this
extended sort of phraseology. But it is proper only when some as-
sertion of consequence is advanced, and which can bear an empha-
sis; such as that in the first sentence of the former paragraph. On
other occasions, these little words, it is, and there are, ought to be
avoided as redundant and enfeebling. Those of the fancy and the
imagination. The article ought to have been omitted here. As he
does not mean the powers of the fancy andtheimagination,h\xt the
words only, the article certainly had no proper place neither, in-
;

deed, was there any occasion for the other two words, those of
Better if the sentence had run thus: 'Few words in the Englisn
language are employed in a more loose and uncircumscribed sense,
than fancy and imagination.'
' I therefore thought it necessary to fix and determine the notion

of these two words, as I intend to make use of them in the thread of

 — ;

lect. xx.] THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR, No. 411. 221

my following speculations, that the reader may conceive rightly

what is the subject which I proceed upon.'
Though fix and determine may appear synonymous words, yet a
difference between them may be remarked, and they may be view-
ed, as applied here, with peculiar delicacy. The author had just
said, that the words of which he is speaking were loose and uncir-
cumscribed. Fix relates to the first of these, determine to the last.
We fix what is loose; that is, we confine the word to its proper place,
that it may not fluctuate in our imagination, and pass from one idea
to another ; and we determine what is uncircumscribed, that is, we as-
certain its termini or limits, we draw the circle round it, that we may
see its boundaries. For we cannot conceive the meaning of a word,
or indeed of any other thing clearly, till we see its limits, and know
how far it extends. These two words, therefore, have grace and
beauty as they are here applied ; though a writer, more frugal of
words than Mr. Addison, would have preferred the single word
ascertain, which conveys, without any metaphor, the import of them
both.
The notion of these words, is somewhat of a harsh phrase, at least
not socommonly used, as the meaning of these words;—as I intend
to make useofthemin the threadofmy speculations; this is plainly
faulty. A sort of metaphor is
improperly mixed with words in the
literal sense. might very well have said, as I intend to make
He
use of them in my following speculations. This was plain language
but if he chose to borrow an allusion from thread, that allusion ought
to have been supported for there is no consistency in making use
;

of them in the thread ofspeculations; and indeed, in expressing any

thing so simple and familiar as this is, plain language is always to
be preferred to metaphorical the subject which Iproceed upon, is an
ungraceful close of a sentence better the subject upon which Ipro-
;

ceed.
i
I must therefore desire him to remember, that, by the plea-
sures of the imagination, I mean only such pleasures as arise origi-
nally from sight, and that I divide these pleasures into two kinds.'
As the last sentence began with, '/therefore thought it necessary to
fix, it is careless to begin this sentence in a manner so very similar,
I must therefore desire him to remember; especially, as the small va-
on this account, or,for thisreason, in place of there-
riation of using,
fore, would have amended the style. When he says, I mean only
such pleasures, it may be remarked, that the adverb only is not in
its proper place. It is not intended here to qualify the word mean i

but such pleasures; and therefore should have been placed in as close
a connexion as possible with the word which it limits or qualifies.
The style becomes more clear and neat," when the words are arrang-
ed thus ' By the pleasures of the imagination, I mean such plea-
;

sures only as arise from sight.'

' My design, being first of all, to discourse of those primary plea-
sures of the imagination, which entirely proceed from such objects
as are before our eyes; and, in the next place, to speak of those
secondary pleasures of the imagination, which flow from the ideas
2K
 —
222 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xx.

of visible objects, when the objects are not actually before the eye,
but are called up into our memories, or formed into agreeable
visions of things, that are either absent or fictitious.'
It is a great rule in laying down the division of a subject, to study
neatness and brevity as much as possible. The divisions are then
more distinctly apprehended, and more easily remembered. This
sentence is not perfectly happy in that respect. It is somewhat
clogged by a tedious phraseology. My
design being first of all, to
discourse—in the nextplace to speakqf—such objects as are before our
eyes-things that are either absent or fictitious. Several words might
have been spared here; and the style made more neat and compact.
The pleasures of the imagination, taken in their full extent, are
'

not so gross as those of sense, nor so refined as those of the under-

standing.'
This sentence is distinct and elegant.
' The indeed more preferable, because they are founded
last are
on some new knowledge or improvement in the mind of man: yet it
must be confessed, that those of the imagination are as great and as
transporting as the other.'
In the beginning of this sentence, the phrase more preferable, is
such a plain inaccuracy, that one wonders how Mr. Addison should
have fallen into it seeing preferable, of itself, expresses the compara-
;

tive degree, and is a the same with more eligible, or more excellent.
I must observe farther, that the proposition contained in the last
member of this sentence, is neither clear nor neatly expressed it
must be confessed, that those of the imagination are as great andas
transporting as the other. In the former sentence, he had compared
three things together the pleasures of the imagination, those of sense,
;

and those of the understanding. In the beginning of this sentence,

he had called the pleasures of the understanding the last ; and he
ends the sentence, with observing, that those of the imagination are
as great and transporting as the other. Now, besides that the other
makes not a proper contrast with the last, he leaves it ambiguous,
whether, by the other, he meant the pleasures of the understanding,
or the pleasures of the sense for it may refer to either, by the con-
;

struction though, undoubtedly, he intended that it should refer to

;

the pleasures of the understanding only. The proposition reduced

to perspicuous language, runs thus: ' Yet it must be confessed, that
the pleasures of the imagination, when compared with those of the
understanding, are no less great and transporting.'
' A
beautiful prospect delights the soul as much as a demonstration;
and a description in Homer has charmed more readers than a chap-
ter in Aristotle.'
This is a good illustration of what he had been asserting, and is
expressed with that happy and elegant turn, for which our author is
very remarkable.
'Besides, the pleasures of the imagination have this advantage
above those of the understanding, that they are more obvious, and
more easy to be acquired.'
This is also an unexceptionable sentence.
 —
lect.xx.] THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR, No. 411. 223

'It is but opening the eye, and the scene enters.'

This sentence is lively and picturesque. By the gayety and brisk-
ness which it gives the style, it shows the advantage of intermixing
such a short sentence as this amidst a run of longer ones, which never
fails to have a happy effect. I must remark, however, a small inac-
curacy. A
scene cannot be said to enter : an actor enters ; but a
scene appears or presents itself.
1
The colours paint themselves on the fancy, with very little atten-
tion of thought or application of mind in the beholder.'
This is still beautiful illustration carried on with that agreeable
;

floweriness of fancy and style, which is so well suited to those plea-

sures of the imagination, of which the author is treating.
We
' are struck, we know not how, with the symmetry of any
thing we see, and immediately assent to the beauty of an object,
without inquiring into the particular causes and occasions of it.'
There is a falling off here from the elegance of the former sen-
tences. Weassent to the truth of a proposition ; but cannot so well
be sdXdi to assent to the beauty of an object. */lckjiowledge wouldhave
expressed the sense with more propriety. The close of the sentence
too is heavy and ungraceful the particular causes and occasions of
it; both particular and occasions, are words quite superfluous ; and the
pronoun it, is in some measure ambiguous, whether it refers to beau-
ty or to object. It would have been some amendment to the style to
have run thus ' : We immediately acknowledge the beauty of an
object, without inquiring into the cause of that beauty.'
A' man of a polite imagination is let into a great many pleasures
that the vulgar are not capable of receiving/
Polite is a term more commonly applied to manners or behaviour,
than to the mind or imagination. There is nothing farther to be ob-
served on this sentence, unless the use of that for a relative pro-
noun, instead of which ; an usage which is too frequent with Mr. Addi-
son. Which is a much more definitive word than that, being never
employed in any other way than as a relative ; whereas that is a word
of many senses ; sometimes a demonstrative pronoun, often a con-
junction. In some cases we are indeed obliged to use that for a re-
lative, in order to avoid the ungraceful repetition of which in the
same sentence. But when we are laid under no necessity of this kind,
which always the preferable word, and certainly was so in this sen-
is

tence. Pleasures which the vulgar are not capable of receiving, is

much better than pleasures that the vulgar, fyc.
' He can converse with a picture, and find an agreeable companion
in a statue. He meets with a secret refreshment in a description ;

and often feels a greater satisfaction in the prospect of fields and

meadows, than another does in the possession. It gives him, indeed,
a kind of property in every thing he sees and makes the most rude,
;

uncultivated parts of nature, administer to his pleasures: so that he

looks upon the world, as it were, in another light, and discovers in it
a multitude of charms that conceal themselves from the generality
of mankind.'
 ;

224 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xx

All this is very beautiful. The illustration is happy ; and the style
runs with the greatest ease and harmony. We see no labour, no
stiffness or affectation; but an author writing from the native flow
of a gay and pleasing imagination. This predominant character of
Mr. Addison's manner, far more than compensates all those little
negligences which we are now remarking. Two of these occur in
this paragraph. The first, in the sentence which begins with, it gives
him indeed a kind ofproperty. To this it, there is no proper antece-
dent in the whole paragraph. In order to gather the meaning, we
must look back as far as to the third sentence before, the first of the
paragraph, which begins with, a man of a polite imagination. This
phrase, polite imagination, is the only antecedent to which this it
can refer; and even that is an improper antecedent, as it stands in
the genitive case, as the qualification only of a man.
The other instance of negligence, is towards the end of the para-
graph, so that he looks upon the ivorld, as it ivere,in another light. By
another light, Mr. Addison means, a light different from that in
which other men view the world. But though this expression clear-
ly conveyed this meaning to himself when writing, it conveys it
very indistinctly to others; and is an instance of that sort of in-
accuracy, into which, in the warmth of composition, every writer
of a lively imagination is apt to fall and which can only be remedied
;

by a cool, subsequent review. J2s it were, is upon most occasions no

more than an ungraceful palliative and here there was not the least
;

occasion for it, as he was not about to say any thing which required a
softening of this kind. To say the truth, this last sentence, so that he
looks upon the ivorld, and what follows, had better been wanting alto-
gether. It is no more than an unnecessary recapitulation of what
had gone before a feeble adjection to the lively picture he had given
;

of the pleasures of the imagination. The paragraph would have ended

with more spirit at the words immediately preceding; the uncul-
tivated parts of nature administer to his pleasures.
' There are, indeed, but very few who know
how to be idle and
innocent, or have a relish of any pleasures that are not criminal
every diversion they take, is at the expense of some one virtue
or another, and their very first step out of business is into vice or
folly.'
Nothing can be more elegant, or more finely turned, than this sen-
tence. and musical. We could hardly alter one
It is neat, clear,
word, or disarrange one member, without spoiling it. Few sentences
are to be found more finished, or more happy.
' A man should endeavour, therefore, to make the sphere of his
innocent pleasures as wide as possible, that he may retire into them
with safety, and find in them such a satisfaction as a wise man would
not blush to take.'
This also is a good sentence, and gives occasion to no material re-
mark.
'Of this nature are those of the imagination, which do not require
such a bent of thought as is necessary to our more serious employ
ments, nor at the same time, suffer the mind to sink into that indo
lect. xx.] THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR, No. 411. 225

lence and remissness, which are apt to accompany our more sensual
delights; but like a gentle exercise to the faculties, awaken them
from sloth and idleness, without putting them upon any labour or dif-
ficulty.'
The beginning of this sentence is not correct, and affords an in-
stance of a period too loosely connected with the preceding one. Of
this nature, says he, are those of the imagination. We
might ask,
of what nature? For it had not been the scope of the preceding sen-
tence to describe the nature of any set of pleasures. He had said,
that it was every man's duty to make the sphere of his innocent plea-
sures as wide as possible, in order that, within that sphere, he might
and a laudable satisfaction. The transition is
find a safe retreat,
loosely made, by beginning the next sentence with saying, of this na-
ture are those of the imagination. It had been better, if, keeping in
view the governing object of the preceding sentence, he had said,
' This advantage we gain,' or, ' This satisfaction we enjoy, by means

of the pleasures of imagination.' The rest of the sentence is abun-

dantly correct.
'We might here add, that the pleasures of the fancy are more con-
ducive to health than those of the understanding, which are worked
out by dint of thinking, and attended with too violent a labour of the
brain.'
On this sentence, nothing occurs deserving of remark, except that
worked out by dint of thinking, is a phrase which borders too much
on vulgar and colloquial language, to be proper for being employed
in a polished composition
' Delightful scenes, whether in nature, painting, or poetry, have a

kindly influence on the body, as well as the mind, and not only serve
to clear and brighten the imagination, but are able to disperse grief
and melancholy, and to set the animal spirits in pleasing and agree-
able motions. For this reason, Sir Francis Bacon, in his Essay up-
on Health, has not thought it improper to prescribe to his reader a
poem, or a prospect, where he particularly dissuades him from knot-
ty and subtile disquisitions, and advises him to pursue studies that fill
the mind with splendid and illustrious objects, as histories, fables,
and contemplations of nature.'
In the latter of these two sentences, a member of the period is
altogether out of its place which gives the whole sentence a harsh
;

and disjointed cast, and serves to illustrate the rules I formerly gave
concerning arrangement. The wrong-placed member which I
point at, is this: where he particularly dissuades him from knotty
andsubtile disquisitions; these words should undoubtedly have been
placed not where they stand, but thus Sir Francis Bacon, in his Essay
:

upon Health, where he particularly dissuades the readerfrom knot-

ty and subtile speculations, has not thought it improper toprescribe
to him, fyc. This arrangement reduces every thing into proper order.
' I have in this paper, by way of introduction, settled the notion of

those pleasures of the imagination, which are the subject of my pre-

sent undertaking, and endeavoured, by several considerations, to re-
29
 —
226 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xxi.

commend to my readers the pursuit of those pleasures I shall, in

;

my next paper, examine the several sources from whence these plea-
sures are derived.'
These two concluding sentences affordexamples of the proper
collocation of circumstances in a period. formerly showed, that
I

it is dispose of them in such a manner,

often a matter of difficulty to
as that they shall not embarrass the principal subject of the sentence.
In the sentences before us, several of these incidental circumstances
necessarily come in —
By ivay of introduction by several consider-
—
ations in this paper —in the next paper. All which are with
great propriety managed by our author. It will be found, upon trial,
that there were no other parts of the sentence, in which they could
have been placed to equal advantage. Had he said, for instance, ' I
have settled the notion, (rather, the meaning) of those pleasures of
the imagination, which are the subject of my present undertaking,
by way of introduction, in this paper, and endeavoured to recommend
the pursuit of those pleasures to my readers, by several consider-
ations/ we must be sensible, that the sentence, thus clogged with cir-
cumstances in the wrong place, would neither have been so neat nor
so clear, as it is by the present construction.

LECTURE XXL

CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE STYLE IN No. 412

OF THE SPECTATOR.
The observations which have occurred in reviewing that paper of
Mr. Addison's which was the subject of the last lecture, sufficiently
show, that in the writings of an author, of the most happy genius,
and distinguished talents, inaccuracies may sometimes be found.
Though such inaccuracies may be overbalanced by so many beau-
ties, as render style highly pleasing and agreeable upon the whole,
yet it must be desirable to every writer to avoid, as far as he can, in-
accuracy of any kind. As t£° subject, therefore, is of importance, I
havethought itmight be useful to carry on this criticism throughout
two or three subsequent papers of the Spectator. At the same time,
I must intimate, that the lectures on these papers are solely intended

for such as are applying themselves to the study of English style. I

pretend not to give instruction to those who are already well ac-
quainted with the powers of language. To them my remarks may
prove unedifying; to some they may seem tedious and minute: but
to such as have not yet made all the proficiency which they desire
in elegance of style, strict attention to the composition and structure
of sentences cannot fail to prove of considerable benefit; and though
my remarks on Mr. Addison should, in any instance, be thought ill-
founded, they will at least, serve the purpose of leading them into
lect. xxi.] THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR, No. 412. 227

the train of making proper remarks for themselves.* I proceed,

therefore, to the examination of the subsequent paper, No. 412.
'
I shall first consider those pleasures of the imagination, which
arise from the actual view and survey of outward objects and these, :

I think, all proceed from the sight of what is great, uncommon, or

beautiful.'
This sentence gives occasion for no material remark. It is simple
and distinct. The two words which he here uses, view and survey,
are not altogether synonymous as the former may be supposed to
;

import mere inspection the latter, more deliberate examination.

;

Yet they lie so near to one another in meaning, that, in the present
case, any one of them, perhaps, would have been sufficient. The
epithet actual, is introduced, in order to mark more strongly the
distinctionbetween what our author calls the primary pleasures of
imagination, which arise from immediate view, and the secondary,
which arise from remembrance or description.
'There may, indeed, be something so terrible or offensive, that
the horror, or loathsomeness of an object, may overbear the
pleasure which results from its novelty, greatness, or beauty ; but
still there will be such a mixture of delight in the very disgust it

gives us, as any of these three qualifications are most conspicuous

and prevailing.'
This sentence must be acknowledged to be an unfortunate one.
The sense is obscure and embarrassed, and the expression loose and
irregular. The beginning of it is perplexed by the wrong position
of the words something and object. The natural arrangement would
have been, there may, indeed, be something in an object so terrible or
offensive, that the horror or loathsomeness of it may overbear. These
two epithets, horror or loathsomeness, are awkwardly joined toge-
ther. Loathsomeness, is indeed a quality which may be ascribed to
an object but horror is not it is a feeling excited in the mind. The
; ;

language would have been much more correct, had our author said,
there may, indeed, be something in an object so terrible or offensive^
that the horror or disgust ivhich it excites may overbear. The first

two epithets, terrible or offensive, would then have expressed the

qualities of an object; the latter, horror or disgust, the correspond-
ing sentiments which these qualities produce in us. Loathsomeness
was the most unhappy word he could have chosen: for to be loath-
some, is to be odious, and seems totally to exclude any mixture of
delight, which he afterwards supposes may be found in the object.

* If there be readers think any farther apology requisite for my adventuring

who
to criticise the sentences of so eminent an author as Mr. Addison, I must take no-
tice, that I was naturally led to it by the circumstances of that part of the king-
dom where these lectures were read ; where the ordinary spoken language
often differs much from what is used by good English authors. Hence it occurred
to me, as a proper method of correcting any peculiarities of dialect, to direct stu-
dents of eloquence to analyze and examine, with particular attention, the struc-
ture of Mr. Addison's sentences. Those papers of the Spectator, which are the
subject of the following lectures, were accordingly given out in exercise to stu-
dents, to be thus examined and analyzed and several of the observations which
;

follow, both on the beauties and blemishes of this author, were suggested by the obser
vations given to me in consequence of the exercises prescribed.
 ;

228 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xxi.

In the latter part of the sentence there are several inaccuracies.

When he says, there will be such a mixture of delight in the very
disgust it gives us, as any of these three qualifications are most
conspicuous. The construction is defective, and seems hardly
grammatical. He meant assuredly to say, such a mixture of de-
light as is proportioned to the degree in which any of these three
qualifications are conspicuous. We know that there may be a
mixture of pleasant and of disagreeable feelings excited by the same
object; yet it appears inaccurate to say, that there is any delight in
the very disgust. The plural verb, are, is improperly joined to
any of these three qualifications ; for as any is here used distribu-
tively, and means any one of these three qualifications, the cor-
responding verb ought to have been singular. The order in which
the two last words are placed, should have been reversed, and made
to stand prevailing and conspicuous. They are conspicuous, be-
cause they prevail.
'By greatness, I do not only mean the bulk of any single object,
but the largeness of a whole view, considered as one entire piece.'
In a former lecture, when treatingof the structure of sentences, I
quoted this sentence as an instance of the careless manner in which
adverbs are sometimes interjected in the midst of a period. Only,
as it is here placed, appears to be a limitation of the following verb,
mean. The question might be put, what more does he than only
mean? As the author undoubtedly intended it to refer to the bulk of
a single object, it would have been placed with more propriety after
these words: Ido not mean the bulk of'any single object only but the
',

largeness of a whole view. As the following phrase, considered as

one entire piece, seems to be somewhat deficient, both in dignity and
propriety, perhaps this adjection might have been altogether omit-
ted, and the sentence have closed with fully as much advantage at
the word vieiv.
' Such are the prospects of an open champaign country, a vast un-
cultivated desert, of huge heaps of mountains, high roeks and preci-
pices, or a wide expanse of waters, where we are not struck with the
novelty, or beauty of the sight, but with that rude kind of magnifi-
cence which appears in many of these stupendous works of nature.'
This sentence, in the main, is beautiful. The objects presented
are all of them noble, selected with judgment, arranged with pro-
priety, and accompanied with proper epithets. We must, however,
observe, that the sentence is too loosely, and not very grammatically
connected with the preceding one. He says, such are the pros-
pects ; such, signifies of that nature or quality which necessarily
;

presupposes some adjective, or word descriptive of a quality going

before, to which it refers. But, in the foregoing sentence, there is
no such adjective. He had spoken of greatness in the abstract only
and therefore, such has no distinct antecedent to which we can refer
it. The sentence would have been introduced with more gramma-
tical propriety, by saying, to this class belong, or, under this head are
ranged the prospects, &pc. The. of which is prefixed to huge heaps
of mountains, is misplaced, and has, perhaps, been an error in the
 ;

lect. xxi.] THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR, Mo. 4i2. 229

printing as either all the particulars here enumerated should have

;

had this mark of the genitive, or it should have been prefixed to

none but the first. When, in the close of the sentence, the author
speaks of that rude magnificence, which appears in many of these
stupendous works of native, he had better have omitted the word
many, which seems to except some of them. Whereas, in his gene-
ral proposition, he undoubtedly meant to include all the stupendous
works he had enumerated; and there is no question that, in all of
them, a rude magnificence appears.
'Our imagination loves to be filled with an object, or to grasp at
any thing that is too big for its capacity. We are flung into a pleas-
ing astonishment at such unbounded views; and feel a delightful still-
ness and amazement in the soul, at the apprehension of them.'
The language here is elegant, and several of the expressions re-
markably happy. There is nothing which requires any animadver-
sion except the close, at the apprehension of them. Not only is this
a languid, enfeebling conclusion of a sentence, otherwise beautiful,
but the apprehension of views, is a phrase destitute of all propriety,
and, indeed, scarcely intelligible. Had this adjecti'on been entirely
omitted, and the sentence been allowed to close with stillness and
amazement in the soul, it would have been a great improvement.
Nothing is frequently more hurtful to the grace or vivacity of a pe-
riod, than superfluous dragging words at the conclusion.
'The mind of man naturally hates every thing that looks like a
restraint upon it, and is apt to fancy itself under a sort of confine-
ment, when the sight is pent up in a narrow compass, and shortened
on every side by the neighbourhood of walls or mountains. On the
contrary, a spacious horizon is an image of liberty, where the eye
has room to range abroad, to expatiate at large on the immensity of
its views, and to lose itself amidst the variety of objects that offer
themselves to its observation. Such wide and undetermined pros-
pects are pleasing to the fancy, as the speculations of eternity, or
infinitude, are to the understanding.'
Our author's style appears here in all that native beauty which
cannot be too much praised. The numbers flow smoothly, and
,vith a graceful harmony. The words which he has chosen, carry
a certain amplitude and fulness, well suited to the nature of the
subject ; and the members of the periods rise in a gradation accom-
modated to the rise of the thought. The eye first ranges abroad
then expatiates at large on the immensity of its views; and, at last,
loses itself amidst the variety of objects that offer themselves to its
observation. The fancy is elegantly contrasted with the understand-
ing, prospects with speculations, and wide and undetermined pros-
pects, with speculations of eternity and infinitude.
' But if there be a beauty or uncommonness joined with this
grandeur, as in a troubled ocean, a heaven adorned with stars and
meteors, or the spacious landscape cut out into rivers, woods, rocks,
and meadows, the pleasure still grows upon us as it arises from more
than a single principle.'
The article prefixed to beauty, in the beginning of this sentence,
230 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xxi.

might have been omitted, and the style have run, perhaps, to more
advantage thus but if beauty or uncommonness be joined to this
—
: , ,

grandeur a landscape cut out into rivers, woods, &c. seems un-
seasonably to imply an artificial formation, and would have been
better expressed by, diversified with rivers, woods, &c.
' Every thing that is new or uncommon, raises a pleasure in the
imagination, because it fills the soul with an agreeable surprise,
gratifies its curiosity, and gives it an idea of which it was not before
possessed. We are, indeed, so often conversant with one set of
objects, and tired out with so many repeated shows of the same
things, that whatever is new or uncommon contributes a little to
vary human life, and to divert our minds, for a while, with the
strangeness of its appearance. It serves us for a kind of refresh-
ment, and takes off from that satiety we are apt to complain of in
our usual and ordinary entertainments.'
The style in these sentences flows in an easy and agreeable man-
ner. A severe critic might point out some expressions that would
bear being retrenched. But this would alter the genius and cha-
racter of Mr. Addison's style. We must always remember,that
good composition admits of being carried on under many different,
forms. Style must not be reduced to one precise standard. One
writer may be as agreeable, by a pleasing diffuseness, when the
subject bears, and his genius prompts it, as another by a concise
and forcible manner. It is fit, however, to observe, that in the
beginning of those sentences which we have at present before us,
the phrase, arises a pleasure in the imagination, is unquestionably
too flat and feeble, and might easily be amended, by saying, affords
pleasure to the imagination ; and towards the end, there are two
ofs, which grate harshly on the ear, in that phrase, takes offfrom
that satiety we are apt to complain of; where the correction is as
easily made as in the other case, by substituting, diminishes that
satiety ofwhich we are apt to complain. Such instances show the
advantage of frequent reviews of what we have written, in order to
give proper correctness and polish to our language.
' It is this which bestows charms on a monster, and makes even the

imperfections of nature please us. It is this that recommends vari-

ety, where the mind is every instant called off to something new, and
the attention not suffered to dwell too long, and waste itself on any
particular object. It is this, likewise, that improves what is great or
beautiful, and makes it afford the mind a double entertainment.'
Still the style proceeds with perspicuity, grace, and harmony. The
full and ample assertion, with which each of these sentences is intro-
duced, frequent on many occasions with our author, is here proper
and seasonable; as it was his intention to magnify, as much as pos-
sible, the effects of novelty and variety, and to draw our attention to
them. His frequent use oithat, instead of which, is another pecu-
liarity of his style; but, on this occasion in particular, cannot be
much commended; as, it is this ivhich,seems, in every view, to be
better than, it is this that, three times repeated. I must, likewise,
take notice, that the antecedent to, it is this, when critically consi
lect. xxi.] THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR, No. 412. 231

dered, is not altogether proper. It refers, as we discover by the sense,

to whatever is new or uncommon. But as it is not good language to
say, whatever is new bestows charms on a monster, one cannot avoid
thinking that our author had done better to have begun the first of
these three sentences, with saying.zV is novelty which bestows charms
on a monster, &c.
' Groves, fields, and meadows, are at any season of the year plea-

sant to look upon but never so much as in the opening of the spring,
;

when they are all new and fresh, with their first gloss upon them, and
not yet too much accustomed and familiar to the eye.'
In this expression, never so much as in the opening of the spring,
there appears to be a small error in grammar ; for when the con-
struction is filled up, it must be re&d,never so much pleasant. Had
he, to avoid this, said, never so much so, the grammatical error would
have been prevented, but the language would have been awkward.
Better to have said, but never so agreeable as in the opening of the
spring. We
readily say, the eye is accustomed to objects, but to
say, as our author has done at the close of the sentence, that ob-
jects are accustomed to the eye, can scarcely be allowed in a prose
composition.
' For this reason, there is nothing that more enlivens a prospect
than rivers, jetieaus, or falls of water, where the scene is perpetually
shifting and entertaining the sight, every moment, with something
that is new. We
are quickly tired with looking at hills and vallies,
where every thing continues fixed and settled, in the same place and
posture ; but find our thoughts a little agitated and relieved at the sight
of such objects as are ever in motion, and sliding away from beneath
the eye of the beholder.'
is connected in too loose a manner with
The first of these sentences
thatwhich immediately preceded it. When he says /or this reason
)t

there is nothing that more enlivens, fyc. we are entitled to look for
the reason in what he had just before said. But there we find no
reason for what he is now going to assert, except that groves and
meadows are most pleasant in the spring. We know that he has been
speaking of the pleasure produced by novelty and variety, and our
minds naturally recur to this, as the reason here alluded to: but his
language does not properly express it. It is, indeed, one of the de-
fects of this amiable writer, that his sentences are often too negli-
gently connected with one another. His meaning, upon the whole,
we gather with ease from the tenour of his discourse. Yet his negli-
gence prevents his sense from striking us with that force and evidence,
which a more accurate juncture of parts would have produced. Ba-
ting this inaccuracy, these two sentences, especially the latter, are
remarkably elegant and beautiful. The close, in particular, is un-
commonly fine, and carries as much expressive harmony as the lan-
guage can admit. It seems to paint what he is describing, at once
to the eye and the ear. Such objects as are ever in motion and slid-
ing away from beneath the eye of the beholder. Indeed, notwith-
standing those small errors, which the strictness of critical examina-
tion obliges me to point out, it may be safely pronounced, that the
 :

232 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xxi.

two paragraphs which we have now considered in this paper, the one
concerning greatness, and the other concerning novelty, are extreme-
ly worthy of Mr. Addison, and exhibit a style, which they who can
successfully imitate, may esteem themselves happy.
'But there is nothing that makes its way more directly to the soul
than beauty, which immediately diffuses a secret satisfaction and com-
placency through the imagination, and gives a finishing to any thing
that is great or uncommon. The very first discovery of it strikes the
mind with an inward joy, and spreads a cheerfulness and delight
through all its faculties.'
Some degree of verbosity may be here discovered, as phrases are re-
peated, which are little more than the echo of one another; such as,
diffusing satisfaction and complacency through the imagination —
striking the mind with imvardjoy — spreading cheerfulness and
delight through all its faculties. A t the same time, I read ily admit
that this full and flowing style, even though it carry some redundan-
cy, is not unsuitable to the gayety of the subject on which the author
is entering, and is more allowable here than it would have been on
some other occasions.
There is nor,perhaps, any
' real beauty or deformity more in one
piece of matter than another; because we might have been so made,
that whatever now appears loathsome to us, might have shown itself
agreeable; but we find, by experience, that there are several modi-
fications of matter, which the mind, without any previous consider-
ation, pronounces at first sight beautiful or deformed.'
In this sentence there is nothing remarkable, in any view, to draw
our attention. We may observe only, that the word more, towards
the beginning, is not in its proper place, and that the preposition in,
is wanting before another. The phrase ought to have stood thus
Beauty or deformity in onepiece of matter, more than in another.
'Thus we see, that every different species of sensible creatures,
has its different notions of beauty, and that each of them is most af-
fected with the beauties of its own kind. This is no where more re-
markable, than in birds of the same shape and proportion, when we
often see the male determined in his courtship by the single grain or
tincture of a feather, and never discovering any charms but in the
colour of its species.'
Neither is there here any particular elegance or felicity of language.
Different sense of beauty would have been a more proper expression
to have been applied to irrational creatures, than as it stands, different
notions of beauty. In the close of the second sentence, when the
author says, colour of its species, he is guilty of considerable inaccu-
racy in changing the gender, as he had said in the same sentence,
that the male ivas determined in his courtship.
'There is a second kind of beauty, that we find in the several pro-
ducts of art and nature, which does not work in the imagination with
that warmth and violence, as the beauty that appears in our proper
species, butis apt. however, to raise in us a secret delight, and a

kind of fondness for the places or objects in which we discover it/

 lect. xxi.] THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR, No. 412. 233

Still, I am sorry to say, we find little to praise. As in his enuncia-

tion of the subject, when beginning the former paragraph, he appeared
to have been treating of beautyin general, in distinction from greatness
or novelty this second kind ofbeauty of which he here speaks, comes
;

upon us in a sort of surprise, and it is only by degrees we learn, that

formerly he had no more in view than the beauty which the different
species of sensible creatures find in one another. This second kind
of beauty, he says, we find in the severalproducts ofart and nature.
He undoubtedly means, not in all, but in several of the products of
art and nature, and ought so to have expressed himself; and in the
place oiproducls, to have used also the more proper wordproductio?is.
When he adds, that this kind of beauty does not work in the imagina-
tion ivith that warmth and.violence as the beauty that appears in our
proper species ; the language would certainly have been more pure
and elegant, if he had said, that it does not ivorkupon theimagina-
tion with such warmth and violence, as the beauty that appears in
our own species.
' This consists either in the gayety or variety of colours, in the
symmetry and proportion of parts, in the arrangement and disposi-
tion of bodies, or in a just mixture and concurrence of all together.
Among these several kinds of beauty, the eye takes most delight in
colours.'
To the language, here, I see no objection that can be made.
' We no where meet with a more glorious or pleasing show in na-
ture, than what appears in the heavens at the rising and setting of the
sun, which is wholly made up of those different stains of light, that
show themselves in clouds of a different situation.'
The chief ground of criticism, on this sentence, is the disjointed
situation of the relative ivhich; grammatically, it refers to the rising
and settingof the sun. But the author meant, that it should refer
to the show which appears in the heavens at that time. It is too com-
mon among authors, when they are writing without much care, to
make such particles as this, and ivhich, refer not to any particular
antecedent word, but to the tenour of some phrase, or perhaps the
scope of some whole sentence, which has gone before. This prac-
tice saves them trouble in marshalling their words, and arranging a
period; but, though it may leave their meaning intelligible, yet it
renders that meaning much less perspicuous, determined, and pre-
cise, than it might otherwise have been. The error I have pointed
out, might have been avoided by a small alteration in the construc-
tion of the sentence, after some such manner as this: We no where
meet with a more glorious andpleasing show in nature, than what is
formed in the heavens at the rising and set ting of the sun, by the dif-
ferent stains of light which show themselves in clouds of different
situations. Our author writes, in clouds ofa different situation, by
which he means, clouds that differ in situation from each other. But, as
this is neither the obvious nor grammatical meaning of his words, it
was necessary to change the expression, as I have done, into the plu-
ral number.
30
234 CRITICAL EXAMINATION. [lect. xxi

«
For this reason, we find the poets, who are always addressing
themselves to the imagination, borrowing more of their epithets
from colours than from any other topic'
On this sentence nothing occurs, except a remark similar to what
was made before, of loose connexion with the sentence which pre-
cedes. For though he begins with saying,ybr this reason, the fore-
going sentence, which was employed about the clouds and the sun,
gives no reason for the general proposition he now lays down. The
reason to which he refers, was given two sentences before, when he
observed, that the eye takes more delight in colours than in any
other beauty and it was with that sentence that the present one
;

should have stood immediately connected.

'
As the fancy delights in every thing that is great, strange, or
beautiful, and is still more pleased, the more it finds of these per-
fections in the same object, so it is capable of receiving a new sa-
tisfaction by the assistance of another sense.'
Another sense, here means, grammatically, another sense thanfan-
cy. For there is no other thing in the period to which this expres-
sion, another sense, can at all be opposed. He had not, for some
time, made mention of any sense whatever. He forgot to add, what
was undoubtedly in his thoughts, another *ense than that of sight.
'Thus any continued sound, as the music of birds, or a fall of
water, awakens every moment the mind of the beholder, and makes
him more attentive to the several beauties of the place which lie
before him. Thus, if there arises a fragrancy of smells or perfumes,
they heighten the pleasures of the imagination, and make even the
colours and verdure of the landscape appear more agreeable; for
the ideas of both senses recommend each other, and are pleasanter
together than when they enter the mind separately; as the different
colours of a picture, when they are well disposed, set off one another,
and receive an additional beauty from the advantage of their situa-
tion.'
Whether Mr. Addison's theory here be just or not, may be ques-
tioned. A
continued sound, such as that of a fall of water, is so far
from awakening every moment the mind of the beholder, that no-
thing is more likely to lull him asleep. It may, indeed, please the
imagination, and heighten the beauties of the scene; but it produces
thiseffect, by a soothing, not by an awakening influence. With re-
gard to the style, nothing appears exceptionable. The flow, both
of language and of ideas, is very agreeable. The author continues,
to the end, the same pleasing train of thought, which had run through
the rest of the paper; and leaves us agreeably employed in compar-
:
ng together different degrees of beauty.
 ( 235 )

LECTURE XXII.

CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE STYLE IN No. 413

OF THE SPECTATOR.
1
Though we considered how every thing
in yesterday's paper
that is new, or beautiful, is apt to affect the imagination with
great,
pleasure, we must own, that it is impossible for us to assign the ne-
cessary cause of this pleasure, because we know neither the nature
of an idea, nor the substance of a human soul, which might help us
to discover the conformity or disagreeableness of the one to the
other and therefore, for want of such a light, all that we can do in
;

speculations of this kind, is, to reflect on those operations of the soul

that are most agreeable, and to range, under their proper heads,
what is pleasing or displeasing to the mind, without being able to
trace out the several necessary and efficient causes from whence the
pleasure or displeasure arises.'
This sentence, considered as an introductory one, must be ac-
knowledged to be very faulty. An introductory sentence should
never contain any thing that can in any degree fatigue or puzzl? the
reader. When an author is entering on a new branch of his subject,
informing us of what he has done, and what he proposes further
to do, we naturally expect, that he should express himself in the
simplest and most perspicuous manner possible. But the sentence
now before us is crowded and indistinct: containing three separate
propositions, which, as I shall afterwards show, required separate
sentences to have unfolded them. Mr. Addison's chief excellence
as a writer, lay in describing and painting. There he is great but
;

in methodising and reasoning, he is not so eminent. As, besides

the general fault of prolixity and indistinctness, this sentence con-
tains several inaccuracies, I shall be obliged to enter into a minute
discussion of its structure and parts; a discussion which to many
readers will appear tedious, and which therefore they will naturally
pass over; but which, to those who are studying composition, I
hope may prove of some benefit.
Though in yesterday's paper we considered. The import oithough
is, notwithstanding that. When it appears in the beginning of a
sentence, its relative, generally, is yet; and it is employed to warn
us, after we have been informed of some truth, that we are not to
infer from it some other thing which we might perhaps have ex-
pected to follow: as, ' Though virtue be the only road to happiness,
yet it does not permit the unlimited gratification of our desires.'
Now it is plain, that there was no such opposition between the sub-
ject of yesterday's paper, and what the author is now going to say,
between his asserting a fact, and his not being able to assign the
cause of that fact, as rendered the use of this adversative particle,
though, either necessary or proper in the introduction. We consi-
236 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xxii

deredhow every thing that is great, new. or beautiful, is apt to affect

the imagination with pleasure, The adverb how signifies, either the
means by which, or the manner in which, something is done. But
in truth, neither one nor the other of these had been considered by our
author. He had illustrated the fact alone, that they do affect the
imagination with pleasure and, with respect to the quomodo or the
;

how, he is so far from having considered it, that he is just now

going to show that it cannot be explained, and that we must rest
contented with the knowledge of the fact alone, and of its purpose
or final cause. We must own, that it is impossible for us to assign the
necessary cause (he means, what is more commonly called the ef-
ficient cause) of this pleasure, because toe know neither the nature
of an idea, nor the substance of a human soul. The substance of a
human soul is certainly a very uncouth expression, and there ap-
pears no reason why he should have varied from the word nature,
which would have been applicable equally to idea and to soul.
Which might help us, our author proceeds, to discover the confor-
mity or disagrceableness of the one to the other. The which, at the
beginning of this member
of the period, is surely ungrammatical,
as it is any antecedent in all the sentence. It
a relative, without
refers, by the construction, to the nature of an idea,or the substance
of a human soul; but this is by no means the reference wnich the
author intended. His meaning is, that our knowing the nature of
an idea, and the substance of a human soul, might help us to dis-
cover the conformity or disagreeableness of the one to the other;
and therefore the syntax absolutely required the word knowledge
to have been inserted as the antecedent to which. I have before
remarked, and the remark deserves to be repeated, that nothing is
a more certain sign of careless composition, than to make such rela-
tives as which, not refer to any precise expression, but carry a loose
and vague relation to the general strain of what had gone before.
When our sentences run into this form, we may be assured there is
something in the construction of them that requires alteration.
The phrase of discovering the conformity or disagreeableness of the
one to the other is likewise exceptionable for disagreeableness nei-
;

ther forms a proper contrast to the other word, conformity, nor ex-
presses what the author meant here,(as far as any meaning can be gath-
ered from his words) that is, a certain unsuitableness or want of con-
formity to the nature of the soul. To say the truth, this member of
the sentence had much better have been omitted altogether. The
conformity or disagreeableness of an idea to the substance of a hu-
man soul, is a phrase which conveys to the mind no distinct nor intel-
ligible conception whatever. The author had before given a suffi-
cient reason for his not assigning the efficient cause of those pleasures
of the imagination, because we neither know the nature of our own
ideas nor of the soul; and this farther discussion about the confor-
mity or disagreeableness of the nature of the one, to the substance
of the other, affords no clear nor useful illustration.
And therefore, the sentence goes on, for want of such a light, all
that we can do in speculations of this kitid, is, to reflect on those opera-
 lect. xxii.] THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR, No. 413. 237

tions ofthe soul that are most agreeable and to range under theirpro
per heads what is pleasing or displeasing to the mind. The two ex-
pressions in the beginning of this member,therefore, and/or want of
such a light, evidently refer to the same tiling, and are quite synony-
mous. One or other of them, therefore, had better have been omit-
ted. Instead of to range under theirprojjer heads, the language would
have been smoother, [(their had been left out. Without being able to
trace out the several necessary and efficient causesfrom whence the
pleasure or displeasure arises. The expression, from whence, though
seemingly justified by very frequent usage, is taxed by Dr. Johnson
as a vicious mode of speech- seeing w/jewce,alone, has all the power of
from whence, which therefore appears an unnecessary reduplication.
I am inclined to think, that the whole of this last member of the
sentence had better have been dropped. The period might have
closed with full propriety, at the words, pleasing or displeasing to the
mind. All that follows, suggests no idea that had not been fully con-
veyed in the preceding part of the sentence. It is a mere expletive
adjection,which might be omitted not only without injury to the mean-
ing, but to the great relief of a sentence already labouring under the
multitude of words.
Having now finished the analysis of this long sentence, I am inclin-
ed to be of opinion, that if, on any occasion, we can adventure to al-
ter Mr. Addison's style, it may be done to advantage here, by break-
ing down this period in the following manner ' In yesterday's paper
:

we have shown that every thing which is great, new, or beautiful, is apt
to affect the imagination with pleasure. We must own, that it is im-
possible for us to assign the efficient cause of this pleasure, because
we know not the nature either of an idea, or of the human soul. All
that we can do, therefore, in speculations of this kind, is to reflect on
the operations of the soul which are most agreeable, and to range
under proper heads, what is pleasing or displeasing to the mind.'
We proceed now to the examination of the following sentences.
' Final causes lie more bare and open to our observation,
as there
are often a great variety that belong to the same effect; and these,
though they are not altogether so satisfactory, are generally more use-
ful than the other, as they give us greater occasion of admiring the
goodness and wisdom of the first contriver.'
Though some difference might be traced between the sense
of bare and open, yet, as they are here employed, they are so
nearly synonymous, that one of them was sufficient. It would
have been enough to have said, Final causes lie more open to ob-
servation. One can scarcely help observing here, that the obvious-
ness of final causes does not proceed, as Mr. Addison supposes, from
a variety of them concurring in the same effect, which is often not the
case but from our being able to ascertain more clearly, from our
;

own experience, the congruity of a final cause with the circumstances

of our condition whereas the constituent parts of subjects, whence
;

efficient causes proceed, lie for the most part beyond the reach of our
faculties. But as this remark respects the thought more than the style,
it is sufficient for us to observe,that when he says, a great variety that

2M
238 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xxii.

belong to the same effect, the expression, strictly considered, is not

altogether proper. The accessory is properly said to belong to the
principal; not the principal to the accessory. Now, an effect is con-
sidered as the accessory or consequence of its cause; and therefore,
though we might well say a variety of effects belong to the same
cause, it seems not so proper to say, that a variety of causes belong
to the same effect.
'One of the final causes of our delight in any thing that is great,
may be this The Supreme Author of our being has so formed the
:

soul of man, that nothing but himself can be its last, adequate, and
proper happiness. Because, therefore, a great part of our happiness
must arise his being, that he might give
from the contemplation of
our souls a just relish of such contemplation, he has made them na-
turally delight in the apprehension of what is great or unlimited.'
The concurrence of two conjunctions, because therefore, forms
rather a harsh and unpleasing beginning of the last of these senten-
ces and, in the close, one would think, that the author might have
;

devised a happier word than apprehension, to be applied to what is

unlimited. But that I may not be thought hypercritical, I shall
make no farther observation on these sentences.
'Our admiration, which is a very pleasing motion of the mind,
immediately rises at the consideration of any object that takes up a
good deal of room in the fancy, and, by consequence, will improve
into the highest pitch of astonishment and devotion, when we con-
template his nature, that is neither circumscribed by time nor place,
nor to be comprehended by the largest capacity of a created being.'
Here our author's style rises beautifully along with the thought.
However inaccurate he may sometimes be, when coolly philosophi-
sing, yet, whenever his fancy is awakened by description, or his
mind, as here, warmed with some glowing sentiment, he presently
becomes great, and discovers, in his language, the hand of a master.
Every one must observe, with what felicity this period is constructed.
The words are long and majestic. The members rise one above an-
other, and conduct the sentence, at last, to that full and harmonious
close, which leaves upon the mind such an impression, as the author
intended to leave, of something uncommonly great, awful, and mag-
nificent.
' He has annexed any thing that is
a secret pleasure to the idea of
new or uncommon, that he might encourage us in the pursuit of
knowledge, and engage us to search into the wonders of creation ;

for every new idea brings such a pleasure along with it, as rewards
the pains we have taken in its acquisition, and consequently, serves
as a motive to put us upon fresh discoveries.'
The language, in this sentence, is clear and precise only, we :

cannot but observe, in this, and the two following sentences, which
are constructed in the same manner, a strong proof of Mr. Addison's
unreasonable partiality to the particle that, in preference to which.
Annexed a secret pleasure to the idea of any thing that is new or u?i-
common, that he might encourage us. Here, the first that stands for
a relative pronoun, and the next that, at the distance only of four
 ;

lect. xxn.] THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR, No. 413. 239

words, is a conjunction. This confusion of sounds serves to embar-

rass style. Much better, sure, to have said, the idea of any thing
which is new or uncommon that he might encourage. The expression
with which the sentence concludes, a motive to put us upon fresh
discoveries, is flat, and, in some degree, improper. He should have
said, put us upon making fresh discoveries; or rather, serves as a
motive inciting us to make fresh discoveries.
'He has made every thing that is beautiful in our own species,
pleasant, that all creatures might be tempted to multiply their kind,
and fill the world with inhabitants; for, 'tis very remaikable, that,
wherever nature is crost in the production of a monster, (the result
of any unnatural mixture) the breed is incapable of propagating its
likeness, and of founding a new order of creatures; so that, unless
all animals were allured by the beauty of their own species, genera-
tion would be at an end, and the earth unpeopled.'
Here we must, however reluctantly, return to the employment of
censure: for this is among the worst sentences our author ever
wrote; and contains a variety of blemishes. Taken as a whole, it
is extremely deficient in unity. Instead of a complete proposition,
it contains a sort of chain of reasoning, the links of which are so ill

put together, that it is with difficulty we can trace the connexion

and, unless we take the trouble of perusing it several times, it will
leave nothing on the mind but an indistinct and obscure impression.
Besides this general fault, respecting the meaning, it contains
some great inaccuracies in language. First, God's having made
every thing which is beautiful in our species, (that is, in the hu-
man species) pleasant, is certainly no motive for all creatures, for
beasts,and birds, and fishes, to multiply their kind. What the author
meant to say, though he has expressed himself in so erroneous a
manner, undoubtedly was, ' In all the different orders of creatures,
he has made every thing, which is beautiful in their own species,
pleasant, that all creatures might be tempted to multiply their kind.'
The second member of the sentence is still worse. For it is very
remarkable, that ivherever nature is crost in the production of a
monster, fyc. The reason which he here gives, for the precedingasser-
tion, intimated by the casual particles/or, is far from being obvious.
The connexion of thought is not readily apparent, and would have re
quired an intermediate step, to render it distinct. But what does
he mean, by nature being crost in theproduction of a monster? One
might understand him to mean, 'disappointed in its intention of
producing a monster,' as when we say, one is crost in his pursuits,
we mean, that he is disappointed in accomplishing the end which he
intended. Had he said, era?/ 6?y the production ofa monster, the sense
would have been more intelligible. But the proper rectification of
the expression would be to insert the adverb as, before the preposi-
tion in, after this manner wherever nature is crost, as in theproduc-
;

tion of a monster. The insertion of this particle as, throws so much

light on the construction of this member of the sentence, that I am
very much inclined to believe, it had stood thus originally, in our
author's manuscript; and that the present reading is a typography
 ;

240 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xxii.

cal error, which, having crept into the first edition of the Spectator,
ran through all the subsequent ones.
'
In the last place, he has made every thing that is beautiful, in
all other objects, pleasant, or rather has made so many objects
appear beautiful, that he might render the whole creation more gay
and delightful. He has given almost every thing about us the power
of raising an agreeable idea in the imagination ; so that it is impossi-
ble for us to behold his works with coldness or indifference, and to
survey so many beauties without a secret satisfaction and compla-
cency.'
The idea, here, is so just, and the language so clear, flowing, and
agreeable, that, to remark any diffuseness which may be attributed
to these sentences, would be justly esteemed hypercritical.
* Things would make but a poor appearance to the eye, if we saw

them only in their proper figures and motions and what reason can
:

we assign for their exciting in us, many of those ideas which are
different from any thing that exists in the objects themselves, (for
such are light and colours,) were it not to add supernumerary orna-
ments to the universe, and make it more agreeable to the imagina-
tion?'
Our author is now entering on a theory, which he is about to illus-
not with much philosophical accuracy, yet, with great beauty
trate, if
of fancy, and glow of expression. A strong instance of his want of
accuracy, appears in the manner in which he opens the subject. For
what meaning is there in things exciting in us many of those ideas
which are different from any thing that exists in the objects ? No
one, sure, ever imagined that our ideas exist in the objects. Ideas,
it is agreed on all hands, can exist no where but in the mind. What
Mr. Locke's philosophy teaches, and what our author should have said,
is,exciting inus many ideas ofqualities which are differentfrom any
thing that exists in the objects. The ungraceful parenthesis which
follows, for such are light and colours, had far better have been
avoided, and incorporated with the rest of the sentence, in this
manner; 'exciting in us many ideas of qualities, such as light and
colours, which are different from any thing that exists in the objects.'
' We are every where entertained with pleasing shows and ap-
paritions. We discover imaginary glories in the heavens and in
the earth, and see some of this visionary beauty poured out upon
the whole creation; but what a rough unsightly sketch of nature
should we be entertained with, did all her colouring disappear, and
the several distinctions of light and shade vanish? In short, our
souls are delightfully lost and bewildered in a pleasing delusion
and we walk about like the enchanted hero of a romance, who sees
beautiful castles, woods, and meadows ; and, at the same time,
hears the warbling of birds, and the purling of streams ;but, upon
the finishing of some secret spell, the fantastic scene breaks up, and
the disconsolate knight finds himself on a barren heath, or in a soli-
tary desert.'
After having been obliged to point out several inaccuracies, I
return with much more pleasure to the display of beauties, for
 —
lect. xxii.] THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR, No. 413. 241

which we have now full scope; for these two sentences are such as
do the highest honour to Mr. Addison's talents as a writer. Warm-
ed with the idea he had laid hold of, his delicate sensibility to the
beauty of nature, is finely displayed in the illustration of it. The
st}de is flowing and full, without being too diffuse. It is flowery,
but not gaudy elevated, but not ostentatious.
;

Amidst this blaze of beauties, it is necessary for us to remark one

or two inaccuracies. When it is said, towards the close of the first of
those sentences, what a rough unsightly sketch ofnature should we
be entertained with, the preposition with should have been placed at
the beginning, rather than at the end of this member; and the
word entertained, is both improperly applied here, and carelessly
repeated from the former part of the sentence. It was there em-
ployed according to its more common use, as relating to agreeable
objects. IVe are every where entertained withpleasing shows. Here
it would have been more proper to have changed the phrase, and
said, with what a rough unsightly sketch of nature should we be pre-
sented. At the close of the second sentence, where it is said, the
fantastic scene breaks up, the expression is lively, but not altogether
justifiable. An assembly breaks up ; a scene closes or disappears.
Excepting these two slight inaccuracies, the style, here, is not only
correct, but perfectly elegant. The most striking beauty of the
passage arises from tbe happy simile which the author employs,
and the fine illustration which it gives to the thought. The enchant-
ed hero, the beautiful castles, the fantastic scene, the secret spell, the
disconsolate knight, are terms chosen with the utmost felicity, and
strongly recall all those romantic ideas with which he intended to
amuse our imagination. Few authors are more successful in their
imagery than Mr. Addison; and few passages in his works, or in
those of any author, are more beautiful and picturesque than that
on which w e have been commenting.
r

' It is not improbable, that something like this may be

the state
of the soul after its first separation, in respect of the images it will
receive from matter though, indeed, the ideas of colours are so
;

pleasing and beautiful in the imagination, that it is possible the soul

will not be deprived of them, but, perhaps, find them excited by
some other occasional cause, as they are at present, by the dif-
ferent impressions of the subtile matter on the organ of the sight.'
As all human things, after having attained the summit, begin to
decline, we must acknowledge that, in this sentence, there is a
sensible falling off from the beauty of what went before. It is bro-
ken and deficient in unity. Its parts are not sufficiently compacted.
It contains, besides, some faulty expressions. When it is said,
something like this may be the state of the soul, to the pronoun this,
there is no determined antecedent; it refers to the general import
of the preceding description, which, as I have several times remark-
ed, always rendered style clumsy and inelegant, if not obscure
the state of the soul after its first separation, appears to be an incom-
plete phrase, and first, seems an useless, and even an improper
SI
242 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xxiii.

word. More distinct if he had said, state of the soul immediately on

its separation from the body. The advcvhperhaps, is redundant,after
having just before said, it is possible.
c
I have here supposed, that my reader is acquainted with that
great modern discovery, which is at present uni-versally acknow-
ledged by all the inquirers into natural philosophy: namely, that
light and colours, as apprehended by the imagination, are only ideas
in the mind, and not qualities that have any existence in matter.
As this is a truth which has been proved incontestably by many mo-
dern philosophers, and is, indeed, one of the finest speculations in
that science, if the English reader would sec the notion explained
at large, he may find it in the eighth chapter of the second book of
Mr. Locke's Essay on the Human Understanding.'
In these two concluding sentences, the author, hastening to finish,
appears to write rather carelessly. In the first of them, a manifest
tautology occurs, when he speaks of what is universally acknowledg-
ed by all inquirers. In the second, when he calls a truth which has
been incontestably proved ; first, a speculation, and afterwards a no-
tion, the language surely is not very accurate. When he adds, one ofthe
finest speculations in that science, it does not,at first, appear what sci-
ence he means. One would imagine, he meant to refer to modern phi-
losophers ; for natural philosophy (to which, doubtless, he refers)
stands at much too great a distance to be the proper or obvious an-
tecedent to the pronoun that. The circumstance towards the close,
if the English reader would seethe notion explained at large, he
mayfind it, is properly taken notice of by the author of the Elements of
Criticism, as wrongly arranged, and is rectified thus: the Englishrea-
der, if he would see the notion explained at large, may find it, $*c.
In concluding the examination of this paper, we may observe,
that though not a very long one, it exhibits a striking view both of
the beauties, and the defects, of Mr. Addison's style. It contains
some of the best, and some of the worst sentences, that are to be
found in his works. But upon the whole, it is an agreeable and
elegant essay.

LECTURE XXIII.

CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE STYLE IN No. 414

OF THE SPECTATOR.
'If we consider the works of nature and art, as they are qualified
to entertain the imagination, we shall find the last very defective in
comparison of the former ; for though they may sometimes appea.
as beautiful or strange, they can have nothing in them of that vast
ness and immensity which afford so great an entertainment to the
mind of the beholder.'
Ihad occasion formerly to observe, that an introductory sentence
should always be short and simple, and contain no more matter than
 — ;

lect. xxiii.j THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR, No. 414. 243

is necessary for opening the subject. This sentence leads to a re-

petition of this observation, as it contains both an assertion and the
proof of that assertion ; two things which, for the most part, but espe
with more advantage kept separate.
cially at first setting out, are
It would certainly have been better, if this sentence had contained
only the assertion, ending with the word former and if a new one
;

had then begun, entering on the proofs of nature's superiority over

art, which is the subject continued to the end of the paragraph.
The proper division of the period I shall point out, after having first
made a few observations which occur on different parts of it.
If toe consider the works. Perhaps it might have been preferable,
if our author had begun with saying, tvhen we consider the works.
Discourse ought always to begin, when it is possible, with a clear
proposition. The if, which is here employed, converts the sentence
into a supposition, which is always in some degree entangling, and
proper to be used only when the course of reasoning renders it ne-
cessary. As this observation however may, perhaps, be consider-
ed as over-refined, and as the sense would have remained the same
in either form of expression, I do not mean to charge our author
with any error on this account. We cannot absolve him from inac-
curacy in what immediately follows— the ivorks of nature and art.
It is the scope of the author throughout this whole paper, to com-
pare nature and art together,and to oppose them in several views to
each other. Certainly, therefore, in the beginning, he ought to
have kept them as distinct as possible, by interposing the preposi-
tion, and saying, the ivorks of nature and of art. As the words stand
at present, they would lead us to think that he is going to treat of
these works, not as contrasted, but as connected; as united in form-
ing one whole. When I speak of body and soul as united in the
human nature, I would interpose neither article nor preposition be-
tween them; 'Man is compounded of soul and body.' But the
case is altered, if I mean to distinguish them from each other; then
I represent them as separate, and say, 'I am to treat of the inter-

ests of the soul, and of the body.'

Though they may sometimes appear as beautiful or strange. I can-
not help considering this as a loose member of the period. It does
not clearly appear at first what the antecedent is to they. In reading
onwards, we see the works of art to be meant but from the struc-
;

ture of the sentence, they might be understood to refer to the former,

as well as to the last. In what follows, there is a greater ambiguity
may sometimes appear as beautiful or strange. It is very doubtful n i

what sense we are to understand as, in this passage. For, according

as it is accented in reading, it may signify, that they appear equally
beautiful or strange, to wit, with the works of nature and then it has
;

the force of the Latin tarn : or it may signify no more than that they
appear in the light of beautiful and strange; and then it has the force
of the Lai.in tanquam, without importing any comparison. An ex-
pression so ambiguous, is always faulty and it is doubly so here
;

because, if the author intended the former sense, and meant (as
seems most, probable) to employ as for a mark of comparison, it was
 —
244 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect.xxiii

necessary to have mentioned both the compared objects: whereas

only one member of the comparison is here mentioned, viz. the
works of art: and if he intended the latter sense, as was in that case
superfluous and encumbering, and he had better ha /e said simply, ap-
pear beautiful or strange. The epithet strange, which Mr. Addison
applies to the works of art, cannot be praised. Strange works, ap-
pears not by any means a happy expression to signify what he here
intends, which is new or uncommon.
Thesentence concludes with much harmony and dignity \they can
have nothing in them of that vastness and immensity which afford
so great an entertainment to the mind of the beholder. There is
here a fulness and grandeur of expression well suited to the subject;
though, perhaps, entertainment is not quite the proper word for ex-
pressing the effect which vastness and immensity have upon the mind.
Reviewing the observations that have been made on this period, it
might, 1 think,with advantage, be resolved into two sentences, some-
what after this manner: ; When we consider the works of nature
and of art, as they are qualified to entertain the imagination, we
shall find the latter very defective in comparison of the former
The works of art may sometimes appear no less beautiful or uncom-
mon tban those of nature; but they can have nothing of that vast-
ness and immensity which so highly transport the mind of the be-
holder.'
' The one,' proceeds our author in the next sentence, 'may be as
polite and delicate as the other; but can never show herself so au-
gust and magnificent in the design.'
The one and the other, in the first part of this sentence, musl
unquestionably refer to the ivories of nature and of art. For of these
he had been speaking immediately before and with reference to
;

the plural word, works, had employed the plural pronoun they.
But in the course of tbe sentence, he drops this construction and
;

passes very incongruously to the personification of art can never

show herself To render his style consistent, art, and not the ivorks
of art, should have been made the nominative in this sentence.
Art may be as polite and delicate as nature, butcan never show her-
self. Polite is a term oftener applied to persons and to manners, than
to things; and is employed to signify their being highly civilized.
Polished, or refined, was the idea which the author had in view.
Though the general turn of this sentence be elegant, yet, in order
to render it perfect, I must observe, that the concluding words, in
the design, should either have been altogether omitted, or something
should have been properly opposed to them in the preceding mem-
ber of the period, thus ' Art may, in the execution, be as polished
:

and delicate as nature; but in the design, can never show herself so
august and magnificent.'
'There is something more bold and masterly in the rough, care-
.ess strokes of nature, than in the nice touches and embellishments
of art.'
This sentence is perfectly happy and elegant and carries, in all
:

the expressions, that curiosa felicitaa, tor which Mr. Addison is so

i.ect. xxm. J THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR, No. 414. 245

often remarkable. Bold and masterly, are words applied with the
utmost propriety. The strokes of nature, are finely opposed to the
touches of art ; and the rough strokes to the nice touches ; the former,
painting the freedom and ease of nature, and the other, the diminu-
tive exactness of art while both are introduced before us as differ-
;

ent performers, and their respective merits in execution very justly

contrasted with each other.
< The beauties of the most stately garden or palace lie in a nar-
row compass ; the imagination immediately runs them over, and
requires something else to gratify her: but in the wide fields of na
ture, the sight wanders up and down without confinement, and is
fed with an infinite variety of images, without any certain stint or
number.'
This sentence is not altogether go correct and elegant as the for-
mer. It carries, however, in the main, the character of our author's
style; not strictly accurate, but agreeable, easy, and unaffected;
enlivened too with a slight personification of the imagination, which
gives a gayety to the period. Perhaps it had been better, if this
personification of the imagination, with which the sentence is intro-
duced, had been continued throughout, and not changed unneces-
sarily, and even improperly, into sight, in the second member, which
is contrary both to unity and elegance. It might have stood thus:
the imagination immediately runs them over, and requires some-
thing else to gratify her; but in the wide fields ofnature, she ivan-
ders up and down without confinement. The epithet stately, which
the author uses in the beginning of the sentence, is applicable with more
propriety to palaces than to gardens. The close of the sentence,
without any certain stint or number, may be objected to, as both
superfluous and ungraceful. It might perhaps have terminated bet-
ter in this manner : she is fed with an infinite variety of images,
and wanders up and down without confinement.
1
For this reason, we always find the poet in love with a country
life, where nature appears in the greatest perfection, and furnishes

out all those scenes that are most apt to delight the imagination.'
There is nothing in this sentence to attract particular attention.
One would think it was rather the country, than & country life, on
which the remark here made should rest. A country life may be
productive of simplicity of manners, and of other virtues: but it is
to the country itself, that the properties here mentioned belong, of
displaying the beauties of nature, and furnishing those scenes which
delight the imagination.
' But though there are several of
these wild scenes that are more
delightful than any artificial shows, yet we find the works of nature
still more pleasant, the more they resemble those of art; for in this

case, our pleasure rises from a double principle from the agreea-
;

bleness of the objects to the eye, and from their similitude to other
objects we are pleased, as well with comparing their beauties, as
;

with surveying them, and can represent them to our minds either as
copies or as originals. Hence it is, that we take delight in a pros-
pect which is well laid out, and diversified with fields and meadows,
2N
 —
246 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xxiii.

woods and rivers; in those accidental landscapes of trees, clouds,

and sometimes found in the veins of marble, in the
cities, that are
curious fretwork of rocks and grottos; and, in a word, in any thing
that hath such a degree of variety and regularity as may seem the
effect of design, in what we call the works of chance.'
The style in the two sentences which compose this paragraph, is
smooth and perspicuous. It lies open in some places to criticism;
but lest the reader should be tired of what he may consider as petty
remarks, I shall pass over any which these sentences suggest; the
rather, too, as the idea which they present to us of nature's resem-
bling art, of art's being considered as an original, and nature as a
copy, seems not very distinct nor well brought out, nor indeed very
material to our author's purpose.
' If the products of
nature rise in Vcslue, according as they more
or less resemble those of art, we may be sure that artificial works
receive a greater advantage from the resemblance of such as are na-
tural because here the similitude is not only pleasant, but the pat-
;

tern more perfect.'

It is necessary to our present design, to point out two considera-
ble inaccuracies which occur in this sentence. If the products (he
had better have said the productions) of nature rise in value accord-
ing as they more or less resemble those of art. Does he mean, that
these productions rise in value both according as they more resemble.,
and as they less resemble, those of art? His meaning undoubtedly
is. that they rise in value only, according as they more resemble them :

and, therefore, either of these words, or less, must be struck out, or

the sentence must run thus productions ofnature rise or sink in va- •

lue, according as they more or less resemble. The present construc-

tion of the sentence, has plainly been owing to hasty and careless
writing.
The towards the end of the sentence, and serves
other inaccuracy is
to illustrate a rule which
I formerly gave, concerning the position

of adverbs. The author says, because here the similitude is not only
pleasant, but the pattern more perfect. Here, by the position of the
adverb only, we are led to imagine that he is going to give some other
property of the similitude, that it is not only pleasant, as he says,
but more than pleasant; it is useful, or, on some account or other,
valuable. Whereas, he is going to oppose another thing to the si-
militude itself, and not to this property of its being pleasant ; and,
therefore, the right colocation, beyond doubt, was, because here, not
only the similitude is pleasant, but the pattern more perfect ; the
eontrastlying, not between pleasant and more perfect, but between
similitude and pattern. Much of the clearness and neatness of style
depends on such attentions as these.
The prettiest landscape I ever saw, was one drawn on the walls of
'

a dark room, which stood opposite on one side to a navigable river,

and on the other, to a park. The experiment is very common in
optics.'
In the description of the landscape which follows, Mr. Addison is
abundantly happy but in this introduction to it, he is obscure and in
;
lect. xxiii.] THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR.. No. 414. 247

distinct. One who had not seen the experiment of the camera ob-
scura, could comprehend nothing of what he meant. And even, af-
ter we understand what he points at, we are at some loss, whether to
understand his description as of one continued landscape, or of
two different ones, produced by the projection of the two camera
obscuras on opposite walls. The scene, which I am inclined to
think Mr. Addison here refers to, is Greenwich Park; with the pros-
pects of the Thames, as seen by a camera obscura, which is placed
in a small room in the upper story of the observatory; where I re-
member to have seen, many years ago, the whole scene here describ-
ed, corresponding so much to Mr. Addison's account of it in this
passage, that, at the. time, it recalled it to my memory.
As the observatory stands in the middle of the park, it overlooks,
from one side, both the river and the park and the objects afterwards
;

mentioned, the ships, the trees, and the deer, are presented in one
view, without needing any assistance from opposite walls. Putinto
plainer language, the sentence might run thus: 'The prettiest land-
scape I ever saw, was one formed by a camera obscura, a common
optical instrument, on the wall of a darkroom, which overlooked a
navigable river and a park.'
' Here you might discover the waves and fluctuations of the
water
in strong and proper colours, with the picture of a ship entering at
one end, and sailing by degrees through the whole piece. On another,
there appeared the green shadows of trees, waving to and fro with
the wind, and herds of deer among them in miniature, leaping about
upon the wall.'
Bating one or two small inaccuracies, this is beautiful and lively
painting. The principal inaccuracy lies in the connexion of the two
sentences, here and on another. I suppose the author meant, on one
side,and on another side. As it stands, another is ungrammatical, hav-
ing nothing to which it refers. But the fluctuations of the water, the
ship entering and sailing on by degrees, the trees waving in the
wind, and the herds of deer among them leaping about, is all very
elegant, and gives a beautiful conception of the scene meant to be
described.
' I confess, the novelty of such a sight may be one occasion
must
of pleasantness to the imagination but certainly the chief reason
its ;

is, its near resemblance to nature ; as it does not only, like other pic-

tures, give the colour and figure, but the motions of the things it re-
presents.'
In this sentence there is nothing remarkable, either to be praised
orblamed. In the conclusion, instead of the things it represents, the
regularity of correct style requires the things which it represents. In
the beginning, as one occasion and the chief reason are opposed to
one another, I should think it better to have repeated the same
word one reason of its pleasantness to the imagination, but cer-
:

tainly the chief reason is, fye.

' We
have before observed, that there is generally, in nature,
something more grand and august than what we meet with in the cu-
riosities of art. When, therefore, we see this imitated in any mea-
248 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xxiii.

sure,it gives us a nobler and more exalted kind of pleasure, than

what we receive from the nicer and more accurate productions of

art.'
It would have been better to have avoided terminating these two
sentences in amanner so similar to each other ; curiosities of art
— productions of art.
l
0n this account, our English gardens are not so entertaining to
the fancy as those in France and Italy, where we see a large extent
of ground covered with an agreeable mixture of garden and forest,
which represents every where an artificial rudeness, much more
charming than that neatness and elegance which we meet with in
those of our own country.'
The expression, represent every where an artificial rudeness, is so
inaccurate, that I am inclined to think, what stood in Mr. Addison's
manuscript musthave heen present every where. For the mixture of
garden and forest does not represent, but actually exhibits or presents,
artificial rudeness. That mixture represents indeed natural rudeness,
that is, is designed to imitate it; but it in reality is, and presents,
artificial rudeness.
1
It might indeed be of ill consequence to the public, as well as
unprofitable to private persons, to alienate so much ground from
pasturage and the plough, in many parts of a country that is so well
peopled and cultivated to a far greater advantage. But why may
not a whole estate be thrown into a kind of garden by frequent
plantations, that may turn as much to the profit as the pleasure of
the owner? A marsh overgrown with willows, or a mountain shaded
with oaks, are not only more beautiful, but more beneficial, than
when they lie bare and unadorned. Fields of corn make a pleasant
prospect; and if the walks were a little taken care of that lie be-
tween them, and the natural embroidery of the meadows were
helped and improved by some small additions of art, and the seve-
ral rows of hedges were set off by trees and flowers that the soil was
capable of receiving, a man might make a pretty landscape of his
own possessions.'
The ideas here are just, and the style is easy and perspicuous,
though insome places bordering on the careless. In that passage,
for instance, if the ivalks were a little taken care of that lie betioeen
them, one member is clearly outof its place, and the turn of the phrase,
a little taken care of is vulgar and colloquial. Much better, if it
had run thus if a little care were bestowed on the ivalks that lie
:

between them.
'Writers who have given us an account of China, tell us, the inha-
bitants of that country laugh at the plantations of our Europeans,
which are laid out by the rule and the line; because, they say, any
one may place trees in equal rows and uniform figures. They
choose rather to show a genius in works of this nature, and, there-
fore, always conceal the art by which they direct themselves. They
have a word, it seems, in their language, by which they express the
particular beauty of a plantation, that thus strikes the imagination at
first sight, without discovering what it is, has so agreeable an effect.'
lect. xxiii.] THE STYLE IN SPECTATOR, No. 414. 249

These sentences furnish occasion for no remark, except that in

the last of them, particular is improperly used instead of peculiar ;
the peculiar beauty of a plantation that thus strikes the imagina-
tion, was the phrase to have conveyed the idea which the author
meant; namely, the beauty which distinguishes it from plantations of
another kind.
'Our British gardeners, on the contrary, instead of humouring
nature, love to deviate from it as much as possible. Our trees rise
in cones, globes, and pyramids. We see the marks of the scissors
on every plant and bush.'
These sentences are lively and elegant. They make an agreea-
ble diversity from the strain of those which went before; and are
marked with the hand of Mr. Addison. I have to remark only,
that in the phrase, instead ofhumouring nature, love to deviate from
it— humouring and deviating, are terms not properly opposed to
each other; a sort of personification of nature is begun in the first
of them, which is notsupported in the second. To humouring, was
to have been opposed thwarting; or if deviating was kept, following,
or going along loith nature, was to have been used.
'I do not know whether I am singular in my opinion, but for my
own part, I would rather look upon a tree, in all its luxuriancy and
diffusion of boughs and branches, than when it is thus cut and trim-
med into a mathematical figure; and cannot but fancy that an or-
chard, in flower, looks infinitely more delightful, than all the little
labyrinths of the most finished parterre.'
This sentence is extremely harmonious, and every way beautiful.
It carries all the characteristics of our author's natural, graceful, and
flowing language. A tree, in all its luxuriancy and diffusion of
boughs and branches, is a remarkably happy expression. The au-
thor seems to become luxuriant in describing an object which is so,
and thereby renders the sound a perfect echo to the sense.
'But as our great modellers of gardens have their magazines of
plants to dispose of, it is very natural in them to tear up all the
beautiful plantations of fruit trees, and contrive a plan that may
most turn to their profit, in taking off their evergreens, and the like
moveable plants, with which their shops are plentifully stocked.'
An author should always study to conclude, when it is in his pow-
er, with grace and dignity. It is somewhat unfortunate, that this
paper did not end, as it might very well have done, with the former
beautiful period. The impression left on the mind by the beauties
of nature, with which he had been entertaining us, would then have
been more agreeable. But in this sentence there is a great falling
off; and we return with pain from those pleasing objects, to the
insignificant contents of a nursery-man's shop.

S3
 ( 250 )

LECTURE XXIV.

CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE STYLE IN A

PASSAGE OF DEAN SWIFT'S WRITINGS.
Mr design in the four preceding lectures, was not merely to ap-
preciate the merit of Mr. Addison's style, hy pointing out the faults
and the beauties that are mingled in the writings of that great author.
They were not composed with any view to gain the reputation of a
critic: butintended for the assistance of such as are desirous of
studying the most proper and elegant construction of sentences in
the English language. To such, it is hoped, that they may be of
advantage; as the proper application of rules respecting style, will
always be best learned by means of the illustration which exam-
ples afford. I conceive that examples, taken from the writings of

an author so justly esteemed, would on that account, not only be

more attended to, but would also produce this good effect, of fami-
liarizing those who study composition with the style of a writer, from
Avhom they may, upon the whole, derive great benefit. With the
same view, I shall, in this lecture, give one critical exercise more of
the same kind, upon the style of an author, of a different character,
Dean Swift; repeating the intimation I gave formerly, that such as
stand in need of no assistance of this kind, and who, therefore, will
naturally consider such minute discussions concerning the propriety
of words, and structure of sentences, as beneath their attention, had
best pass over what will seem to them a tedious part of the work.
I formerly gave the general character of Dean Swift's style. He is
esteemed one of our most correct writers. His style is of the plain
and simple kind; free from all affectation, and all superfluity; per-
spicuous, manly, and pure. These are its advantages. But we are
not to look for much ornament and grace in it.* On the contrary,
Dean Swift seems to have slighted and despised the ornaments of
language, rather than to have studied them. His arrangement is
often loose and negligent. In elegant, musical, and figurative lan-
guage, he is much inferior to Mr. Addison. His manner of writing
carries in it the character of one who rests altogether upon his sense,
and aims at no more than giving his meaning in a clear and concise
manner.
That part of his writings which I shall now examine, is the begin-
ning of his treatise, entitled, 'A Proposal for correcting, improving,
and ascertaining the English Tongue,' in a letter addressed to the Earl

* I am glad to find that, in my judgment concerning this author's composition,

I have coincided with the opinion of a very able critic. ' This easy and safe con-
veyance of meaning, it was Swift's desire to attain, and for having attained, he
certainly deserves praise, though perhaps, not the highest praise. For purposes
merely didactic, when something is to be told that was not known before, it is in
the highest degree proper ; but against that inattention by which known truths
are suffered to be neglected, it makes no provision it instructs, but does not persuade
;

Johnson's Lives of the Foots ; in Swift.

lect. xxiv.] DEAN SWIFT'S STYLE 251

of Oxford, then Lord High Treasurer. I was led, by the nature ot

the subject, to choose this treatise; but, in justice to the Dean, 1
must observe, tbat, after having examined it, I do not esteem it one
of his most correct productions; but am apt to think it has been
more hastily composed than some other of them. It bears the title
and form of a letter; but it is, however, in truth, a treatise designed
for the public and therefore, in examining it, we cannot proceed
;

upon the indulgence due to an epistolary correspondence. When

a man addresses himself to a friend only, it is sufficient if he makes
himself fully understood by him but when an author writes for the
;

public, whether he employ the form of an epistle or not, we are al-

ways entitled to expect, that he shall express himself with accuracy
and care. Our author begins thus :

' What I had the honour of mentioning to your Lordship, some

time ago, in conversation, was not a new thought, just then started by
accident or occasion, but the result of long reflection: and I have
been confirmed in my sentiments by the opinion of some very judi-
cious persons with whom I consulted.'
The disposition of circumstances in a sentence, such as serve to
limit or to qualify some assertion, or to denote time and place, I for-
merly showed to be a matter of nicety and I observed, that it ought
;

to be always held a rule, not to crowd such circumstances together,

butrather to intermix them with more capital words, in such different
parts of the sentence as can admit them naturally. Here are two cir-
cumstances of this kind placed together, which had better have been
separated; Sometime ago in conversation —
better thus: What I had
theJionour, sometime ago, of mentioning to your lordship in conver-
—
sation ivas not a new thought, proceeds our author, started by acci-
dent or occasion : the different meaning of these two words may not at
first occur. They have, however, a distinct meaning, and are pro-
perly used for it is one very laudable property of our author's style,
:

that it is seldom encumbered with superfluous, synonymous words.

Started by accident, is, fortuitously, or at random started by occa-
;

sion, by some
is incident, which time gave birth to it. His
at that
meaning is, that it was not a new thought which either casually

sprung up in his mind, or was suggested to him for the first time, by
the train of the discourse but, as he adds, wets the result of long
:

reflection. He proceeds :

' They all agreed, that nothing would

be of greater use towards the
improvement of knowledge and politeness, than some effectual me-
thod for correcting, enlarging, and ascertaining our language and ;

they think it a work very possible to be compassed under the protec-

tion of a prince, the countenance and encouragement of a minis-
try, and the care of proper persons chosen for such an undertak-
ing.'
_

This
is an excellent, sentence clear, and elegant.
; The words are
ailsimple, well chosen, and expressive and are arranged in the most
;

proper order. It is a harmonious period too, which is a beauty not

frequent in our author, The last part of it consists of three mem-
bers, which gradually rise and swell one above another, without any
 —

252 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xxiv

affected or unsuitable pomp under the protection of a prince, the

;

countenance and encouragement of a ministry, and, the care ofpro-

per persons chosen for such anunder taking. We may remark, in the
beginning of the sentence, the proper use of the preposition towards—
greater use towards the improvement of knowledge and politeness—
importing the pointing or tendency of any thing to a certain end :

which could not have been so well expressed by the preposition

for, commonly employed in place of towards, by authors who are
less attentive, than Dean Swift was, to the force of words.
One might, perhaps, be found, both with this and the former
fault
sentence, considered as introductory ones. We expect, that an in-
troduction is to unfold, clearly and directly, the subject that is to be
treated of. In the first sentence, our author has told us, of a thought
he mentioned to his Lordship in conversation, which had been the
result of long reflection, and concerning which he had consulted ju-
dicious persons. But what that thought was, we are never told di-
rectly. We gather it indeed from the second sentence, wherein he
informs us, in what these judicious persons agreed; namely, that
some method for improving the language was both useful and practi-
cable. But this indirect method of opening the subject, would have
been very faulty in a regular treatise; though the ease of the epis-
tolary form, which our author here assumes in addressing his patron,
may excuse it in the present case.
* I was glad to find your Lordship's answer in so different a style

from what hath commonly been made use of, on the like occasions, for
some years past that all such thoughts must be deferred to a time of
;

peace ; a topic which some have carried so far, that they would not
have us, by any means, think of preserving our civil and religious
constitution, because we are engaged in a war abroad.'
This sentence also is clear and elegant; only there is one inaccu-
racy, when he speaks of his Lordship's answer being in so different
a style from what had formerly been used. His answer to what? or to
whom ? For from any thing going before, it does not appear that any
application or address had been made to his Lordship by those per-
sons, whose opinion was mentioned in the preceding sentence and to ;

whom the answer, here spoken of, naturally refers. There is a little
indistinctness, as I before observed, in our author's manner of in-
troducing his subject here. Wemay observe too that the phrase,
glad to find your answer in so different a style, though abundantly
suited to the language of conversation, or of a familiar letter, yet, in re-
gular composition, requires an additional word glad to find your
answer run in so different a style.
1
It will be the distinguishing marks of your ministry, my
among
Lord, that you have a genius above all such regards, and that no
reasonable proposals, for the honour, the advantage, or ornament ol
your country, however foreign to your immediate office, was ever
neglected by you.'
The phrase, a ge?iius above all such regards, both seems some-
what harsh, and does not clearly express what the author means,
namely, the confined views of those who neglected every thing that
lect. xxiv.] DEAN SWIFT'S STYLE. 253

belonged to the peace in the time of war. Except this ex-

arts of
pression, there nothing that can be subject to the least reprehen-
is

sion in this sentence, nor in all that follows, to the end of the para-
graph.
' I confess, the merit of this candour and condescension is very-
much lessened, because your Lordship hardly leaves us room to offer
our good wishes; removing all our difficulties, and supplying our
wants, faster than the most visionary projector can adjusthis schemes.
And therefore,my Lord, the design of this paper is not so much to
offer you ways and means, as to complain of a grievance, the redres-
sing of which is to be your own work, as much as that of paying the
nation's debts, or opening a trade into the South sea; and, though
not of such immediate benefit as either of these, or any other of your
glorious actions, yet, perhaps, in future ages, not less to your hon-
our.'
The compliments which the Dean here pays to his patron, are ve-
ry high and strained ; and show that, with all his surliness, he was
as capable, on some occasions, of making his court to a great man by
flattery, as other writers. However, with respect to the style, which
is the sole object of our present consideration, every thing here, as

far as appears to me, is faultless. In these sentences, and, indeed,

throughout this paragraph, in general, which we have now ended, our
author's style appears to great advantage. We
see that ease and
simplicity, that correctness and distinctness, which particularly cha-
racterize it. It is very remarkable, how few Latinised words Dean
Swift employs. No writer, in our language, is so purely English as
he is, or borrows so little assistance from words of foreign derivation.
From none can we take a better model of the choice and proper sig-
nificancy of words. It is remarkable, in the sentences we have now
before us, how plain all the expressions are, and yet, at the same
time, how significant; and, in the midst of that high strain of com-
pliment into which he rises, how little there is of pomp, or glare of
expression. How very few writers can preserve this manly temper-
ance of style; or would think a compliment of this nature supported
with sufficient dignity, unless they had embellished it with some of
those high-sounding words, whose chief effect is no other than to give
their language a stiff and forced appearance?
' My Lord, I do here, in the name of all the learned and polite per-
sons of the nation, complain to your Lordship, as first minister, that
our language is extremely imperfect ; that its daily improvements are
by no means in proportion to its daily corruptions; that the preten-
ders to polish and refine it, have chiefly multiplied abuses and absur-
and
dities; that, in many instances, it offends against every part ot
grammar.'
The turn of this sentence is extremely elegant. He had spoken
before of a grievance for which he sought redress, and he carries on
the allusion, by entering here directly on his subject, in the style of
a public representation presented to the minister of state. One im-
perfection, however, there is in this sentence, for our
which luckily
purpose, serves to illustrate a rule before given, concerning the posi-
 —

254 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xxiv.

tion of adverbs, so as to avoid ambiguity. It is in the middle of the

sentence that thepretenders to polish and refine it, have chiefly mul-
;

t iplied abuses and absurdities. Now, concerning the import of this ad-

verb, chiefly, I ask, whetherit signifies that these pretenders to polish

the language, have been the chief 2Jerso?is who have multiplied
its abuses, in distinction from others, or, that the chief thing which

these pretenders have done, is to multiply the abuses of our language

i n opposition to their doing any thing to refine it ? These two mean-
ings are really different ; and yet, by the position which the word
chiefly has in the sentence, we are left at a loss in which to understand
it. The construction would lead us rather to the latter sense; that
the chief thing which these pretenders have done, is to multiply the
abuses of our language. But it is more than probable, that the for-
mer sense was what the Dean intended, as it carries more of his usual
satirical edge ' that the pretended
; refiners of our language were,
in fact, its chief corrupters ;' on which supposition, his words ought
to have run thus: that the pretenders to polish and refine it, have
been the chiefpersons to multiply its abuses and absurdities; which
would have rendered the sense perfectly clear.
Perhaps, too, there might be ground for observing farther upon
this sentence, that as language is the object with which it sets out;
that our language is extremely impelfeet; and as there follows an enu-
meration concerning language, in three particulars, it had been bet-
ter if language had been kept the ruling word, or the nominative to
every verb, without changingthe construction by mzkinvprelendei^s
;

the ruling word, as is done in the second member of the enumeration,

and then, in the third, returning again to the former word, language.
—
That the pretenders to polish -and that, in many instances, it of-
—
fends I am persuaded, that the structure of the sentence would have
been more neat and happy, and its unity more complete, if the mem-
bers of it had been arranged thus: 'That our language is extremely
imperfect that its daily improvements are by no means in proportion
;

to its daily corruptions; that, in many instances, it offends against

every part of grammar: and that the pretenders to polish and refine
it, have been the chief persons to multiply its abuses and absurdities.'

This degree of attention seemed proper to be bestowed on such a

sentence as this, in order to show how it might have been conducted
after the most perfect manner. Our author, after having said,
'Lest your Lordship should think my censure too severe, I shall
take leave to be more particular;' proceeds in the following para-
graph :

'believe your Lordship will agree with me, in the reason why
I
our language is less refined than those of Italy, Spain, or France.'
I am sorry to say, that now we shall have less to commend in
our author. For the whole of this paragraph, on which we are
entering, is in truth, perplexed and inaccurate. Even in this short
sentence, we may discern an inaccuracy why our language is less
refined than those of Italy, Spain, or France; putting the pronoun
those in the plural, when the antecedent, substantive to which it re-
fers is in the singular, our language. Instances of this kind mav
 — ;

lect.xxiv.] DEAN SWIFT'S STYLE. 2bb

sometimes be found in English authors but they sound harsh to the

;

ear, and are certainly contrary to the purity of grammar. By a

very little attention, this inaccuracy might have been remedied
and the sentence have been made to run much better in this way;
' why our language is less refined than the Italian, Spanish, or French.'
•'
the Latin tongue, in its purity, was never in this
It is plain, that
island towards the conquest of which, few or no attempts were
;

made till the time of Claudius; neither was that language ever so
vulgar in Britain, as it is known to have been in Gaul and Spain.'
To say that the Latin tongue, in its purity, ivas never in this island,
is very careless style it ought to have been, was never spoken in this
;

island. In the progress of the sentence, he means to give a reason

why the Latin was never spoken in its purity amongst us, because
our island was not conquered by the Romans till after the purity
of their tongue began to decline. But this reason ought to have
been brought out more clearly. This might easily have been done,
and the relation of the several parts of the sentence to each other
much better pointed out by means of a small variation; thus: ' It
is plain that the Latin tongue in its purity was never spoken in this
island, as few or no attempts towards the conquest of it were made
till the time of Claudius. ' He adds, neither was that language ever
so vulgar in Britain. Vulgar was one of the worst words he could
have chosen for expressing what he means here namely, that the :

Latin tongue was at no time so general, or so much in common use,

in Britain, as it is known to have been in Gaul and Spain. Vulgar,
when applied to language, commonly signifies impure, or debased
language, such as is spoken by the low people, which is quite oppo-
site to the author's sense here; for, instead of meaning to say, that
the Latin spoken in Britain was not so debased, as what was spoken
in Gaul and Spain he means just the contrary, and had been tell-
;

ing us, that we never were acquainted with the Latin at all, till its
purity began to be corrupted.
' Further, we find that the Roman legions here, were at length
all recalled to help their country against the Goths and other barba-
rous invaders.'
The chief scope of this sentence is, to give a reason why the La-
tin tongue did not strike any deep root in this island, on account of
the short continuance of the Romans in it. He goes on :

' Meantime the Brtons, left to shift for themselves,

and daily ha-
rassed by cruel inroads from the Picts, were forced to call in the
Saxons for their defence who, consequently, reduced the greatest
;

part of the island to their own power, drove the Britons into the
most remote and mountainous parts, and the rest of the country, in
Customs, religion, and language, became wholly Saxon.'
This is a very exceptionable sentence. First, the phrase left to
shift for themselves, is rather a low phrase, and too much in the fami-
be proper in a grave treatise. Next as the sentence ad-
liar style to
vances forced to call in the Saxons for their defence,who conse-
quently reduced the greatest part of the island to their own power.
What is the meaning of consequently here? If it means ' afterwards,'
256 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xxiv.

or, 'inprogress of time,' this, certainly, is not a sense in which con-

taken and therefore the expression is chargeable
'ic.quently is often ;

with obscurity. The adverb, consequently , in its most common ac-

ceptation, denotes one thing following from another, as an effect
from a cause. If he uses it in this sense, and means that the Britons
being subdued by the Saxons, was a necessary consequence of their
having called in these Saxons to their assistance, this consequence
is drawn too abruptly, and needed more explanation. For though
it has often happened, that nations have been subdued by their own

auxiliaries, yet this is not a consequence of such a nature that it can

be assumed, as it seems here to be done, for a first and self-evident
principle. But further, what shall we say to this phrase, reduced the
greatest part of the island to their own power? we say, reduce to
rule, reduce to practice ; we can say, that one nation reduces an-
other to subject ion. But when dominion or power is used, we always,
as far as I know, say, reduce under their power Reduce to their power
.

is so harsh and uncommon an expression, that, though Dean Swift's

authority in language be very great, yet in the use of this phrase,

I am of opinion that it would not be safe to follow his example.

Besides these particular inaccuracies, this sentence is chargeable

with want of unity in the composition of the whole. The persons
and the scene are too often changed upon us. First, the Britons
are mentioned, who are harassed by inroads from the Picts; next,
the Saxons appear, who subdue the greatest part of the island, and
drive the Britons into the mountains; and, lastly, the rest of the
country is introduced, and a description given of the change made
upon it. All this forms a group of various objects, presented in such
quick succession, that the mind finds it difficult to comprehend them
under one view. Accordingly, it is quoted in the Elements of Cri-
ticism, as an instance of a sentence rendered faulty by the breach of
unity.
'This I take to be the reason why there are more Latin words
remaining in the British than the old Saxon; which, excepting
some few variations in the orthography, is the same in most original
words with our present English, as well as with the German and
other northern dialects.'
This sentence is faulty, somewhat in the same manner with the
last. It is loose in the connexion of its parts; and besides this, it
is also too loosely connected with the preceding sentence. What
he had there said, concerning the Saxons expelling the Britons,
and changing the customs, the religion, and the language of the
country, is a clear and good reason for our present language being
Saxon rather than British. This is the inference which we would
naturally expect him to draw from the premises just before laid
down but when he tells us, that this is the reason luhy there are more
:

Latin words remaining in the British tongue than in the old Saxon,
we No reason for this inference appears.
are presently at a stand.
If can be gathered at all from the foregoing deduction, it is ga-
it

thered only imperfectly. For, as he had told us, that the Britons
had some connexion with the Romans, he should have also told us.
 ;

ldct. xxiv.] DEAN SWIFT'S STYLE. .257

in order to make
out his inference, that the Saxons never had any.
The the whole of this paragraph concerning the influence
truth is,

of the Latin tongue upon ours, is careless, perplexed, and obscure.

His argument required to have been more fully unfolded, in order
to make
be distinctly apprehended, and to give it its due force. In
it

the next paragraph, he proceeds to discourse concerning the influ-

ence of the French tongue upon our language. The style becomes
more clear, though not remarkable for great beauty or elegance.
' Edward the Confessor having lived long in
France, appears to
be the first who introduced any mixture of the French tongue with
the Saxon; the court affecting what the Prince was fond of, and
others taking it up for a fashion, as it is now with us. William the
Conqueror proceeded much further, bringing over with him vast
numbers of that nation, scattering them in every monastery, giving
them great quantities of land, directing all pleadings to be in that lan-
guage, and endeavouring to make it universal in the kingdom.'
On these two sentences, I have nothing of moment to observe.
The sense is brought out clearly, and in simple, unaffected language.
This, at least, is the opinion generally received; but your Lord-
'

ship hath fully convinced me, that the French tongue made yet a
greater progress here under Harry the Second, who had large terri-
tories on that continent both from his father and his wife; made
frequent journeys and expeditions thither; and was always attended
with a number of his countrymen, retainers at court.'
In the beginning of this sentence, our author states an opposition
between an opinion generally received, and that of his Lordship
and in compliment to his patron, he tells us, that his Lordship had
convinced him of somewhat that differed from the general opinion.
Thus one must naturally understand his words This, at least, is the
:

opinion generally received; but your Lordship hathfully convinced

—
me. Now here there must be an inaccuracy of expression. For on
examining what went before, there appears no sort of opposition
betwixt the generally received opinion, and that of the author's pa-
tron. The general opinion was, that William the Conqueror had
proceeded much farther than Edward the Confessor, in propagating
the French language, and had endeavoured to make it universal,
Lord Oxford's opinion was, that the French tongue had gone on to
make a yet greater progress under Harry the Second, than it had
done under his predecessor William which two opinions areas
:

entirely consistent with each other, as any can be; and therefore
the opposition here affected to be stated between them, by the ad-
versative particle but, was improper and groundless.
' For some centuries after, there was a constant intercourse be-
tween France and England by the dominions we possessed there, and
the conquests we made so that our language, between two and three
;

hundred years ago, seems to have had a greater mixture with French
than at present many words having been afterwards rejected, and
;

some since the days of Spenser; although we have still retained

not a few, which have been long antiquated in France.'
'33
 — — ;:

258 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lect. xxiv.

This is a sentence too long and intricate, and liable to the same
objection that was made to a former one, of the want of unity.
It consists of four members, each divided from the subsequent by a
semicolon. In going along, we naturally expect the sentence is to
end at the second of these, or at farthest, at the third: when, to our
surprise, a new member of the period makes its appearance, and fa-
tigues our attention in joining all the parts together. Such a structure
of a sentence is always the mark of careless writing. In the first
member of the sentence, a constant intercourse between France and
England, by the dominions we possessed there, and the conquests we
made, the construction is not sufficiently filled up. In place of inter-
course by the dominions ivepossessed, itshould have been by reason
—
of the dominions ive possessed or occasioned by the dominions we
possessed--and in place of— Me dominions ivepossessed there, and the
conquests we made, the regular style is—the dominions which ivepos-
sessed there and the conquests which we made. The relative pronoun
lohich, is, indeed, in phrases of this kind, sometimes omitted. But,
when it is omitted the style becomes elliptic and though in conver-
;

sation, or in the very light and easy kinds of writing, such elliptic style
may not be improper, yet in grave and regular writing, it is better to
fill up the construction, and insert the relative pronoun. After hav-
ing said, I could produce several instances oj'loth kinds ifit were oj
.

any use or entertainment, our author begins the next paragraph thus
' To examine into the several circumstances by which the lan-
guage of a country may be altered, would force me to enter into a
wide field.'
There is nothing remarkable in this sentence, unless that here oc-
curs the first instance of a metaphor since the beginning of this trea-
tise entering info a wide field, being put for beginning an extensive
;

subject. Few writers deal less in figurative language than Swift. I

before observed, that he appears to despise ornaments of this kind;
and though this renders his style somewhat dry on serious subjects,
yet his plainness and simplicity, I must not forbear to remind my
readers, is far preferable to an ostentatious and affected parade of
ornament.
'I shall only observe, that the Latin, the French, and the English,
seem to have undergone the same fortune. The first from the days
of Romulus to those of Julius Ca?sar, suffered perpetual changes
and by what we meet in those authors who occasionally speak on
that subject, as well as from certain fragments of old laws, it is mani-
fest, that the Latin, three hundred years before 'fully, was as un-

intelligible in his time, as the French and English of the same pe-
riod are now and these two have changed as much since William
;

the Conqueror (which is but little less than 700 years) as the Latin
appears to have done in the like term.'
The Dean plainly appears to be writing negligently here. This
sentence is one of that involved and intricate kind, of which some
instances have occurred before; but none worse than this. It ia-
quires a very distinct head to comprehend the whole meaning of the
period at first reading. In one part of it we find extreme careless-
 — — ;

lect. xxiv. J DEAN SWIFT'S STYLE. 259

ness of expression. He says, // is manifest that the Latin, 300

year" before Tally, was as unintelligible in his time, as the English
and French of the sameperiod are now. By the English and French
of the same period must naturally be understood, the English and
French that were spoken three hundred years before Tally. This is
the only grammatical meaning his words will bear; and yet assured-
ly what he means, and what it would have been easy for him to
have expressed with more precision, is, the English and French that
were spoken 300 years ago; or at a period equally distant from our
age as the old Latin, which he had mentioned, was from the age
of Tully. But when an author writes hastily, and does not review
with proper care what he has written, many such inaccuracies will
be apt to creep into his style.
'Whether our language or the French will decline as fast as the
Roman did, is a question that would perhaps admit more debate
than it is worth. There were many reasons for the corruptions of
the last as the change of their government to a tyranny, which ruined
;

the study of eloquence, there being no further use or encouragement

for popular orators their giving not only the freedom of the city,
:

but capacity for employments, to several towns in Gaul, Spain, and

Germany, and other distant parts, as far as Asia, which brought a
great number of foreign pretenders to Rome; the slavish disposi-
tion of the senate and people, by which the wit and eloquence
of the age where wholly turned into panegyric, the most barren of
all subjects; the great corruption of manners, and introduction of
foreign luxury, with foreign terms to express it, with several others
that might be assigned; not to mention the invasions from the Goths
and Vandals, which are too obvious to insist on.'
In the enumeration here made of the causes contributing towards
the corruption of the Roman language, there are many inaccura-
cies the change of their government to a tyranny: Of whose gov-
ernment? He had indeed been speaking of the Roman language, and
therefore we guess at his meaning; but his style is ungrammatical
for he had not mentioned the Romans themselves : and therefore,
when he says their government, there is no antecedent in the sen-
tence to which the pronoun their can refer with any propriety.
Giving the capacity for employments to several towns in Gaul, is a
questionable expression. For though towns are sometimesput for the
people who inhabit them, yet to give a town the capacity for employ-
ments, sounds harsh and uncouth. The wit and eloquence of the age
wholly turned into panegyric, is aphrase which does not well express
the meaning. Neither wit nor eloquence can be turned into pane-
gyric; but they may be turned towards panegyric, or, employed in
panegyric, which was the sense the author had in view.
The conclusion of the enumeration is visibly incorrect The great
corruption of manners, and introduction offoreign luxury ivith
f oreign terms to express it,ioith several others that might be assigned
— He means, with several other reasons. The word reasons, had in-
deed been mentioned before but as it stands, at the distance of thir-
;

teen lines backward, the repetition of it here became indispensable,

250 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF [lbct. xxiv.

in order to avoid ambiguity. Not mention, he adds, the invasions

to
from the Goths and Vandals, which are too obvious to insist on.
One would imagine him to mean, that the invasions from the Goths
and Vandals, are historical facts too well known and obvious to ba
insisted on. But he means quite a different thing, though he has
not taken the proper method of expressing it, through his haste,
probably, to finish the paragraph namely, that these invasions from
;

the Goths and Vandals, toere causes of the corruption of the Roman
language tco obvious to be insisted, on.
I shall not pursue this criticism any farther. I have been obliged

to point out many inaccuracies in the passage which we have consi-

dered. But, in order that my observations may not be construed as
meant to depreciate the style or the writings of Dean Swift below
their just value, there are two remarks which I judge it necessary to
make before concluding this lecture. One is, that it were unfair to
estimate an author's style on the whole, by some passage in his writ-
ings, which chances to be composed in a careless manner. This is
the case with respect to this treatise, which has much the appear-
ance of a hasty production: though, as I before observed, it was by
no means on that account that I pitched upon it for the subject of this
exercise. But after having examined it, I am sensible that in many
other of his writings, the Dean is more accurate.
My other observation, which is equally applicable to Dean Swift and
Mr. Addison, is, that there may be writers much freer from such inac-
curacies, as I have had occasion to point out in these two, whose style,
however, upon the whole, may not have half their merit. Refine-
ment in language has, of late years, begun to be much attended to.
In several modern productions of very small value, I should find it
difficult to point out many errors in language. The words might, pro-
bably, be all proper words, correctly and clearly arranged and the
;

turn of the sentence sonorous and musical; whilst yet the style, upon
the whole, might deserve no praise. The fault often lies in what may
be called the general cast, or complexion of the style; which a per-
son of a good taste discerns to be vicious; to be feeble, for instance,
and diffuse; flimsy or affected petulant or ostentatious; though the
;

faults cannot be so easily pointed out and particularized, as when they

lie in some erroneous or negligent construction of a sentence.
Whereas such writers as Addison and Swift, carry always those ge-
neral characters of good style, which in the midst of their occasion-
al negligences, every person of good taste mustdiscern and approve.
We see their faults overbalanced by higher beauties. We see a wri-
ter of sense and reflection expressing his sentiments without affecta-
tion, attentive to thoughts as well as to words; and, in the main cur-
rent of his language, elegant and beautiful; and, therefore, the only
proper use to be made of the blemishes which occur in the writings
of such authors, is to point out to those who apply themselves to the
study of composition, some of the rules which they ought to observe
for avoiding such errors; and to render them sensible of the neces-
sity of strict attention to language and to style. Let them imitate
the ease and simplicity of those great authors let them study to be
\
j.ect. xxv.] DEAN SWIFT'S STYLE. 261

always natural, and, as far as they can, always correct in their expres-
sions: let them endeavour to be,at some times, lively and strik-
ing; but carefully avoid being at any time ostentatious and af-
fected.

LECTURE XXV.

ELOQUENCE, OR PUBLIC SPEAKING HISTORY

OF ELOQUENCE GRECIAN ELOQUENCE
DEMOSTHENES.
Having which relates to language
finished that part of the course
and style, we are now
ascend a step higher, and to examine the
to
subjects upon which style is employed. I begin with what is proper-
ly called eloquence, or public speaking. In treating of this, I am to
consider the different kinds and subjects of public speaking; the
manner suited to each the proper distribution and management of
;

all the parts of a discourse; and the proper pronunciation or delive-

ry of it. But before I enter upon any of these heads, it may be pro-
per to take a view of the nature of eloquence in general, and of the
state in which it has subsisted in different ages and countries. This
will lead into some detail; but I hope an useful one; as in every art
it is of great consequence to have a just idea of the perfection of

that art, of the end at which it aims, and, of the progress which it has
made among mankind.
Of eloquence, in particular, it is the more necessary to ascertain

the proper notion, because there is not any thing concerning which
false notions have been more prevalent. Hence, it has been so often,
and is still at this day, in disrepute with many. When you speak to
a plain man, of eloquence, or in praise of it, he is apt to hear you with
very little attention. He conceives eloquence to signify a certain
trick of speech; the art of varnishing weak arguments plausibly or ;

of speaking, so as to please and tickle the ear. 'Give me good

sense,' says he, 'and keep your eloquence for boys.' He is in the
right, if eloquence were what he conceives it to be. It would be
then a very contemptible art indeed, below the study of any wise or
good man. But nothing can be more remote from truth. To be
truly eloquent, is to speak to the purpose. For the best definition
which, I think, can be given of eloquence, is the art of speaking in
•
such a manner as to attain the end for which we speak. Whenever
a man speaks or writes, he is supposed, as a rational being, to have
some end in view; either to inform, or to amuse, or to persuade, or,
in some way or other, to act upon his fellow-creatures. He who
speaks or writes, in such a manner as to adapt all his words most effec-
tually to that end, is the most eloquent man. Whatever then the sub-
ject be, there is room for eloquence ; in historv, or even in philoso-
262 ELOQUENCE, OR [lect. xxt

phy, as well as in orations. The definition which I have given of

eloquence, comprehends all the different kinds of it; whether calcu-
lated to instruct, to persuade, or to please. But, as the most impor-
tantsubject of discourse is action, or conduct, the power of eloquence
chiefly appears when it is employed to influence conduct, and per-
suade to action. As it is principally with reference to this end, that
it becomes the object of art, eloquence may, under this view of it,

be defined, the art of persuasion.

This being once established, certain consequences immediately
follow, which point out the fundamental maxims of the art. It fol-
lows clearly, that in order to persuade, the most essential requisites
are, solid argument, clear method, a character of probity appear-
ing in the speaker, joined with such graces of style and utterance,
as shall draw our attention to what he says. Good sense is the foun-
dation of all. No man can be truly eloquent without it; for fools
can persuade none but fools. In order to persuade a man of sense
you must first convince him; which is only to be done, by satis-
fying his understanding of the reasonableness of what you propose
to him.
This leads me to observe, that convincing and persuading,
1hough they are sometimes confounded, import, notwithstanding,
different things, which it is necessary for us, at present, to distin-
guish from each other. Conviction affects the understanding only ;

persuasion, the will and the practice. It is the business of the

philosopher to convince me of truth; it is the business of the orator
to persuade me to act agreeably to it, by engaging my affections
on its side. Conviction and persuasion do not always go together.
They ought, indeed, to go together; and zvoukl do so, if our incli-
nation regularly followed the dictates of our understanding. But as
our nature is constituted, I may be convinced, that virtue, justice, or
public spirit, are laudable, while at the same time, I am not persuad-
ed to act according to them. The inclination may revolt, though
the understanding be satisfied the passions may prevail against the
:

judgment. Conviction is, however, always one avenue to the in-

clination or heart; and it is that which an orator must first bend his
strength to gain for no persuasion is likely to be stable, which is
;

not founded on conviction. But, in order to persuade, the orator

must go farther than merely producing conviction he must consider
;

man as a creature moved by many different springs, and must act

upon them all. He must address himself to the passions he must;

paint to the fancy, and touch the heart; and, hence, besides solid
argument, and clear method, all the conciliating and interesting
arts, both of composition and pronunciation, enter into the idea of
eloquence.
An objection may, perhaps, hence be formed against eloquence,
as an art which may be employed for persuading to ill, as well as
to good. There is no doubt that it may and so reasoning may also
;

be, and too often is employed for leading men into error. But who
would think of forming an argument from this against the cultiva-
tion of our reasoning power-;? reason, eloquence, and every art
lect. xxv.] PUBLIC SPEAKING. 263

which ever has been studied among mankind, may be abused, and
may prove dangerous in the hands of bad men but it were perfect-
;

ly childish to contend, that, upon this account, they ought to be

abolished. Give truth and virtue the same arms which you give
vice and falsehood, and the former are likely to prevail. Eloquence
is no invention of the schools. Nature teaches every man to be
eloquent, when he is much in earnest. Place him in some critical
situation let him have some great interest at stake, and you will
;

see him lay hold of the most effectual means of persuasion. The
art of oratory proposes nothing more than to follow out the track
which nature has first pointed out. And the more exactly that
this track is pursued, the more that eloquence is properly studied,
the more shall we be guarded against the abuse which bad men
make of it, and enabled the better to distinguish between true elo-
quence and the tricks of sophistry.
We may distinguish three kinds, or degrees of eloquence. The
first, and lowest, is that which aims only
pleasing the hearers.
at
Such, generally, is the eloquence of panegyrics, inaugural orations,
addresses to great men, and other harangues of this sort. This or-
namental sort of composition is not altogether to be rejected. It
may innocently amuse and entertain the mind and it may be mix-
:

ed, at the same time, w ith very useful sentiments.

r
But it must be
confessed, that where the speaker has no farther aim than merely
to shine and to please, there is great danger of art being strained
into ostentation, and of the composition being tiresome and lan-
guid.
A second and a higher degree of eloquence, is, when the speaker
aims not merely to please, but also to inform, to instruct, to con-
vince when his art is exerted, in removing prejudices against him
:

self and his cause; in choosing the most proper arguments, stating
them with the greatest force, arranging them in the best order, ex-
pressing and delivering them with propriety and beauty; and there-
by disposing us to pass that judgment, or embrace that side of the
cause, to which he seeks to bring us. Within this compass, chiefly,
is employed the eloquence of the bar.

But there is a third, and still higher degree of eloquence,

wherein a greater power is exerted over the human mind by which;

we are not only convinced, but are interested, agitated, and carried
along with the speaker our passions are made to rise together with
;

his; we enter into all his emotions; we love, we detest, we resent,

according as he inspires us, and are prompted to resolve, or to act,
with vigour and warmth. Debate, in popular assemblies, opens the
most illustrious field to this species of eloquence; and the pulpit
also admits it.

I amhere to observe, and the observation is of consequence, that,

the high eloquence which I have last mentioned, is always the off-
spring of passion. By passion, I mean that state of the mind in
which it is agitated, and fired by some object it has in view. A man
may convince, and even persuade others to act, by mere reason and
argument. But that degree of eloquence which gains the admira-
264 ELOQUENCE, OR [legt. xxv.

tion of mankind, and properly denominates one an orator, is never

found without warmth or passion. Passion, when in such a degree
as to rouse and kindle the mind, without throwing it out of the pos-
session of itself, is universally found to exalt all the human powers.
It renders the mind infinitely more enlightened, more penetrating,
more vigorous and masterly, than it is in its calm moments. A man,
actuated by a strong passion, becomes much greater than he is at
other times. He is conscious of more strength and force ; he ut-
ters greater sentiments, conceives higher designs, and executes them
with a boldness and a felicity, of which, on other occasions, he could
not think himself capable. But chiefly, with respect to persuasion,
is the power of passion felt. Almost every man, in passion, is elo-
quent. Then he is at no loss for words and arguments. He trans-
mits to others, by a sort of contagious sympathy, the warm senti-
ments which he feels; his looks and gestures are all persuasive;
and nature here shows herself infinitely more powerful than art.
This is the foundation of that just and noted rule Si vis me Mere,
:
'

dolendum est primum ipsi tibi.'

This principle being once admitted, that all high eloquence flows
from passion, several consequences follow, which deserve to be at-
tended to; and the mention of which will serve to confirm the prin-
ciple itself. For hence the universally acknowledged effect of en-
thusiasm, or warmth of any kind, in public speakers, for affecting
their audience. Hence all laboured declamation, and affected or-
naments of style, which show the mind to be cool and unmoved,
are so inconsistent with persuasive eloquence. Hence all studied
prettinesses, in gesture or pronunciation, detract so greatly from the
weight of a speaker. Hence a discourse that is read, moves us less
than one that is spoken, as having less the appearance of coming
warm from the heart. Hence, to call a man cold, is the same thing
as to say, that he is not eloquent. Hence, a skeptical man, who is
always in suspense, and feels nothing strongly or a cunning merce-
;

nary man, who is suspected rather to assume the appearance of pas-

sion than to feel it; have so little power over men in public speak-
ing. Hence, in fine, the necessity of being, and being believed to
be, disinterested, and in earnest, in order to persuade.
Those are some of the capital ideas which have occurred to me,
concerning eloquence in general and with which I have thought pro-
;

per to begin, as the foundation of much of what I am afterwards to

suggest. From what I have already said, it is evident that eluquence
is a high talent and of great importance in society: and that it re-
quires both natural genius, and much improvement from art. View-
ed as the art of persuasion, it requires, in its lowest state, soundness
of understanding, and considerable acquaintance with human na-
ture; and, in its higher degrees, it requires, moreover, strong sensi-
bility of mind, a warm and lively imagination,joined with correctness
of judgment, and an extensive command of the power of language ;
to which must also be added, the graces of pronunciation and deli-
ver}'. Let us next proceed, to consider in what state eloquence has
subsisted in different acres and nations.
lect. xxv.] PUBLIC SPEAKING. 265

It is an observation made by several writers, that eloquence is to

be looked for only in free states. Longinus, in particular, at the end
of his treatise on the sublime, when assigning the reason why so lit-
tle sublimity of genius appeared in the age wherein he lived, illus-
trates this observation with a great deal of beauty. Liberty, he re-
marks, is the nurse of true genius; it animates the spirit, and invigo-
rates the hopes of men excites honourable emulation, and a desire
;

of excelling in every art. Al! other qualifications, he says, you may

find among those who are deprived of liberty but never did a slave
;

become an orator; he can only be a pompous flatterer. Now,

though this reasoning be, in the main, true it must, however, be un-
;

derstood with some limitations. For, under arbitrary governments,

if they be of the civilized kind, and give encouragement to the arts,
ornamented eloquence may flourish remarkably. Witness France
at this day, where, ever since the reign of Louis XIV. more
of what may be justly called eloquence, within a certain sphere, is
to be found, than, perhaps, in any other nation in Europe though ;

freedom be enjoyed by some nations in a much greater degree.

The French sermons, and orations pronounced on public occasions,
are not only polite and elegant harangues, but several of them are un-
commonly spirited, are animated with bold figures, and rise to a degree
of the sublime. Their eloquence, however, in general,must be con-
fessed to be of the flowery rather than the vigorous kind calculated
;

more to please and sooth, than to convince and persuade. High,

manly, and forcible eloquence, is, indeed, to be looked for only, or
chiefly, in the regions of freedom. Under arbitrary governments, be-
sides the general turn of softness and effeminacy which such govern-
ments may be justly supposed to give to the spirit of a nation, the art
of speaking cannot be such an instrument of ambition, business, and
power, as it is in democratical states. It is confined within a nar-
rower range it can be employed only in the pulpit, or at the bar but
; ;

is excluded from those great scenes of public business, where the spi-

rits of men have the freest exertion; where important affairs are trans-
acted, and persuasion, of course, is more seriously studied. Wher-
ever man can acquire most power over man by means of reason and
discourse, which certainly is under a free state of government, there
we may naturally expect that true eloquence will be best understood,
and carried to the greatest height.
Hence, in tracing the rise of oratory, we need not attempt to go
far back into the early ages of the world, or search for it among the
monuments of eastern or Egyptian antiquity. In those ages, there
was, indeed, an eloquence of a certain kind but it approached near-
;

er to poetry than to what we properly call oratory. There is reason

to believe, as I formerly showed, that the language of the first ages
was passionate and metaphorical owing partly to the scanty stock
;

of words, of which speech then consisted; and partly to the tincture

which language naturally takes from the savage and uncultivated state
of men, agitated by unrestrained passions, and struck by events which
to them are strange and surprising. In this state, rapture and enthu-
34
 ;

266 GRECIAN ELOQUENCE. [lect. xxv.

siasm, the parents of poetry, had an ample field. But while the in-
tercourse of men was as yet unfrequent, and force and strength were
the chief means employed in deciding controversies, the arts of ora-
tory and persuasion, of reasoning and debate, could be but little
known. The first empires that arose, the Assyrian and Egyptian,
were of the despotic kind. The whole power was in the hands of
one, or at most of a few. The multitude were accustomed to a blind
reverence; they were led, not persuaded; and none of those re-
finements of society, which make public speaking an object of im-
portance, were as yet introduced.
It is not till the rise of the Grecian republics, that we find any re-
markable appearances of eloquence as the art of persuasion and ;

these gave it such a field as it never had before, and, perhaps

has never had again since that time. And, therefore, as the Gre-
cian eloquence has ever been the object of admiration to those who
have studied the powers of speech, it is necessary that we fix our
attention, for a little, on this period.
Greece was divided into a multitude of petty states. These were
governed, at first, by kings who were called tyrants, on whose ex-
pulsion from all these states, there sprung up a great number of demo-
cratical governments, founded nearly on the same plan, animated by
the same high spirit of freedom, mutually jealous, and rivals of one an-
other. We may compute the flourishing period of those Grecian
states to have lasted from the battle of Marathon, till the time of Alex-
ander the Great, who subdued the liberties of Greece; a period which
comprehends about 150 years, and within which are to be found
most of their celebrated poets and philosophers, but chiefly their
orators: for though poetry and philosophy were not extinct among
them after that period, yet eloquence hardly made any figure.
Of these Grecian republics, the most noted, by far, for eloquence,
and, indeed, for arts of every kind, was that of Athens. The Athenians
were an ingenious, quick, sprightly people; practised in business,
and sharpened by frequent and sudden revolutions, which happen-
ed in their government. The genius of their government was alto-
gether democratical their legislature consisted of the whole body of
;

the people. They had, indeed, a senate of five hundred; but in

the general convention of the citizens was placed the last resort
and affairs were conducted there, entirely, by reasoning, speaking,
and a skilful application to the passions and interests of a popular
assembly. There, laws were made, peace and war decreed, and
thence the magistrates were chosen. For the highest honours of
the state were alike open to all nor was the meanest tradesman
;

excluded from a seat in their supreme courts. In such a state,

eloquence, it is obvious, would be much studied, as the surest
means of rising to influence and power; and what sort of eloquence?
Not that which was brilliant merely, and showy; but that which was
found, upon trial, to be most effectual for convincing, interesting,
and persuading the hearers. For there, public speaking was not
a mere competition for empty applause, but a serious contention
lect. xxv.] GRECIAN ELOQUENCE. 2Q1

for that public leading which was the great object both of the men
of ambition, and the men of virtue.
In so enlightened and acute a nation, where the highest attention
was paid to every thing elegant in the arts, we may naturally expect
to find the public taste refined and judicious. Accordingly, it was
improved to such a degree, that the Attic taste and Attic manner
have passed into a proverb. It is true, that ambitious demagogues,
and corrupt orators, did sometimes dazzle and mislead the people,
by a showy but false eloquence: for the Athenians, with all their
acuteness, were factious and giddy, and great admirers of every no-
velty. But when some important interest drew their attention,
when any great danger roused them, and put their judgment to
a serious trial, they commonly distinguished very justly between
genuine and spurious eloquence; and hence Demosthenes triumphed
over all his opponents; because he spoke always to the purpose,
affected no insignificant parade of words, used weighty arguments,
and showed them clearly where their interest lay. In critical con-
junctures of the state, when the public was alarmed with some
pressing danger, when the people were assembled, and procla-
mation was made by the crier, for any one to rise and deliver his
opinion upon the present situation of affairs, empty declamation
and sophistical reasoning would not only have been hissed, but re-
sented and punished by an assembly so intelligent and accustomed
to business. Their greatest orators trembled on such occasions,
when they rose to address the people, as they knew they were to be
held answerable for the issue of the counsel which they gave. The
most liberal endowments of the greatest princes never could found
such a school for true oratory, as was formed by the nature of the
Athenian republic. Eloquence there sprung, native and vigorous,
from amidst the contentions of faction and freedom, of public busi-
ness, and of active life and not from that retirement and specula-
;

tion, which we are apt sometimes to fancy more favourable to elo-

quence than they are found to be.
Pisistratus, who was contemporary with Solon, and subverted
his plan of government, is mentioned by Plutarch, as the first who
distinguished himself among the Athenians by application to the
arts of speech. His ability in these arts he employed for
raising himself to the sovereign power; which, however, when
he had attained it, he exercised with moderation. Of the ora-
tors who flourished between his time and the Peloponnesian war,
no particular mention is made in history. Pericles, who died
about the beginning of that war, was properly the first who carried
eloquence to a great height; to such a height, indeed, that it does
not appear he was ever afterwards surpassed. He was more than an
orator; he was also a statesman and a general; expert in business,
and of consummate address. Forty years he governed Athens
with absolute sway and historians ascribe his influence, not more
;

to his political talents than to his eloquence, which was of that

forcible and vehement kind, that bore every thing before it, and
triumphed over the passions and affections of the people. Hence
 ;:

268 GRECIAN ELOQUENCE. [lect. xxv

he had the surname of Olympias given him; and it was said, that,
like Jupiter, he thundered when he spoke. Though his ambition be
liable to censure, yet he was distinguished for several virtues, and it
was the confidence which the people reposed in his integrity, that
gave such power to his eloquence. He appears to have been gene-
rous, magnanimous, and public spirited he raised no fortune to him-
;

self; he expended indeed great sums of the public money, but chiefly
on public works; and at his death is said to have valued himself
principally on having never obliged any citizen to wear mourning
on his account, during his long administration. It is a remarkable
particular recorded of Pericles by Suidas, that he was the first
Athenian who composed, and put into writing, a discourse designed
for the public.
Posterior to Pericles, in the course of the Peloponnesian war,
arose Cleon, Alcibiades, Critias, and Theramenes, eminent citi-
zens of Athens, who were all distinguished for their eloquence.
They were not orators by profession they were not formed by
;

schools, but by a much more powerful education, that of business

and debate where man sharpened man, and civil affairs carried on
;

by public speaking brought every power of the mind into action. The
manner or style of oratory which then prevailed, we learn from the
orations in the history of Thucydides, who also flourished in the
same age. It was manly, vehement, and concise, even to some de-
gree of obscurity. 'Grandes erant verbis,' says Cicero, ' crebri
sententiis, compressione rerum breves, et, ob earn ipsam causam,
interdum subobscuri. '* A manner very different from what, in mo-
dern times, we would conceive to be the style of popular oratory
and which tends to give a high idea of the acuteness of those audi-
ences to which they spoke.
The power of eloquence having, after the days of Pericles,
become an object of greater consequence than ever, this gave
birth to a set of men till then unknown, called rhetoricians, and
sometimes sophists, who arose in multitudes during the Peloponne-
sian war; such as Protagoras, Prodicas, Thrasymus, and one who
was more eminent than all the rest, Gorgias of Leontium. These
sophists joined to their art of rhetoric a subtile logic, and were
generally a sort of metaphysical skeptics. Gorgias, however,
was a professed master of eloquence only. His reputation was
prodigious. He was highly venerated in Leontium of Sicily,
his native city; and money was coined with his name upon it. In
the latter part of his life, he established himself at Athens, and
lived till he had attained the age of 105 years. Hermogenes (de
Ideis, 1. ii. cap. 9.) has preserved a fragment of his, from which
we see his style and manner. It is extremely quaint and artificial
full of antithesis and pointed expression; and shows how far the Gre-

* They were magnificent in their expressions

' they abounded :n thought they
; ;

compressed their matter into few words, and by their brevity, were sometimes obscure
 '

lect.xxv.] GRECIAN ELOQUENCE. 269

cian subtility had already carried the study of language. These

rhetoricians did not content themselves with delivering general in-
structions concerning eloquence to their pupils, and endeavouring
to form their taste ; but they professed the art of giving them receipts
for makingall sorts of orations; and of teaching them how to speak

for, and against, every cause whatever. Upon this plan, they
were the first who treated of common places, and the artificial in-
vention of arguments and topics for every subject. In the hands of
such men, we may easily believe that oratory would degenerate
from the masculine strain it had hitherto held, and become a tri-
fling and sophistical art and we may justly deem them the first cor-
;

rupters of true eloquence. To them, the great Socrates opposed

himself. By a profound, but simple reasoning peculiar to himself,
he exploded their sophistry and endeavoured to recall men's atten-
;

tion from that abuse of reasoning and discourse which began to be in

vogue, to natural language, and sound and useful thought.
In the same age, though somewhat later than the philosopher
above mentioned, flourished Isocrates, whose writings are still ex-
tant. He was a professed rhetorician, and by teaching eloquence,
he acquired both a great fortune, and higher fame than any of his
rivals in thai profession. No contemptible orator was he. His
orations are full of morality and good sentiments ; they are flowing
and smooth but too destitute of vigour. He never engaged in
;

public affairs, nor pleaded causes; and accordingly his orations are
calculated only for the shade ' Pompae,' Cicero allows, ' magis
:

quam pugnse aptior; ad voluptatem aurium accommodatus potius

quam ad judiciorum certamen.'* The style of Gorgias of Leontium
was formed into short sentences, composed generally of two mem-
bers balanced against each other. The style of Isocrates, on the
contrary, is swelling and full; and he is said to be the first who in-
troduced the method of composing in regular periods, which had a
studied music and harmonious cadence; a manner which he has
carried to a vicious excess. What shall we think of an orator, who
employed ten years in composing one discourse, still extant, entitled
the Panegyric? How
much frivolous care must have been bestow-
ed on the minute elegance of words and sentences?
all Dionysius
of Halicarnassus has given us upon the orations of Isocrates, as also
upon those of some other Greek orators, a full and regular treatise,
which is, in my opinion, one of the most judicious pieces of ancient
criticism extant, and very worthy of being consulted. He commends
the splendour of Isocrates's style, and the morality of his sentiments;
but severely censures his affectation, and the uniform regular ca
dence of all his sentences. He holds him to be a florid declaimer;
not a natural persuasive speaker. Cicero, in his critical works,
though he admits his failings, yet discovers a propensity to be very
favourable to that i plena ac numerosa oratio,' that swelling and
musical style which Isocrates introduced, and with the love of which,
Cicero himself was perhaps somewhat infected. In one of his trea-
* More fitted for show than for debate
'
; better calculated for the amusement of an
audience, than for judicial contests.
2 Q
 270 GRECIAN ELOQUENCE. [lect. xxv.

tises (Orat. ad. M.

Brut.) he informs us, that his friend Brutus and
he differed and that Brutus found fault with his
in this particular,
partiality to Isocrates. The manner of Isocrates generally catches
young people, when they begin to attend to composition ; and it
is very natural that it should do so. It gives them an idea of that
regularity, cadence,and magnificence of style, which fills the ear:
but when they come speak for the world, they will find
to write or
this ostentatious manner carrying on business, or
unfit, either for
commanding attention. It is said, that the high reputation of Iso-
crates, prompted Aristotle, who was nearly his contemporary, or liv-
ed but a little after him, to write his institutions of rhetoric; which
are indeed formed upon a plan of eloquence very different from
that of Isocrates, and the rhetoricians of that time. He seems to
have had it in view to direct the attention of orators much more
towards convincing and affecting their hearers, than towards the
musical cadence of periods.
Isaeus and Lysias, some of whose orations are preserved, belong al-
so to this period. Lysias was somewhat earlier than Isocrates, and
is the model of that manner which the ancients call the 'Tenuis vel

Subtilis.' He has none of Isocrates's pomp. He is every where

pure and attic in the highest degree; simple and unaffected; but
wants force, and is sometimes frigid in his compositions.* Isaeus
is chiefly remarkable for being the master of the great Demosthenes,

* In the judicious comparison, which Dionysius of Halicarnassus makes of the

merits of Lysias and Isocrates, he ascribes to Lysias, as the distinguishing charac-
ter of his manner, a certain grace or elegance arising from simplicity: "riepoiu
vi» H Avrtx a«£/c tyiiv to Xcfg/sr « <T' I(roKg«T«c /3xa«t*<." "The style of Lysias has
gracefulness for its nature that of Isocrates seeks to have it." In the art of nar-
:

ration, as distinct, probable, and persuasive, he holds Lysias to be superior to

all orators ; at the same time, he tidmits that his composition is more adapted to
private litigation than to great subjects. He convinces, but he does not elevate
nor animate. The magnificence and .splendour of Isocrates is more suited to great
occasions. He is more agreeable than Lysias and in dignity of sentiment, far
;

excels him. With regard to the affectation which is visible in Isocrates's man
ner, he concludes what he says of it with the following excellent observations,
which should never be forgotten by any who aspire to be true orators. " T«c
,ufVT0/ *v»vitS T*r izreffoJW to xt/xA/oy, x.xi tuv tr%>iiuxTl<r/uuv thc Xt^tax to /utl^ttx.iasJ'if,
kx ifox.tjud?eV Sxhtvtl yxg H Pixvoix <aro\A*xK ™ ^ud/uce txc As^sajc, x.cti t« jcoac^k XtlntrtTai

tx i*n6ivov. xp*T<rov t iTjrnvS'tu/Jt.*. iv S'ttxtH'Tut GroknixH Km \yx yuvios, 10 o/Aotorxroy Td»

,

kxt-j. <pvo-iv, (ixxtrxo efe ii<fu<rt; to/c vcmuxriv nrto-^xi txv Ai£<v, » th htj-tt rx vox/uxra.-

CTV/uGtSKOS ft J* ttriH GrO\l/Uit X.XI ll£»V»C hiyovlt Kctl tS~tCeT» TOV <C«<>/ -j. liyjlt TgS^OVT/ Kiifvvci tv

f.KX^XIC, TX X-OfX-^X, KXt SiXTgiKX, KXI fAtlgct X.IVGH T'XVTl VX. OlS'x YlTlIX &V1XIT XV <OrA(>XiT%tlV
x$t\intv fAxxxof if' oltTx oti kxi fikx0n: o.v itiTtx ytvuiTo. %aQiivrio-/uoc yxg <nr<xc sv rurxJ'H,
x.xi KXXcei ylvcfxivoc, xet^ov /ur^xyfxx xxt >GrcKiuunx tov thtce." Judic. de Isocrate. p. 558.
'His studied circumflection of periods, and juvenile affectation of the flowers of
speed), I do not approve. The thought is frequently made subservient to the mu-
sic of the sentence ; and elegance is preferred to reason. Whereas, in every dis-
course where business and affairs are concerned, nature ought to be followed, and
nature certainly dictates that the expression should be an object subordinate to
the sense, not the sense to the expression. When one rises to give public counsel
concerning war and peace, or takes the charge of a private man, who is standing
at the bar to be tried for his life, those studied decorations, those theatrical graces
and juvenile flowers, are out of place. Instead of being of service, they are detrimental
to the cause we espouse. When the contest is ofa serious kind, ornaments, which at an-
other time would have beauty, then lose their effect, and prove hostile to the affections
which we wish to raise in our hearers.'
lect. xxv.] GRECIAN ELOQUENCE. 271

in whom, it must be acknowledged, eloquence shone forth with

higher splendour, than perhaps in any that ever bore the name of an
orator, and whose manner and character, therefore, must deserve
our particular attention.
1 shall not spend any time upon the circumstances of Demos-
thenes's life ; they are well known. The strong ambition which he
discovered to excel in the art of speaking; the unsuccessfulness of
his first attempts his unwearied perseverance in surmounting all the
;

disadvantages that arose from his person and address; his shutting
himself up in a cave, that he might study with less distraction; his
declaiming by the sea shore, that he might accustom himself to the
noise of a tumultuous assembly, and with pebbles in his mouth, that
he might correct a defect in his speech his practising at home
;

with a naked sword hanging over his shoulder, that he might check
an ungraceful motion, to which he was subject; all those circum-
stances, which we learn from Plutarch, are very encouraging to
such as study eloquence, as they show how far art and application
may avail, for acquiring an excellence which nature seemed unwil-
ling to grant us.
Despising the affected and florid manner which the rhetoricians
of that age followed, Demosthenes returned to the forcible and
manly eloquence of Pericles; and strength and vehemence form the
principal characteristics of his style. Never had an orator a finer
field than Demosthenes in his Olynthiacs and Philippics, which are
his capital orations; and, no doubt, to the nobleness of the subject,
and to that integrity and public spirit which eminently breathe in
them, they are indebted for much of their merit. The subject is to
rouse the indignation of his countrymen against Philip of Macedon,
the public enemy of the liberties of Greece; and to guard them
against the insidious measures, by which that crafty prince endea-
voured to lay them asleep to danger. In the prosecution of this
end, we see him taking every proper method to animate a people,
renowned for justice, humanity, and valour, but in many instances
become corrupt and degenerate. He boldly taxes them with their
venality, their indolence, and indifference to the public cause; while
at the same time, with all the art of an orator, he recalls the glory
of their ancestors to their thoughts, shows them that they are still a
flourishing and a powerful people, the natural protectors of the liber-
ty of Greece, and who wanted only the inclination to exert them-
selves, in order to make Philip tremble. With his contemporary
orators, who were in Philip's interest, and who persuaded the peo-
ple to peace, he keeps no measures, but plainly reproaches them as
the betrayers of their country. He not only prompts to vigorous
conduct, but he lays down the plan of that conduct; he enters into
particulars and points out, with great exactness, the measures of
;

execution. This is the strain of these orations. They are strongly

animated, and full of the impetuosity and fire of public spirit. They
proceed in a continued train of inductions, consequences, and de-
monstrations, founded on sound reason. The figures which he uses,
are never sought after but always rise from the subject.
; He em
273 DEMOSTHENES. [lect. xxv.

ploys them sparingly indeed ;

for splendour and ornament are not
the distinctions of this orator's composition. It is an energy of
thought peculiar to himself, which forms his character, and sets him
above all others. He appears to attend much more to things than
to words. We forget the orator, and think of the business. He
warms the mind, and impels to action. He has no parade and os-
tentation; no methods of insinuation; no laboured introductions;
but is like a man full of his subject, who, after preparing his audi-
ence by a sentence or two for hearing plain truths, enters directly on
business.
Demosthenes appears to great advantage, when contrasted with
jEschines in the celebrated oration ' pro Corona.' iEschines was
his rival in business, and personal enemy; and one of the most dis-
tinguished orators of that age. But when we read the two orations,
iEschines is feeble in comparison of Demosthenes, and makes much
less impression on the mind. His reasonings concerning the law
that was in question, are indeed very subtile but his invective against
;

Demosthenes is general and ill supported. Whereas, Demosthenes

is a torrent, that nothing can resist. He bears down his antagonist
with violence; he draws his character in the strongest colours; and
the particular merit of that oration is, that all the descriptions in it
are highly picturesque. There runs through it a strain of magnani-
mity and high honour; the orator speaks with that strength and con-
scious dignity which great actions and public spirit alone inspire.
Both orators use great liberties with one another and, in general,
;

that unrestrained license which ancient manners permitted, and which

was carried by public speakers even to the length of abusive names and
downright scurrility, as appears both here and in Cicero's Philippics
hurts and offends a modern ear. What those ancient orators gained by
such a manner in point of freedom and boldness, is more than com-
pensated by want of dignit}^; which seems to give an advantage, in
this respect, to the greater decency of modern speaking.
The style of Demosthenes is strong and concise, though some-
times, it must not be dissembled, harsh and abrupt. His words are
very expressive his arrangement is firm and manly and though far
; :

from being unmusical, yet it seems difficult to find in him that studi-
ed, but concealed number, and rythmus, which some of the ancient
critics are fond of attributing to him. Negligent of these lesser
graces,one would rather conceive him to have aimed at that sublime
which lies in sentiment. His action and pronunciation are recorded
to have been uncommonly vehement and ardent; which, from the
manner of his composition, we are naturally led to believe. The
character which one forms of him, from reading his works, is of the
austere, rather than the gentle kind. He is on
every occasion grave,
serious, passionate ; takes every thingon a high tone; never lets
himself down, nor attempts any thing like pleasantry. If any fault
can be found with his admirable eloquence, it is, that he sometimes
borders on the hard and dry. He may be thought to want smooth-
ness and grace; which Dionysius of Halicarnassus attributes to his
imitating too closely the manner of Thucydides, who was his great
 ;

LECT. XXV.] QUESTIONS. 273

model and whose history he is said to have written eight

for style,
limes over with his own hand. But these defects are far more than
compensated, by that admirable and masterly force of masculine elo-
quence, which, as it overpowered all who heard it, cannot, at this
day, be read without emotion.
After the days of Demosthenes, Greece lost her liberty; eloquence
of course languished, and relapsed again into the feeble manner in-
troduced by the rhetoricians and sophists. Demetrius Phalerius, who
lived in thenext age to Demosthenes, attained indeed some charac-
ter,but he is represented to us as a flowery, rather than a persuasive
speaker, who aimed at grace rather than substance. '
Delectabat
Athenienses,' says Cicero, ' magis quam inflammabat.' ' He amused
the Athenians, rather than warmed them.' And after his time, we
hear of no more Grecian orators of any note.

Q^UESTIOtfS.
Having finished that part of the |
As there is no doubt that it may, what
course which x elates to language andl conclusion is drawn? But why should
style, what are we now to do ? With j
no man think of forming an argument
what do we begin ? In treating of this, I from this, against the cultivation of our
what is to be considered ? Before enter- reasoning powers ? Give truth and vir-
ing upon any of these heads, what tue the same arms that you give vice
maybe proper? Why
does our author and falsehood, and what will be the
hope that this detail will be an useful consequence ? Of what is eloquence not
one ? Why
is it the more necessary to the invention ? How does it appear,
ascertain the proper notion of elo- that nature teaches every man to be
quence? Hence, what has been the eloquent ? What, only, does the art of
consequence ? Why
does a plain man oratory pi-opose; and what follows?
hear you speak of eloquence with very How many degrees of eloquence may
littleattention and what says he ?
; we distinguish and what is the first ?
;

Under what circumstances would he be What examples of it are given? Why

in the right ? From what does it appear is not this ornamental sort of composi-

that, to be truly eloquent, is to speak to tion to be rejected? But of it, what

the purpose ? How is this illustrated ? must be confessed? What is a second,
Who, therefore, is the most eloquent and higher degree of eloquence?
man and what remark follows ? What
; Within this compass, is chiefly em-
does the definition of eloquence, com- ployed what species of eloquence ? But
prehend?
T
W
hen does the power of what is the third, and still higher de-
eloquence chiefly appear; and why? gree of eloquence? What opens the
This being once established, what con- most illustrious field to this species of
sequence follows? How does it appear, eloquence ; and what, also, admits it ?
that ffood sense is the foundation of all ? What does our author here observe
In order to persuade a man of sense, and by it, what is meant ? How is this
what must you first do and hsw, only,
; illustrated ? When passion universal-
is

is this to be done? To what observation ly found to exalt all the human pow-
does this lead ? What are the respec- ers ; and what is its influence on the
tive effects ot conviction and persua- mind ? Why does a man, actuated by
sion? How is this illustrated? Under a strong passion, become much greater
what circumstances should conviction than he is at other times? With re-
'and persuasion go together ? But, from spect to what, is the power of persua-
the constitution of our nature, what re- sion felt; and when is almost every
sults; and what follows? Of convic- man eloquent ? Of him, what is then
tion, however, what is observed ; and observed; and what does he then do?
why must an orator first bend his Of what, is this the foundation ? Thia
strength to gain it? But, in order to principle being once admitted, that all
persuade, what is necessary; and high eloquence flows from passion, what
hence, what follows ? What objection consequences follow? Of these ideas,
may hence be formed against eloquence? what is observed ? From what has al-
 ; ;;

273 a QUESTIONS. [lect. XXV.

ready been said, what is evident ; and served ; hen would so-
and why ? WT

what does it require ? Viewing it as the have been resented

phistical reasoning
art of persuasion, in its lowest state and punished by them? Why did their
what does it require ; and what does it greatest orators, on such occasions,
also require, highest degrees ?
in its tremble and what remark follows? Ih
;

To what do we next proceed? What what manner was their eloquence pro-
observation is made by several critics ? duced ? Of Pisistratus,what is observed
Of Longinus, what is here observed and for what purpose did he employ
and of liberty, what does he remark ? his ability in these arts ? Of the ora-
What does he say of all other qualifica- tors who flourished between his time
tions? How must this reasoning be un- and the Peleponnesian Avar, what is
derstood ; and why ? What illustration observed? What is said of Pericles?
of this remark is given ? Of French How long did he govern Athens by his
sermons and orations, what is observed? eloquence and of it, what is remark-
;

Of what kind, however, is their elo- ed? Hence, what surname was given
quence? Where, only, is high, manly, him and why ? What was it, that ;

and forcible eloquence, to be looked for? gave such power to his eloquence?
How is this remark illustrated ? Where, What is further observed of him?
only, can it be employed and from what What remarkable particular is record-
;

is it excluded ? Where may we expect ed of him by Suidas ? Posterior to Pe-

that true eloquence will be best under- ricles, who arose and what is said of ;

stood ? Hence, in tracing the rise of them ? What says Cicero of the man-
oratory, what need we not do ? In those ner of oratory that then prevailed ?
ages, what existed ? Of the first ages, This manner is very different from
what is there reason to believe and to what ? To what did the power of elo-
;

W
what was this owing? r hat, in this quence give birth, after the days of
state, had an ample "field ? But, what Cicero ? Of these sophists, what is ob-
follows ? Why were more of those re- served ? What is remarked of Gorgias ?
finements of society, which make pub- Whence do we learn his style and
lic speaking an object of importance, manner and what is said of it ? With ;

introduced in the first empires ? When what did these rhetoricians not content
do we find the first remarkable appear- themselves but what did they possess? ;

ance of eloquence as the art of persua- Upon this plan, they were the first that
sion ? Of these, what is observed ; and, treated of what ? In the hands of such
therefore, what follows ? men, what may we easily believe ? To
How was Greece divided and how ; them who opposed himself? How did
were these governed? During what he explode their sophistry; and what
time may we compute the flourishing did he endeavour to effect? In the
period of those states to have lasted? same age, who flourished what was ;

Of this period, what is Of he and what did he acquire ? With

observed ? ;

these republics, which was by far the what are his orations filled? In what
most noted for eloquence, and for arts did he never engage; and what fol-
of every kind? Of the Athenians, lows ? What does Cicero allow ? Of the
what is observed? What was the style of Gorgias of Leontium, what
genius of their government; and of is observed; and also of the style of
what did their legislature consist ? Of Isocrates ? How much time did he em-
the latter, what is^observed ; and there, ploy in composing his panegyric ; and
how were affairs conducted? What of this, what is remarked ? What has
was there doneand why ? In such a
; Dionysius given us upon the orations
state, what would be much studied, as
of Isocrates ? What does he commend
the surest means of rising to influence
but. what does he censure? What does
and power of what kind was it and
;
; he hold him to be ? In Cicero's critical
why ? In so enlightened and acute a works, what is observed of him ? In
nation, what may we expect to find
? one of his treatises, what does he tell
And, accordingly, what was the re-
sult ? What, notwithstanding,
us? Why
does the manner of Isocrates
was generally catch young people ? But
sometimes effected by ambitious dema-
when they come to write or speak for
gogues, and corrupt orators and why? ;
the world, what will they find? To
When did they distinguish between what did the reputation of Isocrates
genuine and spurious ekque::ce'? And '

prompt Aristotle ? What does he seem

hence, of Demosthenes, what is
ob-i to have had in view ? What other two
 ]

LECT XXVI. QUESTIONS. 273 6

orators belong also to this period % Of and pronunciation what is observed ?

Lysias, what is observed ; and what is From reading his works, what charac-
said of Is«us? What circumstances, ter would one naturally form of him;
in the case of Demosthenes, are very and why ? On what does he sometimes
encouraging to those who study elo- border ? To what is this want of smooth-
quence ; and why ?
Despising the af- ness and grace to be attributed ? But, by
fected and manner of that
florid age, what are these defects more than com-
to what did he return? Of the field pensated ? What was the consequence
that his capital orations opened to him of the loss of liberty in Greece ? Of De-
what is observed ? What is the subject metrius Phalerius what is observed ?
of them? In what manner does he
prosecute this end ? How does he treat ANALYSIS.
his contemporary orators, who were in Eloquence.
1. Introductory remarks.
Philip's interest ? What
does he do be-
2. The definition of eloquence.
sides prompting to rigorous conduct? a. Conviction and persuasion contrast-
What is the strain of these orations ? In ed.
what manner do they proceed ? Of his e. Objections to it considered.
figures, what is observed ? What is it Degrees of Eloquence.
To please only.
that forms his character? How is this
1.
2. To please, to inform, to instruct, &c.
illustrated? In contrast with whom 3. To interest, to agitate, &c.
does Demosthenes appear to great ad- a. The offspring- of passion.
vantage ; and of the latter, what is ob- 4. Eloquence to be found in the regions
served ? Describe, particularly, the of freedom only.
5. Its origin.
manner of the two orators, in contrast a. Athens.
with each other? How is the style of a. Pisistratus, Pericles, Isocrates, &c.
Demosthenes described ? Of his action, b. Demosthenes.

LECTURE XXVI.
HISTORY OF ELOQUENCE CONTINUED.— ROMAN
ELOQUENCE.— CICERO.— MODERN ELOQUENCE.
Having its state among
treated of the rise of eloquence, and of
the Greeks, we now proceed to consider its progress among the Ro-
mans, where we shall find one model, at least, of eloquence, in its
most splendid and illustrious form. The Romans were long a mar-
tial nation, altogether rude, and unskilled in arts of any kind. Arts
were of a late introduction among them they were not known till
;

after the conquest of Greece and the Romans always acknowledge

;

the Grecians as their masters in every part of learning.

Grecia capta ferum victorum cepit, et artes
Intulit agresti Latio.* Hor. Epist. ad Aug.
As the Romans
derived their eloquence, poetry, and learning, from
the Greeks, so they must be confessed to be far inferior to them in
genius for all these accomplishments. They were a more grave and
magnificent, but a less acute and sprightly people. They had neither
the vivacity nor the sensibility of the Greeks; their passions were
not so easily moved, nor their conceptions so lively in comparison ;

of them, they were a phlegmatic nation. Their language resembled

their character it was regular, firm,
; and stately but wanted that ;

simple and expressive naivete, and, in particular, that flexibility to

suit every different mode and species of composition, for which the
Greek tongue is distinguished above that of every other country.
*When conquer' d Greece brought in her captive arts,
She triumph d o'er her savage conquerors' hearts;
Taught our rough verse its numbers to refine,
And our rude style with elegance to shine. Francis.
 ; :

274 CICERO. [lect. xxvi

Graiis ingenium, Graiis dedit ore rotundo

Musa loqui.*. Aks. Poet.

And hence,when we compare together the various rival produc-

tions of Greece and Rome, we shall always find this distinction ob-
tain, that in the Greek productions there is more native genius in the ;

Roman, more regularity and art What the Greeks invented, the
Romans polished; the one was the original, rough sometimes, and
incorrect; the other, a finished copy.
As the Roman government, during the republic, was of the popu-
lar kind, there is no doubt but that, in the hands of the leading men,
public speaking became early an engine of government, and was em-
ployed for gaining distinction and power. But in the rude unpolish-
ed times of the state, their speaking was hardly of that sort that
could be called eloquence. Though Cicero, in his Treatise, 'De
Claris Oratoribus,' endeavours to give some reputation to the elder
Cato, and those who were his contemporaries, yet he acknowledges it
to have been Asperum et horridum genus dicendi,' a rude and harsh
'

strain of speech. It was not till a short time preceding Cicero's age,
that the Roman orators rose into any note. Crassus and Antonius,
two of the speakers in the dialogue De Oratore, appear to have been
the most eminent, whose different manners Cicero describes with
great beauty in that dialogue, and in his other rhetorical works. But
as none of their productions are extant, nor any of Hortensius's, who
was Cicero's contemporary and rival at the bar, it is needless to trans-
scribe from Cicero's writings the account which he gives of those
great men, and of the character of their eloquence.!
The object in this period, most worthy to draw our attention, is
Cicero himself; whose name alone suggests every thing that is splen-
did in oratory. With the history of his life, and with his character
as a man and a politician, we have not at present any direct concern.
We considerhim only as an eloquent speaker; and in this view, it is
our business to remark both his virtues and his defects, if he has any.
His virtues are, beyond controversy, eminently great. In all his ora-
tions there is high art. He begins, generally, with a regular exordi-
um and with much preparation and insinuation prepossesses the hear-
;

ers,and studies to gain their affections. His method is clear,and his

arguments are arranged with great propriety. His method is indeed
more clear than that of Demosthenes; and this is one advantage
which he has over him. We find every thing in its proper place;
he never attempts to move, till he has endeavoured to convince
and in moving, especially the softer passions, he is very successful.
No man knew the power and force of words better than Ci-
cero. He rolls them along with the greatest beauty and pomp;
* To her lov'd Greeks the muse indulgent gave,

To her lov'd Greeks with greatness to conceive

And in sublimer tone tneir language raise:
Her Greeks were only covetous of praise. Francis.
* Such as are desirous of particular information on this head, had better have
recourse to the original, by reading Cicero's three books de Oratore, and his other two
Weatises, entitled, the one Brutus. Sive de Claris Oratoribus the other, Orator, ad M,
;

Brutum which, on several accounts, well deserve perusal.

;
lect. xxvi.] CICERO. 275

and, in the structure of his sentences, is curious and exact to the high-
est degree. He is always full and flowing, never abrupt. He is a
great amplifier of every subject; magnificent, and in his sentiments
highly moral. His manner is on the whole diffuse, yet it is often hap-
pily varied, and suited to tbe subject. In his four orations, for in-
stance, against Catiline, the tone and style of each of them, parti-
cularly the first and last, is very different, and accommodated with a
great deal of judgment to the occasion, and the situation in which
they were spoken. When a great public object roused his mind, and
demanded indignation and force, he departs considerably from that
loose and declamatory manner to which he leans at other times, and
becomes exceedingly cogent and vehement. This is the case in
his orations against Anthony, and in those two against Verres and
Catiline.
Together with those high qualities which Cicero possesses, he is
not exempt from certain defects, of which it is necessary to take
notice. For the Ciceronian eloquence is a pattern so dazzling by
its beauties, that, if not examined with accuracy and judgment, it
is apt to betray the unwary into a faulty imitation; and I am of opi-
nion, that it has sometimes produced this effect. In most of his ora-
tions, especially those composed in the earlier part of his life, there
is too much art; even carried the length of ostentation. There is
too visible a parade of eloquence. He seems often to aim at ob-
taining admiration, rather than at operating conviction, by what he
says. Hence, on some occasions, he is showy rather than solid and ;

diffuse, where he ought to have been pressing. His sentences are,

at all times, round and sonorous; they cannot be accused of mono-
tony, for they possess variety of cadence; but, from too great a stu-
dy of magnificence, he is sometimes deficient in strength. On all
occasions, where there is the least room for it, he is full of himself.
His great actions, and the real services which he had performed to
his country, apologized for this in part; ancient manners, too, im-
posed fewer restraints from the side of decorum; but, even after
these allowances made, Cicero's ostentation of himself cannot be
wholly palliated and his orations, indeed all his works, leave on
;

our minds the impression of a good man, but withal, of a vain man.
The defects which we have now taken notice of in Cicero's elo-
quence, were not unobserved by his own contemporaries. This we
learn from Quintilian, and from the author of the dialogue, 'de Causis
Corruptae Eloqirentiae.' Brutus, we are informed, called him, frac- '

tum et elumbem,' broken and enervated. 'Suorum temporum ho-

mines,' says Quintilian, i incessere audebanteum ut tumidiorem et
Asianum, et redundantem, et in repetitionibus murium, et in salibus
aliquando frigidum, et in compositione fractum et exsultantem, et pe-
ne viro molliorem.'* These censures were undoubtedly carried too

" His contemporaries ventured to reproach him as swelling-, redundant, and Asia-
'

tic too frequent in repetitions ; in his attempts towards wit sometimes cold
; ;
and in
the strain of his composition, feeble, desultory, and more effeminate than became a
man.'
2R
i
 ;

276 COMPARISON OF [lect. xxvl

far; and savour of malignity and personal enmity. They saw his de-
fects, but they aggravated them; and the source of these aggrava-
tions can be traced to the difference which prevailed in Rome, in Ci
cero's days, between two great parties, with respect to eloquence,
the 'Attici,' and the ' Asiani.' The former,who called themselver
the Attics, were the patrons of what they conceived to be the chaste
simple, and natural style of eloquence; from which they accused C,
cero as having departed, and as leaning to the florid Asiatic manner
In several of his rhetorical works, particularly in his ' Orator ad Bru-
tum/ Cicero, in his turn, endeavours to expose this sect, as substitut-
ing a frigid and jejune manner, in place of the true Attic eloquence
and contends, that his own composition was formed upon the real At-
tic style. In the 10th chapter of the last book of Quintilian's Insti-
tutions, a full account is given of the disputes between these two par-
ties; and of the Rhodian, or middle manner, between the Attics and
the Asiatics. Quintilian himself declares on Cicero's side; and,
whether it be called Attic or Asiatic, prefers the full, the copious,
and the amplifying style. He concludes with this very just observa-
tion Plures sunt eloquentice facies; sed stultissimum est quaerere,
:
'

ad quam recturus se sit orator; cum omnis species, quae modo recta
est, habeat usum. Utetur enim, ut res exiget, omnibus; nee pro
causa modo, sed pro partibus causae.'*
On the subject of comparing Cicero and Demosthenes, much
has been said by critical writers. The different manners of these
two princes of eloquence, and the distinguishing characters of each,
are so strongly marked in their writings, that the comparison is, in
many respects, obvious and easy. The character of Demosthenes
is vigour and austerity; that of Cicero is gentleness and insinuation.

In the one, you find more manliness in the other, more ornament.
;

The one is more harsh, but more spirited and cogent; the other
more agreeable, but withal looser and weaker.
To account for this difference without any prejudice to Cicero, it
has been said, that we must look to the nature of their different
auditories; that the refined Athenians followed with ease the con-
cise and convincing eloquence of Demosthenes but that a manner :

more popular, more flowery and declamatory, was requisite in

speaking to the Romans, a people less acute, and less acquainted
with the arts of speech. But this is not satisfactory. For we must
observe, that the Greek orator spoke much oftener before a mixed
multitude, than the Roman. Almost all the public business of
Athens was transacted in popular assemblies. The common people
were his hearers, and his judges. Whereas, Cicero generally ad-
dressed himself to the Patres Conscripti,' or in criminal trials to
*•

the Pr.-etor, and the select judges; and it cannot be imagined, that
the persons of highest rank, and best education in Rome, required a

* Eloquence admits of many different forms

' and nothing can be more foolish
:

than to inquire, by which of them an orator is to regulate his composition since;

every form, which is in itself just, has its own place and use. The orator, according
as circumstances require, will employ them all suiting them not only to the cause or
;

subject of which he treats, but to the different parts of that subject.'

lect. xxvi.] CICERO AND DEMOSTHENES. 277

more diffuse manner of pleading than the common citizens of

Athens, in order tomake them understand the cause, or relish the
speaker. Perhaps we shall come nearer the truth, by observing,
that to unite all the qualities, without the least exception, that
form a perfect orator, and to excel equally in each of those quali-
ties, is not to be expected from the limited powers of human ge

nius. The highest degree of strength is, I suspect, never found

united with the highest degree of smoothness and ornament; equal
attention to both are incompatible and the genius that carries or-
;

nament to its utmost length, is not of such a kind as can excel as

much in vigour. For there plainly lies the characteristical difference
between these two celebrated orators.
It is a disadvantage to Demosthenes, that besides his conciseness,
which sometimes produces obscurity, the language in which he
writes is less familiar to most of us than the Latin, and that we
are less acquainted with the Greek antiquities than we are with the
Roman. We
read Cicero with more ease, and of course with more
pleasure. Independent of this circumstance, too, he is, no doubt,
in himself, a more agreeable writer than the other. But notwith-
standing this advantage, I am of opinion, that were the state in dan-
ger, or some great national interest at stake, which drew the serious
attention of the public, an oration in the spirit and strain of Demosthe-
nes would have more weight, and produce greater effects,than one in
the Ciceronian manner. Were Demosthenes' Philippics spoken
in a British assembly, in a similar conjuncture of affairs, they would
convince and persuade at this day. The rapid style, the vehement
reasoning, the disdain, anger, boldness, freedom, which perpe-
tually animate them, would render their success infallible over any
modern assembly. I question whether the same can be said of
Cicero's orations; whose eloquence, however beautiful, and how-
ever well suited to the Roman taste, yet borders oftener on decla-
mation, and is more remote from the manner in which we now ex-
pect to hear real business and causes of importance treated.*
In comparing Demosthenes and Cicero, most of the French
critics are disposed to give the preference to the latter. P. Rapin the
Jesuit, in the parallels which he has drawn between some of the
most eminent Greek and Roman writers, uniformly decides in
favour of the Roman. For the preference which he gives to Ci-
cero, he assigns, and lays stress on, one reason of a pretty extraor-
dinary nature; viz. that Demosthenes could not possibly have so
complete an insight as Cicero into the manners and passions of
—
men: Why? Because he had not the advantage of perusing Aris-
totle's Treatise of Rhetoric, wherein, says our critic, he has fully
laid open that mystery ; and, to support this weighty argument, he
enters into a controversy with A. Gellius, in order to prove that
Aristotle's Rhetoric was not published till after Demosthenes had

* In this judgment I concur with Mr. David Hume, in his Essay upon Eloquence.
He gives as his opinion, that of all human productions, the orations of
it Demostheneg
present to us the models which approach the nearest to perfection.
278 CICERO AND DEMOSTHENES. [lect. xxvr.

spoken, at most considerable orations. Nothing can be

least, his
more childish.Such orators as Cicero and Demosthenes, derived
their knowledge of the human passions, and their power of moving
them, from higher sources than any treatise of rhetoric. One
French critic has indeed departed from the common track; and,
after bestowing on Cicero those just praises to which the consent of
so many ages shows him to be entitled, concludes, however, with
giving the palm to Demosthenes. This is Fenelon, the famous
archbishop of Cambray, and author of Telemachus; himself sure-
ly no enemy and flowers of composition.
to all the graces It is in
his Reflections on Rhetoric and Poetry, that he gives this judgment;
a small tract, commonly published along with his dialogues on elo-
quence.* These dialogues and reflections are particularly worthy
of perusal, as containing, I think, the justest ideas on the subject
that are to be met with in any modern critical writer.
The reign of eloquence, among the Romans, was very short.
After the age of Cicero, it languished, or rather expired; and we
have no reason to wonder at this being the case. For not only
was liberty entirely extinguished, but arbitrary power felt in its
heaviest and most oppressive weight; Providence having, in its
wrath, delivered over the Roman empire to a succession of some
of the most execrable tyrants that ever disgraced and scourged the
human race. Under their government it was naturally to be
expected that taste would be corrupted, and genius discouraged.
Some of the ornamental arts, less intimately connected with liber-
ty, continued, for a while, to prevail but for that masculine
;

eloquence, which had exercised itself in the senate, and in the

public affairs, there was no longer any place. The change that
was produced on eloquence, by the nature of the government,
and the state of the public manners, is beautifully described in the
Dialogue de Causiscorrupt&^Eloquentia?, which is attributed by some
to Tacitus, by others, to Quintilian. Luxury, effeminacy, and flat-
tery, overwhelmed all. The forum, where so many great affairs
had been transacted, was now become a desert. Private causes were
still pleaded but the public was no longer interested; nor any gen-
;

eral attention drawn to what passed there :

' Unus inter haec, et alter,

* As his expressions are remarkably happy and beautiful, the passage here re-
ferred to deserves to be inserted. 'Je ne crains pas de dire, que Demosthene me
paroit superieur a Ciceron. Je proteste que personne n'admire plus Ciceron que
je ne fais. II embellit tout ce qu'il touche. II fait houneur a la parole. II fait des

mots ce qu'un autre n'en sauroit faire. II a je ne sais combien de sortes d'esprits.
II est meme court, et vehement, toutes les fois qu'il veut l'etre ; contre Catiline,
contre Verres, contre Antoine. Mais on remarque quelque parure dans sons dis-
cours. L'art y est merveilleux ; mais on l'entrevoit. L'orateur en pensant au
salut de ia republique, ne s'oublie pas, et ne se lal'sse pas oublier. Demosthene
paroit sortir de soi, et ne voir que la patrie. II ne cherche point le beau; il le
fait sans y penser. II est au-dessus de l'admiration. II se sert de la parole,
comme un homme modeste de son habit, pour se convrir. 11 tonne ; il foudroye
C'est un torrent qui entraine tout. On ne pent le critiquer, parcequ'on est.
eaisi. On pense aux chos^s qu'il dit, et non a ses paroles. On le perd de vue.
On n'est occup6 que de Phillippe qui envahit tout. Je suis charm£ de ces deux
orateurs•
mais j'avoue que je suis moins toncbe. de l'art infini, et de la magnifique
eloquence de Ciceron que de la rapide simplicite de Demosthene.'
lect. xxvi.] DECAY OF ROM A.N ELOQUENCE. 279

dicenti, assistit ; et res velut in solitudine agitur. Oratori autem

clamore plausuque opus est, et quodam
velut theatro, qualia quo-
tidie antiquis oratoribus contingebant cum; tot ac tam nobiles
forum coarctarent: cum clientelce, et tribus, et municipiorum lega
tiones, periclitantibus assisterent; cum in plerisque judiciis ere
deret populus Romanus sua interesse quid judicaretur.'*
In the schools of the declaimers, the corruption of eloquence was
completed. Imaginary and fantastic subjects, such as had no refer-
ence to real life, or business, were made the themes of declamation;
and all manner of false and affected ornaments were brought into vogue:
'Pace vestra liceat dixisse,' says Petronius Arbiter, to the declaim-
ers of his time, * primi omnem eloquentiam perdidistis. Levibus enim
ac inanibus sonis ludibria qusedam excitando, effecistis ut corpus ora-
tionis enervaretur atque caderet. Et ideo ego existimo adolescentulos
in scholis stultissimos fieri, quia nihil ex iis, quae in usu habemus, aut
audiunt,autvident; sedpiratascumcatenisinlittorestantes; ettyran-
nos edictascribentes quibus imperent filiis utpatrum suorum capita
praecidant : sed responsa, in pestilentia data, ut virgines tres aut plures
immolentur; sed mellitos verborum globulos, et omnia quasi papa-
vere, et sesamo sparsa. Qui inter hsec nutriuntur, non magis sapere
possunt, quam bene olere qui in culina habitant. 't In the hands of
the Greek rhetoricians, the manly and sensible eloquence of their
firstnoted speakers, degenerated, as I formerly showed, into subtil-
ty and sophistry in the hands of the Roman declaimers, it passed
;

into the quaint and affected into point and antithesis.

; This corrupt
manner begins to appear in the writings of Seneca": and shows itself
also in the famous panegyric of Pliny the Younger on Trajan, which
may be considered as tbe last effort of Roman oratory. Though the
author was a man of genius, yet it is deficient in nature and ease.
We see throughout the whole, a perpetual attempt to depart from
the ordinary way of thinking, and to support a forced elevation.
In the decline of the Roman empire, the introduction of Chris
tianitygave rise to a new species of eloquence, in the apologies, ser-
mons, and pastoral writings of the Fathers of the Church. Among

* ' The
courts of judicature are, at present, so unfrequented, that the orator
seems stand alone, and to talk, to bare walls. But eloquence rejoices in the bursts
to
of loud applause, and exults in a full audience ; such as used to press round the an-
cient orators, when the forum stood crowded with nobles ; when a numerous reti-
nue of clients, when foreign ambassadors, when tribes, and whole cities, assisted
at the debate ; and when, in many trials, the Roman people understood themselves
to be concerned in the event.'
t With your permission, I must be allowed to say, that you have been the
'

first destroyers of all true eloquence. For, by those mock subjects, on which you
employ your empty and unmeaning compositions, you have enervated and over-
thrown all that is manly and substantial in oratory I cannot but conclude, that
the youth whom you educate, must be totally perverted in your schools, by hearing
and seeing nothing which has any affinity to real life, or human affairs but stories
;

of pirates standing on the shore, provided with chains for loading their captives,
and of tyrants issuing their edicts, by which children are commanded to cut off the
heads of their parents but responses given by oracles in the time of pestilence,
;

that several virgins must be sacrificed; but glittering ornaments of phrase and a
style highly spiced, if we mav say so, with affected conceits. They who are edu-
cated in the midst of such studies, can no more acquire a good taste, than they can
smell sweat who dwell perpetually in a kitchen.'
280 MODERN ELOQUENCE. [lect. xxvi

the Latin Fathers, Lactantius and Minutius Felix, are the most re-
markable for purity of style; and, in a later age, the famous St. Au-
gustine possesses a considerable share of sprightliness and strength.
But none of the Fathers afford any just models of eloquence.
Their language, as soon as we descend to the third or fourth centu-
ry, becomes harsh; and they are, in general, infected with the taste
of that age, a love of swoln and strained thoughts, and of the play
of words. Among the Greek Fathers, the most distinguished, by
far, for his oratorial merit, is St. Chrysostom. His language is pure;
his style highly figured. He is copious, smooth, and sometimes pa-
thetic. But he retains, at the same time, much of that character
which has been always attributed to the Asiatic eloquence, diffuse
and redundant to a great degree, and often overwrought and tumid.
He may be read, however, with advantage, for the eloquence of the
pulpit, as being freer from false ornaments than the Latin Fathers.
As there is nothing more that occurs to me, deserving particular
attention in the middle age, I pass now to the state of eloquence in
modern times. Here it must be confessed, that, in no European
nation, has public speaking been considered so great an object,
or been cultivated with so much care, as in Greece or Rome. Its
reputation has never been so high; its effects have never been so
considerable; nor has that high and sublime kind of it, which pre-
vailed in those ancient states, been so much as aimed at: notwith-
standing too, that a new profession has been established, which gives
peculiar advantages to oratory, and affords it the noblest field I ;

mean that of the church. The genius of the world seems, in this
respect, to have undergone some alteration. The two countries
where we might expect to find most of the spirit of eloquence, are
France and Great Britain: France, on account of the distinguished
turn of the nation towards all the liberal arts, and of the encourage-
ment which, for this century past, these arts have received from the
public; Great Britain, on account both of the public capacity and
genius, and of the free government which it enjoys. Yet so it is,
that, in neither of those countries, has the talent of public speaking
risen near to the degree of its ancient splendour; while in other
productions of genius, both in prose and in poetry, they have con-
tended for the prize with Greece and Rome; nay, in some compo-
sitions, theymaybethoughttohavesurpassed them. The names of De-
mosthenes and Cicero stand, at this day, unrivalled in fame; and it
would be held presumptuous and absurd to pretend to place any
modern whatever in the same, or even in a nearly equal rank.
It seems particularly surprising, that Great Britain should not have
made a more conspicuous figure in eloquence than it has hitherto at-
tained; when we consider the enlightened, and, at the same time,
the free and bold genius of the country, which seems not a little to
favour oratory ; and when we consider that, of all the polite nations,
italone possesses a popular government, or admits into the legisla-
ture,such numerous assemblies as can be supposed to lie under the
dominion of eloquence.* Notwithstanding this advantage, it must
Mr. Hume, in his Essay on Eloquence, makes this observation, and illustrates
lect. xxvi.] MODERN ELOQUENCE. 281

be confessed, that in most parts of eloquence, we are undoubtedly

inferior, not only to the Greeks and Romans by many degrees, but
also in some respects to the French. We
have philosophers, eminent
and conspicuous, perhaps, beyond any nation, in every branch of
science. We have both taste and erudition, in a high degree. have We
historians, we have poets of the greatest name ; but of orators, or
public speakers, how little have we to boast? And where are the
monuments of their genius to be found ? In every period we have
had some who made a figure, by managing the debates in parlia-
ment but that figure was commonly owing to their wisdom or their
;

experience in business, more than to their talent for oratory ; and

unless in some few instances, wherein the power of oratory has ap-
peared, indeed, with much lustre, the art of parliamentary speak-
ing rather obtained to several a temporary applause, than confer-
red upon any a lasting renown. At the bar, though questionless
we have many able pleaders, yet few or none of their pleadings
have been thought worthy to be transmitted to posterity, or have
commanded attention, any longer than the cause which was the
subject of them interested the public: while in France, the plead-
ings of Patru, in the former age, and those of Cochin and
D'Aguesseau, in later times, are read with pleasure, and are often
quoted as examples of eloquence by the French critics. In the
same manner, in the pulpit, the British divines have distinguished
themselves by the most accurate and rational compositions which,
perhaps, any nation can boast of. Many printed sermons we have,
full of good sense, and of sound divinity and morality; but the
eloquence to be found in them, the power of persuasion, of in-
teresting and engaging the heart, which is, or ought to be, the
great object of the pulpit, is far from bearing a suitable proportion
to the excellence of the matter. There are few arts, in my opin-
ion, farther from perfection, than that of preaching is among us;
the reasons of which, I shall afterwards have occasion to discuss:
in proof of the fact, it is sufficient to observe, that an English
sermon, instead of being a persuasive animated oration, seldom rises
beyond the strain of correct and dry reasoning. Whereas, in the ser-
mons of Bossuet, Massillon, Bourdaloue, and Flechier, among the
French, we see a much higher species of eloquence aimed at, and in
a great measure attained, than the British preachers have in view.
In general, the characteristical difference between the state of
eloquence in France and in Great Britain is, that the French have
adopted higher ideas both of pleasing and persuading by means of
oratory, though, sometimes, in the execution, they fail. In Great
Britain, we have taken up eloquence on a lower key; but in our

it with his usual elegance. He, indeed, supposes, that no satisfactory reasons can
be given to account for the inferiority of modern to ancient eloquence. In this, I
differ from him, and shall endeavour, before the conclusion of this lecture, to
point out some causes to which, I think, it may in a great measure be ascribed,
in the three great scenes of public speaking.

36
282 MODERN ELOQUENCE. [lect. xxvi.

execution, as was naturally to be expected, have been more cor-

rect. In France, the style of their orators is ornamented with
bolder figures; and their discourse carried on with more am-
plification, more warmth and elevation. The composition is of-

ten very beautiful; but sometimes, also, too diffuse, and deficient
in that strength and cogency which renders eloquence powerful ; a
defect owing, perhaps, in part, to the genius of the people, which
leads them much to ornament as to substance and,
to attend fully as ;

in part, to the nature of their government, which, by excluding pub-

lic speaking from having much influence on the conduct cf public

affairs, deprives eloquence of its best opportunity for acquiring

nerves and strength. Hence the pulpit is the principal field which
is left for their eloquence. The members, too, of the French aca-
demy,give harangues at their admission, in which genius often ap-
pears; but, labouring under the misfortune of having no subject to
discourse upon, they run commonly into flattery and panegyric, the
most barren and insipid of all topics.
I observed before, that the Greeks and Romans aspired to a more
sublime species of eloquencej than is aimed at by the moderns.
Theirs was of the vehement and passionate kind, by which they
endeavoured to inflame the minds of their hearers, and hurry their
imagination away: and, suitable to this vehemence of thought, was
their vehemence of gesture and action; the 'supplosio pedis'* the
•percussio frontis et femoris,'* were, as we learn from Cicero's wri-
tings, usual gestures among them at the bar though now they would
;

be reckoned extravagant any where, except upon the stage. Modern

eloquence is much more cool and temperate; and in Great Britain
especially, has confined itself almost wholly to the argumentative
and rational. It is much of that species which the ancient critics
called the Tenuis,' or Subtilis;' which aims at convincing and
' '

instructing, rather than affecting the passions, and assumes a tone

not much higher than common argument and discourse.
Several reasons may be given, why modern eloquence has been
so limited and humble in its efforts. In the first place, I am of
opinion, that this change must, in part, be ascribed to that correct
turn of thinking, which has been so much studied in modern times.
It can hardly be doubted, that, in many efforts of mere genius,
the ancient Greeks and Romans excelled us; but, on the other
hand, that, in accuracy and closeness of reasoning on many sub-
jects, we have some advantage over them, ought, I think, to be
admitted also. In proportion as the world has advanced, philo-
sophy has made greater progress. A
certain strictness of good sense
has, in this island particularly, been cultivated, and introduced into
every subject. Hence we are more on our guard against the flow-
ers of elocution; we are now on the watch; we are jealous of
being deceived by oratory. Our public speakers are obliged to be
more reserved than the ancients, in their attempts to elevate the

* Vide, De Clar. Orator.

 ;

lect. xxvi.] MODERN ELOQUENCE. 283

imagination, and warm the passions; and by the influence of pre-

vailing taste, their own genius is sobered and chastened, perhaps,
in too great a degree. It is likely too, I confess, that what we
fondly ascribe to our correctness and good sense, is owing, in a
great measure, to our phlegm and natural coldness. For the vi
vacity and sensibility of the Greeks and Romans, more especial
ly of the former, seems to have been much greater than ours, and to
have given them a higher relish of all the beauties of oratory.
Besides these national considerations, we must, in the next place,
attend to peculiar circumstances in the three great scenes of pub-
lic speaking, which have proved disadvantageous to the growth of
eloquence among us. Though the parliament of Great Britain be
the noblest field which Europe, at this day, affords to a public speak-
er, yet eloquence has never been so powerful an instrument there,
as it was in the popular assemblies of Greece and Rome. Under
some former reigns, the high hand of arbitrary power bore a violent
sway; and in latter times, ministerial influence has generally pre-
vailed. The power of speaking, though always considerable, yet
has been often found too feeble to counterbalance either of these
and, of course, has not been studied with so much zeal and fervour,
as where its effect on business was irresistible and certain.
At the bar, our disadvantage, in comparison with the ancients, is
great. Among them, the judges were generally numerous; the
laws were few and simple the decision of causes was left, in a
;

great measure, to equity and the sense of mankind. Here was an

ample field for what they termed judicial eloquence. But among
the moderns, the case is quite altered. The system of law is be-
come much more complicated. The knowledge of it is thereby
rendered so laborious an attainment, as to be the chief object of a
lawyer's education, and in a manner, the study of his life. The
art of speaking is but a secondary accomplishment, to which he
can afford to devote much less of his time and labour. The bounds
of eloquence, besides, are now much circumscribed at the bar;
and, except in a few cases, reduced to arguing from strict law,
statute, or precedent, by which means knowledge, much more than
oratory, become the principal requisite.
is
With regard to the pulpit, it has certainly been a great disad-
vantage, that the practice of reading sermons, instead of repeating
them from memory, has prevailed in England. This may indeed
have introduced accuracy ; but it has done great prejudice to elo-
quence ; for a discourse read is far inferior to an oration spoken. It
leads to a different sort of composition, as well as of delivery ; and
can never have an equal effect upon any audience. Another circum-
stance, too, has been unfortunate. The sectaries and fanatics, be-
fore the Restoration, adopted a warm, zealous, and popular manner
of preaching; and those who adhered to them, in aftertimes, con-
tinued to distinguish themselves by somewhat of the same manner.
The odium of these sects drove the established church from that
warmth which they were judged to have carried too far, into the
2S
 ;

284 QUESTIONS. [lect. xxvi.

opposite extreme of a studied coolness, and composure of manner.

Hence, from the art of persuasion, which preaching ought always to
be, it has passed, in England, into mere reasoning and instruction ;

which not only has brought down the eloquence of the pulpit to a
lower tone than it might justly assume but has produced this far-
;

ther effect, that by accustoming the public ear to such cool and dis-
passionate discourses, it has tended to fashion other kinds of public
speaking upon the same model.
Thus I have given some view of the state of eloquence in modern
times, and endeavoured to account for it. It has, as we have seen,

fallen below that splendour which it maintained in ancient ages ;

and from being sublime and vehement, has come down to be tempe-
rate and cool. Yet, still, in that region which it occupies, it admits
great scope and, to the defect of zeal and application, more than
;

the want of capacity and genius, we may ascribe its not having
hitherto attained higher distinction. It is a field where there is

much honour yet to be reaped it is an instrument which may be

;

employed for purposes of the highest importance. The ancient

models may still, with much advantage, be set before us for imita-
tion :though, in that imitation, we must doubtless have some re-
gard to what modern taste and modern manners will bear of which ;

I shall afterwards have occasion to say more.

QUESTIONS.
Having treated of the rise of elo- our business to do ? Of his virtues, and
quence, and of its state among; the of his orations, what is observed? How
Greeks, to what do we now proceed does he begin them ; and what is said
and what shall we there find ? Of the of his method and arguments ? In this
Romans, what is observed ; and what respect, how does he compare with
did they always acknowledge ? What Demosthenes? How is this illustrated?
says Horace ? As the Romans derived What observed of his knowledge or
is

their eloquence, poetry, and learning, the force of words; and how does he
from the Greeks, what is the conse- roll them along ? Of him, what is fur-
quence ? How
did they compare with ther observed and what is said of his
;

the Greeks ? What is said of their lan- manner ? Of Ids four orations against
guage? Repeat the passage here in- Cataline, what is remarked ? How was
troduced from Horace. In comparing he affected, when a great public object
the rival productions of Greece and roused Ids mind ? In what orations is
Rome, what shall we always find ? this the case? Together with those
As the Roman government, during the high qualities, from what is he not ex-
republic, was of the popular kind, of empt? Why
is it necessary to notice
what is there no doubt 1 But, what re- them ? What prevails in most of his
mark follows ? Though Cicero attempts orations ? What do they contain ; and
to give some reputation to the elder at what does he seem often to aim ?
Cato, yet, what does he acknowledge? Hence, what follows? Of his senten-
When did Roman orators first rise into ces, what is observed ? Where there is
any note? Of Crassus and Antonius, the least room for it, of what is he al-
what is observed ? What is also ob- ways full ? What, in part, apologizes
served of Hortensius? Who, in this pe- for this ? But even after all these al-
riod, it most worthy of our attention lowances are made, what impression
;

and what does his name alone sug- do his works leave upon the mind ?
gest ? With what, at present, have we What evidence have we that Cicero'a
no direct concern? How do we consi- defects were not unobserved by his
der him and in this view, what is it contemporaries? Of these censures,
;
 ; ;

LECT. XXVI.] QUESTIONS. 284 a

what is observed? What was the lows ? In whose writings does this cor-
cause of the aggravation of his defects ? rupt manner begin to appear; and
Of what were the former the patrons ? where, also, does it show itself? Though
In several of his rhetorical works, the author was a man of genius, yet in
what does Cicero, in his turn, do? what is it deficient, and what do we
What given in the tenth chapter of
is see throughout the whole of it ?
the last book of Quintilian's Institu- In the decline of the Roman empire,
tions ? On whose side does Quintilian what gave rise to a new species of
himself declare ? With what observa- eloquence ; and in what did it appear?
tion does he conclude his remarks? Among the Latin fathers, who are the
Why is a comparison between Cicero most remarkable for purity of style
and Demosthenes in many respects ob- and in a late age, of the famous Augus-
vious and easy ? What are their diffe- tine, what is observed? But, from
rent characters; and in them respec- what does it appear that none of the
tively, what do we find ? To account fathers afford any just models of elo-
for this difference, without any preju- quence ? Among the Greek fathers,
dice to Cicero, what has been said ? who was the most distinguished ; and
Why is this not satisfactory ? By ob- of him, what is observed ? To what
serving what, shall we, perhaps, come does our author now pass ; and why ?
nearer to the truth ? How is this illus- Here, what must be confessed ? Of it,
trated ? What circumstance operates what is further observed ; and notwith-
against Demosthenes ? As we read Ci- standing what ? How is this accounted
cero with more ease, what is the con- for ? In what two countries might we
sequence ; and what remark follows ? expect to find most of the spirit of elo-
Notwithstanding this advantage, of quence ? Why
in France ; and why in
what opinion is our author ? What ef- Great Britain ? Yet what follows ? 01
fect would the Philippics of Demosthe- the names of Demosthenes and Cicero,
nes produce on a British assembly ? what is here observed ? What seems
What would render their effect infalli- particularly surprising ; and why ? On
ble over any modern assembly ? What this subject, what says Mr. Hume ?
does oar author here question and Nutvvithistaiiding this advantage, what
;

what remark follows? On this subject, must be confessed? Of our philoso-

what was the opinion of David Hume? phers, of our men of erudition, and of
In favour of whom do the French cri- our historians and poets, what is ob-
tics decide ? Of P. Rapin, what is ob- served ? Of our orators, what is ob-
served ? For the preference which he served ; and in every period, what
gives to Cicero, what reasons does he have we had ? Of our pleaders at the
assign and why ? How does he sup- bar, and of their pleadings, what is ob-
;

port this argument ? Why

can nothing served? In this respect, how do the
be more childish than this ? Of one of French differ from us ? Of the British
the French critics, what is observed divines in the pulpit, what is observed ?
and who is this? In what writings How is this remark illustrated ? Of the
does he give this judgment; and of art of preaching among us, what is ob-
them, what is observed ? Of the reign served and of this, what proof is
;

of eloquence among the Romans, what given? What, in general, is the cha-
\3 observed ? When did it expire and racteristical difference between the
;

why? Under their government, what state of eloquence in France and in Great
was it natural to expect? What con- Britain ? In Great Britain, how have
tinued to prevail ; but for what was we taken up eloquence ; and what ia
there no longer any place ? By whom the consequence ? In France, with
is this change beautifully described; what is the style of their orators orna-
and what overwhelmed all ? What mented and in what manner is their ;

was now become a desert and what discourse carried on ? Of the composi-
;

observation follows ? How is this illus- tion, what is observed ? To what is this
trated ? Where was the corruption of defect owing? Hence, of the pulpit,
eloquence completed ? What were what is observed ? What is, also, said
made the themes of declamation and of the members of the French acade-
;

what were brought into vogue ? What my? What was before observed?
says Petronius Arbiter of the declaim- Their's was of what kind and by it, ;

ed of his time and what remark fol- what effect did they endeavour to pre-
;
 ;

284 b QUESTIONS. [lect. xxtii.

duce? And to this vehemence of eloquence at the bar, what is observed?

thought, what was suited? What do With regard to the pulpit, what has
we, on this subject, learn from Cicero been a great disadvantage? What
;

and what is said of them ? Of modern may this have introduced; but what
eloquence, what is observed and in follows ? To what does it lead ? What
;

Great Britain, especially, to what has it other circumstance has been unfortu-
confined itself? Of what species is it nate ? To what did the odium of these
and at what does it aim ? What is the sects drive the established church ?
first reason assigned for the limited and Hence, what consequence has resulted?
humble efforts of modern eloquence ? Thus, what has been given ? In it,
What cannot be doubted ? In what what change has taken place ? Yet, in
proportion has philosophy made pro- the region which it now occupies, what
gress? What, in Great Britain, has does it admit; and what remark fol-
been cultivated and introduced into lows ? In using the ancient models oi
every subject ? Hence, what follows ? eloquence, to what must we have some
Of our public speakers, what is obser- regard ?
ved? What is also likely; and why?
Besides these national considerations,
ANALYSIS.
1. The origin of Roman eloquence.
to what must we, in the next place,
A. Cicero.
attend? Of the parliament of Great a. His excellences and his defects.
Britain, as a field for public speaking, b. Compared with Demosthenes.
what is observed ? What has prevent- B. Eloquence among the Romans of short
continuance.
ed the influence of eloquence there ?
a. The schools of the declaimers.
Of the power of speaking, what is ob- c. A new species of eloquence.
served ; and what follows ? What are 2. Modern eloquence.
our disadvantages in comparison with a. The eloquence of Great Britain.
the ancients, atTthe bar? Here was an b. The eloquence of France.

ample field for what ? How does it ap- C Reasons for the limitedness of modem
eloquence.
pear that among the moderns, the case a. The bar.
ib quite different ? Of the bounds of b. The pulpit.

LECTURE XXVII.

DIFFERENT KINDS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING.— ELO-

QUENCE OF POPULAR ASSEMBLIES.— EX-
TRACTS FROM DEMOSTHENES.
After the preliminary views which have been given of the nature
of eloquence in general, and of the state in which it has subsisted in
different ages and countries, I am now to enter on the consideration
of the different kinds of public speaking, the distinguishing charac-
ters of each, and the rules which relate to them. The ancients di-
vided all orations into three kinds the demonstrative, the delibe-
;

rative, and the judicial. The scope of the demonstrative was to

praise or to blame that of the deliberative, to advise or to dissuade
; ;

that of the judicial, to accuse or to defend. The chief subjects of

demonstrative eloquence, were panegyrics, invectives, gratulatory
and funeral orations. The deliberative was employed in matters of
public concern, agitated in the senate, or before the assemblies of the
people. The judicial is the same with the eloquence of the bar,
employed in addressing judges, who have power to absolve or to
condemn. This division runs through all the ancient treatises on
rhetoric and is followed by the moderns, who copy them.
;
It is a

division not inartificial and comprehends most, or all, of the mat-

;

ters which can be the subject of public discourse. It will, however,

suit our purpose better, and be found, I imagine, more useful to fol-
lect. xxvn.] PUBLIC SPEAKING.
low that division which the train of modern speaking naturally points
out to us, taken from the three great scenes of eloquence, popular
assemblies, the bar, and the pulpit; each of which has a distinct cha-
racter that, particularly suits it. This division coincides in part with
the ancient one. The eloquence of the bar is precisely the same
with what the ancients called the judicial. The eloquence of popu-
lar assemblies, though mostly of what they term the deliberative spe-
cies, yet admits also of the demonstrative. The eloquence of the
pulpit is altogether of a distinct nature, and cannot be properly re-
duced under any of the heads of the ancient rhetoricians.
To all the three, pulpit, bar, and popular assemblies, belong,in
common, the rules concerning the conduct of a discourse in all its
parts. Of these rules I purpose afterwards to treat at large. But
before proceeding to them, I intend to show, first, what is peculiar to
each of these three kinds of oratory, in their spirit, character, or
manner. For every species of public speaking has a manner or
character peculiarly suited to it ; of which it is highly material to
have a just idea, in order to direct the application of general rules.
The eloquence of a lawyer is fundamentally different from that of a
divine, or a speaker in parliament and to have a precise and proper
:

idea of the distinguishing character which any kind of public speak-

ing requires, is the foundation of what is called a just taste in that
kind of speaking.
Laying aside any question concerning the pre-eminence in point
of rank, which is due to any one of the three kinds before mention-
ed, I shall begin with that which tends to throw most light upon the
rest, viz. the eloquence of popular assemblies. The most august
theatre for this kind of eloquence, to be found in any nation of Eu
rope, is, beyond doubt, the parliament of Great Britain. In meet
ings,too, of less dignity, it may display itself. Wherever there is a
popular court, or wherever any number of men are assembled for de-
bate or consultation, there, in different forms, this species of eloquence
may take place.
Its object is, or ought always to be, persuasion. There must be
some end proposed some point, most commonly of public utility
;

or good, in favour of which we seek to determine the hearers. Now,

in all attempts to persuade men, we must proceed upon this principle,
that it is necessary to convince their understanding. Nothing can be
more erroneous than to imagine, that, because speeches to popular
assemblies admit more of a declamatory style than some other dis-
courses, they therefore stand less in need of being supported by sound
reasoning. When modelled upon this false idea, they may have the
show, but never can produce the effect, of real eloquence. Even the
show of eloquence which they make, will please only the trifling and
superficial. For, with all tolerable judges, indeed almost with all men,
mere declamation soon becomes insipid. Of whatever rank the hear-
ers be, a speaker is never to presume, that by a frothy and ostentatious
harangue, without solid sense and argument, he can either make im-
pression on them, or acquire fame to himself. It is, at least, a dan-
gerous experiment; for, where such an artifice succeeds once, it will
 ;

284 b QUESTIONS. [lect. XXVII.

duce? And to this vehemence of eloquence at the bar, what is observed?

thought, what was suited? What do With regard to the pulpit, what has
we, on this subject, learn from Cicero been a great disadvantage? What
and what is said of them ? Of modern may this have introduced; but what
eloquence, what is observed ;To what does it lead ? What
and in follows ?
Great Britain, especially, to what has other circumstance has been unfortu-
it

confined itself? Of what species is it nate ? To what did the odium of these
and at what does it aim ? What is the sects drive the established church ?
first reason assigned for the limited and Hence, what consequence has resulted?
humble efforts of modern eloquence ? Thus, what has been given? In it,
What cannot be doubted ? In what what change has taken place ? Yet, in
proportion has philosophy made pro- the region which it now occupies, what
gress? What, in Great Britain, has does it admit; and what remark fol-
been cultivated and introduced into lows ? In using the ancient models ol
every subject ? Hence, what follows ? eloquence, to what must we have some
Of our public speakers, what is obser- regard ?
ved? What is also likely; and why?
Besides these national considerations,
ANALYSIS.
1. The origin of Roman eloquence.
to what must we, in the next place,
a. Cicero.
attend? Of the parliament of Great a. His excellences and his defects.
Britain, as a field for public speaking, b. Compared with Demosthenes.
what is observed ? What has prevent- B. Eloquence among the Romans of short
continuance.
ed the influence of eloquence there ?
a. The schools of the declaimers.
Of the power of speaking, what is ob- c. A new species of eloquence.
served and what follows ? What are
; 2. Modern eloquence.
our disadvantages in comparison with a. The eloquence of Great Britain.
the ancients, at the bar ? Here was an b. The eloquence of France.
c. Reasons for the limitedness of modern
ample field for what ? How does it ap-
eloquence.
pear that among the moderns, the case a. The bar.
is quite different ? Of the bounds of 6. The pulpit.

LECTURE XXVII.

DIFFERENT KINDS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING.— ELO-

QUENCE OF POPULAR ASSEMBLIES.— EX-
TRACTS FROM DEMOSTHENES.
After the preliminary views which have been given of the nature
of eloquence in general, and of the state in which it has subsisted in
different ages and countries, I am now to enter on the consideration
of the different kinds of public speaking, the distinguishing charac-
ters of each, and the rules which relate to them. The ancients di-
vided all orations into three kinds the demonstrative, the delibe-;

rative, and the judicial. The scope of the demonstrative was to

praise or to blame that of the deliberative, to advise or to dissuade
; ;

that of the judicial, to accuse or to defend. The chief subjects of

demonstrative eloquence, were panegyrics, invectives, gratulatory
and funeral orations. The deliberative was employed in matters of
public concern, agitated in the senate, or before the assemblies of the
people. The judicial is the same with the eloquence of the bar,
employed in addressing judges, who have power to absolve or to
condemn. This division runs through all the ancient treatises on
rhetoric and is followed by the moderns, who copy them.
;
It is a

division not inartificial and comprehends most, or all, of the mat-

;

ters which can be the subject of public discourse. It will, however,

suit our purpose better, and be found, I imagine, more useful to fol-
lect. xxvii.] PUBLIC SPEAKING. 285

low that division which the train of modern speaking naturally points
out to us, taken from the three great scenes of eloquence, popular
assemblies, the bar, and the pulpit; each of which has a distinct cha-
racter that, particularly suits it. This division coincides in part with
the ancient one. The eloquence of the bar is precisely the same
with what the ancients called the judicial. The eloquence of popu-
lar assemblies, though mostly of what they term the deliberative spe-
cies, yet admits also of the demonstrative. The eloquence of the
pulpit is altogether of a distinct nature, and cannot be properly re-
duced under any of the heads of the ancient rhetoricians.
To all the three, pulpit, bar, and popular assemblies, belong,in
common, the rules concerning the conduct of a discourse in all its
parts. Of these rules I purpose afterwards to treat at large. But
before proceeding to them, I intend to show, first, what is peculiar to
each of these three kinds of oratory, in their spirit, character, or
manner. For every species of public speaking has a manner or
character peculiarly suited to it ; of which it is highly material to
have a just idea, in order to direct the application of general rules.
The eloquence of a lawyer is fundamentally different from that of a
divine, or a speaker in parliament and to have a precise and proper
:

idea of the distinguishing character which any kind of public speak-

ing requires, is the foundation of what is called a just taste in that
kind of speaking.
Laying aside any question concerning the pre-eminence in point
of rank, which is due to any one of the three kinds before mention-
ed, I shall begin with that which tends to throw most light upon the
rest, viz. the eloquence of popular assemblies. The most august
theatre for this kind of eloquence, to be found in any nation of Eu
rope, is, beyond doubt, the parliament of Great Britain. In meet
ings,too, of less dignity, it may display itself. Wherever there is a
popular court, or wherever any number of men are assembled for de-
bate or consultation, there, in different forms, this species of eloquence
may take place.
Its object is, or ought always to be, persuasion. There must be
some end proposed some point, most commonly of public utility
;

or good, in favour of which we seek to determine the hearers. Now,

in all attempts to persuade men, we must proceed upon this principle,
that it is necessary to convince their understanding. Nothing can be
more erroneous than to imagine, that, because speeches to popular
assemblies admit more of a declamatory style than some other dis-
courses, they therefore stand less in need of being supported by sound
reasoning. When modelled upon this false idea, they may have the
show, but never can produce the effect, of real eloquence. Even the
show of eloquence which they make, will please only the trifling and
superficial. For, with all tolerable judges, indeed almost with all men,
mere declamation soon becomes insipid. Of whatever rank the hear-
ers be, a speaker is never to presume, that by a frothy and ostentatious
harangue, without solid sense and argument, he can either make im-
pression on them, or acquire fame to himself. It is, at least, a dan-
gerous experiment; for, where such an artifice succeeds once, it will
2S6 ELOQUENCE OF [lect. xxvn

fail ten times. Even common people are better judges of argu-
the
ment and good sense, thanwe sometimes think them; and upon any
question of business, a plain man, who speaks to the point without
art, will generally prevail over the most artful speaker, who deals
in flowers and ornament, rather than in reasoning. Much more,
when public speakers address themselves to any assembly where
there are persons of education and improved understanding, they
ought to be careful not to trifle with their hearers.
Let it be ever kept in view, that the foundation of all that can be
called eloquence, is good sense, and solid thought. As popular as the
orations of Demosthenes were, spoken to all the citizens of Athens,
every one who looks into them, must see how fraught they are with
argument; and how important it appeared to him, to convince the
understanding, in order to persuade, or to work on the principles of
action. Hence their influence in his own time hence
; their fame at
this day. Such a pattern as this, public speakers ought to set before
them for imitation, rather than follow the track of those loose and
frothy declaimers, who have brought discredit on eloquence. Let it
be their first study, in addressingany popular assembly to be previous-
ly masters of the business on which they are to speak; to be well
provided with matter and argument; and to rest upon these the chief
stress. This will always give to their discourse an air of manliness
and strength, which is a powerful instrument of persuasion. Orna-
ment, if they have genius for it, will follow of course: at any rate, it
demands only their secondary study: ' Cura sitverborum; solicitu-
do rerum.' 'To your expression be attentive; but about your matter
be solicitous,' is an advice of Quintilian, which cannot be too often
recollected by all who study oratory.

In the next place, in order to be persuasive speakers in a popular

assembly, it is, in my opinion, a capital rule, that we be ourselves per-
suaded of whatever we recommend to others. Never, when it can
be avoided, ought we to espouse any side of the argument, but what
we believe to be the true and the right one. Seldom or never will
a man be eloquent, but when he is in earnest, and uttering his own
sentiments. They are only the { verge voces ab imo pectore,' the un
assumed language of the heart or head, that carry the force of con-
viction. In a former lecture, when entering on this subject, I observ-
ed, that all high eloquence must be the offspring of passion, or warm
emotion. It is this which makes every man persuasive and gives a
;

force to his genius, which it possesses at no other time. Under what

disadvantage then is he placed, who, not feeling what he utters, must
counterfeit a warmth to which he is a stranger.
I know, that young people, on purpose to train themselves to the
art of speaking, imagine it useful to adopt that side of the question
under debate, which, to themselves, appears the weakest, and to try
what figure they can make upon it. But, I am afraid, this is not the
most improving education for public speaking; and that it tends to
form them to a habit of flimsy and trivial discourse. Such a liberty
they should, at no time, allow themselves, unless in meetings where
no real business is carried on, but where declamation and improve-
 ;

LJSCT.XXVII.J POPULAR ASSEiMBLIES. 287

ment of speech is Nor even in such meetings, would I

the sole aim.
recommend it most useful exercise. They will improve them-
as the
selves to more advantage, and acquit themselves with more honour,
by choosing always that side of the debate to which, in their own
judgment, they are most inclined, and supporting it by what seems to
themselves most solid and persuasive. They will acquire the habit
of reasoning closely, and expressing themselves with warmth and
force, much more when they are adhering to their
sentiments, own
than when they are speaking In assem-
in contradiction to them.
blies where any real business is carried on, whether that business be
of much importance or not, it is always of dangerous consequence
for young practitioners to make trial of this sort of play of speech.
It may fix an imputation on their characters before they are aware
and what they intended merely as amusement, may be turned to the
discredit, either of their principles or their understanding.
Debate in popular courts, seldom allows the speaker that full and
accurate preparation beforehand, which the pulpit always, and the
bar sometimes, admits. The arguments must be suited to the
course which the debate takes and as no man can exactly foresee
;

this, one who composed in his closet, will,

trusts to a set speech,
on many occasions, he thrown out of the ground which he had
taken. He will find it pre-occupied by others, or his reasonings
superseded by some new turn of the business and, if he ventures ;

to use his prepared speech, it will be frequently at the hazard of

making an awkward figure. There is a general prejudice with us,
and not wholly an unjust one, against set speeches in public meet-
ings. The only occasion, when they have any propriety, is, at
the opening of a debate, wh<m the speaker has it in his power to
choose his field. But as the debate advances, and parties warm,
discourses of this kind become more unsuitable. They want the
native air; the appearance of being suggested by the business that
is going on ; study and ostentation are apt to be visible ; and, of

course, though applauded as elegant, they are seldom so persuasive

asmore free and unconstrained discourses.
This, however, does not by any means conclude against pre-
meditation of what we are to say ; the neglect of which, and the
trusting wholly to extemporaneous efforts, will unavoidably pro-
duce the habit of speaking in a loose and undigested manner.
But the premeditation which is of most advantage, in the case
which we now consider, is of the subject or argument in general,
rather than of nice composition in any particular branch of it.
With regard to the matter, we cannot be too accurate in our pre-
paration, so as to be fully masters of the business under considera-
tion but with regard to words and expression, it is very possible so
;

far to over do, as to render our speech stiff and precise. Indeed,
tillonce persons acquire that firmness, that presence of mind, and
command of expression, in a public meeting, which nothing but
habit and practice can bestow, it may be proper for a young speak-
er to commit to memory the whole of what he is to say. But,
 :

28S ELOQUENCE OF [lect.xxvii.

have given him boldness, he

after some performances of this kind shall
will find the better method not to confine himself so strictly
it

but only to write, beforehand, some sentences with which he in-

tends to set out, in order to put himself fairly in the train; and,
for the rest, to set down short notes of the topics, or principal
thoughts upon which he is to insist, in their order, leaving the
words to be suggested by the warmth of discourse. Such short
notes of the substance of the discourse, will be found of consider-
able service, to those, especially, who are beginning to speak in
public. They will accustom them to some degree of accuracy,
which, if they speak frequently, they are in danger too soon of los-
irlg. They will even accustom them to think more closely on the
subject in question ; and will assist them greatly in arranging their
thoughts with method and order.
This leads me next to observe, that in all kinds of public speak-
ing, nothing is of greater consequence than a proper and clear
method. I mean not that formal method of laying down heads
and subdivisions, which is commonly practised in the pulpit; and
which, in popular assemblies, unless the speaker be a man of
great authority and character, and the subject of great importance,
and the preparation too very accurate, is rather in hazard of dis-
gusting the hearers; such an introduction is presenting always the
melancholy prospect of a long discourse. But though the method be
not laid down in form, no discourse, of any length, should be
without method; that is, every thing should be found in its proper
place. Every one who speaks, will find it of the greatest advan-
tage to himself to have previously arranged his thoughts, and classed
under proper heads, in his own mind, what he is to deliver. This
will assist his memory, and carry him through his discourse with
out that confusion to which one is every moment subject who has
fixed no distinct plan of what he is to say. And with respect to the
hearers, order in discourse is absolutely necessary for making
any proper impression. It adds both force and light to what is said.
It makes them accompany the speaker easily and readily, as he goes
along; and makes them feel the full effect of every argument which
he employs. Few things, therefore, deserve more to be attended
to, than distinct arrangement for eloquence, however great, can ne-
;

ver produce entire conviction without it. Of the rules of method,

and the proper distribution of the several parts of a discourse, I am
hereafter to treat.
Let us now consider the style and expression suited to the elo-
quence of popular assemblies. Beyond doubt, these give scope
for the most animated manner of public speaking. The very aspect
of a large assembly, engaged in some debate of moment, and atten-
tive to the discourse of one man, is sufficient to inspire that man with
such elevation and warmth, as both gives rise to strong impressions,
and gives them propriety. Passion easily rises in a great assembly,
where the movements are communicated by mutual sympathy
between the orator and the audience. Those bold figures, of
which I treated formerly as the native language of passion, have
 lect. xxvii.] POPULAR ASSEMBLIES. 289

then their proper place. That ardour of speech, that vehemence

and glow of sentiment, which arise from a mind animated and in-
spired by some great and public object, form the peculiar charac-
teristics of popular eloquence, in its highest degree of perfection.
The libert}- however, which we are now giving of the strong and
,

passionate manner to this kind of oratory, must be always understood

with certain limitations and restraints, which, it will be necessary to
point out distinctly, in order to guard against dangerous mistakes
on this subject.
As, first, the warmth which we express must be suited to the occa-
sion and the subject for nothing can be more preposterous, than an
;

attempt to introduce great vehemence into a subject, which is either

of slight importance, or which, b} its nature, requires to be treated of
T

calmly. A temperate tone of speech, is that, for which there is most

frequent occasion; and he who is, on every subject, passionate and ve-
hement, will be considered as a blusterer, and meet with little regard.
In the second place, we must take care never to counterfeit
warmth without feeling it. This always betrays persons into an un-
natural manner, which exposes them to ridicule. For, as I have
often suggested, to support the appearance, without the real feeling
of passion, is one of the most difficult things in nature. The disguise
can almost never be so perfect, as not to be discovered. The heart can
only answer to the heart. The great rule here, as indeed in every
other case, is, to follow nature; never to attempt a strain of elo-
quence which is not seconded by our own genius. One may be a
speaker, both of much reputation and much influence, in the calm
argumentative manner. To attain the pathetic, and the sublime of
oratory, requires those strong sensibilities of mind, and that high
power of expression, which are given to few.
In the third place, even when the subject justifies the vehement
manner, and when genius prompts it when warmth is felt, not
;

counterfeited we must still set a guard on ourselves, not to al-

;

low impetuosit}^ to transport us too far. Without emotion in the

speaker, eloquence, as was before observed, will never produce its
highest effects; but at the same time, if the speaker lose command
of himself, he will soon lose command of his audience too. He
must never kindle too soon he must begin with moderation and
: ;

study to carry his hearers along with him, as he warms in the pro-
gress of his discourse. For, if he runs before in the course of pas-
sion, and leaves them behind; if they are not tuned, if we may
speak so, in unison to him, the discord will presently be felt, and be
very grating. Let a speaker have ever so good reason to be ani-
mated and fired by his subject, it is always expected of him, that
. the awe and regard due to his audience should lay a decent restraint
upon his warmth, and prevent it from carrying him beyond certain
bounds. If, when most heated by the subject, he can be so far mas-

ter of himself as to preserve close attention to argument, and even

to some degree of correct expression, this self-command, this exer-
tion of reason, in the midst of passion, has a wonderful effect both
2T 37
290 ELOQUENCE OF [lect. xxvii

to please,and to persuade. It is indeed the master-piece, the high'

est attainment of eloquence uniting the strength of reason, with
;

the vehemence of passion; affording all the advantages of passion

for the purpose of persuasion, without the confusion and disorder
which are apt to accompany it.

In the fourth place, in the highest and most animated strain ot

popular speaking, we must always preserve regard to what the pub-
lic ear will bear. This direction I give, in order to guard against
an injudicious imitation of ancient orators, who, both in their pro-
nunciation and gesture, and in their figures of expression, used
a bolder manner than what the greater coolness of modern taste
will readily suffer. This may, perhaps, as I formerly observed,
be a disadvantage to modern eloquence. It is no reason why we
should be too severe in checking the impulse of genius, and con
tinue always creeping on the ground; but it is a reason, how-
ever, why we should avoid carrying the tone of declamation
to a height that would now be reckoned extravagant. Demos-
thenes, to justify the unsuccessful action of Cheronaea, calls up the
manes of those heroes who fell in the battle of Marathon and Plataea,
and swears by them, that their fellow-citizens had done well, in
their endeavours to support the same cause. Cicero, in his ora-
tion for Milo, implores and obtests the Alban hills and groves, and
makes a long address to them and both passages, in these ora-
:

tors, have a fine effect* But how few modern orators could ven-
ture on such apostrophes? and what a power of genius would it re-
quire to give such figures now their proper grace, or make them
produce a due effect upon the hearers ?
In the fifth and last place, in all kinds of public speaking, but
especially in popular assemblies, it is a capital rule to attend to all
the decorums of time, place, and character. No warmth of elo-
quence can atone for the neglect of these. That vehemence,
which is becoming in a person of character and authority, may be
unsuitable to the modesty expected from a young speaker. That
sportive and witty manner which may suit one subject and one as-
sembly, is altogether out of place in a grave cause, and a solemn
' Caput artis ' The first
meeting. est,' says Quintilian, 'decere.'
principle of art,is to observe decorum.' No one should ever rise
to speak in public, without forming to himself a just and strict idea
of what suits his own age and character; what suits the subject,

* The passage in Cicero is very beautiful, and adorned with the highest colouring
of his eloquence. Non est humano consilio, ne mediocri quidem, judiccs, de-
'

orum immortalium cura, res ilia perfecta. Religiones, mehercule, ipsae arreque.
cum ilium belluam cadere viderunt, commovisse se videntur, et jus in illo suum
retinuisse. Vos cnim jam Albani tumuli, atque luci, vos inquam imploro atque
obtestor, vosque Albanorum obrutae ar», sacrorum populi Romani sociae et aequales,
quas ille pra-ceps amentia, cassis prostratisque, sanctissimis lucis, substruc-
tionum insanis molibus oppresserat ; vestrs turn arae, vestrae religiones vigue-
runt, vestra vis valuit. quam ille omni scclere polluerat. Tuque ex tuo edito
inonte Latiali, sancte Jupiter, cujus ille lacus, nemora, finesque, seepe omni ne-
fario stupro, scelere macularat, aliquando ad eum puniendum, oculos aperuisti,
robis ills, vobis vestro in conspectu, serae, sed justae tamen, et debitfe psenae solutae sunt
lect. xxvn.] POPULAR ASSEMBLIES. 291

the hearers, the place, the occasion and adjusting the whole train
:

and manner of his speaking on this idea. All the ancients insist
much on this. Consult the first chapter of the eleventh book of
Quintilian, which is employed wholly on this point, and is full of
good sense. Cicero's admonitions, in his Orator ad Brutum, I
shall give in his own words, which should never be forgotten by any
who speak in public. E«t eloquential, sicut reliquarum rerum,
'

fundamentum, sapientia; m enim in vita, sic in oratione nihil est

difficillius quam quod deceat videre hujus ignoratione saepissime
;

peccatur non enim omnis fortuna, non omnis auctoritas, non omnis
;

astas,nee vero locus, aut tempus, aut auditor omnis, eodem aut ver-
borum genere tractandus est, aut cententiarum. Semperque in
omni parte orationis, ut vitas, quid deceat considerandum quod et ;

in re de qua agitur positum est, et in personis et eorum qui dicunt, et

eorumqui audiunt.'* So much for the considerations that require
to be attended to, with respect to the vehemence and warmth which
is allowed in popular eloquence.
The current of style should in general be full, free, and natural.
Quaint and artificial expressions are out of place here; and always
derogate from persuasion. It is a strong and manly style which
should chiefly be studied and metaphorical language, when properly
;

introduced, produces often a happy effect. When the metaphors are

warm, glowing, and descriptive, some inaccuracy in them will be
overlooked, which, in a written composition, would be remarked
and censured. Amidst the torrent of declamation, the strength of
the figure makes impression the inaccuracy of it escapes.
;

With regard to the degree of conciseness or diffuseness suited to

popular eloquence, it is not easy to fix any exact bounds. I know
that it is common to recommend a diffuse manner as the most pro
per. 1 am inclined, however, to think, that there is danger of er-

ring in this respect and that by indulging too much in the diffuse
;

style, public speakers often lose more in point of strength, than they
gain by the fullness of their illustration. There is no doubt, that in
speaking to a multitude, we must not speak in sentences and apo-
thegms care must be taken to explain and to inculcate but this care
: ;

may be, and frequently is, carried too far. We

ought always to
remember, that how much soever we may be pleased with hearing
ourselves speak, every audience is very ready to be tired and the ;

moment they begin to be tired, all our eloquence goes for nothing. A
loose and verbose manner never fails to create disgust ; and, on most
occasions, we had better run the risk of saying too little than too
much. Better place our thought in one strong point of view, and

* « Good the foundation of eloquence, as it is of all other things that art

sense is

valuable. It happens
in oratory exactly as it does in life, that frequently nothing
is more difficult than to discern what is proper and becoming. In consequence of
mistaking this, the grossest faults are often committed. For to the different de-
grees of rank, fortune, and age among men, to all the varieties of time, place, and
auditory, the same style of language, and the same strain of thought, cannot agree.
In every part of a discourse, just as in every part of life, we must attend to what is
suitable and decent whether that be determined by the nature of the subject oi
:

which we treat, or by the characters of those who speak, or of those who hear.'
292 EXTRACTS FROM [lect. xxvii

rest it there, than by turning it into every light, and pouring forth a
profusion of words upon it, exhaust the attention of our hearers,
and leave them flat and languid.
Of pronunciation and delivery, I am hereafter to treat apart. At
present it is sufficient to observe, that in speaking to mixt assemblies,
the best manner of deliver}' is the firm and the determined. An arro-
gant and overbearing manner is indeed always disagreeable; and
the least appearance of it ought to be shunned but there is a cer-
:

tain decisive tone, which may be assumed even by a modest man,

who is thoroughly persuaded of the sentiments he utters; and
which is calculated for making a general impression. A feeble and
hesitating manner bespeaks always some distrust of a man's own
opinion; which is, by no means, a favourable circumstance for his
inducing others to embrace it.
These are the chief thoughts which have occurred to me from
reflection and observation, concerning the peculiar distinguishing
characters of the eloquence proper for popular assemblies. The
sum of what has been said, is this: the end of popular speaking is
persuasion; and this must be founded on conviction. Argument
and reasoning must be the basis, if we would be speakers of busi-
ness, and not mere declaimers. We should be engaged in earnest
on the side which we espouse ; and utter, as much as possible, our
own, and not counterfeited sentiments. The premeditation should
be of things, rather than of words. Clear order and method should
be studied; the manner and expression warm and animated; though
still, in the midst of that vehemence, which may at times be suita-

ble, carried on under the proper restraints which regard to the audi-
ence, and to the decorum of character, ought to lay on every public
speaker: the style free and easy; strong and descriptive, rather thaa
diffuse; and the delivery determined and firm. To conclude this
head, let every orator remember, that the impression made by fine
and speaking is momentary; that made by argument and good
artful
sense, is and lasting.
solid
I shall now, that I may afford an exemplification of that species
of oratory of which I have been treating, insert some extracts from
Demosthenes. Even under the great disadvantage of an English
translation, they will exhibit a small specimen of that vigorous and
spirited eloquence which I have so often praised. I shall take my
extracts mostly from the Philippics andOlynthiacs, which were en-
tirely popular orations spoken to the general convention of the citi-
zens of Athens: and, as the subject of both the Philippics, and the
Olynthiacs, is the same, I shall not confine myself to one oration,
but shall join together passages taken from two or three of them;
such as may show his general strain of speaking, on some of the
chief branches of the subject. The subject in general is, to rouse
the Athenians to guard against Philip ofMacedon, whose growing
power and crafty policy had by that time endangered, and soon
after overwhelmed the liberties of Greece. The Athenians began
to be alarmed; but their deliberations were slow, and their measures
feeble; several of their favourite orators having been gained by
lect. xxvn.] DEMOSTHENES. 293

Philip's bribes to favour his cause. In this critical conjuncture of

Demosthenes arose. In the following manner he begins his
affairs,
first Philippic; which, like the exordiums of all his orations, is sim-
ple and artless.*
'Had we been convened, Athenians! on some new subject of de-
bate, I had waited most of your usual counsellors had declared
till

their opinions. If I had approved of what was proposed by them, I

should have continued silent; if not, I should then have attempted
to speak my sentiments. But since those very points on which these
speakers have often times been heard already, are at this time to be
considered; though I have arisen first, I presume I may expect your
pardon; for if they, on former occasions, had advised the proper
measures, you would not have found it needful to consult at present.
'First then, Athenians however wretched the situation of our af-
!

fairs at present seems, it must not by any means be thought despe-

rate. What I am now going to advance may possibly appear a para-
dox; yet it is a certain truth, that our past misfortunes afford a cir-
cumstance most favourable to our future hopes. t And what is that?
even that our present difficulties are owing entirely to our total
indolence, and utter disregard of our own interest. For were we
thus situated, in spite of every effort which our duty demanded,
then indeed we might regard our fortunes as absolutely desperate.
But now, Philip hath only conquered your supineness and inac-
tivity; the state he hath not conquered. You cannot be said to be
defeated ; your force hath never been exerted.
' If there is a man in this assembly who thinks that we must find
a
formidable enemy in Philip, while he views on one hand the nume-
rous armies which surround him, and on the other the weakness of
our state, despoiled of so much of its dominions, I cannot deny that
he thinks justly. Yet let him reflect on this there was a time, Athe-
:

nians when we possessed Pydna, Patidoea, and Melthone, and all that
!

country round when many of the states, now subjected to him,

:

were and independent, and more inclined to our alliance than to

free
his. If Philip, at that time weak in himself, and without allies, had
desponded of success against you, he would never have engaged in
those enterprises which are now crowned with success, nor could
have raised himself to that pitch of grandeur at which you now be-
hold him. But he knew well that the strongest places are only prizes
laid between the combatants, and ready for the conqueror. He
knew that the dominions of the absent devolved naturally to those
who are in the field the possessions of the supine, to the active and
;

intrepid. Animated by these sentiments, he overturns whole nations.

He either rules universally as a conqueror, or governs as a protector.
For mankind naturally seek confederacy with such as they see re-
solved, and preparing not to be wanting to themselves.
'If you, my countrymen! will nowat length be persuaded to enter-

* In the following extracts, Leland's translation is mostly followed.

tThis thought is only hinted at in the first Philippic, but brought out more
fully in the third ; as the same thought, occasioned by similar situations of affairs,
sometimes occur in the different orations on this subject
 !

294 EXTRACTS FROM [lect. xxvii

tain the like sentiments; if each of you will be disposed to approve

himself an useful citizen, to the utmost that his station and abilities
enable him if the rich will be ready to contribute, and the young to
;

take the field in one word, if you will be yourselves, and banish these
;

vain hopes which every single person entertains, that the active part
of public business may lie upon others,and he remain at his ease;
you may then, by the assistance of the gods, recall those opportuni-
ties which your supineness hath neglected, regain your dominions,
and chastise the insolence of this man.'
'But when, my countrymen! will you begin to exert your vi-
gour? Do you wait till roused by some dire event? till forced by
some necessity? What then are we to think of our present condi-
tion? To freemen, the disgrace attending on misconduct is,in my
opinion, the most urgent necessity. Or say, is it your sole ambition
to wander through the public places, each inquiring of the other,
'what new advices?' Can any thing be more new, than that a man
of Macedon should conquer the Athenians, and give law to Greece
* Ts Philip dead?' — —
No but he is sick.' Pray, what is it to you
'

whether Philip is sick or not? supposing he should die, you would

raise up another Philip, if you continue thus regardless of your in-
terest.
' Many, I know, delight more in nothing than in circulating all
the rumours they hear as articles of intelligence. Some cry,
Philip hath joined with the Lacedaemonians, and they are concert-
ing the destruction of Thebes. Others assure us, he hath sent an
embassy to the king of Persia; others, that he is fortifying places
in Illyria. Thus we all go about framing our several tales. I do
believe indeed, Athenians that he is intoxicated with his greatness,
!

and does entertain his imagination with many such visionary pro-
jects, as he sees no power rising to oppose him. But I cannot be
persuaded that he hath so taken his measures, that the weakest
among us (for the weakest they are who spread such rumours)
know what he is next to do. Let us disregard these tales. Let us
only be persuaded of this, that he is our enemy; that we have long
been subject to his insolence that whatever we expected to have
;

been done for us by others, hath turned against us that all the
;

resource left, is in ourselves; and that if we are not inclined to carry

our arms abroad, we should be forced to engage him at home. Let
us be persuaded of these things, and then we shall come to a pro-
per determination, and be no longer guidjd by rumours. We need
not be solicitous to know what particular events are to happen. We
may be well assured that nothing good can happen, unless we give
due attention to our own affairs, and act as becomes Athenians.'
1
Were it a point generally acknowledged* that Philip is now at
actual war with the state, the only thing under deliberation would
then be, how to oppose him with most safety. But since there are
persons so strangely infatuated, that although he has already pos-
sessed himself of a considerable part of our dominions, although he is

* Phil. iii.
lect. xxvii.] DEMOSTHENES. 295

still extending his conquests; although all Greece has suffered by

his injustice; yet they can hear it repeated in this assembly, that it

is some of us who seek to embroil the state in war: this suggestion

must first be guarded against. I readily admit, that were it in our
power to determine whether we should be at peace or war, peace,
if it depended on our option, is most desirable to be embraced.
But if the other party hath drawn the sword, and gathered his
armies round him; if he amuses us with the name of peace, while,
in fact, he is proceeding to the greatest hostilities, what is left for us
but to oppose him? If any man takes that for a peace, which is
only a preparation for his leading his forces directly upon us, after
his other conquests, I hold that man's mind to be disordered. At
least, it is only our conduct towards Philip, not Philip's conduct
towards us, that is to be termed a peace and this is the peace
;

for which Philip's treasures are expended, for which his gold is so
liberally scattered among our venal orators, that he may be at liberty
to carry on the war against you, while you make no war on him.
' Heavens ! is there any man of a right mind who would judge

of peace or war by words, and not by actions? Is there any man

so weak as to imagine that it is for the sake of those paltry villages
of Thrace, Drongylus, and Cabyle, and Mastira, that Philip is
now braving the utmost dangers, and enduring the severity of toils
and seasons and that he has no designs upon the arsenals, and the
;

navies, and the silver mines of Athens? or that he will take up his
winter quarters among the cells and dungeons of Thrace, and leave
you to enjoy all your revenues in peace? But you wait, perhaps,
till he declare war against you. He will never do so: no, though he
were at your gates. He will still be assuring you that he is not at
war. Such were his professions to the people of Oreum, when his
forces were in the heart of their country such his professions to
;

those of Pherse, until the moment he attacked their walls: and thus
he amused the Olynthians till he came within a few miles of them,
and then he sent them a message, that either they must quit
their city, or he his kingdom. He would indeed be the absur-
dest of mankind, if, while you suffer his outrages to pass unnoticed,
and are wholly engaged in accusing and prosecuting one another,
he should, by declaring war, put an end to your private contests,
warn you to direct all your zeal against him, and deprive his pen-
sioners of their most specious pretence for suspending your resolu-
tions, that of his not being at war with the state. I, for ray part,

hold and declare, that by his attack of the Megarseans, by his

attempts upon the liberty of Euboea, by his late incursions into
Thrace, by his practices in Peloponnesus, Philip has violated the
treaty he is in a state of hostility with you unless you shall affirm,
; ;

that he who prepares to besiege a city, is still at peace, until the

walls be actually invested. The man whose designs, whose whole
conduct, tends to reduce me to subjection, that man is at war with
me, though not a blow hath yet been given, nor a sword drawn.
' All
Greece, all the barbarian world, is too narrow for this man's
296 EXTRACTS FROM [lect. xxvii.

ambition. And though we Greeks see and hear all this, we send
no embassies to each other; we express no resentment; but into
such wretchedness are we sunk, that even to this day, we neglect
what our interest and duty demand. Without engaging in associa-
tions, or forming confederacies, we look with unconcern upon Phi-
lip's growing power ; each fondly imagining, that the time in which
another is destroyed, is so much time gained on him; although no
man can be ignorant, that, like the regular periodic return of a fever,
he iscoming upon those who think themselves the most remote
from danger. And what is the cause of our present passive disposi-
tion ? For some cause sure there must be, why the Greeks, who
have been so zealous heretofore in defence of liberty, are now so
prone to slavery. The cause, Athenians is, that a principle, which
!

was formerly fixed in the minds of all, now exists no more; a prin-
ciple which conquered the opulence of Persia; maintained the
freedom of Greece, and triumphed over the powers of sea and
land. That principle was, an unanimous abhorrence of all those
who accepted bribes from princes, that were enemies to the liber-
ties of Greece. To be convicted of bribery, was then a crime
altogether unpardonable. Neither orators, nor generals, would
then sell for gold, the favourable conjunctures which fortune put
into their hands. No gold could impair our firm concord at home,
our hatred and defiance of tyrants and barbarians. But now all
things are exposed to sale, as in a public market. Corruption has
introduced such manners, as have proved the bane and destruction
of our country. Is a man known to have received foreign money ?
People envy him. Does he own it? They laugh. Is he convicted
in form? They forgive him: so universally has this contagion dif-
fused itself among us.
'If there be any who, though not carried away by bribes, yet are
struck with terror, as if Philip was something more than human, they
may see, upon a little consideration, that he hath exhausted all those
artifices to which he owes his present elevation ; and that his affairs
are now ready to decline. For I myself, Athenians! should think
Philip really to be dreaded, if I saw him raised by honourable means.
When forcesjoin in harmony and affection, and one common interest
unites confederating powers, then they share the toils with alacrity,
and endure distresses with perseverance. But when extravagant
ambition and lawless power, as in the case of Philip, have aggrandiz-
ed a single person, the first pretence, the slightest accident, over-
throws him, and dashes his greatness to the ground. For, it is not
possible, Athenians! it is not possible, to found a lasting power up-
on injustice, perjury, and treachery. These may perhaps succeed
for once, and borrow for a while, from hope, a gay and a flourishing
appearance. But time betrays their weakness, and they fall of them-
selves to ruin. For, as in structures of every kind, the lower parts
should have the firmest stability, so the grounds and principles of
great enterprises should be justice and truth. But this solid founda-
tion is wanting to all the enterprises of Philip.
•Hence among his confederates, there are many who hate, who
 ;

lect. xxvn.] DEMOSTHENES. 297

distrust, who envy him. If you will exert yourselves as your ho-
nour and your interest require, you will not only discover the weak-
ness and insincerity of his confederates, but the ruinous condition
also of his own kingdom. For you are not to imagine, that the
inclinations of his subjects are the same with those of their prince.
He thirsts for glory but they have no part in this ambition. Ha-
;

rassed by those various excursions he is ever making, they groan

under perpetual calamity torn from their business and their fami-
;

lies and beholding commerce excluded from their coasts.

; All those
glaring exploits, which have given him his apparent greatness, have
wasted his natural strength, his own kingdom, and rendered it much
weaker than it originally was. Besides, his profligacy and baseness,
and those troops of buffoons, and dissolute persons, whom he ca-
resses and constantly keeps about him, are, to men of just discern-
ment, great indications of the weakness of his mind. At present,his
successes cast a shade over these things; but let his arms meet with
the least disgrace, his feebleness will appear, and his character be
exposed. For, as in our bodies, while a man is in apparent health,
the effect of some inward debility, which has been growing upon him,
may, for a time, be concealed but as soon as it comes the length of
;

disease, all his secret infirmities show themselves, in whatever part

of his frame the disorder is lodged so, in states and monarchies,
:

while they carry on war abroad, many defects escape the general
<a

eye but, as soon as wrr reaches their own territory, their infirmities
;

come forth to general observation.

f Fortune has great influence, in allaffairs ; but I, for my
human
part, should prefer the fortune of Athens, with the least degree of vi-
gour in asserting your cause, to this man's fortune. For we have
many better reasons to depend upon the favour of Heaven than this
man. But, indeed, he who will not exeit his o>vn strength, hath no
iitle to depend either on his friends, or on the gods. Is it at all sur-
prising that he, who is himself ever amidst the labours and dangers
of the field ; who is every where ; whom no opportunity escapes
io whom no season is unfavourable ; should be superioi to you, who
are wholly engaged in contriving delays,and framing decrees, and
>nquiring after news. The contrary would be much more surprising }

if we, who have never hitherto acted as became a state engaged in

war, should conquer one who acts, in every instance, with indefati-
gable vigilance. It is this, Athenians it is this which gives him all
!

his advantage against you. Philip, constantly surrounded by his

troops, and perpetually engaged in projecting his designs, can, in a
moment, strike the blow where he pleases. But we, when any acci-
dent alarms us, first appoint our Trierarchs ; then we allow them the
exchange by substitution; then the supplies are considered; next,
we resolve to man our fleet with strangers and foreigners; then find
it necessary to supply their place ourselves. In the midst of these
delays, what we are failing to defend, the enemy is already master
of; for the time of action is spent by us in preparing; and the issues
of war will not wait for our slow and irresolute measures.
2U 3S
293 DEMOSTHENES. [lect. XXVII

'
Consider, then, your present situation, and make such provision
as the urgent danger requires. Talk not of your ten thousands, or
your twenty thousand foreigners of those armies which appear so
;

magnificent on paper only great and terrible in your decrees, in

;

execution weak and contemptible. But let your army be made up

chiefly of the native forces of the state let it be an Athenian strength
;

to which you are to trust ;and whomsoever you appoint as general,

let them be entirely under his guidance and authority. For ever
iince our armies have been formed of foreigners alone, their victories
have been gained over our allies and confederates only, while our
enemies have risen to an extravagant power.'
The orator goes on to point out the number of forces which should
be raised ; the places of their destination the season of the year
;

in which they should set out; and then proposes, in form, his
motion, as we would call it, or his decree, for the necessary supply
of money, and for ascertaining the funds from which it should bb
raised. Having finished all that relates to the business under de
liberation, he concludes these orations on public affairs, commonly
with no longer peroration than the following, which terminates the
first Philippic ; I, for my part, have never, upon any occasion, chosen
'

to court your favour by speaking any thing but what I was convinced
would serve you. And on this occasion, you have heard my senti-
ments freely declared, without art, and without reserve. I should

have been pleased, indeed, that, as it is for your advantage to have

your true interest laid before you, so I might have been assured,
that he who layeth it before you would share the advantage. But
uncertain as I know the consequence to be with respect to myself,
! yet determined to speak, because I was convinced that these
measures, if pursued, must prove beneficial to the public. And, of
all those opinions which shall be offered to your acceptance, may the

gods determine that to be chosen which will best advance the gene-
ralwelfare !'
These extracts may serve to give some imperfect idea of the man-
ner of Demosthenes. For a juster and more complete one, recourse
must be had to the excellent original.

Q,UESTIOtfS,
After the preliminary views which what is observed? Of this division,
have been given of the nature cf elo- what is remarked ? What division will
quence in general, and of the stale in our purpose better, and be found
suit
which it has subsisted in different ages ? How does this division
more useful
and countries, upon what are we now coincide with the ancient one; but.
to enter? Into what three kinds did with what exception ? What belong
'.he ancients divide all orations; and to all three ? But before proceeding to
what was the scope of each ? What them, what does our author intend to
were the chief subjects of demonstra- show; and why? How is this illus-
tive eloquence ? In what was the deli- trated ? What shall our author lay-
berative employed and of the judicial, aside; and with what will he begin?
;
 ; ;;;

LECT. XXVII.] QUESTIONS. 298 a

Where ia the most august theatre of say ? But after some performances of
this kind of eloquence to be found? this kind shall have given him bold-
Where, also, may it display itself; and ness, what will he find to be a better
where may it take place 1 What is its method? Of what advantage will these
object and what must there always short notes be ? To what does this lead
;

be ? In all attempts to persuade men, our author in the next place to ob-
upon what principle must we proceed ? serve? By this, what does he not
What is a most erroneous opinion and mean? But, though the method be not
;

what remark follows"? Why will the laid down in form, yet what follows ?
show of eloquence which they make, What will every one who speaks find of
please only the trifling and superficial ? great advantage? What will be the
Of whatever rank the hearer may be, effect of this ? With respect to hearers,
what is the speaker never to presume? what is observed and what is its ef-
;

Why is it a dangerous experiment? fect ? What is, therefore, observed

How is this remark illustrated ? When, and why ? Of what is our author here-
particularly, ought public speakers to after to treat? What shall we now
be careful not to trifle with their hear- consider and of them, what is obser-
;

ers? What should ever be kept in ved ? Of the effect of the aspect of a
view? How is this illustrated; and large assembly, what is observed and ;

hence, what follows ? In preference to why ? What have then their proper
what, should public speaking set such a place; and what form the peculiar
pattern as this before them ? In address- characteristics of popular eloquence, in
ing a popular assembly, what should be its highest degree of perfection ?
their first study ? What will be the ef- Of the liberty which we are now
fect of this; and what will follow? giving, of the strong and passionate
What says Quintilian? What is the manner to this kind of oratory, what is
next requisite, in order to be a persua- observed ? What is the first restraint
sive speaker in a popular assembly ? and why ? For what is there most fre-
What should we never espouse ; and quent occasion ; and what follows ?
why ? What only carries conviction ? What is the second restraint ? What is
In a former lecture, what was obser- always its effect and why ? How is
;

ved ? Of this, what is here observed this illustrated ? What is here the great
;

and what follows? What do young rule ? In what manner may one be a
people consider useful ? But of what is" speaker both of reputation and influ-
our author afraid ? Under what circum- ence ? But to attain the pathetic and
stances only should they allow them- sublime in oratory, what is required ?
selves such a liberty ? Why is it not, What is the third restraint ? What re-
even in such meetings, recommended mark follows ? What must he not do ;

as the most useful exercise ? By pur- how must he begin ; and why ? Let a
suing this course, what habit will they speaker have ever so good reason to be
acquire ? Where is it particularly dan- animated, and fired by his subject, what
gerous for young practitioners to make is always expected of him ? What has
use of this sort of play of speech ; and a wonderful effect both to please and
why ? What do debates in popular to persuade ? Of it, what is remarked?
courts seldom allow the speaker ? To What is the fourth restraint ? Why is
what must the arguments be suited this direction given? Of this, what is
and what follows? Against what is observed ? For what is it no reason 1
there a general prejudice; and when But for what is it a reason ? What is
only have they any propriety ? As the done by Demosthenes, in order to justi-
debate advances, why are they un- fy the unsuccessful action of Chero-
suitable? Against what does this not nsea ? What is also done by Cicero
conclude; and of the neglect of it, what and of both passages, what is observed ?
is observed ? What kind of premedita- What remark follows? What is the
tion is most advantageous? With re- fifth and last restraint? What cannot
gard to the matter, and with regard to atone for neglect of these ? How is this
the words and expression, what is ob- remark illustrated ? What says Quin-
served ? Until what period may it be tilian ? No one should ever rise to speak
proper for a young person to commit to in public, without first doing what?
memory the whole of what he has to Where, among the ancients, shall we
 298 b QUESTIONS. [lect. XXVIII.

find this particularly insisted on ? Re

from Demosthenes inserted? Un-
tracts
cite the admonition contained in Cicero's
der the great disadvantage of an Eng-
oration, ad Brutum. What should the lish translation, what will they exhibit?
current style be ? Of quaint and artifi- Whence are the following ; and of
cial expressions, what is here observed? them, what is observed ? How are the
What should be studied and what, extracts selected and why ? What ia
; ;

when properly introduced, produces a the subject of the orations ? What dis-
happy effect? Under what circum- position did the Athenians manifest?
stances may some inaccuracies be over- In this critical conjuncture, who arose \
looked ? When do they escape 1 With and in what manner does he begin his
regard to the degree of conciseness or first Philippic ? (The following extracts
diffuseness, what is observed? What should be carefully committed.)
manner has commonly been recom-
mended ? What, however, is our au-
thor inclined to think ? Of what is there
no doubt ? To do what must care be
ANALYSIS.
taken but of this care, what is obser- The different kinds of public speaking.
;

ved ? Of a loose and verbose manner, 1. The eloquence of popular assem-

what is remarked ? What had we bet- blies.

ter do ? Of what is our author after- A. Its foundation.
wards to treat ? At present, what is it B. The speaker himself should be
sufficient to observe? What manner persuaded of what he recom-
should always be shunned ? But what mends to others.
may be assumed even by a modest c. Preparative directions.
man ? What does a feeble and hesi- D. The style of popular eloquence.
tating manner bespeak and what is
; a. The warmth should be suited
said of it ? What is the end of popular to the subject.
speaking ; and on what must it be 6. It should never be counter-
founded ? If we would be speakers of feited.
and not mere declaimers, what
business, c.should not be carried too far.
It
must be the basis ? On what should we d. The
public ear should be re-
be engaged in earnest and what
; garded.
should we utter ? Of what should the e. The decorums of time, place,

premeditation be ? How is this illus- &c. should be attended to.

trated ? With what remark is this head 2. Extracts from Demosthenes' ora-
concluded 1 Why are the following ex- tions.

LECTURE XXVIII.

ELOQUENCE OF THE BAR—ANALYSIS OF CICE-

RO'S ORATION FOR CLUENTIUS.

I treated in the last lecture of what is peculiar to the eloquence

of popular assemblies. Much of what was said on that head is ap-

plicable to the eloquence of the bar, the next great scene of public
speaking, to which I now proceed, and my observations upon which
will therefore be the shorter. All, however, that was said in the for-
mer lecture, must not be applied to it and it is of importance that;

I begin with showing where the distinction lies.

lect. xxviii.] ELOQUENCE OF THE BAR. 299

In the first place, the ends of speaking at the bar, and in popular
assemblies, are commonly different. In popular assemblies, the
great object is persuasion; the orator aims at determining the hear
ers to some choice or conduct, as good, fit, or useful. For accom-
plishing this end, it is incumbent on him to apply himself to all the
principles of action in our nature; to the passions and to the heart,
as well as to the understanding. But, at the bar, conviction is the
great object. There, not the speaker's business to persuade the
it is

judges to what is good or useful, but to show them what is just and
true and of course, it is chiefly, or solely, to the understanding that
;

his eloquence is addressed. This is a characteristical difference

which ought ever to be kept in view.
In the next place, speakers at the bar address themselves to one
or to a few judges, and these, too, persons generally of age, gravity,
and authority of character. There they have not those advantages
which a mixed and numerous assembly affords for employing all the
arts of speech, even supposing their subject to admit them. Pas-
sion does not rise so easily; the speaker is heard more coolly; he is
watched over more severely; and would expose himself to ridicule,
by attempting that high vehement tone, which is only proper in
speaking to a multitude.
In the last place, the nature and management of the subjects
which belong to the bar, require a very different species of oratory
from that of popular assemblies. In the latter, the speaker has a
much wider range. He is seldom confined to any precise rule;
he can fetch his topics from a great variety of quarters; and employ
every illustration which his fancy or imagination suggests. But, at
the bar, the field of speaking is limited to precise law and statute.
Imagination is not allowed to take its scope. The advocate has al-
ways lying before him the line, the square, and the compass. These,
it is his principal business to be continually applying to the subjects

under debate.
For these reasons, it is clear, that the eloquence of the bar is of
a much more limited, more sober and chastened kind, than that of
popular assemblies and for similar reasons, we must beware of
;

considering even the judicial orations of Cicero or Demosthenes,

as exact models of the manner of speaking which is adapted to the
present state of the bar. It is necessary to warn young lawyers of
this; because, though these were pleadings spoken in civil or criminal
causes, yet, in fact, the nature of the bar anciently, both in Greece
and Rome, allowed a much nearer approach to popular eloquence,
than what it now does. This was owing chiefly to two causes :

First, Because in the ancient judicial orations, strict law was

much less an object of attention than it is become among us. In
the days of Demosthenes and Cicero, the municipal statutes were
few, simple, and general and the decision of causes was trusted,
;

in a great measure, to the equity and common sense of the judges.

Eloquence, much more than jurisprudence, was the study of those
who were to plead causes. Cicero somewhere says, that three
300 ELOQUENCE OF THE BAR. [lect. xxvin.

months study was sufficient to make any man a complete civilian ;

nay, it was thought that one might be a good pleader at the bar,
who had never studied law at all. For there were among the Ro-
mans a set of men called pragmatici, whose office it was to give
the orator all the law knowledge which the cause he was to plead
required, and which he put into that popular form, and dressed up
with those colours of eloquence, that were best fitted for influencing
the judges before whom he spoke.
We may observe next, that the civil and criminal judges, both in
Greece and Rome, were commonly much more numerous than
they are with us, and formed a sort of popular assembly. The
renowned tribunal of the Areopagus at Athens consisted of fifty
judges at the least. * Some make it to consist of a great many more.
When Socrates was condemned, by what court it is uncertain,
we are informed that no fewer than 280 voted against him. In
Rome, the Pmetor, who was the proper judge both in civil and
criminal causes, named, for every cause of moment, the Judibes
Selecti, as they were called, who were always numerous, and had
the office and power of both judge and jury. In the famous cause
of Milo, Cicero spoke to fifty-one Judices Selecti, and so had the
advantage of addressing his whole pleading, not to one or a few
learned judges of the point of law, as is the case with us, but to
an assembly of Roman citizens. Hence all those arts of popular
eloquence, which we find the Roman orator so frequently employ-
ing, and probably with much success. Hence tears and commis-
eration are so often made use of as the instruments of gaining a
cause. Hence certain practices, which would be reckoned thea-
trical among us, were common at the Roman bar such as introduc- ;

ing not only the accused person dressed in deep mourning, but
presenting to the judges his family, and his j'oung children, endea-
vouring to move them by their cries and tears.
For these reasons, on account of the wide difference between
the ancient and modern state of the bar, to which we may add also
the difference in the turn of ancient and modern eloquence, which
I formerly took notice of, too strict an imitation of Cicero's man-
ner of pleading would now be extremely injudicious. To great
advantage he may still be studied by every speaker at the bar. In
the address with which he opens his subject, and the insinuation he
employs for gaining the favour of the judges; in the distinct ar-
rangement of his facts in the gracefulness of his narration in the
; ;

conduct and exposition of his arguments, he may and he ought to

be imitated. A higher pattern cannot be set before us but one who ;

should imitate him also in his exaggeration and amplifications, in his

diffuse and pompous declamation, and in his attempts to raise p»s-
sion, would now make himself almost as ridiculous at the bar, as if
he should appear there in the Toga of a Roman lawyer.
Before I descend to more particular directions concerning the
eloquence of the bar, I must be allowed to take notice, that the

* Vidp Pottpr. Antiq vol. i. p. 102.

lect. xxviii.] ELOQUENCE OF THE BAR 301

foundation of a lawyer's reputation and success, must always be

laid in aprofound knowledge of his own profession. Nothing is of
vsuch consequence to him, or deserves more his deep and serious
study. For whatever his abilities as a speaker may be, if his know-
ledge of the law be reckoned superficial, few will choose to commit
their cause to him. Besides previous study, and a proper stock of
knowledge attained, another thing, highly material to the success
of every pleader, is, a diligent and painful attention to every cause
with which he is entrusted, so as to be thoroughly master of all the
facts and circumstances relating to it. On this, the ancient rhetori-
cians insist with great earnestness, and justly represent it as a neces-
sary basis to all the eloquence that can be exerted in pleading.
Cicero tells us (under the character of Antonius, in the second book
DeOratore) thathe always conversed at full length with every client
who came to consult him that he took care there should be no
;

witness to their conversation, in order that his client might explain

himself more freely; that he was wont to start every objection, and
to plead the cause of the adverse party with him, that he might
come at the whole truth, and be fully prepared on every point of
the business; and that, after the client had retired, he used to
balance all the facts with himself, under three different characters,
his own, that of the judge, and that of the advocate on the oppo-
site side. He censures very severely those of the profession who
decline taking so much trouble; taxing them not only with shame-
ful negligence, but with dishonesty and breach of trust.* To the
same purpose Quintilian, in the eighth chapter of his last book,
delivers a great many excellent rules concerning all the methods
which a lawyer should employ for attaining the most thorough
knowledge of the cause he is to plead again and again recommend-
;

ing patience and attention in conversation with clients, and ob-

serving very sensibly, c Non tarn obest audire supervacua, quam
ignorare necessaria. Frequenter enim et vulnus, et remedium, in
iis orator inveniet quae litigatone in neutram partem, habere mo-

mentum videbantur.'t
Supposing an advocate to be thus prepared, with all the know-
ledge which the study of the law in general, and of that cause
which he is to plead in particular, can furnish him, 1 must next ob-

* ' Equidem soleo dare operam, ut de sua quisque re me ipse doceat; et ne-

quis alius adsit, quo liberius loquatur; et agere adversarii causam, ut ille agat
suam ; et quicquid de sua re cogitaret, in medium proferat. ltaque cumviHe de-
cessit, ties personas unus sustineo, summa animi equitate ; meam, adversarii,
judioes. —
Nonnuili dum operam suam multam existimari volunt, ut toto foro vol-
itare, et accusa ad causam ire videantur, causas dicunt incognitas. In quo est ilia
quidem magna offensio, vel negligentias susceptis rebus, vel perfidia; receptis ; sed
etiam ilia, major opinione, quod nemo potest dc ea re quam non novit, non turpissime
dicere.'
' To listen to something that is superfluous can do no hurt whereas to be
t ;

ignorant of something that is material, may be highly prejudicial The advocate

will frequently discover the weak side of a cause, and learn at the same time, what is
the proper defence, from circumstances which, to the party himself, appeared to be of.
ijitle or no moment.'
302 ELOQUENCE OF THE BAR. [lect. xxviii

serve, that eloquence in pleading is of the highest moment for

giving support to a cause. It were altogether wrong to infer, that
because the ancient popular and vehement manner is now in a great
measure superseded, there is therefore no room for eloquence
at the bar, and that the study of it is become superfluous. Though
the manner of speaking be changed, yet still there is a right and
proper manner, which deserves to be studied as much as ever.
Perhaps there is no scene of public speaking where eloquence is
more necessary. For, on other occasions, the subject on which
men speak in public, is frequently sufficient, by itself, to interest
the hearers. But the dryness and subtilty of the subjects ge-
nerally agitated at the bar, require, more than any other, a certain
kind of eloquence, in order to command attention; in order to give
proper weight to the arguments that are employed, and to prevent
any thing which the pleader advances from passing unregarded.
The effect of good speaking is always very great. There is as much
difference in the impression made upon the hearers, by a cold,
dry, and confused speaker, and that made by one who pleads the
same cause with elegance, order, and strength, as there is between
our conception of an object, when it is presented to us in a dim
light, and when we behold it in a full and clear one.
It is no small encouragement to eloquence at the bar, that of all
the liberal professions, none gives fairer play to genius and abilities
than that of the advocate. He is less exposed than some others to
suffer by the arts of rivalry, by popular prejudices, or secret intrigues.
He is sure of coming forward according to his merit; for he stands
forth every day to view he enters the list boldly with his competi-
;

tors; every appearance which he makes is an appeal to the public,

whose decision seldom fails of being just, because it is impartial.
Interest and friends may set forward a young pleader with peculiar
advantages beyond others, at the beginning ; but they can do no
more than open the field to him. A reputation resting on these as-
sistances will soon fall. Spectators remark, judges decide, parties
watch; and to him will the multitude of clients never fail to resort,
who gives the most approved specimens of his knowledge, eloquence,
and industry.
It must belaid down for a first principle, that the eloquence suited
to the bar, whether in speaking or in writing law papers, is of the
calm and temperate kind, and connected with close reasoning.
Sometimes a little play may be allowed to the imagination, in order
to enliven a dry subject, and to give relief to the fatigue of atten-
tion ;but this liberty must be taken with a sparing hand ;for a
florid style, and a sparkling manner, never fail to make the speaker
be heard with a jealous ear, by the judge. They detract from his
weight, and always produce a suspicion of his failing in soundness
and strength of argument. It is purity and neatness of expression
which is chiefly to be studied a style perspicuous and proper, which
;

shall not be needlessly overcharged with the pedantry of law terms,

and where, at the same time, no affectation shall appear of avoiding
these, when they are suitable and necessary.
 ;

lect. xxviii.] ELOQUENCE OF THE BAR. 303

Verbosity is a common
fault, of which the gentlemen of this pro-
fession are accused; and into which the habit of speaking and writing
so hastily, and with so little preparation, as they are often obliged to
do, almost unavoidably betrays them. It cannot, therefore, be too
much recommended to those who are beginning to practise at the
bar, that they should early study to guard against this, while as yet
they have full leisure for preparation. Let them form themselves,
especially in the papers which they write, to the habit of a strong
and a correct style; which expresses the same thing much better
in a few words, than is done by the accumulation of intricate and
endless periods. If this habit be once acquired, it will become na-
tural to them afterwards, when the multiplicity of business shall
force them to compose in a more precipitant manner. Whereas, if
the practice of a loose and negligent style has been suffered to be-
come familiar, it will not be in their power, even upon occasions
when they wish to make an unusual effort, to express themselves
with energy and grace.
Distinctness is a capital property in speaking at the bar. This
should be shown chiefly in two things first, in stating the question
;

in showing clearly what is the point in debate; what we admit;

what we deny; and where the line of division begins between us,
and the adverse party. Next, it should be shown in the order and
arrangement of all the parts of the pleading. In every sort of ora-
tion, a clear method is of the utmost consequence; but in those em-
broiled and difficult cases which belong to the bar, it is almost all in
all. Too much pains, therefore, cannot be taken, in previously
studying the plan and method. If there be indistinctness and dis-
order there, we can have no success in convincing: we leave the
whole cause in darkness.
With respect to the conduct of narration and argumentation, I
shall hereafter make several remarks, when I come to treat of the
component parts of a regular oration. I shall at present only observe,
that the narration of facts at the bar, should always be as concise as
the nature of them will admit. Facts are always of the greatest
consequence to be remembered during the course of the pleading;
but, if the pleader be tedious in his manner of relating them, and
needlessly circumstantial, he lays too great a load upon the memo-
ry. Whereas, by cutting off all superfluous circumstances in his re-
cital, he adds strength to the material facts; he both gives a clearer
view of what he relates, and makes the impression of it more last-
ing. In argumentation, again, I would incline to give scope to a
more diffuse manner at the bar, than on some other occasions. For
in popular assemblies, where the subject of debate is often a plain
question, arguments, taken from known topics, gain strength by their
conciseness. But the obscurity of law-points frequently requires
the arguments to be spread out, and placed in different lights, in
order to be fully apprehended.
When the pleader comes to refute the arguments employed by his
adversary, he should be on his guard not to do them injustice, by dis-
guising, or placing them in a false light. The deceit is soon discov-
2X
 ;

304 ELOQUENCE OF THE BAR. [lect. xxvm.

ered it will not fail of being exposed; and tends to impress the
;

judge and the hearers with distrust of the speaker, as one who either
wants discernment to perceive, or wants fairness to admit, the
strength of the reasoning on the other side. Whereas, when they
see that he states, with accuracy and candour, the arguments which
have been used against him, before he proceeds to combat them, a
strong prejudice is created in his favour. They are naturally led to
think, that he has a clear and full conception of all that can be said
on both sides of the argument; that he has entire confidence in the
goodness of his own cause; and does not. attempt to support it by
any artifice or concealment. The judge is thereby inclined to receive
much more readily, the impressions which are given him by a
speaker, who appears both so fair and so penetrating. There is no
part of the discourse, in which the orator has greater opportunity of
showing a masterly address, than when he sets himself to represent
the reasonings of his antagonists, in order to refute them.
Wit may sometimes be of service at the bar, especially in a lively
reply, by which we may throw ridicule on something that has been
said on the other side. But, though the reputation of wit be daz-
zling to a young pleader, I would never advise him to rest his
strength upon this talent. It is not his business to make an audience
laugh, but to convince the judge and seldom, or never, did an)" one
;

rise to eminence in his profession, by being a witty lawyer.

A proper degree of warmth in pleading a cause is always of use.
Though, in speaking to a multitude, greater vehemence be natural
yet,in addressing ourselves even to a single man, the warmth which
arises from seriousness and earnestness, is one of the most powerful
means of persuading him. An advocate personates his client; he
has taken upon him the whole charge of his interests; he stands in
his place. It is improper, therefore, and has a bad effect upon the
cause, if he appears indifferent and unmoved; and few clients will
be fond of trusting their interests in the hands of a cold speaker.
At the same time, he must beware of prostituting his earnestness
and sensibility so much as to enter with equal warmth into every
cause that is committed to him, whether it can be supposed really
to excite his zeal or not. There is a dignity of character, which
is of the utmost importance for every one in this profession to sup-
port. For it must never be forgotten, that there is no instrument
of persuasion more powerful, than an opinion of probity and ho-
nour in the person who undertakes to persuade.* It is scarcely
possible for any hearer to separate altogether the impression made
by the character of him that speaks, from the things that he says.
However secretly and imperceptibly, it will be always lending its
weight to one side or other; either detracting from, or adding to,
the authority and influence of his speech. This opinion of ho-
nour and probity must therefore be carefully preserved, both by
some degree of delicacy in the choice of causes, and by the man-
* '
Plurimum ad omnia momenti est in hoc positutn, si vir bonus creditur. Sic enim
'

contingit, ut non studium advocati, videatur affere, sed penc testis fidem
Quin'ct. 1 iv c, i
 ;

lect. xxvni.] ORATION FOR CLUENTIUS. 305

ner of conducting them. And though, perhaps,.the nature of the

profession may render it extremely difficultto carry this delicacy to its
utmost length, yet there are attentions to this point, which, as every
good man for virtue's sake, so every prudent man for reputation's
sake, will find to be necessary. He will always decline embarking
in causes that are odious and manifestly unjust; and, when he sup-
ports a doubtful cause, he will lay the chief stress upon sucli argu-
ments own judgment the most tenable; reserving
as appear to his
his zeal and his indignation for cases where injustice and iniquity are
flagrant. But of the personal qualities and virtues requisite in pub-
lic speakers, I shall afterwards have occasion to discourse.

These are the chief directions which have occurred to me con-

cerningthe peculiar strain of speaking at the bar. In order to illus-
trate the subject farther, I shall give a short analysis of one of Cice-
ro's pleadings, or judicial orations. I have chosen that, pro Clu-

entio. The celebrated one, pro Milone, is more laboured and showy
but it is too declamatory. That, pro Cluentio, comes nearer the
strain of a modern pleading; and though it has the disadvantage
of being very long and complicated too in the subject, yet it is one
cf the most chaste, correct, and forcible, of all Cicero's judicial ora-
tions, and well deserves attention for its conduct.
Avitus Cluentius, a Roman knight of splendid family and fortunes,
had accused his stepfather Oppianicus, of an attempt to poison him.
He prevailed in the prosecution Oppianicus was condemned and
;

banished. But as rumours arose of the judges having been cor-

rupted by money in this cause, these gave occasion to much popu-
lar clamour, and had thrown a heavy odium on Cluentius. Eight
years afterwards Oppianicus died. An accusation was brought
against Cluentius of having poisoned him, together with a charge
also of having bribed the judges in the former trial to condemn.
In this action Cicero defends him. The accusers were Sassia, the
mother of Cluentius, and widow of Oppianicus, and young Oppianicus,
the son. Q. Naso, the Pnetor, was judge, together with a consi-
derable number of Judices Selecti.
The introduction of the oration is simple and proper, taken from
no common-place topic, but from the nature of the cause. It be-
gins with taking notice, that the whole oration of the accuser was di-
vided into two parts.* These two parts were, the charge of having
poisoned Oppianicus; on which the accuser, conscious of having no
proof, did not lay the stress of his cause but rested it chiefly on
;

the other charge of formerly corrupting the judges, which was capi-
tal in certain cases, by the Roman law. Cicero proposes to follow
him in this method, and to apply himself chiefly to the vindication
of his client from the latter charge. He makes several proper ob-
Animadvertite, judices, omnem accusatoris orationem in duas divisam esse partes;
* '

quarum altera mihi niti et magnopere confidere videbatur, invidiajam inveterata judi-
cii modo consuetudinis causa, timide et diffidenter attingere ra-
Juniani, altera tantum
tionem veneficii criminum qua de re lege est hsc questio constituta. Itaque mihi
;

certumest hanc eandem distributionem invidiam et criminum sic in dsfensione servare,ut

Games intelligant, nihil me nee subterfugere voluisse reticendo, nee obscurare dicendo
!

39
 306 ANALYSIS OF CICERO'S [lect.xxviii

servations on the danger ofjudges suffering themselves to be sway-

ed by a popular cry, which often is raised by faction, and directed
against the innocent. He acknowledges, that Cluentius had suffer-
ed much and long by reproach, on account of what had passed at
the former trial but hegs only a patient and attentive hearing, and
;

assures the judges, that he will state every thing relating to that mat-
ter so fairly and so clearly, as shall give them entire satisfaction. A
great appearance of candour reigns throughout this introduction.
The crimes with which Cluentius was charged, were heinous.
A mother accusing her son, and accusing him of such actions, as
having first bribed judges to condemn her husband, and having
afterwards poisoned him, were circumstances that naturally raised
strong prejudices against Cicero's client. The first step, therefore,
necessary for the orator, was to remove these prejudices; by show-
ing what sort of persons Cluentius's mother, and her husband Oppi-
anicus, were; and thereby turning the edge of public indignation
against them. The nature of the cause rendered this plan altoge-
ther proper, and in similar situations it is fit to be imitated. He exe-
cutes his plan with much eloquence and force; and in doing it, lays
open such a scene of infamy and complicated guilt, as gives a
shocking picture of the manners of that age; and such as would
seem incredible, did not Cicero refer to the proof that was taken in
the former trial, of the facts which he alleges.
Sassia, the mother, appears to have been altogether of an aban-
doned character. Soon after the death of her first husband, the fa-
ther of Cluentius, she fell in love with Aurius Melinus, a young man
of illustrious birth and great fortune, who was married to her own
daughter. She prevailed with him to divorce her daughter, and
then she married him herself.* This Melinus being afterwards, by
the means of Oppianicus, involved in Sylla's proscription, and put
to death; and Sassia being left, for the second time, a widow, and
in a very opulent situation, Oppianicus himself made his addresses
to her. She, not startled at the imprudence of the proposal, nor at
the thoughts of marrying one, whose hands had been imbrued in her
former husband's blood, objected only, as Cicero says, to Oppiani-
cus having two sons by his present wife. Oppianicus removed the
objection by having his sons privately despatched and then, divorc-
;

ing his wife, the infamous match was concluded between him and
Sassia. These flagrant deeds are painted, as we may well believe,
with the highest colours of Cicero's eloquence, which here has a ve-
ry proper field. Cluentius, as a man of honour, couM no longer

* Lectum
'
ilium genialem quem biennio ante filial sua; nubenti stravcrat, in
eadem domo ornari et sterni, expulsa atque exturbata filia, jubct.
sibi Nubit ge
nero socrus, nullis auspicibus, funestis ominibus omnium. O mulieris scelus incre-
dibile, & prater hanc unam, in omni vita inauditum !O audaciam singularem !

non timuisse, siminus vim deorum, hominumque famam, at illam ipsam noctem,
f'acesque illas nuptiales ? non limen cubiculi ? non cubile filiae ? non parietes de-
nique ipsos superiorum testes nuptiarum ? perfregit ac prostravit omnia cupiditate
&. furore ? vicit pudorem libido; timorem audacia; rationem amentia.' The warmth
of Cicero's eloquence, which this passage beautifully exemplifies, is here fully justified
by the subject.
 ;

lect. xxvni.] ORATION FOR CLUENTIUS. 307

live on any tolerable terms with a woman, a mother only in the

name, who had loaded herself and all her family with so much dis-
honour; and hence the feud which had ever since subsisted be-
tween them, and had involved her unfortunate son in so much trou-
ble and persecution. As for Oppianicus, Cicero gives a short histo-
ry of his life, and a full detail of his crimes and by what he relates,
;

Oppianicus appears to have been a man daring, fierce, and cruel, in-
satiable in avarice and ambition ; trained and hardened in all the
crimes which those turbulent times of Marius and Sylla's proscrip-
tions produced 'Such a man,' says our orator, as, in place of be-
;
'

ing surprised that he was condemned, you ought rather to wonder

that he had escaped so long.'
And now, having prepared the way by all this narration, which
is clear and elegant, he enters on the history of that famous trial, in

which his client was charged with corrupting the judges. Both
Cluentius and Oppianicus were of the city of Larinum. In a public
contest about the rights of the freemen of that city, they had taken
opposite sides, which embittered the misunderstanding already sub-
sisting between them. Sassia, now the wife of Oppianicus, pushed
him on to the destruction of her son, whom she had long hated, as
one who was conscious of her crimes; and, as Cluentius was known
to have made no will, they expected, upon his death, to succeed to
his fortune. The plan w as formed, therefore, to despatch him by
T

poison ; which, considering their former conduct, is no incredible

part of the story. Cluentius was at that time indisposed the ser-
:

vant of his physician was to be bribed to give him poison, and one
Fabricius, an intimate friend of Oppianicus, was employed in the
negotiation. The servant having made the discovery, Cluentius
first prosecuted Scamander, a freedman of Fabricius, in whose cus-
tody the poison was found ; and afterwards Fabricius, for this at-
tempt upon his life. He prevailed in both actions and both these
:

persons were condemned by the voices, almost unanimous, of the

judges.
Of both these Prejudicia, as our author calls them, or previous
trials, he gives a very particular account and rests upon them a great
:

part of his argument, as in neither of them, there was the least charge
or suspicion of any attempt to corrupt the judges. But in both
these trials, Oppianicus was pointed at plainly; in both, Scamander
and Fabricius, were prosecuted as only the instruments and ministers
of his cruel designs. As a natural consequence, therefore, Cluen-
tius immediately afterwards raised a third prosecution against Oppi-
anicus himself, the contriver and author of the whole. It was in this
prosecution, that money was said to have been given to the judges ;
all Rome was filled with the report of it, and the alarm loudly raised

that no man's life or liberty was safe, if such dangerous practices

were not checked. By the following arguments, Cicero defends his
client against this heavy charge of the Crimen corrupti Judicii.
He reasons first, that there was not the least reason to suspect it
seeing the condemnation of Oppianicus was a direct and necessary
consequence of the judgments given against Scamander and Frabri-
308 ANALYSIS OF CICERO'S [lect. xxvih.

cius, in the two former trials ; trials that were fair and uncorrupted, to
the satisfaction of the whole world. Yet by these, the road was laid
clearly open to the detection of Oppianicus's guilt. His instruments
and ministers being once condemned, and by the very same judges
too, nothing could be more absurd than to raise a cry about an inno-
cent person being circumvented by bribery, when it was evident, on
the contrary, that a guilty person was now brought into judgment,
under such circumstances, that unless the judges were altogether
inconsistent with themselves, it was impossible for him to be ac-
quitted.
He reasons next, that, if in this trial there were any corruption of
the judges by money, it was infinitely more probable, that corrup-
tion should have proceeded from Oppianicus than from Cluentius.
For setting aside the difference of character between the two men,
the one fair, the other flagitious; what motive had Cluentius to try
so odious and dangerous an experiment, as that of bribing judges ?
Was it not much more likely that he should have had recourse to
this last remedy, who saw and knew himself, and his caus2, to be in
the utmost danger, than the other, who had a cause dear in itself,
and of the issue of which, in consequence of the two previous sen-
tences given by the same judges, he had full reason to be confident ?
Was it not much more likely that he should bribe, who had every
thing to fear; whose life, and liberty, and fortune, were at stake;
than he who had already prevailed in a material part of his charge,
and who had no further interest in the issue of the prosecution than
as justice was concerned ?
In the third place, he asserts it as a certain fact, that Oppianicus
did attempt to bribe the judges; that the corruption in this trial, so
much complained of, was employed, not by Cluentius, but against
him. He calls on Titus Attius, the orator on the opposite side; he
challenges him to deny, if he can, or if he dare, that Stalenus, one
of the thirty-two Judices Selecli, did receive money from Oppiani-
cus; he names the sum that was given; he names the persons that
were present, when, after the trial was over, Stalenus was obliged to
refund the bribe. This is a strong fact, and would seem quite de-
cisive. But, unluckily, a very cross circumstance occurs here. For
this very Stalenus gave his voice to condemn Oppianicus. For this
strange incident, Cicero accounts in the following manner: Stale-
nus, says he, known to be a worthless man, and accustomed before
to the like practices, entered into a treaty with Oppianicus to bring
him off, and demanded for that purpose a certain sum, which he
undertook to distribute among a competent number of the other
judges. When he was once in possession of the money when he :

found a greater treasure than ever he had been master of, deposit-
ed in his empty and wretched habitation, he became very unwilling
to part with any of it to his colleagues and bethought himself of
;

some means by which he could contrive to keep it all to himself.

The scheme which he devised for this purpose, was, to promote the
condemnation, instead of the acquittal of Oppianicus; as, from a
condemned person, he did not apprehend much danger of being
 lect. xxvin.] ORATION FOR CLUENTIUS. 309

called to account, or being obliged to make restitution. In stead,

therefore, of endeavouring to gain any of his colleagues, he irritat-
ed such as he had influence with against Oppianicus, by first promis-
ing them money in his name, and afterwards telling them that Op-
pianicus had cheated him.* When sentence was to be pronounced,
he had taken measures for being absent himself: but being brought
by Oppianicus's lawyers from another court, and obliged to give
his voice, he found it necessary to lead the way in condemning the
man whose money he had taken, without fulfilling the bargain
which he had made with him.
By these plausible facts and reasonings, the character of Cluen
this seems in a great measure cleared ; and, what Cicero chiefly in-
tended, the odium thrown upon the adverse party. But a difficult
part of the orator's business still remained. There were several
subsequent decisions of the praetor, the censors, and the senate,
against the judges in this cause ; which all proceeded, or seemed
to proceed, upon this ground of bribery and corruption for it is :

plain the suspicion prevailed, that if Oppianicus had given money

to Stalenus, Cluentius had out-bribed him. To all these decisions,
however, Cicero replies with much distinctness and subtilty of ar-
gument though it might be tedious to follow him through all his
;

reasonings on these heads. He shows, that the facts were, at that

time, very indistinctly known that the decisions appealed to were
;

hastily given that not one of them concluded directly against his
;

client and that such as they were, they were entirely brought about
;

by the inflammatory and factious harangues of Quinctius, the tri-

bune of the people, who had been the agent and advocate of Oppi-
anicus and who, enraged at the defeat he had sustained, had em-
;

ployed all his tribunitial influence to raise a storm against the judges
who condemned his client.
At length, Cicero comes to reason concerning the point of law.
The Crimen Corrupti Judicii, or the bribing of judges, was capital.
In the famous Lex Cornelia de Sicariis, was contained this clause
(which we find still extant, Pandect, lib. xlviii. tit. 10, § 1.) Qui '

judicem corruperit, vel corrumpendum curaverit, hac lege teneatur.'

This clause, however, we learn from Cicero, was restricted to ma-
gistrates and senators and as Cluentius was only of the equestrian
;

order, he was not, even supposing him guilty, within the law. Of
this Cicero avails himself doubly and as he shows here the most
;

masterly address, I shall give a summary of his pleading on this

part of the cause You,' says he to the advocate for the prosecu-
:
'

tor, you, T. Attius, I know, had every where given it out, that I
'

* ' Cum esset egeas, suraptuosus, audax, callidus, perfidiosus, et cum domi suae,
miserrimis in loeis, et inanissimis, tantum nummorum positum viderit, ad omnem mali-
tiam et fraudem versare mentem suam coepit. Demne judicibus ? mild igitur, ipsi
prater periculum et infamiam quid quaeretur? Siquis eum forte casus ex periculo
cripuerit, nonne redcndum est? praecipitantcm igitur impellamus, inquit, et peiditum
prosternamus. Capit hoc consilium nt pecuniam quibusdam judicibus levissimis polli-
ceatur, deinde earn postea supprimat ut quoniam graves homines sua sponte severA
;

judicatures putabat, hos qui leviores erant, destitutione iratos 0{- t nanico redderet.'
S10 ANALYSIS OF CICERO'S [lect. xxviii

was to defend my client, not from facts, not upon the footing of in-
nocence, but by taking advantage merely of the law in his behalf.
Have I done so ? I appeal to yourself. Have I sought to cover
him behind a legal defence only? On the contrary, have I not
pleaded his cause as if he had been a senator, liable, by the Corne-
lian law, to be capitally convicted and shown, that neither proof
;

nor probable presumption lies against his innocence? In doing so,

I must acquaint you, that I have complied with the desire of Cluen-
tius himself. For when he first consulted me in this cause, and
when I informed him that it was clear no action could be brought
against him from the Cornelian law, he instantly besought and ob-
tested me, that I would not rest his defence on that ground saying, ;

with tears in his eyes, that his reputation was as dear to him as his
life; and that what he sought, as an innocent man, was not only to
be absolved from any penalty, but to be acquitted in the opinion of
all his fellow citizens.
' Hitherto, then, I have pleaded this cause upon his plan. But my
client must forgive me, if now I shall plead it upon my own. For
I should be wanting to myself, and to that regard which my charac-

ter and station require me to bear to the laws of the state, if I should
allow any person to be judged of by a law which does not bind him.
You, Attius, indeed, have told us, that it was a scandal and reproach,
that a Roman knight should be exempted from those penalties to
which a senator, for corrupting judges, is liable. But I must tell
you, that it would be a much greater reproach, in a state that is re-
gulated by law, to depart from the law. What safety have any of
us in our persons, what security for our rights, if the law shall be
set aside ? By what title do you, Q. Naso, sit in that chair, and
preside in this judgment? By what right, T. Attius, do you accuse,
or do I defend ? Whence all the solemnity and pomp of judges, and
clerks, and officers, of which this house is full? Does not all proceed
from the law, which regulates the whole departments of the state;
which, as a common bond, holds its members together; and, like
the soul within the body, actuates and directs all the public func-
tions ?* On what ground, then, dare you speak lightly of the law,
or move that, in a criminal trial, judges should advance one step
beyond what it permits them to go? The wisdom of our ancestors
has found, that, as senators and magistrates enjoy higher dignities,
and greater advantages than other members of the state, the law
should also, with regard to them, be more strict, and the purity and
uncorruptednessof their morals beguarded by more severe sanctions.
* Ait Attius, iidignum esse facinus, si senator Judicio quenqnatn circumvenerit,
:

eum legibus teneri si Eques Romanos hoc idem fecerit, eum non teneri.
: Ut tibi
concedam hoc indignum esse, tu mihi concedas necesse est multo esse indignius, in e'd
civitate qua legibus contineatur, discedi a legibus. Hoc nam vinculum est hujus dig-
nitatis qua fruimur in republica. Hoc fundamentum libertatis ; hie fons equitatis ;

mens et animus, et consilium, et sententia civitatis posita est in legibus. Ut corpora

nostra sine inente, sic civitas sine lege, suis partibus, ut nervis ac sanguine &. membris,
uti non potest. Legum ministri, magistratus ; legum interpretes, judices legum de-
;

nique idcirco omnes sumus servi, ut liberi esse possimus ; Quid est, Q. Naso, cur tu in
hoc loco sedeas ?, &c.
 ;

lect. xxviit.] ORATION FOR CLUENTIUS. 311

But if it be your pleasure that this institution should be altered, if

you wish to have the Cornelian law, concerning bribery, extended
to all ranks,then let us join, not in violating the law, but in propos-
ing to have this alteration made by a new law. My
client, Cluen-
tius, will be the foremost in this measure, who now, while the old
law subsists, rejected its defence, and required his cause to be
pleaded, as if he had been bound by it. But, though he would not
avail himself of the law, you are bound in justice not to stretch it
beyond its proper limits.'
Such is the reasoning of Cicero on this head eloquent surely, ;

and strong. As his manner is diffuse, I have greatly abridged i.

from the original, but have endeavoured to retain its force.
In the latter part of the oration, Cicero treats of the other accusa-
tion that was brought against Cluentius, of having poisoned Oppi-
anicus. On this, it appears, his accusers themselves laid small
stress having placed their chief hope in overwhelming Cluentius
;

with the odium of bribery in the former trial; and therefore, on

this part of the cause, Cicero does not dwell long. He shows the
improbability of the whole tale which they related concerning this
pretended poisoning, and makes it appear to be altogether destitute
of any shadow of proof.
Nothing, therefore, remains, but the peroration or conclusion of
the whole. In this, as indeed throughout the whole of this oration,
Cicero is uncommonly chaste ; and, in the midst of much warmth
and earnestness, keeps clear of turgid declamation. The peroration
turns on two points; the indignation which the character and con-
duct of Sassia ought to excite, and the compassion due to a son, per-
secuted through his whole life by such a mother. He recapitulates
the crimes of Sassia her lewdness, her violation of every decorum ;
;

her incestuous marriages, her violence and cruelty. He places, in

the most odious light, the eagerness and fury which she had shown
in the suit she was carrying on against her son describes her jour-
;

ney from Larinum to Rome, with a train of attendants, and a great

store of money, that she might employ every method for circum-
venting and oppressing him in this trial ; while, in the whole
course of her journey, she was so detested, as to make a solitude
wherever she lodged ; she was shunned and avoided by all her ;

company and her very looks were reckoned contagious; the house
was deemed polluted which was entered into by so abandoned a
woman.* To this he opposes the character of Cluentius, fair, un-

*' Cum appropinquare hujus judicium ei nuntiatum est, confestim hue adolavit
ne aut accusatoribus diligentia, aut pecunia testibus deesset aut ne forte mater hoc
;

sibi optatissimum spectaculum hujus sordium atque iuctus, et tanti squaloris amitteret.
Jam vero quod iter Romam hujus mulieris fuisse existimatis ? Quod ego propter vici-
nitatem Aquinatium et Venafranorum ex multis comperi quos concursus in his oppi-
:

dis ? Quantos et virorum et mulierum gemitus esse factos ? Mulierem quandam Larino,
atque ilia m usque a mari supero Romam profieisci cum magno comitatu et pecunia,
quo facilius circumvenire judicio capitis, atque opprimere filium posset. Nemo erat
illorum, poane dicam, quin expiandum ilium locum esse arbitraretur quacunque ilia
iter fecisset nemo, quin terrain ipsam violari, qua mater est omnium, vestigiis con-
;

scleratae matris putaret. Itaque nullo in oppido consistendi ei potestas fuit; nemo ex
tot hospitibus inventus est qui non contagionem aspectus fugeret.'

2 Y
312 QUESTIONS. [lect. xxviii.

spotted, and respectable. He produces the testimonies of the ma-

gistrates ofLarinum in his favour, given in the most ample and ho-
nourable manner by a public decree, and supported by a great con-
course of the most noted inhabitants, who were now present to
second every tiling that Cicero could say in favour of Cluentius.
'Wherefore, judges,' he concludes, 'if you abominate crimes, stop
the triumph of this impious woman prevent this most unnatural
;

mother from rejoicing in her son's blood. If you love virtue and
worth, relieve this unfortunate man, who, for so many years, has
been exposed to most unjust reproach through the calumnies raised
against him by Sassia, Oppianicus, and all their adherents. Better
far had it been for him, to have ended his days at once by the poison
which Oppianicus had prepared for him, than to have escaped those
snares, if he must still be oppressed by an odium which I have
shown to be so unjust. But in you he trusts, in your clemency, and
your equity, that now, on a full and fair hearing of this cause, you
will restore him honour you will restore him to his friends
to his ;

and whose zeal and high estimation of him you

fellow-citizens, of
have seen such strong proofs and will show, by your decision, that
;

though faction and calumny may reign for a while in popular meet-
ings and harangues, in trial and judgment, regard is paid to the
truth only.'
I have given only a skeleton of this oration of Cicero. What I

principally aimed at, was to show his and method his

disposition ;

arrangement of facts, and the conduct and force of some of his main
arguments. But, in order to have a full view of the subject, and of
the art with which the orator manages it, recourse must be had to
the original. Few of Cicero's orations contain a greater variety ot
facts and argumentations, which renders it difficult to analyze it fully.
But for this reason I chose it, as an excellent example of managing
at the bar, a complex and intricate cause, with order, elegance, and
force.

QUESTIONS.
What was treated of in the last lec- There, what have they not, for employ-
ture ? Much of what was said on that ing the arts of speech? How is this il-
head is applicable to what ; and what lustrated ? In the last place, what do
is the consequence? But, as all that was the nature and management of the sub-
said in the former lecture, must not be jects which belong to the bar, require ?
applied to it, what is of importance ? How is this difference illustrated ? For
In the first place, what is observed ? In these reasons, what is clear; and for
popular assemblies, what is the great similar reasons, of what must we be-
object, and at what does the orator aim? ware? Why
is it necessary to warn

For accomplishing this end, what is in- young lawyers of this ? What is the
cumbent on him ? At the bar, what is first cause to which this was owing ?
the great object, and there, what is the How is this remark illustrated ? What,
speaker's business; and to what, conse- consequently, more than jurisprudence,
quently, is his eloquence addressed? was the study of those who were to
Of this difference, what is observed ? plead causes? What does Cicero some-
In the second place, to whom do speak- where say ; and even what opinion pre-
ers at the bar address themselves ? vailed? There were among the Romans
 LECT. XXVIII.] QUESTIONS. 312 a

what set ofmen and what was their much recommended to those who are
;

office? What may we next observe? beginning to practice at the bar? To

How is this remark fully illustrated? what habit should they form them-
Hence, what consequences followed; selves? If this habit be once acquired,
and hence, what practices, which would what will be the consequence ? Where-
be reckoned theatrical among us, were as, what will be the consequence of
common at the Roman bar? Why, then, suffering a loose and negligent style to
would too strict an imitation of Cicero's become familiar? What is a capital
manner of pleading, now be extremely property in speaking at the bar ; and
injudicious ? As he may, however, still in what two things, chiefly, should it
be studied to great advantage, in what be shown ? What is of the utmost con-
ought he to be imitated? By what sequence in every sort of oration ; and
imitations of him would a pleader ren- where is this indispensable ? In what,
der himself perfectly ridiculous? Be- therefore, cannot toomuch pains be
fore descending to more particular di- taken ; and why ? With respect to the
rections concerning Llie eloquence of the conduct of narration and argument,
bar, of what does our author take no- what only, at present, is observed ?
tice ? Of this, what is observed ; and Why .8 this remark made ? Whereas,
why? Besides previous study, and a by cutting off all superfluous circum-
proper stock of knowledge attained, stances in his recital, what effect does
what is highly material to the success he produce ? Why should a more dif-
of every pleader ? How did the ancient fuse manner in argumentation be used
rhetoricians regard this? What does at the bar, than on some other occa-
Cicero tell us on this subject? Whom sions ?
does he very severely censure; and When the pleader comes to refute the
with what does he tax them ? To the arguments employed by his adversary,
same purpose, what is done by Quinti- why should he not do them injustice ?
lian; and what does he again and Whereas, what will be the effect of
again recommend ? Repeat the pas- stating them with accuracy and can-
sage. Suppose an advocate to be thus dour ? In this case, what are they natu-
prepared, what is next observed ? rally led to think? To what is the
What inference would be altogether judge thereby inclined and what re-;

wrong ? Though the manner of speak- mark follows ? When

may wit be of
ing be changed, yet what follows? service at the bar ? Though the repu-
From what consideration does it ap- tation of wit be dazzling to a young
pear that, perhaps, there is no scene pleader, yet why should he not rest his
of public speaking, where eloquence is strength upon this talent ? In pleading
more necessary than at the bar ? What a cause, what is always of use ? How
does the dryness and subtilty of the is this remark illustrated ? As an advo-
subjects generally agitated at the bar, cate personates his client, and stands in
require? How is this illustrated ? his place, what is very improper, and
What is no small encouragement to has a bad effect; and what follows?
eloquence, at the bar? To what is he At the same time, of what must he
less exposed than some others? Why beware; why; and what must never
is he sure of coining forward according be forgotten? What is scarcely possible?

to his merit ? What may be done for a How is this illustrated ? How must this
young pleader, by his friends? Why opinion of honour and probity, there-
will a reputation resting on these assist- fore, be preserved ? Though, perhaps,
ances, soon fall? What must be laid the nature of the profession may ren •

down for a first principle ? Why may der it difficult to carry this delicacy to
a little play to the imagination be some- its utmost length, yet what follows?
times allowed; but how must this liber- Embarking in what causes will he al-
•ty be taken ? How is the speaker who ways decline ; and when he supports a
uses a florid style and sparkling manner doubtful one, what course will he pur-
heard ? What is their effect ? What is sue? In what manner does our author
chiefly to be studied ? Of what are the propose further to illustrate this sub-
gentlemen of this profession often ac- ject? What oration has our author
cused ; and how are they betrayed in- chosen ; and why? What is the subject
to it ? What, thereforej cannot be too of the oration? Of the introduction
 ; . ;

312 b QUESTIONS. [lect. XXIX.

what is observed ? How does it begin ;

following passage ? Repeat it. In the
and what were these two parts 1 What latter part of the oration, of what does
does Cicero propose? On what does he Cicero treat? Of this, what is observed?
make several proper observations and
; What does Cicero here show ? Of the
what does he acknowledge ? Begging peroration what is observed ; and on
a patient and attentive hearing, of what two points does it turn? With re-
what does he assure the judges? What gard to Sassia, what does Cicero do ?
reigns throughout tins introduction? To the character of Sassia, what does
What circumstances naturally raised he oppose and what does he produce?
;

strong prejudices against Cicero's client? With what remarks does he conclude?
What was, therefore, the first step to be In this skeleton, what was principally
taken by the orator and in what man- aimed at ? In order to have a full view
;

ner? What rendered this plan proper? of it, to what must recourse be had
In executing his plan, what does he and why?
do? What evidence have we of the
abandoned character of Sassia, the
mother ? What was the fate of Meli- ANALYSIS.
nus ? When Oppianicus himself made
his addresses to her, on what ground 1 Eloquence of the bar.
did she object to him ? Upon the remo- A. The difference between it and
val of this objection, what followed ? popular eloquence.
How are these flagrant deeds painted B. Cicero's and Demosthenes' ora-
by Cicero? As Cluentius could no tions not models for modern
longer live on terms with Sassia, what speakers at the bar.
followed? What does Cicero say of c. The requisites for a lawyer's suc-
Oppianicus? Repeat, fully, the history cess.
of the trial. Of both these Prejudicia, a. A profound knowledge of his
what is observed and what was a na-
; profession.
tural consequence? What was pecu- b. Eloquence in pleading.

liar to this prosecution ? By what argu- D. Directions for speaking at the bar.
ments does Cicero defend his client a. To be calm and temperate.
against this heavy charge of the b. Verbosity to be avoided.

Crimen corrupti Judicii? What is c. Distinctness a capital property.

the effect of these plausible facts and d. Conciseness in narration requi-

reasonings? What difficult part of the site.

orator's business still remained ? To all e. Candidness in stating an oppo-

these decisions, how does Cicero reply nent's arguments.

and what does he show ? At length, f. A
proper degree of warmth
Cicero comes to reason of what and ; useful.
of what does he take advantage ? 2. An analysis of one of Cicero's ora-
Why does our author introduce the
1

tions.

LECTURE XXIX.
ELOQUENCE OF THE PULPIT.
Before treating of the structureand component parts of a regu-
lar oration, I purposed making some observations on the peculiar
strain, the distinguishing characters, of each of the three great kinds
of public speaking. 1 have already treated of the eloquence of po-

pular assemblies, and of the eloquence of the bar. The subject which
remains for this lecture is, the strain and spirit of that eloquence
which is suited to the pulpit.
Let us begin with considering the advantages and disadvantages
which belong to this field of public speaking. The pulpit has plain-
ly several advantages peculiar to itself. The dignity and impor-
 — ;

lect.xxix.] ELOQUENCE OF THE PULPIT. 313

tance of its subjects must be acknowledged superior to any other.

They are such as ought to interest every one, and can be, brought
home to every man's heart and such as admit, at the same time,
;

both the highest embellishment in describing, and the greatest ve-

hemence and warmth in enforcing them. The preacher has also
great advantages in 'treating his subjects. He speaks not to one or
a few judges, but to a large assembly. He is secure from all inter-
ruption. He is obliged to no replies, or extemporaneous efforts.
He chooses his theme at leisure and comes to the public with all
;

the assistance which the most accurate premeditation can give him.
But, together with these advantages, there are also peculiar dif-
ficulties that attend the eloquence of the pulpit. The preacher,
it is true, has no trouble in contending with an adversary but then, ;

debate and contention enliven genius and procure attention. The

pulpit orator is, perhaps, in too quiet possession of his field. His
subjects of discourse are, in themselves, noble and important but ;

they are subjects trite and familiar. They have, for ages, employed
so many speakers, and so many pens the public ear is so much ac-
;

customed to them, that it requires more than an ordinary power

of genius to fix attention. Nothing within the reach of art is more
difficult, than to bestow, on what is common, the grace of no-
velty. No sort of composition whatever is such a trial of skill, as
where the merit of it lies wholly in the execution ; not in giving
any information that is new, not in convincing men of what they
did not believe; but in dressing truths which they knew, and
of which they were before convinced, in such colours as may
most forcibly affect their imagination and heart.* It is to be con-
sidered, too, that the subject of the preacher generally confines
him to abstract qualities, to virtues and vices; whereas, that of
other popular speakers leads them to treat of persons which is a ;

subject that commonly interests the hearers more, and takes faster
hold of the imagination. The preacher's business is solely to make
you detest the crime the pleader's, to make you detest the crimi-
;

nal. He describes a living person; and with more facility rouses

* What I have said on this subject, coincides very much with the observations
made by the famous M. Bruyere, in his Mazurs de Steele, when he is comparing the
eloquence of the pulpit to that of the bar. L'eloquence de la chaire, en ce qui y
'

entre d'humain, Si du talent de l'orateur, est cachee, connue de peu de personnes, &
d'une difficile execution. II faut marcher par des chemins battus, dire ce qui a 6t6
dit, Si ce qui Ton prevoit que vous allez dire : les matieres sont grandes, mais us6es Si
triviales ; les principes surs, mais dont les auditeurs penetrent les conclusions d'une
seule vue : il y entre des sujets qui sont sublimes, mais qui peut traiter le sublime?

Le Predicateur n'est point soutenu comme l'avocat par des faits toujours nouveaux,
par de differens evenemens, par des aventures inouies ; il ne s'exerce point sur les
•
questions douteuses ; il ne fait point valoir les violentes conjectures, Si les presomptions
toutes choses, neanmoins, qui elevent le genie, lui donnent de la force. Si de l'6tendue,
&, qui contraignent bien moins l'eloquence, qu'elles ne le fixent, Si le dirigent. II doit
au contraire, tirer son discours d'une source commune, Si ou tout le monde puise ; Si
s'il s'ecarte de ces lieux communs il n'est plus populaire ; il est abstrait ou declamateur.'

The inference which he draws from these reflections is very just: 'il est plus ais6 de
pr£cher que de plaider ; mais plus difficile de bien pr£cher que de bien plaider.' Lei
Caractere*, ou Moeurs de ce Siecle, p. 601.
40
314 ELOQUENCE OF THE PULPIT, [lect. xxix

your indignation. From these causes, it comes to pass, that though

we have a great number of moderately good preachers, we have,
however, so few that are singularly eminent. We are still far from
perfection in the art of preaching; and perhaps there are few things,
in which it is more difficult to excel.* The object, however, is no-
ble, and worthy, upon many accounts, of being pursued with zeal.
It may perhaps occur to some, that preaching is no proper sub-
ject of the art of eloquence. This, it may be said, belongs only
to studies and inventions: but the truths of religion, with
human
the greater simplicity, and the less mixture of art they are set
forth, are likely to prove the more successful. This objection would
have weight, if eloquence were as the persons who make such
an objection commonly take it to be, an ostentatious and deceit-
ful art, the study of words and of plausibility, only calculated to
please, and to tickle the ear. But against this idea of eloquence
I have all along guarded. True eloquence is the art of placing
truth in the most advantageous light for conviction and persuasion.
This is what every good man who preaches the gospel not only
may, but ought to have at heart. It is most intimately connected
with the success of his ministry and were it needful, as assuredly
;

it is not, to reason any farther on this head, we might refer to the

discourses of the prophets and Apostles, as models of the most sublime

and persuasive eloquence, adapted both to the imagination and the
passions of men.
An essential
requisite, in order to preach well, is, to have a just,
and same time, a fixed and habitual view of the end of preach-
at the
ing. For in no art can any man execute well, who has not a
just idea of the end and object of that art. The end of all preach-
ing is, to persuade men to become good. Every sermon, there-
fore, should be a persuasive oration. Not but that the preacher is
to instruct and to teach, to reason and argue. All persuasion, as I
showed formerly, is to be founded on conviction. The understand-
ing must always be applied to in the first place, in order to make a
lasting impression on the heart: and he who would work on men's
passions, or influence their practice, without first giving them just
principles, and enlightening their minds, is no better than a mere
declaimer. He may raise transient emotions, or kindle a passing
ardour, but can produce no solid or lasting effect. At the same time,

* Whatsay here, and in other passages, of our being far from perfection in the
I
art of preaching, and of there being few who are singularly eminent in it, is to be al-
ways understood as referring to an ideal view of the perfection of this art, which none
perhaps, since the days of the Apostles, ever did, or ever will reach. But in that de-
gree of the eloquence of the pulpit, which promotes, in a considerable measure, the
great end of edification, and gives a just t'itie to high reputation and esteem, there are
many who bold a very honourable rank. I agree entirely in opinion with a candid
judge (Dr. Campbell, on Rhetoric, b. i. ch. 10.) who observes, that considering how rare
the talent of eloquence is among men, and considering all the disadvantages under
which preachers labour, particularly from the frequency of this exercise, joined with
the other duties of their office, to which fixed pastors are obliged, there is more reason
to wonder that we hear so many instructive, and even eloquent sermons, than that we
bear so few.
lect. xxix.] ELOQUENCE OF THE PULPIT. 315

it must be remembered, that all the preacher's instructions are to

be of tbe practical kind, and that persuasion must ever be his ulti-
mate object. It is not to discuss some abstruse point, that he as-
cends the pulpit; it is not to illustrate some metaphysical truth, or
to inform men of something which they never heard before ; but it
is to make them better men ;it is to give them, at once, clear views

and persuasive impressions of religious truth. The eloquence of

the pulpit,tben, must be popular eloquence. One of the first quali-
ties of preaching is to be popular; not in the sense of accommoda-
tion to the humours and prejudices of the people, (which tends only
to make a preacher contemptible,) but, in the true sense of the
word, calculated to make impression on the people; to strike and
to seize their hearts. I scruple not therefore to assert, that the ab-
stract and philosophical manner of preaching, however it may have
sometimes been admired, is formed upon a very faulty idea, and
deviates widely from the just plan of pulpit eloquence. Rational,
indeed, a preacher ought always to be; he must give his audience
clear ideas on every subject, and entertain them with sense, not
with sound: but to be an accurate reasoner will be small praise, if
he be not a persuasive speaker also.
Now, if this be the proper idea of a sermon, a persuasive oration,
one very material consequence follows, that the preacher himself,
in order to be successful, must be a good man. In a preceding lec-
ture I endeavoured to show, that on no subject can any man be tru-
ly eloquent, who does not utter the " verae voces ab imo pectore,"
who does not speak the language of his own conviction and his own
feelings. If this holds, as inmy opinion it does, in other kinds of
public speaking, itcertainly holds in the highest degree in preach-
ing. There, it is of the utmost consequence that the speaker firm-
ly believe both the truth and the importance of those principles
which he inculcates on others; and, not only that he believe them
speculatively, but have a lively and serious feeling of them. This
will always give an earnestness and strength, a fervour of piety to
his exhortations, superior in its effects to all the arts of studied elo-
quence ; and, without it, the assistance of art will seldom be able to
conceal the mere declaimer. A spirit of true piety would prove the
most effectual guard againt those errors which preachers are apt to
commit. It would make their discourses solid, cogent, and useful;
it would prevent those frivolous and ostentatious harangues, which

have no other aim than merely to make a parade of speech, or amuse

an audience; and perhaps the difficulty of attaining ftiat pitch of
habitual piety and goodness, which the perfection of pulpit eloquence
would require, and of uniting it with that thorough knowledge of
the world, and those other talents which are requisite for excelling
in the pulpit, is one of the great causes why so few arrive at very
high eminence in this sphere.
The chief characteristics of the eloquence suited to the pulpit, as
distinguished from the other kinds of public speaking, appear to me
to be these two, gravity and warmth. The serious nature of the sub-
 ;

316 ELOQUENCE OF THE PULPIT, [lect. xxix

jects belonging to the pulpit, requires gravity ; their importance

to mankind, requires warmth. It is far from being either easy or
common to unite these characters of eloquence. The grave, when it

is predominant, apt to run into a dull uniform solemnity.

is The
warm, when it wants gravity, borders on the theatrical and light.
The union of the two must be studied by all preachers as of the ut-
most consequence, both in the composition of their discourses, and
in their manner of delivery. Gravity and warmth united, form that
character of preaching which the French call net ion ; the affect-
ing, penetrating, interesting manner, flowing from a strong sensibi-
lity of heart in the preacher to the importance of those truths which
he delivers, and an earnest desire that they may make full impres-
sion on the hearts of his hearers.
Next to a just idea of the nature and object of pulpit eloquence,
the point of greatest importance to a preacher, is a proper choice of
the subjects on which he preaches. To give rules for the choice of
subjects for sermons, belongs to the theological more than to the
rhetorical chair; only in general, they should be such as appear to
the preacher to be the most useful, and the best accommodated to
the circumstances of his audience. No man can be called eloquent,
who speaks to an assembly on subjects, or in a strain, which none
or few of them comprehend. The unmeaning applause which the
ignorant give to what is above their capacity, common sense and
common probity must teach every man to despise. Usefulness and
true eloquence always go together and no man can long be reput-
;

ed a good preacher, who is not acknowledged to be an useful one.

The rules which relate to the conduct of the different parts of a
sermon, the introduction, division, argumentative, and pathetic
parts, I reserve, till I come to treat of the conduct of a discourse in
general; but some rules and observations, which respect a sermon
as a particular species of composition, I shall now give, and I hope
they may be of some use.
The first which I shall mention is, to attend to the unity of a ser-

mon. Unity indeed isof great consequence in every composition

but in other discourses, where the choice and direction of the sub-
ject are not left to the speaker, it may be less in his power to pre-
serve it. In a sermon, it must be always the preacher's own fault
if he transgress it. What I mean by unity is, that there should be
some one main point to which the whole strain of the sermon should
refer. It must not be a bundle of different subjects strung together,
but one subject must predominate throughout. This rule is found-
ed on what we call experience, that th-e mind can fully attend only
to one capital object at a time. By dividing, you always weaken
the impression. Now this unity, without which no sermon can ei-
ther have much beauty, or much force, does not require that there
should be no divisions or separate heads in the discourse, or that
one single thought only should be, again and again, turned up to
the hearers in different lights. It is not to be understood in so nar-
row a sense it admits of some variety it admits of under parts
: ;
lect. xxix.] ELOQUENCE OF THE PULPIT. 317

and appendages, provided always that so much union and connexion

be preserved, as to make the whole concur in some one impression
upon the mind. I may employ, for instance, several different argu-
ments to enforce the love of God I may also inquire, perhaps,
;

into the causes of the decay of this virtue; still one great object is
presented to the mind but if, because my text says, 'He that loveth
:

God must love his brother also,' I should, therefore, mingle in one
discourse, arguments for the love of God, and for the love of our
neighbour, I should offend unpardonably against unity, and leave a
very loose and confused impression on the hearers' minds.
In the second place, sermons are always the more striking, and
commonly the more useful, the more precise and particular the sub-
ject of them is. This follows, in a great measure, from what I was
just now illustrating. Though a general subject is capable of being
conducted with a considerable degree of unity, yet that unity can
never be so complete as in a particular one. The impression made
must always be more undeterminate; and the instruction conveyed
will commonly, too, be less direct and convincing. General sub-
jects, indeed, such as the excellency of the pleasures of religion,
are often chosen by young preachers, as the most showy, and the
easiest to be handled; and, doubtless, general views of religion are
not to be neglected, as on several occasions they have great propri-
ety. But these are not the subjects most favourable for producing
the high effects of preaching. They fall in almost unavoidably with
the beaten track of common-place thought. Attention is much
more commanded by seizing some particular view of a great subject,
some single interesting topic, and directing to that point the whole
force of argument and eloquence. To recommend some one grace
or virtue, or to inveigh against a particular vice, furnishes a subject
not deficient in unity or precision but if we confine ourselves to
;

that virtue or vice as assuming a particular aspect, and consider it

as it appears in certain characters, or affects certain situations in
life, the subject becomes still more interesting. The execution is,
I admit, more difficult, but the merit and the effect are higher.
In the third place, never study to say all that can be said upon a
subject; no error is greater than this. Select the most useful, the
most striking, and persuasive topics, which the text suggests, and
rest the discourse upon these. If the doctrines which ministers of
the Gospel preach were altogether new to their hearers, it might be
requisite for them to be exceedingly full on every particular, lest
there should be any hazard of their not affording complete informa-
tion. But it is much less for the sake of information than of per-
suasion, that discourses are delivered from the pulpit; and nothing
is more opposite to persuasion, than an unnecessary and tedious ful-

ness. There are always some things which the preacher may sup-
pose to be known, and some things which he may only slightly
touch. If he seek to omit nothing which his subject suggests, it will
unavoidably happen that he will encumber it, and weaken its force.
In studying a sermon, he ought to place himself in the situation
2Z
31S ELOQUENCE OF THE PULPIT, [lect. xxtx

of a serious hearer. Let him suppose the subject addressed to him-

self: lethim consider what views of it would strike him most; what
arguments would be most likely to persuade him; what parts of it
would dwell most upon his mind. Let these be employed as his
principal materials; and in these, most likely his genius will
it is

exert itself with the greatest vigour. The spinning and wire-draw-
ing mode, which is not uncommon among preachers, enervates the
noblest truths. It may indeed be a consequence
of observing the
rule which I am now giving, that fewer sermons
will be preached
upon one text than is sometimes done but this will, in my opinion,
;

be attended with no disadvantage. I know no benefit that arises

from introducing a whole system of religious truth under every text.

The simplest and most natural method by far, is to choose that
view of a subject to which the text principally leads, and to dwell
no longer on the text, than is sufficient for discussing the subject in
that view, which can commonly be done, with sufficient profound-
ness and distinctness in one or a few discourses: for it is a very false
notion to imagine, that they always preach the most profoundly, or
go the deepest into a subject, who dwell on it the longest. On the
contrary, that tedious circuit, which some are ready to take in all
their illustrations, is very frequently owing, either to their want of
discernment for perceiving what is most important in the subject, or
to their want of ability for placing it in the most proper point of view.
In the fourth place, study, above all things, to render your in-
structions interesting to the hearers. This is the great trial and
mark of true genius for the eloquence of the pulpit for nothing is
;

so fatal to success in preaching, as a dry manner. Adry sermon

can never be a good one. In order to preach in an interesting
manner, much will depend upon the delivery of a discourse; for
the manner in which a man speaks, is of the utmost consequence
for affecting his audience, but much will also depend on the com-
position of the discourse. Correct language, and elegant description,
are but the secondary instruments of preaching in an interesting
manner. The great secret lies in bringing home all that is spoken
to the hearts of the hearers, so as to make every man think that the
preacher is addressing him in particular. For this end, let him
avoid all intricate reasonings; avoid expressing himself in general
speculative propositions, or laying down practical truths in an ab-
stract metaphysical manner. As much as possible, the discourse
ousdit to be carried on in the strain of direct address to the au-
dience; not in the strain of one writing an essay, but of one speak-
ing to a multitude, and studying to mix what is called application,
or what has an immediate reference to practice, with the doctrinal
and didactic parts of the sermon.
It will be of much advantage to keep always in view the different
ages, characters, and conditions of men, and to accommodate direc-
tions and exhortations to these different classes of hearers. When-
ever you bring forth what a man feels to touch his own character,
or to suit his own circumstances, you are sure of interesting him.
 ;

lect. xxix.] ELOQUENCE OF THE PULPIT. 319

No study is more necessary for this purpose, than the study of hu-
man life, and the human heart. To be able to unfold the heart, and
to discover a man to himself, in a light in which he never saw his
own character before, produces a wonderful effect. As long as the
preacher hovers in a cloud of general observations, and descends
not to trace the particular lines and features of manners, the audi-
ence are apt to think themselves unconcerned in the description.
It is the striking accuracy of the moral characters that gives the
chief power and effect to a preacher's discourse. Hence, examples
founded on historical facts, and drawn from real life, of which kind
the scriptures afford many, always, when they are well chosen, com-
mand high attention. No favourable opportunity of introducing these
should be omitted. They correct, in some degree, that disadvan-
tage to which I before observed preaching is subject, of being con-
fined to treat of qualities in the abstract, not of persons, and place
the weight and reality of religious truths in the most convincing
light. Perhaps the most beautiful, and among the most useful ser-
mons of any, though, indeed, the most difficult in composition, are
such as are wholly characteristical, or founded on the illustration of
some peculiar character, or remarkable piece of history, in the sa-
cred writings by perusing which, one can trace, and lay open, some
;

of the most secret windings of man's heart. Other topics of preach-

ing have been much beaten ; but this is a field, which, wide in it-
self, has hitherto been little explored by the composers of sermons,
and possesses all the advantages of being curious, new, and highly
useful. Bishop Butler's sermon on the Character of Balaam, will
give an idea of that sort of preaching which I have in my eye.
In the fifth and last place, let me add a caution against taking the
model of preaching from particular fashions that chance to have the
vogue. These are torrents that swell to-day, and will have spent
themselves by to-morrow. Sometimes it is the taste of poetical
preaching, sometimes of philosophical, that has the fashion on its
side at one time it must be all pathetic, at another all argumentative,
;

according as some celebrated preacher has set the example. Each

of these modes, in the extreme, is very faulty; and he who con-
forms himself to any of them, will both cramp genius, and corrupt
it. It is the universal taste of mankind which is subject to no such
changing modes, that alone is entitled to possess any authority
and this will never give its sanction to any strain of preaching,
6ut what is founded on human nature, connected with usefulness,
adapted to the proper idea of a sermon, as a serious, persuasive ora-
tion, delivered to a multitude, in order to make them better men.
Let a preacher form himself upon this standard, and keep it close in
his eye, and he will be in a much surer road to reputation, and suc-
cess at last, than by a servile compliance with any popular taste or
transient humour of his hearers. Truth and good sense are firm,
and will establish themselves mode and humour are feeble and
;

fluctuating. Let him never follow, implicitly, any one example

or become a servile imitator of any preacher, however much admir
320 ELOQUENCE OF THE PULPIT, [lect. xxix.

ed. From various examples he may pick up much for his improve-
ment: some he may prefer to the rest; but the servility of imita-
tion extinguishes all genius, or rather is a proof of the entire want
of genius.
With respect to style, that which the pulpit requires, must cer-
tainly, in the first place, be very perspicuous. As discourses spo-
ken there, are calculated for the instruction of all sorts of hearers,
plainness and simplicity should reign in them. All unusual, svvoln,
or high-sounding words, should be avoided; especially all words
that are merely poetical, or merely philosophical. Young preach-
ers are apt to be caught with the glare of these and in young com-
;

posers the error may be excusable: but they may be assured that it
is an error, and proceeds from their not having yet acquired a cor-

rect taste. Dignity of expression, indeed, the pulpit requires in a

high degree; nothing that is mean or grovelling, no low or vulgar
phrases, ought, on any account, to be admitted. But this dignity is
perfectly consistent with simplicity. The words employed may
be all plain words, easily understood, and incommon use; and yet
the style may be abundantly dignified, and at the same time very
lively and animated ; for a lively and animated style is extremely
suited to the pulpit. The
earnestness which a preacher ought to feel,
and the grandeur and importance of his subjects,justify, and often
require, warm and glowing expressions. He not only may employ
metaphors and comparisons, but,on proper occasions, may apostro-
phise the saint or the sinner; may personify inanimate objects,
break out into bold exclamations, and, in general, has the command
of the most passionate figures of speech. But on this subject, of
the proper use and management of figures, I have insisted so fully
in former lectures, that I have no occasion now to give particular
directions; unless it be only to recall to mind that most capital rule,
never to employ strong figures, or a pathetic style, except in cases
where the subject leads to them, and where the speaker is impelled
to the use of them by native unaffected warmth.
The language of sacred scripture, properly employed, is a great
ornament to sermons. It may be employed, either in the way of
quotation, or allusion. Direct quotations, brought from scripture,
in order to support what the preacher inculcates, both give authority
to his doctrine, and render his discourse more solemn and venera-
ble. Allusions to remarkable passages, or expressions of scripture,
when introduced with propriety, have generally a pleasing effect.
They afford the preacher a fund of metaphorical expression, which
no other composition enjoys, and by means of which he can vary
and enliven his style. But he must take care that all such allusions
be natural and easy ; for if they seem forced, they approach to the
nature of conceits.*

**
Bishop Sherlock, when showing that the views of reason have been enlarged,
and the principles of natural religion illustrated, by the discoveries of Christianity,
attacks unbelievers for the abuse they make of these advantages, in the following
manner: * What a return do we make for those blessings we have received How 1
lect. xxix.] ELOQUENCE OF THE PULPIT. 321

In a sermon, no points or conceits should appear, no affected

smartness and quaintness of expression. These derogate much
from the dignity of the pulpit; and give to a preacher the air of
foppishness, which he ought, above all things, to shun. It is rather
a strong, expressive style, than a sparkling one, that is to be studied.
But we must be aware of imagining, that we render style strong or
expressive, by a constant and multiplied use of epithets. This is a
great error. Epithets have often great beauty and force. But if
we introduce them into every sentence, and string many of them
together to one object, in place of strengthening, we clog and en-
feeble style; in place of illustrating tbe image, we render it confus-
ed and indistinct. He that tells me, 'of this perishing, mutable,
and transitory world ;' by all these three epithets, does not give
me so strong an idea of what he would convey, as if he had used one
of them with propriety. I conclude this head with an advice, never
to have what may be called a favourite expression; for it shows af-
fectation, and becomes disgusting. Let not any expression which is
remarkable for its lustre or beauty, occur twice in the same dis-
course. The repetition of it betrays a fondness to shine, and, at
the same time, carries the appearance of a barren invention.
As to the question, whether it be most proper to write sermons
fully, and commit them accurately to memory, or to study only the
matter and thoughts, and trust the expression, in part at least, to the
delivery? I am of opinion, that no universal rule can here be given.
The choice of either of these methods must be left to preachers, ac-
cording to their different genius. The expressions which come
warm and glowing from the mind, during the fervour of pronun-
ciation, will often have a superior grace and energy to those which
are studied in the retirement of the closet. But then, this fluency
and power of expression cannot, at all times, be defended upon,
even by those of the readiest genius and by many, can at no time
;

be commanded, when overawed by the presence of an audience.

It is proper therefore to begin, at least, the practice of preaching,
with writing as accurately as possible. This is absolutely necessa-
ry in the beginning, in order to acquire the power and habit of
correct speaking, nay, also of correct thinking, upon religious sub-
jects. I am inclined to go further, and to say that, it is pro-
per not only to begin thus, but also to continue, as long as the ha-
bits of industry last, in the practice both of writing, and commit-

disrespectfully do we treat the Gospel of Christ, to which we owe that clear light
both of reason and nature, which we now enjoy, when we endeavour to set up reason
and nature in opposition to it? ought the withered hand which Christ has restored and
made whole, to be lifted up against him ?' Vol. i. Disc. i. This allusion to a noted
miracle of our Lord's, appears to me happy and elegant. Dr. Seed is remarkably
fond of allusions to scripture style ; but he sometimes employs such as are too fanciful
and strained. As when he says, (Serm. iv.) "No one great virtue will come single:
the virtues that be her fellows will bear her company with joy and gladness :" alluding to
a passage in the XLVth Psalm, which relates to the virgins, the companions of the king's
daughter. And (Serm. xiii.) having said, that the universities have justly been called
the eyes of the nation, he adds, and if the eyes of the nation be evil, the whole body oj
it must be full of darkness.

41
322 ELOQUENCE OF THE PULPIT, [lect. xxix.

ting to memory. Relaxation in this particular is so common, and

so ready to grow upon most speakers in the pulpit, that there is
little occasion for giving any cautions against the extreme of over-
doing in accuracy.
Of pronunciation or delivery, I am hereafter to treat apart. All
that I shall now say upon this head is, that the practice of reading

sermons, is one of the greatest obstacles to the eloquence of the pul-

pit in Great Britain, where alone this practice prevails. No dis-
course, which is designed to be persuasive, can have the same force
when read, as when spoken. The common people all feel this, and
their prejudice against this practice is not without foundation in na-
ture. What is gained hereby in point of correctness, is not equal,
I apprehend, to what is lost in point of persuasion and force. They,
whose memories are not able to retain the whole of a discourse,
might aid themselves considerably by short notes lying before
them, which would allow them to preserve, in a great measure, the
freedom and ease of one who speaks.
The French and English writers of sermons proceed upon very
different ideas of the eloquence of the pulpit; and seem indeed to
have split it betwixt them. A
French sermon, is for most part, a
warm, animated exhortation an English one, is a piece of cool, in-
;

structive reasoning. The French preachers address themselves

chiefly to the imagination and the passions; the English, almost
solely to the understanding. It is the union of these two kinds of
composition, of the French earnestness and warmth, with the Eng-
lish accuracy and reason, that would form, according to my idea, the
model of a perfect sermon. A
French sermon would sound in our
ears as a florid, and, often, as an enthusiastic harangue. The cen-
sure which, in fact, the French critics pass on the English preach-
ers is, that they are philosophers and logicians, but not orators.*
The most of the French sermons are these from a mode
defects of :

that prevails among them

of taking their text from the lesson of the
day, the connexion of the text with the subject is often unnatural
and forced ;t their applications of scripture are fanciful, rather than
instructive; their method is stiff and cramped, by their practice of
dividing their subject always either into three, or two main points;
and their composition is in general too diffuse, and consists rather
of a few thoughts spread out, and highly wrought up, than of a
rich variety of sentiments. Admitting, however, all these defects,
it cannot be denied, that their sermons are formed upon the idea of

a persuasive popular oration and therefore, I am of opinion, they

;

may be read with benefit.

* Les Sermons sont suivant notre uiethode, de vrais discours oratoires k, non
'
;

pas, comme chez les Anglois, des discussions metaphysiques plus convenables a une
Acadamie, qu'aux Assemblies populaires qui se forment dans nos temples, et qu'il
s'agit d'instruire des devoirs du Chretianisme, d'encourager, de consoler, d'edifier.'
Rhetorique Franchise, par M. Crevier, torn. I. p. 134.
f One of Masillon's best sermons, that on the coldness and languor with which
Christians perform the duties of religion, is preached from Luke iv. 18. And ne arose
out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house ; and Simon's wife's mother was
taken ill with a great fever.
lect. xxix.J ELOQUENCE OF THE PULPIT. 323

Among theFrench Protestant divines, Saurin is the most distin-

guished; he copious, eloquent, and devout, though too ostenta-
is

tious in his manner. Among the Roman Catholics, the two most
eminent are Bourdaloue and Massillon. It is a subject of dispute
among the French critics, to which of these the preference is due,
and each of them has his partizans. To Bourdaloue, they attribute
more solidity and close reasoning; to Massillon, a more pleasing
and engaging manner. Bourdaloue is, indeed, a great reasoner,
and inculcates his doctrines with much zeal, piety, and earnest-
ness; but his style is verbose, he is disagreeably full of quotations
from the fathers, and he wants imagination. Massillon has more
grace, more sentiment, and, in my opinion, every way more genius.
He discovers much knowledge both of the world and of the human
heart; he is pathetic and persuasive; and, upon the whole, is per-
haps the most eloquent writer of sermons which modern times
have produced.*

* In order to give an idea of that kind of eloquence which is employed by the

French preachers, I shall insert a passage from Massillon, which in the Encyclopedic,

(article, Eloquence) is extolled by Voltaire, who was the author of that article, as a
chef d'oeuvre, equal to any thing of which either ancient or modem times can boast.
The subject of the sermon is, the small number of those who shall be saved. The
strain of the whole discourse is extremely serious and animated; but when the orator
came to the passage which follows, Voltaire informs us, that the whole assembly were
moved that by a sort of involuntary motion, they started up from their seats, and that
;

such murmurs of surprise and acclamations arose as disconcerted the speaker, though
they increased the efl'ect of his discourse.
' Je m'arrete a vous, mes freres, qui etes' ici assembles. Je ne parle plus du reste
des homines je vous regarde comme si vous etiez seuls sur la terre: voici la pensee
:

qui m'occupe k. qui m'epouvantc. Je suppose que c'est ici votre derniere heure, et la
fin de l'uriivers ;
que les cieux vont s'ouvrir sur vos tetes. Jesus Christ paroitre dans
sa gloire au milieu de ce temple, et que vous n'y etes assemblies que pour l'attendre,
comme des crimlnels tremblans, a. qui Ton va prononcer, ou un sentence de grace, ou
uu arret du mort eternelle. Car vous avez beau vous flatter vous mourez tels que
;

vous etes aujourd'hui. Tons ces desirs de changement qui vous amusent, vous amu-
seront jusqu'au lit de la mort c'est 1'experience de tous les siecles.
: Tout ce que vous
trouverez alors en vous de nouveau, sera peut-etre un compte plus grand que celui que
vous auriez aujourd'hui a rendre; et sur ce que vous seriez, si Ton venoit vous juger
dans ce moment, vous pouvez presque decider ce que vous arrivera au sortir de la vie.
' Or, je vous le demande, etje vous le demande frappe de terreur, ne separant pas
en ce point mon sort du votre, et me mettant dans la meme disposition ou je souhaite
que vous entriez ; je vous demande, done, si Jesus Christ paroissoit dans ce temple, au
milieu de cette assemble.e ; la plus auguste de l'univers, pour nous juger, pour faire le
terrible discernement des boucs et des brebis, croyez vous que le plus grand nombre
de tout ce que nous sommes ici, fut place a la droite? Croyez vous que les choses du
moins fussent egales ? croyez vous qu'il s'y trouvat seulement dix justes, que le Seign-
eur ne peut trouver autrefois en cinq villes toutes entieres ? Je vous le demande; vous
1'ignorez, etje l'ignore moi-nieme. Vous seuLO mon Dieu connoissez ceux qui vous ap-
—
!

partiennent. Mes freres, notre perte est presque assuree, et nous n'y pensons pas.
Quand meme dans cette terrible separation qui se fera un jour, il ne devroit y avoir
qu'un seul pecheur de cet assemblee du c6te des reprouves, et qu'une voix du ciel vien-
droit nous en assurer dans ce temple, sans le designer ; qui de nous ne craindroit d'etre
de malheureux ? qui de nous ne retomberoit d'abord, sur sa conscience, pour examiner
si ses crimes n'ont pas merite ce chatiment ? qui de nous, saisie de frayeur, ne deman-
deroit pas a Jesus Christ comme autrefois les apotres ; Seigneur, ne seroit ce pas moi ?
Sommes nous sages, mes chers auditeurs ? peut-6tre que parmi tous ceux qui m'enten-
dent, il ne se trouvera pas dix justes ; peut-etre s'en trouvera-t-il encore moins. Que
sai-je, O mon Dieu je n'ose regarder d'un ceil fixe les abymes de vos jugemens, et de
!

votre justice; peut-etre ne s'en trouvera-t-il qu'un seul ; et ce danger ne vous touche
 :

324 ELOQUENCE OF THE PULPIT, [lect. xxix.

During the period that preceded the restoration of King Charles

II. the sermons of the English divines abounded with scholastic
casuistical theology. They were full of minute divisions and
subdivisions, and scraps of learning in the didactic part; but to
these were joined very warm, pathetic addresses to the consciences
of the hearers, in the applicatory part of the sermon. Upon the
restoration, preaching assumed a more correct and polished form.
It became disencumbered from the pedantry and scholastic divi-
sions of the sectaries; but it threw out also their warm and pa-
thetic addresses, and established itself wholly upon the model
of cool reasoning and rational instruction. As the dissenters
from the church continued to preserve somewhat of the old
strain of preaching, this led the established clergy to depart the
farther from it. Whatever was earnest and passionate, either
in the composition or delivery of sermons, was reckoned enthu-
siastic and fanatical and hence that argumentative manner, bor-
;

dering on the dry and unpersuasive, which is too generally the

character of English sermons. Nothing can be more correct upon
that model, than many of them are but the model itself on which
;

they are formed, is a confined and imperfect one. Dr. Clark, for
instance, every where abounds in good sense, and the most clear
and accurate reasoning his applications of scripture are pertinent;
;

his style is always perspicuous, and often elegant; he instructs and

he convinces in what then is he deficient? In nothing, except in
;

the power of interesting and seizing the heart. He shows you

what you ought to do but he excites not the desire of doing it
;

he treats man as if he were a being of pure intellect without ima-

gination or passions. Archbishop Tillotson's manner is more free
and warm, and he approaches nearer than most of the English
divines to the character of popular speaking. Hence he is, to this
day, one of the best models we have for preaching. must not We
indeed consider him in the light of a perfect orator his composi- ;

tion is too loose and remiss his style too feeble, and frequently too
;

flat, to deserve that high character but there is in some of his

:

sermons so much warmth and earnestness, and through them all

there runs so much ease and perspicuity, such a vein of good sense
and sincere piety, as justly entitle him to be held as eminent a
preacher as England has produced.

point, mon cher auditeur ? et vous croyez etre ce seul heureux dans le grand nombre
qui perira ? vous qui avez moins sujet de le croire que tout autre ; vous sur qui seul
la sentence de mort devroit tomber. Grand Dieu qui Ton connoit peu dans le monde
!

les terreurs de votre loi,'&x. After this awakening- and alarming' exhortation, the
orator comes with propriety to this practical improvement ' Mais que
: conclure des
ces grands verites? qu'il faut desesperer de son salut ? a Dieu ne plaise ;il n'y a que

l'impie, qui, pour se calmer sur ses desordres, tache ici de conclure en secret que tous
les hommes periront comme lui ce ne doit pas etre la les fruits de ce discours. Mais
;

de vous dctromper de cette erreur si universelle, qu'on peut faire ce que tous les autres
font ; et que l'usage est une voie sure ; mais de vous convaincre que pour se sauver, il
faut de distinguer des autres ; etre singulier, vivre a part au milieu du monde, et ue pas
ressembler a la foule.'
Sermons de Massillon, Vol. IV
lect. xxix.] ELOQUENCE OF THE PULPIT. 325

In Dr. Barrow, one admires more the prodigious fecundity of his

invention, and the uncommon strength and force of his conceptions,
than the felicity of his execution, or his talent in composition. We
see a genius far surpassing the common, peculiar indeed almost to
himself; but that genius often shooting wild, and unchastised by
any discipline or study of eloquence.
I cannot attempt to give particular characters of that great num-
ber of writers of sermons which this, and the former age, have pro-
duced, among whom we meet with a variety of most respectable
names. We
find in their composition much that deserves praise; a
great display of abilities of different kinds, much good sense and
piety, strong reasoning, sound divinity, and useful instruction;
though in general the degree of eloquence bears not, perhaps, equal
proportion to the goodness of the matter. Bishop Atterbury de-
serves to be particularly mentioned as a model of correct and beau-
tiful style, besides having the merit of a warmer and more eloquent
strain of writing, in some of his sermons, than is commonly met
with. Had Bishop Butler, in place of abstract philosophical essays,
given us more sermons in the strain of those two excellent ones,
which he composed upon self deceit, and upon the character of Ba-
laam, we should then have pointed him out as distinguished for that
species of characteristical sermons which I before recommended.
Though the writings of the English divines are very proper to
be read by such as are designed for the church, I must caution them
against making too much use of them, or transcribing large pas-
sages of them into the sermons they compose. Such as once indulge
themselves in this practice, will never have any fund of their own.
Infinitely better it is, to venture into the pulpit with thoughts and
expressions which have occurred to themselves, though of inferior
beauty, than to disfigure their compositions by borrowed and ill-
sorted ornaments, which, to a judicious eye, will be always in ha-
zard of discovering their own poverty. When a preacher sits down
to write on any subject, never let him begin with seeking to consult
all who have written on the same text or subject. This, if he con-
sult many, will throw perplexity and confusion into his ideas; and
if he consults only one, will often warp him insensibly into his
method, whether it be right or not. But let him begin with pon-
dering the subject in his own thoughts; let him endeavour to fetch
materials from within ; to collect and arrange his ideas and form
;

some sort of a plan to himself, which it is always proper to put

down in writing. Then, and not till then, he may inquire how
others have treated the same subject. By this means, the method
and the leading thoughts in the sermon are likely to be his own.
These thoughts he may improve, by comparing them with tl e track
of sentiment which others have pursued; some of their sense he
may, without blame, incorporate into his composition; retaining
always his own words and style. This is fair assistance : all be-
yond isplagiarism.
On the whole, never let the capital principle with which we set
3 A
 ;

326 QUESTIONS. LLECT. XXIX.

out at first, be forgotten, to keep close in view the great end for which
a preacher mounts the pulpit even to infuse good dispositions into
;

his hearers, to persuade them to serve God, and to become better

men. Let this always dwell on his mind when he is composing,
and it will diffuse through his compositions that spirit which will
render them at once esteemed and useful. The most useful preacher
is always the best, and will not fail of being esteemed so. Embel-
lish truth only with a view to gain it the more full and free admis-
sion into your hearers' minds ; and your ornaments will, in that case,
be simple, masculine, natural. The best applause, by far, which a
preacher can receive, arises from the serious and deep impressions
which his discourse leaves on those who hear it. The finest enco-
mium, perhaps, ever bestowed on a preacher, was given by Louis
XIV. to the eloquent Bishop of Clermont, Father Massillon, whom
I before mentioned with so much praise. After hearing him preach
at Versailles, he said to him, Father, I have heard many great ora-
'

tors in this chapel I have been highly pleased with them

; but for :

you, whenever I hear you, I go away displeased with myself; for I

see more of my own character.'

QUESTIONS.
Before treating of the structure and the eloquence of the pulpit, be ? What
component parts of a regular oration, is one of the first qualities of preaching;
on what did our author propose making and in what sense ? What does our au-
some observations? Of what has he al- thor, therefore, not scruple to assert ?
ready treated; and what remains? With How
is this remark illustrated ? If this
what shall webegin ? What advantages be the proper idea of a sermon, what
has the pulpit peculiar to itself? But to- very material consequence follows ? In
gether with these advantages, wdiat a preceding lecture, what was shown ?
peculiardifficulties attend the eloquence If this holds in other kinds of public
of the pvilpit ? What sort of composi- speaking, why does it hold in the high-
tion is the greatest trial of skill ? What, est degree in preaching? What will
also, is to be considered? What is solely this always give to his exhortations
the preacher's business ; and what is and of this, what is observed ? What
the pleader's? Whomdoes the latter would prove the most effectual guard
describe and what is the consequence ?
; against those errors which preachers
From these causes, what comes to pass? are apt to commit and what would be
;

In the art of preaching, we are still far its influence ? What is one of the great

from what and what follows? Of the

; causes why so few arrive at very high
object, however, what is observed ? On eminence in preaching ? What are the
this subject, what is the opinion of Dr. chief characteristics of the eloquence
Campbell ? What may, perhaps, occur suited to the pulpit and why ? Why ;

to some and on what principle? Un- is it difficult to unite these two charac-
;

der what circumstances would this ob- ters of eloquence ? In what should their
jection have weight ? What is true elo- union be studied by all preachers, as of
quence ? Of this, what is observed and the utmost consequence ? What do gra-
;

why ? What is an essential requisite, vity and warmth, united, form and b}' ;

in order to preach well ? Why is this it, what is meant? Next to a just idea
necessary and what is the end of all of the nature and object of pulpit elo-
;

preaching? What, therefore, should quence, what is the point of greatest,

every sermon be ? What remark fol- importance to the preacher ? On this
lows and on what is all persuasion
; subject, what is remarked? In general,
founded? How is this illustrated? At the the subjects should be of what kind ?
same time, what must be remembered ? How is this illustrated ? As usefulness
For what purposes does he not ascend and true eloquence always go together,
the pulpit and for what purposes does what, follows ? Till what time are the
;

' ascend it 7 Of what lei'- '••"•> must rules which relate to the different parts
1
 ; ,

LECT. XXIX.] QUESTIONS. 326 a

of a discourse, to be reserved ; but power and effect to a preacher's dis-

what will now be given 2 What is the course and hence, what commands
;

first rule mentioned ? Of unity, what high attention? Why should no fa-
is here observed ? What does our au- vourable opportunity of introducing
thor mean by unity % How is this illus- these be omitted ? What, perhaps, are
trated 1 On what is this rule founded the most beautiful, and among the most
and what is the effect of dividing? useful, sermons? Of this topic of preach-
What does this unity not require ? As ing, what is observed ? What is men-
it is not to be understood in so narrow a tioned as an example ? In the last place,
sense, what does it admit ? Of this re- what caution is added ? Of these, what
mark, what illustration is given ? In is remarked ? How is this illustrated ?
the second place, according to what Of each of these modes, what is obser-
are sermons always the more striking, ved; and what follows? What, alone,
and commonly the more useful and is entitled to any authority; and of it,
;

from what does this follow? How is what is observed ? If a preacher forms
this illustrated ? By whom are general himself upon this standard, what will
subjects often chosen ; and why ? Ot be the consequence ? How is this re-
these subjects, what is observed and mark illustrated? With respect to style,
;

with what do they fall in ? By what what does the pulpit require ? As dis-
course is attention much more particu- courses spoken, there are calculated for
larly commanded ? What furnishes a the instruction of all sorts of hearers
subject not deficient in unity or pre- what should reign in them and what ;

cision? But how may the subject be should be avoided ? Of young preach-
made still more interesting ? What re- ers, what is here observed ? What does
mark follows? In the third place, in- the pulpit require, and with what is this
stead of saying all that can be said perfectly consistent? How is this illus-
upon a subject, what course should be trated ? Why
is a lively and animated
pursued? Under what circumstances style, extremely suited to the pulpit ?
would it be requisite for the ministers Besides employing metaphors and com-
of the Gospel to be full on every parti- parisons, what may he do ? But on thi*
cular ; and why ? What remark fol- subject, what only is it necessary to
lows ? There may always be what ? observe ? What is a great ornament to
If he seeks to omit nothing which his sermons, and how may it be employed 1
subject suggests, what will be the con- Of direct quotations, and of allusions to
sequence ? In studying a sermon, what remarkable passages, what is observed ?
should the preacher do ? What mode In a sermon, what should not appear
enervates the noblest truths? What and of these, what is observed ? Though
may be a consequence of observing a strong style must be studied, yet of
this rule ? Why
will this be attended what must we beware ? Of epithets,
with no disadvantage ? What is by far what is remarked ; and Iioav is this il-
the simplest and most natural method lustrated ? With what advice does our
and why ? On the contrary, to what is author conclude this head ? What ques-
that tedious circuit, which some are tion is here introduced ; and how is it
ready to take in all their illustrations, answered ? To what must the choice of
frequently owing ? either of these methods be left ? Of the
In the fourth place, above all things, expressions which come warm and
what must be studied ? Of this, what glowing from the mind, what is obser-
is observed ; and why ? In order to ved? But, then, what follows? What
preach in an interesting manner, on method, therefore, is proper, and at the
what will much depend; and for what beginning absolutely necessary ? What
reason ? What are here but the secon- is our author inclined still further to
dary instruments ; and in what does say ; and why ? What only, at present,
•
the great secret lie ? For this end, what is said of pronunciation and delivery ;

must he avoid ? As much as possible, and what remark follows ? Of the com-
in what strain should the discourse be mon people, what is here observed ?
carried on? What will be of much ad- How might those materially aid them-
vantage ; and for what reason ? For selves, whose memories are not suffi-
this purpose, what study is most neces- cient to retain a whole discourse ? Of
sary and what produces a wonderful French and English writers of sermons,
;

effect ? When are the audience apt to what is here observed? What is a
think themselves unconcerned in the French sermon ? To what dothe French
description ? What gives the chief preachers address themselves and to *
32b b QUESTIONS. [lect. XXX.

what the English ? What would form ticularly mentioned ? What is said of
the model of a perfect sermon? How Bishop Butler, and what are his best,
would a French sermon sound in our sermons ? Against wmat are such as
ears ? What censure do French critics are designed for the church here cau-
pass on English preachers ? What are tioned ; why ; and what practice were
the defects of most of the French ser- infinitely better? When a preacher
mons ? Admitting, however, all these sits down to write a sermon, what
defects, what camiot be denied? Among course should he pursue ; and for what
French protestant divines, who is the reason ? On the whole, what should
most distinguished ; and who is the never be forgotten? What influence
most celebrated among the Roman will this have upon his mind ; and
Catholics? Of them respectively, what what remarks follow ? What is the best
is observed? When did the sermons applause that a preacher can receive ;
of English divines abound with scho- and what instance is here mentioned ?
lastic theology; and of what were they
full ? But to these, what were subjoin- ANALYSIS.
ed? Upon the restoration, what did 1. The advantages of pulpit eloquence.
2. The difficulties that attend it.
preaching become and what was the
;
3. An habitual view of its end essential.
effect of thisupon the established cler- 4. The character of the preacher.
gy ? Upon this model, whose sermons 5. Its characteristics.
are most correct and what is said of
; Rules for composing sermons.
him ? Of Tillotson's manner, what is A . Unity should be attended to.
B. The subject should be particular.
observed? Hence, what is he but why ;
should not be exhausted.
c. It
must w e not consider him in the light of
r
d. The instructions should be interest-
a perfect orator ? What, however, enti- ing.
tleshim to be held as eminent a preach- e. No particular model should be fol-
er as England has produced ? In Dr. lowed.
6. Perspicuity of style requisite.
Barrow, what do we admire and what ;
Reading sermons considered.
7.
do we see ? What cannot our author 8. The French and the English manner of
attempt and what is observed of them ?
; preaching.
Why does Atterbury deserve to be par- 9. Distinguished preachers jf both nations.

LECTURE XXX,
CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF A SERMON OF
BISHOP ATTERBURY'S.
The last lecture was employed in observations on the peculiar
and distinguishing characters of the eloquence proper for the pulpit.
But as rules and directions, when delivered in the abstract, are never
so useful as when they are illustrated by particular instances, it may,
uerhaps, be of some benefit to those who are designed for the church,
that I should analyze an English sermon, and consider the matter of

it, together with the manner. For this purpose, I have chosen Bishop
Atterbury as my example, .vho is deservedly accounted one of our
most eloquent writers of sermons, and whom I mentioned as such in
the last lecture. At the same time, he is more distinguished for ele-
gance and purity of expression, than for profoundness of thought.
His style, though sometimes careless, is, upon the whole, neat and
chaste and more beautiful than that of most writers of sermons. In
;

his sentiments he is not only rational, but pious and devotional, which
is a great excellency. The sermon which I have singled out, is that
upon praise and thanksgiving, the first sermon of the first volume,
which is reckoned one of his best. In examining it, it is necessary
that I should use full liberty, and together with the beauties, point out
any defects that occur to me, in the matter as well as in the style.
lect. xxx.] SERMON OF BISHOP ATTERBURY'S. 327

Psalm i. 14. Offer unto God Thanksgiving.

' Among the many excellencies of this pious collection of hymns,
for which so particular a value hath heen set upon it by the church
of God in all ages, this is not the least, that the true price of duties
isthere justly stated men are called off from resting in the outward
;

show of religion, in ceremonies and ritual observances; and taught

rather to practise (that which was shadowed out by these rights,
and to which they are designed to lead) sound inward piety and
virtue.
'The several composers of these hymns were prophets; persons
whose business it was not only to foretel events, for the benefit of
the church in succeeding times, but to correct and reform also what
was amiss among that race of men with whom they lived and con-
versed; to preserve a foolish people from idolatry and false wor-
ship to rescue the law from corrupt glosses, and superstitious abus-
;

es; and to put men in mind of (what they are so willing to forget)
that eternal and invariable rule, which was before these positive du-
ties, would continue after them, and was to be observed, even then,
in preference to them.
The discharge, I say, of this part of the prophetic office, taking
'

up so much room in the book of Psalms ; this hath been one rea-
son, among many others, why they have always been so hig'.ly es-
teemed because we are from hence furnished with a proper reply
;

to an argument commonly made use of by unbelievers, who look

upon all revealed religions as pious frauds and impostures, on account
of the prejudices they have entertained in relation to that of the
Jews; the whole of which they first suppose to lie in external per-
formances, and then easily persuade themselves, that God could
never be the author of such a mere piece of pageantry and empty
formality, nor delight in a worship which consisted purely in a
number of odd, unaccountable ceremonies. Which objection of
theirs we should not be able thoroughly to answer, unless we could
prove, (chiefly out of the Psalms, and other parts of the prophetic
writings,) that the Jewish religion was somewhat more than bare
outside and show; and that inward purity, and the devotion of the
heart, was a duty then as well as now.'
This appears to me an excellent introduction. The thought on
which it rests is solid and judicious; that in the book of Psalms,
the attention of men is called to the moral and spiritual part of reli-
gion; and the Jewish dispensation thereby vindicated from the sus-
picion of requiring nothing more from its votaries than the observ
ance of the external rights and ceremonies of the law. Such views
of religion are proper to be often displayed; and deserve to be insist-
ed on, by all who wish to render preaching conducive to the great
purpose of promoting righteousness and virtue. The style, as far as
we have gone, is not only free from faults, but elegant and happy.
It is a great beauty in an introduction, when it can be made to
turn on some thought, fully brought out and illustrated; especially,
32S CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF A [lect. xxx

if thai thought has a close connexion with the following discourse,

and, at the same time, does not anticipate any thing that is after-
wards to be introduced in a more proper place. This introduction
of Atterbury's has all these advantages. The encomium which he
makes on the strain of David's Psalms, is not such as might as well
have been prefixed to any other discourse, the text of which was
taken from any of the Psalms. Had this been the case, the intro-
duction would have lost much of its beauty. Weshall see from what
follows, how naturally the introductory thought connects with his
text, and how happily it ushers it in.
'One great instance of this proof, we have in the words now be-
fore us; which are taken from a Psalm of Asap h, written on pur-
pose to set out the weakness and worthlessness of external perform-
ances, when compared with more substantial and vital duties. To
enforce which doctrine, God himself is brought in as delivering it.
Hear, my people, and I will speak; O Israel, arid I ivill testi-
fy against thee: I am God, even thy God. The preface is very
solemn, and therefore what it ushers in, we may be sure is of no
common importance I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or
;

thy burnt offerings to have been continually before me. That is,
I will not so reprove thee for any failures in thy sacrifices and burnt-
offerings, as if these were the only, or the chief things I required of
thee. 1 will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he-goat out of
thy folds : I prescribed not sacrifices to thee for my own sake, be-
cause I needed them for every beast of the forest is mine, and the
;

cattle on a thousand hills. Mine they are, and were, before I

commanded thee to offer them to me; so that, as it follows, If I
ivere hungry, yet would I not tell thee ; for the world is mine, and
the fulness thereof But can ye be so gross and senseless as to think
me liable to hunger and thirst? as to imagine that wants of that kind
can touch me? Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of
goats? Thus doth he expostulate severely with them, after the
most graceful manner of the eastern poetry. The issue of which
is a plain and full resolution of the case, in those few words of the
text: Offer unto God thanksgiving. Would you do your homage
the most agreeable way? would you render the most acceptable of
services? Offer unto God thanksgiving.'
It is often a difficult matter to illustrate gracefully the text of a
sermon from the context, and to point out the connexion between
them. This is a part of the discourse which is apt to become dry and
tedious, especially when pursued into a minute commentary.
And, therefore, except as far as such illustration from the con-
text is necessary for explaining the meaning, or in cases where it
serves to give dignity and force to the text, I would advise it to
be always treated with brevity. Sometimes it may even be whol-
ly omitted, and the text assumed merely as an independent propo-
sition, if the connexion with the context be obscure, and would
require a laborious explanation. In the present case, the illus-
tration from the context is singularly happy. The passage ot
the Psalm on which it is founded is noble and spirited, and con-
 —
lect. xxx.] SERMON OF BISHOP ATTERBURY'S. 329

nected in such a manner with the text, as to introduce it with a very

striking emphasis. On the language I have little to observe, ex-
cept that the phrase, one great instance of this proof, is a clumsy
expression. It was sufficient to have said, one great proof, or one
great instance of this. In the same sentence, when he speaks of
setting out the weakness and worthlessness of external perform-
ances, we may observe, that tlie word ivorthlessness, as it is now

commonly used, signifies more than the deficiency of worth, which is

all that the author means. It generally imports, a considerable de-
gree of badness or blame. It would be more proper, therefore, to say,
the imperfection, or the insignificancy, of external performances.
' The
use I intend to make of these words, is, from hence to raise
some thoughts about that very excellent and important duty of praise
and thanksgiving, a subject not unfit to be discoursed of at this time:
whether we consider, either the more than ordinary coldness that
appears of late in men's tempers towards the practice of this (or any
other) part of a warm and affecting devotion; the great occasion of
setting aside this particular day in the calendar, some years ago or ;

the new instances of mercy and goodness which God hath lately
been pleased to bestow upon us; answering at last the m&ny prayers
and fastings by which we have besought him so long for the esta-
blishment of their majesties' throne, and for the success of their
arms and giving us in his good time, an opportunity of appearing
;

before him in the more delightful part of our duty, with the voice
ofjoy and praise, with a multitude that keep holy days?
In this paragraph there is nothing remarkable; no particular
beauty or neatness of expression and the sentence which it forms
;

is long and tiresome to raise, some thoughts about the very ex-
cellent, &c. is rather loose and awkward better, to recommend that
;

very excellent, &c. and when he mentions setting aside a particular

day in the Calendar, one would imagine, that setting apart would
have been more proper, as to set aside, seems rather to suggest a dif-
ferent idea.
Offer unto God thanksgiving.
' Which that we may do, let us
inquire first, how we are to understand this command of offering
praise and thanksgiving unto God; and then, how reasonable it is
that we should comply with it.'
This is the general division of the discourse. An excellent one
it is, and corresponds to many subjects of this kind, where particu-

lar duties are to be treated of; first to explain, and then to recom-
mend or enforce them. A division should always be simple and
natural; and much depends on the proper view which it gives of
the subject.
' Our inquiry is meant here, will be very short, for who
into what
is any thing of religion, but knows, that the
there, that understands
offering praise and thanks to God, implies, our having a lively and
devout sense of his excellencies, and of his benefits our recollect-
;

ing them with humility and thankfulness of heart; and our ex-
pressing these inward affections by suitable outward signs, by re-
42
 330 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF A [lect. xxx

verent and lowly postures of body, by songs,and hymns, and spiritu-

al ejaculations; either publicly or privately; either in the customa-
ry and daily service of the church, or in its more solemn assemblies,
convened upon extraordinary occasions? This is the account which
every christian easily gives himself of it; and which, therefore, it
would be needless to enlarge upon. I shall only take notice upon
this head, that praise and thanksgiving do, in strictness of speech,
signify things somewhat different. Our praise properly terminates
in God, on account of his natural excellencies and perfections; and
is that act of devotion, by which we confess and admire his several

attributes: but thanksgiving is a narrower duty, and imports only

a grateful sense and acknowledgment of past mercies. We praise
God for all his glorious acts of every kind, that regard either us or
other men, for his very vengeance, and those judgments which he
sometimes sends abroad in the earth; but we thank him, properly
speaking, for the instances of his goodness alone ; and for such only
of these, as we ourselves are some way concerned in. This, I say,
is what the two words strictly imply : but since the language of
Scripture is generally less exact, and useth either of them often to
express the other by, I shall not think myself obliged, in what fol-
lows, thus nicely always to distinguish them/
There was room for insisting more fully on the nature of the duty,
than the author has done under this head in particular, this was the
;

place for correcting the mistake, to which men are always prone, of
making thanksgiving to consist merely in oi>tward expressions; and
for showing them, that the essence of the duty lies in the inward
feelings of the heart. In general, it is of much use to give full and
distinct explications of religious duties. But as our author intended
only one discourse on the subject, he could not enlarge with equal
fulness on every part of it; and he has chosen to dwell on that part,
on which, indeed, it is most necessary to enlarge, the motives en-
forcing the duty. For as it is an easier matter to know, than to
practise duty, the persuasive part of the discourse is that to which
the speaker should always bend his chief strength. The account
given in this head, of the nature of praise and thanksgiving, though
short, is yet comprehensive and distinct, and the language is smooth
and elegant.
'Now, the great reasonableness of this duty of praise or thanks-
giving, and our several obligatio?is to it, will appear, if we either
consider it absolutely in itself, as the debt of our natures or com-
;

pare it with other duties, and show the rank bears among them;
it
or set out, in the last place, some of its peculiar properties and ad-
vantages, with regard to the devout performer of it.'
The author here enters upon the main part of his subject, the rea-
sonableness of the duty, and mentions three arguments for proving
it. These are well stated, and are in themselves proper and weighty

considerations. Howfar he has handled each of them to advantage,

will appear as we
proceed. I cannot, however, but think that he

has omitted one very material part of the argument, which was, to
have shown the obligations we are under to this duty, from the vari
lect.xxx.] SERMON OF BISHOP ATTERBURY'S. 331

ous subjects of thanksgiving afforded us by the divine goodness.

This would have led him to review the chief benefits of creation,
providence and redemption; and certainly, they are these which
lay the foundation of the whole argument i.or thanksgiving. The
heart must first be affected with a suitable sense of the divine bene-
fits, before one can be excited to praise God. If you would persuade

me to be thankful to a benefactoi*, you must not employ such consi-

derations merely as those upon which the author here rests, taken
from gratitude's being the law of my nature, or bearing a high rank
among moral duties, or being attended with peculiar advantages.
These are considerations but of a secondary nature. You must be-
gin with setting before me all that my friend has done for me, if you
mean to touch my heart, and to the emotions of gratitude.
call forth
The case is perfectly similar, when we are exhorted to give thanks
to God; and, therefore, in giving a full view of the subject, the
blessings conferred on us by divine goodness should have been taken
into the argument.
It may be said, however, in apology for our author, that this would
have led him into too wide a field for one discourse, and into a field
also, which is difficult, because so beaten the enumeration of the
:

divine benefits. He therefore seems to take it for granted, that we

have upon our minds a just sense of these benefits. He assumes
hem as known and acknowledged and setting aside what may be
;

called the pathetic part of the subject, or what was calculated to

warm the heart, he goes on to the reasoning part. In this manage-
ment, I cannot altogether blame him. I do not by any means say

that it is necessary in every discourse to take in ail that belongs to

the doctrine of which we treat. Many a discourse is spoiled, by
attempting to render it too copious and comprehensive. The preach-
er may, without reprehension, take up any part of a great subject,
towhich his genius at the time leads him, and make that his theme :

but when he omits any thing which may be thought essential, he

ought to give notice, that this is a part which, for the time, he lays
aside. Something of this sort would perhaps have been proper here.
Our author might have begun, b}^ saying, that the reasonableness of
t-his duty must appear to every thinking being, who reflects upon

the infinite obligations which are laid upon us, by creating, preserv-
ing, and redeeming love; and, after taking notice that the field which
these open, was too wide for him to enter upon at that time, have
proceeded to his other heads. Let us now consider these separately.
'The duty of praise and thanksgiving, considered absolutely, in
itself, is, I say, the debt and law of our nature. We had such facul-
ties bestowed on us by our Creator, as made us capable of satisfying
this debt, and obeying this law and they never, therefore, work
;

more naturally and freely, than when they are thus employed.
'Tis one of the earliest instructions given us by philosophy, and
'

which has ever since been approved and inculcated by the wisest
men of all ages, that the original design of making man was, that he
might praise and honour him who made him. When God had
 ;

332 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF A [lect.xxx.

finished this goodly frame of things we call the world, and put toge-
ther the several parts of it, according to his infinite wisdom, in exact
number, weight, and measure; there was still wanting a creature,
L
in these lower regions, hat could apprehend the beauty, order, and
exquisite contrivance of it; that, from contemplating the gift, might
be aide to raise itself to the great Giver, and do honour to all his attri
butes. Every thing, indeed, that God made, did, in some sense, glo-
rify its Author, inasmuch as it carried upon it the plain mark and
impress of the Deit}-, and was an effect worthy of that first cause from
whence it flowed and thus might the heavens be said, at the first
;

moment in which they stood forth, to declare his glory, and the fir-
mament to show his handy work: But this was an imperfect and de-
fective glory the sign was of no signification here below, whilst there
;

was no one here as yet to take notice of it. Man, therefore, was formed
to supply this want, endowed with powers fit to find out, and to ac-
knowledge these unlimited perfections; and then put into this temple
of God, this lower world, as the priest of nature, to offer up the incense
of thanks and praise for the mute and insensible part of the creation.
'This, I say, hath been the opinion all along of the most thought-
ful men down from the most ancient times: and though it be not
demonstrative, yet it is what we cannot but judge highly reason-
able, if we do but allow that man was made for some end or other
and that he is capable of perceiving that end. For then, let us
search and inquire never so much, we find no other account of him
that we can rest upon so well. If we say, that he was made purely
for the good pleasure of God this is, in effect, to say, that he was
;

made for no determinate end or for none, at least, that we can dis-
;

cern. If we say, that he was designed as an instance of the wis-

dom, and power, and goodness of God this, indeed, may be the
;

reason of his being in general; for 'tis the common reason of the
being of every thing besides. But it gives no account why he was
made such a thing as he is; a reflecting, thoughtful, inquisitive be-
ing. The particular reason of this, seems most aptly to be drawn
from the praise and honour that was (not only to redound to God
from him, but) to be given to God by him.'
The thought which runs through all this passage, of man's being
the priest of nature, and of his existence being calculated chiefly
for that end, that he might offer up the praises of the mute part of
the creation, is an ingenious thought, and well illustrated. It was a fa-
vourite idea among some of the ancient philosophers; and it is not
the worse on that account, as it thereby appears to have been a natu-
ral sentiment of the human mind. In composing a sermon, how-
ever, it might have been better to have introduced it as a sort of
collateral argument, or an incidental illustration, than to have dis-
played itwith so much pomp, and to have placed it in the front of
the arguments for this duty. It does not seem to me, when placed
in this station, to bear all the stress which the author lays upon it.
When the divine goodness brought man into existence, we cannot
well conceive that its chief purpose was, to form a being who might
 ;

lect. xxx.] SERMON OF BISHOP ATTERBURY'S. 333

sing praises to his Maker. Prompted by infinite benevolence, the

Supreme Creator formed the human race, that they migbt rise to
happiness, and to the enjoyment of himself, through a course of
virtue, or proper action. The sentiment on which our author
dwells, however beautiful, appears too loose and rhetorical to be a
principal head of discourse.
t
This duty, therefore, is the debt and law of our nature. And it
will more distinctly appear to be such, if we consider the two ruling
faculties of our mind, the understanding and the wrc7/,apart, in both
which deeply founded in the understanding, as in the principle
it is :

of reason, which owns and acknowledges it; in the will, as in the

fountain of gratitude and return, which prompts, and even constrains
us topay it.
Reason was given us as a rule and measure, by the help of which
'

we were to proportion our esteem of every thing, according to the

degrees of perfection and goodness which we found therein. It can-
not therefore, if it doth but apprehend God as the
its office at all,

best and must needs see, and own, and ad-

most perfect being; it

mire his infinite perfections. And this is what is strictly meant by

praise; which, therefore, is expressed in Scripture, by confessing to
God, and acknowledging him by ascribing to him what is his due
;

and as far as this sense of the words reaches, 'tis impossible to think
of God without praising him; for it depends not on the understand-
ing, how it shall apprehend things, any more than it doth on the eye,
how visible objects shall appear to it.

' The duty

takes the further and surer hold of us, by the means
of the will, and that strong bent towards gratitude, which the Au-
thor of our nature hath implanted in it. There is not a more ac-
tive principle than this in the mind of man and surely that which
;

deserves its utmost force, and should set all its springs a-work, is
God the great and universal Benefactor, from whom alone we re-
;

ceived whatever w e either have, or are, and to whom we can jDossibly

T

repay nothing but our praises, or (to speak more properly on this
head, and according to the strict import of the word) our thanks-
giving. TVho hath first given to God, (saith the great Apostle, in
his usual figure) andit shall be recompensed unto him again? gift, A
it seems, always requires a recompense nay, hut ofhim, andthrough
:

him, and to him,are all things : of him, as the Author through him, ;

as the Preserver and Governor; to him, as the end and perfection of

all things; to whom, therefore, (as it follows,) be glory for ever,

Amen !'

I much approve of the light in which our author places

cannot
his argument in these paragraphs. There is something too meta-
physical and refined, in his deducing, in this manner, the obligation
to thanksgiving, from the two faculties of the mind, understanding
and will. Though what he says be in itself just, yet the argument
is not sufficiently plain and striking. Arguments in sermons, espe-
cially on subjects that so naturally and easily suggest them, should
be palpable and popular should not be brought from topics that
;

appear far sought, but should directly address the heart and feelings.
334 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF A [lect. xxx.

The preacher ought never to depart too far from the common ways
of thinking and expressing himself. I am inclined to think, that
this whole head might have been improved, if the author had taken
up more obvious ground; had stated gratitude as one of the most
natural principles of the human heart; had illustrated this, by show-
ing how odious the opposite disposition is, and with what general
consent men, in all ages, have agreed in hating and condemning the
ungrateful; and then applying these reasonings to the present case,
had placed, in a strong view, that entire corruption of moral senti-
ment which it discovers, to be destitute of thankful emotions to-
wards the Supreme Benefactor of mankind. As the most natural
method of giving vent to grateful sentiments is, by external expres-
sions of thanksgiving, he might then have answered the objection
that is apt to occur, of the expression of our praise being insignifi-
cant to the Almighty. But, by seeking to be too refined in his argu-
ment, he has omitted some of the most striking and obvious consider-
ations, and which, properly displayed, would have afforded as great
a field for eloquence as the topics which he has chosen. He goes
on :

Gratitude consists in an equal return of benefits, if we are able

'
;

of thanks, if we are not which thanks, therefore, must rise always

:

in proportion as the favours received are great, and the receiver inca-
pable of making any other sort of requital. Now, since no man hath
benefited God at any time, and yet every man, in each moment of
his life, is continually benefited by him, what strong obligations must
we needs be under to thank him? 'Tis true, our thanks are really
as insignificant to him, as any other kind of return would be in;

themselves, indeed, they are worthless; but his goodness has put
a value upon them: he hath declared, he will accept them in lieu
of the vast debt we owe; and after that, which is fittest for us, to
dispute how they came to be taken as an equivalent, or to pay them ?
' It is, therefore, the voice of nature (as far as gratitude itself is
so) that the good things we receive from above, should be sent back
again thither in thanks and praises as the rivers run into the sea,
;

to the place (the ocean of beneficence) from whence the rivers come,
thither should they return again.'
In these paragraphs, he has, indeed, touched some of the consi-
derations which I mentioned. But he has only touched them ;

whereas, with advantage, they might have formed the main body of
his argument.
' We have considered the duty absolutely ; we are now to compare
it with others, and to see what rank it bears among them. And
here we shall find, that, among all the acts of religion immediately
addressed to God, this is much the noblest and most excellent; as it
must needs be, if what hath been laid down be allowed, that the end
of man's creation was to praise and glorify God for that cannot
;

but be the most noble and excellent act of any being which best an-
swers the end and design of it. Other parts of devotion, such as
confession and prayer, seem not originally to have been designed for
man, nor man for them. They imply guilt and want, with which
lect. xxx. j SERMON OF BISHOP ATTERBURY'S. 335

the state of innocence, was not acquainted. Had man continued in

that estate, his worship (like the devotions of angels) had been paid
to Heaven in pure acts of thanksgiving ; and nothing had been left
for him to do, beyond the enjoying the good things of life, as nature
directed, and praising the God of nature who bestowed them. But
being fallen from innocence and abundance; having contracted guilt,
and forfeited his right to all sorts of mercies prayer and confession
;

became necessary, for a time, to retrieve the loss, and to restore him
to that state wherein ho should be able to live without them. These
are fitted, therefore, for a lower dispensation before which, in Pa-
;

radise, there was nothing but praise, and after which, there shall
be nothing but that in Heaven. Our perfect state did at first, and
will at last, consist in the performance of this duty ; and herein,
therefore, lies the excellence and the honour of our nature.
' 'Tis the same way of reasoning, by which the Apostle hath given
the preference to charity, beyond faith, and hope, and every spirit-
ual gift. Charity never faileth, saith he; meaning, that it is not
a virtue useful only in this life, but will accompany us also into the
next: but whether there be prophecies, they shall Jail; zvhether
there be tongues, they shall cease ; whether there be knowledge, it
shall vanish aivay. These are gifts of a temporary advantage, and
shall all perish in the using. For tve know in part, and we pro-
phesy in part : our present state is imperfect, and, therefore, what
belongs to that, and only that, must be imperfect too. But when
that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done
away. The argument of St. Paul, we see, which sets charity above
the rest of christian graces, will give praise also the pre-eminence
over all the parts of the christian worship and we may conclude oui
;

reasoning, therefore, as he doth his: And now abideth confession,

prayer, and praise, these three; but the greatest of these is praise.''
The author, here, enters on the second part of his argument, the
high rank which thanksgiving holds, when compared with other
duties of religion. This he handles with much eloquence and
beauty. His idea, that this was the original worship of man, be
fore his fall rendered other duties requisite, and shall continue to
be his worship in Heaven, when the duties which are occasioned by
a consciousness of guilt shall have no place, is solid and just; his
illustration of it is very happy; and the style extremely flowing and
sweet. Seldom do we meet with any piece of composition in ser-
mons, that has more merit than this head.
'It is so, certainly, on other accounts, as well as this; particular
ly, as it is the most disinterested branch of our religious service;
such as hath the most of God, and the least of ourselves in it, of any
•we pay and therefore approaches the nearest of any to a pure,
;

and free, and perfect act of homage. For though a good action
does not grow immediately worthless by being done with the
prospect of advantage, as some have strangely imagined yet it ;

will be allowed, I suppose, that its being done, without the mix-
ture of that end, or with as little of it as possible, recommends
336 CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF A [lect, xxx.

it so much the more, and raises the price of it. Doth Job fear God
for nought? was an objection of Satan; which implied, that those
duties were most valuable, where our own interest was the least
aimed at: and God seems, by the commission he then gave Satan,
to try experiments upon Job, thus far to have allowed his plea.
Now our requests for future, and even our acknowledgements of
past mercies, centre purely in ourselves; our own interest is the di-
rect aim of them. But praise is a generous and unmercenary prin-
ciple, which proposes no other end to itself, but to do, as is fit for a
creature endowed with such faculties to do, towards the most per-
fect and beneficent of beings; and to pay the willing tribute of ho-
nour there, where the voice of reason directs us to pay it. God hath
indeed annexed a blessing to the duty, and when w e know this, we
T

cannot choose, while we are performing the duty, but have some
regard to the blessing which belongs to it. However, that is not
the direct aim of our devotions, nor was it the first motive that stir-
red us up to them. Had it been so, Ave should naturally have be-
taken ourselves to prayer, and breathed out our desires in that form
wherein they are most properly conveyed.
' In short, praise is our most excellent work
; a work common to
the church triumphant and militant, and which lifts us up into com-
munion and fellowship with angels. The matter about which it is
conversant, is always the perfection of God's nature and the act
;

the perfection of ours.'

itself is
Our author's second illustration is taken from praise being the
most disinterested act of homage. This he explains justly and ele-
gantly though, perhaps, the consideration is rather too thin and
;

refined for enforcing religious duties: as creatures, such as we, in

approaching to the divine presence, can never be supposed to lay
aside all consideration of our own wants and necessities and cer-
;

tainly are not required (as the author admits) to divest ourselves of
such regards. The concluding sentence of this head is elegant, and
happily expressed.
'I come now, in the last place, to set out some of its peculiar
properties and advantages, which recommend it to the devout per-
former. And,
'1. It is the most pleasing part of our devotions it proceeds al-
:

ways from a lively, cheerful temper of mind, and it cherishes and im-
proves what it proceeds from. For it is good to sing praises unto
our God, (says one, whose experience, in this case, we may rely
upon) for it is pleasant, and praise is comely. Petition and confes-
sion are the language of the indigent and the guilty, the breathings
of a sad and contrite spirit; Is any afflicted ? let him jjray : but is
any merry ? let him sing psalms. The most usual and natural
way of men's expressing the mirth of their hearts is in a song, and
songs are the very language of praise; to the expressing of which
they are in a peculiar manner appropriated, and are scarce of any
other use in religion. Indeed, the whole composition of this duty
is such, as throughout speaks ease and delight to the mind. It pro-
lect. xxx.] SERMON OF BISHOP ATTERBURY'S. 337

ceeds from love and from thankfulness ; from love, the fountain o{
pleasure, the passion which gives every thing we do, or enjoy, its
relish and agreeableness. From thankfulness, which involves in
it the memory of past benefits, the actual presence of them to the

mind, and the repeated enjoyment of them. And as is its principle,

such is its end also: for it procureth quiet and ease to the mind, by
doing somewhat towards satisfying that debt which it labours under;
by delivering it to those thoughts of praise and gratitude, those ex-
ultations it is so full of; and which should grow uneasy and trouble-
some to it if they were kept in. If the thankful refrained, it would
i

be pain and grief to them but then, then 'is their soul satisfied as
:

with marrow and fatness, when their mouth praiseth God with joy-
'
ful lips.'
In beginning this head of discourse, the expression which the au-
thor uses, ' to set out some of its peculiar properties and advantages,'
would now be reckoned not so proper an expression, as ' to point out,'
or < to show.' The first subdivision, concerning praise being the
most pleasant part of devotion, is very just and well expressed, as far
as it goes; but seems to me rather defective. Much more might
have been said, upon the pleasure that accompanies such exalted acts
of devotion. It was a cold thought, to dwell upon its disburdening
the mind of a debt. The author should have insisted more upon
the influence of praise and thanksgiving, in warming, gladdening,
soothing the mind lifting it above the world, to dwell among divine
;

and eternal objects. He should have described the peace and joy
which then expand the heart the relief which this exercise procures
;

from the cares and agitations of life the encouraging views of Pro-
;

vidence to which it leads our attention and the trust which it pro-
:

motes in the divine mercy for the future, by the commemoration of

benefits past. In short, this was the place for his pouring out a
greater flow of devotional sentiments than what we here find.
'2. It is another distinguishing property of divine pra'se, that it
enlargeth the powers and capacities of our souls, turning tnem from
low and little things, upon their greatest and noblest object, the
divine nature, and employing them in the discovery and admiration
of those several perfections that adorn it. We see what difference
there is between man and man, such as there is hardly greater be-
tween man and beast: and this proceeds chiefly from the different
sphere of thought which they act in, and the different objects they
converse with. The mind is essentially the same in the peasant and
the prince ; the force of it naturally equal, in the untaught man, and
the philosopher; only the one of these is busied in mean a/iiirs, and
within narrower bounds; the other exercises himself in things of
weight and moment and this it is, that puts the wide distance be-
;

tween them. Noble objects are to the mind, what the sunbeams
are to a bud or flower; they open and unfold, as it were, the leaves
of it put it upon exerting and spreading itself every way and call
;
;

forth all those powers that lie hid and locked up in it. The praise
and admiration of God, therefore, bring this advantage along with
43
 S3S CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF A [lect. xxx.

it, that our faculties upon their full stretch, and improves them
it sets
degrees of perfection of which they are capable.'
to all the
This head is just, well expressed, and to censure it might appear
hypercritical. Some of the expressions, however, one would think
might be amended. The simile, for instance, about the effects of
the sunbeams upon the bud or flower, is pretty, but not correctly
expressed. ' They open and unfold,
as it were, the leaves of it.' If
this is to be literally applied to the flower, the phrase, ' as it were,'
is needless; if it is to be metaphorically understood,(which appears

to be the case,) the ' leaves of the mind,' is harsh language besides ;

that, put it upon exerting itself,' is rather a lew expression. Nothing

'

is more nice than to manage properly such similes and allusions, so

as to preserve them perfectly correct, and at the same time to render

the image lively it might perhaps be amended in some such way
:

as this As the sunbeams open the bud, and unfold the leaves of a
:
'

flower, noble objects have a like effect upon the mind: they expand
and spread it, and call forth those powers that before lay hid and
locked up in the soul.'
' 3. It farther promotes in us an exquisite sense of God's honour,
and a high indignation of mind at everything that openly profanes
it. For what we value and delight in, we cannot with patience hear
slighted or abused. Our own praises, which we are constantly put-
ting up, will be a spur to us towards procuring and promoting the
divine glory in every other instance and will make us set our faces ;

against all open and avowed impieties which, methinks, should be ;

considered a little by such as would be thought not to be wanting in

this duty, and yet are often silent under the foulest dishonours done
to religion, and its great Author for tamely to hear God's name and
:

worship vilified by others, is no very good argument thatwehuve

been used to honour and reverence him, in good earnest, ourselves.'
The thought here is well founded, though it is carelessly and
loosely br .ught out. The sentence, our own praises, which we are
'

constantly putting up, will be a spur to us towards procuring and

promoting the divine glory in every other instance,' is both negligent
in language, and ambiguous in meaning, for our own praises,' pro- '

perly signifies the praises of ourselves. Much better if he had said,

'
Those devout praises which we constantly offer up to the Almighty,
will naturally prompt us to promote the divine glory in every other
instance.'
- 4. It will, beyond all this, work in us a deep humility and con-
sciousness of our own imperfections. Upon a frequent attention to
God and his attributes, we our own weakness
shall easily discover
and emptiness our swelling thoughts of ourselves will abate, and
;

we shall see and feel that we are ' altogether lighter to be laid in the
balance than vanity ;' and this is a lesson which, to the greatest part
of mankind, is, I think, very well worth learning. We are naturally
presumptuous and vain; full of ourselves, and regardless of every
thing besides, especially when some little outward privileges dis-
tinguish us from the rest of mankind then, it is odds, but we look ;

into ourselves with great degrees of complacency, and are wiser' ;

lect. xxx.] SERMON OF BISHOP ATTERBURY'S. 339

(and better every way) ' in our own conceit, than seven men that can
render a reason.' Now nothing will contribute so much to the cure
of this vanity, as a due attention to God's excellences and perfections.
By comparing these with those which we imagine belong to us, we
shall learn, 'not to think more highly of ourselves, than we ought
to think of ourselves,' but ' to think soberly ;' we shall find more satis-
faction in looking upwards, and humbling ourselves before our com-
mon Creator, than in casting our eyes downward with scorn upon
our fellow-creatures, and setting at nought any part of the work of
his hands. The vast distance we are at from real and infinite worth,
will astonish us so much, that we shall not be tempted to value our-
selves upon these lesser degrees of pre-eminence, which custom or
opinion, or some little accidental advantages, have given us over
other men.'
Though the thought here also be just, yet a like deficiency in ele-
gance and beauty appears. The phrase, ' it is odds but we look into
ourselves, with great degrees of complacency,' is much too low and
colloquial for a sermon —
he might have said, ' we are likely,' or ' we
—
are prone,' to look into ourselves. Comparing these with those
'

which we imagine belong to us,' is also very careless style. ' By —

comparing these with the virtues and abilities which we ascribe to
ourselves, we shall learn' —
would have been purer and more correct.
' 5. I shall mention but one use of it more, and it is this that a
:

conscientious praise of God will keep us back from all false and mean
praise, all fulsome and servile flatteries, such as are in use among
men. Praising, as it is commonly managed, is nothing else but a
trial of skill upon a man, how many good things we can possibly say
of him. All the treasures of oratory are ransacked, and all the fine
things that ever were said, are heaped together for his sake and no
;

matter whether it belongs to him or not so there be but enough

;

on't; which is one deplorable instance, among a thousand, of the

baseness of human nature, of its small regard to truth and justice
to right or wrong, to what is or is not to be praised. But he who
hath a deep sense of the excellences of God upon his heart will make
a god of nothing besides. He will give every one his just enco-
mium, honour where honour is due, and as much as is due, because
it is his duty to do so ;but the honour of God will suffer him to go no
farther. Which rule, if it had been observed, a neighbouring prince
(who now, God be thanked, needs flattery a great deal more than
ever he did,) would have wanted a great deal of that incense which
hath been offered up to him by his adorers.'
This head appears scarcely to deserve any place among the more
important topics that naturally presented themselves on this subject;
least, it had much better have wanted the application which the
.at

author makes of his reasoning to the flatterers of Louis XIV. ; and

the thanks which he offers to God, for the affairs of that prince be-
ing in so low a state, that he now needed flattery more than ever.
This political satire is altogether out of place, and unworthy of the
subject.
One would be inclined to think, upon reviewing our author's ar
3C
 ;;

340 CRITICAL EXAMINATION, &c. [lect. xxx

guments, that he has overlooked some topics, respecting the happy

consequences of this duty, of fully as much importance as any
that he has inserted. Particularly, he ought not to have omitted the
happy tendency of praise and thanksgiving, to strengthen good dis-
positions in the heart to promote love to God, and imitation of those
;

perfections which we adore; and to infuse a spirit of ardour and zeal

into the whole of religion, as the service of our Benefactor. These
are consequences which naturally follow from the proper perform-
ance of this duty and which ought not to have been omitted
as no opportunity should be lost of showing the good effect of de-
votion on practical religion and moral virtue, and pointing out the
necessary connexion of the one with the other. For certain-
ly the great end of preaching is, to make men better in all the re-
lations of life, and to promote that complete reformation of heart
and conduct in which true Christianity consists. Our author, how-
ever, upon the whole, is not deficient in such views of religion
for, in his general strain of preaching, as he is extremely pious, so
he is, at the same time, practical and moral.
His summing up of the whole argument, in the next paragraph,
is elegant and beautiful; and such concluding views of the sub-

ject are frequently very proper and useful :

' Upon these grounds
doth the duty of praise stand, and these are the obligations that,
bind us to the performance of it. It is the end of our being, and
the very rule and law of our nature; flowing from the two great
fountains of human action, the understanding and the will, natu-
rally, and almost necessarily. It is the most excellent part of our
religious worship; enduring to eternity, after the rest shall be done
away ; and paid, even now, in the frankest manner, with the least
regard to our own interest. It recommends itself to us by several
peculiar properties and advantages; as it carries more pleasure
in it than all other kinds of devotion; as it enlarges and exalts the
several powers of the mind as it breeds in us an exquisite sense
;

of God's honour, and a willingness to promote it in the world as it

;

teaches us to be humble and lowly ourselves, and yet preserves us

from base and sordid flattery, from bestowing mean and undue
praises upon others.'
After our author addresses himself to two classes of men, the
this,
careless and the profane. His address to the careless is beautiful and
pathetic that to the profane, is not so well executed, and is liable
;

to some objection. Such addresses appear to me to be, on several

occasions, very useful parts of a discourse. They prevailed much
in the strain of preaching before the restoration; and perhaps, since
that period, have been too much neglected. They afford an oppor-
tunity of bringing home to the consciences of the audience, many
things, which in the course of the sermon, were, perhaps, deliver-
ed in the abstract.
I shall not dwell on the conclusion of the sermon, which is chief-

ly employed in observations on the posture o( public affairs at that

time. Considered upon the whole, this discourse of Bishop Atter-
lect. xxxi.] INTRODUCTION OF A DISCOURSE. 341

bury's is both useful and beautiful ; though I have ventured to point

out some defects in it. Seldom, or never, can we expect to meet
with a composition of any kind, which is absolutely perfect in all its
parts and when we take into account the difficulties which I before
:

showed to attend the eloquence of the pulpit, we have, perhaps,

less reason to look for perfection in a sermon, than in any other
composition.

LECTURE XXXL.

CONDUCT OF A DISCOURSE IN ALL ITS PARTS..,

INTRODUCTION, DIVISION, NARRATION, AND
EXPLICATION.
I have, in the four preceding lectures, considered what is pecu
liar toeach of the three great fields of public speaking, popular as-
semblies, the bar, and the pulpit. I am now to treat of what is com-
mon to them all; of the conduct of a discourse or oration, in gene
ral. The previous view which I have given of the distinguishing spirit
and character of different kinds of public speaking, was necessary
for the proper application of the rules which I am about to deliver;
and as I proceed, I shall further point out, how far any of these rules
may have a particular respect to the bar, to the pulpit, or to popu-
lar courts.
On whatever subject any one intends to discourse, he will most
commonly begin with some introduction, in order to prepare the
minds of his hearers ; he will then state his subject, and explain the
facts connected with it: he will employ arguments for establishing
his own opinion, and overthrowing that of his antagonist; he may,
perhaps, if there be room for it, endeavour to touch the passions of
his audience ; and after having said all he thinks proper, he will
bring his discourse to a close by some peroration or conclusion.
This being the natural train of speaking, the parts that compose a
regular formal oration, are these six; first, the exordium or intro-
duction; secondly, the state, and the division of the subject; third-
ly, narration or explication fourthly, the reasoning or arguments;
;

fifthly, the pathetic part ; and lastly, the conclusion. I do not mean
that each of these must enter into every public discourse, or that
they must enter always in this order. There is no reason for being
so formal on every occasion ; nay, it would often be a fault, and
would render a discourse pedantic and stiff. There may be many
excellent discourses in public, where several of these parts are alto-
gether wanting ; where the speaker, for instance, uses no introduc-
tion, but enters directly on his subject ;where he has no occasion
either to divide or explain ; but simply reasons on one side of the
question, and then finishes. But as the parts which I have mention-
ed are the natural constituent parts of a regular oration and as in
;

every discourse whatever, some of them must be found, it isneces-

 ;

342 INTRODUCTION OF A DISCOURSE, [leci xxxi.

sary to our present purpose, that I should treat of each of them dis-
tinctly.
I begin, of course, with the exordium or introduction. This is
manifestly common to all the three kinds of public speaking. It is
not a rhetorical invention. It is founded upon nature, and suggest-
ed by common sense. When one is going to counsel another;
when he takes upon him to instruct, or to reprove, prudence will ge-
nerally direct him not to do it abruptly, but to use some preparation ;
to begin with somewhat that may incline the persons to whom he
addresses himself, to judge favourably of what he is about to say,
and may dispose them to such a train of thought as will forward
and assist the purpose which he has in view. This is, or ought to be.
the main scope of an introduction. Accordingly, Cicero and Quin-
tilian mention three ends, to one or other of which it shoula De sub-
servient I'Reddei'e auditores benevolos, attentos, dociles.'
First, to conciliate the good will of the hearers to render them
;

benevolent, or well-affected to the speaker and to the subject. To-

pics for this purpose may, in causes at the bar, be sometimes taken
from the particular situation of the speaker himself, or of his client,
or from the character or behaviour of his antagonists, contrasted with
his own ; on other occasions, from the nature of the subject, as
closely connected with the interest of the hearers: and, in general,
from the modesty and good intention with which the speaker enters
upon his subject. The second end of an introduction is, to raise
the attention of the hearers which may be effected, by giving them
;

some hints of the importance, dignity, or novelty of the subject

or some favourable view of the clearness and precision with which
we are to treat it and of the brevity with which we are to dis-
;

course. The third end, is to render the hearers docile, or open to

persuasion for which end, we must begin with studying to remove
;

any particular prepossessions they may have contracted against the

cause, or side of the argument, which we espouse.
Some one of these ends should be proposed by every introduc-
tion. When there is no occasion for aiming at any of them when ;

we are already secure of the good will, the attention, and the docili-
ty of the audience, as may often be the case, formal introductions
may, without any prejudice, be omitted. And indeed, when they serve
for no purpose but mere ostentation, they had, for the most part,
better be omitted unless as far as respect to the audience makes it
;

decent, that a speaker should not break in upon them too abruptly,
but by a short exordium prepare them for what he is going to say.
Demosthenes' introductions are always short and simple Cicero's ;

are fuller and more artful.

The ancient critics distinguished two kinds of introductions, which
they call * principium,' and insinuatio/
< * Principium' is, where

the orator plainly and directly professes his aim in speaking. * Insin-
uatio' is, where a larger compass must be taken; and where, presuming
the disposition of the audience to be much against the orator, he
must gradually reconcile them to hearing him, before he plainly dis-
covers the point which he has in view.
lect. xxxi.] INTRODUCTION OF A DISCOURSE. 343

Of this latter sort of introduction, we have an admirable instance

in Cicero's second oration against Rullus. This Rullus was tribune
of the people, and had proposed an Agrarian law; the purpose of
which was to create a decemvirate, or ten commissioners, with ab-
solute power for five years, over all the lands conquered by the re
public, in order to divide them among the citizens. Such laws had
often been proposed by factious magistrates, and were always greedi
ly received by the people. Cicero is speaking to the people he ;

had lately been made consul by their interest; and his first attempt
is to make them reject this law. The subject was extremely deli-
cate, and required much art. He begins with acknowledging all
the favours which he had received from the people, in preference
to the nobility. He professes himself the creature of their power,
and of all men the most engaged to promote their interest. He de-
clares, that he held himself to be the consul of the people and ;

that he would always glory in preserving the character of a popular

magistrate. But to be popular, he observes, is an ambiguous word.
He understood it to import a steady attachment to the real interest
of the people, to their liberty, their ease, and their peace but by ;

some, he saw it was abused, and made a cover to their own selfish
and ambitious designs. In this manner, he begins to draw gradually
nearer to his purpose of attacking the proposal of Rullus but still ;

with great management and reserve. He protests, that he is far

from being an enemy to Agrarian laws; he gives the highest
praises to the Gracchi, those zealous patrons of the people and as- ;

sures them, that when he first heard of Rullus's law, he had resolv-
ed to support it if he found it for their interest but that, upon ex- ;

amining it, he found it calculated to establish a dominion that was

inconsistent with liberty, and to aggrandize a few men at the expense
of the public and then terminates his exordium, with telling them
:

that he is going to give his reasons for being of this opinion but ;

that if his reasons shall not satisfy them, he will give up his own opin-
ion and embrace theirs. In all this there was great art. His elo-
quence produced the intended effect; and the people, with one
voice, rejected this Agrarian law.
Having given these general views of the nature and end of an in-
troduction, I proceed to lay down some rules for the proper compo-
sition ofit. These are the more necessary, as this is a part of the
discourse which requires no small care. It is always of importance
to begin well; to make a favourable impression at first setting out;
when the minds of the hearers, vacant as yet and free, are most dis-
posed to receive any impression easily. I must add, too, that a good
introduction is often found to be extremely difficult. Few parts of
the discourse give the composer more trouble, or are attended with
more nicety in the execution.
The first rule is, that the introduction should be easy and natural.
The subject must always suggest it. It must appear, as Cicero beau-
tifully expresses it, 'Effloruisse penitus ex re de qua turn agitur.'*
* '
To have sprung up, of its own accord, from the matter which is under considera
tion.'
344 INTRODUCTION OF A DISCOURSE, [lect. xxxi.

It is too common a fault in introductions, that they are taken from

some common-place topic, which has no peculiar relation to the
subject in hand by which means they stand apart, like pieces de-
;

tached from the rest of the discourse. Of this kind are Sallust's in-
troductions, prefixed to his Catilinarian and Jugurthine wars. They
might as well have been introductions to any other history, or to any
other treatise whatever: and, therefore, though elegant in them-
selves, they must be considered as blemishes in the work, from want
of due connexion with it. Cicero, though abundantly correct in
this particular in his orations, yet is not so in his other works. It ap-
pears from a letter of his to Atticus, (L. xvi. 6.) that it was his cus-
tom to prepare, at his leisure, a collection of different introductions
or prefaces, ready to be prefixed to any work that he might after-
wards publish. In consequence of this strange method of composing,
it happened to him, to employ the same introduction twice without

remembering it prefixing it to two different works. Upon Atticus

;

informing him of this, he acknowledges the mistake, and sends him

a new introduction.
In order to render introductions natural and easy, it is, in my opin
ion, a good rule, that they should not be planned till after one has
meditated in his own mind the substance of his discourse. Then,
and not till then, he should begin to think of some proper and na-
tural introduction. By taking a contrary course, and labouring in
the first place on an introduction, every one who is accustomed to
composition will often find, that either he is led to lay hold of some
common-place topic, or that, instead of the introduction being ac-
commodated to the discourse, he is obliged to accommodate the
whole discourse to the introduction which he had previously writ-
ten. Cicero makes this remark; though, as we have seen, his
practice was not always conformable to his own rule. 'Omnibus
rebus consideratis, turn denique id, quod primum est dicendum,
postremum soleo cogitare, quo utar exordio. Nam si quando id
primum invenire volui, nullum mihi occurrit nisi aut exile, aut nuga-
torium, aut vulgare.'* After the mind has been once warmed and
put in train, by close meditation on the subject, materials for the
preface will then suggest themselves much more readily.
In the second place, in an introduction, correctness should be
carefully studied in the expression. This is requisite on account
of the situation of the hearers. They are then more disposed
to criticise than at any other period; they are, as yet, unoccupied
with the subject or the arguments; their attention is wholly direct-
ed to the speaker's style and manner. Something must be done,
therefore, to prepossess them in his favour; though, for the same
reasons, too much art must be avoided for it will be more easily de-
;

tected at that time than afterwards, and will derogate from persua-

* 'When I have planned and digested all the materials of my discourse, it is my cus-
tom to think, in the last place, of the introduction with which Iam to begin. For if at any
time I have endeavoured to invent an introduction first, nothing has ever occurred to

me for that purpose, but what was trifling, nugatory, and. vulgar.'
 ;

lect. xxxi.] INTRODUCTION OF A DISCOURSE. 345

sion in all that follows. A correct plainness, and elegant simpli-

city, is the proper character of an introduction :
' Ut videamur,' sa) s
r

Quintilian, ' accurate non callide dicere.'

In the third place, modesty is another character which it must carry.
All appearances of modesty are favourable and prepossessing. If
the orator set out with an air of arrogance and ostentation, the self-
love and pride of the hearers will be presently awakened, and will
follow him with a very suspicious eye throughout all his progress.
His modesty should discover itself not only in his expressions at the
beginning, but in his whole manner; in his looks, in his gestures, in
the tone of his voice. Every auditory take in good part those marks
of respect and awe, which are paid to them by one who addresses
them. Indeed, the modesty of an introduction should never betray
any thing mean or abject. It is always of great use to an orator,
that together with modesty and deference to his hearers, he should
show a certain sense of dignity, arising from a persuasion of the
justice or importance of the subject on which he is to speak.
The modesty of an introduction requires, that it promise not too
much. ' Non fumum ex fulgore, sed ex fumo dare lucem.'* This
certainly is the general rule, that an orator should not put forth all
his strength at the beginning, but should rise and grow upon us, as
his discourse advances. There are cases, however, in which it is
allowable for him to set out from the first in a high and bold tone;
as, for instance, when he rises to defend some cause which has been
much run down, and decried by the public. Too modest a begin-
ning might be then like a confession of guilt. By the boldness and
strength of his exordium, he must endeavour to stem the tide that
is against him, and to remove prejudices, by encountering them

without fear. In subjects, too, of a declamatory nature, and in ser-

mons, where the subject is striking, a magnificent introduction has
sometimes a good effect, if it be properly supported in the sequel.
Thus Bishop Atterbury, in beginning an eloquent sermon, preach-
ed on the 30th of January, the anniversary of what is called King
Charles's Martyrdom, sets out in this pompous manner: 'This is a
day of trouble, of rebuke, and of blasphemy; distinguished in the
calendar of our church, and the annals of our nation, by the suffer-
ings of an excellent prince, who fell a sacrifice to the rage of his re-
bellious subjects; and, by his fall, derived infamy, misery, and guilt
on them, and their sinful posterity.' Bossuet, Flechier, and the
other celebrated French preachers, very often begin their discour-
ses with laboured and sublime introductions. These raise atten-
tion, and throw a lustre on the subject; but let every speaker be
much on his guard against striking a higher note at the beginning,
than he is able to keep up in his progress.

* He does not lavish at a blaze his fire,

Sudden to glare, and then in smoke expire
But rises from a cloud of smoke to light,
And pours his specious miracles to sight.
Hor. Ars. Poet. Francis.
44
 :

346 INTRODUCTION OF A DISCOURSE, [lect.xxxi

In the fourth place, an introduction should usually be carried on

m the calm manner. This is seldom the place for vehemence and
passion. Emotions must rise as the discourse advances. The minds
of the hearers must be gradually prepared, before the speaker can
venture on strong and passionate sentiments. The exceptions to
this rule are, when the subject is such, that the very mention of it
naturally awakens some passionate emotion or when the unexpect-
;

ed presence of some person or object, in a popular assembly, inflames

the speaker, and makes him break forth with unusual warmth. Ei-
ther of these will justify what is called the Exordium ab abrupto.
Thus the appearance of Catiline in the senate renders the vehement
beginning of Cicero's first oration against him very natural and
proper: ' Quousque tandem, Catilina, abutere patientia nostra?'
And thus Bishop Atterbury, in preaching from this text, ' Blessed is
he, whosoever shall not be offended in me,' ventures on breaking
forth with this bold exordium : And can any man then be offended
'

in thee, blessed Jesus ?' which address to our Saviour he continues

for a page or two, till he enters on the division of his subject. But
such introductions as these should be hazarded by very few, as they
promise so much vehemence and unction through the rest of the dis-
course, that it is very difficult to fulfil the expectations of the hearers.
At the same time, though the introduction is not the place in
which warm emotions are usually to be attempted, yet I must
take notice, that it ought to prepare the way for such as are de-
signed to be raised in subsequent parts of the discourse. The
orator should, in the beginning, turn the minds of his hearers
towards those sentiments and feelings which he seeks to awaken
in the course of his speech. According, for instance, as it is
compassion, or indignation, or contempt, on which his discourse
is to rest, he ought to sow the seeds of these in his introduction;
he ought to begin with breathing that spirit which he means to in-
spire. Much of the orator's art and ability is shown, in thus strik-
ing properly at the commencement, the key note, if we may so
express it, of the rest of his oration.
In the fifth place, it is a rule in introductions, not to anticipate
any material part of the subject. When topics, or arguments,
which are afterwards to be enlarged upon, are hinted at, and, in
part, brought forth in the introduction, they lose the grace of
novelty upon their second appearance. The impression intended
to be made by any capital thought, is always made with the
greatest advantage, when it is made entire, and in its proper place.
In the last place, the introduction ought to be proportioned,
both in length and in kind, to the discourse that is to follow
in length, as nothing can be more absurd than to erect a very
great portico before a small building; and in kind, as it is no less
absurd to overcharge, with superb ornaments, the portico of a
plain dwelling-house, or to make the entrance to a monument as
gay as that to an arbour. Common sense directs that every part of
a discourse should be suited to the strain and spirit of the whole.
lect. xxxi.] INTRODUCTION OF A DISCOURSE. 347

These are the principal rules that relate to introductions. They

are adapted, in a great measure, equally, to discourses of all kinds.
In pleadings at the bar, or speeches in public assemblies, particular
care must be taken not to employ any introduction of that kind,
which the adverse party may lay hold of, and turn to his advantage.

To inconvenience all those introductions are exposed, which

this
are taken from general and common-place topics; and it never
fails to give an adversary a considerable triumph, if, by giving a
small turn to something we had said in our exordium, he can ap-
pear to convert, to his own favour, the principles with which we
had set out, in beginning our attack upon him. In the case of re-
plies, Quintilian makes an observation which is very worthy of no-
tice; that introductions, drawn from something that has been said
in the course of the debate, have always a peculiar grace; and the
reason he gives for it is just and sensible: 'Multum gratise exordio
est, quod ab actione diversse partis materiam trahit; hoc ipso, quod
non compositum domi, sed ibi atque e re natum; et facilitate famam
ingenii auget; et facie simplicis, sumptique e proximo sermonis,
fidem quoque acquirit ; adeo, ut etiamsi relique scripta atque ela-
borata sint, tamen videatur tota extemporalis oratio, cujus initium
nihil preparatum habuisse manifestum est.'*
In sermons, such a practice as this cannot take place; and, in-
deed, in composing sermons, few things are more difficult than to
remove an appearance of stiffness from an introduction, when a
formal one is used. The French preachers, as I before observed,
are often very splendid and lively in their introductions; but,
among us, attempts of this kind are not always so successful.
When long introductions are formed upon some common-place topic,
as the desire of happiness being natural to man, or the like, they
never fail of being tedious. Variety should be studied in this part
of composition as much as possible; often it may be proper to be-
gin without any introduction at all, unless, perhaps, one or two
sentences. Explanatory introductions from the context, are the
most simple of any, and frequently the best that can be used; but
as they are in hazard of becoming dry, they should never be long.
A happy effect to rouse at-
historical introduction has, generally, a
tention, when one
can lay hold upon some noted fact that is con-
nected with the text or the discourse, and, by a proper illustration
of it, open the way to the subject that is to be treated of.
After the introduction, what commonly comes next in order,
is the proposition, or enunciation of the subject; concerning
which there is nothing to be said, but that it should be as clear and

• * ' An introduction, which is founded upon the pleading of the opposite party, is
extremely graceful for this reason, that it appears not to have been meditated at
;

home, but to have taken rise from the business, and to have been composed on the
spot. Hence, it gives to the speaker the reputation of a quick invention, and adds
weight likewise to his discourse, as artless and unlaboured insomuch, that though all
:

the rest of his oration should be studied and written, yet the whole discourse has the
appearance of being extemporary, as it is evident that the introduction to it was unpre-
meditated.'
3D
348 INTRODUCTION OF A DISCOURSE, [lect. xxxi

distinct as possible, and expressed in few and plain words, with-

out the least affectation. To this generally succeeds the division, or
the laying clown the method of the discourse on which it is neces-
;

sary to make some observations. I do not mean, that in every

discourse, a formal division,or distribution of it into parts, is requi-
site. There are many occasions of public speaking, when this is
neither requisite nor would be proper when the discourse, perhaps,
;

is to be short, or only one point is to be treated of; or when the

speaker does not choose to warn his hearers of the method he is to

follow, or of the conclusion to which he seeks to bring them. Order
of one kind or other is, indeed, essential to every good discourse;
that is, every thing should be so arranged, as that what goes before
may give light and force to what follows. But this may be accom-
plished by means of a concealed method. What we call division
is, when the method is propounded in form to the hearers.

The discourse in which this sort of division most commonly

takes place, is a sermon ; and a question has been moved, whether
this method of laying down heads, as it is called, be the best
method of preaching. A very able judge, the Archbishop of Cam-
bray, in his Dialogues on Eloquence, declares strongly against
it. He observes, that it is a modern invention that it was never
;

practised by the Fathers of the church : and, what is certainly

true, that it took its rise from the schoolmen, when metaphysics
began to be introduced into preaching. He is of opinion, that it
renders a sermon stiff; that it breaks the unity of the discourse ;
and that, by the natural connexion of one part with another, the at-
tention of the hearers would be carried along the whole with more
advantage.
But notwithstanding his authority and his arguments, I cannot
help being of opinion, that the present method of dividing a ser-
mon into heads, ought not to be laid aside. Established practice
has now given it so much weight, that, were there nothing more
in its favour, it would be dangerous for any preacher to deviate so
far from the common track. But the practice itself has also, in
my judgment, much reason on its side. If formal partitions give a
sermon less of the oratorical appearance, they render it, however,
more clear, more easily apprehended, and, of course, more instruc-
tive to the bulk of hearers, which is always the main object to be
kept in view. The heads of a sermon are great assistances to the
memory and recollection of a hearer. They serve also to fix his
attention. They enable him more easily to keep pace with the
progress of the cliscourse; they give him pauses and resting places,
where he can reflect on what has been said, and look forward to
what is to follow. They are attended with this advantage too,
that they give the audience the opportunity of knowing, before-
hand, when they are to be released from the fatigue of attention,
and thereby make them follow the speaker more patiently. ' Re-
ficit audientem,' says Quintilian, taking notice of this very advan-

tage of divisions in other discourses, ' Reficit audientem certo sin-

lect. xxxi.] DIVISION OF A DISCOURSE. 34S

gularum partium fine; non aliter quam facientibus iter, multum

detrahunt fatigationis notata spatia inscriptis lapidibus nam et ex- :

hausti laboris nosse mensuram voluptati est; et hortatur ad reliqua

fortius exequenda, scire quantum supersit.'* With regard to break-
ing the unity of a discourse, I cannot be of opinion that there
arises, from that quarter, any argument against, the method I am
defending. If the unity be broken, it is to the nature of the heads,
or topics of which the speaker treats, that this is to be imputed ;
not to his laying them down in form. On the contrary, if his heads
be well chosen, his marking them out, and distinguishing them,
in place of impairing the unity of the whole, renders it more con-
spicuous and complete by showing how all the parts of a discourse
;

hang upon one another, and tend to one point.

In a sermon, or in a pleading, or any discourse, where division is
proper to be used, the most material rules are,
First, That the several parts into which the subject is divided
be really distinct from one another; that is, that no one include
another. It were a very absurd division, for instance, if one should
propose to treat, first, of the advantages of virtue, and next, of
those of justice or temperance ; because, the first head evidently
comprehends the second, as a genus does the species which me- ;

thod of proceeding involves the subject in indistinctness and disorder.

Secondly, In division, we must take care to follow the order of
nature; beginning with the simplest points, such as are easiest ap-
prehended, and necessary to be first discussed and proceeding
;

thence to those which are built upon the former, and which suppose
them to be known. Wemust divide the subject into those parts,
into which most easily and naturally it is resolved that it may
;

seem to split itself, and not to be violently torn asunder: 'Divi-

dere/ as is commonly said, 'non frangere.'
Thirdly, The several members of a division ought to exhaust the
subject; otherwise Ave do not make a complete division we exhi- ;

bit the subject by pieces and corners only, without giving any such
plan as displays the whole.
Fourthly, The terms in which our partitions are expressed,
should be as concise as possible. Avoid all circumlocution here.
Admit not a single word but what is necessary. Precision is to be
studied, above all things, in laying down a method. It is this which
chiefly makes a division appear neat and elegant; when the several
heads are propounded in the clearest, most expressive, and, at the
same time, the fewest words possible. This never fails to strike
the hearers agreeably and is, at the same time, of great conse-
;

quence towards making the divisions be more easily remembered.

Fifthly, Avoid an unnecessary multiplication of heads. To split
a subject into a great many minute parts, by divisions and subdivi

* ' The conclusion of each head is a relief to the hearers just as, upon a journey,
;

the mile-stones which are set up on the road, serve to diminish the traveller's fatigue
For we are always pleased with seeing our labour begin to lessen ; and, by calculating
how much remains, are stirred up to finish our task more cheerfully.'
 —
350 NARRATION AND EXPLICATION, [lect. xxxi

sions without end, has always a bad effect in speaking. It may be

proper in a logical treatise; but it makes an oration appear hard
and dry, and unnecessarily fatigues the memory. In a sermon,
there may be from three to five or six heads, including subdivi-
sions; seldom should there be more.
In a sermon, or in pleading at the bar, few things are of great-
er consequence, than a proper or happy division. It should be studi-
ed with much accuracy and care; for if one take a wrong method at
first setting out, it will lead him astray in all that follows. It will
render the whole discourse either perplexed or languid; and though
the hearers may not be able to tell where the fault or disorder lies,
they will be sensible there is a disorder somewhere, and find them-
selves little affected by what is spoken. The French writers of ser-
mons study neatness and elegance in laying down their heads, much
more than the English do; whose distributions, though sensible and
just, yet are often inartificial and verbose. Among the French,
however, too much quaintness appears in their divisions, with an
affectation of always setting out either with two, or with three,
general heads of discourse. A
division of Massillon's on this text,
'It is finished,' has been much extolled by the French critics:
'This imports,' says the preacher, 'the consummation, first, of jus-
tice on the part of God; secondly, of wickedness on the part of
men thirdly, of love on the part of Christ.' This also of Bourda-
;

loue's has been much praised, from these words: 'My peace I give
unto you.' 'Peace,' says he, 'first to the understanding, by sub-
mission to faith; secondly, to the heart, by submission to the law/
The next constituent part of a discourse, which I mentioned,
was narration or explication. I put these two together, both be-
cause they fall nearly under the same rules, and because they com-
monly answer the same purpose serving to illustrate the cause or
;

the subject of which the orator treats, before he proceeds to argue

either on one side or other; or to make any attempt for interesting
the passions of the hearers.
In pleadings at the bar, narration is often a very important part
of the discourse, and requires to be particularly attended to. Be-
sides its being in any case no easy matter to relate with grace and
propriety; there is in narrations at the bar, a peculiar difficulty. The
pleader must say nothing but what is true; and, at the same time,
he must avoid saying any thing that will hurt his cause. The facts
which he relates are to be the ground-work of all his future reason-
ing. To recount them so as to keep strictly within the bounds of
truth, and yet to present them under the colours most favourable to
his cause ; to place, in the most striking light, every circumstance
which is to his advantage, and to soften and weaken such as make
against him, demand no small exertion of skill and dexterity. He
must always remember, that if he discovers too much art, he defeats
his own purpose, and creates a distrust of his sincerity. Quintilian
very properly directs, 'Effugienda in hac prascipue parte, omnis
calliditatis suspicio; neque enim se usquam magis custodit judex,
 ;

lect. xxxi.] NARRATION AND EXPLICATION. 351

quam cum narrat orator: nihil turn videatur fictum ; nihil sollici-
tum ; a causa, quam ab oratore, profecta videantur.'*
omnia potius
To be clear and distinct, to be probable, and to be concise, are
the qualities which critics chiefly require in narration; each of
which carries sufficiently the evidence of its importance. Distinct-
ness belongs to the whole train of the discourse, but is especially
requisite in narration, which ought to throw light on all that fol-
lows. A
fact, or a single circumstance left in obscurity, and mis-
apprehended by the judge, may destroy the effect of all the argu-
ment and reasoning which the speaker employs. If his narration be
improbable, the judge will not regard it; and if it be tedious and
diffuse, he will be tired of it, and forget it. In order to produce dis-
tinctness, besides the study of the general rules of perspicuity which
were formerly given, narration requires a particular attention to as-
certain clearly the names, the dates, the places, and every other ma-
terial circumstance of the facts recounted. In order to be probable
in narration, it is material to enter into the characters of the per-
sons of whom we speak, and to show, that their actions proceeded
from such motives as are natural, and likely to gain belief. In order
to be as concise as the subject will admit, it is necessary to throw
out all superfluous circumstances ; the rejection of which will like-
wise tend to make our narration more forcible, and more clear.
Cicero is very remarkable for his talent of narration ; and from
the examples in his orations much may be learned. The narration,
for instance, in the celebrated oration pro Milone, has been often
and justly admired. His scope is to show, that though in fact Clo-
dius was killed by Milo or his servants, yet that it was only in self-
defence; and that the design had been laid, not by Milo against
Clodius, but by Clodius against Milo's life. All the circumstances
for rendering this probable are painted with wonderful art. In re-
lating the manner of Milo's setting out from Rome, he gives the
most natural description of a family excursion to the country, under
which it was impossible that any bloody design could be conceal-
ed. ' He remained,' says he, ' in the senate house that day, till all

the business was over. He came home, changed his clothes deliberate-
ly, and waited for some time, till his wife had got all her things ready
for going with him in his carriage to the country. He did not set
out, till such time as Clodius might easily have been in Rome, if he
had not been lying in wait for Milo by the way. By and by, Clodius
met him on the road, on horse-back, like a man prepared for action
no carriage, not his wife, as was usual, nor any family equipage
along with him whilst Milo, who is supposed to be meditating
:

slaughter and assassination, is travelling in a carriage with his wife,

'
wrapped up in his cloak, embarrassed with baggage, and attended

* ' In this part of discourse, the speaker must be »ery careful to shun every appear-
ance of art and cunning. For there is no time at which the judge is more upon his
guard, than when the pleader is relating facts. Let nothing then seem feigned noth :

>ng anxiously concealed. Let all that is said, appear to arise from the cause itself, and
lot to be the work of the orator.'
352 NARRATION AND EXPLICATION, [lect. xxxi

by a great train of women-servants, and boys.' He goes on describ-

ing the rencounter that followed; Clodius's servants attacking those
of Milo, and killing the driver of his carriage; Milo jumping out,
throwing off his cloak, and making the best defence he could, while
Clodius's servants endeavoured to surround him ; and then con-
cludes his narration with a very delicate and happy stroke. He
does not say in plain words, that Milo's servants killed Clodius, but
that 'in the midst of the tumult, Milo's servants, without the or-
ders, without the knowledge, without the presence of their master,
did what every master would have wished his servants, in like con-
juncture, to have done.'*
In sermons, where there is seldom any occasion for narration,
explication of the subject to be discoursed on, comes in the place of
narration at the bar, and is to be taken up much on the same tone;
that is, it must be concise, clear, and distinct: and in a style correct
and elegant, rather than highly adorned. To explain the doctrine
of the text with propriety to give a full and perspicuous account of
;

the nature of that virtue or duty which forms the subject of the dis
course, is properly the didactic part of preaching ; on the right exe-
cution of which much depends for all that comes afterwards in the
way of persuasion. The great art of succeeding in it, is to meditate
profoundly on the subject, so as to be able to place it in a clear and
strong point of view. Consider what light other passages of scrip-
ture throw upon it; consider whether it be a subject nearly related
to some other from which it is proper to distinguish it consider ;

whether it can be illustrated to advantage by comparing it with, or

opposing it to some other thing by inquiring into causes, or trac-
;

ing effects by pointing out examples, or appealing to the feelings

;

of the hearers; that thus, a definite, precise, circumstantial view

may be afforded of the doctrine to be inculcated. Let the preacher
be persuaded, that by such distinct and apt illustrations of the
known truths of religion, he may both display great merit in the
way of composition, and, what he ought to consider as far more va-
luable, render his discourses weighty, instructive, and useful.

* ' Milo, cum in scnatu fuisset eo die, quoad senatus dimissus est, doraum venit.

Calceos et vestimenta mutavit paulisper, duin se uxor (ut fit) comparat, commoratus
;

est; deinde profectus est, id temporis cum jam Clodius, si quidem eo die Romara ven-
turus erat, redire potuisset. Obviam fit ei Clodius expeditus, in equo, nulla rheda, nul-
lis impediments, nullis Grrecis coinitibus, ut solebat; sine uxore, quod nunquam fecc.

Cum hie insidiator, qui iter illud ad caedem faciendam apparasset, cum uxore veheretur
in r'neda, penulatus, vulgi magno impedimento, ac muliebri et delicato ancillarum pu-
erorumque comitatu. Fit obviam Clodio ante fundum ejus, hora fere undecinia, aut non
multo secus. Statim complures cum telis in hunc faciunt de loco superiore impetum :
adversi rhedarium occidunt ; cum autem hie de rheda, rejecta penula desiluisset, seque
acri animo defenderet, illi qui erant cum Clodio, gladiis eductis, partim recurrere ad
rhedam, ut a tergo Milonem adorirentur partim, quod hunc jam intcrfectum puta-
;

rent, caedere incipiunt ejus servos qui post erant ex quibus qui animo fideli in domi-
;

num et prsesenn fuerunt, partim occisi sunt partim cum ad rhedam pugnare viderent,
;

et domino succurrere prohiberentur, Milonemque occisum etiam ex ipso Clodio audi

rent, et ita esse putarent, fecerunt id servi Milonis,(dicam enim non derivandi criminis
causa, sed ut factum est) neque imperante, neque sciente, neque praesente domino,
quod suos quisque servos in tali re facere voluisset.'
 ,
;

( 352 a )

QUESTIONS.
In the four preceding lectures, what trary course? What remark is made
has been considered ; and of what isour by Cicero ? In the second place, in an
author now to treat 7 For what was the introduction, what should be carefully
previous view given, necessary ; and in studied 1 What is then the situation of
proceeding, what shall be pointed out? the hearers ? Why, at the same time,
On whatever subject any one intends must too much art be avoided ? What
to discourse, what order will he pursue? is the proper character of an introduc-

This being the natural train of speak- tion ? In the third place, why is mo-
ing, what six parts compose a regular desty requisite in an introduction? How
formal oration? What is here not should his modesty discover itself; and
meant ;and why not ? There may be why ? What should the modesty of an
many excellent discourses before the introduction never betray and what is
;

public, without what ? Why then is it of great use to an orator ? What does
necessary that each of them should be the modesty of an introduction require ?
treated of distinctly ? With what does What says Horace ? What is the gene-
our author begin and of this, what is
;
ral rule? What exception is there to
observed ? How is this remark illustra- this rule ? What might too modest a
ted? Of this, what is remarked? To beginning, then, be like ? By the bold-
conciliate the good will of the hearers, ness and strength of his exordium,
and to render them benevolent, whence what must he endeavour to do ? Where,
may topics in causes at the bar be also, has a magnificent introduction,
drawn ? What is the second end of an sometimes a good effect ? What exam-
introduction and how may this be ef-
;
ple is given from a sermon of Bishop

fected? What is the third end, and for Atterbury's? How do the celebrated
this purpose, with what must we begin ? French writers often begin their dis-
When may formal introductions be courses ? Of these, what is the effect
omitted; and what remark follows? but against what, must every speaker
Of Demosthenes' and Cicero's introduc- be much on his guard ? In the fourth
tions, Avhat is observed? What two place, in what manner should an in-
Kinds of introductions did the ancient troduction usually be carried on ? Why
critics distinguish ; and what is said of is this direction given ? What are the

them ? Of this latter sort of introduc- exceptions to this rule ? What will
tion, in what oration have we an admi- either of these justify ? What instances
rable instance ? Who
was Rullus, and are given ? Why should such introduc-
what did he propose ? Of such laws, tions be hazarded by very few ? Of the
what is observed? What is here said of introduction, what is further noticed?
Cicero; and in what manner does he In the beginning, what should the ora-
introduce this difficult subject ? What to r do? How is this remark illustrated?
evidence does he give that he is not an How is much of the orator's art shown?
enemy to Agrarian laws? In all this, What, in the fifth place, is a rule in
there is what. and what was the con- introductions ? How is this rule fully il-
;

sequence ? Having given this general lustrated ? In the last place, to what
view of the nature and end of an in- ought the introduction be proportioned
troduction, to what does our author and of this direction, what illustration
proceed ? Why are these the more ne- is given ? What does common sense di-
cessary ? What is always of import- rect? To what are these rules adapted?
ance; and what remark is added? In pleadings at the bar, or speeches in
What is the first rule given? What public assemblies, about what must
must always suggest it; and what says particular care be taken? To this in-
Cicero? In introductions, what is too convenience, what introductions are ex-
Qoramon a fault? What introductions posed what never fails to give an ad-
;

are of this kind? What is said of them; versary considerable triumph ? In the
and what follows ? What is related of case of replies, what observation does
Cicero's introductions; and of his man- Qaintilian make? What reason does
ner of preparing them ? Of this strange he assign for this ?
method, what was once a consequence ? Of introductions to sermons, what is
In order to render an introduction inte- observed? Of the French preachers,
resting, what is a good rule ? What what was before remarked ? When are
will be the consequence of taking a con- introductions altva\ s tedious 1 What
352 b QUESTIONS. [lect. XXXI.

should be studied in this part of com- two put together ? In pleadings at the
position as much as possible ; and what bar, of narration, what is observed?
may often be proper ? Of explanatory What peculiar difficulty is there in
introductions from the context, what is narrations at the bar ? What, here, de-
remarked ? When has a historical in- mand no small exertion of skill and
troduction a happy effect 1 What comes dexterity ? What must he always re-
next in order after the introduction? member? What does Quintilian very
What only is to be said concerning it ? properly direct? What qualities do
To this, what generally succeeds ? critics chiefly require in narration and ;

What does our author here not mean ? of each of these, what is observed ? Of
How is this remark illustrated? What distinctness, what is remarked? How
is essential to every good discourse? is this illustrated ? In order to produce

How may this be accomplished ? What distinctness, what does narration re-
is division in discourse ? In what dis- quire ?
r
W
hat is material, in order to be
course does this sort of division most probable in narration? In order to be
commonly take place ; and what ques- as concise as the subject will admit,
tion has been moved? What is the what is necessary ? Whois remarkable

opinion of the Archbishop of Cambray ? for his talent of narration ? W'hat in-
Of it, what does he observe ? What stance is given? What does he here
effect, in his opinion, has it ? Notwith- wish to show? Howare all the cir-
standing his authority and arguments, cumstances, for rendering this probable,
what does our author think ; and why? painted ? What does he give, in rela-
What reason has the practice itself, on ting the manner in which Milo set out
its side ? What advantages result to from Rome ? Repeat the passage. In
the hearers, from the division of a ser- sermons, what comes in the place of
mon into heads ? On this subject, what narration at the bar ; and in Avhat
says Quintilian ? With regard to break- manner must it be taken up ? W
r
hat is,
ing the unity of a discourse, what does properly, the didactic part of preach-
jut author observe ? On the contrary, ing; and on the riffht execution of il,
X the heads be well chosen, what is what depends? What is the great art
their effect? In any discourse, where of succeeding with it? How is this fully
division is proper, what is the first rule illustrated? Of Avhat should the preach-
to be observed ? Howis this rule illus- er be persuaded ?

trated ? Secondly, in division, what or-

der must we follow ? Into what parts ANALYSIS.
must we divide the subject? Thirdly, 1. The introduction.
what should the several members of a a. The ends of an introduction.
division do; and why? In the fourth b. The introductions of the ancients
place, of the terms in which our parti- Rules for the composition of an in-
tions are expressed, what is observed ; troduction.
and what remarks follow ? What is it a. It should be easy and natural.
which chiefly makes the divisions of a b. Correctness of expression should
discourse appear neat and elegant? be observed.
What is the effect of this ? In the fifth c. Modesty should be one of it.-
place, what must be avoided ? What principal characteristics.
has always a bad effect in speaking ? d. It should be calmly conducted.
Where may it be proper; but what e. It should not anticipate any part
effect has it on an oration? To what of the subject.
member should the heads of a sermon 2. The enunciation of the subject.
be limited? Why should the division 3. The divisions of the discourse.
of a sermon, or of a pleading at the A. The parts should be distinct from
bar, be studied with much accuracy each other.
and care ? What effect will this have ? B. The natural order should be fol-
What do the French writers of ser- lowed.
mons study much more than we do ? c. The members should exhaust the
Among the French, however, what subject.
sometimes appears in their divisions? d. The division should be expressed
What examples, from two eminent with precision.
French writers, are here introduced? E. The heads should not be unneces-
What was the next constituent part of sarily extended.
a discourse mentioned ? Why are these 4. Narration or explication.
 ( 353 )

LECTURE XXXII.

CONDUCT OF A DISCOURSE....THE ARGUMENTATIVE

PART....THE PATHETIC PART....THE
PERORATION.

In treating of the constituent parts of a regular discourse or ora-

tion, I have already considered the introduction, the division, and
the narration or explication. I proceed next to treat of the argu-
mentative or reasoning part of a discourse. In whatever place, or
on whatever subject one speaks, this, beyond doubt, is of the greatest
consequence. For the great end for which men speak on any se-
rious occasion, is to convince their hearers of something being either
true, or right, or good and, by means of this conviction, to influ-
;

ence their practice. Reason and argument make the foundation, as

I have often inculcated, of all manly and persuasive eloquence.
Now, with respect to arguments, three things are requisite.
First, the invention of them; secondly, the proper disposition and
arrangement of them and thirdly, the expressing of them in such
;

a style and manner, as to give them their full force.

The first of these, invention, is, without doubt, the most mate-
rial, and the ground -work of the rest. But, with respect to this, I
am afraid it is beyond the power of art to give any real assistance.
Art cannot go so far as to supply a speaker with arguments on every
cause, and every subject; though it may be of considerable use in
assisting him to arrange and express those, which his knowledge of
the subject has discovered. For it is one thing to discover the rea-
sons that are most proper to convince men, and another to manage
these reasons with the most advantage. The latter is all that rhe-
toric can pretend to.
The ancient rhetoricians did indeed attempt to go much farther
than this. They attempted to form rhetoric into a more complete
system and professed not only to assist public speakers in setting
;

off their arguments to most advantage; but to supply the defect of

their invention, and to teach them where to find arguments on eve-
ry subject and cause. Hence their doctrine of topics, or ' Loci
Communes,' and ' Sedes Argumentorum,' which makes so great a
figure in the writings of Aristotle, Cicero, and Quintilian. These
topics, or loci, were no other than general ideas applicable to a great
many different subjects, which the orator was directed to consult, in
order to find out materials for his speech. They had their intrinsic
and extrinsic loci; some loci, that were common to all the different
kinds of public speaking, and some that were peculiar to each.
The common or general loci, were such as genus and species, cause
and effect, antecedents and consequents, likeness and contrariety,
3E 45
 354 THE ARGUMENTATIVE PART [lect. xxxii.

definition, circumstances of time and place; and a great many more

of the same kinds. For each of the different kinds of public speak-
ing, they had their 'Loci Personarum,' and 'Loci Rerum.' As in
demonstrative orations, for instance, the heads from which any one
could be decried or praised; his birth, his country, his education,
his kindred, the qualities of his body, the qualities of his mind, the
fortune he enjoyed, the stations he had filled, &c. and in delibera-
;

tive orations, the topics that might be used in recommending any

public measure, or dissuading from it; such as, honesty, justice,
facility, profit, pleasure, glory, assistance from friends, mortification
to enemies, and the like.
The Grecian sophists were the first inventors of this artificial sys-
tem of oratory; and they showed a prodigious subtilty and fertility
in the contrivance of these loci. Succeeding rhetoricians, dazzled
by the plan, wrought them up into so regular a system, that one
would think they meant to teach how a person might mechanically
become an orator, without any genius at all. They gave him re-
ceipts for making speeches on all manner of subjects. At the same
time, it is evident, that though this study of common places might
produce very showy academical declamations, it could never pro-
duce discourses on real business. The loci indeed supplied a most
exuberant fecundity of matter. One who had no other aim, but to
talk copiously and plausibly, by consulting them on every subject,
and laying hold of all that they suggested, might discourse without
end; and that, too, tnough he had none but the most superficial
knowledge of his subject. But such discourse could be no other
than trivial. What is truly solid and persuasive, must be drawn
'ex visceribus causae,' from a thorough knowledge of the subject,
and profound meditation on it. They who would direct students
of oratory to any other sources of argumentation, only delude
them; and by attempting to render rhetoric too perfect an art,
they render it, in truth, a trifling and childish study.
On this doctrine, therefore, of the rhetorical loci, or topics, I
think it superfluous to insist. If any think that the knowledge of
them may contribute to improve their invention, and extend their
views, they may consult Aristotle and Quintilian, or what Cicero
has written on this head, in his Treatise De Inventione, his Topica,
and second book De Oratore. But when they are to prepare a
discour.se, by which they purpose to convince a judge, or to pro-
duce any considerable effect upon an assembly, I would advise them
to lay aside their common places, and to think closely of their sub-
ject. Demosthenes, I dare say, consulted none of the loci, when he
was inciting the Athenians to take arms against Philip; and where
Cicero has had recourse to them, his orations are so much the worse
on that account.
I proceed to what is of more real use, to point out the assistance
that can be given, not with respect to the invention, but with re-
spect to the disposition and conduct of arguments.
Two different methods may be used by orators, in the conduct
 ;

lect. xxxii.] OF A DISCOURSE. 355

of their reasoning; the terms of art for which are, the analytic, and
the synthetic method. The analytic is, when the orator conceals his
intention concerning the point he is to prove, till he has gradually
brought his hearers to the designed conclusion. They are led on
step by step, from one known truth to another, till the conclusion
be stolen upon them, as the natural consequence of a chain of pro-
positions. As, for instance, when one intending to prove the being
of a God, sets out with observing, that every thing which we see
in the world has had a beginning: that whatever has had a begin-
ning, must have a prior cause that in human productions, art shown
;

in the effect, necessarily infers design in the cause: and proceeds

leading you on from one cause to another, till you arrive at one su-
preme first cause, from whom is derived all the order and design
visible in his works. This is much the same with the Socratic
method, by which that philosopher silenced the sophists of his age.
It is a very artful method of reasoning; may be carried on with
much beauty, and is proper to be used when the hearers are much
prejudiced against any truth, and by imperceptible steps must be
led to conviction.
But there are few subjects that will admit this method, and not
many occasions on which it is proper to be employed. The mode
of reasoning more generally used, and most suited to the train of
popular speaking, is what is called the synthetic; when the point
to be proved is fairly laid down, and one argument upon another is
made to bear upon it, till the hearers be fully convinced.
Now, in all arguing, one of the first things to be attended to is,
among the various arguments which may occur upon a cause, to
make a proper selection of such as appear to one's self the most
solid; and to employ these as the chief means of persuasion. Eve-
ry speaker should place himself in the situation of a hearer, and
think how he would be affected by those reasons which he purpo-
ses to employ for persuading others. For he must not expect to
impose on mankind by mere arts of speech. They are not so easi-
ly imposed on, as public speakers are sometimes apt to think.
Shrewdness and sagacity are found among all ranks; and the speak-
er may be praised for his fine discourse, while yet the hearers are
not persuaded of the truth of any one thing he has uttered.
Supposing the arguments properly chosen, it is evident that their
effect will, in some measure, depend on the right arrangement of
them ; so as they shall not justle and embarrass one another, but
give mutual aid ; and bear with the fairest and fullest direction on the
point in view. Concerning this, the following rules may be taken:
In the first place, avoid blending arguments confusedly together,
that are of a separate nature. All arguments whatever are directed
to prove one or other of these three things; that something is true
that it is morally right or fit; or that it is profitable and good. These
make the three great subjects of discussion among mankind ; truth,
duty, and interest. But the arguments directed towards any one of
them are generically distinct ; and he who blends them all under one
 ;

356 THE ARGUMENTATIVE PART [lect. xxxii.

topic, which he calls his argument, as in sermons, especially, is too

often done, will render his reasoning indistinct and inelegant. Sup-
pose, for instance, that I am recommending to an audience benevo-
lence or the love of our neighbour, and that I take my first argu-
ment, from the inward satisfaction which a benevolent temper af-
fords; my second, from the obligation which the example of Christ
lays upon us to this duty ; and my third, from its tendency to pro-
cure us the good will of all around us my arguments are good, but
:

I have arranged them wrong; for, my first and third arguments are

taken from considerations of interest, internal peace, and external

advantages; and between these, I have introduced one which rests
wholly upon duty. I should have kept those classes of arguments
which are addressed to different principles in human nature., sepa-
rate and distinct.
In the second place, with regard to the different degrees ol
strength in arguments, the general rule is to advance in the way of
climax, ' ut augeatur semper, et increscat oratio.' This especially
is to be the course, when the speaker has a clear cause, and is con-
fident that he can prove it fully. He may then adventure to begin
with feeble arguments; rising gradually, and not putting forth his
whole strength till the last, when he can trust to his making a suc-
cessful impression on the minds of hearers, prepared by what has
gone before. But this rule is not to be always followed. For, if he
distrusts his cause, and has but one material argument on which to
lay the stress, putting less confidence in the rest, in this case, it is
often proper for him to place this material argument in the front; to
pre-occupy the hearers early, and make the strongest effort at first
that, having removed prejudices, and disposed them to be favoura-
ble, the rest of his reasoning may be listened to with more candour.
When it happens, that amidst a variety of arguments, there are one
or two which we are sensible are more inconclusive than the rest,
and yet proper to be used, Cicero advises to place these in the mid-
dle, as a station less conspicuous than either the beginning or the
end of the train of reasoning.
In the third place, when our arguments are strong and satisfacto-
ry, the more they are distinguished and treated apart from each other,
the better. Each can then bear to be brought out by itself, placed
in its full light, amplified and rested upon. But when our arguments
are doubtful, and only of the presumptive kind, it is safer to throw
them together in a crowd, and to run them into one another: 'ut
quse sunt natura imbecilla,' as Quintilian speaks, ' mutuo auxilio sus-
tineantur ;' that though infirm of themselves, they may serve mutu-
ally to prop each other. He gives a good example, in the case of one
who had been accused of murdering a relation, to whom he was heir.
Direct proof was wanting; but, 'you expected a succession, and a
great succession; you were in distrest circumstances; you were
pushed to the utmost by your creditors; you had offended your re-
lation, who had made you his heir ;
you knew that he was just then
intending to alter his will ; no time was to be lost. Each of these
lect. xxxn.] OF A DISCOURSE. 357

particulars by itself/ says the author, c

is inconclusive; but when
they are assembled in one groupe, they have effect.'
Of the distinct amplification of one persuasive argument, we
have a most beautiful example, in Cicero's oration for Milo. The
argument is taken from a circumstance of time. Milo was candi-
date for the consulship; and Clodius was killed a few days before
the election. He asks, if any one could believe that Milo would be
mad enough at such a critical time, by a most odious assassination, to
alienate from himself the favour of people, whose suffrages he was
so anxiously courting? This argument, the moment it is suggest-
ed, appears to have considerable weight. But it was not enough,
simply to suggest it it could bear to be dwelt upon, and brought
;

out into full light. The orator, therefore, draws a just and striking
picture of that solicitous attention with which candidates, at such a
season, always found it necessary to cultivate the good opinion of
the people. 'Quo tempore,' says he, (Scio enim quam timida sit
'

ambitio, quantaque et quam solicita, cupiditas consulates) omnia,

non modo quae reprehendi palam, sed etiam quae obscure cogitari
possunt, timemus. Rumorem, fabulam fictam es falsam, perhorres-
cimus; ora omnium atque oculos intuemur. Nihil enim est tarn
tenerum, tarn aut fragile aut flexible, quam voluntas erga nos sen-
susque civium, qui non modo improbitati irascuntur candidatorum,
sed etiam in recte factis stepe fastidiunt.' From all which he most
justly concludes, 'Hunc diem igitur Campi, speratum atque exop-
tatum, sibi proponens Milo, cruentis manibus, scelus atque facinus
prae se ferens, ad ilia centuriarum auspicia veniebat? Quam hoc
in illo minimum credibile !'* But though such amplifications as
this be extremely beautiful, I must add a caution,
In the fourth place,against extending arguments too far, and mul-
tiplying them too much. This serves rather to render a cause sus-
pected, than to give it weight. An unnecessary multiplicity of ar-
guments both burdens the memory, and detracts from the weight
of that conviction which a few well chosen arguments carry. It is
to be observed too, that in the amplification of arguments, a diffuse
and spreading method, beyond the bounds of reasonable illustra-
tion, is always enfeebling. It takes off greatly from that ' vis et
acumen,' which should be the distinguishing character of the argu-
mentative part of a discourse. When a speaker dwells long on a
favourite argument, and seeks to turn it into every possible light,
* 'Well do I know to what length the timidity goes of such as are candidates for
public offices, and how many anxious cares and attentions, a canvass for the consul-
ship necessarily carries along with it. On such an occasion, we are afraid not only of
what we may openly be reproached with, but of what others may think of us in secret.
The slightest rumour, the most improbable tale that can be devised to our prejudice,
alarms and disconcerts us. We
study the countenance, and the looks, of all around
us: for nothing is so delicate, so frail, uncertain, as the public favour. Our fel-
low-citizens not only are justly offended with the vices of candidates, but even on oc
casions of meritorious actions, are apt to conceive capricious disgusts. Is there then
the least credibility, that Milo, after having so long fixed his attention on the impor-
tant and wished-for day of election, would dare to have any thoughts of presenting
himself before the august assembly of the people, as a murderer and assassin, with hw
hands imbrued in blood ?'
358 THE PATHETIC PART [lect. xxxh

it almost always happens, that, fatigued with the effort, he loses

the spirit with which he set out; and concludes with feebleness
what he began with force. There is a proper temperance in rea-
soning, as there is in other parts of a discourse.
After due attention given to the proper arrangement of argu-
ments, what is next requisite for their success is, to express them
in such a style, and to deliver them in such a manner, as shall give
them full force. On these heads I must refer the reader to the di-
rections I have given in treating of style, in former lectures: and
to the directions I am afterwards to give concerning pronunciation
and delivery.
Iproceed, therefore, next, to another essential part of discourse,
which I mentioned as the fifth in order, that is, the pathetic; in
which, if any where, eloquence reigns, and exerts its power. I shall
not, in beginning this head, take up time in combating the scruples
of those who have moved a question, whether it be consistent with
fairness and candour in a public speaker, to address the passions of
his audience? This is a question about words alone, and which
common sense easily determines. In inquiries after mere truth, in
matters of simple information and instruction, there is no question
that the passions have no concern, and that all attempts to move
them are absurd. Wherever conviction is the object, it is the un-
derstanding alone that is to be applied to. It is by argument and
reasoning, that one man attempts to satisfy another of what is true,
or right, or just; but if persuasion be the object, the case is chang-
ed. In all that relates to practice, there is no man who seriously
means to persuade another, but addresses himself to his passions
more or less; for this plain reason, that passions are the great springs
of human action. The most virtuous man, in treating of the most
virtuous subject, seeks to touch the heart of him to whom he speaks;
and makes no scruple to raise his indignation at injustice, or his
pity to the distressed, though pity and indignation be passions.
In treating of this part of eloquence, the ancients made the same
sort of attempt as they employed with respect to the argumentative
part, in order to bring rhetoric into a more perfect system. They
inquired metaphysically into the nature of every passion; they gave
a definition, and a description of it; they treated of its causes, its
effects, and its concomitants; and thence deduced rules for work-
ing upon it. Aristotle in particular has, in his treatise upon rhe-
toric, discussed the nature of the passions with much profoundness
and subtilty and what he has written on that head, may be read
;

with no small profit, as a valuable piece of moral philosophy; but

whether it will have any effect in rendering an orator more pathetic,
is to me doubtful. It is not, I am afraid, any philosophical knowledge
of the passions, that can confer this talent. We must be indebted for
it to nature, to a certain strong and happy Sensibility of mind; and
one may be a most thorough adept in all the speculative knowledge
that can be acquired concerning the passions, and remain, at the
same time, a cold and dry speaker. The use of rules and instruc-
 ;

lect. xxxii.] OF A DISCOURSE. 359

tions on this, or any other part of oratory, is not. to supply the want
of genius, but to direct it where it is found, into its proper channel
to assist it in exerting itself with most advantage, and to prevent
the errors and extravagances into which it is sometimes apt to run.
On the head of the pathetic, the following directions appear to me
to be useful.
The first is. to consider carefully, whether the subject admit the
pathetic, and render it proper: and if it does, what part of the dis-
course is the most proper for attempting it. To determine these
points belongs to good sense; for it is evident, that there are many
subjects which admit not the pathetic, at all, and that even in those
that are susceptible of it, an attempt to excite the passions in the
wrong place, may expose an orator to ridicule. All that can be
said in general is, that if we expect any emotion which we raise to
have a lasting effect, we must be careful to bring over to our side,
in the first place, the understanding and judgment. The hearers
must be convinced that there are good and sufficient grounds for their
entering with warmth into the cause. They must be able to justify
to themselves the passion which they feel ; and remain satisfied that
they are not carried away by mere delusion. Unless their minds be
brought into this state, although they may have been heated by the
orator's discourse, yet, as soon as he ceases to speak, they will re-
sume their ordinary tone of thought; and the emotion which he has
raised will die entirely away. Hence most writers assign the pa-
thetic to the peroration, or conclusion, as its natural place; and, no
doubt, all other things being equal, this is the impression that one
would choose to make last, leaving the minds of the hearers warm-
ed with the subject, after argument and reasoning had produced
their full effect: but wherever it is introduced, I must advise,
In the second place, never to set aparta head of a discourse in form,
for raising any passion ; never give warning that you are about to
be pathetic and call upon your hearers, as is sometimes done, to
;

follow you in the attempt. This almost never fails to prove a re-
frigerant to passion. It puts the hearers immediately on their guard,
and disposes them for criticising, much more than for being moved.
The indirect method of making an impression is likely to be more
successful; when you seize the critical moment that is favourable
to emotion, in whatever part of the discourse it occurs; and then,
after due preparation, throw in such circumstances, and present
such glowing images, as may kindle their passions before they are
aware. This can often be done more happily, in a few sentences
inspired by natural warmth, than in a long and studied address.
In the third place, it is necessary to observe, that there is a great
difference between showing the hearers that they ought to be mov-
ed, and actually moving them. This distinction is not sufficiently
attended to, especially by preachers, who, if they have a head in
their sermon to show how much we are bound to be grateful to God,
or to be compassionate to the distrest, are apt to imagine this to be
a pathetic part. Now all the arguments you produce to show me,
360 THE PATHETIC PART [lect. xxxii

why it is my why it is reasonable and fit, that I should be

duty,
moved way, go no farther than to dispose or prepare
in a certain
me for entering into such an emotion; but they do not actually ex-
cite it. To every emotion or passion, nature has adapted a set of
corresponding objects; and, without setting these before the mind,
it is not in the power of any orator to raise that emotion. I am
warmed with gratitude, I am touched with compassion, not when
a speaker shows me that these are noble dispositions, and that it is
my duty to feel them or when he exclaims against me for my in-
;

diiference and coldness. All this time, he is speaking only to my

reason or conscience. He must describe the kindness and tender-
ness of my friend he must set before me the distress suffered by
;

the person for whom he would interest me then, and not till then,
;

my heart begins to be touched, my gratitude or my compassion be-

gins to flow. The foundation, therefore, of all successful execution
in the way of pathetic oratory is, to paint the object of that passion
which we wish to raise, in the most natural and striking manner;
to describe it with such circumstances as are likely to awaken it in
the minds of others. Every passion is most strongly excited by
sensation; as anger, by the feeling of an injury, or the presence of
the injurer. Next to the influence of sense, is that of memory ; and
Bext to memory, is the influence of the imagination. Of this pow-
er, therefore, the orator must avail himself, so as to strike the ima-
gination of the hearers with circumstances which, in lustre and
steadiness, resemble those of sensation and remembrance. In or-
der to accomplish this,
In the fourth place, the only effectual method is, to be moved
yourselves. There are a thousand interesting circumstances sug-
gested by real passion, which no art can imitate, and no refinement
can supply. There is obviously a contagion among the passions.
Ut ridemibus, arrident, sic flentibus adflent,
Humani vultus.

The internal emotion of the speaker adds a pathos to his words, his
looks, his gestures, and his whole manner, which exerts a power
almost irresistible over thosewho hear him.* But on this point,
though the most material of all, I shall not now insist, as I have
often had occasion before to show, that all attempts towards becom-
ing pathetic, when we are not moved ourselves, expose us to cer-
tain ridicule.
Quintilian, who much good
discourses upon this subject with
sense, takes pains to inform us of the method which he used, when
he was a public speaker, for entering into those passions which he
wanted to excite in others setting before his own imagination what
;

he calls, 'Phantasias' or 'Visiones,' strong pictures of the distress

* 'Quid enim aliud est causae ut lugentes, in reccnti dolore, disertissime quredam ex-
clamare videantur et ira nonunquam in indoctis quoquc eloquentiam faciat ; quam
;

quod illis inest vis mentis, et Veritas ipsa Morum ? quare in iis qure verisimilia esse vo-
lumus, simus ipsi similes eorum qui vere patiunter affectibus: et a tali animo proficis-
catur oratio qualem fatere judicem volet. Afficiamur antequam afficere conemur.'
Quint. Lib. 6.
lect.xxxii.J OF A DISCOURSE. 361

or indignities which they had suffered, whose cause he had to plead,

and for whom he was to interest his hearers; dwelling upon these,
and putting himself in their situation, till he was affected by a pas-
sion similar to that which the persons themselves had felt.* To
this method he attributes all the success he ever had in public
speaking; and there can be no doubt, that whatever tends to in-
crease an orator's sensibility, will add greatly to his pathetic powers.
In the fifth place, it is necessary to attend to the proper language
of the passions. We should observe in what manner any one ex-
presses himself, who is under the power of a real and a strong pas-
sion; and we shall always find his language unaffected and simple.
It may be animated, indeed, with bold and strong figures, but it will
have no ornament or finery. He is not at leisure to follow out the
play of imagination. His mind being wholly seized by one object
which has heated it, he has no other aim, but to represent that, in
all its circumstances, as strongly as he feels it. This must be the
style of the orator, when he would be pathetic; and this will be his
style, if he speaks from real feeling; bold, ardent, simple. No sort
of description will then succeed, but what is written 'fervente ca-
lamo.' If he stay till he can work up his style, and polish and adorn
it, he will infallibly cool his own ardour, and then he will touch the

heart no more. His composition will become frigid; it will be the

language of one who describes, but who does not feel. mustWe
take notice, that there is a great difference between painting to the
imagination, and painting to the heart. The one may be done cool-
ly, and at leisure; the other must always be rapid and ardent. In
the former, art and labour may be suffered to appear; in the latter,
no effect can follow, unless it seem to be the work of nature only.
In the sixth place, avoid interweaving any thing of a foreign na-
ture with the pathetic part of a discourse. Beware of all digres-
sions, which may interrupt or turn aside the natural course of the
passion, when once it begins to rise and swell. Sacrifice all beau-
ties, however bright and showy, which would divert the mind from
the principal object, and which would amuse the imagination,
rather than touch the heart. Hence comparisons are always dan-
gerous, and generally quite improper, in the midst of passion. Be-
ware even of reasoning unseasonably or, at least, of carrying on a
;

long and subtile train of reasoning, on occasions when the princi-

pal aim is to excite warm emotions.
In the last place, never attempt prolonging the pathetic too much.
Warm emotions are too violent to be lasting. t Study the proper

* Ut hominem occisum querar; non omnia qure in re presenti accidisse credibile

'

habebo? Non percussor ille subitus erumpet? non expavescet circuin-

est, in occulis
ventns ? exclamabit, vel rogabit, vcl fugiet? non ferientem, non concidentem videbo ?
non animo sanguis, et pallor, et gemitus, extremus denique expirantis hiatus, insidet?
Ubi vero miseratione opus erit, nobis ea de quibus querimur accidisse credamus, atque
id animo nostro persuadeamus. Nos ill simus, quos gravia, indigna, tristia, passos
i

queramur. Nee agamus rem quasi alienam sed assumamus parumper ilium dolorem.
;

Ita dicemus, quaa in simili nostro casu dicturi essemus.' Lib. 6.

t 'Nunquam debet esse longa miseratio ; nam cum veros dolores mitiget tempus
3F 46
 !

362 THE PATHETIC PART [lect. xxxn

time of making a retreat; of making a transition from the passion-

ate to the calm tone; in such a manner, however, as to descend
without falling, by keeping up the same strain of sentiment that was
carried on before, though now expressing it with more moderation.
Above all things, beware of straining passion too far; of attempting

to raise it to unnatural heights. Preserve always a due regard to

what the hearers will bear; and remember, that he who stops not
at the proper point who attempts to carry them farther in pas-
;

sion than they will follow him, destroys his whole design. By en-
deavouring to warm them too much, he takes the most effectual
method of freezing them completely.
Having given these rules concerning the pathetic, I shall give
one example from Cicero, which will serve to illustrate several of
them, particularly the last. It shall be taken from his oration against
Verres, wherein he describes the cruelty exercised by Verres, when
governor of Sicily, against one Gavius, a Roman citizen. This Ga-
vius had made his escape from prison, into which he had been
thrown by the governor ; and when just embarkingat Messina, think-
ing himself now safe, had uttered some threats, that when he had
once arrived at Rome, Verres should hear of him, and be brought to
account for having put a Roman citizen in chains. The chief ma-
gistrate of Messina, a creature of Verres's, instantly apprehends
him, and gives information of his threatenings. The behaviour of
Verres, on this occasion, is described in the most picturesque manner,
and with all the colours which are proper, in order to excite against
him the public indignation. He thanks the magistrate of Messina
for his diligence. Filled with rage, he comes into the forum orders ;

Gavius to be brought forth, the executioners to attend, and against

the laws, and contrary to the well-known privileges of a Roman
citizen, commands him to be stripped naked, bound, and scourged
publicly in a cruel manner. Cicero then proceeds thus: 'Cjedeba-
tur virgis, in medio foro Messanae, Civis Romanus, Judices !' every
word rises above another, in describing this flagrant enormity; and,
'Judices,' is brought out at the end with the greatest propriety;
'Caedebatur virgis, in medio foro Messanse, Civis Romanus, Judices !

cum interea, nulljs gemitus, nulla vox alia istius miseri, inter dolo-
rem crepitumque plagarum audiebatur, nisi h»c, Civis Romanus sum.
Hac se commemoratione civitatis, omnia verbera depulsurum a cor-
pore arbitrabatur. Is non modo hoc i.on perfecit, ut virgarum vim
deprecaretur, sed cum imploraret ssepius usurparetque nomen civis,
crux, crux inquam, infelici isto & aerumnoso, qui nunquam istam
potestatem viderat, comparabatur. nomen dulce libertatis!
jus eximium nostra? civitatis Lex Porcia, legesque Semproniae
!

Huccine omnia tandem reciderunt, ut civis Romanus, in provincia

populi Romani, in oppido fcederatorum, ab eo qui beneficio populi

citius evanescat, necesse est ilia, quam dicendo effinximus, imago: in qua, si niora-
raur, lacryrois fatigatur auditor, et requiescit, et ab illo quern ceperat impetu, in ratio-
nem redit. Non patiamur igitur frigescere hoc opus ; et afiectum, cum ad summuni
perduxerimus, relinquamus ; nee speremus fore, ut aliena mala quisquam diu ploret.'
Quinct. lib. 6.
lect. xxxii.] OF A DISCOURSE. 363

Romani fasces et secures haberet, deligatus, in foro, virgis osedere-

tur!'*
Nothing can be finer, nor better conducted, than this passage.
The circumstances are well chosen for exciting both the compassion
of his hearers for Gavius, and their indignation against Verres. The
style is simple; and the passionate exclamation, the address to lib-
erty and the laws, is well timed, and in the proper style of passion.
The orator goes on to exaggerate Verres's cruelty still farther, by
another very striking circumstance. He ordered a gibbet to be
erected for Gavius, not in the common place of execution, but just
by the sea-shore, over against the coast of Italy. 'Let him,' said
he ' who boasts so much of his being a Roman citizen, take a view
from his gibbet of his own country. This insult over a dying man
is the least part of his guilt. It was not Gavius alone that Ver-
res meant it was you,
to insult; but Romans it was every citizen
!

who now hearsme; in the person of Gavius, he scoffed at your

rights, and showed in what contempt he held the Roman name, and
Roman liberties.'
Hitherto all is beautiful, animated, pathetic; and the mode]
would have been perfect, if Cicero had stopped at this point.
But his redundant and florid genius carried him further. He must
needs interest, not his hearers only, but the beasts, the mountains, and
the stones, against Verres: 'Si hsec nor. ad cives Romanos, non ad
amicos nostras civitatis, non ad eos qui populi Romani nomen audis-
sent; denique si non ad homines, verum ad bestias; atque ut lon-
giusprogrediar, si inaliqua desertissima solitudine, ad saxaetadsco-
pulos, haec conqueri et deplorare vellem, tamen omnia muta atque
inanima, tanta et tarn indigna rerum atrocitate commoverentur.'t
This, with all the deference due to so eloquent an orator, we must
pronounce to be declamatory, not pathetic. This is straining the
language of passion too far. Every hearer sees this immediately
to be a studied figure of rhetoric; it may amuse him, but instead of

* ' In the midst of the market-place of Messina, a Roman citizen, O Judges was
!

cruelly scourged with rods ; when, in the mean time, amidst the noise of the blows
which he suffered, no voice, no complaint of this unhappy man was heard, except
this exclamation, remember that I am a Roman citizen ! By pleading this privilege
of his birthright, he hoped to have stopped the strokes of the executioner. But his
hopes were vain ; for, so far was he from being able to obtain thereby any mitigation
of his torture, that when he continued to repeat this exclamation, and to plead the
I say, was preparing to bn set up for the exe-
rights of a citizen, a cross, a cross,
cution of this unfortunate person, who never before had beheld that instrument ot
cruel death. O sacred and honoured name of liberty! O boasted and revered privilege
of a Roman citizen ! ye Porcian and Sempronian laws to this issue have ye all
!

come, that a citizen of Rome, in a province of the Roman empire, within an allied
city, should publicly in a market-place be loaded with chains, and beaten with rods,
at the command of one who, from the favour of the Roman people alone, derived all
his authority and ensigns of power !'
t Were I employed in lamenting those instances of an atrocious oppression
'

and cruelty, not among an assembly of Roman citizens, not among the allies of
our state, not among those who had ever heard the name of the Roman people,
not even among human creatures, but in the midst of the brute creation ; and to go
farther, were I pouring forth my lamentations to the stones, and to the rocks, in some
remote and desert wilderness, even those mute and inanimate beings would, at the
'
ecital of such shocking indignities, be thrown into commotion
 ;

3G4 CONCLUSION OF A DISCOURSE, [lect. xxxii.

Inflaming him more, it, in truth, cools his passion. So dangerous it

is to give scope to a flowery imagination, when one intends to make
a strong and passionate impression.
No other part of the discourse remains now to be treated of, except
the peroration, or conclusion. Concerning this, it is needless to say
much, because it must vary considerably, according to the strain of
the preceding discourse. Sometimes, the whole pathetic part comes
in most properly at the peroration. Sometimes, when the dis-
course has been entirely argumentative, it is fit to conclude with
summing up the arguments, placing them in one view, and leaving
the impression of them, full and strong, on the mind of the audi-
ence. For the great rule of a conclusion, and what nature obvious-
ly suggests, is, to place that last on which we choose that the strength
of our cause should rest.
In sermons, inferences from what has been said, make a common
conclusion. With regard to these, care should be taken not only
that they rise naturally, but, (what is less commonly attended to)
that they should so much agree with the strain of sentiment through-
out the discourse, as not to break the unity of the sermon. For in
ferences, how justly soever they may be deduced from the doc-
trine of the text, yet have a bad effect, if, at the conclusion of a
discourse, they introduce a subject altogether new, and turn off"
our attention from the main object to which the preacher may have
directed our thoughts. They appear, in this case, like excrescences
jutting out from the body, which form an unnatural addition to it
and tend to enfeeble the impression which the composition, as a
whole, is calculated to make.
The most eloquent of the French, perhaps, indeed,of all modern
orators, Bossuet, bishop of Meaux, terminates in a very moving
manner, his funeral oration on the great prince of Conde, with this
return upon himself, and his old age Accept, prince: these
'
!

last efforts of a voice which you once well knew. With you, all my
funeral discourses are now to end. Instead of deploring the death of
others^ henceforth, it shall be my study to learn from you, how my
own may be blessed. Happy, if warned by those gray hairs, of
the account which I mustsoon give of my ministry, I reserve, solely,
for that flock whom I ought to feed with the word of life, the feeble
remains of a voice which now trembles, and of an ardour which is
now on the point of being extinct.'*
In all discourses, it is a matter of importance to hit the precise
time of concluding, so as to bring our discourse just to a point;
neither ending abruptly and unexpectedly; nor disappointing the
expectation of the hearers, when they look for the close, and con-

* •Agreez ces derniers efforts d'une vcix que vous fut connue. Vous mettrez fin
ktousces discours. An lieu de deplorer la mort des autres, grand prince! dore-
navant je veux apprendre de vous, a rendre la mienne sainte. Heureux, si averti
par ces cheveux blancs, du compte que je dois rendre de mon administration, je
reserve au troupeau que je dois nourrir dc la parole de vie, les restes d'une voix qui
tombe, k, d'une ardeur qui s'eteint.' These are the last sentences of that oration but :

the whole of the peroration, from thai passage, 'Vencz peuples, venez maintenant
&.C though it is too long for insertion, is a great master-piece of pathetic eloquence.
 ;

LECT. XXXII.] QUESTIONS. 365

tinuing to hover round and round the conclusion, till they become

heartily tired of us. We

should endeavour to go off with a good
grace not to end with a languishing and drawling sentence but
; ;

to close with dignity and spirit, that we may leave the minds of the
hearers warm, and dismiss them with a favourable impression of
the subject, and of the speaker.

Q,UE$TIOWS.
In treating of the constituent parts In what situation should every speaker
of a regular discourse, what have been place himself; and why? What re-
considered 1 To what does our author marks follow ? Supposing their argu-
next proceed ? From what does it ap- ments properly chosen, on what, is it
pear that this is always of the greatest evident, their effect, in some measure,
consequence 1 Of what do reason and will depend ? Concerning this, what is

argument make the foundation 1 With the rule that may be taken ? All
first

respect to argument, what three things arguments are directed to prove one of
are requisite'? Of invention, what is what three things and what do these
;

observed ? Of what is remarked

art, make ? Of the arguments directed to-
and why ? What was attempted by wards any one of these, what is re-
the ancient rhetoricians and what did ; marked ? Of this remark, what illus-
they profess? Hence, what arose? Of tration is given ? In the second place,

these topics, or loci, what is observed ? with regard to the different degrees of
What had they 1 What were the com- strength in argument, what rule i3
mon, or general loci? For each of the given ? When, especially, is this to be
different kinds of public speaking, what the course ? What course may he then
had they? How is this remark illus- venture to pursue? Why is not this
trated ? Who were
the first inventors rule to be always followed ? About in-
of this artificial system of oratory, and conclusive arguments, what does Cice-
in the contrivance of their loci, what ro advise ? Of arguments, in the third
did they show ? Of succeeding rhetori- place, what is observed and why 1 ;

cians, what is observed 1 At the same But when is it safer to throw them to-
time, what is What did the gether ? What
evident? says Quintilian on this
loci supply; and what remark follows? subject; and what example is given 1
Whence must what is truly solid and Where have we a most beautiful ex-
persuasive in oratory be drawn; and ample of the distinct amplification of
what remark follows ? On this doctrine, one persuasive argument ? From what
what is farther remarked and to what is the argument taken? Repeat the
;

eources are those referred who think manner in which it is conducted. Re-
that the knowledge of them may con- peat the passage. In the fourth place,
tribute to improve their invention ? But against what must we guard? What ef-
when are they advised to lay aside fect does this have ? What, also, is to be
their common places, and to think observed? From what does this detract ?
closely on their subject? Of Demosthe- When a speaker dwells long on any
nes and Cicero, what is here observed ? favourite argument, Avhat is the conse-
To what does our author proceed ? quence? After due attention to the
What two different methods may be proper arrangements of arguments,
used by orators in the conduct of their what is the next requisite for their suc-
reasoning ? What is the analytic me- cess ? On these heads, to what is the
thod ? How are his hearers led on ? Of reader referred ? To what does our au-
'this method, what illustration is given? thor, therefore, next proceed ? In com-
With what method is this much the batting what scruples, will our author
same and of it, what is observed? But, not, in beginning this head, take up
;

what remark follows and consequent- time ; and why ? Where, is it evident,
;

ly, what mode of reasoning is more ge- the passions have no concern ? What
nerally used ? In all arguing, what is remark follows? What illustration of
one of the first things to be attended to? this remark is given ? But why does
365 a QUESTIONS. [lect xxxn

the man who seriously intends to per- shall we always find ? Of this lan-
suade another, address himself to his guage, what is further remarked ; and
passions ? How is this illustrated ? In why not? His mind being wholly seized
treating of this part of eloquence, what by one object, which has fired it, what
attempt did the ancients make, and for is the consequence? When must this
what purpose? What order did they fol- be the style of the orator and when, ;

ow ? What has Aristotle done and of ; in reality, will be his style

it ; and what
t, what is observed ? What cannot con fer will be the consequence ? When will
this talent and to what must we be
; lie touch the heart no more ; and what
indebted for it ? With what attainment will his composition become ? Of what
may one remain a cold and dry speak- must we take notice ? How is this dif-
er? What is the use of rules and in- ference illustrated ? In the sixth place,
structions on this, or any other part of what must be avoided? Of what di-
oratory ? gressions should we beware ; and what
On the head of the pathetic, what is beauties should we sacrifice? Hence,
the first direction given ? Why
does it of comparisons, what is observed ; and
belong to good sense to determine these of what farther should we beware ? In
points ? What is all that can, in gene- the last place, what should we never
ral, be said? Of what must the hearers attempt ; and why ? In what manner
be convinced ; and what may they be must we. however, study to make our
able to justify ? Unless their minds be retreat ? Above all things, of what
brought into this state, what will be must we beware? A due regard to
the consequence ? Hence, what place what must we always preserve and ;

have most writers assigned to the pa- what must we remember ? By endea-
thetic and what remark follows ? In
;
vouring to warm them too much, of
the second place, what does our author what does lie take the most effectual
advise ? What is almost always the ef- method? Having given these rules
fect of this and why ? What is the in- concerning the pathetic, what does our
;

directmethod of making an impression? author do ? Whence is it taken ? Of

How can this often be happily done ? this Gavius, what is related and also ;

In the third place, what is it necessary of the chief magistrate of Messina?

to observe ? By whom is this distinction How is the behaviour of Verres, on this
not sufficiently attended to and of occasion, described ? Entering the fo-
;

them, what is here observed ? How is rum, what does he there direct, and
this remark illustrated ? To every emo- what follows ? How does Cicero then
tion, or passion, what has nature adapt- proceed ? Of this passage, what is ob-
ed ; and what follows ? What illustra- served ? In what manner does the ora-
tion of this remark follows? All this tor exaggerate Verres' cruelty still far-
time he is speaking of what ? When, ther ? Of the address, hitherto, what is
only, does the heart begin to be touch- observed? But what must he needs do?
ed, and the gratitude and compassion Repeat what follows. What must we
begin to flow? What, therefore, is the pronounce this to be ? What does every
foundation of all successful execution in hearer immediately perceive ? What
the way of pathetic oratory ? By Avhat remark follows ? What part, only, now
is every passion most strongly excited ; remains to be treated cf ? Concerning
and what examples are given ? Why
this, why is it needless to say much ?

must the orator, therefore, avail himself How is this remark illustrated ? What
of this power? To accomplish this, is the great rule of a conclusion ? In
what, in the fourth place, is the only sermons, what make a common con-
effectual method ; and why? What is clusion ? With regard to these, about
the of the internal emotion of the what should care be taken and why 1
effect, ;

speaker? Whydoes our author not In this case, like what do they appeal ?
now insist on this point ? Of what does In what manner does the most eloquent
Quintilian take pains to inform us and of the French orators terminate his
;

what was it? To this method, what funeral oration on the great prince of
does he attribute; and of what can Condd ? Repeat the passage. In the
there be no doubt ? In the fifth place, conclusion of all discourses, what is a
to what is it necessary to attend? matter of importance ? How should we
What should we observe; and what endeavour to go off; and not to end in
lect. xxxm.] QUESTIONS. 365 6

what manner 1 Why should we end d.They should not be extended too far.
•vith dignity and spirit 1 2. The pathetic part of a discourse.
a. Discretion necessary in introducing it.
ANALYSIS" b. Nopart of the discourse should be set
1. The argument of a discourse. apart for it.
a. The invention of arguments. c. The speaker should actually affect the
b. The analytic and synthetic methods. hearers.
Rules for the proper disposition of argu- d. The speaker should be moved himself.
ments. e. The proper language of the passions
a. They should not be blended together. should be attended to.
B. They should advance in the way of f. Nothing foreign should be interwoven
climax. with it.
c. If strong, they should be distinctly g. It should not be too much prolonged.
treated. 3. Instances of the pathetic.

LECTURE! XXXIII.
PRONUNCIATION, OR DELIVERY.
Having treated of several general heads relating to eloquence, or
public speaking, I now proceed to another very important part of
the subject yet remaining, that is, the pronunciation, or delivery of a
discourse. How much
stress was laid upon this by the most elo-
quent of all Demosthenes, appears from a noted saying of
orators,
his, related both by Cicero and Quintilian when being asked, Avhat
;

was the first point in oratory 1 he answered, delivery and being ask- ;

ed, what was the second 1 and afterwards, what was the third 1 he
still answered, delivery. There is no wonder that he should have
rated this so high, and that for improving himself in it, he should have
employed those assiduous and painful labours, which all the ancients
take so much notice of; for, beyond doubt, nothing is of more im-
portance. To superficial thinkers, the management of the voice
and gesture, in public speaking, may appear to relate to decoration
only, and to be one of the inferior arts of catching an audience. But
this is far from being the case. It is intimately connected with what
is, or ought to be, the end of all public speaking, persuasion and, ;

therefore, deserves the study of the most grave and serious speakers,
as much as of those whose only aim it is to please.
For, let it be considered, whenever we address ourselves to others
by words, our intention certainly is to make some impression on
those to whom we speak it is to convey to them our own ideas and
:

emotions. Now, the tone of our voice, our looks and gestures, inter-
pret our ideas and emotions no less than words do nay, the impres-
;

sion they make on others, is frequently much stronger than any that
words can make. We can see that an expressive look, or a passion-
ate cry, unaccompanied by words, convey to others more forcible
ideas, and rouses within them stronger passions, than can be com-
municated by the most eloquent discourse. The signification of our
sentiments, made by tones and gestures, has this advantage above
that made by words, that it is the language of nature. It is that
method of interpreting our mind, which nature has dictated to all,
and which is understood by all whereas, words are only arbitrary,
;

conventional symbols of our ideas, and, by consequence, must make

a more feeble impression. So true is this, that to render words fully
significant, they must, almost in every case, receive some aid from
 ;

366 PRONUNCIATION, OR DELIVERY [lect. xxxiii.

the manner of pronunciation and delivery; and he who, in speaking,

should employ bare words, without enforcing them by proper tones
and accents, would leave us with a faint and indistinct impression,
often with a doubtful and ambiguous conception, of what he had de-
livered. Nay, so close is the connexion between certain sentiments
and the proper manner of pronouncing them, that he who does not
pronounce them after that manner, can never persuade us, that he
believes, or feels, the sentiments themselves. His delivery may be
such, as to give the lie to all that he asserts. When Marcus Calli-
dius accused one of an attempt to poison him, but enforced his ac-
cusation in a languid manner, and without any warmth or earnest-
ness of delivery, Cicero, who pleaded for the accused person, im-
proved this into an argument of the falsity of the charge, 'An tu,
M. Callidi, nisi fingeres, sic agcres?' In Shakspeare's Richard II.
the Duchess of York thus impeaches the sincerity of her husband :

—
Pleads he in earnest ? Look upon his face,
His eyes do drop no tears ; his prayers are jest;
His words come from his mouth; ours, from our breast;
He prays but faintly, and would be denied
We pray with heart and soul.
But I believe it is needless to say any more, in order to show the
high importance of a good delivery. I proceed, therefore, to such
observations as appear to me most useful to be made on this head.
The great objects which every public speaker will naturally have
in his eye in forming his delivery, are, first, to speak so as to be
fully and easily understood by all who hear him and next, to speak
;

with grace and force, so as to please and to move his audience. Let
us consider what is most important with respect to each of these.*
In order to be fully and easily understood, the four chief requi-
sites are, a due degree of loudness of voice, distinctness, slowness,
and propriety of pronunciation.
The first attention of every public speaker, doubtless, must be, to
make himself be heard by all those to whom he speaks. He must
endeavour to fill with his voice the space occupied by the assembly.
This power of voice, it may be thought, is wholly a natural talent.
It is so in a good measure; but, however, may receive considera-
ble assistance from art. Much depends for this purpose on the pro-
per pitch, and management of the voice. Every man has thre<s
pitches in his voice; the high, the middle, and the low one. The
high, is that which he uses in calling aloud to some one at a dis-
tance. The low is, when he approaches to a whisper. The middle
is, that which he employs in common conversation, and which he

should generally use in public discourse. For it is a great mistake,

to imagine that one must take the highest pitch of his voice, in order
to be well heard by a great assembly. This is confounding two
things which are different, loudness, or strength of sound, with the
key or note on which we speak. A
speaker may render his voice

* On this whole subject, Mr. Sheridan's Lectures on Elocution are very worthy A
being consulted; and several hints are here taken from them.
lect. xxxiii.] OF A DISCOURSE. 367

louder, without altering the key; and we shall always be able to give
most body, most persevering force of sound, to that pitch of voice,
to which in conversation we are accustomed. Whereas, by setting
out on our highest pitch or key, we certainly allow ourselves less
compass, and are likely to strain our voice before we have done.
We shall fatigue ourselves, and speak with pain; and whenever a
man speaks with pain to himself, he is always heard with pain by
his audience. Give the voice, therefore, full strength and swell of
sound; but always pitch it on your ordinary speaking key. Make
it a constant rule never to utter a greater quantity of voice, than you

can afford without pain to yourselves, and without any extraordina-

ry effort. As long as you keep within these bounds, the other or-
gans of speech will be at liberty to discharge their several offices
with ease; and you will always have } our voice under command.
-

But whenever you transgress these bounds, you give up the reins,
and have no longer any management of it. It is an useful rule too,
in order to be well heard, to fix our e}^ on some of the most distant
persons in the assembly, and to consider ourselves as speaking to
them. We naturally and mechanically utter our words with such
a degree of strength, as to make ourselves be heard by one to whom
we address ourselves, provided he be within the reach of our voice.
As this is the case in common conversation, it will hold also in pub-
lic speaking. But remember, that in public as well as in conver-
sation, it is possible to offend by speaking too loud. This extreme
hurts the ear, by making the voice come upon it in rumbling indis-
tinct masses besides its giving the speaker the disagreeable appear-
;

ance of one who endeavours to compel assent, by mere vehemence

and force of sound.
In the next place, to being well heard and clearly understood,
distinctness of articulation contributes more, perhaps, than mere
loudness of sound. The quantity of sound necessary to fill even a
large space, is smaller than is commonly imagined and with dis-
;

tinct articulation, a man of a weak voice will make it reach farther

than the strongest voice can reach without it. To this, therefore,
every public speaker ought to pay great attention. He must give
every sound which he utters its due proportion, and make every
syllable, and even every letter in the word which he pronounces, be
heard distinctly; without slurring, whispering, or suppressing any
of the proper sounds.
In the third place, in order to articulate distinctly, moderation is
requisite with regard to the speed of pronouncing. Precipitancy
of speech confounds all articulation, and all meaning. I need
scarcely observe, that there may be also an extreme on the opposite
side. It is obvious that a lifeless, drawling pronunciation, which
allows the minds of the hearers to be always outrunning the speak-
er, must render every discourse insipid and fatiguing. But the ex-
treme of speaking too fast is much more common, and requires the
more to be guarded against, because, when it has grown up into a
habit, few errors are more difficult to be corrected. To pronounce
.

with a proper degree of slowness, and with a full and clear articula-
3G
368 PRONUNCIATION, OR DELIVERY [lect. xxxiii

by all who begin to speak in pub-

tion, is the first thing to be studied
lic; and cannot be too much recommended to them. Such a pronun-
ciation gives weight and dignity to their discourse. It is a great
assistance to the voice, by the pauses and rests which it allows it
more easily to make; and it enables the speaker to swell all his
sounds both with more force and more music. It assists him also
in preserving a due command of himself; whereas a rapid and hur-
ried manner is apt to excite that flutter of spirits, which is the great-
est enemy to all right execution in the way of oratory. 'Promp-
tum says Quintilian, ' non prjeceps, moderatum, non lentum.'
sit os,'
After these fundamental attentions to the pitch and management
of the voice, to distinct articulation, and to a proper degree of slow-
ness of speech, what a public speaker must, in the fourth place,
study, is propriety of pronunciation or the giving to every word
;

which he utters, that sound which the most polite usage of the lan-
guage appropriates to it in opposition to broad, vulgar, or provin-
;

cial pronunciation. This is requisite, both for speaking intelligibly,

and for speaking with grace or beauty. Instructions concerning
this article can be given by the living voice only. But there is one
observation, which it may not be improper here to make. In the
English language, every word which consists of more syllables than
one, has one accented syllable. The accent rests sometimes on the
vowel, sometimes on the consonant. Seldom, or never, is there
more than one accented syllable in any English word, however
long; and the genius of the language requires the voice to mark that
syllable by a stronger percussion, and to pass more slightly over the
rest. Now, after we have learned the proper seats of these accents,
it is an important rule to give every word just the same accent in

public speaking, as in common discourse. Many persons err in this

respect. When they speak in public, and with solemnity, they pro-
nounce the syllables in a different manner from what they do at other
times. They dwell upon them, and protract them; they multiply
accents on the same word; from a mistaken notion, that it gives
gravity and force to their discourse, and adds to the pomp of public
declamation. Whereas, this is one of the greatest faults that can
be committed in pronunciation it makes what is called a theatrical,
;

or mouthing manner; and gives an artificial, affected air to speech,

which detracts greatly both from itsagreeableness,and its impression.
I proceed to treat next of those higher parts of delivery, by study-
ing which, a speaker has something farther in view than merely to
render himself intelligible, and seeks to give grace and force to what
he utters. These may be comprised under four heads, emphasis,
pauses, tones, and gestures. Let me only premise, in general, to
what I am to say concerning them, that attention to these articles of
delivery, is by no means to be confined, as some might be apt to ima-
gine, to the more elaborate and pathetic parts of a discourse. There
is, perhaps, as great attention requisite, and as much skill display-

ed, in adapting emphasis, pauses, tones, and gestures, properly to

calm and plain speaking; and the effect of a just and graceful de-
lect. xxxm.] OF A DISCOURSE. 369

livery will, in every part of a subject, be found of high importance

for commanding attention, and enforcing what is spoken.
First, let us consider emphasis by this, is meant a stronger and
;

fuller sound of voice, by which we distinguish the accented syllable

of some word, on whicn we design to lay particular stress, and to
show how it affects the rest of the sentence. Sometimes the em-
phatic word must be distinguished by a particular tone of voice, as
well as by a stronger accent. On the right management of the em-
phasis, depend the whole life and spirit of every discourse. If no
emphasis be placed on any words, not only is discourse rendered
heavy and lifeless, but the meaning left often ambiguous. If the
emphasis be placed wrong, we pervert and confound the meaning
wholly. To give a common instance; such a simple question as
this: 'Do you ride to town to-day?' is capable of no fewer than
four different acceptations, according as the emphasis is differently
placed on the words. If it be pronounced thus do you ride to town
;

to-day? the answer may naturally be, No I send my servant in my

:

stead. If thus; Do you ride to town to-day ? Answer, No I intend

;

to walk. Do you ride to toivn to-day? No; I ride out into the
fields. Do you ride to town to-day? No; but I shall to-morrow.
In like manner, in solemn discourse, the whole force and beauty of
an expression often depend on the accented word; and we may
present to the hearers quite different views of the same sentiment,
by placing the emphasis differently. In the following words of our
Saviour, observe in what different lights the thought is placed, ac-
cording as the words are pronounced, 'Judas, betray est thou the Son
of Man with a kiss?' Be tray est thou —makes the reproach turn, en
the infamy of treachery. Betrayest thou —makes it rest, upon Ju-
das's connexion with his master. Betrayest thou the Son of Alan —
rests it upon our Saviour's personal character and eminence. Be-
trayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss? turns it upon his prosti-
tuting the signal of peace and friendship, to the purpose of a mark
pf destruction.
In order to acquire the proper management of the emphasis, the
great rule, and indeed the only rule possible to be given is, that the
speaker study to attain a just conception of the force and spirit of
those sentiments which he is to pronounce. For, to lay the empha-
sis with exact propriety, is a constant exercise of good sense and at-
tention. It is far from being an inconsiderable attainment. It is
one of the greatest trials of a true and just taste ; and must arise
from feeling delicately ourselves, and from judging accurately, of
what is fittest to strike the feelings of others. There is as great a
difference between a chapter of the Bible, or any other piece of
plain prose, read by one who places the several emphasis every
where with tasteand judgment, and by one who neglects or mis-
takes them, as there is between the same tune played by the most
masterly hand, or by the most bungling performer.
In all prepared discourses, it would be of great use, if they were
read over or rehearsed in private, with this particular view, to search
47
 ;

S70 PRONUNCLYTION, OR DELIVERY [lect. xxxiti.

for the proper emphasis before they were pronounced in public

marking, at the same time, with a pen, the emphatical words in
every sentence, or at least in the most weighty and affecting parts
of a discourse, and fixing them well in memory. Were this atten-
tion oftener bestowed, were this part of pronunciation studied with
more exactness, and not left to the moment of delivery, as is com-
monly done, public speakers would find their care abundantly re-
paid, by the remarkable effects which it would produce upon their
audience. Let me caution, at the same time, against one error,
that of multiplying emphatical words too much. It is only by a pru-
dent reserve in the use of them, that we can give them any weight
If they recur too often; if a speaker attempts to render every thing
which he says of high importance, by a multitude of strong empha
sis, we soon learn to pay little regard to them. To crowd every
sentence with emphatical words, is like crowding all the pages of a
book with italic characters, which, as to the effect, is just the same
with using no such distinctions at all.
Next to emphasis, the pauses in speaking demand attention
These are of two kinds first, emphatical pauses; and next, such as
;

mark the distinctions of sense. An emphatical pause is made, after

something has been said of peculiar moment, and on which we want
to fix the hearer's attention. Sometimes, before such a thing is said,
we usher it in with a pause of this nature. Such pauses have the
same effect, as a strong emphasis, and are subject to the same rules;
especially to the caution justnow given, of not repeating them too fre-
quently. For as they excite uncommon attention, and of course raise
expectation, if the importance of the matter be not fully answerable
to such expectation, they occasion disappointment and disgust.
But the most frequent and the principal use of the pauses, is to mark
the divisions of the sense and at the same time to allow the speak-
;

er to draw his breath and the proper and graceful adjustment of

;

such pauses, is one of the most nice and difficult articles in delivery.
In all public speaking the management of the breath requires a
good deal of care, so as not to be obliged to divide words from one
another, which have so intimate a connexion that they ought to be
pronounced with the same breath, and without the least separation.
Many a sentence is miserably mangled, and the force of the empha
sis totally lost, by divisions being made in the wrong place. To
avoid this, every one, while he is speaking, should be very careful to
provide a full supply of breath for what he is to utter. It is a great
mistake to imagine, that the breath must be drawn only at the end
of a period, when the voice is allowed to fall. It may easily be
gathered at the intervals of the period, when the voice is only sus-
pended for a moment; and by this management, one may have al-
ways a sufficient stock for carrying on the longest sentence, with-
out improper interruptions.
If any one, in public speaking, shall have formed to himself a
certain melody or tune, which requires rest and pauses of its own,
distinct from those of the sense, he has, undoubtedly, contracted
one of the worst habits into which a public speaker can fall. It is
lect. xxxiii.] OF A DISCOURSE. S71

the sense which should always rule the pauses of the voice; for
wherever there is any sensible suspension of the voice, the hearer is
always led to expect somewhat corresponding in the meaning.
Pauses in public discourse, must be formed upon the manner in
which we utter ourselves in ordinary, sensible conversation; and
not upon the stiff, artificial manner, which we acquire from reading
books according to the common punctuation. The general run of
punctuation is very arbitrary; often capricious and false; and dic-
tates an uniformity of tone in the pauses, which is extremely disa-
greeable ; for we are to observe, that to render pauses graceful and
expressive, they must not only be made in the right place, but also
accompanied with a proper tone of voice, by which the nature of
these pauses is intimated; much more than by the length of them,
which can never be exactly measured. Sometimes it is only a slight
and simple suspension of voice that is proper; sometimes a degree
of cadence in the voice is required; and sometimes that peculiar
tone and cadence, which denotes the sentence finished. In all these
cases, we are to regulate ourselves, by attending to the manner in
which nature teaches us to speak, when engaged in real and earnest
discourse with others.
When we are reading or reciting verse, there is a peculiar diffi-
culty in making the pauses justly. The difficulty arises from the
melody of the verse, which dictates to the ear pauses or rests of its
own ; and to adjust and compound these properly with the pauses of
the sense, so as neither to hurt the ear, nor offend the understand-
ing, is so very nice a matter, that it is no wonder we so seldom
meet with good readers of poetry. There are two kinds of pauses
that belong to the music of verse ; one is, the pause at the end of
the line; and the other, the caesural pause in the middle of it. With
regard to the pause at the end of the line, which marks that strain
or verse to be finished, rhyme renders this always sensible, and in
some measure, compels us to observe it in our pronunciation. In
blank verse, where there is a greater liberty permitted of running
the lines into one another, sometimes without any suspension in the
sense, it has been made a question, whether in reading such verse
with propriety, any regard at all should be paid to the close of a
line? On the stage, where the appearance of speaking in verse should
always be avoided, there can, I think, be no doubt, that the close of
such lines as make no pause in the sense, should not be rendered
perceptible to the ear. But on other occasions, this were improper:
for what is the use of melody, or for what end has the poet compos-
ed in verse, if in reading his lines, we suppress his numbers; and
degrade them, by our pronunciation, into mere prose? We ought,
therefore, certainly, to read blank verse so as to make every line
sensible to the ear. At the same time, in doing so, every appeal
ance of sing-song and tone must be carefully guarded against. The
close of the line, where it makes no pause in the meaning, ought to
be marked, not by such a tone as is used in finishing a sentence; but
without either letting the voice fall, or elevating it, it should be mark-
372 PRONUNCIATION, OR DELIVERY [lect. xxxiii

ed only by such a slight suspension of sound, as may distinguish

the passage from one line to another, without injuring the meaning.
The other kind of musical pause, is that which falls somewhere
about the middle of the verse, and divides it into two hemisticks ;

a pause, not so great as that which belongs to the close of the line,
but still sensible to an ordinary ear. This, which is called the caesu
ral pause, in the French heroic verse, falls uniformly in the middle
of the line. In the English, it may fall after the 4th, 5th, 6th, or
7th syllables in the line, and no other. Where the verse is so con-
structed, that this caesural pause coincides with the slightest pause
or division in the sense, the line can be read easily; as in the two
first verses of Mr. Pope's Messiah,
Ye nymphs of Solyma! begin the song;
To heav'nly themes, sublimer strains belong.
But if it should happen that words, which have such a strict and
intimate connexion, as not to bear even a momentary separation,
are divided from one another by this caesural pause, we then feel
a sort of struggle between the sense and the sound, which renders
it difficult to read such lines gracefully. The rule of proper pro-
nunciation in such cases is, to regard only the pause which the
sense forms, and to read the line accordingly. The neglect of the
caesural pause, may make the lines sound somewhat unharmonious-
ly; but the effect would be much worse, if the sense were sacrific-
ed to the sound. For instance, in the following line of Milton,
What in me is dark,
Illumine ; what is low, raise and support.

The sense clearly dictates the pause after 'illumine,' at the end
of the third syllable, which, in reading, ought to be made accord-
ingly though, if the melody only were to be regarded, 'illumine'
;

should be connected with what follows, and the pause not made
till the fourth or sixth syllable. So, in the following line of Mr.
Pope's (Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot:)
I sit, with sad civility I read.

The ear plainly points out the caesural pause as falling after 'sad/
the 4th syllable. Cut it would be very bad reading to make any
pause there, so as to separate 'sad' and 'civility.' The sense ad-
mits of no other pause than after the second syllable ' sit, which 1

therefore must be the only pause made in the reading.

I proceed next to treat of tones in pronunciation, which are dif-
ferent both from emphasis and pauses; consisting in the modulation
of the voice, the notes or variations of sound which we employ in
public speaking. How
much of the propriety, the force and grace
of discourse, must depend on these, will appear from this single
consideration that to almost every sentiment we utter, more espe-
;

cially toevery strong emotion, nature hath adapted some peculiar

tone of voice; insomuch, .that he who should tell another that he
was very angry, or much grieved, in a tone which did not suit
such emotions, instead of being believed, would be laughed at.
Sympathy is one of the most powerful principles by which persua-
sive discourse works its effect. The speaker endeavours to transfuse
lect. xxxiii.] OF A DISCOURSE. 373

into his hearers his own sentiments and emotions; which he can
never be successful in doing, unless he utters them in such a man-
ner as to convince the hearers that he feels them.* The proper ex-
pression of tones, therefore, deserves to be attentively studied by
every one who would be a successful orator.
The greatest and most material instruction which can be given
for this purpose is, to form the tones of public speaking upon the
tones of sensible and animated conversation. We
may observe
that every man, when he is much in earnest in common discourse,
when he is engaged in speaking on some subject which interests him
nearly, has an eloquent or persuasive tone and manner. What is
the reason of our being often so frigid and unpersuasive in public
discourse, but our departing from the natural tone of speaking, and
delivering ourselves in an affected, artificial manner? Nothing can
be more absurd than to imagine, that as soon as one mounts a pul-
pit, or rises in a public assembly, he is instantly to lay aside the voice
with which he expresses himself in private to assume a new, stu-
;

died tone, and a cadence altogether foreign to his natural manner.

This has vitiated all delivery; this has given rise to cant and tedious
monotony, in the different kinds of modern public speaking, espe-
cially in the pulpit. Men departed from nature and sought to give
;

a beauty or force, as they imagined, to their discourse, by substitut-

ing certain studied musical tones, in the room of the genuine ex-
pressions of sentiment, which the voice carries in natural discourse.
Let every public speaker guard against this error. Whether he
speak in a private room, or in a great assembly, let him remember
that he still speaks. Follow nature consider how she teaches you
:

to utter any sentiment or feeling of your heart. Imagine a subject

of debate starting in conversation among grave and wise men, and
yourself bearing a share in it. Think after what manner, with what
tones and inflexions of voice, you would on such an occasion express
yourself, when you were most in earnest, and sought most to be lis
tened to. Carry these with you to the bar, to the pulpit, or to any
public assembly; let these be the foundation of your manner of
pronouncing there; and you will take the surest method of render-
ing your delivery both agreeable and persuasive.
I have said, let these conversation tones be the foundation of public
pronunciation ; but on some occasions, solemn public speaking re-
quires them to be exalted beyond the strain of common discourse.
In a formal, studied oration, the elevation of the style, and the har-

* ' All that passes in the mind of man may be reduced to two classes, which I call
ideas and emotions. By ideas, I mean all thoughts which rise, and pass in succession
in the mind. By emotions, all exertions of the mind in arranging, combining, and
separating its ideas ; as well as all the effects produced on the mind itself by those
ideas; from the more violent agitation of the passions, to the calmer feelings produced
by the operation of the intellect and the fancy. In short, thought is the object of the
one, internal feeling- of the other. That which serves to express the former, I call the
language of ideas; and the latter, the language of emotions. Words are the signs of
the one, tones of the other. Without the use of these two sorts of language, it is im-
possible to communicate through the ear, all that passes in the mind of man.'
Sukkidan on the Art of Reading.
 )

374 PRONUNCIATION, OR DELIVERY [lect. xxxnr

mony of the sentences, prompt, almost necessarily, a modulation ol

voice more rounded, and bordering more upon music, than convex
sation admits. This gives rise to what is called the declaimingman-
ner. But though this mode of pronunciation runs considerably be-
yond ordinary discourse, yet still it must have, for its basis, the natu-
ral tunes of grave and dignified conversation. I must observe, at
the same time, that the constant indulgence of a declamatory man-
ner, not favourable either to good composition, or good delivery,
is

and in hazard of betraying public speakers into that monotony

is
of tone and cadence, which is so generally complained of. Where-
as, he who forms the general run of his delivery upon a speaking
manner is not likely ever to become disagreeable through monoto-
ny. He will have the same natural variety in his tones, which a
person has in conversation. Indeed, the perfection of delivery
requires both these different manners, that of speaking with live-
liness and ease, and that of declaiming with stateliness and dignity,
to be possessed by one man and to be employed by him, accord-
;

ing as the different parts of his discourse require either the one or
the other. This is a perfection which is not attained by many; the
greatest part of public speakers allowing their delivery to be formed
altogether accidentally, according as some turn of voice appears to
them most beautiful, or some artificial model has caught their fan-
cy; and acquiring, by this means, a habit of pronunciation, which
they can never vary. But the capital direction, which ought never
to be forgotten, is, to copy the proper tones for expressing every
sentiment from those which nature dictates to us, in conversation
with others to speak always with her voice and not to form to
; ;

ourselves a fantastic public manner, from an absurd fancy of its be-

ing more beautiful than a natural one.*
It now remains to treat of gesture, or what is called action in pub-
lic discourse. Some nations animate their words in common con-
versation, with many more motions of the body than others do.
The French and the Italians are, in thisrespect, much more sprightly
thanweare. Butthere is no nation, hardly any person so phlegmatic,
as not to accompany their words with some actions and gesticula-
tions, on all occasions, when they are much in earnest. It is therefore
unnatural in a public speaker, it is inconsistent, with that earnestness
and seriousness which he ought to show in all affairs of moment, to
remain quite unmoved in his outward appearance; and to let the
words drop from his mouth, without any expression of meaning, or
warmth in his gesture.
The fundamental rule, rs to propriety of action, is undoubtedly
the same with what I gave as to propriety of tone. Attend to the

* ' Loquere,' (says an author of" the 16th century, who has written a Treatise in verse,
de Gestu, et Voce Oratoris,
Loquere hoc vitium commune, loquatur
'
;

Ut nemo; at tensa declamitet omnia voce.

Tu loquere ; ut nios est hominum ; boat Si latrat ille :

Ille ululat ; rudit hie ; (fari si talia digtmtn est)

Non hominem vox ulla sonat ratione loqucntem."
Joannus Llcas. de Gestu et Voce, lib. II. Paris, 1675.
lect. xxxiii.] OF A DISCOURSE. 375

looks and gestures, in which earnestness, indignation, compassion,

or any other emotion, discovers itself to most advantage in the com
mon intercourse of men ; and let these be your model. Some of
these looks and gestures are common to all men; and there are also
certain peculiarities of manner which distinguish every individual.
A public speaker must take that manner which is most natural to
himself. For it is here just as in tones. It is not the business of
a speaker to form to himself a certain set of motions and gestures,
which he thinks most becoming and agreeable, and to practise
these in public, without their havingany correspondence to the man
ner which is natural to him in private. His gestures and motions
ought all to carry that kind of expression which nature has dictat-
ed to him; and, unless this be the case, it is impossible, by means
of any study, to avoid their appearing stiff and forced.
However, although nature must be the groundwork, I admit, that
there is room in this matter for some study and art. For many per-
sons are naturally ungraceful in the motions which they make; and
this ungracefulness might, in part at least, be reformed by applica-
tion and care. The study of action in public speaking, consists
chiefly in guarding against awkward and disagreeable motions and ;

in learning to perform such as are natural to the speaker, in the

most becoming; manner. For this end, it has been advised by wri-
ters on this subject, to practise before a mirror, where one may see
and judge of his own gestures. But I am afraid persons are not
always the best judges of the gracefulness of their own motions;
and one may declaim long enough before a mirror, without correct-
ing any of his faults. The judgment of a friend, whose good taste
they can trust, will be found of much greater advantage to begin-
ners, than any mirror they can use. With regard to particular rules
concerning action and gesticulation, Quintilian has delivered a
great many in the last chapter of the 11th book of his institutions;
and all the modern writers on this subject have done little else but
translate them. I am not of opinion that such rules, delivered either
by the voice, or on paper, can be of much use, unless persons saw
them exemplified before their eyes.*

* The few following hints only I shall adventure to throw out, in case they may be
of any service. When speaking- in public, one should study to preserve as much dig-
nity as possible in the whole attitude of the body. An erect posture is generally to b°
chosen standing firm, so as to have the fullest and freest command of all his motions;
;

any inclination which is used, should be forwards towards the hearers, which is a na-
tural expression of earnestness. As for the countenance, the chief rule is, that it should
correspond with the nature of the discourse and when no particular emotion is ex-
;

pressed, a serious and manly look is always the best. The eyes should never be fixed
close on any one object, but move easily round the audience. In the motions made
with the hands, consist the chief part of gesture in speaking. The ancients condemned
all motions performed by the left hand alone; but I am not sensible that these are al-
ways offensive, though it is natural for the right hand to be more frequently employed
Warm emotions demand the motion of both hands corresponding together. But whether
one gesticulates with one or with both hands, it is an important rule, that all his motions
should be free and easy. Narrow and straitened movements are generally ungracefu.
for which reason, motions made with the hands, are directed to proceed from the shoul-
der, rather than from the elbow. Perpendicular movements too with the hands, that
3H
 376 PRONUNCIATION, OR DELIVERY, [lect. xxxiii.

I shall only add further on this head, that in order to succeed well
in delivery, nothing is more necessary than for a speaker to guard

against a certain flutter of spirits,which is peculiarly incident to

those who
begin to speak in public. He must endeavour, above all
things, to be collected, and master of himself. For this end, he
will find nothing of more use to him, than to study to become
wholly engaged in his subject; to be possessed with a sense of its
importance or seriousness; to be concerned much more to persuade
than to please. He will generally please most, when pleasing is not
his sole nor chief aim. This is the only rational and proper method
of raising one's self above that timid and bashful regard to an au-
dience, which is so ready to disconcert a speaker, both as to what
he is to say, and as to his manner of saying it.
I cannot conclude, without an earnest admonition to guard against
all affectation, which is the certain ruin of good delivery. Let your
manner, whatever it is, be your own; neither imitated from an-
other, nor assumed upon some imaginary model, which is unnatural
to you. Whatever is native, even though accompanied with seve-
ral defects, yet is likely to please: because it shows us a man; be-
cause it has the appearance of coming from the heart. Whereas
a delivery, attended with several acquired graces and beauties, if it
be not easy and free, if it betray tbe marks of art and affectation,
never fails to disgust. To attain any extremely correct, and per-
fectly graceful delivery, is what few can expect so many natural
;

talents being requisite to concur in forming it. But to attain what

as to the effect is very little inferior, a forcible and persuasive man-
ner, is within the power of most persons; if they will only unlearn
false and corrupt habits if they will allow themselves to follow na-
;

ture, and will speak in public, as they do in private, when they speak
in earnest, and from the heart. If one has naturally any gross de-
fects in his voice or gestures, he begins at the wrong end, if he at-
tempts at reforming them only when he is to speak in public. He
should begin with rectifying them in his private manner of speak-
ing; and then carry to the public the right habit he has formed.
For when a speaker is engaged in a public discourse, he should not
be then employing his attention about his manner, or thinking of
his tones and his gestures. If he be so employed, study and affecta-
tion will appear. He ought to be then quite in earnest; wholly oc-
cupied with his subject and his sentiments leaving nature, and
;

previously formed habits, to prompt and suggest his manner of de-

livery.

is, in the straight line up and down, which Shakspeare in Hamlet calls 'sawing the air
with the hand,' are seldom good. Oblique motions are, in general, the most graceful.
Too sudden and nimble motions should be likewise avoided. Earnestness can be fully
expressed without them. Shakspeare's directions on this head, are full of good sense ;
'
use all gently,' says he, ' and in the very torrent and tempest of passion, acquire a
temperance that may give it smoothness.'
 ;

( 376 a )

QUESTIONS.
Having treated of several general is much more common, and why should
heads relating to eloquence, to what it be guarded against? What is the
does our author now proceed ? What first thing to be studied by all who
evidence have we that Demosthenes begin to speak in public; and of it,
laid great stress on this ? Of what is what is observed? In what manner,
there no wonder ; and why 1 To what does it assist the voice and what does
;

may the management of the voice and it enable the speaker to do? What
gesture, in public speaking, appear to other advantage has it and what fol- ;

superficial thinkers, to relate? How lows ? After these fundamental atten-

does it appear that this is far from be- tions to the pitch and management of
ing the case ? Whenever we address the voice, &c. what, in the fourth
ourselves to others by words, what is place, must the speaker study? For
our intention ? Of the tone of our voice, what is this requisite ? How, only, can
our looks and gestures, what is here ob- instruction concerning this article, be
served ? What can we see ? What ad- given? But here, what observations
vantage has the signification of senti- may it be proper to make ? How do
ments, made by tones and gestures, many persons err in this respect ? From
above that made by words ? So true is what mistaken notion does this arise ?
this, that to render words fully signifi- Whereas, what is the effect of this?
cant, what is requisite and what re- To treat of what, does our author
;

marks follow ? What two illustrations next proceed ? Under what four heads,
of these remarks are given ? Repeat may these be comprised ? To what is
them. As it is needless to say any to be said concerning them, what is,
more, in order to show the high impor- in genera!, premised ? How is this illus-
tance of a good delivery, to what does trated ? By emphasis, what is meant ?
our author proceed ? What are the How must the emphatic word some-
great objects which every public speak- times be distinguished? On the right
er will naturally have in his eye, in management of the emphasis, what
forming his delivery? On this subject, depends? How is this illustrated? What
what are worthy of being consulted ? simple rule is given and repeat it ? Of
;

In order to be fully and easily under- the same thing, in solemn discourse, what
stood, what are the four chief requi- is observed ; and by what example is
sites ? What must, doubtless, be the this illustrated ? In order to acquire the
first attention of every public speaker proper management of the emphasis,
and what must he endeavour to do? what is the great rule and why ? It is ;

Of this power of voice, what is remark- far from what ? Of what is it one of
ed ?^¥hat three pitches has every man the greatest trials and from what must
;

to his voice ; and define them ? To it arise? How is this illustrated? In

imagine what is a great mistake? This all prepared discourses, what practice
is confounding what two different would be of great use ? Were this at-
things? How is this fully illustrated? tention oftener bestowed, what would
As long as you keep within these be the consequence ? Against what,
bounds, what will be the consequence? are speakers at the same time, caution-
But what follows, when you transgress ed ? Why
is this caution given ; and
them ? What, also, is a useful rule in what remark follows? To crowd every
order to be well heard? How do we page with emphatic words, is like what?
naturally, and mechanically, utter our Next to emphasis, what demand atten-
words? As this is the case, in common tion ? These are, of what two kinds ?
conversation, in what will it also hold ? When is an emphatic pause made ?
But what must be remembered? In What effect have such pauses ; and to
what manner does this extreme offend ? what are they subject? For what
In the next place, of distinctness of ar- reason ? But what is the most frequent
ticulation, what is observed ? What re- and principal use of the pauses ; and
mark follows? In order to effect this, of the proper and graceful adjustment
what must every public speaker do ? of such pauses, what is observed ?
In the third place, in order to articulate Why
docs the management of the
distinctly, what is requisite ; and why ? breath, in all public speaking, require a
What need scarcely be observed ? good deal of attention ? By what, is
What must render every discourse in- many a sentence miserably mangled,
sipid and fatiguing? But what extreme and the force of the emphasis totallv
376 6 QUESTIONS. [lect. xxxiii.

lost? In what manner may this be have What, at the same

for its basis?
avoided ? lime, must be observed? Whereas,
What is a great mistake anci when ; what what variety
follows ? In tones,
may it be easily gathered? What is will he have? What
does the perfec-
one of the worst habits into which a tion of delivery require? Why
is not

public speaker can fall ? should Why this perfection acquired by many ? But
the sense always rule the pauses of the what is the direction which ought
voice? Upon what must pauses in never to be forgotten ? It now remains
public discourse be founded? Of the to treat of what ? Of some nations, what
general run of punctuation, what is ob- is observed, and what instances are

served ; and why ? How is this remark mentioned ? But what remark follows ?
illustrated ? In all these cases, how are What is, therefore, unnatural and in-
we to regulate ourselves ? From what consistent in a public speaker? As to
does the difficulty of reading poetry propriety of action, what is the funda-
arise ? Why
is it no wonder that we mental rule ? Of these looks and ges-
seldom meet with good readers of tures, what is observed ? What man-
f)oetry ? What two kinds of pauses be- ner must a public speaker take, and
ong to the music of verse ? With re- why ? What kind of expression ought
gard to the former, what is observed? his gestures and motions to carry and ;

In blank verse, what has been made a unless this is the case, what will be
question ? Of the reading of this verse impossible? Though nature must be
on the stage, what is observed? But the ground-work, yet what is admit-
why were this improper on other oc- ted; and why? In what does the study
casions ? What, therefore, follows ? At of action in public speaking, chiefly
the same time, what should be guard- consist? For this end, what has been
ed against? How is advised by writers on this subject ?
this illustrated?
Of the other kinds of musical pause what But of what is our author afraid?
is observed? In French heroic verse, What will be found of much greater
where does this pause fall and where advantage ? With regard to particular
;

may it fall in the English? "When can rules, concerning action and gesticula-
the line be read easily and what ex- tion, what is observed ? On this head,
;

ample is given? When do we feel a sort what further is added ? Above all
of struggling between the sense and the tilings, what must he endeavour ? For
sound and what is its effect ? In such this end, what will he find of the
;

cases, what is the rule for pronuncia- greatest use to him? When will he
tion ? What remark follows and by generally please most? For what is
;

what example is it illustrated ? How is this the only rational and proper me
this principle further illustrated from a thod? Without what admonition, can-
line of Mr. Pope's? To what does our not our author conclude? What remark
author next proceed and of them what follows?
; Why
is whatever is native,
is observed ? From what consideration likely to please ? Whereas, what deli-
will the extent to which the propriety, very never fails to disgust us ? What
force, and grace of discourse, depend can feAv expect; and why? What re-
on these, appear ? How is this remark mark follows ? What is observed of one
illustrated 1 What is the greatest, and who has naturally any gross defect in
most material instruction which can be his voice or gestures ? How should he
given for this purpose ? When has begin and why ? If he be so employ-
;

every man an eloquent or persuasive ed, what will be the consequence? How
tone and manner ? What \$ the reason ought he then to appear?
of our beino; often so frigid and unper-
suasive in public discourse; and to ima- ANALYSIS.
gine what, is an absurdity ? What has The delivery of a discourse.
been the effect of this? How is this 1. A due degree of loudness.
2. Distinctness of articulation.
further illustrated ? Of these conver-
3. Moderation in pronunciation.
sational tones, what has been said ? In
4. Propriety of pronunciation.
a formal, studied oration, to what, does Requisites for pleasing.
the elevation of the style, and the har- 1. Attention to emphasis.

mony of the sentences, almost necessa- 2. Attention to pause)!.

a. Emphatieal pause.
rily prompt? To what manner does
e. Ceesural pause.
this give rise ? Though this mode of
3. Attention to tones.
pronunciation was considerably beyond 4. Attention to action.
oiainary discourse, yet what must it a. All affectation to be giurdcd against
 ( 377 )

LECTURE XXXIV.
MEANS OF IMPROVING IN ELOQUENCE.
I have now treated fully of the different kinds of public speak-
ing, of the composition, and of the delivery of a discourse. Before
I finish this subject, it may be of use to suggest some things con-
cerning the proper means of improvement in the art of public spea-
king, and the most necessary studies for that purpose.
To be an eloquent speaker, in the proper sense of the word, is
far from being either a common or an easy attainment. Indeed, to
compose a florid harangue on some popular topic, and to deliver it
so as to amuse an audience, is a matter not very difficult. But though
some praise be due to this, yet the idea which I have endeavoured
to give of eloquence, is much It is a great exertion of the
higher.
human powers. being persuasive and commanding;
It is the art of
the art, not of pleasing the fancy merely, but of speaking both to
the understanding and to the heart; of interesting the hearers in
such a degree, as to seize and carry them along with us; and to leave
them with a deep and strong impression of what they have heard.
How many talents, natural and acquired, must concur for carrying
this to perfection? A
strong, lively, and warm imagination; quick
sensibility of heart, joined with solid judgment, good sense, and pre-
sence of mind; all improved by great and long attention to style
and composition and supported also by the exterior, yet important
;

qualifications of a graceful manner, a presence not ungainly, and a

full and tunable voice. How little reason to wonder, that a perfect
and accomplished orator, should be one of the characters that is
most rarely to be found ?
Let us not despair, however. Between mediocrity and perfec-
tion, there is a very wide interval. There are many intermediate
spaces, which may be filled up with honour; and the more rare
and difficult that complete perfection is, the greater is the honour of
approaching to it, though we do not fully attain it. The number
of orators who stand in the highest class is, perhaps, smaller than the
number of poets who are foremost in poetic fame; but the study
of oratory has this advantage above that of poetry, that, in poetry,
one must be an eminently good performer, or he is not supportable:
Mediocribus esse poGtis
Non homines, non Dii, non concessere columnse.*

In eloquence this does not hold. There, one may possess a mode-
rate stationwith dignity. Eloquence admits of a great many dif-
ferent forms; plain and simple, as well as high and pathetic; and
a genius that cannot reach the latter, may shine with much reputa-
tion and usefulness in the former.

* For God and man, and letter'd post denies,

That poets ever are of middling size. Francis.
4S
378 MEANS OF IMPROVING [lect.xxxiv

Whether nature or art contribute most to form an orator, is a tri-

fling inquiry. In all attainments whatever, nature must be the prime
agent. She must bestow the original talents. She must sow the
seeds; but culture is requisite for bringing these seeds to perfec-
tion. Nature must always have clone somewhat: but a great deal
will always be left to be done by art. This is certain, that study and
discipline are more necessary for the improvement of natural genius,
in oratory, than they are in poetry. What I mean is, that though
poetry be capable of receiving assistance from critical art, yet a
poet, without any aid from art, by the force of genius alone, can
rise higher than a public speaker can do, who has never given atten-
tion to the rules of style, composition, and delivery. Homer form-
ed himself; Demosthenes and Cicero were formed by the help of
much labour, and of many assistances derived from the labour of
others. After these preliminary observations, let us proceed to
the main design of this lecture; to treat of the means to be used
for improving in eloquence.
In the first place, what stands highest in the order of means, is
personal character and disposition. In order to be a truly eloquent
or persuasive speaker, nothing is more necessary than to be a vir-
tuous man. This was a favourite position among the ancient rhe-
toricians 'Non posse oratorem esse nisi virum bonum.' To find any
:

such connexion between virtue and one of the highest liberal arts,
must give pleasure; and it can, I think, be clearly shown, that this
is not a mere topic of declamation, but that the connexion here al-

leged, is undoubtedly founded in truth and reason.

For, consider first, whether any thing contribute more to per-
suasion, than the opinion which we entertain of the probity, disin-
terestedness, candour, and other good moral qualities of the person
who endeavours to persuade? These give weight and force to
every thing which he utters nay, they add a beauty to it they dis-
; ;

pose us to listen with attention and pleasure; and create a secret

partiality in favour of that side which he espouses. Whereas, if
we entertain a suspicion of craft and disingenuity, of a corrupt, or a
base mind, in the speaker, his eloquence loses all its real effect. It
may entertain and amuse but it is viewed as artifice, as trick, as
;

the play only of speech and viewed in this light, whom can it per
;

suade? We can even read a book with more pleasure, when we

think favourably of its author; but when we have the living speak-
er before our eyes, addressing us personally on some subject of im-
portance, the opinion we entertain of his character must have a much
more powerful effect.
But, should be said, that this relates only to the character
lest it
of virtue, which one may maintain, without being at the bottom a
truly worthy man, I must observe farther, that besides the weight
which it adds to character, real virtue operates also, in other ways,
to the advantage of eloquence.
First, nothing is so favourable as virtue to the prosecution of ho-
nourable studies. It prompts a generous emulation to excel; it
inures to industry; it leaves the mind vacant and free, master of it-
lect. xxxiv.] IN ELOQUENCE. 379

self,disencumbered of those bad passions and disengaged from those

mean pursuits, which have ever been found the greatest enemies to
true proficiency. Quintilian has touched this consideration very
properly ;
Quod si agrorum nimia cura, et sollicitior rei familiaris di-
'

ligentia, et venandi voluptas, et dati spectaculis dies, multum studiis

auferunt, quid putamus facturas cupiditatem, avaritiam, invidiam?
Nihil enim est tarn occupatum, tarn multiforme, tot ac tarn variis af-
fectibus concisum, atque laceratum, quam mala ac improba mens.
Quis inter hsec, literis, aut ulli bonae arti, locus? Non hercle magis
quam frugibus, in terra sentibus ac rubis occupata.'*
But, besides this consideration, there is another of still higher
importance, though I am not sure of its being attended to as much
as it deserves; namely, that from the fountain of real and genuine
virtue, are drawn those sentiments which will ever be most power-
ful in affecting the hearts of others. Bad as the world is, nothing
has so great and universal a command over the minds of men as vir-
tue. No kind of language is so generally understood, and so pow-
erfully felt, as the native language of worthy and virtuous feelings.
He only, therefore, who possesses these full and strong, can speak
properly, and in its own language, to the heart. On all great sub-
jects and occasions, there is a dignity, there is an energy in noble
sentiments, which is overcoming and irresistible. They give an ar-
dour and a flame to one's discourse, which seldom fails to kindle a
like flame in those who hear; and which, more than any other
cau»3e, bestows on eloquence that power, for which it is famed, of
seizing and transporting an audience. Here, art and imitation will
not avail. An assumed character conveys none of this power-
ful warmth. It is only a native and unaffected glow of feeling,
which can transmit the emotion to others. Hence, the most re
nowned orators, such as Cicero and Demosthenes, were no less dis-
tinguished for some of the high virtues, as public spirit and zeal
for their country, than for eloquence. Beyond doubt, to these vir-
tues their eloquence owed much of its effect; and those orations of
theirs, in which there breathes most of the virtuous and magnani-
mous spirit, are those which have most attracted the admiration of
ages.
Nothing, therefore, is more necessary for those who would excel
in any of the higher kinds of oratory, than to cultivate habits of the
several virtues, and to refine and improve all their moral feelings.
Whenever these become dead, or callous, they may be assured, that,
on every great occasion, they will speak with less power, and less
success. The sentiments and dispositions particularly requisite for

* ' If the management of an estate, if anxious attention to domestic economy, a

passion for hunting, or whole days given up to public places of amusements, consume
so much time that is due to study, how much greater waste must be occasioned by
licentious desires, avarice, or envy ? Nothing is so much hurried and agitated, so
contradictory to itself, or so violently torn and shattered by conflicting passions, as
a bad heart. Amidst the distractions which it produces, what room is left for the
cultivation of letters, or the pursuit of any honourable art ? No more, assuredly, than
there is for the growth of corn in a field that is overrun with thorns and brambles,'
380 MEANS OF IMPROVING [lect. xxxiv

them to cultivate, are the following The love of justice and order,
:

and indignation at insolence and oppression the love of honesty ;

and truth, and detestation of fraud, meanness, and corruption mag- ;

nanimity of spirit; the love of lfberty, of their country, and the

public; zeal for all great and noble designs, and reverence for all
worthy and heroic characters. A cold and skeptical turn of mind,
is extremely adverse to eloquence and no less so, is that cavilling
;

disposition which takes pleasure in depreciating what is great, and

ridiculing what is generally admired. Such a disposition bespeaks
one not very likely to excel in any thing but least of all in oratory.
:

A true orator should be a person of generous sentiments., of warm

feelings, and a mind turned towards the admiration of all those
great and high objects, which mankind are naturally formed to ad-
mire. Joined with the manly virtues, he should, at the same time,
possess strong and tender sensibility to all the injuries, distresses, and
sorrows of his fellow-creatures; a heart that can easily relent; that
can readily enter into the circumstances of others, and can make
their case his own. A proper mixture of courage, and of modesty,
must also be studied by every public speaker. Modesty is essen-
tial; it is always and justly supposed to be a concomitant of merit;
and every appearance of it is winning and prepossessing. But
modesty ought not to run into excessive timidity. Every public
speaker should be able to rest somewhat on himself; and to assume
that air, not of self-complacency, but of firmness, which bespeaks a
consciousness of his being thoroughly persuaded of the truth or
justice of what he delivers; a circumstance of no small consequence
for making an impression on those who hear.
Next to moral qualifications, what in the second place is most ne-
cessary to an orator, is a fund of knowledge. Much is this inculcat-
ed by Cicero and Quintilian: 'Quod omnibus disciplinis et artibus
debet esse instructus orator.' By which they mean, that he ought
to have what we call, a liberal education and to be formed by a
;

regular study of philosophy, and the polite arts. We must never

forget that,
Scribcndi rccte, sapere est Si principuim Si fon«.

Good sense and knowledge, are the foundation of all good speaking.
There is no art that can teach one to be eloquent, in any sphere,
without a sufficient acquaintance with what belongs to that sphere;
or if there were an art that made such pretensions, it would be
mere quackery, like the pretensions of the sophists of old to teach
their disciples to speak for and against every subject; and would be
deservedly exploded by all wise men. Attention to style, to com-
position, and all the aits of speech, can only assist an orator in set-
ting off to advantage, the stock of materials which he possesses;
but the stock, the materials themselves, must he brought from other
quarters than from rhetoric. He who is to plead at the bar, must
make himself thoroughly master of the knowledge of the law; of
all the learning and experience that can be useful in his profession,

for supporting a cause or convincing a judge. He who is to speak

 lect. xxxiv.] IN ELOQUENCE. 3S1

from the pulpit, must apply himself closely to the study of divini
ty, of practical religion, of morals, of human nature; that he may
be rich in all the topics, both of instruction and of persuasion. He who
would himself for being a member of the supreme council of the
fit

nation, or of any public assembly, must be thoroughly acquainted

with the business that belongs to such assembly, he must study the
forms of court, the course of procedure; and must attend minutely
to all the facts that may be the subject of question or deliberation.
Besides the knowledge that properly belongs to his profession,
a public speaker, if ever he expects to be eminent, must make
himself acquainted, as far as his necessary occupations allow, with
the general circle of polite literature. The study of poetry may be
useful to him, on many occasions, for embellishing his style, for
suggesting lively images, or agreeable allusions. The study of his-
tory may be still more useful to him ; as the knowledge of facts,
of eminent characters, and of the course of human affairs, finds place
on many occasions.* There are few great occasions of public speak-
ing in which one will not derive assistance from cultivated taste, and
extensive knowledge. They will often yield him materials for pro-
per ornament; sometimes for argument and real use. deficiencyA
of knowledge, even in subjects that belong not directly to his own
profession, will expose him to many disadvantages, and give better
qualified rivals a great superiority over him.
Allow me to recommend, in the third place, not only the attain-
ment of useful knowledge, but a habit of application and industry.
Without this, it is impossible to excel in any thing. must notWe
imagine, that it is by a sort of mushroom growth, that one can rise
to be a distinguished pleader, or preacher, or speaker in any assem-
bly. It is not by starts of application, or by a few years prepara-
tion of study afterwards discontinued, that eminence can be attain-
ed. No ; it can be attained only by means of regular industry, grown
up into a habit, and ready to be exerted on every occasion that
calls for industry. This is the fixed law of our nature and he must
;

have a very high opinion of his own genius indeed, that can believe
himself an exception to it. A
very wise law of our nature it is;
for industry is, in truth, the great ' condimentum,' the seasoning of
every pleasure; without which life is doomed to languish. No-
thing is so great an enemy both to honourable attainments, and to the
real, to the brisk, and spirited enjoyment of life, as that relaxed
state of mind which arises from indolence and dissipation. One
that is destined to excel in any art, especially in the arts of speak-
ing and writing, will be known by this more than by any other
mark whatever, an enthusiasm for that art; an enthusiasm, which

* ' Imprimis vero, abundare debet orator exemplorum copia, cum veterum, turn
etiam novorum adeo ut non modo quae conscripta sunt historiis, aut Sermonibus velut
;

per manus tradita, quaeque quotidie aguntur, debeat n6sse ; verum ne ea quidem quse
a clarioribus pogtis sunt ficta r.egligere.'

o Quint. 1. xii- cap. 4.

j
 382 MEANS OF IMPROVING [lect. xxxiv

firing his mind with the object he has in view, will dispose him to
relish every labour which the means require. It was this that cha-
racterized the great men of antiquity; it is this, which must distin-
guish the moderns who would tread in their steps. This honoura-
ble enthusiasm, it is highly necessary for such as are studying ora-
tory to cultivate. If youth wants it, manhood will flag miserably.
In the fourth place, attention to the best models will contribute
greatly towards improvement. Every one who speaks, or writes,
should, indeed, endeavour to have somewhat that is his own, that is
peculiar to himself, and that characterizes his composition and style.
Slavish imitation depresses genius, or rather betrays the want of it.
But withal, there is no genius so original, but may be profited and
assisted by the aid of proper examples, in style, composition, and
delivery. They always open some new ideas; they serve to enlarge
and correct our own. They quicken the current of thought, and
excite emulation.
Much, indeed, will depend on the right choice of models which
we purpose to imitate and supposing them rightly chosen, a farther
;

care is requisite, of not being seduced by a blind, universal admira-

tion. For, 'decipit exemplar, vitiis imitabile.' Even in the most
finished models we can select, it must not be forgotten, that there
are always some things improper for imitation. We
should study
to acquire a just conception of the peculiar characteristic beauties of
any writer, or public speaker, and imitate these only. One ought
never to attach himself too closely to any single model for he who ;

does so, is almost sure of being seduced into a faulty and affected
imitation. His business should be, to draw from several the proper
ideas of perfection. Living examples of public speaking, in any
kind, it will not be expected that I should here point out. As to
the writers, ancient and modern, from whom benefit may be deriv-
ed in forming composition and style, I have spoken so much of
them in former lectures, that it is needless to repeat wha-t I have said
of their virtues and defects. I own it is to be regretted, that the

English language, in which there is much good writing, furnishes

us, however, with but very few recorded examples of eloquent pub-
lic speaking. Among the French there are more. Saurin, Bour-
daloue, Flechier, Massillon, particularly the last, are eminent for
the eloquence of the pulpit. But the most nervous and sublime of
all their orators is Bossuet, the famous Bishop of Meaux; in whose
Oraisons Finiebres, there is a high spirit of oratory.* Some of
Fontenelle's harangues to the French Acadein}*, arc elegant and
agreeable. And at the bar, the printed pleadings of Cochin and
D'Aguesseau, are highly extolled by the late French critics.
There is one observation which it is of importance to make,
" The criticism which Mr. Crevier, author of Rhetorique Franeoise, passes upon these
writers whom I have named, is, 'Bossuet est grande, mais inegal ; Flechier est plus
egal, mais moins eleven, &, souvent trop fleuri: Bourdaloue est solide &LJudiceux, mais
il neglige les graces legeies: Massillon est plus riche en images, mais moins fort en
raisonnement. Je souhaite done, que l'orateur ne se contente dans 1'imitation d'un seul
de ces modcles, mais qu'il tache de reunir en lui toutes leurs differentcs vertus.'
Vol. II. chap, derniere.
 ;

lect. xxxiv.] IN ELOQUENCE. 383

concerning imitation of the style of any favourite author, when

we would carry his style into public speaking. We must at-
tend to a very material distinction, between written and spoken
language. These are, in truth, two different manners of com-
municating ideas. A book that is to be read, requires one sort
of style: a man that is to speak, must use another. In books,
we look for correctness, precision, all redundancies pruned, all
repetitions avoided, language completely polished. Speaking ad-
mits a more easy, copious style, and less fettered by rule; repe-
titions may often be necessary, parentheses may sometimes be
graceful, the same thought must often be placed in different views
as the hearers can catch it only from the mouth of the speaker,
and have not the advantage, as in reading a book, of turning back
again, and of dwelling on what they do not fully comprehend.
Hence the style of many good authors, would appear stiff, affected,
and even obscure, if, by too close an imitation, we should transfer
it to a popular oration. How awkward, for example, would Lord
Shaftesbury's sentences sound in the mouth of a public speaker?
Some kinds of public discourse, it is true, such as that of the
pulpit, where more exact preparation, and more studied style are
admitted, would bear such a manner better than others, which
are expected to approach more to extemporaneous speaking. But
still there is, in general, so much difference between speaking, and

composition designed only to be read, as should guard us against a

close and injudicious imitation.
Some authors there are, whose manner of writing approaches
nearer to the style of speaking than others; and who, therefore,
can be imitated with more safety. In this class, among the English
authors, are Dean Swift, and Lord Bolingbroke. The Dean,
throughout all his writings, in the midst of much correctness main-
tains the easy natural manner of an unaffected speaker; and this
is one of his chief excellencies. Lord Bolingbroke's style is more
splendid, and more declamatory than Dean Swift's but still it is the
;

style of one who speaks, or rather who harangues. Indeed, all

his political writings (for it is to them only, and not to his philo-
sophical ones, that this observation can be applied,) carry much
more the appearance of one declaiming with warmth in a great
assembly, than of one writing in a closet, in order to be read by
others. They have all the copiousness, the fervour, the inculcating
method that is allowable and graceful in an orator ; perhaps too
much of it for a writer and it is to be regretted, as I have formerly
:

observed, that the matter contained in them, should have been so

trivial or so false for, from the manner and style, considerable ad-
;

vantage might be reaped.

In the fifth place, besides attention to the best models, frequent
exercise both in composing and speaking, will be admitted to be a
necessary mean of improvement. That sort of composition is,
doubtless, most useful, which relates to the profession, or kind
of public speaking, to which persons addict themselves. This,
they should keep ever in their eye, and be gradually inuring them-
384 MEANS OF IMPROVING [lect. xxxiv.

selves to it. But let me also advise them, not to allow themselves
mi negligent composition of any kind. He who has it for his aim
to write or to speak correctly, should, in the most trivial kind of
composition, in writing a letter, nay, even in common discourse,
study to acquit himself with propriety. I do not at all mean, that
he is never to write, or to speak a word, but in elaborate and arti-
ficial language. This would form him to a stiffness and affectation,
worse, by ten thousand degrees, than the greatest negligence. But
it is to be observed, that there is, in every thing, a manner which

is becoming, and has propriety; and opposite to it, there is a

clumsy and faulty performance of the same thing. The becom-

ing manner is very often the most light, and seemingly careless
manner but it requires taste and attention to seize the just idea
;

of it. That idea, when acquired, we should keep in our eye, and
form upon it whatever we write or say.
Exercises of speaking have always been recommended to stu-
dents, in order that they may prepare themselves for speaking
in public, and on real business. The meetings, or societies, into
which they sometimes form themselves for this purpose, are lau-
dable institutions and, under proper conduct, may serve many
;

valuable purposes. They are favourable to knowledge and study,

by giving occasion to inquiries, concerning those subjects which
are made the ground of discussion. They produce emulation;
and gradually inure those who are concerned in them, to some-
what that resembles a public assembly. They accustom them to
know their own powers, and to acquire a command of themselves
in speaking; and what is, perhaps, the greatest advantage of all,
they give them a facility and fluency of expression, and assist them
in procuring that " Copia verborum," which can be acquired by
no other means but frequent exercise in speaking.
But the meetings which I have now in my eye, are to be under-
stood of those academical associations, where a moderate number
of young gentlemen, who are carrying on their studies, and are
connected by some affinity in the future pursuits which they have
in view, assemble privately, in order to improve one another, and
to prepare themselves for those public exhibitions which may
afterwards fall to their lot. As for those public and promiscuous
societies, in which multitudes are brought together, who are often
of low stations and occupations, who are joined by no common
bond of union, except an absurd rage for public speaking, and have
no other object in view, but to make a show of their supposed
talents, they are institutions not merely of an useless, but of an
hurtful nature. They are in great hazard of proving seminaries of
licentiousness, petulance, faction, and folly. They mislead those
who, in their own callings, might be useful members of society,
into fantastic plans of making a figure on subjects, which divert
their attention from their proper business, and are widely remote
from their sphere in life.

the allowable meetings into which students of oratory

Even
form themselves, stand in need of direction, in order to render
lect. xxxiv.J IN ELOQUENCE. 385

them useful. If their subjects of discourse be improperly cho-

sen if they maintain extravagant or indecent topics; if they
;

indulge themselves in loose and flimsy declamation, which has

no foundation in good sense ; or accustom themselves to speak
pertly on all subjects without due preparation, they may improve
one another in petulance, but in no other thing; and will infal-
libly form themselves to a very faulty and vicious taste in speaking.
I would, therefore, advise all who are members of such societies,

in the first place, to attend to the choice of their subjects ; that

they be useful and manly, either formed on the course of their studies,
or on something that has relation to morals and taste, to action and
life. In the second place, I would advise them to be temperate
in the practice of speaking ; not to speak too often, nor on subjects
where they are ignorant or unripe but only, when they have
;

proper materials for a discourse, and have digested and thought

of the subject beforehand. In the third place, when they do
speak, they should study always to keep good sense and persua-
sion in view, rather than an ostentation of eloquence ; and for this
end I would, in the fourth place, repeat the advice which I gave in
a former lecture, that they should always choose that side of the ques-
tion to which, in their own judgment, they are most inclined, as the
right and the true side; and defend it by such arguments as seem to
them most solid. By these means, they will take the best method
of forming themselves gradually to a manly, correct, and persuasive
manner of speaking.
It now only remains to inquire, of what use may the study
of critical and rhetorical writers be, for improving one in the prac-
tice of eloquence? These are certainly not to be neglected ;

and yet I dare not say that much is to be expected from them.
For professed writers on public speaking, we must look chiefly
among the ancients. In modern times, for reasons which were be-
fore given, popular eloquence, as an art, has never been very much
the object of study; it has not the same powerful effects among us
that it had in more democratical states ; and therefore has not been
cultivated with the same care. Among the moderns, though there
has been a great deal of good criticism on the different kinds of
writing, yet much has not been attempted on the subject of elo-
quence, or public discourse; and what has been given us of that kind,
has been drawn mostly from the ancients. Such a writer as Joannes
GerardusVossius, who has gathered into one heap of ponderous lum-
ber, all the trifling, as well as the useful things, that are to be found in
the Greek and Roman writers, is enough to disgust one with the
study of eloquence. Among the French, there has been more at-
tempted, on this subject, than among the English. The Bishop of
Cambray's writings on eloquence, I before mentioned with honour;
Rollin, Batteux, Crevier, Gibert, and several other French critics,have
also written on oratory ; butthough some of them may be useful, none
of them are so considerable as to deserve particular recommendation.
It is to the original ancient writers that we must chiefly have re-
49
 ;

386 MEANS OF IMPROVING, &e. [lect. xxxiv

course; and reproach to any one, whose profession calls him

it is a
to speak unacquainted with them.
in public, to be In all the an-
cient rhetorical writers, there is, indeed, this defect, that they are
too systematical, as I formerly showed they aim at doing too much
; ;

at reducing rhetoric to a complete and perfect art, which may even

supply invention with materials on every subject; insomuch, that
one would imagine they expected to form an orator by rule, in as
mechanical a manner as one would form a carpenter. Whereas, all
that can, in truth, be done, is to give openings for assisting and
enlightening taste, and for pointing out to genius the course it ought
to hold.
Aristotle laid the foundation for all that was afterwards written on
the subject. That amazing and comprehensive genius, which does
honour to human nature, and which gave light unto so many differ-
ent sciences, has investigated the principles of rhetoric with great
penetration. Aristotle appears to have been the first who took rhe-
toric out of the hands of sophists, and introduced reasoning and
good sense into the art. Some of the profoundest things which
have been written on the passions and manners of men, are to be
found in his Treatise on Rhetoric though in this, as in all his wri-
;

tings, his great brevity often renders him obscure. Succeeding

Greek rhetoricians, most of whom are now lost, improved on the
foundation which Aristotle had laid. Two of them still remain,
Demetrius Phalereus, and Dionysius of Halicarnassus; both write
on the construction of sentences, and deserve to be perused; espe-
cially Dionysius, who is a very accurate and judicious critic.
I need scarcely recommend the rhetorical writings of Cicero.
Whatever, on the subject of eloquence, comes from so great an ora-
tor, must be worthy of attention. His most considerable work on
that subject is that De Oratore, in three books. None of Cicero's
writings are more highly finished than this treatise. The dialogue
is polite; the characters well supported, and the conduct of the

whole is beautiful and agreeable. It is, indeed, full of digressions,

and his rules and observations may be thought sometimes too vague
and general. Useful things, however, may be learned from it; and
it is no small benefit to be made acquainted with Cicero's own idea

of eloquence. The 'Orator ad M. Brutum,' is also a considerable

treatise: and, in general, throughout Cicero's rhetorical works there
run those high and sublime ideas of eloquence, which are fitted both
for forming a just taste, and for creating that enthusiasm for the art,
which is of the greatest consequence for excelling in it.
But of all the ancient writers on the subject of oratory, the most
instructive, and most useful, is Quintilian. I know few books which
abound more with good sense, and discover a greater degree of
just and accurate taste, than Quintilian's institutions. Almost all the
principles of good criticism are to be found in them. He has digest-
ed into excellent order all the ancient ideas concerning rhetoric

and is, the same time, himself an eloquent writer.

at Though
some parts of his work contain too much of the technical and arti-
ficial system then in vogue, and for that reason may be dry and te-
 ;

LECT. XXXIV.] QUESTIONS. 387

dious, yet would not advise the omitting to read any part of his
I

institutions. To pleaders at the bar, even these technical parts may

prove of much use. Seldom has any person, of more sound and
distinct judgment than Quintilian, applied himself to the study of the
art of oratory.

QUESTIONS.
Of what has our author now fully illustrated ? On great subjects and
all
treated ;but before finishing- this sub- occasions, what the effect of noble
is

ject, what suggestions may be of use ? sentiments ? What do they give to one's
To be an eloqunt speaker, is far from discourse? Here, what will not avail,
what ? What, however, is a matter and of an assumed character, what
not very difficult ? Of this, what is ob- is observed ? What only can transmit

served? What is the idea which our the emotion to others and hence, what
;

author has endeavoured to give of elo- follows? What, therefore, is necessary

quence 1 What natural and acquired for those who would excel in any of
talents must concur for carrying this to the higher kinds of oratory ? Whenev-
perfection ? About what, then, is there er these become dead, or callous, what.
little reason to wonder 1 Whyshould will be the consequence? What are
we not, however, despair ? Of the the sentiments and dispositions particu-
number of orators, of the highest class, larly requisite for them to cultivate?
what is here observed ? What advan- What are extremely averse to elo-
tage has the study of oratory above that quence ? What does such a disposition
of poetry ? In eloquence, what station bespeak? What. are. the characteristics
may one possess with dignity and ; of a true orator ? Joined with the man-
Avhat does eloquence admit ? What is a ly virtues, he should, at the same time,
trifling inquiry ? What parts do nature possess what? What, must also be stu-
and art, respectively, take in attain- died by every public speaker ? Why is
ments of all kinds 1 What is certain ? modesty essential? But why ought it
By this remark, what does our author not to run into excessive timidity ?
mean ? How is this illustrated ? After What, in the second place, is most es-
these preliminary observations, to what sential to an orator ? What, do Cicero
do we proceed ? In the first place, what and Quintilian say on this subject and
;

stands highest in the order of means what are the foundation of all good
and why ? Among whom was this a speaking? How is this remark illus-
favourite position ? To what, gives
find trated ? What only can attention to
pleasure ; and what can be clearly style, composition, and all the arts of
shown? What is the first consideration speech, do ? Of what must he who is
to support this remark? What is the plead at the bar, make himself tho-
to
effect of these ? On the other hand, roughly master ? To what study must
what opinion of the speaker will de- he who is speaking from the pulpit, close-
stroy the effect of his eloquence ? ly apply himself; and why ? What
Though it may entertain and amuse, course must be pursued by him who
yet how isitviewed? How is this subject would fit himself for being a member of
further illustrated? But, lest it should be the supreme council of the nation ?
said that this relates only to the charac- Besides the knowledge that properly
ter of virtue, what does our author fur- belongs to his profession, with what
. ther observe ? How does it appear that must a public speaker make himself
nothing is so favourable as virtue to the acquainted ? What advantage will re-
prosecution of honourable studies ? In sult from the study of poetry, and of
what language has Quintilian touched history ? What remarks follow ? What,
this consideration very properly ? But in the third place, is recommended ;
besides this consideration, what other, why ; and what must we not imagine ?
of still higher importance, is there that. How, only, can eminence be attained?
deserves attention ? How is this remark As this is a fixed law of our nature,
 ; ;

3S7 a QUESTIONS. [lect. XXXIV

what is said of him who can believe just idea of it ? Of this idea, when ac-
himself an exception to it 1 Why is it quired, what use should we make ?
a very wise law of our nature ? Of that Why have exercises in speaking al-
relaxed state of mind which arises ways been recommended to students ?
from indolence or dissipation, what is Of the societies into which they some-
observed ? By what will one be known times form themselves for this purpose,
who is destined to excel in any art? Of what is observed ? How do they become
this, what is observed'? If youth wants favourable to knowledge and study?
it, what will be the consequence ? In What do they produce and ; to what
the fourth place, what will contribute do they gradually inure those who are
greatly towards improvement ? What engaged in them ? To what do they
should everyone who speaks endeavour accustom them ; and what is, per-
to have ; and what is the effect of sla- haps, their greatest advantage ? What
vish imitation ? But, what remark fol- meetings are here to be understood ?
lows 1 What do they do 1 What institutions are not merely use-
On what will much depend ? And less, but hurtful in their nature ? Of
supposing them rightly chosen, about proving what, are they in great ha-
what is Ta farther care requisite and zard? Into what do they mislead those
;

why? W hat should we study to ac- who, in their own calling, might be use-
quire ? Why should not one attach him- ful members of society ? Even of the
self too closely to any single model ? allowable meetings into which students
What should be his business ? What is of oratory form themselves, what is ob-
here not expected ? Of ancient and served? Under what circumstances
modern writers, from whom benefit may may they improve themselves in petu-
be derived, what is here observed? lance, but infallibly form themselves to
What does our author own is to be re- a very faulty and vicious taste in speak-
gretted? Among the French, in the ing ? What advice is, therefore, given
different departments of oratory, whose to all who are members of such socie-
names are mentioned ? Concerning the ties ? What will be the effect of pursu-
imitation of the style of any favourite ing this course ?
T
W
hat inquiry, only,
author, to what distinction must we now remains? Of these, what is obser-
attend ? Of these, what is observed ved? For professed writers on public
and how is this illustrated ? What style speaking, where must we look ? Ol
does speaking admit and of it, what is popular eloquence among the moderns,
;

farther observed ? Hence, what fol- what is observed ? What is said of Jo-
lows ? What example of illustration is annes Gerardus Vossius ? Among the
given? Of some kinds of public dis- French, the names of what writers on
course, what is observed? But still this subject appear and what is said ;

there is what ? To what does some au- of them ? To whom, chiefly, must we
thors' manner of writing approach more have recourse; and what remark fol-
nearly than others and what is the lows ? What defect, however, is there,
;

consequence ? Who are of this class ? in all the ancient rhetorical writers?
What does the Dean, throughout all his What is all that can, in truth, be done?
writings, maintain; and of this, what is Who laid the foundation for all that
observed? What is the character of was afterwards written on this subject
Lord Bolingbroke's style ? What ap- and of him, what is observed ? He was
pearance do all his political writings the first that did what ? What is said
carry ? What qualities do they possess of his Treatise on Rhetoric ? Of suc-
;

and of them, what is to be regretted? ceeding Greek rhetoricians, what is ob-

In the fifth place, what will be admit- served ? What two still remain, and
ted to be a necessary means of improve- what is said of them ? What general
ment ? What sort, of composition is the remarks are made on Cicero's rhetori-
most useful? What advice is here cal writings? Of them, which are the
given ? Of him who has it for his aim most distinguished and what is said of
;

to write and speak correctly, what is them ? Of all the ancient writers on
observed ? By this remark, what is not the subject of oratory, who is the most
meant? To what would this form him ? useful, and the most instructive? Of
But what is to be observed ? Of the Quintilian, and of his institutes, what
becoming manner, what is observed is observed ?
;

but what does it require to seize the

lect. xxxv.] COMPARATIVE MERIT, &c. 387 b

ANALYSIS. 3. Industry and application necessary.

4. Attention to the best models recom-
Preliminary observations. mended.
Means ofimprovirg in eloquence. a. The distinction between written and
1. Moral qualifications. spoken language.
a. Virtue favourable to the prosecu- 5. Frequency of composing and speaking.
tion of honourable studies. a. Directions for the same.
B.The most affecting sentiments flow 6. The study of critical writers requisite.
from virtuous hearts. a. Ancient original writers to be con-
2. A fund of knowledge requisite. sulted.

COMPARATIVE MERIT OF THE ANCIENTS AND THE

MODERNS.— HISTORICAL WRITING.
I have now which respected ora-
finished that part of the course
tory, or public speaking, and which, as far as the subject allowed, I
have endeavoured to form into some sort of system. It remains, that

I enter on the consideration of the most distinguished kinds of com-

position, both in prose and verse, and point out the principles of
criticism relating to them. This part of the work might easily be
drawn out a great length
to but I am sensible that critical discus-
;

sions, when they are pursued too far, become both trifling and te-
dious. I shall study, therefore, to avoid unnecessary prolixity and ;

hope, at the same time, to omit nothing that is very material under
the several heads.
I shall follow the same method here which I have all along pur-

sued, and without which, these lectures could not be entitled to an}-
attention that is, I shall freely deliver my own opinion on every
;

subject regarding authority no farther than as it appears to me

;

founded on good sense and reason. In former lectures, as I have of-

ten quoted several of the ancient classics for their beauties, so I have
also, sometimes, pointed out their defects. Hereafter, I shall have
occasion to do the same, when treating of their writings under more
general heads. It may be fit that, before I proceed farther, I make
some observations on the comparative merit of the ancients and the
moderns in order that we may be able to ascertain, rationally, upon
;

what foundation that deference rests, which has so generally been

paid to the ancients. These observations are the more necessary,
as this subject has given rise to no small controversy in the republic
of letters and they may, with propriety, be made now, as they will
;

serve to throw light on some things I have afterwards to deliver, con-

cerning different kinds of composition.
It is a remarkable phenomenon, and one which has often employ-

ed the speculations of curious men, that writers and artists, most

distinguished for iheir parts and genius, have generally appeared in
considerable numbers at a time. Some ages have been remarkably
barren in them while, at other periods, nature seems to have exert-
;

ed herself with a more than ordinary effort, and to have poured

them forth with a profuse fertility. Various reasons have been as-
signed for this. Some of the morai causes lie obvious such as fa- ;

3 K
388 COMPARATIVE MERIT OF THE [lect.xxxv.

vourable circumstances of government and of manners; encourage-

ment from great men emulation excited among the men of genius.
;

But as these have been thought inadequate to the whole effect, phy-
sical causes have been also assigned; and the Abbe du Bos, in his
reflections on poetry and painting, has collected a great many obser-
vations on the influence which the air, the climate, and other such
natural causes, may be supposed to have upon genius. But what-
ever the causes be, the fact is certain, that there have been certain
periods or ages of the world much more distinguished than others,
for the extraordinary productions of genius.
Learned men have marked out four of these happy ages. The
first is the Grecian age, which commenced near the time of the Pe-
loponnesian war, and extended till the time of Alexander the
Great; within which period, we have Herodotus, Thucydides,
Xenophon, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Demosthenes, JEschines, Ly-
sias, Isocrates, Pindar, JEschylus, Euripides, Sophocles, Aristopha-
nes, Menander, Anacreon, Theocritus, Lysippus, Apelles, Phidias,
Praxiteles. The second, is the Roman age, included nearly within
the days of Julius Csesar and Augustus ; affording us Catullus, Lu-
cretius, Terence, Virgil, Horace, Tibullus, Propertius, Ovid, Phae-
druSjCsesar, Cicero, Livy, Sallust, Varro, and Vitruvius. The third
age is, that of the restoration of learning, under the Popes Julius II.
and Leo X. when flourished Ariosto, Tasso, Sannazarius, Vida,
;

Machiavel, Guicciardini, Davila, Erasmus, Paul Jovius, Michael

Angelo, Raphael, Titian. The fourth comprehends the age of Louis
the XIV. and Queen Anne, when flourished in France, Corneille,
Racine, De Retz, Moliere, Boileau, Fontaine, Baptiste, Rousseau,
Bossuet, Fenelon, Bourdaloue, Pascal!, Malebranche, Massillon,
Bruyere, Baylc, Fontenelle, Vertot; and in England, Dry den,
Pope, Addison, Prior, Swift, Parnell, Arbuthnot, Congreve, Otway,
Young, Rowe, Atterbury, Shaftesbury, Bolingbroke, Tillotson,
Temple, Boyle, Locke, Newton, Clarke.
When we speak comparatively of the ancients and the moderns,
we generally mean by the ancients, such as lived in the two first of
these periods, including also one or two who lived more early, as
Homer in particular; and by the moderns, those who flourished in
the two last of these ages, including also the eminent writers down
to our own
times. Any comparison between these two classes of
writers, must be necessarily vague and loose, as they comprehend
so many, and of such different kinds and degrees of genius. But
the comparison is generally made to turn by those who are fond of
making it, upon two or three of the most distinguished in each class.
With much heat it was agitated in France, between Boileau and
Mad. Dacier, on the one hand for the ancients, and Perrault and
La Motte, on the other, for the moderns and it was carried to ex-
;

tremes on both sides. To this day, among men of taste and letters,
we find a leaning to one or other side. A few reflections may throw
light upon the subject, and enable us to discern upon what grounds
we are to rest our judgment in this controversy.
If any one, 3t this (\ay, in the eighteenth century, takes upon him
lect. xxxv.] ANCIENTS AND THE MODERNS. 3»9

to decry the ancient classics; if he pretends to have discovered

that Homer and Virgil are poets of inconsiderable merit, and that
Demosthenes and Cicero are not great orators, we may boldly ven-
ture to tell such a man, that he is come too late with his discovery
The reputation of such writers is established upon a foundation too
solid, to be now shaken by any arguments whatever; for it is esta-
blished upon that almost universal taste of mankind, proved and tri-
ed throughout the succession of so many ages. Imperfections in
their works he may indeed point out; passages that are faulty he
may show; for where is the human work that is perfect? But, if he
attempts to discredit their works in general, or to prove that the re-
putation which they have gained is on the whole, unjust, there is an
argument against him, which is equal to full demonstration. He
must be in the wrong for human nature is against him. In matters
;

of taste, such as poetry and oratory, to whom does the appeal lie?
where is the standard ? and where the authority of the last decision?
where is it to be looked for, but, as I formerly showed, in those
feelings and sentiments that are found, on the most extensive exami-
nation, to be the common sentiments and feelings of men? These
have been fully consulted on this head. The public, the unprejudic-
ed public, has been tried and appealed to for many centuries, and
throughout almost all civilized nations. It has pronounced its ver
diet; it has given its sanction to those writers; and from this tribu-
nal there lies no farther appeal.
In matters of mere reasoning, the world may be long in an error;
and may be convinced of the error by stronger reasonings, when
produced. Positions that depend upon science, upon knowledge,
and matters of fact, may be overturned according as science and
knowledge are enlarged, and new matters of fact are brought to light.
For this reason, a system of philosophy receives no sufficient sanc-
tion from its antiquity, or long currency. The world, as it grows
older, may be justly expected to become, if not wiser, at least more
knowing and supposing it doubtful, whether Aristotle, or Newton,
;

were the greater genius, yet Newton's philosophy may prevail over
Aristotle's, by means of later discoveries, to which Aristotle was a
stranger. But. nothing of this
kind holds as to matters of taste ;

which depend not on the progress of knowledge and science, but

upon sentiment and feeling. It is in vain to think of undeceiving
mankind, with respect to errors committed here, as in philosophy.
For the universal feeling of mankind is the natural feeling; and be-
cause it is the natural, it is for that reason, the right feeling. The
reputation of the Iliad and the iEneid must therefore stand upon
sure ground, because it has stood so long; though that of the Aris
totelian or Platonic philosophy, every one is at liberty to call in
question.
It is in vain also to allege, that the reputation of the ancient po-
ets,and orators, is owing to authority, to pedantry, and to the preju-
dices of education, transmitted from age to age. These, it is true,
are the authors put into our hands at schools and colleges, and by
that means we have now an early prepossession in their favour-, but
390 COMPARATIVE MERIT OF THE [lect. xxxv.

how came they to gain the possession of colleges and schools? Plain-
ly,by the high fame which these had among their own cotemporaries.
For the Greek and Latin were not always dead languages. There
was a time when Homer, and Virgil, and Horace, were viewed in
the same light as we now view Dryden, Pope, and Addison. It is
not to commentators and universities, that the classics are indebted
for their fame. They became classics and school-books, in con-
sequence of the high admiration which was paid them by the best
judges in theirown country and nation. As early as the days of
Juvenal, who wrote under the reign of Domitian, we find Virgil and
Horace become the standard books in the education of youth.

Quot stabant pueri, cum totus decolor esset

Flaccus, &i haereret nigro fuligo Maroni.* Sat. 7.

From this general principle, then, of the reputation of the great

ancient classics being so early, so lasting, so universal among all the
most polished nations, we may justly and boldly infer that their re-
putation cannot be wholly unjust, but must have a solid foundation
in the merit of their writings.
Let us guard, however, against a blind and implicit veneration for
the ancients in every thing. I have opened the general principle,
which must go far in instituting a fair comparison between them and
the moderns. Whatever superiority the ancients may have had in
point of genius, yet in all arts, where the natural progress of know-
ledge has had room to produce any considerable effects, the mo-
derns cannot but have some advantage. The world may, in certain
respects, be considered as a person, who must needs gain somewhat
by advancing in years. Its improvements have not, I confess, been
always in proportion to the centuries that have passed over it; for,
during the course of some ages, it has sunk as into a total lethargy.
Yet, when roused from that lethargy, it has generally been able to
avail itself more or less, of former discoveries. At intervals, there
arose some happy genius, who could both improve on what had
gone before, and invent something new. With the advantage of a
proper stock of materials, an inferior genius can make greater pro-
gress, than a much superior one, to whom these materials are want-
ing.
Hence, in natural philosophy, astronomy, chemistry, and other
sciences that depend on an extensive knowledge and observation of
facts, modern philosophers have an unquestionable superiority over
the ancient. I am inclined also to think, that in matters of pure
reasoning, there is more precision among the moderns, than in some
instances there was among the ancients; owing perhaps to a more
extensive literary intercourse, which has improved and sharpened
the faculties of men. In some studies too, that relate to taste and

uThen thou art bound to smell, on either hand,

As many stinking lamps, as school-boys stand,
When Horace could not read in his own sully'd book,
And Virgil's sacred page was all besmoar'd with smoke." Dryden
 ;

lect. xxxv.] ANCIENTS AND THE MODERNS. 391

fine writing, which is our object, the progress of society must, in

equity, be admitted to have given us some advantages. For instance,
in history; there is certainly more political knowledge in several
European nations at present, than there was in ancient Greece and
Rome. Weare better acquainted with the nature of government,
because we have seen it under a greater variety of forms and revolu-
tions. The world is more laid open than it was in former times

commerce greatly enlarged more countries are civilized ; posts

is ;

are every where established; intercourse is become more easy; and

the knowledge of facts, by consequence, more attainable. All these
are great advantages to historians; of which, in some measure, as
I shall afterward show, they have availed themselves. In the more
complex kinds of poetry, likewise, we may have gained somewhat,
perhaps, in point of regularity and accuracy. In dramatic perform-
ances, having the advantage of the ancient models, we may be
allowed to have made some improvements in the variety of the
characters, the conduct of the plot, attention to probability, and to
decorums.
These seem to me the chief points of superiority we can plead
above the ancients. Neither do they extend as far as might be
imagined at first view. For if the strength of genius be on one
side, it will go far, in works of taste at least, to counterbalance all
the artificial improvements which can be made by greater know-
ledge and correctness. To return to our comparison of the age of
the world with that of a man; it may be said, not altogether with-
out reason, that if the advancing age of the world bring along with
it more science and more refinement, there belong, however, to its

earlier periods, more vigour, more fire, more enthusiasm of genius.

This appears indeed to form the characteristical difference between
the ancient poets, orators, and historians, compared with the modern.
Among the ancients, we find higher conceptions, greater simplicity,
more original fancy. Among the moderns, sometimes more art and
correctness, but feebler exertions of genius. But, though this be in
general a mark of distinction between the ancients and moderns,
yet, like all general observations, it must be understood with some
exceptions; for in point of poetical fire and original genius, Milton
and Shakspeare are inferior to no poets in any age.
It is proper to observe, that there were some circumstances
in ancient times, very favourable to those uncommon efforts of
genius which were then exerted. Learning was a much more
rare and singular attainment in the earlier ages, than it is at present.
It was not to schools and universities that the persons applied, who
sought to distinguish themselves. They had not this easy recourse.
They travelled for their improvement into distant countries, to
Egypt, and They inquired after all the monuments
to the East.
of learning there. They conversed with priests, philosophers,
poets, with all who had acquired any distinguished fame. They
returned to their own country full of the discoveries which they
had made, and fired by the new and uncommon objects which
they had seen. Their knowledge and improvements cost them
392 COMPARATIVE MERIT OF THE [lect. xxxv

more labour, raised hi them more enthusiasm, were attended with

higher rewards and honours, than in modern days. Fewer had the
means and opportunities of distinguishing themselves; but such as
did distinguish themselves, were sure of acquiring that fame, and
even veneration, which is, of all other rewards, the greatest incentive
to genius. Herodotus read his history to all Greece assembled at
the Olympic games, and was publicly crowned. In thePeloponnesian
war, when the Athenian army was defeated in Sicily, and the
prisoners were ordered to be put to death, such of them as could re-
peat any verses of Euripides were saved, from honour to that poet,
who was a citizen of Athens. These were testimonies of public
regard, far beyond what modern manners confer upon genius.
In our times, good writing is considered as an attainment neithei
so difficult, nor so high and meritorious.
Scribimus indocli, doctique, Pogmata passim.*
We write much more supinely, and at our ease, than the ancients.
To excel, is become a much
less considerable object. Less effort,
less exertion is required, because we have many more assistances
than they. Printing has rendered all books common, and easy
to be had. Education for any of the learned professions can
be carried on without much trouble. Hence a mediocrity of
genius is spread over all. But to rise beyond that, and to overtop
the crowd, is given to few. The multitude of assistances which
we have for all kinds of composition, in the opinion of Sir William
Temple, a very competent judge, rather depresses, than favours,
the exertions of native genius. " It is very possible," says that
ingenious author, in his Essay on the Ancients and Moderns, "that
men may lose rather than gain by these; may lessen the force of
their own genius, by forming it upon that of others; may have
less knowledge of their own, for contenting themselves with that
of those before them. So a man that only translates, shall never
be a poet; so people that trust to others' charity, rather than
their own industry, will be always poor. Who
can tell," he adds,
" whether learning may not even weaken invention, in a man
that has great advantages from nature ? Whether the weight
and number of so many other men's thoughts and notions may
not suppress his own; as heaping on wood sometimes suppresses
a little spark, that would otherwise have grown into a flame ? The
strength of mind, as well as of body, grows more from the warmth
of exercise, than of clothes nay, too much of this foreign heat,
;

rather makes men faint, and their constitutions weaker than they
would be without them."
From whatever cause it happens, so it is, that among some
of the ancient writers, we must look for the highest models in
most of the kinds of elegant composition. For accurate think-
ing and enlarged ideas, in several parts of philosophy, to the

* " Now every desp'rate blockhead dares to write ;

Verse is the trade of ev'ry living wight." Franci3.

lect. xxxv. J ANCIENTS AND THE MODERNS. 393

moderns we ought chiefly to have recourse. Of correct and

finished writing in some works of taste, they may afford useful pat-
terns but for all that belongs to original genius, to spirited, master-
:

ly, and high execution, our best and most happy ideas are, generally
speaking, drawn from the ancients. In epic poetry, for instance,
Homerand Virgil, to this day, stand not within many degrees of any
rival. Orators, such as Cicero and Demosthenes, we have none.
In history, notwithstanding some defects, which I am afterwards to
mention in the ancient historical plans, it may be safely asserted, that
we have no such historical narration, so elegant, so picturesque, so
animated, and interesting, as that of Herodotus, Thucydides, Xen
ophon, Livy, Tacitus, and Sallust. Although the conduct of the
drama may be admitted to have received some improvements,
yet for poetry and sentiment we have nothing to equal Sophocles
and Euripides ; nor any dialogue in comedy, that comes up to the
correct, graceful, and elegant simplicity of Terence. We
have
no such love elegies as those of Tibullus no such pastorals as some
;

of Theocritus's and for lyric poetry, Horace stands quite unri-

;

valled. The name of Horace cannot be mentioned without a

particular encomium. That "Curiosa Felicitas" which Petronius
has remarked in his expression ; the sweetness, elegance, and spirit
of many of his odes, the thorough knowledge of the world, the
excellent sentiments, and natural easy manner which distinguish
his satires and epistles, all contribute to render him one of those
very few authors whom one never tires of reading; and from whom
alone, were every other monument destroyed, we should be led to
form a very high idea of the taste and genius of the Augustan age.
To all such, then, as wish to form their taste and nourish their
genius, let me warmly recommend the assiduous study of the an-
cient classics, both Greek and Roman.
NoctumS. versate manu, versate diurna.*
Without a considerable acquaintance with them, no man can
he reckoned a polite scholar and he will want many assistances
;

for writing and speaking well, which the knowledge of such au-
thors would afford him. Any one has great reason to suspect his
own taste, who receives little or no pleasure from the perusal of
writings, which so many ages and nations have consented in hold-
ing up as objects of admiration. And I am persuaded it will
be found, that in proportion as the ancients are generally studied
and admired, or are unknown and disregarded in any country,
good taste and good composition will flourish, or decline. They
are commonly none but the ignorant or superficial, who undervalue
them.
At the same time, a just and high regard for the prime writers
of antiquity is to be always distinguished, from that contempt of
every thing which is modern, and that blind veneration for all that
has been written in Greek or Latin, which belongs only to pe-

* " Read them by dav, and study them by night." Francis.

50
394 HISTORICAL WRITING. [lect. xxxv.

dants. Among the Greek and Roman authors, some assuredly

deserve much higher regard than others nay, some are of no ;

great value. Even the best of them lie open occasionally to just
censure; for to no human performance is it given to be absolutely
perfect. We may, we ought therefore to read them with a dis-
tinguishing eye, so as to propose for imitation their beauties only;
and it is perfectly consistent with just and candid criticism, to find
fault with parts, while, at the same time, it admires the whole.
After these reflections on the ancients and moderns, I proceed to
a critical examination of the most distinguished kinds of composition,
and the characters of those writers who have excelled in them,
whether modern or ancient.
The most general division of the different kinds of composition
is, in those written in prose, and those written inverse; which

certainly require be separately considered, because subject

to
to separate laws. begin, as is most natural, with writings in prose.
I
Of orations, or public discourses of all kinds, I have already treated
fully. The remaining species of prose compositions, which assume
any such regular form, as to fall under the cognizance of criticism,
seem to be chiefly these: historical writing, philosophical writing,
epistolary writing, and fictitious history. Historical composition
shall be first considered ; and, as it is an object of dignity, I pur-
pose to treat of it at some length.
As it is the office of an orator to persuade, it is that of an histo.
rian to record truth for the instruction of mankind. This is the pro-
per object and end of history, from which may be deduced many of
the laws relating to it; and if this object were always kept in view,
it would prevent many of the errors into which persons are apt to

fall concerning this species of composition. As the primary end of

history is to record truth, —
impartiality, fidelity, and accuracy, are
the fundamental qualities of an historian. He must neither be a
panegyrist, nor a satirist. He must not enter into faction, nor give
scope to affection: but, contemplating past events and characters
with a cool and dispassionate eye, must present to his readers a faith-
ful copy of human nature.
At the same time, it is not every record of facts, however true,
that is entitled to the name
of history but such a record as enables us
;

to apply the transactions of former ages for our own instruction. The
facts ought to be momentous and important: represented in con-
nexion with their causes, traced to their effects, and unfolded in
clear and distinct order. For wisdom is the great end of history. It
is designed to supply the want of experience. Though it enforce
not its instructions with the same authority, yet it furnishes us with
a greater variety of instructions, than it is possible for experience to
afford, in the course of the longest life. Its object is to enlarge our
views of the human character, and to give full exercise to our judg-
ment on human affairs. It must not therefore be a tale, calculated
to please only, and addressed to the fancy. Gravity and dignity are
essential characteristics of history no light ornaments are to be em-
;

ployed, no flippancy of style, no quaintness of wit. But the writer

 lect. xxxv.] HISTORICAL WRITING. 395

must sustain the character of a wise man, writing for the instruction
of posterity; one who has studied to inform himself well, who has
pondered his subject with care, and addresses himself to our judg-
ment, rather than to our imagination. At the same time, historical
writing is by no means inconsistent with ornamented and spirited
narration. It admits of much high ornament and elegance ; but the
ornaments must be always consistent with dignity; they should not
appear to be sought after; but to rise naturally from a mind animated
by the events which it records.
Historical composition is understood to comprehend under it, an-
nals, memoirs, lives. But these are its inferior subordinate species ;
on which I shall hereafter make some reflections, when I shall have
first considered what belongs to a regular and legitimate work of

history. Such a work is chiefly of two kinds, either the entire history
of some state or kingdom through its different revolutions, such as
Livy's Roman History or the history of some one great event, or
;

some portion or period of time which may be considered as making a

whole by itself; such as, Thucydides's History of the Peloponne-
sian War, Davila's History of the Civil Wars of France, or Claren-
don's of those of England.
In the conduct and management of his subject, the first attention
requisite in an historian, is to give it as much unity as possible that
;

is, his history should not consist of separate unconnected parts mere-

ly, but should be bound together by some connecting principle,

which shall make the impression on the mind of something that is
one, whole, and entire. It is inconceivable how great an effect this,
when happily executed, has upon a reader, and it is surprising that
some able writers of history have not attended to it more. Whether
pleasure or instruction be the end sought by the study of history,
either of them is enjoyed to much greater advantage, when the mind
has always before it the progress of some one great plan or sys-
tem of action; when there is some point or centre, to which we
can refer the various facts related by the historian.
In general histories, which record the affairs of a whole nation or
empire throughout several ages, this unity, I confess, must be more
imperfect. Yet even there, some degree of it can be preserved by a
skilful writer. For though the whole, taken together, be very com-
plex, yet the great constituent parts of it, form so many subordinate
wholes, when taken by themselves ; each of which can be treated
both as complete within itself, and as connected with what goes be-
fore and follows. In the history of a monarchy, for instance, every
reign should have its own unity; a beginning, a middle, and an end, to
the system of affairs; while, at the same time, we are taught to
'
discern how that system of affairs rose from the preceding, and
how it is inserted into what follows. We should be able to trace all
the secret links of the chain, which binds together remote, and seem-
ingly unconnected events. In some kingdoms of Europe, it was the
plan of many succeeding princes to reduce the power of their no-
bles ; and during several reigns, most of the leading actions had a
reference to this end. In other states, the rising power of the com-
3L
 ;

396 HISTORICAL WRITING. [lect. xxxv

mons, influenced for a tract of time the course and connexion of

public affairs. Among the Romans, the leading principle was a
gradual extension of conquest, and the attainment of universal em-
pire. The continual increase of their power, advancing towards
this end from small beginnings, and by a sort of regular progressive
plan, furnished to Livy a happy subject for historical unity, in the
midst of a great variety of transactions.
Of all the ancient] general historians, the one who had the most
exact idea of this quality of historical composition, though, in other
respects not an elegant writer, is Polybius. This appears from the
account he gives of his own plan in the beginning of his third book
observing that the subject of which he had undertaken to write, is,
throughout the whole of it, one action, one great spectacle how, ;

and by what causes, all the parts of the habitable world became sub
ject to the Roman empire. 'This action,' says he, 'is distinct in
its beginning, determined in its duration, and clear in its final ac-
complishment; therefore, I think it of use, to give a general view
beforehand, of the chief constituent parts which make up this
whole.' In another place he congratulates himself on his good
fortune, in having a subject for history, which allowed such variety
of parts to be united under one view; remarking, that before this
period, the affairs of the world were scattered, and without connex-
ion; whereas, in the times of which he writes, all the great transac-
tions of the world tended and verged to one point, and were capa-
ble of being considered as parts of one system. Whereupon he
adds several very judicious observations, concerning the usefulness
of writing history upon such a comprehensive, and connected plan;
comparing the imperfect degree of knowledge, which is afforded by
particular facts, without general views, to the imperfect idea which
one would entertain of an animal, who had beheld its separate parts
only, without having ever seen its entire form and structure.*
Such as write the history of some particular great transaction, as
confine themselves to one era, or one portion of the history of a
nation, have so great advantages for preserving historical unity, that
they are inexcusable if they fail in it. Sallust's histories of the
Catilinarian and Jugurthinc wars, Xenophon's Cyropoedia, and his
retreat of the ten thousand, are instances of particular histories,
where the unity of historical narration is perfectly well maintained.
Thucydides, otherwise a writer of great strength and dignity, has
failed much, in this article, in his history of the Peloponnesian war.

* KiStMs fj.h yx^luoiyt S'ox.wtrty it 7rmrtnr/xivoi fix t«c jc*t* /lk'i^oc is-cpixc fjiT^ictc
trvvo^.L-'iii ti l\ii t Tr^pxTrhiciot ti 7rx<r%uv, asc ay it t/vsc i/u-^u^a x.m usAa aa-ssiTCC
ytyovoro; £iij>p'jfxiv& t* /Lttpti 3W fj.tvot, awroTrtai yiyvaQ-tt t»c he^yiUc
vofji^ottv ix.xict:
tii/Tou ts ^u/ Kit jcxaagvhc. u yig_ tic dvrlx.% fx-xKA <ruv&(ic Kit TfAitsv cXvStc aVe^ac-

etfXlVOf TO £%0V, KU> TS uS'ili'i TH TTYiC

4 W /t" J W!T{ !)«/*, X.i7TUTX. <nrcLKlV ITTlS'ilX.rJOl TO/f
autHc txitvotc, Tj^(»c«Foi«5i( <EWTac *'t/TGt/c hfAQXoytitrttv d~io ti kxi yiety 7roxv ti ty>s
dhxQitnc a.7riXfi7rovro 7r^oo-Qiv, nut Gri^i?r\H<Tiov toIc 'oitipanlovTiv y\i~du. fayomv fJiv yip
XtQtiv tt.no fjigxc tgjv oauv fuvxTOv . \7ri7ifAm S~t it*.! yvctuxv citpixh
*X llv dSii-XToy. S~IO
7r*.v)t\wc jZpx-Xv ti vcfxtriov o-VfxGxAMrQm t»'v kolto. fj'tpoc WopicLi isrpoc tmv t&jv o\a>v
ifAiwelM x.n.1 <nrl<?iv, ix. fj.ii Toiyi tm; ct7rayrov nr?o; clkahA* <rvfj.TACx.ic xxt TrctgMcrioc,
*ti S" o^co/OTDTOf Kt't Jia.<3>o§ac fjovosc av tic l<pix,oilo net) eft/v»0s/» x.XT07rl(vo-a.c omo. khi tj
Xptiiriuov kxi to T(j5ryoi>, ix tiitirogixt KxGuv. Polvb. Histoi Prim.
 —

lect. xxxv.] HISTORICAL WRITING. 397

No one great object is properly pursued, and kept in. view ; but bis
narration is cut down into small pieces his history is divided by;

summers and winters and we are every now and then leaving trans-
;

actions unfinished, and are hurried from place to place, from Athens
to Sicily, from thence
to Peloponnesus, to Corcyra, to Mitylene,
that we may be told of what is going on in all these places. We
have a great many disjointed parts and scattered limbs, which with
difficulty we collect into one body; and through this faulty distribu-
tion and management of his subject, that judicious historian becomes
more tiresome, and less agreeable than he would otherwise be. For
these reasons he is severely censured by one of the best critics of
antiquity, Dionysius of Halicarnassus.*
The historian must not indeed neglect chronological order, with
a view to render his narration agreeable. He must give a distinct
account of the dates, and of the coincidence of facts. But he is
not under the necessity of breaking off always in the middle of
transactions, in order to inform us of what washappeningelsewhere
at the same time. He discovers no art, if he cannot form some con-
nexion among the affairs which he relates, so as to introduce them
in a proper train. He will soon tire the reader, if he goes on re-
cording, in strict chronological order, a multitude of separate trans-
actions, connected by nothing else, but their happening at the same
time.
Though the history of Herodotus be of greater compass than that
of Thucydides, and comprehend a much greater variety of dissimilar
parts, he has been more fortunate in joining them together; and
digesting them into order. Hence he is a more pleasing writer, and
gives a stronger impression of his subject; though, in judgment and

* The censure which Dionysius passes upon Thucydides, is, in several articles,
carried too far. He blames him for the choice of his subject, as not sufficiently
splendid and agreeable, and as abounding too much in crimes and melancholy
events, on which he observes that. Thucydides loves to dwell. He is partial to
Herodotus, whom, both for the choice and the conduct of his subject, he prefers
to the other historian. It is true, that the subject of Thucydides wants the gay-
ety and splendour of that of Herodotus but it is not deficient in dignity.
; The
Peloponnesian war was the contest between two great rival powers, the Athenian
and Lacedemonian states, for the empire of Greece. Herodotus loves to dwell on
prosperous incidents, and retains somewhat of the amusing manner of the ancient
poetical historians; but Herodotus wrote to the imagination. Thucydides writes
to the understanding. He was a grave reflecting man, well acquainted with hu-
man life; and the melancholy events and catastrophes which he records, are often
both the most interesting parts of history, and the most improving to the heart.
The critic's observations on the faulty distribution which Thucydides makes of
his subject, are better founded, and his preference of Herodotus in this respect is
not unjust. QunvS'iS'ng fav rote %£ovoi; cIkox^wv, 'Hp'^no; Js ts/c o-sp/o^a/t t&jv
'Gr^iyix.tTUDi, ylyma.1 QhkuMh; dTt<p»; kai S'-jT'Wct^otx.oKubyiToc 7rc\\a>v \ap jc*t:i to ci'jr o
. S'sgoc K*t "/ti ixmt<tt yryvaifAtM]/ ty Sixqogxtc to;to/c, iiiunthits tsic tb-^otx; apneas x»M-
KI7TUV, iTii'mV CtTrTtTXI TUIV X.ATH TO clUTO SiPOS Hot) yctfACeVA yi\VOUt*tev tSrhZVai/XiQ'-t- £>l
.

n*fl*;rsg £/Jcoc, y.ti SvtKOMt tok SnKufxivon /

Gr*gi.x.o,\is6xuiV. 'SnjuStSuKt ®xx.uMn (*-l*V
VToQiUV XabOVT/ 7T0AA*. 7T01>liat (A.iPH TO (V TMfJt.4.. 'HgoScTO Si T*C TTOKKX-i X.XI aSiV tVO-
kvizc uTTcoifite us- <>5£/xo fj.iv at, o-ufApuvov iv conix*. ivi7roi»x.M£i. —
With regard to style,
Dionysius gives Thucydides the just praise of energy and brevity; but censures him
on many occasions, not without reason, for harsh and obscure expression, deficient in
smoothness and ease.
 ;

398 QUESTIONS. [lect. XXXV.

accuracy, much inferior to Thucydides. With digressions and epi-

sodes he abounds but when these have any connexion with the
;

main subject, and are inserted professedly as episodes, the unity of

the whole is less violated by them, than by a broken and scattered
narration of the principal story. Among the moderns, the President
Thuanus has, by attempting to make the history of his own times
too comprehensive, fallen into the same error, of loading the reader
with a great variety of unconnected facts, going on together in dif-
ferent parts of the world an historian otherwise of great probity,
;

candour, and excellent understanding but through this want of

;

unity, more tedious, and less interesting, than he would otherwise

have been.

QUESTIONS.
What has our author now finished tated with much heat, in France ?
and what has he endeavoured to do ? To this day, among men of taste, what
What remains to be done ? Of this part do we find? What may, therefore, be
of the work, what is observed but of ; the effect of a k\v reflections ? Whom
what is our author sensible? What may we boldly venture to tell, that he
will he, therefore,study to do ? What has come too late with his discovery ?
method willhe here follow ? In former Of the reputation of such writers, what
lectures, Avhat has been done; and is observed? What may he be able to

what remark follows? On what does point out in their works; and what may
our author think necessary to make
it he show ? But what remark follows ?
some he proceeds How is this illustrated ? Of matters of
observations, before
farther; and why? Why
are these mere reasoning, what is remarked ? Ac-
observations the more necessary; and cording to what, may positions that de-
why may they with propriety be pend upon science, knowledge, and mat-
made now? What is a remarkable ters of fact, be overturned ? For this
phenomenon? How is this illustrated ? reason, what follows ; and what illustra-
What moral causes, for this, are obvi- tion is given ? On what
does taste de-
ous ? But as these have been thought pend ? Why is it vain to think of de-

inadequate to the whole effect, what, ceiving mankind here, as in matters of

also, have been assigned and what has
; philosophy ? Of this remark, what illus-
tration is given ? What is it also vain
1

been done by the Abbe du Bos ? But,

whatever the cause be, what fact is to allege? Of them, what is true? But
certain? How many of these happy how came they to gain possession of
ages have learned men marked out ? colleges and schools ? Of the Greek and
What is the first, when does it com- Latin, what is observed and what fol-
;

mence, and till what time docs it ex- lows? To what are the classics not
tend ? Within this period, whom have indebted for their fame ; and in con-
we ? What is the second and within ; sequence of what, did they become
the days of whom is it included? Whom classics? What evidence have we of
does it afford us ? The third age is the this? From this general principle, what,
restoration of learning, under whom ;
may we boldly and justly infer? Against
and in it, who flourished ? The fourth what, however, must we guard? What
comprehends what age, and in it, who remark follows? Whatever superiority
flourished in France, and in England ? the ancients may have had in point of
When we speak comparatively of the genius, yet, in what, have the moderns
ancients, and the moderns, what do we some advantage? How may the world
generally mean by the ancients, and be considered ? To what have its im-
what by the moderns ? Why must any provements not always been in pro-
comparison between these two classes portion and why ? Yet, when roused
,

of writers, be vague and loose ? Upon from this lethargy, what has follow-
what is the comparison generally made ed? Some happy genius, arising at
to turn ? Between whom, was it agi- intervals, would do what ? With the
 ;

LECT. XXXV.] QUESTIONS. 398 a

advantage of a proper stock of materi- ed? What remarks follow? Why

als,what can an inferior genius do? ought we, therefore, to read them with
Hence, in what have modern philoso- a distinguishing eye? After these re-
phers an unquestionable superiority flections on the ancients and moderns,
over the ancients ? What our author to what does our author proceed? What
is

also inclined to think ;and to what,

is the most general division of the dif-

perhaps, is this owing ? Of some studies,

ferent kinds of composition? do Why
that relate to taste, what is also ob- these require to be separately consider-
served? What instance is given? Why
ed ? With what docs our author begin
are we better acquainted with the na- and of what has he already spoken ?
ture of government ? How is this illus- What are the remaining species of
trated ? Of the more complex kinds of prose compositions and what shall be ;

{)oetry, what is observed ; and what il- first considered ? Of it, what is obser-
ustration is given ? Why do not these ved ? Wliat is the office of an historian?
points of superiority, extend as far as Of this object, what is remarked? As
might be imagined at first view ? To the primary end of history is to record
return to our former comparison, what, truth, what are the fundamental quali-
not without reason, may be said ? What ties of an historian ? How is this illus-
does this appear to ibrm ? Among the trated? At the same time, what record
ancients, what do we find ; and what of facts only, is entitled to the name of
among the moderns ? How is this gene- history ? Of the nature of the facts
ral remark to be understood and why ? themselves, what is observed? What
;

What is it proper to observe, and what is the great end of history; and for
were they ? Under what circumstances what is it designed ? What remark fol-
did they return to their own country ? lows ? What is its object and what ;

As their knowledge and improvements must it not, therefore, be ? What are

cost them more labour, what was the essential characteristics of history and ;

consequence? What illustrations fol- what should not be employed ? What

low ? Of these testimonies of public re- character must the writer sustain ? At
gard, what is observed ? In our times, the same time, with what is historical
how is good writing considered ; and information not inconsistent? What
what illustration is given? What cir- does it admit but of it, what is obser-
;

cumstances have contributed to spread ved ? What does historical composition

a mediocrity of genius over all wri- comprehend ? Of these, what is re-
ters? What is Sir William Temple's marked? Histories, are of how many
opinion of the effect of the multitude kinds ; and what are they ? In the con-
of assistances which we have for all duct and management of his subject,
kinds of composition ? Repeat the pas- what is the first attention requisite in
sage here introduced from him. an historian ? Of the effect of this, what
Among the ancients, for what must is observed; and what remark follows ?
we look and to the moderns, for what Where must this unity necessarily be
;

must we have recourse ? How do they less perfect? Yet, even there, how does
compare in works of taste and how is it appear, that some degree of it can be
;

this illustrated ? In history, what may preserved? How is this remark fully
6afely be asserted ? Of the drama, what illustrated ? Of all the ancient general
is observed; and of elegies, pastoral historians, who had the most exact idea

and lyric poetry, what is said ? What of this quality of historical composition ?
is remarked of the name of Horace ? From what does this appear; and in
What contributes to render him one of that account, what does he observe?
the very few authors whom one never Of this action, what does he say? In
tires of reading ;and of him, what is another place, on what does he con-
further observed ? To such as wish to gratulate himself; and what does he
form their is warmly re- remark ? Whereupon, he adds what
what
'
taste, ;

commended ; and what reason ? and what comparison does he intro-

for
Who has great reason to suspect his duce ? Of such as write the history of
own taste ? And of what is our author some particular great transaction, what
persuaded? Who, only, undervalue is observed ? What are instances of par-
them ? At the same time, from what is ticular histories, where the unity ot
a just and high regard for the prime historical narration is perfectly well
writers of antiquity, to be distinguish- maintained? What are the remarks
 ;

398 b HISTORICAL WRITING. [lect. xxxvi.

made on Thucydides' history of the ANALYSIS.

Peloponnesian war ? For these reasons,
1. The ancients and the moderns compared.
by whom is he severely censured? a. A remarkable phenomenon.
With a view to render Ins narration b. Four of these happy ages.
agreeable, what must not the historian c. The fallacy of attempting' to decry the
neglect? Of what must he give a dis- ancient classics.
tinct account ? But what is he^ not
r>. A
caution against an implicit venera-
tion for them.
under the necessity of doing? If he e. Favourable circumstances of ancient
cannot do what, does he discover no art; times.
and by what method will he soon tire f. Good writing now, not so difficult an
the reader ? Of the history of Herodo- attainment.
a. The ancient classics recommended.
tus, what is .observed ? Hence, what
2. Historical writing.
follows? With what does he abound; The office of an historian.
a.
and what is said of them? Of the a. Attention to unity.
President Thuanus, and of the history (a.) Instances of its observance.

of his own times, what is observed ? (6.) Instances of its violation.

HISTORICAL WRITING.
After making some observations on the controversy which has
been often carried on concerning the comparative merit of the
ancients and the moderns, I entered, in the last lecture, on the consi-
deration of historical writing. The general idea of history is, a
record of truth for the instruction of mankind. Hence arise the
primary qualities required in a good historian, impartiality, fidelity,
gravity, and dignity. What I principally considered, was the unity
which belongs to this sort of composition the nature of which I ;

have endeavoured to explain.

I proceed next to observe, that in order to fulfil the end of history,

the author must study to trace to their springs the actions and events
which he records. Two things are especially necessary for his doing
this successfully a thorough acquaintance with human nature, and
;

political knowledge, or acquaintance with government. The former is

necessary to account for the conduct of individuals, and to give just
views of the character the latter, to account for the revolutions of
;

government, and the operation of political causes on public affairs.

Both must concur, in order to form a complete instructive historian.
With regard to the latter article, political knowledge, the an-
cient writers wanted some advantages which the moderns enjoy
from whom, upon that account, we have a title to expect more
accurate and precise information. The world, as I formerly hint-
ed, was more shut up in ancient times, than it is now there was ;

then less communication among neighbouring states, and, by con-

sequence, less knowledge of one another's affairs no intercourse ;

by establishing posts, or by ambassadors resident at different courts.

The knowledge and materials of the ancient historians, were
thereby more limited and circumscribed and it is to be obser-;

ved too, that they wrote for their own countrymen only; they
 ;

I.ect. xxxvi.] HISTORICAL WRITING. 399

had no idea of writing for the instruction of foreigners, whom they

despised, or of the world in general ; and hence, they are less
attentive to convey all that knowledge with regard to domestic
policy, which we, in distant times, would desire to have learned
from them. Perhaps also, though in ancient ages men were abun-
dantly animated with the love of liberty, yet the full extent of the
influence of government, and of political causes, was not then so
thoroughly scrutinized, as it has been in modern times when a lon-
;

ger experience of all the different modes of government, has rendered

men more enlightened and intelligent, with respect to public affairs.
To these reasons it is owing, that though the ancient historians
set before us the particular facts which they relate, in a very dis-
tinct and beautiful manner, yet sometimes they do not give us
a clear view of all the political causes, which affected the situation
of affairs of which they treat. From the Greek historians, we
are able to form but an imperfect notion of the strength, the wealth,
and the revenues of the different Grecian states of the causes
;

of several of those revolutions that happened in their government

or of their separate connexions end interfering interests. In writing
the history of the Romans, Livy had surely the most ample field
for displaying political knowledge concerning the rise of their
greatness, and the advantages or defects of their government.
Yet the instruction of these important articles, which he affords,
is not considerable. An elegant writer he is, and a beautiful re-
lator of facts, if ever there was one; but by no means distinguish-
ed for profoundness or penetration. Sallust, when writing the
history of a conspiracy against the government, which ought to
have been altogether a political history, has evidently attended more
to the elegance of narration, and the painting of characters, than
to the unfolding of secret causes and springs. Instead of that com-
plete information, which we would naturally have expected from
him of the state of parties in Rome, and of that particular conjunc-
ture of affairs, which enable so desperate a profligate as Catiline to
become so formidable to government, he has given us little more
than a general declamatory account of the luxury and corruption of
manners in that age, compared with the simplicity of former times.
I by no means, however, mean to censure all the ancient histori-
ans as defective in political information. No historians can be more
instructive than Thucydides, Polybius, and Tacitus. Thucydides is
grave, intelligent, and judicious always attentive to give very exact
;

information concerning every operation which he relates; and to

show the advantages or disadvantages of every plan that was propos-
ed, and every measure that was pursued. Polybius excels in com-
prehensive political views, in penetration into great systems, and in
his profound and distinct knowledge of all military affairs. Taci-
tus is eminent for his knowledge of the human heart; is sentimen-
tal and refined in a high degree; conveys much instruction with
respect to political matters, but more with respect to human nature
400 HISTORICAL WRITING. [lect. xxxvi.

But when we demand from the historian profound and instructive

it is not meant that he should be frequently inter-
views of his subject,
rupting the course of his history, with his own reflections and specu-
lations. He should give us all the information that is necessary for
our fully understanding the affairs which he records. He should
make us acquainted with the political constitution, the force, the re-
venues, the internal state of the country of which he writes and ;

with its interests and connexions in respect of neighbouring coun-

tries He should place us, as on an elevated station, whence we
may have an extensive prospecf-of all the causes that co-operate in
bringing forward the events which are related. But having put into
our hands all the proper materials for judgment, he should not be
too prodigal of his own opinions and reasonings. When an histori-
an is much given to dissertation, and is ready to philosophize and
speculate on all the records, a suspicion naturally arises, that he
will be in hazard of adapting his narrative of facts to favour some
system which he has formed to himself. It is rather by fair and
judicious narration that history should instruct us, than by deliver-
ing instruction in an avowed and direct manner. On some occa-
sions when doubtful points require to be scrutinized, or when some
great event is in agitation, concerning the causes or circumstances
of which mankind have been much divided, the narrative may be al-
lowed to stand still for a little ; the historian may appear, and may
with propriety enter into some weighty discussion. But he must
take care not to cloy his readers with such discussions, by repeating
them too often.
When observations are to be made concerning human nature in
general, or the peculiarities of certain characters, if the historian can
artfully incorporate such observations with his narrative, they will
have a better effect than when they are delivered as formal detach-
ed reflections. For instance in the life of Agricola, Tacitus, speak-
:

ing of Domitian's treatment of Agricola, makes this observation :

' Propium humani ingenii est, odisse quern logseris.'* The obser-
vation is just and well applied; but the form in which it stands, is
abstract and philosophical. A
thought of the same kind has a finer
effect elsewhere in the same historian, when speaking of the jea-
lousies which Germanicus knew to be entertained against him by
Livia and Tiberius ' Anxius,' says he, ' occultis in se patrui avise-
:

que odiis, quorum causae acriores quia iniquae.'t Here a profound

moral observation is made but it is made, without the appearance
;

of making it in form it is introduced as a part of the narration, in

;

assigning a reason for the anxiety of Germanicus. We

have another
instance of the same kind, in the account which he gives of a mutiny
raised against Rufus, who was a ' Preefectus Castrorum/ on account
of the severe labour which he imposed on the soldiers. 'Quippe
Rufus, diu manipularis, dein centurio, mox castris proefectus, anti-

* '
It belongs tonature to hate the man whom you ha/e injured.'
human
t
'
Uneasy mind, on account of the concealed hatred entertained against him
in his
by his uncle and grandmother, which was the more bitter,because the cause of it was
unjust.'
lect. xxxvi.] HISTORICAL WRITING. 401

quam duramque militiam revocabat, vetus operis & laboris, et eo

immitior quia toleraverat.'* There was room for turning this into
a general observation, that they who have been educated and har-
dened in toils, are commonly found to be the most severe in requir-
ing the like toils from others. But the manner in which Tacitus in-
troduce this sentiment as a stroke in the character of Rufus, gives it
much more life and spirit. This historian has a particular talent of
intermixing after this manner, with the course of his narrative,
many striking sentiments and useful observations.
Let us next proceed to consider the proper qualities of his-
torical narration. It is obvious, that on the manner of narration,
much depends,as the first notion of history is the recital of past facts;
and how much one mode of recital may be preferable to another, we
shall soon be convinced, by thinking of the different effects which the
same story, when told by two different persons, is found to produce.
The first virtue of historical narration, is clearness, order, and
due connexion. To attain this, the historian must be completely
master of his subject; he must see the whole as at one view; and
comprehend the chain and dependence of all its parts, that he may
introduce every thing in its proper place; that he may lead us
smoothly along the track of affairs which are recorded, and may
always give us the satisfaction of seeing how one event arises out
of another. Without this, there can be neither pleasure nor instruc-
tion, in reading history. Much for this end will depend on the
observance of that unity in the general plan and conduct, which,
in the preceding lecture, I recommended. Much too will depend on
the proper management of transactions, which forms one of the chief
ornaments of this kind of writing, and is one of the most difficult
in execution. Nothing tries an historian's abilities more, than so
to lay his train beforehand, as to make us pass naturally and agree-
ably from one part of his subject to another; to employ no clumsy
and awkward junctures; and to contrive ways and means of form-
ing some union among transactions, which seem to be most widely
separated from one another.
In the next place, as history is a very dignified species of com-
position, gravity mustalwaysbe maintained in the narration. There
must be no meanness nor vulgarity in the style; no quaint nor col-
loquial phrases; no affectation of pertness, or of wit. The smart,
or the sneering manner of telling a story, is inconsistent with the
historical character. I do not say, that an historian is never to let
himself down. He may sometimes do it with propriety, in order to
diversify the strain of his narration, which, if it be perfectly uni-
form, is apt to become tiresome. But he should be careful never
to descend too far; and, on occasions where a light or ludicrous
anecdote is proper to be recorded, it is generally better to throw

* ' For Rufus, who had long been a common soldier, afterwards a centurion, and at
length a general officer, restored the severe military discipline of ancient times.
Grown old amidst toils and labours, he was more rigid in imposing them, because he
had been accustomed to bear them.'
3M 51
*02 HISTORICAL WRITING. |>ect. xxxvi.

it into a note, than to hazard becoming too familiar, by introducing

it into the body of the work.
But an historian may possess these qualities of being perspi-
cuous, distinct, and grave, and may notwithstanding be a dull
writer in which case, we shall reap little benefit from his labours.
;

We shall read him without pleasure ; or, most probably, we shall

soon give over reading him at all. He must therefore study to ren
der his narration interesting; which is the quality that chiefly dis
tinguishes a writer of genius and eloquence.
Two things are especially conducive to this; the first is, a just
medium in the conduct of narration, between a rapid or crowded
recital of facts, and a prolix detail. The former embarrasses, and
the latter tires us. An historian that would interest us, must know
when to be concise, and where he ought to enlarge ; passing con-
cisely over slight and unimportant events, but dwelling on such as
are striking and considerable in their nature, or pregnant with con-
sequences preparing beforehand our attention to them, and bring-
;

ing them forth into the most full and conspicuous light. The next
thing he must attend to, is a proper selection of the circum-
stances belonging to those events which he chooses to relate fully.
General facts make a slight impression on the mind. It is by
means of circumstances and particulars properly chosen, that a
narration becomes interesting and affecting to the reader. These
give life, body, and colouring, to the recital of facts, and enable us
to behold them as present, and passing before our eyes. It is this
employment of circumstances, in narration, that is properly termed
historical painting.
In all these virtues of narration, particularly in this last, of pic-
turesque descriptive narration, several of the ancient historians emi-
nently excel. Hence, the pleasure that is found in reading Herodo-
tus, Thucydides, Xenophon, Livy, Sallust, and Tacitus. They are
allconspicuous for the art of narration. Herodotus is, at all times,
an agreeable writer, and relates every thing with that naivete and
simplicity of manner, which never fails to interest the reader. Though
the manner of Thucydides be more dry and harsh, yet, on great oc-
casions, as when he is giving an account of the plague of Athens,
the siege of Plataea, the sedition in Corcyra, the defeat of the Athe-
nians in Sicily, he displays a very strong and masterly power of de-
scription. Xenophon's Cyropsedia, and his Anabasis, or Retreat of
the Ten Thousand, are extremely beautiful. The circumstances
are finely selected, and the narration is easy and engaging ; but his
Hellenics, or Continuation of the History of Thucydides, is a much
inferior work. Sallust's Art of Historical Painting, in his Catilina-
rian, but, more especially, in his Jugurthine War, is well known;
though his style is and affected.
liable to censure, as too studied
Livy is more unexceptionable in his manner, and is excelled by
no historian whatever in the art of narration several remarkable
:

examples might be given from him. His account, for instance, of

the famous defeat of the Roman army by the Samnites, at the Fur-
 lect. xxxvi.] HISTORICAL WRITING. 403

coe Caudinae, in the beginning of the ninth book, affords one of the
most beautiful exemplifications of historical painting that is any-
where to be met with. We have, first, an exact description of the
narrow pass between two mountains, into which the enemy had de-
coyed the Romans. When they find themselves caught, and no
hope of escape left, we are made to see, first, their astonishment,
next their indignation, and then, their dejection, painted in the most
lively manner, by such circumstances and actions as were natural to
persons in their situation. The restless and unquiet manner in
which they pass the night the consultations of the Samnites the
; ;

various measures proposed to be taken the messages between the

;

two armies, all heighten the scene. At length, in the morning, the
consuls return to the camp, and inform them that they could receive
no other terms but that of surrendering their arms, and passing un-
der the yoke, which was considered as the last mark of ignominy
for a conquered army. Part of what then follows, I shall give in
the author's own words. Redintegravit luctum in castris consulum
'

adventus; ut vix ab iis abstinerent manus, quorum temeritate in eum

locum deducti essent. Alii alios intueri, contemplari arma mox tra-
denda, & inermes futuras dextras; proponcre sibimet ipsi ante ocu-
los, jugum hostile, et ludibria victoris, et vultus superbos, et per ar-
matos inermium iter. Inde fsedi agminis miserabilem viam; per
sociorum urbes reditum in patriam ac parentes quo saepe ipsi trium-
phantes venissent. Se solos sine vulnere, sine ferro, sine acie vic-
tos ; sibi non stringere licuisse gladios, non manum cum hoste
conserere; sibi nequicquam arma, nequicquam vires, nequicquam
animos datos. Hasc frementibus, hora fatalis ignominiae adve-
nit. Jamprimum cum singulis vestimentis, inermes extra vallum
abirejussi. Turn a consulibus abire lictores jussi, paludamentaque
detracta. Tantam hoc inter ipsos, qui paulo ante eos dedendos, la-
cerandosque censuerant, miserationem fecit, ut sua3 quisque conditio-
nis oblitus, ab ilia deformatione tantae majestatis velut ab nefando
spectaculo, averteret oculos. Primi consules, prope seminudi, sub
jugum missi,' * &c. The rest of the story, which it would be too long
* ' The arrival of the consuls in the camp, wrought up their passions to such a de-
gree, that they could scarcely abstain from laying violent hands on them, as by their
rashness they had been brought into this situation. They began to look on one
another ; to cast a melancholy eye on their arms, which were now to be surren-
dered, and on their right hands, which were to become defenceless. The yoke
under which they were to pass ; the scoffs of the conquerors and their haughtv
;

looks, when disarmed and stripped, they should be led through the hostile lines ;

all rose before their eyes. They then looked forward to the sad journey which
awaited them, when they were to pass as a vanquished and disgraced army through
the territories of their allies, by whom they had often been beheld returning in
triumph to their families and native land. They alone, they muttered to one
another, without an engagement, without a single blow, had been conquered. To
their hard fate it fell, never to have had it in their power to draw a sword, or to
look an enemy in the face; to them only, arms, strength, and courage, had been
given in vain. While they were thus giving vent to their indignation, the fatal,
moment of their ignominy arrived. First, they are commanded to come forth |

from the camp, without armour, and in a single garment. Next, orders were :
given, that the consuls should be left without their lictors, and that they shouh I
be stripped of their robes. Such commiseration did this affront excite anion j
them, who, but a little before, had been for delivering up those very consuls t j
 404 HISTORICAL WRITING. [lect. xxxvi.

to insert, is carried on with the same beauty, and full of picturesque

circumstances.*
Tacitus is another author eminent for historical painting, though
in a manner altogether different from that of Livy. Livy's descrip-
tions are more full, more plain, and natural; those of Tacitus con-
sist in a few bold strokes. He selects one or two remarkable cir-
cumstances, and sets them before us in a strong, and, generally, in
a new and uncommon light. Such is the following picture of the
situation of Rome, and of the emperor Galba, when Otho was
advancing against him: 'Agebatur hue illuc Galba, vario turba?
fluctuantis impulsu, completis undique basilicis et templis, lugubri
prospectu. Neque populi aut plebis ulla vox; sed attoniti vultus,
et conversae ad omnia aures. Non tumultus, non quies; sed quale
magni metus, et magnos iras, silentium est.'t No image, in any po-
et, is more strong and expressive than this last stroke of the descrip-
tion 'Non tumultus, non quies, sed quale,' &c.
: This is a concep-
tion of the sublime kind, and discovers high genius. Indeed/through-
out all his work, Tacitus shows the hand of a master. As he is
profound in reflection, so he is striking in description, and pathetic
in sentiment. The philosopher, the poet, and the historian, all

meet him. in of which he writes may be reck-

Though the period
oned unfortunate for an historian, he has made it afford us many in-
teresting exhibitions of human nature. The relations which he
gives of the deaths of several eminent personages, are as affecting
as the deepest tragedies. He paints with a glowing pencil and ;

possesses, beyond all writers, the talent of painting, not to the ima-
gination merely, but to the heart. With many of the most distin-

the enemy, and for putting them to death, that every one forgot his own condition,
and turned his eyes aside from this infamous disgrace, suffered by the consular dig-
nity, as from a spectacle which was too detestable to be beheld. The consuls, almost
half naked, were first made to pass under the yoke,'&iC.
* The description which Ca?sar gives of the consternation occasioned in his
camp, by the accounts which were spread among his troops, of the ferocity, the
size, and the courage of the Germans, affords an instance of historical painting,
executed in a simple manner and, at the same time, exhibiting a natural and
;

lively scene. 'Dum paucos dies ad Vesontionem moratur, ex percunctatione nos-

trorum, vocibusque Gallorum ac mercatorum, qui ingenti magnitudine corporum
Germanos, incredibili virtute, atque exercitatione in armis esse pra-dicabant ;

Sffipe numero sese cum iis congressos, ne vultum quidem atque aciem oculorum
ferre potuisse tantus subito terror omnem exercitum occupavit. ut non medio-
;

criter omnium mentes animosque perturbaret. Hie primum ortus est a tribunis
railitum, ac proefectis, reliquisque qui ex urbe, amicitia; causa, Cffisnrem secuti,
suum periculum miscrabantur, quod non magnum in re militari usum habebant:
quorum alius, alia causa illata quam sibi ad proficiscendum necessarian! esse dice
ret, petebat ut ejus voluntate discedere liceret. Nonnulli pudore adducti, ut timo
ris suspicionem vitarent, remanebant. Hi neque vultum fingere, neque interdum
lacrymas tenere poterant. Abd'.ti in tabernaculis, aut suum fatum querebantur,
aut cum fiimiliaribus suis, commune periculum miscrabantur. Vulgo, totis castris tes-
tamenta obsignabantur.' De Bell. Gall. L. I.
t Galba was driven to and fro by the tide of the multitude, shoving him from
'

place to place. The temples and public buildings were filled with crowds, of a dis-
mal appearance. No clamours were heard, either from the citizens, or from the rab-
ble. Their countenances were filled with consternation: their ears were employed in
listening with anxiety. It was not a tumult ; it was not quietness it was the silence of
:

terror, and of wrath.'

 ;

^ect. xxxvi.] HISTORICAL WRITING. 405

guished beauties, he is, at the same time, not a perfect model for
history, and such as have formed themselves upon him, have seldom
been successful. He is to be admired, rather than imitated. In
his reflections he is too refined ; in his style, too concise, sometimes
quaint and affected, often abrupt and obscure. History seems to re-
quire a more natural, flowing, and popular manner.
The ancients employed one embellishment of history which the
moderns have laid aside; I mean orations, which. on weighty occa-
sions, they put into the mouths of some of their chief personages.
By means of these, they diversified their history; they conveyed
both moral and political instruction; and, by the opposite arguments
which were employed, they gave us a view of the sentiments of dif-
ferent parties. Thucydides was the first who introduced this me-
thod. The orations with which his history abounds, and those
of some other Greek and Latin historians, are among the most valu-
able remains which we have of ancient eloquence. How beautiful
soever they are, it may be much questioned, I think, whether they
find a proper place in history. lam rather inclined to think, that they
are unsuitable to it; for they form a mixture which is unnatural in
history, of fiction with truth. We know that these orations are en-
tirely of the author's own composition, and that he has introduced
some celebrated person haranguing in a public place, purely that he
might have an opportunity of showing his own eloquence, or deliver-
ing his own sentiments, under the name of that person. This is a
sort of poetical liberty which does not suit the gravity of history,
throughout which an air of the strictest truth should always reign.
Orations may be an embellishment to history; such might also po-
etical compositions be, introduced under the name of some of the
personages mentioned in the narration, who were known to have
possessed poetical talents. But neither the one nor the other, finds
a proper place in history. Instead of inserting formal orations, the
method adopted by later writers seems better and more natural
that of the historian, on some great occasion, delivering, in his own
person, the sentiments and reasonings of the opposite parties, or the
substance of what was understood to be spoken in some public as-
sembly which he may do without the liberty of fiction.
;

The drawing of characters is one of the most splendid, and, at the

same time, one of the most difficult ornaments of historical composi-
tion. For characters are generally considered, as professed exhibi-
tions of fine writing; and an historian, who seeks to shine in them, is
frequently in danger of carrying refinement to excess, from a desire
of appearing very profound and penetrating. He brings together so
many contrasts, and subtile oppositions of qualities, that we are
rather dazzled with sparkling expressions, than entertained with any
clear conception of a human character. A
writer who would cha-
racterize in an instructive and masterly manner, should be simple in
his style, and should avoid all quaintness and affectation; at the
same time, not contenting himself with giving us general outlines
only, but descending into those peculiarities which mark a charac
ter, in its most strong and distinctive features. The Greek historians
406 HISTORICAL WRITING. [lect. xxxvi.

sometimes give eulogiums, but rarely draw full and professed cha-
racters. The two ancient authors who have laboured this part of
historical composition most, are Sallust and Tacitus.
As history is a species of writing designed for the instruction of
mankind, sound morality should always reign in it. Both in describ-
ing characters, and in relating transactions, the author should al-
ways show himself to be on the side of virtue. To deliver moral
instruction in a formal manner, falls not within his province but ;

both as a good man, and as a good writer, we expect that he should

discover sentiments of respect for virtue, and an indignation at fla-
grant vice. To appear neutral and indifferent with respect to good
and bad characters, and to affect a crafty and political, rather than a
moral turn of thought, will, besides other bad effects, derogate great-
ly from the weight of historical composition, and will render the
strain of it much more cold and uninteresting. We are always most
interested in the transactions which are going on, when our sympa-
thy is awakened by the story, and when we become engaged in the
fate of the actors. But this effect can never be produced by a wri-
ter, who is deficient in sensibility and moral feeling.
As the observations which I have hitherto made, have mostly re-
spected the ancient historians, it may naturally be expected that I
should also take some notice of the moderns who have excelled in
this kind of writing.
The country in Europe, where the historical genius has, in later
ages, shone forth with most lustre, beyond doubt, is Italy. The na-
tional character of the Italians seems favourable to it. They were
always distinguished as an acute, penetrating, reflecting people, re-
markable for political sagacity and wisdom, and who early addicted
themselves to the arts of writing. Accordingly, soon after the res-
toration of letters, Machiavel, Guicciardin, Davila, Bentivoglio, Fa-
ther Paul, became highly conspicuous for historical merit. They
all appear to have conceived very just ideas of history and arc
;

agreeable, instructive, and interesting writers. In their manner of

narration, they are formed upon the ancients; some of them, as
Bentivoglio and Guicciardin, have, in imitation of them, introduc-
ed orations into their history. In the profoundness and distinctness
of their political views, they may, perhaps, be esteemed to have sur-
passed the ancients. Critics have, at the same time, observed some
imperfections in each of them. Machiavel, in his history of Flo-
rence, is not altogether so interesting as one would expect an author
of his abilities to be; either through his own defect, or through
some unhappiness in his subject, which led him into a very minute
detail of the intrigues of one city. Guicciardin, at all times sensible
and profound, is taxed for dwelling so long on the Tuscan affairs as
to be sometimes tedious ; a defect which is also imputed occasional-
ly to the judicious Father Paul. Bentivoglio, in his excellent his-
tory of the wars of Flanders, is accused of approaching to the florid
and pompous manner ; and Davila, though one of the most agree-
able and entertaining relaters, has manifestly this defect of spreading
a sort of uniformity overall his characters, by representing them as
 lect. xxxvi.] HISTORICAL WRITING. 407

guided too regularly by political interest. But although some

objections may be made to these authors, they deserve, upon the
whole, to be placed in the first rank of modern historical writers.
The wars of Flanders, written in Latin by Famianus Strada, is a
book of some note but is not entitled to the same reputation as the
;

works of the other historians I have named. Strada is too violently

partial to the Spanish c mse; and too open a panegyrist of the Prince
of Parma. He is florid, diffuse, and an affected imitator of the man-
ner and style of Livy.
Among the French, as there has been much good writing in
many kinds, so also in the historical. That ingenious nation who
have done so much honour to modern literature, possess, in an
eminent degree, the talent of narration. Many of their later his-
torical writers are spirited, lively, and agreeable; and some of them
not deficient in profoundness and penetration. They have not,
however, produced any such capital historians as the Italians, whom
I mentioned above.

Our island, till within these few years, was not eminent for
its historical productions. Early, indeed, Scotland made some
figure by means of the celebrated Buchanan. He is an elegant
writer, classical in his Latinity, and agreeable both in narration
and description. But one cannot but suspect him to be more at-
tentive to elegance than to accuracy. Accustomed to form his poli-
tical notions wholly upon the plans of ancient governments, the
feudal system seems never to have entered into his thoughts; and
as this was the basis of the Scottish constitution, his political views
are, of course, inaccurate and imperfect. When he comes to the
transactions of his own times, there is such a change in his manner
of writing, and such an asperity in his style, that, on what side
soever the truth lies with regard to those dubious and long controvert-
ed facts which make the subject of that part of his work, it is im-
possible to clear him from being deeply tinctured with the spirit
of party.
Among the older English historians, the most considerable is
Lord Clarendon. Though he writes as the professed apologist of
one side, yet there appears more impartiality in his relation of facts,
than might at first be expected. A great spirit of virtue and probity
runs through his work. He maintains all the dignity of an historian.
His sentences, indeed, are often too long, and his general manner
is prolix; but his style, on the whole, is manly; and his merit, as

an historian, is much beyond mediocrity. Bishop Burnet is lively

and perspicuous ; but he has hardly any other historical merit.
His style is too careless and familiar for history; his characters are,
'

indeed, marked with a bold and strong hand; but they are generally
light and satirical ; and he abounds so much in little stories concern-
ing himself, that he resembles more a writer of memoirs than of
history. During a long period, English historical authors seemed
toaim at nothing higher than an exact relation of facts; till of late the
distinguished names of Hume, Robertson, and Gibbon, have raised
 :

408 HISTORICAL WRITING. [lect. xxxvi

the British character, in this species of writing, to high reputation

and dignity.
I observed, in the preceding lecture, that annals, memoirs, and
lives, are the inferior kinds of historical composition. It will be
proper, before dismissing this subject, to make a few observations
upon them. Annals are commonly understood to signify a col-
lection of facts, digested according to chronological order; rather
serving for the materials of history, than aspiring to the name of
history themselves. All that is required, therefore, in a writer of
such annals, is to be faithful, distinct, and complete.
Memoirs denote a sort of composition, in which an author does
not pretend to give full information of all the facts respecting the
period of which he writes, but only to relate what he himself had
access to know, or what he was concerned in, or what illustrates
the conduct of some person, or the circumstances of some trans-
action, which he chooses for his subject. From a writer of me-
moirs, therefore, is not expected the same profound research,
or enlarged information, as from a writer of history. He is not
subject to the same laws of unvarying dignity and gravity. He may
talk freely of himself; he may descend into the most familiar anec-
dotes. What is chiefly required of him is, that he be sprightly
and interesting; and especially, that he inform us of things that
are useful and curious; that he convey to us some sort of know-
ledge worth the acquiring. This is a species of writing very be-
witching to such as love to write concerning themselves, and con-
ceive every transaction, in which they had a share, to be of singu-
lar importance. There is no wonder, therefore, that a nation so
sprightly as the French, should, for two centuries past, have been
pouring forth a whole flood of memoirs the greatest part of which
;

are little more than agreeable trifles.

Some, however, must be excepted from this general character
two in particular ; the memoirs of the Cardinal de Retz, and those
of the Duke of Sully. From Retz's Memoirs, besides the pleasure
of agreeable and lively narration, we may derive also instruc-
tion, and much knowledge of human nature. Though his poli-
tics be often too fine spun, yet the memoirs of a professed fac-
tious leader, such as the Cardinal was, wherein he draws both his
own character, and that of several great personages of his time, so
fully, cannot be read by any person of good sense without benefit.
The Memoirs of the Duke of Sully, in the state in which they are
now given to the public, have great merit, and deserve to be
mentioned with particular praise. No memoirs approach more
nearly to the usefulness and the dignity of full legitimate history.
They have this peculiar advantage, of giving us a beautiful dis-
play of two of the most illustrious characters which history pre-
sents Sully himself, one of the ablest and most incorrupt ministers,
;

and Henry IV. one of the greatest and most amiable princes of
modern times. I know few books more full of virtue, and of good
sense, than Sully's Memoirs few, therefore, more proper to form both
;
lect. xxxvi.] HISTORICAL WRITING. 409

the heads and the hearts of such as are designed for public business,
and action, in the world.
Biography, or the writing of lives, is a very useful kind of com-
position, less formal and stately than history ; but to the bulk of
readers, perhaps, no less instructive, as it affords them the opportu-
nity of seeing the characters and tempers, the virtues and failings
of eminent men fully displayed and admits them into a more tho-
;

rough and intimate acquaintance with such persons, than history ge-
nerally allows; for a writer of lives may descend, with propriety,
to minute circumstances, and familiar incidents. It is expected of
him, that he is to give the private, as well as the public life, of the
person whose actions he records ; nay, it is from private life, from
familiar, domestic, and seemingly trivial occurrences, that we often
receive most light into the real character. In this species of writing,
Plutarch has no small merit; and to him we stand indebted for much
of the knowledge that we possess, concerning several of the most
eminent personages of antiquity. His matter is, indeed, better than
his manner; as he cannot lay claim to any peculiar beauty or ele-
gance. His judgment too, and his accuracy, have sometimes been tax-
ed : but whatever defects of this kind he may be liable to, his Lives
of Eminent Men will always be considered as a valuable treasure of
instruction. He is remarkable for being one of the most humane wri-
ters of all antiquity less dazzled than many of them are, with the
;

exploits of valour and ambition and fond of displaying his great men
;

to us, in the more gentle lights of retirement and private life.

I cannot conclude the subject of history, without taking notice of
a very great improvement which has, of late years, begun to be in-
troduced into historical composition I mean a more particular at-
;

tention than was formerly given to laws, customs, commerce, reli-

gion, literature, and every other thing that tends to show the spirit
and genius of nations. It is now understood to be the business of
an able historian to exhibit manners, as well as facts and events and
;

assuredly, whatever displays the state and life of mankind, in differ-

ent periods, and illustrates the progress of the human mind, is more
useful and interesting than the detail of sieges and battles. The
person to whom we are most indebted for the introduction of this
improvement into history, is the celebrated M. Voltaire, whose
genius has shone with such surprising lustre, in so many different
parts of literature. His age of Louis XIV. was one of the first great
productions in this taste; and soon drew throughout all Europe,
that general attention, and received that high approbation, which
so ingenious and eloquent a production merited. His essay on the
general history of Europe, since the days of Charlemagne, is not to
be considered either as a history, or the proper plan of an histori-
cal work; but only as a series of observations on the chief events
that have happened throughout several centuries, and on the changes
that successively took place in the spirit and manners of different
nations. Though, in some dates and facts, it may, perhaps, be in-
accurate, and is tinged with those particularities, which unhappily
3N 52
 ;

410 QUESTIONS. [lect. XXXVI.

distinguish Voltaire's manner of thinking on religious subjects, yet

itcontains so many enlarged and instructive views, as justly to merit
the attention of all who either read or write the history of those ages.

QUESTIONS.
Towards the close of the last lec- talent has this historian ? To consider
ture, on what subject did our author what, do we next proceed ? does Why
enter? What is the general idea of much depend on the manner of narra-
history 1 Hence, arise what ? What tion ? How may we be convinced of
was principally considered, in the last the truth of this remark ? What is the
lecture 1 To observe what does our au- first virtue of historical narration ? To
thor next proceed ? To do this, what attain this, Avhat is requisite ; and why?
two things are especially necessary? Without this, what can we not expect?
Why is the former necessary, and why For this end, on the observance of what

the latter ? To form what, must both will much depend and on what, also, ;

concur ? Witli regard to political know- will much depend ? What is the high-
ledge, what is observed? In ancient est test of the abilities of an historian ?
times, what was the state of the world? What is the next requisite in historical
What influence did this exert over the narration ? What must not appear in
knowledge and materials of the ancient it and why ? What does our author
;

historians ? And what is also to be ob- not say ? Why

may he sometimes do
served ? Hence, to what are they less this with propriety ? But of what should
attentive ? What remark follows ? To he be
careful; and what remark fol-
these reasons, what is owing ? How is If a historian possesses these
lows?
this remark illustrated from the Greek qualities, and is still a dull writer, what
historians, from Livy, and from Sallust? will be the consequence ? What must
Of what does our author not mean to he therefore study ; and of it, what is
censure all the ancient historians ? observed ? What two things especially
remark from Thucydides, conduce to this ? What is the effect of
Illustrate this
Polybius, and Tacitus. But when we the former and of the latter ? What
;

demand from the historian profound must an historian that would interest
and instructive views of his subject, us, do ? What is the next thing to be
what is not meant ? What information attended to ? Of general facts, what is
should he give us and with what observed? By means of what, does a
;

should he make us acquainted ? Where narration become interesting and affect-

should he place us ? But having put ing to the reader? What is the effect
into our hands the proper materials for of these and what is it properly term-
;

judgment, of what should lie not be ed ? In all these virtues of narration,

too prodigal; and why? By what who eminently excel and hence, what
;

should history instruct us? On what follows? Of Herodotus, what is here

occasions may the narrative be allowed observed ? Though the maimer of Thu-
to stand still for a little ? On such oc- cydides be more dry and harsh, yet, on
casions, what may the historian do but ; what occasions does he display a very
of what must he be careful ? When ob- strong and masterly power of descrip-
servations are to be made concerning tion ? Of Xenophon's Cyropredia, and
human nature in general, on the pe- his Anabasis, what is observed ; but
culiarities of particular characters, what is a much inferior work ? What is
what is remarked ? What is the first here remarked of Sallust ? And of Livy,
instance given to illustrate this remark what is observed ? What instance is
and of it, what is observed ? What given ? What are the particulars ? Re-
other thought, in the same historian, peat the passage which then follows, as
has a finer effect ; and of it, what is re- it is here introduced. Of the rest of the

marked ? What other instance of the story, what is observed ?

same kind have we ? Into what gene- What is observed of Tacitus; and
ral observation, was there room for how do his descriptions compare with
turning this remark ? But of the man- those of Livy ? What course does he
ner in which Tacitus introduces it, pursue ? What example is given ; and
what is observed? What particular! of it, what is remarked ? Throughout
 ; ;

LECT. XXXVI.] QUESTIONS. 410 a

all what does he show ? Flanders, by Famianus Strada, and of

of his works,
How remark illustrated ? How Strada himself, what is observed ? Of
is this
does he paint and what does he, be- the French, and of their later historical
;

yond all writers, possess 1 With many writers, what is observed? What,
of the most distinguished beauties, however, have they not done ? Wliai
however, what is further observed of, is remarked of Great Britain? By
him ? What embellishment did the an- means of whom did Scotland early
cients employ, which the moderns have make some figure ; and of him, what
laid aside 1 By means of these, what is observed? hy are his politicalW T

did they do 1 Who was the first who views inaccurate and imperfect ? What
introduced this method? Of the orations is said of the manner in which he re-
with which his history abounds, and of cords the transactions of his own times?
those of some other Greek and Latin What is observed of Lord Clarendon ?
historians, what is observed ? What, What is the character of Bishop Bur-
however, may be much questioned'? net, as an historical writer? During a
Why does our author think they are long period, at what only did English
unsuitable to it? Of these orations, authors seem to aim ? What is said of
what do we know ? Of this sort of po- Hume, Robertson, and Gibbon? What.
etical liberty, what is observed ? How was observed in a preceding lecture ?
is this illustrated ? Instead of inserting What are annals commonly understood
formal orations, what method has been to signify ? What, therefore, is all that
adopted by later writers ? Of the draw- is required in a writer of annals? What

ing of characters, what is observed sort of composition do memoirs denote ?

and why ? What does he bring to- What, therefore, is not expected from a
gether ? What are the requisites of the writer of memoirs ? What is chiefly re-
writer who would characterize in an quired of him ? Of this species of wri-
instructive and masterly manner? ting, what is observed? About what,
What is here said of the Greek histo- therefore, is there no wonder? What
rians and of Sallust and Tacitus ?
: two must be excepted from this general
Why should sound morality reign in character ? Of the former, what is ob-
history ? In what should the author al- served ? What is observed of the Me-
ways show himself to be on the side of moirs of the Duke of Sully ? What pe-
virtue ? What falls not within his pro- culiar advantage have they ? Of Bi-
vince but, what do we expect from
;
ography, or the writing of lives, what
him ? What derogate greatly from the is observed ? To what may a writer of
weight of historical composition; and lives descend ? What is expected of
what additional effect will they have ? him ; and why ? In this species of wri-
When are we most interested in the ting, who has no small merit, and what
transactions which are going on ? But is observed of him ? For what is he re-

by whom cannot this effect be pro- markable? Without noticing what,

duced? As the observations hitherto cannot our author close the subject of
made have mostly respected the an- history ?
T
W
hat is now understood to
cient historians, what may naturally be be the business of an able historian
expected ? Where has historical ge- and what remark follows ? To whom
nius, in later ages, shone forth with are we most indebted for this improve-
most lustre ? From what does it appear ment ; and what is said of him ? What
that the natural character of the Ital- was one of the first great works in this
ians favours it ? Accordingly, what fol- taste, and what was its effect ? What is
lowed and of them, what is observed ?
; observed of his essay on the general
In their manner of narration, upon history of Europe, since the days of
whom are they formed and of some of ; Charlemajrne ?
them, what is remarked ? In what may
they be esteemed to have surpassed ANALYSIS.
the ancients ? But what have critics, 1. Historical writing . -

at the same time, observed? Of Ma- a. Actions and events to be traced to

remarked ? With what their springs.
chiavel, what is
What is ob- a. An
aquaintance with human nature.
is Guicciardin taxed?
b. Political knowledge.
served of Bentivoglio, and of Davila ? B. The proper qualities of historical nar-
What remark follows ? Of the wars of ration.
410 b QUESTIONS. [lect. XXXVII.

a. Clearness, order, and due connexion. d. The drawing of characters.

b. Gravity to be maintained. e. Morality, an indispensable requisite.
c. The narration should be interesting. f. Distinguished modern historians.
(a.) The ancients eminent for this Annals.
quality. , Memoirs.
c. Orations employed by the ancients. , Biography.

PHILOSOPHICAL WRITING.— DIALOGUE.— EPISTOLA-

RY WRITING.— FICTITIOUS HISTORY.
As history is both a very dignified species of composition, and,
oy the regular form which it assumes, falls directly under the laws
of criticism, I discoursed ol it fully in the two preceding lectures.
The remaining species of composition, in prose, afford less room for
critical observation.
Philosophical writing, for instance, will not lead us into any long
discussion. As the professed object of philosophy is to convey in-
struction, and as they who study it are supposed to do so for instruc-
tion, not for entertainment, the style, the form, and dress of such
writings, are less material objects. They are objects, however, that
must not be wholly neglected. He who attempts to instruct man-
kind, without studying, at the same time, to engage their attention,
and to interest them in his subject by his manner of exhibiting it,
is not likely to prove successful. The same truths and reasonings,
delivered in a dry and cold manner, or without a proper measure of
elegance and beauty, will make very different impressions on the
minds of men.
It is manifest that every philosophical writer must study the ut-
most perspicuity and, by reflecting on what was formerly delivered
;

on the subject of perspicuity, with respect both to single words and

the construction of sentences, we may be convinced that this is a
study which demands considerable attention to the rules of style and
good writing. Beyond mere perspicuity, strict accuracy and pre-
cision are required in a philosophical writer. He must employ no
word of uncertain meaning, no loose nor indeterminate expressions ;
and should avoid using words which are seemingly synonymous,
without carefully attending to the variations which they make upon
the idea.
Tobe clear, then, and precise, is one requisite which we have a
title demand from every philosophical writer. He may possess
to
this quality, and be, at the same time, a very dry writer. He should,
therefore, study some degree of embellishment, in order to render
his composition pleasing and graceful. One of the most agreeable,
and one of the most useful embellishments, which a philosopher can
employ, consists in illustrations taken from historical facts, and the
characters of men. All moral and political subjects naturally afford
scope for these and wherever there is room for employing them,
;
 ;

,jjct. xxxvu.] DIALOGUE. 411

they seldom fail of producing a happy effect. They diversify the

composition ; they relieve the mind from the fatigue of mere reason-
ing, and at the same time raise more full conviction than any reason
ings produce for they take philosophy out of the abstract, and give
:

weight to speculation, by showing its connexion with real life, and

the actions of mankind.
Philosophical writing admits besides of a polished, a neat, and
elegant style. It admits of metaphors, comparisons, and all the
calm figures of speech, by which an author may convey his sense
to the understanding with clearness and force, at the same time that
he entertains the imagination. He must take great care, however,
that all his ornaments be of the chastest kind, never partaking of the
florid or the tumid ; which is so unpardonable in a professed philo-
sopher, that it is much better for him to err on the side of naked
simplicity, than on that of too much ornament. Some of the ancients,
as Plato and Cicero, have left us philosophical treatises composed
with much elegance and beauty. Seneca has been long and justly
censured for the affectation that appears in his style. He is too fond
of a certain brilliant and sparkling manner ; of antithesis and quaint
sentences. It cannot be denied, at the same time, that he often ex-
presses himself with much liveliness and force : though his style,
upon the whole, is far from deserving imitation. In English, Mr.
Locke's celebrated Treatise on Human Understanding, may be
pointed out as a model, on the one hand, of the greatest clearness
and distinctness of philosophical style, with very little approach to
ornament ; Lord Shaftesbury's writings, on the other hand, exhibit
philosophy dressed up with all the ornament which it can admit
perhaps with more than is perfectly suited to it.
Philosophical composition sometimes assumes a form under which
it mingles more with works of taste, when carried on in the way of

dialogue and conversation. Under this form the ancients have given
us some of their chief philosophical works ; and several of the mo-
derns have endeavoured to imitate them. Dialogue writing may
be executed in two ways, either as direct conversation, where none
but the speakers appear, wkich is the method that Plato uses ; or as
the recital of a conversation, where the author himself appears, and
gives an account of what passed in discourse, which is the method
that Cicero generally follows. But though those different methods
make some variation in the form, yet the nature of the composition
is at bottom the same in both, aid subject to the same laws.

A dialogue, in one or other of these forms, on some philosophical,

moral, or critical subject, when it is well conducted, stands in a high
rank among the works of taste ; but is much more difficult in the
execution than is commonly imagined : for it requires more than
merely the introduction of different persons speaking in succession.
It ought to be a natural and spirited representation of real conversa
tion ; exhibiting the character and manners of the several speakers,
and suiting to the character of each, that peculiarity of thought and
expression which distinguishes him from another. A dialogue, thus
conducted, gives the reader a very agreeable entertainment; as by
 412 DIALOGUE. [lect. xxxvii.

means of the debate going on among the personages, he receives a

fair and full view of both sides of tbe argument, and is at the same
time amused with polite conversation, and with a display of con-
sistentand well supported characters. An author, therefore, who
has genius for executing such a composition after this manner, has
it in his power both to instruct and to please.

But the greatest part of modern dialogue writers have no idea of

any composition of this sort; and bating tbe outward forms of con-
versation, and that one speaks and another answers, it is quite the
same as if the author spoke in person throughout the whole. He
sets up a Philotheus, perhaps, and a Philatheos, or an A
and a B ;

who, after mutual compliments, and after admiring the fineness of

the morning or evening, and the beauty of the prospects around
them, enter into conference concerning some grave matter and all;

that we know farther of them is, that the one personates the author,
a man of learning, no doubt, and of good principles ; and the other
is a manof straw, set up to propose some trivial objections, over
which the first gains a most entire triumph, and leaves his skepti-
cal antagonist,at the end, much humbled, and generally, convinced
of his error. This is a very frigid and insipid manner of writing;
the more so, as it is an attempt toward something, which we see the
author cannot support. It is the form, without the spirit, of con-
versation. The dialogue serves no purpose, but to make awkward in-
terruptions ;and we should with more patience hear the author con-
tinuing always to reason himself, and remove the objections that are
made to his principles, than be troubled with the unmeaning appear-
ance of two persons, whom we see to be in reality no more than one.
Among the ancients, Plato is eminent for the beauty of his dia-
logues. The scenery, and the circumstances of many of them, are
oeautifully painted. The characters of the sophists, with whom
Socrates disputed, are well drawn : a variety of personages are ex-
hibited to us we are introduced into a real conversation, often sup-
;

ported with much life and spirit, after the Socratic manner. For
richness and beauty of imagination, no philosophic writer, ancient
or modern, is comparable to Plato. The only fault of his imagina-
tion is, such an excess of fertility as allows it sometimes to obscure
his judgment. It frequently carries him into allegory, fiction, en-
thusiasm, and the airy regions of mystical theology. Tbe philoso-
pher is, at times, lost in the poet. But whether we be edified with
.the matter or not, (and much edification he often affords,) we are
always entertained with the manner and left with a strong impres-
;

sion of the sublimity of the author's genius.

Cicero's dialogues, or those recitals of conversation, which he has
introduced into several of his philosophical and critical works, are
not so spirited, nor so characteristical, as those of Plato. Yet some,
as that De Oratore especially, are agreeable and well supported.
They show us conversation carried on among some of the principal
persons of ancient Rome, with freedom, good breeding, and digni-
ty. The author of the elegant dialogue, Be Causis Corruptse Elo-
quentise, which is annexed sometimes to the works of Quintilian,
lect. xxxvu.] EPISTOLARY WRITING. 413

and sometimes to those of Tacitus, has happily imitated, perhaps has

excelled Cicero, in this manner of writing.
Lucian is a dialogue writer of much eminence though his sub-
:

jects are seldom such as can entitle him to be ranked among philo-
sophical authors. He has given the model of the light and hu-
mourous dialogue, and has carried it to great perfection. A charac-
ter of levity, and at the same time of wit and penetration, distin-
guishes all his writings. His great object was, to expose the follies
of superstition, and the pedantry of philosophy, which prevailed
in his age and he could not have taken any more successful me-
;

thod for this end, than what he has employed in his dialogues, espe-
cially in those of the gods and of the dead, which are full of pleasant-
ry and satire. In this invention of dialogues of the dead, he has
been followed by several modern authors. Fontenelle, in particu-
lar, has given us dialogues of this sort, which are sprightly and
agreeable but as for characters, whoever his personages be, they all
;

become Frenchmen in his hands. Indeed, few things in composi-

tion are more difficult, than in the course of a moral dialogue to
exhibit characters properly distinguished ; as calm conversation
furnishes none of those assistances for bringing characters into light,
which the active scenes and interesting situations of the drama af-
ford. Hence few authors are eminent for chai'acteristical dialogue
on grave subjects. One of the most remarkable in the English lan-
guage, is a writer of the last age, Dr. Heniy More, in his Divine
Dialogues, relating to the foundations of natural religion. Though
his style be now in some measure obsolete, and his speakers be mark-
ed with the academic stiffness of those times, yet the dialogue is ani-
mated by a variety of character, and a sprightliness of conversation,
beyond what are commonly met with in writings of this kind.
Bishop Berkeley's Dialogues concerning the existence of matter, do
not attempt any display of characters ; but furnish an instance of a
very abstract subject, rendered clear and intelligible by means of
conversation properly managed.
I proceed next to make some observations on epistolary writing,
which possesses a kind of middle place between the serious and
amusing species of composition. Epistolary writing appears, at first
view, to stretch into a very wide field. For there is no subject
whatever, on which one may not convey his thoughts to the pub-
lic, in the form of a letter. Lord Shaftesbury, for instance, Mr.
Harris, and several other writers, have chosen to give this form to
philosophical treatises. But this is not sufficient to class such trea-
tises under the head of epistolary composition. Though they bear,
in the title page, a Letter to a Friend, after the first address, the friend
disappears, and we see that it is, in truth, the public with whom
the author corresponds. Seneca's Epistles are of this sort. There
is no probability that they ever passed in correspondence, as real
letters. They are no other than miscellaneous dissertations on mo
ral subjects which the author, for his convenience, chose to put
;

into the epistolary form. Even where one writes a real letter on
some formal topic, as of moral or religious consolation, to a person
 414 EPISTOLARY WRITING. [lect. xxxvir.

under such as Sir William Temple has written to the coun-

distress,
tess of Essex on the death of her daughter, he is at liberty, on such
occasions, to write wholly as a divine or as a philosopher, and to
assume the style and manner of one, without reprehension. We
consider the author not as writing a letter, but as composing a dis-
course, suited particularly to the circumstances of some one person.
Epistolary writing becomes a distinct species of composition, sub-
ject to the cognizance of criticism, only, or chiefly, when it is of the
easy and familiar kind ; when it is conversation carried on upon
paper, between two friends at a distance. Such an intercourse,
when well conducted, may be rendered very agreeable to readers
of taste. If the subject of the letters be important, they will be the
more valuable. Even though there should be nothing very consi-
derable in the subject; yet, if the spirit and turn of the correspon-
dence be agreeable if they be written in a sprightly manner, and
;

with native grace and ease, they may still be entertaining; more
especially if there be any thing to interest us, in the characters of
those who write them. Hence the curiosity which the public has
always discovered concerning the letters of eminent persons. We
expect in them to discover somewhat of their real character. It is
childish indeed to expect, that in letters we are to find the whole
heart of the author unveiled. Concealment and disguise take place,
more or less, in all human intercourse. But still, as letters from one
friend to another make the nearest approach to conversation, we may
expect to see more of a character displayed in these than in other
productions, which are studied for public view. We please ourselves
with beholding the writer in a situation which allows him to be at his
ease, and to give vent occasionally to the overflowings of his heart.
Much, therefore, of the merit, and the agreeableness of epistolary
writing, will depend on its introducing us into some acquaintance
with the writer. There, if any where, we look for the man, not
for the author. Its first and fundamental requisite is, to be natural
and simple for a stiff and laboured manner is as bad in a letter, as
;

it is in conversation. This does not banish sprightliness and wit.

These are graceful in letters, just as they are in conversation ; when
the}'' flow easily, and without being studied ; when employed so as

to season, not to cloy. One who, either in conversation or in let-

shine and to sparkle always, will not please long.
ters, affects to
The style of letters should not be too highly polished ; it ought
to be neat and correct, but no more. All nicety about words, be-
trays study and hence musical periods, and appearances of num-
;

ber and harmony in arrangement, should be carefully avoided in

letters. The best letters are commonly such as the authors have writ-
ten with most facility. What the heart or the imagination dictates,
always flows readily but where there is no subject to warm or in-
;

terest these, constraint appears ; and hence, those letters of mere

compliment, congratulation, or affected condolence, which have cost
the authors most labour in composing, and which, for that reason,
they perhaps consider as their masterpieces, never fail of being the
most disagreeable and insipid to the readers.
 ;

lect. xxxvii.] EPISTOLARY WRITING. 415

It ought, at the same time, to be remembered, that the ease and

simplicity which I have recommended in epistolary correspondence,
are not to be understood as importing entire carelessness. In writ-
ing to the most intimate friend, a certain degree of attention, both
to the subject and the style, is requisite and becoming. It is no
more than what we owe both to ourselves and to the friend with
whom we correspond. A
slovenly and negligent manner of writ-
ing, is a disobliging mark of want of respect. The liberty, besides,
of writing letters with too careless a hand, is apt to betray persons in-
to imprudence in what they write. The first requisite, both in con-
versation and in correspondence, is to attend to all the proper deco-
rums which our own character and that of others demand. An
imprudent expression in conversation may be forgotten and pass
away ; but when we take the pen into our hand, we must remem-
ber, that Litera scripta manet.'
'

Pliny's Letters are one of the most celebrated collections which

the ancients have given us, in the epistolary way. They are elegant
and polite and exhibit a very pleasing and amiable view of the
;

luthor. But, according to the vulgar phrase^ they smell too much
of the lamp. They are too elegant and fine and it is not easy to
;

avoid thinking, that the author is casting an eye towards the pub-
lic, when he is appearing to write only for his friends. Nothing
indeed is more difficult than for an author who publishes his own
letters, to divest himself altogether of attention to the opinion of the
world in what he says ; by which means he becomes much less
agreeable than a man of parts would be, if, without any constraint of
this sort, he were writing to his intimate friend.
Cicero's Epistles, though not so showy as those of Pliny, are, on
several accounts, a far more valuable collection ; indeed, the most
valuable collection of letters extant in any language. They are
letters of real business, written to the greatest men of the age, com-
posed with purity and elegance, but without the least affectation ;
and, what adds greatly to their merit, written without any inten-
tion of being published to the world. For it appears, that Cicero
never kept copies of his own letters and we are wholly indebted
;

to the care of his freedman Tyro, for the large collection that was
made, after his death, of those which are now extant, amounting to
near a thousand.* They
contain the most authentic materials of the
history of that age : last monuments which remain of
and are the
Rome in its free state ; the greatest part of them being written dur-
ing that important crisis, when the republic was on the point of ruin
the most interesting situation, perhaps, which is to be found in the
affairs of mankind. To his intimate friends, especially to Atticus,
•
Cicero lays open himself and his heart, with entire freedom. In the
course of his correspondence with others, we are introduced into
acquaintance with several of the principal personages of Rome ; and
it is remarkable that most of Cicero's correspondents, as well as him-

* See his letter to Atticus, which was written a year or two before his death, in
which he tells him, in answer to some inquiries concerning his epistles, that he had no
collection of them, and that Tyro had only about seventy of them. Ad. Att. xvi. 5.
30
416 EPISTOLARY WRITING. [lect. xxxvii.

self,are elegant and polite writers which serves to heighten our

:

idea of the taste and manners of that age.

The most distinguished collection of letters in the English lan-
guage, is that of Mr. Pope, Dean Swift, and their friends ; partly
published in Mr. Pope's works, and partly in those of Dean Swift.
This collection is, on the whole, an entertaining and agreeable one ;

and contains much wit and refinement. It is not, however, altogeth-

er free from the fault which I imputed to Pliny's Epistles, of too
much study and refinement. In the variety of letters from different
persons, contained in that collection, we find many that are written
with ease, and a beautiful simplicity. Those of Dr. Arbuthnot, in
particular, always deserve that praise. Dean Swift's also are unaffect-
ed ;and as a proof of their being so, they exhibit his character ful-
ly, with all its defects though it were to be wished, for the honour
;

of his memory, that his epistolary correspondence had not been

drained to the dregs, by so many successive publications as have
been given to the world. Several of Lord Bolingbroke's and of
Bishop Atterbury's letters, are masterly. The censure of writing
letters in too artificial a manner, falls heaviest on Mr. Pope himself.
There is visibly more study, and less of nature and the heart in his
letters, than in those of some of his correspondents. He had form-
ed himself on the manner of Voiture, and is too fond of writing like
a wit. His letters to ladies are full of affectation. Even in writing
to his friends, how forced an introduction is the following, of a let-
ter to Mr. Addison :
' am more joyed at your return, than I should
I
be at that of the sun, as much as I wish for him in this melancholy
wet season ;but it is his fate too, like yours, to be displeasing to
owls and obscene animals, who cannot bear his lustre.' How stiff
a compliment is it which he pays to Bishop Atterbury Though !
'

the noise and daily bustle for the public be now over, I dare say
you are still tendering its welfare as the sun in winter, when seem-
;

ing to retire from the world, is preparing warmth and benedictions

for a better season.' This sentence might be tolerated in a harangue ;

but is very unsuitable to the style of one friend corresponding with

another.
The gayety and vivacity of the French genius appear to much
advantage in their letters, and have given birth to several agreeable
publications. In the last age, Balzac and Voiture were the two
most celebrated epistolary writers. Balzac's reputation indeed soon
declined, on account of his swelling periods and pompous style.
But Voiture continued long a favourite author. His composition
is extremely sparkling; he shows a great deal of wit, and can trifle
in the most entertaining manner. His only fault is, that he is too
open and professed a wit, to be thoroughly agreeable as a letter wri-
ter. The letters of Madame de Sevigne are now esteemed the most
accomplished model of a familiar correspondence. They turn indeed
very much upon trifles, the incidents of the day, and the news of the
town ; and they arc overloaded with extravagant compliments, and
expressions of fondness, to her favourite daughter ; but withal, they
show such perpetual sprightliness, they contain such easy and varied
lect. xxxvn.] FICTITIOUS HISTORY 417

narration, and so many strokes of the most lively and beautiful paint-
ing, perfectly free from any they are justly entitled
affectation, that
to high praise. The letters of Lady Mary Wortley Montague are not
unworthy of being named after those of Madame de Sevigne. They
have much of the French ease and vivacity and retain more the ;

character of agreeable epistolary style, than perhaps any letters which

have appeared in the English language.
There remains to be treated of, another species of composition in
prose, which comprehends a very numerous, though, in general, a
very insignificant class of writings, known by the name of romances
and novels. These may, at first view, seem too insignificant, to de-
serve that any particular notice should be taken of them. But I can-
not be of this opinion. Mr. Fletcher, of Salton, in one of Ids tracts,
quotes it as the saying of a wise man, that, give him the making of
all the ballads of a nation, he would allow any one that pleased to

make their laws. The saying was founded on reflection and good
sense, and is applicable to the subject now before us. For any kind of
writing, how trifling soever in appearance, that obtains a general cur-
rency, and especially that early preoccupies the imagination of the
youth of both sexes, must demand particular attention. Its influence
is likely to be considerable, both on the morals and taste of a nation.
In fact, fictitious histories might be employed for very useful
purposes. They furnish one of the best channels for conveying
instruction, for painting human life and manners, for showing the
errors into which we are betrayed by our passions, for rendering
virtue amiable and vice odious. The effect of well contrived stories,
towards accomplishing these purposes, is stronger than any effect
that can be produced by simple and naked instruction and hence we ;

find, that the wisest men in all ages have more or less employed
fables and fictions, as the vehicles of knowledge. These have ever
been the basis of both epic and dramatic poetry. It is not, there-
fore, the nature of this sort of writing, considered in itself, but the
faulty manner of its execution, that can expose it to any contempt.
Lord Bacon takes notice of our taste for fictitious history, as a proof
of the greatness and dignity of the human mind. He observes very
ingeniously, that the objects of this world, and the common train of
affairs which we behold going on in it, do not fill the mind, nor give
it entire satisfaction. We
seek for something that shall expand the
mind in a greater degree we seek for more heroic and illustrious
:

deeds, for more diversified and surprising events, for a more splen-
did order of things, a more regular and just distribution of rewards
and punishments, than what we find here because we meet not :

with these in true history, we have recourse to fictitious. cre- We

ate worlds according to our fancy, in order to gratify our capacious
desires: " Accommodando," says that great philosopher, " rerum
simulacra ad animi desideria, non submittendo animum rebus,
quod ratio facit, et historia."* Let us then, since the subject
* " Accommodating the appearances of things to the desires of the mind, not bring-
ing' down the mind, as history and philosophy do, to the course of events."
53
418 FICTITIOUS HISTORY. [lect. xxxvii

wants neither dignity nor use, make a few observations on the rise
and progress of fictitious history, and the different forms it has as-
sumed in different countries.
In all countries we find its origin very ancient. The genius of
the Eastern nations, in particular, was from the earliest times much
turned towards invention, and the love of fiction. Their divinity,
their philosophy, and their politics, were clothed in fables and par-
ables. The Indians, the Persians, and Arabians, were all famous
for their tales. The Arabian Nights' Entertainments are the pro-
duction of a romantic invention, but of a rich and amusing imagi-
nation ; exhibiting a singular and curious display of manners and
characters, and beautified with a very humane morality. Among
the ancient Greeks, we hear of the Ionian and Milesian Tales; but
they have now perished, and, from any account that we have of
them, appear to have been of the loose and wanton kind. Some
fictitious histories yet remain, that were composed during the de-
cline of the Roman empire, by Apuleius, Achilles Tatius, and He-
liodorus, bishop of Trica, in the fourth century ; but none of them
are considerable enough to merit particular criticisms.
During the dark ages, this sort of writing assumed a new and
very singular form, and for a long while made a great figure in the
world The martial spirit of those nations, among whom the feudal
government prevailed the establishment of single combat, as an
;

allowed method of deciding causes both of justice and honour; the

appointment of champions in the cause of women, who could not
maintain their own rights by the sword ; together with the insti-
tution of military tournaments, in which different kingdoms vied
with one another, gave rise, in those times, to that marvellous sys-
tem of chivalry; which is one of the most singular appearances in
the history of mankind. Upon this were founded those romances
of knight-errantry, which carried an ideal chivalry to a still more
extravagant height than it had risen in fact. There was displayed
in them a new and very wonderful sort of world, hardly bearing
any resemblance to the world in which we dwell. Not only knights
setting forth to redress all manner of wrongs, but in every page,
magicians, dragons, and giants, invulnerable men, winged horses,
enchanted armour, and enchanted castles ; adventures absolutely
incredible, yet suited to the gross ignorance of these ages, and to
the legends, and superstitious notions concerning magic and necro-
mancy, which then prevailed. This merit they had, of being writ-
ings of the highly moral and heroic kind. Their knights were
patterns not of courage merely, but of religion, generosity, courtesy,
and fidelity and the heroines were no less distinguished for mo-
;

desty, delicacy, and the utmost dignity of manners.

These were the first compositions that received the name of ro-
mances. The origin of this name is traced, by Mr. Huet, the learn-
ed bishop of Avranche, to the Proven gal troubadours, a sort of
story-tellers and bards in the county of Provence, where there sub-
sisted some remains of literature and poetry. The language which
pievailed in that country was a mixture of Latin and Gallic, called
lect, xxxru.] FICTITIOUS HISTORY. 419

the Roman or Romance language ; and, as the stories of these trouba-

dours were written in that language, hence it is said the name of
Romance, which we now apply to all fictitious composition.
The earliest of those romances is that which goes under the name
of Turpin, the archbishop of Rheims, written in the 11th century.
The subject is, the achievements of Charlemagne and his peers,
or paladins, in driving the Saracens out of France and part of
Spain; the same subject which Ariosto has taken for his celebrated
poem of Orlando Furioso, which is truly a chivalry romance, as
extravagant as any of the rest, but partly heroic, and partly comic,
embellished with the highest graces of poetry. The romance of
Turpin was followed by Amadis de Gaul, and many more of the
same stamp. The crusades both furnished new matter, and in-
creased the spirit for such writings the Christians against the Sara-
;

cens made the common groundwork of them; and from the 11th
to the 16th century, they continued to bewitch all Europe. In
Spain, where the taste for this sort of writing had been most
greedily caught, the ingenious Cervantes, in the beginning of the
last century, contributed greatly to explode it ; and the abolition
of tournaments, the prohibition of single combat, the disbelief
of magic and enchantments, and the change in general of man-
ners throughout Europe, began to give a new turn to fictitious com-
position.
Then appeared the Astraea of D'Urfe, the Grand Cyrus, the
Clelia and Cleopatra of Madame Scuderi, the Arcadia of Sir Philip
Sidney, and other grave and stately compositions in the same style.
These may be considered as forming the second stage of romance
writing. The heroism and the gallantry, the moral and virtuous
turn of the chivalry romance, were still preserved but the dra-
;

gons, the necromancers, and the enchanted castles, were banished,

and some small resemblance to human nature was introduced. Still
however, there was too much of the marvellous in them to please
an age which now aspired to refinement. The characters were dis-
cerned to be strained; the style to be swoln; the adventures incre-
dible; the books themselves were voluminous and tedious.
Hence, this sort of composition soon assumed a third form, and
from magnificent heroic romance, dwindled down to the familiar
novel. These novels, both in France and England, during the age of
Lewis XIV. and King Charles II. were in general of a trifling nature,
without the appearance of moral tendency, or useful instruction.
Since that time, however, somewhat better has been attempted, and
a degree of reformation introduced into the spirit of novel writing.
Imitations of life and character have been professed to be given
of the behaviour of persons in particular interesting situations, such
as may actually occur in life ; by means of which, what is lau-
dable or defective in character and in conduct, may be pointed
out, and placed in a useful light. Upon this plan, the French
have produced some compositions of considerable merit. Gil Bias,
by Le Sage, is a book full of good sense, and instructive know-
420 FICTITIOUS HISTORY. [lect. xxxvii

ledge of the world. The works of Marivaux, especially his Mari-

anne, discover great refinement of thought, great penetration into
human nature, and paint, with a very delicate pencil, some of the
nicest shades and features in the distinction of characters. The
Nouvelle Heloise of Rousseau is a production of very singular kind ;

in many of the events which are related, improbable and unnatu-

ral ;in some of the details tedious, and for some of the scenes
which are described justly blamable; but withal, for the power of
eloquence, for tenderness of sentiment, for ardour of passion, enti-
tled to rank among the highest productions of fictitious history.
In this kind of writing we are, it must be confessed, in Great Bri-
tain, inferior to the French. We neither relate so agreeably, nor
draw characters with so much delicacy; yet we are not without
some performances which discover the strength of the British geni-
us. No fiction, in any language, was ever better supported than the
Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. While it is carried on with that
appearance of truth and simplicity, which takes a strong hold of the
imagination of all readers, it suggests, at the same time, very useful
instruction; by showing how much the native powers of man may
be exerted for surmounting the difficulties of any external situation.
Mr. Fielding's novels are highly distinguished for their humour; a
humour which, if not of the most refined and delicate kind, is origi-
nal, and peculiar to himself. The characters which he draws are
lively and natural, and marked with the strokes of a bold pencil.
The general scope of his stories is favourable to humanity and good-
ness of heart and in Tom Jones, his greatest work, the artful con-
;

duct of the fable, and the subserviency of all the incidents to the
winding up of the whole, deserve much praise. The most moral of
all our novel writers is Richardson, the author of Clarissa, a writer

of excellent intentions, and of very considerable capacity and geni-

us did he not possess the unfortunate talent of spinning out pieces of
;

amusement into an immeasurable length. The trivial performances

which daily appear in public under the title of Lives, Adventures,
and Histories, by anonymous authors, if they be often innocent, yet
are most commonly insipid; and though in the general it ought to
be admitted that characteristical novels, formed upon nature and
upon life, without extravagance and without licentiousness, might
furnish an agreeable and useful entertainment to the mind yet, con-
;

sidering the manner in which these writings have been for the most
part conducted, it must also be confessed, that they oftener tend to
dissipation and idleness, than to any good purpose. Let us now,
therefore, make our retreat from these regions of fiction.
 ;

( 420 a )

C^UESTIOKS.
Why was history discoursed of fully, observed?
is Of what kind of dialogue
»n the two preceding lectures ? the has he given us the model ? What dis-
Of
remaining species of composition in tinguishes all his writings ? What waa
prose, what is observed ? What is the first his great object and of the method which
;

instance given 1 Why are not the style. he took, what is observed ? In what has
form, and dress of such writings, mate- he been followed by several modern
rial objects ? But why, at the same authors? Who, in particular, has given
time, are they objects not to be neglect- us dialogues of this sort, and what is
ed ? What is it manifest, every philoso- said of them? In the course of a dia-
phical writer must study, and what re- logue, what is a difficult task and ;

mark follows? Beyond mere perspi- why? Hence, what follows? is Who
cuity, what are required ? How is this one of the most remarkable writers of
illustrated? What, then, have we a dialogues in the English language ?
rijjht to demand, from every philoso- Of his dialogues, what is observed ?
phical writer ? But as he may possess What is the character of Bishop
this quality, and still be a very dry Berkeley's Dialogues? To what sub-
writer, what should he study; and ject does our author next proceed? Into
why ? What is one of the most useful what does epistolary writing appear at
embellishments, which a philosopher first view to stretch ; and why ? How
can employ? What subjects afford is this remark illustrated ? But for
scope for these ? Wdiat is their effect what is this not sufficient? Of writing
and why ? What style does philosophi- of this kind, what is further observed ?
cal writing admit ? What else does it Even where one is writing a real letter,
admit? About what, however, must he what is remarked ; and what instance
take great care ? What have some of is given ? In such cases, how do we
the ancients left us ? Of Seneca, what consider the author ? When does epis-
is observed ? What, at the same time, tolary writing become a distinct spe-
cannot be denied ? What is said of Mr. cies of composition ? Of such an inter-
Locke's Treatise on Human Under- course, what is observed; and when
standing ; and of Lord Shaftesbury's will they be the more valuable? Even
writings? What form does philosophical when may they still be interesting, and
composition sometimes assume ? By more especially if there be any thing
whom has this form been used? In to interest us in Avhat ? Hence, what
what two ways may it be executed ? curiosity and why? To expect what ;

Of these different methods, what is ob- is childish; and for what reason? But
served ? Of a dialogue thus conducted, still, why may we expect to see more
what is remarked? It requires more of the character displayed in these
than what, and what ought it to be ? than in any other productions ? With
Why does a dialogue thus conducted, what do we please ourselves? Upon
give the reader a very agreeable enter- what, therefore, will much of the merit
tainment ? What, therefore, has an of epistolary writing depend ? What is
author who has genius for executing its first and fundamental requisite ; and
such a composition in his power ? Of why ? What does this not banish ; and
the greater part of modern dialogue of these, what is observed ? Who will
writers, what is observed? How is this not please long ? Of the style of letters,
observation illustrated? From what re- what is remarked? What does all
marks does it appear that this is a very nicety about words betray ; and hence
frigid and insipid manner of writing ? what should be avoided? Which are
What is said of the dialogues of Plato? the best letters? How is this illustrated?
In what does Plato excel all writers, What ought, at the same time, to be
ancient or modern ? What is the only remembered ? How is this remark illus-
fault of his imagination? Into what trated? What is the first requisite, both
does it frequently carry him ? In what, in conversation, and in correspondence?
is the philosopher at times lost ; and What illustration of this remark fol-
what remark follows ? What is obser- lows?
ved of Cicero's dialogues ? What do Of Pliny's
Letters, what is observed?
they show us ? Who has, perhaps, ex- What
indeed, a very difficult task ?
is,

celled Cicero in this manner of writing? What

is the effect of attention to the
Of Lucian, as a dialogue writer, what opinion of the world, in what he says?
 ;

420 b QUESTIONS. [lect. XXXVII.

What is the character of Cicero's Epis- rise, in those times, to that marvellous
tles? Of them, what is farther observed? system of chivalry, which is one of the
From what does it appear that they were most singular appearances in the histo-
written without any intention of being ry of mankind ? Upon this, what were
published to the world ? What do they founded? In them, what was display-
contain and of what are they the last ed ? What merit did they possess? How
;

monument ? The greatest part of them is this remark illustrated? To what is

being written when ? To whom does the origin of this name traced; and by
Cicero lay open his heart without whom ? Which is the earliest of these
reserve? Of his correspondence with romances and what is the subject of ;

others, what is remarked? What is the it ? For what celebrated poem is the
most distinguished collection of letters same subject taken; and what is ob-
in the English language and where served of it ? By what was the romance
;

are they published? WT

hat is the gene- of Turpin followed ? What was the
ral character of this collection ? What effect of the crusades? Who, in the be-
is observed of those of Dr. Arbuthnot? ginning of the last century, contributed
What proof is there that Dean Swift's greatly to explode this kind of writing;
letters are unaffected ? What, however, and what followed? What then ap-
were to be wished? Several of whose peared and how may these be consider-
;

letters are masterly; and of Mr. Pope's, ed ? What were still preserved but ;

what is observed ? What instance of af- what was banished ? Still what objec-
fectation have we from a letter to Mr. tion was there to them ? Hence, what
Addison and also to Bishop Atterbury?
;
form did this sort of composition soon as-
Of the latter sentence, what is obser- sume ? Of these novels what is obser-
ved ? What appears to much advan- ved? Upon this plan, what have the
tage in the letters of French writers French effected ? Of Gil Bias, what is
and to what have they given birth ? In observed ? What is the character of
the last age, who were the two most the works of Marivaux ? Of the Nou-
celebrated epistolary writers? Why velle Heloise of Rousseau, what is re-
did Balzac's reputation soon decline ? marked? What is the state of this kind
Why did Voiture continue long a fa- of writing in Great Britain ? In what
vourite author? What is his only fault? respects are we inferior to them ; yet
Whose letters are now esteemed the what remark follows ? To illustrate this,
most accomplished model of a familiar what work is mentioned and what ia ;

correspondence ? Of them, what is fur- observed of

the character it ? What is

ther observed ? Of the letters of Lady of Mr. Fielding's novels and hoiv are ;

Mary Wortley Montague, what is re- his characters drawn? does his Why
marked? What other species of com- Tom Jones deserve much praise ? Who
position remains to be treated of? How is the most moral of all our novel wri-
may these, at first view, seem ? What ters ; and of him, what is observed ?
does Mr. Fletcher, in one of his tracts, What is remarked of the trivial per-
quote, as the saying of a wise man ? formances which daily appear ?
Of this saying, what is observed and ;

why? Why might fictitious histories ANALYSIS.

be employed for very useful purposes? 1. Philosophical writing.
How is this illustrated ? Of what have a. Its object.
these ever been the basis ? What re- b. Perspicuity, its first requisite.
mark, therefore, follows? Of what does c. It admits of a polished, neat, and ele
grant style.
Lord Bacon take notice ; and what 2. Dialogue.
does he observe? On what, therefore, a. A direct conversation.
shall we make a few observations? b. The recital of a conversation.
Of its origin, what is remarked ? What c. Ancient and modern dialogists.
is observed of the genius of eastern 3. Epistolary writing.

nations; and how is this illustrated?

A. When a distinct speciesof composition.
b. It must acquaint us with the author.
What is said of Arabian Nights Enter- c. Distinguished ancient and modern
tainments? Among the ancient Greeks, epistolary writers.
of what do we hear ; and what is said 4. Fictitious history.

of them 1 What fictitious histories still a. Lord Bacon's remark.

b. Its origin, very ancient.
remain; and of them, what is observed? forme.
c. Its different
Of this sort of writing during the dark d. The most distinguished productions
ages, what is remarked ? What gave of this kind.
 ( 421 )

LECTURE XXXVIII.

NATURE OF POETRY.. ..ITS ORIGIN AND PRO-

GRESS....VERSIFICATIOK

I have now finished my observations on the different kinds of

writing in prose. What remains is, to treat of poetical composition
Before entering on the consideration of any of its particular kinds, 1
design this lecture as an introduction to the subject of poetry in
general, wherein I shall treat of its nature, give an account of its ori-
gin, and make some observations on versification, or poetical num-
bers.
Our first inquiry must be,What is poetry ? and wherein does it
differ from prose ? The answer to this question is not so easy as
might at first be imagined ; and critics have differed and disputed
much, concerning the proper definition of poetry. Some have made
its essence to consist in fiction, and support their opinion by the au-
thority of Aristotle and Plato. But this is certainly too limited a de-
finition; for though fiction a great share in many poetical
may have
compositions, yet many subjects of poetry may not be feigned as ;

where the poet describes objects which actually exist, or pours forth
the real sentiments of his own heart. Others have made the cha-
racteristic of poetry to lie in imitation. But this is altogether loose :

for several other arts imitate as well as poetry and an imitation of

;

human manners and characters may be carried on in the humblest

prose, no less than in the more lofty poetic strain.
The most just and comprehensive definition which, I think, can
be given of poetry, is, ' that it is the language of passion, or of en-
livened imagination, formed, most commonly, into regular numbers.'
The historian, the orator, the philosopher, address themselves, for
the most part, primarily to the understanding: their direct aim is to
inform, to persuade, or to instruct. But the primary aim of a poet
is to please, and to move ; and, therefore, it is to the imagination, and
the passions, that he speaks. He may, and he ought to have it in
his view, to instruct, and to reformbut it is indirectly, and by pleas-
;

ing and moving, that he accomplishes this end. His mind is sup
posed to be animated by some interesting object which fires his ima-
gination, or engages his passions; and which, of course, communi-
cates to his style a peculiar elevation suited to his ideas ; very differ-
ent from that mode of expression, which is natural to the mind in
its calm, ordinary state. I have added to my definition, that this

language of passion, or imagination, is formed, most commonly , into

regular numbers; because, though versification be, in general, the
exterior distinction of poetry, yet^there are some forms of versa
so loose and familiar, as to be hardly distinguishable from prose;
such as the verse of Terence's Comedies; and there is also a species
of prose, so measured in its cadence, and so much raised in its tone,
3P
422 ORIGIN AND PROGRESS [lect. xxxviii.

as to approach very near to poetical numbers ; such as the Telema-

chus of Fcnelon and the English translation of Ossian. The truth
;

is, verse and prose, on some occasions, run into one another, like

light and shade. It is hardly possible to determine the exact limit

where eloquence ends, and poetry begins nor is there any occasion
;

for being very precise about the boundaries, as long as the nature of
each is understood. These are the minutiae of criticism, concerning
winch, frivolous writers are always disposed to squabble but which
;

deserve not any particular discussion. The truth and justness of the
definition, which I have given of poetry, will appear more fully from
the account which I am now to give of its origin; and which will
tend to throw light on much of what I am afterwards to deliver,
concerning its various kinds.
The Greeks, ever fond of attributing to their own nation the in-
vention of all sciences and arts, have ascribed the origin of poetry
to Orpheus, Linus, and Musasus. There were, perhaps, such per-
sons as these, who were the first distinguished bards in the Grecian
countries. But long before such names were heard of, and among
nations where they were never known, poetry existed. It is a great
error to imagine, that poetry and music are arts which belong only
to polished nations. They have their foundation in the nature of
man, and belong to all nations, and to all ages though, like other
;

arts founded in nature, they have been more cultivated, and from a
concurrence of favourable circumstances, carried to greater perfec-
tion in sonic countries than in others. In order to explore the rise
of poetry, we must have recourse to the deserts and the wilds; we
must go back to the age of hunters and of shepherds; to the high-
est antiquity ; and to the simplest form of manners among mankind.
It has been often said, and the concurring voice of all antiquity
affirms, that poetry is older than prose. But in what sense this
seemingly strange paradox holds true, has not always been well un-
derstood. There never, certainly, was any period of society, in which
men conversed together in poetical numbers. It was in very humble
and scanty prose, as we may easily believe, that the first tribes car-
ried on intercourse among themselves, relating to the wants and ne-
cessities of life. But from the very beginning of society, there were
occasions on which, they met together for feasts, sacrifices, and pub-
lic assemblies and on all such occasions, it is well known, that mu-
;

sic, song, and dance, made their principal entertainment. It is

chiefly in America, that we have had the opportunity of being made
acquainted with men in their savage state. Welearn from the par-
ticular and concurring accounts of travellers, that among all the na-
tions of that vast continent, especially among the northern tribes, with
whom we have had most intercourse, music and song are, at ail theii
meetings, carried on with an incredible degree of enthusiasm ; that
the chiefs of the tribe are those who signalize themselves most on
such occasions; that it is in songs they celebrate their religious
rites; that by these they lament their public and private calamities,
the death of friends, or the loss of warriors; express their joy on
their victories celebrate the great actions of their nation, and their
;
lect. xxxviii.] UF POETRY. 423

heroes excite each other to perform brave exploits in war, or suf-

;

fer death and torments with unshaken constancy.

Here then we see the first beginnings of poetic composition, in
those rude effusions, which the enthusiasm of fancy or passion sug-
gested to untaught men, when roused by interesting events, and by
their meeting together in public assemblies. Two particulars would
early distinguish this language of song, from that in which they con-
versed on the common occurrences of life; namely, an unusual ar-
rangement of words, and the employment of bold figures of speech.
It would invert words, or change them from that order in which they
are commonly placed, to that which most suited the train in which
they rose in the speaker's imagination, or which was most accommo-
dated to the cadence of the passion by which he was moved. Under the
influence too of any strong emotion, objects do not appear to us such
as they really are, but such as passion makes us see them. We
magnify and exaggerate; we seek to interest all others in what cau-
ses our emotion; we compare the least things to the greatest; we
call upon the absent as well as the present, and even address our
selves to things inanimate. Hence, in congruity with those various
movements of the mind, arise those turns of expression, which we
now distinguish by the learned names of hyperbole, prosopopoeia,
simile, &c. but which are no other than the native original language
of poetry among the most barbarous nations.
Man is both a poet and a musician by nature. The same impulse
which prompted the enthusiastic poetic style, prompted a certain
melody, or modulation of sound, suited to the emotions of joy or
grief, of admiration, love, or anger. There is a power in sound,
which, partly from nature, partly from habit and association, makes
such pathetic impressions on the fancy, as delight even the most wild
barbarians. Music and poetry, therefore, had the same rise they :

were prompted by the same occasions; they were united in song;

and, as long as they continued united, they tended, without doubt,
mutually to heighten and exalt each other's power. The first poets
sung their own verses; and hence the beginning of what we call
versification, or words arranged in a more artful order than prose, so
as to be suited to some tune or melody. The liberty of transposi-
tion, or inversion, which the poetic style, as I observed, would natu-
rally assume, made it easier to form the words into some sort of
numbers that fell in with the music of the song. Very harsh and
uncouth, we may easily believe, these numbers would be at first.
But the pleasure was felt ; it was studied ; and versification, by de-
grees, passed into an art.
It appears from what has been said, that the first compositions
which were either recorded by writing, or transmitted by tradition,
could be no other than poetical composition^.. No other than these
could draw the attention of men in their rude uncivilized state. In-
deed, they knew no other. Cool reasoning and plain discourse had
no power to attract savage tribes, addicted only to hunting and war.
There was nothing that could cither rouse the speaker to pour him-
self forth, or to draw the crowd to listen, but the high, powers of pas-
424 ORIGIN AND PROGRESS [lect. xxxvnr.

sion, of music, and of song. This vehicle, therefore, and no other,

could be employed by chiefs and legislators, when they meant to in-
struct or to animate their tribes. There is, likewise, a farther reason
why such compositions only could be transmitted to posterity; be-
cause, before writing was invented, songs only could last, and be re-
membered. The ear gave assistance to the memory, by the help
of numbers ; fathers repeated and sung them to their children ; and
by this oral tradition of national ballads, were conveyed all the his-
torical knowledge, and all the instruction of the first ages.
The earliest accounts which history gives us concerning all na-
tions, bear testimony to these facts. In the first ages of Greece, priests,
philosophers, and statesmen, all delivered their instructions in poetry.
Apollo,Orpheus,andAmphion, their mostancientbards, are represent-
ed as the first tamers of mankind, the first founders of law and civili-
zation. Minos and Thales sung to the lyre^the laws which they com-
posed ;* and till the age immediately preceding that of Herodotus,
history had appeared in no other form than that of poetical tales.
In the same manner, among all other nations, poets and songs are
the first objects that make their appearance. Among the Scythian
or Gothic nations, many of their kings and leaders were scalders, or
poets ; and it is from their Runic songs, that the most early writers
of their history, such as Saxo-Grammaticus, acknowledge that they
had derived their chief information. Among the Celtic tribes, in
Gaul, Britain, and Ireland, we know in what admiration their bards
were held, and how great influence they possessed over the people.
They were both poets and musicians, as all the first poets, in every
country, were. They were always near the person of the chief or
sovereign ; they recorded all his great exploits; they were employ-
ed as the ambassadors between contending tribes, and their persons
were held sacred.
From this deduction it follows, that as we have reason to look for
poems and songs among the antiquities of all countries, so we may
expect, that in the strain of these there will be a remarkable resem-
blance, during the primitive periods of every country. The occa-
sions of their being composed, are every where nearly the same.
The praises of gods and heroes, the celebration of famed ancestors,
the recital of martial deeds, songs of victory, and songs of lamenta-
tion over the misfortunes and death of their countrymen, occur
among all nations and the same enthusiasm and fire, the same wild
;

and irregular, but animated composition, concise and glowing

style, bold and extravagant figures of speech, are the general distin-
guishing characters of all the most ancient original poetry. That
strong hyperbolical manner which we have been long accustomed
to call the oriental manner of poetry, (because some of the earliest
poetical productions came to us from the East,) is in truth no more
oriental than occidental ; it is characteristical of an age rather than ot
a country ; and belongs, in some measure, to all nations at that pe-
riod which first gives rise to music and to song. Mankind never re-

* Stiabo, lib. x.
 ; ;

lect. xxxviii.] OF POETRY. 425

semble each other so much as they do in the beginnings of society.

Us subsequent revolutions give birth to the principal distinctions of
character among nations, and divert, into channels widely separated,
that current of human genius and manners, which descends origin-
ally from one spring.
Diversity of climate, and of manner of living, will, however, oc-
casion some diversity in the strain of the first poetry of nations
chiefly according as those nations are of a more ferocious, or of a
more gentle spirit; and according as they advance faster or slower
in the arts of civilization. Thus we find all the remains of the an-
cient Gothic poetry remarkably fierce, and breathing nothing but
slaughter and blood; while the Peruvian and the Chinese songs
turned, from the earliest times, upon milder subjects. The Celtic
poetry, in the days of Ossian, though chiefly of the martial kind,
yet had attained a considerable mixture of tenderness and refine-
ment in consequence of the long cultivation of poetry among the
;

Celta?, by means of a series and succession of bards which had been

established for ages. So Lucan informs us :

Vos quoque qui fortes animos, belloque percmptos

Laudibus in longum vates difiunditis sevuni,
Plurima securi fudistis carmina bardi.* L. 44.

Among the Grecian nations, their early poetry appears to have

soon received a philosophical cast, from what we are informed con-
cerning the subjects of Orpheus, Linus, and Musaeus, who treated of
creation and of chaos, of the generation of the world, and of the
rise of things and we know that the Greeks advanced sooner to
;

philosophy, and proceeded with a quicker pace in all the arts of re-
finement, than most other nations.
The Arabians and the Persians have always been the greatest po-
ets of the east; and among them, as among other nations, poetry
was the earliest vehicle of all their learning and instruction.! The
ancient Arabs, we are informed, J valued themselves much on their
metrical compositions, which were of two sorts; the one they com-
pared to loose pearls, and the other to pearls strung. In the former,
the sentences or verses were without connexion and their beauty ;

arose from the elegance of the expression, and the acuteness of the
sentiment. The moral doctrines of the Persians were generally
comprehended in such independent proverbial apophthegms, formed
into verse. In this respect they bear a considerable resemblance to
the Proverbs of Solomon ; a great part of which book consists of
unconnected poetry, like the loose pearls of the Arabians. The
same form of composition appears also in the book of Job. The

* You too, ye bards, whom sacred raptures fire,

To chaunt your heroes to your country's lyre,
Who consecrate in your immortal strain,
Brave patriot souls in righteous battle slain
Securely now the useful task renew,
And noblest themes in deathless songs pursue. Kowe.
t Vid. Voyages de Chardin, chap dela Poesie des Persans.
$ Vid. Preliminary discourse to Sale's Translation of the Koran.
54
426 ORIGIN AND PROGRESS [lect. xxxviii

Greeks seem to have been the first who introduced a more regular
structure, and closer connexion of parts, into their poetical writings.
During the infancy of poetry, all the different kinds of it lay
confused, and were mingled in the same composition, according
as inclination,enthusiasm, or casual incidents, directed the po-
et's strain. In the progress of society and arts, they began to
assume those different regular forms, and to be distinguished by
those different names under which we now know them. But in
the rude state of poetical effusions, we can easily discern the
first
seeds and beginnings of all the kinds of regular poetry. Odes and
hymns, of every sort, would naturally be among the first compo-
sitions; according as the bards were moved by religious feelings,
by exultation, resentment, love, or any other warm sentiment, to
pour themselves forth in song. Plaintive or elegiac poetry, would
as naturally arise from lamentations over their deceased friends.
The recital of the achievements of their heroes, and their ancestors,
gave birth to what we now call epic poetry and as not content with
;

simply reciting these, they would infallibly be led, at some of their

public meetings, to represent them, by introducing different bards,
speaking in the character of their heroes, and answering each other,
we find in this the first outlines of tragedy, or dramatic writing.
None of these kinds of poetry, however, were in the first ages
of society properly distinguished or separated, as they are now,
from each other. Indeed, not only were the different kinds of
poetry then mixed together, but all that we now call letters, or
composition of any kind, was then blended in one mass. At first,
history, eloquence, and poetry, were all the same. Whoever want-
ed to move or to persuade, to inform or to entertain his countrymen
and neighbours, whatever was the subject, accompanied his sentiment
and tales with the melody of song. This was the case in that, period
of society, when the character and occupations of the husbandman
and the builder, the warrior and the statesman, were united in one
person. When the progress of society brought on a separation of the
different arts and professions of civil life, it led also by degrees to a
separation of the different literary provinces from each other.
The art of writing was in process of time invented; records of
past transactions began to be kept; men, occupied with the subjects
of policy and useful arts, wished now to be instructed and inform-
ed, as well as moved. They reasoned and reflected upon the
affairs of life and were interested by what was real, not fabulous,
;

in past transactions. The historian, therefore, now laid aside the

buskins of poetry; he wrote in prose, and attempted to give a
faithful and judicious relation of former events. The philosopher
addressed himself chiefly to the understanding. The orator stu-
died to persuade by reasoning, and retained more or less of the
ancient passionate and glowing style, according as it was conducive
to his Poetry became now a separate art, calculated
purpose.
chiefly to please,and confined generally to such subjects as related
to the imagination and passions. Even its earliest companion, music,
was in a frrcat measure divided from iL
lect. xxxviii.] OF POETRY, 427

These separations, brought all the literary arts into a more regular
form, and contributed to the exact and accurate cultivation of
each. Poetry, however, in its ancient original condition, was per-
haps more vigorous than it is in its modern state. It included
then the whole burst of the human mind; the whole exertion of its
imaginative faculties. It spoke then the language of passion, and
no other for to passion, it owed its birth. Prompted and inspired
;

by objects, which to him seemed great, by events which interested

his country or his friends, the early bard arose and sung. He sung
indeed in wild and disorderly strains ; but they were the native effu-
sions of his heart; they were the ardent conceptions of admiration
or resentment, of sorrow or friendship, which he poured forth. It
is no wonder, therefore, that in the rude and artless strain of the

first poetry of all nations, we should often find somewhat that capti-
vates and transports the mind. In after ages, when poetry became
a regular art, studied for reputation and for gain, authors began to
affect what they did not feel. Composing coolly in their closets,
they endeavoured to imitate passion, rather than to express it; they
tried to force their imagination into raptures, or to supply the defect
of native warmth, by those artificial ornaments which might give
composition a splendid appearance.
The separation of music from poetry, produced consequences not
favourable in some respects to poetry, and in many respects hurtful
to music* As long as they remained united, music enlivened and
animated poetry, and poetry gave force and expression to musi-
cal sound. The music of that early period Avas, beyond doubt, ex-
tremely simple ; and must have consisted chiefly of such pathetic
notes, as the voice could adapt to the words of the song. Musical
instruments, such as flutes, and pipes, and a tyre with a very few
strings, appear to have been early invented among some nations; but
no more was intended by these instruments, than simply to accom-
pany the voice, and to heighten the melody of song. The poet's
strain was always heard ; and, from many circumstances, it appears,
that among the ancient Greeks, as well as among other nations, the
bard sung his verses, and played upon his harp or lyre at the same
time. In this state, the art of music was, when it produced all those
great effects, of which we read so much in ancient history. And
certain it is, that from simple music only, and from music accom-
panied with verse or song, we are to look for strong expression,
and powerful influence over the human mind. When instrumental
music came to be studied as a separate art, divested of the poet's
song, and formed into the artificial and intricate combinations of
harmony, it lost all its ancient power of inflaming the hearers with
strong emotions; and sunk into an art of mere amusement, among
polished and luxurious nations.
Still, however, poetry preserves, in all countries, some remains
of its first and original connexion with music. By being uttered
* See Dr. Brown's Dissertation on the Rise, Union, anil Separation of Poetry and
Musi*.
428 VERSIFICATION. [lect. xxxviii

in song, it was formed into numbers, or into an artificial arrangement

of words and syllables, very differentin different countries; but such,
as to the inhabitants of each, seemed most melodious and agree
able in sound. Whence arises thatgreat characteristic of poetry which
we now call verse; a subject which comes next to be treated of.
It is a subject of a curious nature; but as I am sensible, that were
I to pursue it as far as my inclination leads, it would give rise to
discussions, which the greater part of readers would consider as
minute, I shall confine myself to a few observations upon English
versification.
Nations, whose language and pronunciation were of a musical
kind, rested their versification chiefly upon the quantities, that is,
the length or shortness of their syllables. Others, who did not make
the quantities of their syllables be so distinctly perceived in pro-
nouncing them, rested the melody of their verse upon the number
of syllables it contained, upon the proper disposition of accents and
pauses in it, and frequently upon that return of corresponding sounds,
which we call rhyme. The former was the case with the Greeks
and Romans; the latter is the case with us, and with most modern
nations. Among the Greeks and Romans, every syllable, or the far
greatest number at least, was known to have a fixed and determined
quantity and their manner of pronouncing rendered this so sensible
;

to the ear, that a long syllable was counted precisely equal in time
to two short ones. Upon this principle, the number of syllables con-
tained in their hexameter verse was allowed to vary. It may extend
to 17; it can contain, when regular, no fewer than 13; but the mu-
sical time was, notwithstanding, precisely the same in every hexa-
meter verse, and was always equal to that of 12 long syllables. In order
to ascertain the regular time of every verse, and the proper mixture
and succession of long and short syllables which ought to compose
it, were invented, what the grammarians call metrical feet, dactyles,

spondees, iambus, &c. By these measures was tried the accuracy of

composition in every line, and whether it was so constructed as to
complete its proper melody. It was requisite, for instance, that the
hexameter verse should have the quantity of its syllables so disposed,
that it could be scanned or measured by six metrical feet, which
might be either dactyles or spondees (as the musical time of both
these is the same) with this restriction only? that the fifth foot was
regularly to be a dactyle, and the last a spondee.*

* Some writers imagine, that the feet in Latin verse were intended to correspond
to bars in music, and to form musical intervals or distinctions, sensible to the ear
in the pronunciation of the line. Had this been the case, every kind of verse must
have had a peculiar order of feet appropriated to it. But the common prosodies
show that there are several forms of Latin verse which are capable of being mea-
sured indifferently, by a scries of feet of vei'y different kinds. For instance, what is
called the Asclepeda?an verse (in which the first ode of Horace is written) may be
scanned either by a Spondeus, two Choriambus's, and a Pyrrichius or by a Spon-
;

deus, a Dactylus succeeded by a Caesura, and two Dactylus's. The common Penta-
meter, and some other forms of verse, admit the like varieties ; and yet the melody
of the verse, remains always the same, though it be scanned by different feet. This
proves, that the metrical feet were not sensible in the pronunciation of the line, but
were intended only to regulate its construction ; or applied as measures, to try
 :

aect. xxxviii.] VERSIFICATION. 429

The introduction of these feet into English verse, would be alto-

gether out of place; for the genius of our language corresponds not
in this respect to Greek or Latin. I say not, that we have no
regard to quantit}^, or to long and short, in pronouncing. Many
words we have, especially our words consisting of several syllables,
where the quantity, or the long and short syllables, are invariably
fixed but great numbers we have also, where the quantity is left al-
;

together loose. This is the case with a great part of our words con-
sisting of two syllables, and with almost all our monosyllables.
In general, the difference made between long and short syllables, in
our manner of pronouncing them, is so very inconsiderable, and so
much liberty is left us for making them either long or short at plea-
sure, that mere quantity is of very little effect in English versification.
The only perceptible difference among our syllables, arises from
some of them being uttered with that stronger percussion of voice,
which we call accent. This accent does not always make the sylla-
ble longer, but gives it more force of sound only; and it is upon a
certain order and succession of accented and unaccented syllables,
infinitely more than upon their being long or short, that the melody
of our verse depends. If we take any of Mr. Pope's lines, and in
reciting them alter the quantity of the syllables, as far as our quanti-
ties are sensible, the music of the verse will not be much injured
whereas, if we do not accent the syllables according as the verse
dictates, its melody will be totally destroyed.*
Our English heroic verse is of what may be called an iambic struc-
ture ; that is, composed of a succession, nearly alternate, of syllables,
not short and long, but unaccented and accented. With regard to
the place of these accents, however, some liberty is admitted, for the
sake of variety. Very often, though not always, the line begins with
an unaccented syllable and sometimes, in the course of it, two un-
;

accented syllables follow each other. But in general, there are

either five, or four, accented syllables in each line. The number of
.•yllables is ten, unless where an Alexandrine verse is occasionally ad-
mitted. In verses not Alexandrine, instances occur where the line
appears to have more than the limited number. But in such instan-
ces, I apprehend it will be found, that some of the liquid syllables are

whether the succession of long and short syllables was such as suited the melody
1

of the verse; and as feet of different kinds could sometimes be applied for this
purpose, hence it happened, that some forms of verse were capable of being' scan-
ned in different ways. For measuring the hexameter line, no other feet were
found so proper as dactyles and spondees, and therefore by these it is uniformly
scanned. But no ear is sensible of the termination of each foot, in reading an hex-
ameter line. From a misapprehension of this matter, I apprehend that confusion
has sometimes arisen among writers, in treating of the prosody both of Latin and of
English verse.
* See this well illustrated in Lord Monboddo's Treatise of The Origin and Progress of
Language, vol. ii. under the head of the prosody of language. He shows that this is
not only the constitution of our own verse, but that, by our manner of reading Latin
verse, we make its music nearly the same. For we certainly do not pronounce it ac-
cording to the ancient quantities, so as to make the musical time of one long syllable
equal to two short ones; but according to a succession of accented and unaccented sylla-
bles, only mixed in a ratio different from that of our own verse. No Roman could pos-
sibly understand our pronunciation.
3Q
 ;

430 VERSIFICATION. [lect. xxxviii.

so slurred in pronouncing, as to bring the verse, with respect to its

effect upon the ear, within the usual bounds.
Another essential circumstance in the constitution of our verse, is
the csesural pause, which falls towards the middle of each line.
Some pause of this kind, dictated by the melody, is found in the
verse of most nations. It is found, as might be shown, in the Latin
hexameter. In the French heroic verse it is very sensible. That
is a verse of twelve syllables ; and in every line, just after the sixth
syllable,there falls regularly and indispensably a csesural pause, di-
viding the line into two equal hemisticks. For example, in the first
lines of Boileau's Epistle to the King:
Jeune &. vaillant heros dont la haute sagesse|

N'est point lc fruit tardif d'une lcnte vieillesse, |

Qui scul sans Ministre a l'example des Dicux,

j

Soutient tout par toi-meme &. voit tons par tes yeux. |

In this train all the one half of the line always

their verses proceed ;

answering to the other, and the same chime returning incessantly on

the ear without intermission or change which is certainly a defect ;

in their verse, and unfits it so very much for the freedom and dignity
of heroic poetry. On the other hand, it is a distinguishing advan-
tage of our English verse, that it allows the pause to be varied
through four different syllables in the line. The pause may fall
after the 4th, the 5th, the 6th, or the 7th syllable; and according as
the pause is placed after one or other of these syllables, the melody of
the verse is much changed, its air and cadence are diversified. By
this means, uncommon richness and variety are added to English
versification.
When the pause falls earliest, that is, after the 4th syllable, the
briskest melody thereby formed, and the most spirited air given
is

to the line. In the following lines of the Rape of the Lock, Mr.
Pope has, with exquisite propriety, suited the construction of the
verse to the subject.
On her white breast a sparkling cross she wore,
|

Which Jews might kiss |

and infidels adore
Her lively looks a |
sprightly mind disclose,
Quick as her eyes and as unfix'd as those.
|

Favours to none, to all she smiles extends,

|

Oft she rejects, but never once offends.

|

When the pause falls after the 5th syllable, which divides the line
into two equal portions, the melody is sensibly altered. The verse
loses that brisk and sprightly air, which it had with the formerpause,
and becomes more smooth, gentle, and flowing.
Eternal sunshine ]
of the spotless mind,
Each prayer accepted |
and each wish resign'd.
When the pause proceeds to follow the 6th syllable, the tenour of
the music becomes solemn and grave. The verse marches now
with a more slow and measured pace, than in any of the two for-
mer cases.
The wrath of Peleus' son, |
the direful spring
Of all the Grecian woes, |
goddess sing!
 l*ct. xxxviii.] VERSIFICATION. 431

But the grave, solemn cadence becomes still more sensible, when
the pause falls after the 7th syllable, which is the nearest place to
the end of the line that it can occupy. This kind of verse occurs
the seldomest, but has a happy effect in diversifying the melody. It
produces that slow Alexandrine air which is finely suited to a close;
and for this reason, such lines almost never occur together, but are
used in finishing the couplet.
And in the smooth description murmur still,
|

Longlov'd, ador'd ideas !

|
all adieu.

I have taken my examples from verses in rhyme because in ;

these, our versification is subjected to the strictest law. As blank

verse is of a freer kind, and naturally is read with less cadence or
tone, the pauses, in it, and the effect of them, are not always so sen-
sible to the ear. It is constructed, however, entirely upon the same
principles with respect to the place of the pause. There are some
who, in order to exalt the variety and the power of our heroic verse,
have maintained that it admits of musical pauses, not only after
those four syllables, where I assigned their place, but after any one
syllable in the verse indifferently, where the sense directs it to be
placed. This, in my opinion, is the same thing as to maintain that
there is no pause at all belonging to the natural melody of the verse;
since, according to this notion, the pause is formed entirely by the
meaning,not by the music. But this I apprehend to be contrary
both to the nature of versification, and the experience of every
good ear.* Those certainly are the happiest lines, wherein the
pause, prompted by the melody, coincides in some degree with that
of the sense, or at least does not tend to spoil or interrupt the mean-
ing. Wherever any opposition between the music and the sense
chances to take place, I observed before, in treating of pronunciation
or delivery, that the proper method of reading these lines, is to read
them according as the sense dictates, neglecting or slurring the ca?-
sural pause which renders the line less graceful indeed, but, how-
;

ever, does not entirely destroy its sound.

Our blank verse possesses great advantages, and is indeed a noble,
bold, and disencumbered species of versification. The principal
defect in rhyme, is the full close which it forces upon the ear, at
the end of every couplet. Blank verse is freed from this ; and al-
lows the lines to run into each other with as great liberty as the La-
tin hexameter permits, perhaps with greater. Hence it is particu-
larly suited to subjects of dignity and force, which demand more

* In the Italian heroic verse, employed by Tasso in his Gierusalemme, and

Ariosto in his Orlando, the pauses are of the same varied nature with those which
I have shown to belong to English versification, and fall after the same four sylla-
bles in the line. Marmontel, in his Poetique Franchise, vol. i. p. 269, takes no-
tice, that the construction of verse is common to the Italians and the English; and
defends the uniformity of the French coesural pause upon this ground, that the al-
ternation of masculine and feminine rhymes furnishes sufficient variety to the French
poetry; whereas the change of movement occasioned by the four different pauses in
English and Italian verse, produces, according to him, too great diversity. On the head
of pauses in English versification, see the Elements of Criticism, chap 18, sect. 4.
 432 VERSIFICATION. [lect. xxxviii

free and manly numbers than rhyme. The constraint and strict re-
gularity of rhyme, are unfavourable to the sublime, or to the highly
pathetic strain. An epic poem, or a tragedy, would be fettered and
degraded by it. It is best adapted to compositions of a temperate
strain, where no particular vehemence is required in the sentiments,
nor great sublimity in the style such as pastorals, elegies, epistles,
;

satires, &c. To these, it communicates that degree of elevation

which is proper for them and without any other assistance suffi-
;

ciently distinguishes the style from prose. He who should write

such poems in blank verse, would render his work harsh and un-
pleasing. In order to support a poetical style, he would be obliged
to affect a pomp of language unsuitable to the subject.
Though I join inopinion with those, who think that rhyme finds
its proper place in the middle, but not in the higher regions of poe-
try, I can by no means join in the invectives which some have pour-
ed out against it, as if it were a mere barbarous jingling of sounds,
fit only for children, and owing to nothing but the corruption of taste

in the monkish ages. Rhyme might indeed be barbarous in Latin

or Greek verse, because these languages, by the sonorousness of their
words, by their liberty of transposition and inversion, by their fixed
quantities and musical pronunciation, could carry on the melody of
verse without its aid. But it does not follow, that therefore it must
be barbarous in the English language, which is destitute of these ad-
vantages. Every language has powers and graces, and music pecu-
liar to itself; and what is becoming in one, would be ridiculous in
another. Rhyme was barbarous in Latin; and an attempt to con-
struct English verses, after the form of hexameters, and pentameters,
and sapphics, is as barbarous among us. It is not true, that rhyme
is merely a monkish invention On the contrary, it has obtained
under different forms, in the versification of most known nations. It
is found in the ancient poetry of the northern nations of Europe ; it

is said to be found among the Arabs, the Persians, the Indians, and
the Americans. This shows that there is something in the return
of similar sounds, which is grateful to the ears of most part of man-
kind. And if any one, after reading Mr. Pope's Rape of the Lock,
or Eloisa to Abelard, shall not admit our rhyme, with all its varieties
of pauses, to carry both elegance and sweetness of sound, his ear
must be pronounced to be of a very peculiar kind.
The present form of our English heroic rhyme in couplets, is a
modern species of versification. The measure generally used in the
days of Queen Elizabeth, King James, and King Charles I. was the
stanza of eight lines, such as Spenser employs, borrowed from the
Italian a measure very constrained and artificial.
;
Waller was the
first who brought couplets into vogue ; and Dry den afterwards estab-
lished the usage. Waller first smoothed our verse Dryden perfected
;

it. Mr. Pope's versification has a peculiar character. It is flow-

ing and smooth in the highest degree far more laboured and cor-
;

rect than that of any who went before him. He introduced one
considerable change into verse, by totally throwing aside the trip-
lets, or three lines rhyming together, in which Mr. Dryden abound
 ; ;

LECT. XXXVIII.] QUESTIONS. 433

ed. versification, however, has very great merit ; and, like

Dryden's
all hisproductions, has much spirit, mixed with carelessness. If not
so smooth and correct as Pope's, it is, however, more varied and easy.
He subjects himself less to the rule of closing the sense with the coup-
let and frequently takes the liberty of making his couplets run into
;

one another, with somewhat of the freedom of blank verse.

QUESTIONS.
On what has our author now finish- music of the song ? What was the ear-
ed his observations; and what remains? ly character of these members; but
As what does our author design this what followed ? From what has been
lecture ; and in what manner does said, what appears ? From what does
he propose to treat it? What is our it appear that they knew no other than
first inquiry? Of the answer to this these? What, therefore, follows? What
question, what is observed ? In what farther reason is there why such com-
have some made its essence to consist, positions only, could be transmitted to
and by what authority do they support posterity? How is this illustrated?
their opinion ? How does it appear that What bear testimony to these facts
this is too limited a definition ? Why is and of this remark, what illustrations
it too loose to make the characteristics follow ? How does it appear, that, in
of poetry he in imitation ? What is the the same manner, among all other na-
most just and comprehensive definition tions, poets and songs are the first ob-
which can be given of poetry ? How is jects that make their appearance?
this definition fully illustrated ? What From this deduction, what follows
has our author added to this definition and why ? What occur among all na-
and why ? How nearly do verse and tions; and what are the general dis-
prose approach each other and what ; tinguishing characters of all the most
remarks follow ? From what will the ancient >riginal poetry ? Of that strong
i

truth and justness of the definition hyperbolical manner, which we have

given, appear? To whom have the long been accustomed to call the orien-
Greeks ascribed the origin of poetry? tal manner of poetry, what is obser-
Of such persons as these, what is re- ved? When do mankind most resemble
marked ? To imagine what, is a great each other ? What is the effect of its
error ; and why ? In order to explore subsequent revolutions ? What influ-
the rise of poetry, to what must we ence has diversity of climate, and
have recourse ? What has been often manners of living, on the first poetry of
said ? What period of society never nations ? Of this remark, what illus-
existed ? What illustration, then, of the trations are given? Repeat the passage
paradox, that poetry is older than prose, from Lucan. From what does it ap-
follows ? Where, only, have we had an pear that the early poetry of the Gre-
opportunity of being made acquainted cian nations assumed a philosophical
with men in their savage state ? Of cast? Who have always bee.i the
them, what do we learn from concur- greatest poets of the east ; and among
ring accounts of travellers ? Here, then, them, of what was poetry the vehicle ?
in what do we see the beginnings of Of the ancient Arabs, what are we in-
poetic composition ? What two parti- formed ? Of what two sorts were they ?
culars would early distinguish this Of the former, what is observed ? Who
language of song ? How is this illus- seem to have been the first who intro-
trated ? What influence do strong emo- duced a more regular structure, and
tions exert over the passions ; and what closer connexion of parts, into their
do we, consequently, do? Hence, what poetical writings ? What was the state
arises ? What is man by nature ; and of poetry during its infancy? In the
how is this remark What, progress of society and arts, what did
illustrated ?
therefore, follows ? As
the first poets they begin to assume ? But in the first
Bung their own verses, of what was this rude state ofpoetical effusions, what may
the beginning ? What fell in with the easily be discerned? How is this re-
 ; ;

433 a QUESTIONS. [lect. XXXVIII

mark illustrated ? Of all of these kinds What rernan<ed of this accent? How
is
of poetry, however, what is observed ? is Of what, structure is
this illustrated ?
What, also, was then blended in one our English heroic verse ? With regard
mass 1 How is this illustrated ? In to the place of these accents, what re-
what period ot" society was this the marks are made ? What is another es-
case 1 When was this order changed 1 sential circumstance in the construc-
What effect was produced by the in- tion of our verse ? In what other verse
vention of the art of writing? What is it found? Of its use in French, what
effect did this produce on the histo- is observed and by what example is
;

rian, the philosopher, and the orator? this On French verses,

illustrated ?
What did poetry now become ? What what remarked ? On the
is farther
was the effect of these separations ? other hand, what is a distinguishing
From what, however, does it appear advantage of our English verse ? After
that poetry, in its ancient, original con- what syllables may the pause fall, and
dition, was perhaps more vigorous than what remark follows ? By this means,
it.is in its modern state? What, there- what are added to English versifica-
fore, is not to be wondered at ? When tion ? What effect is produced, when
did authors begin to affect what they the pause falls earliest, or after the
did not feel and what was the conse- fourth syllable ? By what example is
;

quence? Of the separation of music this illustrated? When the pause falls
from poetry, what is remarked ? How after the fifth syllable, what is its ef-
is this remark illustrated ? Of the mu- fect, and what does the verse then
sic, and of the musical instruments of lose? Repeat the example. When
that early period, what is observed the pause follows the sixth syllable,
and what follows ? What is certain ? what air does the tenour of the music
When did music lose all its ancient assume ? By what example is this il-
power of inflaming the hearers with lustrated? But when does the grave,
strong emotions; and into what did it solemn cadence, become still more sen-
sink? What does poetry, in all nations, sible ? Of kind of verse, what is
this
still preserve ? Whence arises that observed ; and what example
is given ?

great characteristic of poetry which we Why has our author taken his exam-
now call verse ? Why
does our author ples from verses in rhyme? Of blank
confine himself to a few observations verse, what is here observed? With
upon English '
versification ? Upon regard to our verse, what have some
what whose language and
did nations, maintained 1 This, in the opinion of
pronunciation were of a musical kind, our author, is the same thing as what
rest their versification ? Upon what did and why ? To what is this apprehend-
others, who did not make the quantities ed to be contrary and for what rea-
;

of their syllables so distinctly perceived son? How are blank verse and rhyme
inpronouncing them, rest them ? The contrasted? With what opinion does
former was the case with whom, and our author coincide, yet. in what in-
with whom is the latter? Amon<x the vectives can he not join? might Why
Greeks and Romans, of every syllable, rhyme be barbarous in Latin or Greek
what is remarked ? Upon this principle, verse? But what does not, therefore,
towh."t extent was the number of syl- follow ? How are these remarks illus-
lables contained in their hexameter trated ? How does it appear to be not
verse, allowed to vary? In order to true, that rhyme is merely a monkish
ascertain the regular time of every invention? What do these, instances
verse, what were invented ? By these show ; and what remark follows ? Of
measures, what were tried ? How is the present form of our English rhyme,
this illustrated? Why would the intro- in couplets, what is observed ? What
duction of these feet into English verse, measure was generally used in the
be entirely out of place ? What illus- days of Queen Elizabeth and what is ;

tration of this remark follows ? With observed of it ? Who first brought coup-
what words is this the case ? Of the dif- lets into vogue and who established;

ference, in general, made between long the usage? Of ihem, Avhat is farther
and short syllables, in our manner of remarked ? What is the character of
pronouncing them, what, is observed ? Mr. Pope's versification? How does
From what does the only perceptible Dryden compare with him ?
difference, among our syllables, arise ?
 LECT. XXXIX.] QUESTIONS. 433 6

ANALYSIS. . English versification.

a. The effects of the cscsural pause,
1. The definition of poetry. when differently placed.
2. Its origin and antiquity. (a.) After the fourth syllable.
3. Its ancient characteristics. (b.) After the fifth syllable,
4. The different kinds, not distinguished. (c.) After the sixth syllable.
5. The influence of the invention of the art (d.) After the seventh syllable.
of writing'. h. The character of our blank verse.
6. The separation of music from verse. (a.) Blank verse contrasted with
7. The nature of verse. rhyme.

LECTURE XXXIX.
PASTORAL POETRY.— LYRIC POETRY.
I gave an account of the rise and progress of
In the last lecture,
poetry, and made some observations on the nature of English versi-
fication. I now proceed to treat of the chief kinds of poetical com-

position, and of the critical rules that relate to them. I shall follow

that order which is most simple and natural beginning with the
;

lesser forms of poetry, and ascending from them to the epic and dra-
matic, as the most dignified. This lecture shall be employed on
pastoral and lyric poetry.
Though I begin with the consideration of pastoral poetry, it is not
because consider it as one of the earliest forms of poetical com-
I

position. On the contrary, I am of opinion that it was not cultivated

as a distinct species, or subject of writing, until society had advanced
in refinement. Most authors have, indeed, indulged the fancy, that
because the life which mankind at first led was rural, therefore their
first poetry was pastoral, or employed in the celebration of rural

scenes and objects. I make no doubt, that it would borrow many of

its images and allusions from those natural objects with which men

were best acquainted but I am persuaded, that the calm and

;

tranquil scenes of rural felicity were not, by any means, the first ob-
jects which inspired that strain of composition, which we now call
poetry. It was inspired, in the first periods of every nation, by
events and objects which roused men's passions or, at least, awa-
;

kened their wonder and admiration. The actions of their gods and
heroes, their own exploits in war, the successes or misfortunes of
their countrymen and friends, furnished the first themes to the bards
of every country. What was of a pastoral kind in their composi-
tions, was incidental only. They did not think of choosing for their
theme the tranquillity and the pleasures of the country, as long as
these were daily and familiar objects to them. It was not till men
had begun to be assembled in great cities, after the distinctions of
rank and station were formed, and the bustle of courts and large so-
cieties was known, that pastoral poetry assumed its present form.
Men then began to look back upon the more simple and innocent life
which their forefathers led, or which, at least, they fancied them to
have led they looked back upon it with pleasure, and in those rural
:
434 PASTORAL POETRY. [lect.xxxix.

scenes, and pastoral occupations, imagining a degree of felicity to

take place, superior to what they now enjoyed, conceived the idea
of celebrating it in poetry. It was in the court of King Ptolemy, that
Theocritus wrote the first pastorals with which we are acquainted;
and, in the court of Augustus, he was imitated by Virgil.
But whatever may have been the origin of pastoral poetry, it is
undoubtedly a natural and very agreeable form of poetical compo-
sition. It recalls to our imagination those gay scenes, and pleasing
views of nature, which commonly are the delight of our childhood
and youth; and to which, in more advanced years, the greatest part
of men recur with pleasure. It exhibits to us a life, with which we
are accustomed to associate the ideas of peace, of leisure, and of in-
nocence and, therefore, we readily set open our heart to such repre-
;

sentations as promise to banish from our thoughts the cares of the

world; and to transport us into calm elysian regions. At the same
time, no subject seems to be more favourable to poetry. Amidst
rural objects, nature presents,on all hands, the finest field for descrip-
tion ; and nothing appears to flow more of its own accord, into poeti-
cal numbers, than rivers and mountains, meadows and hills, flocks
and trees, and shepherds void of care. Hence, this species of poetry has,
at all times, allured many readers, and excited many writers. But,
notwithstanding the advantages it possesses, it will appear from what
I have farther to observe upon it, that there is hardly any species of
poetry which is more difficult to be carried to perfection, or in which
fewer writers have excelled.
Pastoral life may be considered in three different views either:

such as it now actually is; when the state of shepherds is reduced

to be a mean, servile, and laborious state when their employments
;

are become disagreeable, and their ideas gross and low or such as
;

we may suppose it once to have been, in the more early and simple
ages, when it was a life of ease and abundance, when the wealth of
men consisted chiefly in flocks and herds, and the shepherd, though
unrefined in his manners, was respectable in his state or lastly, such
;

as it never was, and never can in reality be, when, to the ease, inno-
cence, and simplicity of the early ages, we attempt to add the po-
lished taste and cultivated manners of modern times. Of these three
states, the first is too gross and mean, the last too refined and un-
natural, to be made the ground-work of pastoral poetry. Either
of these extremes is a rock upon which the poet will split, if he ap-
proach too near it. We shall be disgusted if he gives us too much
of the servile employments, and low ideas of actual peasants, as Theo-
critus is censured for having sometimes done: and if, like some of
the French and Italian writers of pastorals, he makes his shepherds
discourse as if they were courtiers and scholars, he then retains the
name only, but wants the spirit of pastoral poetry.
He must, therefore, keep in the middle station between these.
He must form to himself the idea of a rural state, such as in cer-
tain periods of society may have actually taken place, where there
was ease, equality, and innocence; where shepherds were gay and
agreeable, without being learned or refined; and plain and artless
 ; ; ;

lect. xxxix.] PASTORAL POETRY. 435

without being gross and wretched. The great charm of pastoral poe-
try arises, from the view which it exhibits of the tranquillity and hap-
piness of a rural life. This pleasing illusion, therefore, the poet
must carefully maintain. He must display to us all that is agree-
able in that state, but hide whatever is displeasing.* Let him
paint its simplicity and innocence to the full ; but cover its rude-
ness and misery. Distresses, indeed, and anxieties he may attri-
bute tc it for it would be perfectly unnatural to suppose any con-
;

dition of human life to be without them but they must be of such

;

a nature, as not to shock the fancy with any thing peculiarly dis-
gusting in the pastoral life. The shepherd may well be afflicted
for the displeasure of his mistress, or for the loss of a favourite
lamb. It is a sufficient recommendation of any state, to have only
such evils as these to deplore. In short, it is the pastoral life some-
what embellished and beautified, at least, seen on its fairest side
only, that the poet ought to present to us. But let him take care
that, in embellishing nature, he do not altogether disguise her
or pretend to join with rural simplicity and happiness, such im-
provements as are unnatural and foreign to it. If it be not exactly
real life which he presents to us, it must, however, be somewhat
that resembles This, in my opinion, is the general idea of pas-
it.

toral poetry. But, in order to examine it more particularly, let

us consider, first, the scenery next, the characters; and, lastly,
;

the subjects and actions, which this sort of composition should ex-
hibit.
As to the scene, it is clear, that it must always be laid in the
country, and much of the poet's merit depends on describing it
beautifully. Virgil is, in this respect, excelled by Theocritus, whose
descriptions of natural beauties are richer and more picturesque

* In the following beautiful lines of the first Eclogue, Virgil has, in the true
spiritof a pastoral poet, brought together as agreeable an assemblage of images of ru-
ral pleasure as can any where be found :

Fortunate senex ! h\c inter flumina nota,

Et fontes sacros, frigus captabis opacum.
Hinc tibi, qua? semper vicino ab limite sepes,
Hyblaeis apibus, florem depasta salicti,
Saepe levi somnum suadebit inire susurro.
Hinc alta sub rupe, canet frondator ad auras
Nee tamen interea raucae, tua cura, palumbes,
Nee gemere aeria cessabit turtur ab ulmo.

Happy old man here mid th' accustom'd streams

!

And sac~ed springs, you'll shun the scorching beams ;

While from yon willow fence, thy pasture's bound,

The bees that suck their flowery stores around,
Shall sweetly mingle, with the whisp'ring boughs,
Their lulling murmurs, and invite repose.
While from steep rocks the pruner's song is heard
Nor the soft cooing dove, thy fav'rite bird,
Meanwhile shall cease to breathe her melting strain,
Nor turtles from the aerial elms to plain. Wartok.
3R
 t

436 PASTORAL POETRY. [lect. xxxix.

than those of the other.* In every pastoral, a scene, or rural

prospect, should be distinctly drawn, and set before us. It is not
enough, that we have those unmeaning groups of violets and roses,
of birds, and brooks, and breezes, which our common pastoral-
mongers throw together, and which are perpetually recurring upon
us without variation. A
good poet ought to give us such a land-
scape, as a painter could copy after. His objects must be particu-
larized the stream, the rock, or the tree, must each of them
;

stand forth, so as to make a figure in the imagination, and „o give

us a pleasing conception of the place where we are. single ob- A
ject happily introduced, will sometimes distinguish and charac-
terize a whole scene such as the antique rustic sepulchre, a very
;

beautiful object in a landscape, which Virgil has set before us, and
which he has taken from Theocritus.
Hinc adco media est nobis via ;
jamque sepulchrum
Incipit apparere Bianoris: hie ubi densas
Agricolffi stringunt frondes. Ecl. IX.

* What rural scenery, for instance, can be painted in more lively colours, than the
following' description exhibits?

h Tt GaBiizt;
"AtJWc (T^ivo/o yj* /uivvia iv iKXiv&HUtCy
"Ev ts vwr/LutTotrt ytyxBovii; clvetpioicri.
TloKXni <T aUfx/uiv VTrtfli kot» xpaToj fonoiro
"Aiyttpoi 7tTiKimi it- to
J' iyyvfcv iipov titPoig

NfjUcpiv i£ avTPO/0 KATil^OlxtVOV KlXOLgVIT^i.

Tot <fi laroT/ o-Jt«oa7c opoSa/xvitriv affiax/aivic
TfTTiya xaxayivvru; t%ov Trivw. a. J" oxoXvymt
Txxb&tv ev 7rvmvija-l /Urav rpu^arHiv aVstv&a/c.
"AtiSov x.bpuS'oi x.a.i a'x.av8<cfet, «-te»« T^vytif
HwravTo ?«9a< iGrtA rariJajia? */*<pi (AiXtira-ai.
rittVT' a>3"(Tev 3"ipecc [tuXa Tricvo;, atfotS'' o<mte^yi(,

"Ovva/ |ttsv ts-ag -nrotrtri, Traoa. Ttxtvzvtai it pjtaxa.

&z*\.ixia>s xu/uiv skux/vJWo' tc'i S tm^yvTO
*Op7raKi; (Zpz&uXoio-i xaTa/Sfi'ScvTSC igaff-(T«.
Thkocrit. Idyl. vii. 132.

beds recline
on soft
Of lentisk, and young branches of the vine ;
Poplars and elms above their foliage spread,
Lent a cool shade, and wav'd the breezy head;
Below, a stream, from the nymph's sacred cave,
In free meanders led its murm'ring wave.
In the warm sunbeams, verdant shades among,
Shrill grasshoppers renew'd their plaintive song;
At distance far, conceal'd in shades, alone,
Sweet Philomela pour'd her tuneful moan;
The lark, the goldfinch, warbled lays of love,
And sweetly pensive coo'd the turtle dove ;

While honey bees, forever on the wing,

Humm'd round the flowers, or sipt the silver spring;
The rich, ripe season, gratified the sense
With summer's sweets, and autumn's redolence.
Apples and pears lay strew'd in heaps around,
And the plum's loaded branches kiss'd the ground. Fawkm.
f To our mid journey are we come,
I see the top of old Bianor's tomb ;
Here, Maeris, where the swains thick branches prune,
And strew their leaves, our voices let us tune. Warton.
 : ;:

lect. xxxrx.] PASTORAL POETRY. 437

Not only in professed descriptions of the scenery, but in the frequent

allusions to natural objects, which occur, of course, in pastorals, the
poet must, above all things, study variety. He must diversify his
face of nature, by presenting to us new images; or otherwise, he
will soon become insipid with those known topics of description,
which were original, it is true, in the first poets, who copied them
from nature, but which are now worn thread-bare by incessant imi-
tation. It is also incumbent on him, to suit the scenery to the sub-
ject of the pastoraland, according as it is of a gay or a melancholy
;

kind, to exhibit nature under such forms as may correspond with

the emotions or sentiments which he describes. Thus Virgil, in his
second Eclogue, which contains the lamentation of a desparing lover,
gives, with propriety, a gloomy appearance to the scene
Tan f
tom inter densas, umbrosa cacumina, fagos
Assidue- veniebat ; ibi ha;c incondita solus
Montibus &t sylvis studio jactabat inani.*
With regard to the characters, or persons, which are proper to be
introduced into pastorals, it is not enough that they be persons resid-
ing in the country. The adventures, or the discourses of courtiers,
or citizens, in the country, are not what we look for in such writings
we expect to be entertained by shepherds, or persons wholly en-
gaged in rural occupations; whose innocence and freedom from the
cares of the world may, in our imagination, form an agreeable con-
trast with the manners and characters of those who are engaged in
the bustle of life.
One of the principal difficulties which here occurs has been al-
ready hinted that of keeping the exact medium between too much
;

rusticity on the one hand, and too much refinement on the other.
The shepherd, assuredly, must be plain and unaffected in his manner
of thinking, on all subjects. An amiable simplicity must be the
ground-work of his character. At the same time, there is no ne-
cessity for his being dull and insipid. He may have good sense and
reflection ;he may have sprightliness and vivacity ; he may have
very tender and delicate feelings; since these are, more or less, the
portion of men in all ranks of life; and since, undoubtedly, there
was much genius in the world, before there were learning or arts to
refine it. But then he must not subtilize; he must not deal in ge-
neral reflections and abstract reasoning; and still less in the points
and conceits of an affected gallantry, which surely belong not to
his character and situation. Some of these conceits are the chief
blemishes of the Italian pastorals, which are otherwise beautiful.
When Aminta, in Tasso, is disentangling his mistress's hair from the
tree to which a savage had bound it, he is represented as saying
/ Cruel tree how couldst thou injure that lovely hair which did the<-
!

so much honour? Thy rugged trunk was not worthy of such lovely

* Mid shades of thickest beech he pin'd alone,

To the wild woods and mountains made his moan ;

Still day by day, in incoherent strains,

'Twas all he could, despairing told his pains, Warton.
 : : !

438 PASTORAL POETRY. [lect. xxxix.

knots. What advantage have the servants of love, if those precious

chains are common to them, and to the trees V* Such strained senti-
ments as these, ill befit the woods. Rural personages are supposed
to speak the language of plain sense, and natural feelings. When they
describe, or relate, they do it with simplicity, and naturally allude
to rural circumstances as in those beautiful lines of one of Virgil's
;

Eclogues
Sepibus in nostris parvam te roscida mala
(Dux ego vester eram) vidi cum matre legentem :

Alter ab undecimo turn me jam ceperat annus,

Jam fragiles poteram a terra contingere raraos.
Ut vidi, ut perii, ut me malus abstulit error !f VIII. 37.

In another passage, he makes a shepherdess throw an apple at

her lover:
Turn fu'git ad salices, et se cupit ante videri.J III. 65.

This is naive, as the French express it, and perfectly suited to pas-
toral manners. Mr. Pope wanted to imitate this passage, and, as he
thought, to improve upon it. Fie does it thus:
The sprightly Sylvia trips along the green,
She runs but hopes she does not run unseen
; ;

While a kind glance at her pursuer flies,

How much at variance are her feet and eyes !

This short of Virgil the natural and pleasing simplicity

falls far ;

of the description is destroyed, by the quaint and affected turn

in the last line " How
much at variance are her feet and eyes."
:

Supposing the poet to have formed correct ideas conoerning

his pastoral characters and personages: the next inquiry is, about
what is he to employ them? and what are to be the subjects of
his Eclogues? For it is not enough, that he gives us shepherds
discoursing together. Every good poem, of every kind, ought to
have a subject which should, in some way, interest us. Now, here
I apprehend, lies the chief difficulty of pastoral writing. The ac-
tive scenes of country life either are, or to most describers appear
to be, too barren of incidents. The state of a shepherd, or a per-
son occupied in rural employments only, is exposed to few of those

* Gia di nodi si bei non era degno

Cosi rovido tronco ; or che vantaggio
Hanno servi d' amor, se lor commune
i

E'con le piante il pretioso laccio ?

Pianta crudel! potesti quel bel crine
Offender, tu, ch'a te seo tanto onore ? Atto III. Sc. I

* Once with your mother to our field you came

For dewy apples; thence I date my flame ;

The choicest fruit I pointed to your view,

Tho' young, my raptur'd soul was fix'd on you;
The boughs I just could reach with little arms ;

But then, even then, could feel thy powerful charms.

O, how I gaz'd, in pleasing transport tost
How glow'd my heart, in sweet delusion lost Wartow.
J My Phyllis me with pelted apples plies ;
Then,trippmg to the wood, the wanton hies,
And wishes to be seen, before she flies. Drydeh
 lect. xxxix.] PASTORAL POETRY. 439

accidents and revolutions which render his situation interesting, or

produce curiosity or surprise. The tenour of his life is uniform.
His ambition is conceived to be without policy, and his love with-
out intrigue. Hence it is, that, of all poems, tbe most meagre com-
monly in the subject, and the least diversified in the strain, is the
pastoral.
From the first lines, we can, generally, guess at all that is to fol-
low. It is either a shepherd who sits down solitary by a brook, to
lament the absence or cruelty of his mistress, and to tell us how the
trees wither, and the flowers droop, now that she is gone; or we
have two shepherds who challenge one another to sing, rehearsing
alternate verses, which have little either of meaning or subject, till
the judge rewards one with a studded crook, and another with a
beechen bowl. To the frequent repetition of common-place topics
of this sort, which have been thrummed over by all Eclogue writers
since the days of Theocritus and Virgil, is owing much of that insi-
pidity which prevails in pastoral compositions.
I much question, however, whether this insipidity be not owing
to the fault of the poets, and to their barren and slavish imitation
of the ancient pastoral topics, rather than to the confined nature
of the subject. For why may not pastoral poetry take a wider
range? Human nature, and human passions, are much the same
in every rank of life; and wherever these passions operate on ob-
jects that are within the rural sphere, there may be a proper subject
for pastoral. One would indeed choose to remove from this sort
of composition the operations of violent and direful passions, and
to present such only as are consistent with innocence, simplicity,
and virtue. But under this limitation, there will still be abundant
scope for a careful observer of nature to exert his genius. The various
adventures which give occasion to those engaged in country life to
display their disposition and temper; the scenes of domestic felici-
ty or disquiet; the attachment of friends and brothers; the rival-
ship and competition of lovers; the unexpected success or mis-
fortunes of families, might give occasion to many a pleasing and
tender incident; and were more of the narrative and sentimental
intermixed with the descriptive in this kind of poetry, it would be-
come much more interesting than it now generally is, to the bulk
of readers.*
The two great fathers of pastoral poetry are, Theocritus and Vir-
gil. Theocritus was a Sicilian and as he has laid the scene of his
;

Eclogues in his own country, Sicily became ever afterwards a sort of

consecrated ground for pastoral poetry. His Idylia, as he has enti-
tled them, are not all of equal merit; nor indeed are they all pas-
torals; but some of them poems of a quite different nature. In
such, however, as are properly pastorals, there are many and great

* The above observations on tbe barrenness of the common Eclogues were written
before any translation from the German had made us acquainted in this country with
Gesner's Idyls, in which the ideas that had occurred to me for the improvement of pa*
toral poetry, are fully realized.
 ;

440 PASTORAL POETRY. [lect. xxxix

beauties. He distinguished for the simplicity of his sentiments

is

for the great sweetness and harmony of his numbers, and for the
richness of his scenery and description. He is the original, of
which Virgil is the imitator. For most of Virgil's highest beauties
in his Eclogues are copied from Theocritus; in many places he
has done nothing more than translate him. He must be allowed,
however, to have imitated him with great judgment, and in some
respects to have improved upon him. For Theocritus, it cannot
he denied, descends sometimes into ideas that are gross and mean,
and makes his shepherds abusive and immodest; whereas Virgil is>
free from offensive rusticity, and at the same time preserves the
character of pastoral simplicity. The same distinction obtains be-
tween Theocritus and Virgil, as between many other of the Greek
and Roman writers. The Greek led the way, followed nature
more closely, and showed more original genius The Roman dis-
covered more of the polish and correctness of art. We have a few
remains of two other Greek poets in the pastoral style, Moschus and
Bion, which have very considerable merit; and if they want the
simplicity of Theocritus, excel him in tenderness and delicacy.
The modern writers of pastorals have, generally, contented them-
selves with copying, or imitating,the descriptions and sentiments of
the ancient poets. Sannazarius, indeed, a famous Latin poet, in the
age of Leo X. attempted a bold innovation. He composed Pis-
catory Eclogues, changing the scene from woods to the sea, and
from the life of shepherds to that of fishermen. But the innovation
was so unhappy, that he has gained no followers. For the life of fish-
ermen is, obviously, much more hard and toilsome than that of
shepherds, and presents to the fancy much less agreeable images.
Flocks, and trees, and flowers, are objects of greater beauty, and
more generally relished by men, than fishes and marine productions.
Of all the moderns, M. Gesner, a poet of Switzerland, has been
the most successful in his pastoral compositions. He has introduced
into his Idyls (as he entitles them) many new ideas. His rural
scenery is often striking, and his descriptions are lively. He pre-
sents pastoral life to us, with all the embellishments of which it is
susceptible; but without any excess of refinement. What forms
the chief merit of this poet is, that he writes to the heart and has
;

enriched the subject of his Idyls with incidents which give rise to
much tender sentiment. Scenes of domestic felicity are beautifully
painted. The mutual affection of husbands and wives, of parents and
children, of brothers and sisters, as well as of lovers, are displayed
in a pleasing and touching manner. From not understanding the
language in which M. Gesner writes, I can be no judge of the po-
etry of his style: but, in the subject and conduct of his pastorals,
he appears to me to have outdone all the moderns.
Neither Mr. Pope's nor Mr. Philips's pastorals, do any great hon-
our to the English poetry. Mr. Pope's were composed in his youth ;

which may be an apology for other faults, but cannot well excuse
the barrenness that appears in them. They are written in re-
markably smooth ami flowing number -:: and this is their chief
1
 t

lect. xxxix.] PASTORAL POETRY. 441

merit; for there is scarcely any thought in them which can be called

his own;
scarcely any description, or any image of nature, which
has the marks of being original, or copied from nature herself; but
a repetition of the common images that are to be found in Virgil,
and in all poets who write of rural themes. Philips attempted to
be more simple and natural than Pope ; but he wanted genius to
support his attempt, or to write agreeably. He, too, runs on the
common and beaten topics; and endeavouring to be simple, he be-
comes flat and insipid. There was no small competition between
these two authors, at the time when their pastorals where pub-
lished. In some papers of the Guardian, great partiality was shown
to Philips and high praise bestowed upon him. Mr. Pope, resenting
this preference, under a feigned name, procured a paper to be in-
serted in the Guardian, wherein he seemingly carries on the plan
of extolling Philips but in reality satirises him most severely with
;

ironical praises; and in an artful covered manner, gives the palm

to himself.* About the same time, Mr. Gay published his Shep-
herd's Week, in six pastorals, which are designed to ridicule that sort
of simplicity which Philips and his partisans extolled, and are, indeed,
an ingenious burlesque of pastoral writing, when it rises no higher
than the manners of modern clowns and rustics. Mr. Shenstone's
pastoral ballad, in four parts, may justly be reckoned, I think, one of
the most elegant poems of this kind which we have in English.
I have not yet mentioned one form in which pastoral writing has
appeared in latter ages, that is, when extended into a play, or regu-
lar drama, where plot, characters, and passions, are joined with
the simplicity and innocence of rural manners. This is the chief
improvement which the moderns have made on this species of
composition and of this nature, we have two Italian pieces which
;

are much celebrated, Guarini's Pastor Fido, and Tasso's Aminta.

Both of these possess great beauties and are entitled to the reputa-
tion they have gained. To the latter, the preference seems due, as
beingless intricate in the plot and conduct, and less strained and affec-
ted in the sentiments and though not wholly free from Italian refine-
;

ment, (of which I already gave one instance, the worst indeed, that
occurs in all the poem,) it is, on the whole, a performance of high
merit. The strain of the poetry is gentle and pleasing; and the
Italian language contributes to add much of that softness, which is
peculiarly suited to pastoral.

*
See Guardian, No. 40.
It may be proper to take notice here, that the charge against Tasso for his
t
points and conceits, has sometimes been carried too far. Mr. Addison, for in-
stance, in a paper of the Guardian, censuring his Aminta, gives this example:
'That Sylvia enters adorned with a garland of flowers, and after viewing herself
in a fountain, breaks out in a speech to the flowers on her head, and tells them that
she did not wear them to adorn herself, but to make them ashamed.' ' Whoever
can bear this,' he adds, 'may be assured, that he has no taste for pastoral.' Guard.
No. 38. But Tasso's Sylvia, in truth, makes no such ridiculous figure, and we
are obliged to suspect that Mr. Addison had not read the Aminta. Daphne, a
companion of Sylvia, appears in conversation with Thyrsis, the confidant of Amin-
ta, Sylvia's lover, and in order to show him that Sylvia was not so simple, or in
56
442 PASTORAL POETRY. [lect. xxxxx

I must not omit the mention of another pastoral drama, which

will hear being brought into comparison with any composition of
this kind, in any language; that is, Allan Ramsay's Gentle Shepherd.
It is a great disadvantage to this beautiful poem, that it is written in
the old rustic dialect of Scotland, which, in a short time, will pro-
bably be entirely obsolete, and notintclligible; and it is a farther dis-
advantage, that it is so entirely formed on the rural manners of Scot-
land, that none but a native of that country can thoroughly under-

sensible to her own charms, as she affected to be, gives him this instance ; that
she had caught her one day adjusting her dress by a fountain, and applying now
one flower and now another to her neck, and after comparing their colours with
her own, she broke into a smile, as if she had seemed to say, I will wear you not
for my ornaments, but to show how much you yield to me and when caught thus
;

admiring herself, she threw away her flowers, and blushed for shame. This de-
scription of the vanity of a rural coquette, is no more than what is natural, and very dif-
ferent from what the author of the Guardian represents it.
This censure on Tasso was not originally Mr. Addison's. Bouhours in his Ma-
niere de Men ptnser dans !cs outrages d' esprit, appears to have been the first who gave
this misrepresentation of Sylvia's speech, and founded a criticism on it. Fonte-
nelle, in his discourse on Pastoral Poetry, followed him in this criticism. Mr. Ad-
dison, or whoever was the author of that paper in the Guardian, copied from them
both. Mr. Warton, in the Prefatory Discourse to his Translation of Virgil's
Eclogues, repeats the observation. Sylvia's speech to the flowers, with which
she was adorned, is always quoted as the flagrant iustance of the false taste of the
Italian poets. Whereas, Tasso gives us no such speech of Sylvia's, but only in-
forms us of what her companion supposed her to be thinking, or saying to herself
when she was privately admiring her own beauty. After charging so many emi-
nent critics, for having fallen into this strange inaccuracy, from copying one anoth-
er, without looking into the author whom they censure, it is necessary for me to
insert the passage which has occasioned this remark Daphne speaks thus tc
Thyrsis :

Hora per dirti il ver, non mi resolvo

Si Silvia & semplicetta, come pare
A le parole, a gli atti. Hiervidi un segno
Che me ne mette in dubbio. Io la trovai
La presso la cittade in quei gran prati,
Ove fra stagni grace un isoletta,
Sovra essa un lago limpido e tranquillo,
Tutta pendente in atto, che parea
Vagheggiar fe medesma, e'nsieme insieme
Chieder consiglio a l'acqtie. in qual maniera
Dispor dovesse in su la fronte crini, i

E sovra i crini il velo, e sovral velo

I fior, che tenea in grembo ; e spesso spesso
Hor prendevaun hor unarosa,
ligustro,
E l'accostava al bel candido collo,
A le guancie vermiglie, e de colori
Fea paragone e poi, ficome lieta
;

De lampeggiava un riso
la vittoria,
Che parea che dicesse io pur vi vinco ;
:

Ni porto voi per ornamento mio,

Ma porto voi sol per vergogna vostra,
Perche si veggia quanto mi cedete.
Ma mentre ella s'ornava, e vagheggiava
Rivolsi gli occhi a caso, e si fu accorta,
Ch'io di la m'era accorta, e vergognando,
Rizzosi tosto, e i fior lasci6 cadere;
In tanto io piu ridea del suo rossore,
Ella piu s'arrossia del riso mio. A mint a Atto II Sc. ii.
lect. xxxix.] LYRIC POETRY. 443

stand or relish it. But, though suhjcct to those local disadvantages,

which confine its reputation within narrow limits, it is full of so much
natural description, and tender sentiment, as would do honour to
any poet. The characters are well drawn, the incidents affecting,
the scenery and manners lively and just. It affords a strong proof,
both of the power which nature and simplicity possess, to re?.ch the
heart in every sort of writing; and of the variety of pleasing charac-
ters and subjects, with which pastoral poetry, when properly mana-
ged, is capable of being enlivened.
I proceed next, to treat of lyric poetry, or the ode ; a species of
poetical composition which possesses much dignity, and in which
many writers have distinguished themselves, in every age. Its pe-
culiar character is, that it is intended to be sung, or accompanied
with music. Its designation implies this. Ode is, in Greek, the
same with song or hymn and lyric poetry imports, that the verses
;

are accompanied with a lyre, or musical instrument. This distinc-

tion was not, at first, peculiar to any one species of poetry. For, as
I observed in the last lecture, music and poetry were coeval, and
were, originally, always joined together. But after their separation
took place, after bards had begun to make verse compositions, which
were to be recited or read, not to be sung, such poems as were de-
signed to be still joined with music or song, were, by way of distinc-
tion, called odes.
In the ode, therefore, poetry retains its first and most ancient form ;

thatform, under which the original bards poured forth their enthusi-
astic strains, praised their gods and their heroes, celebrated their vic-
tories, and lamented their misfortunes. It is from this circumstance,
of the ode's being supposed to retain its original union with music,
that we are to deduce the proper idea, and the peculiar qualities of
this kind of poetry. It is not distinguished from other kinds, by the
subjects on which it is employed for these may be extremely vari-
;

ous. I know no distinction of subject that belongs to it, except that

other poems are often employed in the recital of actions, whereas

sentiments of one kind or other, form, almost always, the subject of
the ode. But it is chiefly the spirit, the manner of its execution,
that marks and characterizes it. Music and song naturally add to
the warmth of poetry. They tend to transport, in a higher degree,
both the person who sings, and the persons who hear. They justify,
therefore, a bolder and more passionate strain, than can be support-
ed in simple recitation. On this is formed the peculiar character of
the ode. Hence, the enthusiasm that belongs to it, and the liber-
allowed to take, beyond any other species of poetry. Hence,
ties it is
that neglect of regularity, those digressions, and thatdisorder which
it is supposed to admit; and which, indeed, most lyric poets have

not failed sufficiently to exemplify in their practice.

The effects of music upon the mind are chiefly two to raise it
;

above its ordinary state, and fill it with high enthusiastic emotions ;

or to sooth, and melt it into the gentle pleasurable feelings. Hence,

the ode may either aspire to the former character of the sublime
and noble, or it may descend to the latter of the pleasant and the
o S
 444 LYRIC POETRY. [lect. xxxix.

gay; and between these, there is, also, a middle region of the mild
and temperate emotions, which the ode may often occupy to advan-
tage.
All odes may be comprised under four denominations. First, sa-
cred odes; hymns addressed to God, or composed on religious sub-
jects. Of this natureare the Psalms of David, which exhibit to us
this species of lyric poetry, in its highest degree of perfection.
Secondly, heroic odes, which are employed in the praise of heroes,
and in the celebration of martial exploits and great actions. Of
this kind are all Pindar's odes, and some few of Horace's. These
two kinds ought to have sublimity and elevation, for their reigning
character.
Thirdly, moral and philosophical odes, where the sentiments are
chiefly inspired by virtue, friendship,and humanity. Of this kind,
are many of Horace's odes, and several of our best modern lyric pro-
ductions; and here the ode possesses that middle region, which, as
I observed, it sometimes occupies. Fourthly, festive and amorous
odes, calculated merely for pleasure and amusement. Of this na-
ture are all Anacreon's, some of Horace's; and a great number of
songs and modern productions, that claim to be of the lyric species.
The reigning character of these, ought to be elegance, smoothness,
and gayety.
One of the chief difficulties in composing odes, arises from that
enthusiasm which is understood to be a characteristic of lyric po-
etry. A professed ode, even of the moral kind, but more especially
if it attempt the sublime, is expected to be enlivened and animated
in an uncommon degree. Full of this idea, the poet, when he begins
to write an ode, if he has any real warmth of genius, is apt to deliver
himself up to it, without control or restraint; if he has it not, he
strains after it, and thinks himself bound to assume the appearance
of being all fervour, and all flame. In either case, he is in great haz-
ard of becoming extravagant. The licentiousness of writing without
order, method, or connexion, has infected the ode more than any
other species of poetry. Hence, in the class of heroic odes, we find
so few that one can read with pleasure. The poet is out of sight in
a moment. He gets up into the clouds; becomes so abrupt in his
transitions; so eccentric and irregular in his motions, and of course
so obscure, that we essay in vain to follow him, or to partake of his
raptures. I do not require, that an ode should be as regular in the
structure of its parts, as a didactic or an epic poem. But still in every
composition, there ought to be a subject; there ought to be parts
which make up a whole there should be a connexion of those parts
;

with one another. The transitions from thought to thought may be

light and delicate, such as are prompted by a lively fancy ; but still
they should be such as preserve the connexion of ideas, and show
the author to be one who thinks, and not one who raves. Whatevcrau-
thority may be pleaded for the incoherence and disorder of lyric
poetry, nothing can be more certain, than that any composition which
 lect.xxxix.] . LYRIC POETRY. 4 15

is so regular in its method, as to become obscure to the bulk of read-

ers, is so much worse upon that account.*
The
extravagant liberty which several of the modern lyric writers
assume to themselves in the versification, increases the disorder of
this species of poetry. They prolong their periods to such a degree,
they wander through so many different measures and employ such
a variety of long and short lines, corresponding in rhyme at so great
a distance from each other, that all sense of melody is utterly lost.
Whereas, lyric composition ought, beyond every other species of
poetry, to pay attention to melody and beauty of sound and the ;

versification of those odes may be justly accounted the best, which

renders the harmony of the measure most sensible to every common
ear.
Pindar, the great father of lyric poetry, has been the occasion of
leading his imitators into some of the defects I have now mentioned.
His genius was sublime; his expressions are beautiful and happy;
his descriptions picturesque. But finding it a very barren subject
to sing the praises of those who had gained the prize in the public
games, he is perpetually digressive, and fills up his poems with fables
of the gods and heroes, that have little connexion either with his
subject, or with one another. The ancients admired him greatly ;

but as many of the histories of particular families and cities, to which

he alludes, are now unknown to us, he is so obscure, partly from his
subjects, and partly from his rapid, abrupt manner of treating them,
that, notwithstanding the beauty of his expression, our pleasure in
reading him is much diminished. One would imagine, that many
of his modern imitators thought the best way to catch his spirit, was
to imitate his disorder and obscurity. In several of the choruses of
Euripides and Sophocles, we have the same kind of lyric poetry as
in Pindar, carried on with more clearness and connexion, and at the
same time with much sublimity.
Of all the writers of odes, ancient or modern, there is none,
that in point of correctness, harmony, and happy expression, can
vie with Horace. He has descended from the Pindaric rapture to
* " La plupart de ceux qui parlent de l'enthousiasme de l'ode, en parlent comme
s'ils etoienteux-memes dans le trouble qu'ils veulent definir. Ce ne sont que
grand? mots de fureur divine, de transports de l'&me, de mouvemens, de lumieres,
qui, mis bout-a-bout dans des phrases pompeuses, ne produisent pourtant aucune
idee distincte. Si on les en croit, 1'essence de l'enthousiasine est de ne pouvoir
etre compris que par les esprits du premiere ordre, a la t6te desquels ils se suppo-
sent, et dont ils excluent tous ceux que osent ne les pas entendre. — Le beau d6sor-
dre de l'ode est an effet de Tart; niais il faut prendre garde de donner trop d'6ten-
due a ce terme. On autoriseroit par-lh. tous les 6carts imaginables. Un poete
n'amoit plus qu'a exprimer avec force toutes les pens£es qui lui vieudroient suc-
cessivement ; il se tiendroit dispense, d'en examiner le rapport, et de se faire un
plan, dont toutes les parties se pretassent mutuellement des beaut^s. II n'y auroit
ni commencement, ni milieu, ni fin, dans son ouvrage ; et cependant l'auteur se
croiroit d'autant plus sublime, qu' il seroit moins raisonnable. Mais qui produiroit
une pareille composition dans l'esprit du lecteur? Elle ne laisseroit qu'un etour-
dissement, caus6 par la magnificence et l'harmonie des paroles, sans y faire naitre
que des id6es confuses, qui chasseroient l'une ou l'autre, au lieu de concourir en-
semble a fixer et a eclairer l'esprit." (Euvres de M. De la Motte, torn. I. Dis-
cours sur l'Ode.
 446 LYRIC POETRY. [lect. xxxix

a more moderate degree of elevation; and joins connected thought,

and good sense, with the highest heauties of poetry. He does not
often aspire beyond that middle region, which I mentioned as be-
longing to the ode; and those odes, in which he attempts the sub-
lime, are perhaps not always his best.* The peculiar character, in
which he excels, is grace and elegance and in this style of compo-
;

sition, no poet has ever attained to a greater perfection than Horace.

No poet supports a moral sentiment with more dignity, touches a
gay one more happily, or possesses the art of trifling more agree-
ably, when he chooses to trifle. His language is so fortunate, that
with a single word or epithet, he often conveys a whole description
to the fancy. Hence he ever has been, and ever will continue to
be, a favourite author with all persons of taste.
Among the Latin poets of later ages, there have been many imi-
tators of Horace. One of the most distinguished is Casimir, a
Polish poet of the last century, who wrote four books of odes. In
graceful ease of expression, he is far inferior to the Roman. He
oftener affects the sublime ; and in the attempt, like other lyric wri-
ters, frequently becomes harsh and unnatural. But, on several oc-
casions, he discovers a considerable degree of original genius, and
poetical fire. Buchanan, in some of his lyric compositions, is very
elegant and classical.
Among the French, the odes of Jean Baptiste Rousseau, have
been much, and justly celebrated. They possess great beauty, both
of sentiment and expression. They are animated, without being
rhapsodical; and are not inferior to any poetical productions in the
French language.
In our own language, we have several lyric compositions of con-
siderable merit. Dryden's ode on St. Cecilia, is well known. Mr.
Gray is distinguished in some of his odes, both for tenderness and
sublimity; and in Dodsley's Miscellanies, several very beautiful lyric
poems are to be found. As to professed Pindaric odes, they are,
with a few exceptions, so incoherent, as seldom to be intelligible.
Cowley, at all times harsh, is doubly so in his Pindaric compositions.
In his Anacreontic odes, he is much happier. They are smooth
and elegant; and indeed the most agreeable and the most perfect in
their kind, of all Mr. Cowley's Poems.

* is no ode whatever of Horace's, without great beauties.

There But though I
may be singular in my opinion, I cannot help thinking that in some of those odes
which have been much admired for sublimity, (such as Ode iv. lib. 4. ' Qualem mi-
nistrum fulminis alitem,' he.) there appears somewhat of a strained and forced ef-
fort to be lofty. The genius of this amiable poet shows itself, according to my
judgment, to greater advantage, in themes of a more temperate kind.
 ( 446 a )

QUESTIONS.
In the last lecture, of what was an not sufficient? What ought a good poet
account given; and on what were some to give us? How is this remark illus-
observations made 1 To what does our trated ? What will sometimes charac-
author now proceed ? What order is terizea whole scene ? What illustration
followed? What is the subject of this is given? In what, above all things,
lecture? With what does our author must the poet study variety? How
begin and of the time of which it was
; must he diversify his face of nature, or,
first cultivated, what is observed? What otherwise, what will be the conse-
fancy have most authors indulged ? Of quence? What is also incumbent on
what does our author make no doubt; him ? Repeat the illustration of this re-
but of what is he persuaded ? By mark from Virgil ? With regard to the
what, in the first periods of every na- characters, or persons, which are proper
tion, was it inspired ? What furnished to be introduced into pastorals, what is
the first themes to the bards of every not sufficient ? How is this observation
country ? Why was what was of a illustrated ? Whatone of the princi-
is

pastoral kind, in their compositions, inci- pal difficulties which here occurs? Of
dental only ? When did pastoral poetry the shepherd, what is observed ? What
assume its present form? How came qualities may he possess ? But then,
men toconceive the idea of celebrating what must he not do ? Of what pasto-
pastoral life in poetry? Where did rals are some of these conceits the chief
Theocritus, and where did Virgil, write blemishes ? What illustration of this re-
their pastorals? Why is pastoral poetry, mark is given from Tasso ? What lan-
a natural and very agreeable form of guage are rural personages supposed
poetical composition ? From what does to speak ? When they describe or re-
it appear that pastoral life is very fa- late, how do they do it? What illustra-
vourable to poetry ? Hence, what has tion of this remark is given ? In ano-
been the effect of this species of poetry ? ther passage, what does he do and in ;

But, notwithstanding the advantages what language ? What did Mr. Pope
it possesses, what follows? In what wish to do and how does he do it ? Of
;

three different views may pastoral life what does this fall short and how is;

be considered ? Of the first and last of the natural and pleasing simplicity of
these three states, what is observed? the description destroyed? Supposing
Where must the poet therefore keep ? the poet to have formed correct ideas
What must he form to himself? For concerning his characters and persona-
what does the great charm of pastoral ges, what is the next inquiry and ;

poetry arise? What must the poet why ? What ought every good poem,
therefore do ? What must he display to of every kind, to have? In what lies the
us and what hide ? Repeat the fol- chief difficulty of pastoral writing?
;

lowing passage from Virgil. How Hence, what follows? From the first
should he paint it? Why may distresses lines, at what can we guess? How is
and anxieties be attributed to it but this remark fully illustrated? To what
;

of what nature must they be? For is much of that insipidity owing, which
what may the shepherd well be afflict- prevails in pastoral writing? What,
ed and why ? In short, in what man- however, is much to be questioned and
; ;

ner only should the pastoral life be pre- what remark follows? What would
sented to us ? But about what should one choose to remove from this sort of
he take care ? If it be not real life that composition? But under this limitation,
is presented to us, what must it be? for what will there still be abundant

That we may examine this general scope ? How is this remark illustrated?
idea of pastoral poetry more particular- Who are the two great fathers of pas-
ly, what order shall we pursue? As toral poetry ? Who was Theocritus, and
to the scene, what is clear, and on what what remark follows? Of his Idylia,
does much of the poet's merit depend ? what is observed ? For what is he dis-
Of Theocritus's descriptions of natural tinguished ? From what does it appear
beauties, what is observed ? Repeat the that he is the original of which Virgil
passage illustrative of this remark ? In is the imitator ? What, however, must
every pastoral, what should be distinct- he be allowed to have done and why? ;

ly drawn, and set before us ? What is What distinction obtains between them T
 ;

446 b QUESTIONS. [lect. XXXIX.

How is this remark illustrated 1 Of should be the reigning character of the

what other Greek writers of pastorals first two kinds ? What should reign in
have we remains, and what is said of the latter ? From what does one of the
them? With what have the modern chief difficulties in composing the ode
writers of pastorals, generally, content- arise ? Of a professed ode, what is ex-
ed themselves 1 Who, however, at- pected ? Full of this idea, what does
tempted a bold innovation and what the poet do ? In either case, of what is
;

was it ? Why has not this innovation he in great hazard ? How is this illus-
gained followers; and what follows? trated ? What is not required but still, ;

Of all the moderns, who has been

the in every composition, what ought there
most successful in pastoral composi- to be ? Of transitions from thought to
tions? What peculiar excellencies do thought, what is observed ? Whatever
they possess ? Of Mr. Pope's and Mr. authority may be pleaded for the inco-
Philips's pastorals, what is observed ? herence of lyric poetry, what is certain?
What may be an apology for Mr. What increases the disorder of this spe-
Pope's faults? What is their chief cies of poetry ? What do they do ?
merits and why ? What did Philips Whereas, of lyric composition, what
;

attempt, and how did he succeed ? Of remark follows ? Of what has Pindar
these two writers, what is further re- been the occasion ? Of Iris genius, his
marked? About the same time, what did expressions, and his descriptions, what
Mr. Gay publish; and what was their is observed ? But finding it a very bar-
design? What is said of them ? Of Mr. ren subject to sing the praises of those
Shenstone's pastoral ballad, what is who had gained the prize in the public
observed? What has not yet been games, what did he do ? is our Why
mentioned? Of this improvement, what pleasure in reading him much diminish-
is remarked ? Of this nature, what two ed ? What would one imagine ? Where

Italian pieces have we, and what is have we the same kind of lyric poetry
said of them ? Of the latter, what is as in Pindar ? Of Horace, as a writer of
observed ? What other pastoral drama odes, what is observed ? From what has
does our author mention ? What are he descended? Beyond what does he
great disadvantages to this beautiful not often aspire ? What is the peculiar
poem? But, though subject to those character in which he excels and what ;

local disadvantages, yet, of it, what re- remark follows? Of him, what is farther
mark follows ? What is observed of the remarked ? Among the Latin poets of
characters and of what does it afford later ages, as imitators of Horace, who
;

a strong proof? To what does our au- is the most distinguished? What are
thor next proceed ; and what is obser- the characteristics of his odes ? W'hat
ved of it ? What is its peculiar charac- is said of Buchanan ? Among the
ter ? By what is this implied and how French, whose odes are justly celebra-
;

is it illustrated ? From what does it ap- ted ? What is their character ? In our

pear that this distinction was not, at own language, whose odes are the most
first, peculiar to any kind of poetry ? distinguished; and of them, what is
When were such poems as were de- observed ?
signed to be sung, called odes ? In the
ode, therefore, what form does poetry
ANALYSIS,
retain ? From this circumstance, what
1. Pastoral Poetry.
are we to deduce ? By what is it not
a. Its orig-in and nature.
distinguished from other kinds of poetry e. Different views of pastoral life.
and why? What is the only distinc- a. The middle station to be observed.
tion which belongs to it ? What chiefly c. The scene.

characterizes it ? What effect do music d. The characters.

a. Their employments.
and song have on poetry ? As on this is
e. The fathers of pastoral poetry.
formed the peculiar character of the a. Their respective characteristics.
ode, what fellows ? What two effects f. Modern pastoral writers.
has music on the mind? Hence, the ode Their relative merits.
a.

may either aspire to what, or to what 2. Lyric Poetry.

a. The definition and nature of the ode.
may it descend? And between these, a. Different kinds of odes.
what is found ? Under what four deno- b. Enthusiasm its chief characteristic,
minations, may all odes be comprised ? r. —
Pindar Horace.
What are examples of each ? What d. French and English writers of ode3.
 ; :

( 447 )

LECTURE XL.

DIDACTIC POETRY DESCRIPTIVE POETRY.

Having treated of pastoral and lyric poetry, I proceed next to
didactic poetry: under which is included a numerous class of wri-
tings. The ultimate end of all poetry, indeed of every compo-
sition,should be to make some useful impression on the mind.
This useful impression is most commonly made in poetry, by in-
direct methods ; as by fable, by narration, by representation of
characters but didactic poetry openly professes its intention of
;

conveying knowledge and instruction. It differs, therefore, in the

form only, not in the scope and substance, from a philosophical, a
moral, or a critical treatise in prose. At the same time, by means
of its form, it has several advantages over prose instruction. By
the charm of versification and numbers, it renders instruction more
agreeable; by the descriptions, episodes, and other embellishments,
which it may interweave, it detains, and engages the fancy it fixes
;

also useful circumstances more deeply in the memory. Hence, it

is a field wherein a poet may gain great honour, may display both

much genius, and much knowledge and judgment.

It may be executed in different manners. The poet may choose
some instructive subject, and he may treat it regularly, and in
form or, without intending a great or regular work, he may only
;

inveigh against particular vices, or make some moral observations

on human life and characters, as is commonly done in satires and
epistles. All these come under the denomination of didactic poetry.
The highest species of it, is a regular treatise on some philo-
sophical, grave, or useful subject. Of this nature we have several,
both ancient and modern, of great merit and character: such as
Lucretius's six books De Rerum Natura, Virgil's Georgics, Pope's
Essay on Criticism, Akenside's Pleasures of the Imagination, Arm-
strong on Health, Horace's, Vida's, and Boileau's Art of Poetry.
In all such works, as instruction is the professed object, the fun-
damental merit consists in sound thought, just principles, clear and
apt illustrations. The poet must instruct; but he must study, at the
same time, to enliven his instructions, by the introduction of such
figures, and such circumstances, as may amuse the imagination, may
conceal the dryness of his subject, and embellish it with poetical
painting. Virgil, in his Georgics, presents us here with a perfect
model. He has the art of raising and beautifying the most trivial
circumstances in rural life. When he is going to say that the labour
of the country must begin in spring, he expresses himself thus

Vere novo, gelidus canis cum montibus humor

Liquitur, et Zephyro putiis se gleba rcsolvit
 — ;

448 DIDACTIC POETRY [lect. xl.

Depresso incipiat jam turn milii Taurus aratro

Ingemere, et sulco attritus splendescere vomer.* J. 43.
Instead of telling his husbandman in plain language, that his crops
will fail through bad management, his language is,
Heu, magnum arteritis frustra spectabis acervum,
Concussaque famem in silvis solabere quercu.f I- 158.

Instead of ordering him to water his grounds, he presents us with

a beautiful landscape.
Ecce supercilio clivosi tramitis undam
Elicit ? ilia cadens, raucum per laevia murmur
Saxa ciet, scatebrisque arentia temperat arva.J I. 108.

In all didactic works, method and order are essentially requi-

site; not so strict and formal as in a prose treatise yet such as may ;

exhibit clearly to the reader a connected train of instruction.

Of the didactic poets, whom I before mentioned, Horace, in his
Art of Poetry, is the one most censured for want of method. In-
deed, if Horace be deficient in any thing throughout many of his
writings, it is in this, of not being sufficiently attentive to juncture
and connexion of parts. He writes always with ease and graceful-
ness; but often in a manner somewhat loose and rambling. There
is, however, in that work much good sense, and excellent criticism
and, if it be considered as intended for the regulation of the Roman

drama, which seems to have been the author's chief purpose, it will
be found to be a more complete and regular treatise, than under
the common notion of its being a system of the whole poetical art.
With regard to episodes and embellishments, great liberty is al-
lowed to writers of didactic poetry. We soon tire of a continued
series of instructions, especially in a poetical work, where we look
for entertainment. The great art of rendering a didactic poem in-
teresting, is to relieve and amuse the reader, by connecting some
agreeable episodes with the principal subject. These are always
the parts of the work which are best known, and which contribute
most to support the reputation of the poet. The principal beauties
of Virgil's Georgics lie in digressions of this kind, in which the au-

* While yet the Spring is young, while earth unbinds

Her frozen bosom to the western winds ;
While mountain snows dissolve against the sun,
And streams yet new from precipices run;
Ev'n in this early dawning of the year,
Produce the plough and yoke the sturdy steer,
And goad him till he groans beneath his toil,
Till the bright share is buried in the soil. Drtden
\ On others' crops you mny with envy look,
And shake for food the long abandon'd oak. Drydew.
| Behold when burning suns, or Sirius' beams
Strike fiercely on the field and withering stems,
Down from the summit of the neighbouring hills,
O'er the smooth stones he calls the bubbling rills ;

Soon as he clears whate'er their passage stay'd,

And marks their future current with his spade,
Before him scattering they prevent his pains,
And roll with hollow murmurs o'er the plains. Wartoh
 :

lect. xl.J DIDACTIC POETRY. 449

thor has exerted all the force of his genius such as the prodigies
;

that attended the death of Julius Caesar, the praises of Italy, the
happiness of a country life, the fable of Aristeus, and the moving
tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. In like manner the favourite pas-
sages in Lucretius's work, and which alone could render such a dry
and abstract subject tolerable in poetry, are the digressions on the
evils of superstition, the praise of Epicurus and his philosophy, the
description of the plague, and several other incidental illustrations,
which arc remarkably elegant, and adorned with a sweetness and
harmony of versification peculiar to that poet. There is, indeed,
nothing in poetry, so entertaining or descriptive, but what a didac-
tic writer of genius may be allowed to introduce in some part of his
work; provided always, that such episodes arise naturally from the
main subject; that they be not disproportioned in length to it; and
that the author know how to descend with propriety to the plain,
as well as how to rise to the bold and figured style.
Much art may be shown by a didactic poet in connecting his
episodes happily with his subject. Virgil is also distinguished for
his address in this point. After seeming to have left his husband-
men, he again returns to them very naturally by laying hold of some
rural circumstance, to terminate his digression. Thus, having
spoken of the battle of Pharsalia, he subjoins immediately, with
much art
Scilicet et tempus veniet, cum finibus illis

Agricola, incurvo terram molitus aratro,

Exesa inveniet scabra rubigine pila ;
Aut gravibus rastris galeas pulsabit inanes,
Grandiaque effossis mirabitur ossa sepulchris.* Geo. I. 493.

In English, Dr. Akenside has attempted the most rich and poeti-
cal form of didactic writing in his Pleasures of the Imagination ; and
though, in the execution of the whole, he is not equal, he has, in
several parts, succeeded happily, and displayed much genius. Dr.
Armstrong, in his Art of Preserving Health, has not aimed at so
high a strain as the other. But he is more equal; and maintains
throughout a chaste and correct elegance.
Satires and epistles naturally run into a more familiar style, than
solemn philosophical poetry. As the manners and characters,
which occur in ordinary life, are their subject, they require being
treated with somewhat of the ease and freedom of conversation,
and hence it is commonly the * musa pedestris,' which reigns in
such compositions.
Satire, in its first state among the Romans, had a form different
from what it afterwards assumed. Its origin is obscure, and has
given occasion to altercation among critics. It seems to have been
at first a relic of the ancient comedy, written partly in prose, partly

* Then, after length of time, the lab'ring swains

Who turn the turf of these unhappy plains,
Shall rusty arms from the plough'd furrows take,
And over empty helmets pass the rake ;

Amus'd at antique titles on the stones,

And mighty relics of gigantic bones. Dhtdeb.
3T 57
450 DIDACTIC POETRY. [lect. xl

in verse, and abounding with scurrility. Ennius and Lucilius cor-

rected grossness
its and at last, Horace brought it into that form,
;

which now gives the denomination to satirical writing. Reforma-

tion of manners, is the end which it professes to have in view and ;

in order to this end, it assumes the liberty of boldly censuring vice,

and vicious characters. It has been carried on in three different
manners, by the three great ancient satirists, Horace, Juvenal, and
Perseus. Horace's style has not much elevation. He entitles his sa-
tires, Sermones,' and seems not to have intended rising much high-
'

er than prose put into numbers. His manner is easy and graceful.
They are rather the follies and weaknesses of mankind, than their
enormous vices, which he chooses for the object of his satire. He
reproves with a smiling aspect and while he moralizes like a sound
;

philosopher, discovers, at the same time, the politeness of a cour-

tier. Juvenal is much more serious and declamatory. He has
more strength and fire, and more elevation of style, than Horace ;

but is greatly inferior to him in gracefulness and ease. His satire

is more zealous, more sharp and pointed, as being generally direc-

ted against more flagitious characters. As Scaliger says of him,

'
ardet, instat, jugulat ;' whereas Horace's character is, ' admissus
circum prrecordia ludit.' Perseus has a greater resemblance of the
force and fire of Juvenal, than of the politeness of Horace. He is
distinguished for sentiments of noble and sublime morality. He is a
nervous and lively writer but withal, often harsh and obscure.
;

Poetical epistles, when employed on moral or critical subjects,

seldom rise into a higher strain of poetry than satires. In the form
of an epistle, indeed, many other subjects may be handled, and
either love poetry, or elegiac, may be carried on
Ovid's Epis-
; as in
tolae Herodium, and his Epistolse de Ponto. Such works
as these
are designed to be merely sentimental and as their merit consists
;

in being proper expressions of the passion or sentiment which forms

the subject, they may assume any tone of poetry that is suited to it.
But didactic epistles, of which I now speak, seldom admit of much
elevation. They are commonly intended as observations on authors,
or on life and characters in delivering which, the poet does not
;

purpose to compose a formal treatise, or to confine himself strictly

to regular method but gives scope to his genius on some particular
;

theme, which, at the time, has prompted him to write. In all didactic
poetry of this kind, it is an important rule/quicquid praecipies, esto
brevis.' Much of the grace> both of satirical and epistolary writing,
consists in a spirited conciseness. This gives to such composition
an edge and a liveliness, which strike the fancy, and keep attention
awake. Much of their merit depends also on just and happy re-
presentations of characters. As they are not supported by those
high beauties of descriptive and poetical language which adorn
other compositions, we expect, in return, to be entertained with
lively paintings of men and manners, which are always pleasing ;
and in these, a cer f ain sprightliness and turn of wit finds its proper
place. The high x species of poetry seldom admit it; but here it
is seasonable and beautiful.
lect. xl.] DIDACTIC POETRY. 451

In all these respects, Mr. Pope's ethical epistles deserve to be

mentioned with signal honour, as a model, next to perfect, of this
kind of poetry. Here, perhaps, the strength of his genius appear-
ed. In the more sublime parts of poetry, he is not so distinguished.
In the enthusiasm, the fire, the force, and copiousness of poetic
genius, Dryden, though a much less correct writer, appears to have
been superior to him. Onecan scarcely think that he was capable
of epic or tragic poetry ; but within a certain limited region, he has
been outdone by no poet. His translation of the Iliad will remain
a lasting monument to his honour, as the most elegant and highly
finished translation, that, perhaps, ever was given of any poetical
work. That he was not incapable of tender poetry, appears from
the epistle of Eloisa to Abelard, and from the verses to the memory
of an unfortunate lady, which are almost his only sentimental pro-
ductions and which, indeed, are excellent in their kind. But the
;

qualities for which he is chiefly distinguished are, judgment and wit,

with a concise and happy expression, and a melodious versification.
Few poets ever had more wit, and at the same time more judgment,
to direct the proper employment of that wit. This renders his
Rape of the Lock the greatest masterpiece that perhaps was ever
composed, in the gay and sprightly style ; and in his serious works,
such as his Essay on Man, and his Ethic Epistles, his wit just suf-
ficiently discovers itself to give a proper seasoning to grave reflec-
tions. His imitations of Horace are so peculiarly happy, that one is
at a loss, whether most to admire the original or the copy ; and they
are among the few imitations extant, that have all the grace and
ease of an original. His paintings of characters are natural and
lively in a high degree ; and never was any writer so happy in that
concise spirited style, which gives animation to satires and epistles.
We are never so sensible of the good effects of rhyme in English
verse, as in reading these parts of his works. We see it adding to
the style, an elevation which otherwise it could not have possessed ;

while at the. same time he manages it so artfully, that it never ap-

pears in the least to encumber him ; but. on the contrary, serves to
increase the liveliness of his manner. He tells us himself, that he
could express moral observations more concisely, and therefore
more forcibly, in rhyme, than he could do in prose.
Among moral and didactic poets, Dr. Young is of too great emi-
nence to be passed over without notice. In all his works, the marks
of strong genius appear. His universal passion, possesses the full
merit of that animated conciseness of style, and lively description of
characters, which I mentioned as particularly requisite in satirical
and didactic compositions. Though his wit may often be thought too
sparkling, and his sentences too pointed, yet the vivacity of his fancy
is so great, as to entertain every reader. In his Night Thoughts,
there is much energy of expression in the three first, tnere are seve-
;

ral pathetic passages; and scattered through them all, happy ima-
ges and allusions, as well as pious reflections, occur. But the sen-
timents are frequently overstrained and turgid and the style is too
;

harsh and obscure to be pleasing. Among French authors, Boileau

452 DESCRIPTIVE POETRY. [lect. xl.

has undoubtedly much merit in didactic poetry. Their later critics

are unwilling to allow him any great share of original genius, or
poetic fire.* But his art of poetry, his satires and epistles, must
ever be esteemed eminent, not only for solid and judicious thought,
but for correct and elegant poetical expression, and fortunate imi-
tation of the ancients.
From didactic, I proceed next to treat of descriptive poetry,
where the highest exertions of genius may be displayed. By des-
criptive poetry, I do not mean any one particular species or form of
composition. There are few compositions of any length, that can
be called purely descriptive, or wherein the poet proposes to himself
no other object, but merely to describe, without employing narra-
tion, action, or moral sentiment, as the groundwork of his piece.
Description is generally introduced as an embellishment, rather than
made the subject of a regular work. But though it seldom form
a separate species of writing, yet into every species of poetical com-
position, pastoral, lyric, didactic, epic, and dramatic, it both enters
and possesses in each of them a very considerable place so that in ;

treating of poetry, it demands no small attention.

Description is the great test of a poet's imagination and always ;

distinguishes an original from a second-rate genius. To a writer of

the inferior class, nature, when at any time he attempts to describe
it, appears exhausted by those who have gone before him in the
same track. He sees nothing new, or peculiar, in the object which
he would paint his conceptions of it are loose and vague ; and his
;

expressions, of course, feeble and general. He gives us words rather

than ideas we meet with the language indeed of poetical descrip-
;

tion, but we apprehend the object described very indistinctly.

Whereas, a true poet makes us imagine that we see it before our
eyes he catches the distinguishing features; he gives it the colours
;

of life and reality he places it in such a light that a painter could

:

copy after him. This happy talent is chiefly owing to a strong

imagination, which first receives a lively impression of the object;
and then, by employing a proper selection of circumstances in de-
scribing it, transmits that impression in its full force to the imagina-
tion of others.
In this selection of circumstances lies the great art of picturesque
description. In the first place, they ought not to be vulgar and com-
mon ones, such as are apt to pass by without remark; but, as much
as possible, original, which may catch the fancy and draw
new and
attention. In the next place, they ought to be such as particularize
the object described, and mark it strongly. No description, that
rests in generals, can be good. For we can conceive nothing clearly
in the abstract ; all distinct ideas are formed upon particulars. In
the third place, all the circumstances employed ought to be uniform,
and of a piece that is, when describing a great object, every cir-
;

cumstance brought into view should tend to aggrandize or, when ;

describing a gay and pleasant one, should tend to beautify, that by

* Vid. Pofit.qtie Francoise de Marmontel.

lect. xl.] DESCRIPTIVE POETRY. 453

this means, the impression may rest upon the imagination complete
and entire: and .lastly, the circumstances in description should be
expressed with conciseness and with simplicity for, when either too
;

much exaggerated, or too long dwelt upon and extended, they never
fail to enfeeble the impression that is designed to be made. Brevity,
almost always contributes to vivacity. These general rules will be
best understood by illustrations, founded on particular instances.
Of all professed descriptive compositions, the largest and fullest
that I am acquainted with, in any language, is Mr. Thomson's Sea-
sons a work which possesses very uncommon merit. The style, in
;

the midst of much splendour and strength, is sometimes harsh, and

may be censured as deficient in ease and distinctness. But notwith-
standing this defect, Thomson is a strong and a beautiful describer;
for he had a feeling heart, and a warm imaginal ion. He had studied
and copied nature with care. Enamoured of her beauties, he not
only described them properly, but felt their impression with strong
sensibility. The impression which he felt, he transmits to his read-
ers and no person of taste can peruse any one of his Seasons,
;

without having the ideas and feelings, which belong to that season,
recalled and rendered present to his mind. Several instances of
most beautiful description might be given from him ; such as, the
shower in Spring, the morning in Summer, and the man perishing
11 snow in Winter. But, at present, I shall produce a passage of
another kind, to show the power of a single well chosen circum-
stance, to heighten a description. In his Summer, relating the
effects of heat in the torrid zone, he is led to take notice of the
pestilence that destroyed the English fleet, at Carthagena, under
Admiral Vernon; when he has the following lines :

-You, gallant Vernon, saw

The miserable scene ; you pitying saw
1

To infant weakness sunk the warrior's arms ;

Saw the deep racking pang ; the ghastly form ;
The lip pale quiv'ring and the beamless eye
;

No more with ardour bright ; you heard the groans

Of agonizing ships from shore to shore ;
Heard nightly plunged, amid the sullen waves,
The frequent corse. L. 1050.

All the circumstances here are properly chosen, for setting this
dismal scene in a strong light before our eyes. But what is most
striking in the picture, is, the last image. are conducted We
through all the scenes of distress, till we come to the mortality
prevailing in the fleet, which a vulgar poet would have described
by exaggerated expressions, concerning the multiplied trophies and
victories of death. But, how much more is the imagination im-
pressed, by this single circumstance of dead bodies thrown over-
board every night ; of the constant sound of their falling into the
waters, and of the Admiral listening to this melancholy sound, so
often striking his ear ?
Heard nightly plunged, amid the sullen waves,
The frequent corse*

* The euloginm which Dr. Johnson, in his Lives of the Poets, gives of Thorn-
454 DESCRIPTIVE POETRY. [lect. xl.

Mr. Parnell's tale of the Hermit is conspicuous throughout the.

whole of it, for beautiful descriptive narration. The manner of the
Hermit's setting forth to visit the world his meeting with a com- ;

panion, and the houses in which they are successively entertained, of

the vain man, the covetous man, and the good man, are pieces of
very fine painting, touched with a light and delicate pencil, over-
charged with no superfluous colouring, and conveying to us a lively
idea of the objects. But, of all the English poems in the descrip-
tive style, the richest and most remarkable are, Milton's Allegro
and Penseroso. The collection of gay images on the one hand,
and of melancholy ones on the other, exhibited in these two small,
but inimitably fine poems, are as exquisite as can be conceived.
They are, indeed, the storehouse whence many succeeding poets
have enriched their descriptions of similar subjects and they ;

alone are sufficient for illustrating the observations which I made,

concerning the proper selection of circumstances in descriptive
writing. Take, for instance, the following passage from the Pen-
seroso :

1 walk unseen
On the dry, smooth-shaven green,
To behold the wandering" moon,
Riding near her highest noon :

Like one that had been led astray

Through the heaven's wide pathless way,
And oft, as if her head she bow'd,
Stooping through a fleecy cloud.
Oft, on a plat of rising ground,
I hear the far-off curfew sound,
Over some wide watered shore,
Swinging slow with solemn roar ;
Or, if the air will not permit,
Some still removed place will fit,
Where glowing embers through the room
Teach light to counterfeit a gloom ;

Far from all resort of mirth,

Save the cricket on the hearth,
Or the bellman's drowsy charm,
To bless the doors from nightly harm ;

son, is high, and, in my opinion, very just 'Asa writer, he is entitled to c.ie praise
:

of the highest kind ; his mode of thinking, and of expressing his thoughts, is original
His blank verse is no more the blank verse of Milton, or of any other poet, than the
rhymes of Prior are the rhymes of Cowley. His numbers, his pauses, his diction, are
of his own growth, without transcription, without imitation. He thinks in a peculiar
train, and he thinks always as a man of genius. He looks round on nature and life,
with the eye which nature bestows only on a poet the eye that distinguishes in every
;

thing presented to its view, whatever there is on which imagination can delight to be
detained and with a mind, that at once comprehends the vast and attends to the
;

minute. The reader of the Seasons wonders that he never saw before what Thomson
shows him, and that he never yet has felt what Thomson impresses. His descriptions
of extended scenes, and general effects, bring before us the whole magnificence of
nature, whether pleasing- or dreadful. The gayety of spring, the splendour of summer,
the tranquillity of autumn, and the horror of winter, take, in their turn, possession ot
the mind. The poet leads us through the appearances of things, as they are succes-
sively varied by the vicissitudes of the year, and imparts to us so much of his own
enthusiasm, that our thoughts expand with his imagery, and kindle with his senti-
ments.' The censure which the same eminent critic passes upon Thomson's diction,
is no less just and well founded, that ' it is too exuberant, and may sometimes be
charged with filling the ear more than the mind.'
 :

lect. xl.] DESCRIPTIVE POETRY. 455

Or let my lamp, at midnight hour,

Be some high lonely tower,
seen, in
Where I may outwatch the Bear
With thrice great Hermes, or unsphere
The spiritof Plato, to unfold
What worlds, cr what vast regions hold
TV immortal mind, that hath forsook
Her mansion in his fleshly nook ;

And of those demons that are found

In fire, air, flood, or under ground.

Here there are no unmeaning general expressions; all is particu-

lar, a! <picturesque; nothing forced or exaggerated but a simple
is ;

style, and a collection of strong expressive images, which are all of

one class, and recal a number of similar ideas of the melancholy-
kind: particularly the walk by moon-light; the sound of the curfew-
bell heard distant; the dying embers in the chamber the bellman's ;

call ; and the lamp seen at midnight in the high lonely tower. We
may observe, too, the conciseness of the poet's manner. He does
not rest long on one circumstance, or employ a great many words
to describe it; which always makes the impression faint and lan-
guid but placing it in one strong point of view, full and clear before
;

the reader, he there leaves it.

* From his shield and his helmet,' says Homer, describing one-
of his heroes in battle, 'From his shield and his helmet, there
sparkled an incessant blaze ; like the autumnal star, when it appears
in its brightness from the waters of the ocean.' This is short and
lively ; but when it comes into Mr. Pope's hands, it evaporates in
three pompous lines, each of which repeats the same image in
different words
High on his helm celestial lightnings play,
His beamy shield emits a living ray ;

Th' unwearied blaze incessant streams supplies,

Like the red star that fires th' autumnal skies.

It is to be observed, in general, that, in describing solemn or

great objects, the concise manner is almost always proper. De-
scriptions of gay and smiling scenes can bear to be more amplified
and prolonged, as strength is not the predominant quality expected
in these. But where a sublime or a pathetic impression is intended
to be made, energy is above all things required. The imagination
ought then to be seized at once and it is far more deeply impressed
;

by one strong and ardent image, than by the anxious minuteness

of* laboured illustration. ' His face was without form, and dark,'
says Ossian, describing a ghost, ' the stars dim twinkling through
r
his form thrice he sighed over the hero and thrice the winds c
; ;

the night roared around.'

It deserves attention, too, that in describing inanimate natural ob-
jects, the poet, in order to enliven his description, ought always to
mix living beings with them. The scenes of dead and still life are
apt to pall upon us, if the poet do not suggest sentiments and intro-
duce life and action into his description. This is well known to
every painter who is a master of his art. Seldom has any beautiful
456 DESCRIPTIVE POETRY. [lect. xl.

landscape been drawn, without some human being represented on

the canvas, as beholding it, or on some account concerned in it:
Hie gelidi fontes, hie mollia prata, Lycori,
Hie nemus, hie ipso tecum consumerer aevo.* Eel. x. 42.

The touching part of these fine lines of Virgil's, is the last, which
sets before us the interest of two lovers in this rural scene. long A
description of the 1 fontes J the. * nemus' and the 'prata,' in the most
poetical modern manner, would have been insipid without this
stroke, which in a few words, brings home to the heart all the beau-
ties of the place hie ipso tecum consumerer aevo.'
: ' It is great ;

beauty in Milton's Allegro, that it is all alive, and full of persons.

Every thing, as I before said, in description, should be as marked
and as particular as possible, in order to imprint on the mind a dis-
tinct and complete image. A hill, a river, or a lake, rises up more
conspicuous to the fancy, when some particular lake, or river, or
hill, is specified, than when the terms are left general. Most of the
ancient writers have been sensible of the advantage which this gives
to description. Thus, in that beautiful pastoral composition, the
Song of Solomon, the images are commonly particularized by the
objects to which they allude. It is the rose of Sharon the lily of
'
;

the vallies; the flock which feeds on Mount Gilead the stream ;

which comes from Mount Lebanon. Come wi*h me, from Leba-
non, my spouse ; look from the top of Amana, from the top of She-
nir and Hermon, from the mountains of the leopards.' Chap. iv. 8.
So Horace:
Quid dedicatum poscit Apollinem
Vates ? quid orat de patera novum
Fundens liquorem ? non opimas
Sardinia segetes feracis ;

Non asstuosas grata Calabriae

Armenta ; non aurum aut ebur Indicum
Non rura, quae Liris quieta.
Mordet aqua, taeiturnus amnis.t Lib. I. Ode 31. 1.

Both Homer and Virgil are remarkable for the talent of poetical
description. In Virgil's second iEneid, where he describes the bur-
ning and sacking of Troy, the particulars are so well selected and re-
presented, that the reader finds himself in the midst of that scene of

* Here cooling fountains roll through flow'ry meads,

Here woods, Lycoris, lift their verdant heads,
Here could I wear my careless life away,
And in thy arms insensibly decay. Warton.

t When at Apollo's hallowed shrine

The poet hails the power divine,
And here his first libation pours,
What is the blessing he implores ?
He nor desires the swelling grain,
That yellows o'er Sardinia's plain,
Nor the fair herds, that, lowing, feed
On warm Calabria's flowery mead ;
Nor ivory of spotless shine ;
Nor gold forth flaming from the mine ;

Nor the rich fields that Liris laves,

And eats away with silent waves. FRASCit-
 :

lect.xl.] DESCRIPTIVE POETRY. 457

horror. The death of Priam, especially, may be singled out as a

masterpiece of description. All the circumstances of the aged mon-
arch arraying himself in armour, when he finds the enemy making
themselves masters of the city, his meeting with his family, who
are taking shelter at an altar in the court of the palace, and their
placing him in the midst of them his indignation when he beholds
;

Pyrrhus slaughtering one of his sons; the feeble dart which he

throws with Pyrrhus's brutal behaviour, and his manner of putting
;

the old man to death, are painted in the most affecting manner, and
with a masterly hand. All Homer's battles, and Milton's account,
both of Paradise and of the infernal regions, furnish many beautiful
instances of poetical description. Ossian, too, paints in strong and
lively colours, though he employs few circumstances; and his chief
excellency lies in painting to the heart. One of his fullest descrip-
tions is the following of the ruins of Balclutha; ' I have seen the
walls of Balclutha, but they were desolate. The fire had resounded
within the halls and the voice of the people is now heard no more.
;

The stream of Clutha was removed from its place, by the fall of the
walls; the thistle shook there its lonely head; the moss whistled to
the wind. The fox looked out at the window; the rank grass waved
round his head. Desolate is the dwelling of Moina. Silence is in
the house of her fathers.' Shakspeare cannot be omitted on this
occasion, as singularly eminent for painting with the pencil of nature.
Though it be in manners and characters, that his chief excellency
lies, yet his scenery also is often exquisite, and happily described by
a single stroke ; as in that fine line of the ' Merchant of Venice/
which conveys to the fancy as natural and beautiful an image, as can
possibly be exhibited in so few words
How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!
Here will we sit, &.c.

Much of the beauty of descriptive poetry depends upon a right

choice of epithets. Many poets, it must be confessed, are too care-
less in this particular. Epithets are frequently brought in merely to
complete the verse, or make the rhyme answer and hence they are ;

so unmeaning and redundant, expletive words only, which in place

of adding any thing to the description, clog and enervate it. Virgil's
'Liquidi fontes,' and Horace's ' Prata canis albicant pruinis,' must,
I am afraid, be assigned to this class for, to denote by an epithet
:

that water is liquid, or that snow is white, is no better than mere

tautology. Every epithet should either add a new idea to the word
which it qualifies, or at least serve to raise and heighten its known
signification. So in Milton,
Who shall tempt with wand'ring feet
The dark, unbottom'd, infinite abyss,
And through the palpable obscure, find out
His uncouth way? or spread his airy flight,
Upborne with indefatigable wings,
Over the vast abrupt ? B. II.

The epithets employed here plainly add strength to the description,

and assist the fancy in conceiving it the wandering feet
;
— the un- —
3U 58
 :

458 DESCRIPTIVE POETRY. [lect. xl.

bottomed abyss —the palpable obscure —the uncouth way —the in-
—
wing serve to render the images more complete and
defatigable
distinct. But there are many general epithets, which, though they
appear to raise the signification of the word to which they are join-
ed, yet leave it so undetermined, and are now become so trite and
beaten in poetical language, as to be perfectly insipid. Of this kind
are barbarous discord
' —
hateful envy —
mighty chiefs bloody war —
—
-gloomy shades direful scenes,' and a thousand more of the same
kind which we meet with occasionally in good poets; but with which,
poets of inferior genius abound every where, as the great props ot
their affected sublimity. They give a sort of swell to the language,
and raise itabove the tone of prose; but they serve not in the least to
illustrate the object described on the contrary, they load the style
;

with a languid verbosity.

Sometimes it is in the power of a poet of genius, by one well-
chosen epithet, to accomplish a description, and by means of a
single word, to paint a whole scene to the fancy. We
may remark
this effect of an epithet in the following fine lines of Milton's Lycidas:
Where were ye, Nymphs, when the remorseless deep
Clos'd o'er the head of your lov'd Lycidas ?
For neither were ye playing on the steep,
Where your old bards, the famous Druids lie,
Nor on the shaggy top of Mona high,
Nor yet where Deva spreads her wizard stream.
Among these wild scenes, 'Dcva's wizard stream' is admirably
imaged; by this one word, presenting to the fancy all the romantic
ideas, of a river flowing through a desolate country, with banks haunt-
ed by wizards and enchanters. Akin to this is an epithet whicli
Horace gives to the river Hydaspes. A good man, says he, stands
in need of no arms,
Sive per Syrtes iter sestuosas,
Sive facturus per inhospitalem
Caueasum, ve! qua? loca fabulosus
Lambit Hydaspes* I. od. 22 . 5.

This epithet 'fabulosus,' one of the commentators on Horace has

changed into 'sabulosus,' or 'sandy ;' substituting, by a strange want
of taste, the common and trivial epithet of' the sandy river,' in place
of that beautiful picture which the poet gives us, by calling Hydaspes
'the romantic river,' or the scene of adventures and poetic tales.
Virgil has employed an epithet with great beauty and propriety,
when accountingfor Daedalus not having engraved the fortune of his
son Icarus:
Bis conatus erat casus effingere in auro ;

Bis patriae cecidere manus.t JEa. vi. 32.

* Whether through Lybia's burning sands

Our journey leads, or Scythia's lands,
Amidst th' unhospitable waste of snows,
Or where the fabulous Hydaspes flows. Francis.
t Here hapless Icarus had found his part.
Had not the father's grief restrain'd his art
He twice essay' d to cast his son in gold,
Twice from his hand he dropp'd the forming mould. Drtden.
In this translation the thought is justly given ; but the beauty of the expression ' patriae
manus/ which in the original conveys the thought with so much tenderness, is lost.
 ;

LECT. XL.] QUESTIONS. 459

These instances and observations may give some just idea of true
poetical description. We have
reason always to distrust an author's
descriptive talents, when we find him laborious and turgid, amassing
common place epithets and general expressions, to work up a high
conception of some object, of which, after all, we can form but an
indistinct idea. The best describers are simple and concise. They
set before us such features of an object, as, on the first view, strike
and warm the fancy they give us ideas which a statuary or a
;

painter could lay hold of, and work after them which is one of the
;

strongest and most decisive trials of real merit of description.

QUESTIONS.
Having and lyric what beauties of this kind are. men-
treated of pastoral
poetry, to what does our author pro- tioned ? What other passages are also
ceed ; and under it, what is included ? mentioned and of them, what is ob-
;

What should be the ultimate end of served ? By what remark are these il-
compositions of every kind ? In what lustrations followed ? In what, by a
manner is this useful impression, in didactic poet, may much art be shown?
poetry, most commonly made ? From What instance have we of Virgil's ad-
what, therefore, does it, in form only, dress in this point ? Of Dr. Akenside's
differ 1 At the same time, by means of Pleasures of the Imagination, what is
its form, what advantages has it over remarked; and also of Dr. Armstrong,
prose instruction; and hence, what in his Art of Preserving Health ? Into
follows ? In what different ways may it what style do satires and epistles na-
be executed ? All these come under turally run? As the manners and cha-
what denomination ? What is the high- racters, which occur in ordinary life,
est species of it ? Of this nature, what are their subject, what follows? Of sa-
poems have we ? In all such works, as tire, in its early state, what is observed ?
instruction is the professed object, in Who corrected its grossness and what
;

what does the fundamental merit con- was done by Horace? What end does
sist ? While the poet must instruct, it profess to have in view and in order'
;

what must he, at the same time, stu- to this end, what does it assume ? In
dy ? Where do we find a perfect model how many different ways, and by
of this and what art does he possess ? whom, has it been carried on? In
;

By what passage is this remark illus- what manner does Horace conduct it ?
trated'? Instead of telling his husband- Of Juvenal's manner, what is obser-
man, in plainlanguage, that his crops ved ? Which does Perseus resemble
will fail through bad management, and for what is he distinguished ? Of
what is his language? Instead of or- poetical epistles, when employed on
dering him to water his grounds, with moral or critical subjects, what is ob-
what does he present us? Eepeat the served? In the form of an epistle, how-
passage. In all didactic works, what ever, what may be done ; and what in-
are essentially requisite ? Of Horace's stances are given ? For what are such
Art of Poetry, what is remarked; and works as these designed; and what
of him, what is farther observed? follows ? But of didactic epistles, what
What, however, does that work con- is observed ? In all didactic poetry of
tain? How should it be considered; this kind, what is an important rule ?
and of it, what is then observed ? With In what does much of their grace con-
regard to episodes and embellishments, sist ; and what does this give to such
what is remarked ; and why ? What compositions? On what, also, does
is the great art of rendering a didactic much of their merit depend ? How is
poem interesting ? Of these, what is this illustrated ? Of Mr. Pope's ethical
observed? From Virgil's Georgics, epistles, what is observed ? Here, what
 ; ;

459 a QUESTIONS. [LECT. XL.

is further observed of him, and also of all the English poems in the descrip-
Dry den ?Of what would one scarcely tive style, what are the richest and
think him capable but what remark most remarkable? Of these two poems,
;

follows? Of his translation of the Iliad, what is farther observed ? Repeat the
what is observed ? From what does it passage here introduced from the Pen-
appear that he was capable of tender seroso. On this passage, what remarks
poetry? But what are the qualities for are made? What says Homer, de-
which he is chiefly distinguished ? How scribing one of his heroes in battle ? Of
is this remark illustrated ? What is the this passage, what is observed ? Into
character of his imitations of Horace ? what does it evaporate, when it comes
Of his paintings of characters, what is into the hands of Pope ? Repeat Mr.
observed ? What idea do these parts of Pope's translation. What is to be ob-
his works give us of the effect of rhyme? served ? What can bear to be more
What does he himself tell us? Among amplified and prolonged ; and why ?
moral and didactic poets, who must But where a sublime or pathetic im-
not be passed over in silence ? What intended to be made, what,
pression is

appears in all his works? Of his Uni- is required

above and for
all things, ;

versal Passion, what is observed?what reason ? Repeat Ossian's descrip-

Though his wit may often be too tion of a ghost. What, also, deserves
sparkling, yet, what follows ? Of his attention ? Why
should this be done ?
Night Thoughts, what is observed ? To whom is this well known and ;

Among French authors, who has much what remark follows? What illustra-
merit in didactic poetry ? Of his art of tive example is given? Of these five
poetry, his satires, and his epistles, what lines, what is remarked ? What is a
is observed ? great beauty in Milton's Allegro?
From didactic, to what does our au- Why should every thing in descrip-
thor next proceed ? By descriptive poe- tion be as marked and as particular as
try, what is not meant; and why? possible ? What illustration of this re-
For what purpose is description gene- mark is given? What writers were
rally introduced ? But why does it de- sensible of this ; and of this, what in-
mand no small attention ? Of what is stance is given? What passage is also
description the great, test; and what introduced from Horace, illustrative of
does it always distinguish ? How is the same remark? What evidence
this remark fully illustrated ? To what have we that both Homer and Virgil
is this happy talent chiefly owing ? In are remarkable for the talent of poeti-
what lies the great art of picturesque cal description ? What furnish many
description ? That these may be right- beautiful instances of poetical descrip-
ly selected, what general directions are tion ? Of Ossian, what is observed ?
given ? How will these general rules What passage is introduced as one of
be best understood ? Which is the lar- his fullest descriptions ? Of Shakspeare
gest and fullest professed descriptive as a descriptive poet, what is observed
composition in any language and of it, and what instance is given? Upon
;

what is observed ? What is its style ? what does much of the beauty of de-
Notwithstanding this defect, of him, scriptive poetry depend ? On this parti-
what is observed ? What had he stu- cular, what remarks are made ? What
died and copied and being enamour- poems of Virgil, and of Horace, must
;

ed of her beauties, what was the con- be assigned to this class; and why?
sequence ? Transmitting the impres- What should every epithet do ? To il-
sion which he felt to his readers, what lustrate this, what example is given
follows ? What, instances of beautiful from Milton ? Of the epithets here em-
description might be given ; but what ployed, what is observed ? is this How
one only is Repeat it. Of
produced ? illustrated? But, of what kind are
this passage, what is remarked ? Re- there many epitbets? Of this kind,
peat the eulogium which Dr. Johnson what instances are given ? What do
gives of Thompson. What is said of they give to the language but what ;

Mr. Parnell's tale of the Hermit? In it, is their effect ? What is, sometimes, in
what are pieces of very fine painting the power of a poet of genius? In what
and of them, what is observed? But of lines mav we remark this effect ?
LECT. XLI.J QUESTIONS. 459 6

Among these wild scenes, what is ad- ANALYSIS.

mirably imagined; and by this one 1. Didactic poetry.
word, presenting what 7 Akin to this, a. The manner of its execution.
What does he say? b. Method and order essential.
is what epithet?
c. Episodes and embellishments.
Repeat the passage. What comment d. Satirical poems.
has been made on passage ? In ac-
this e. Poetical epistles.
counting for what, has Virgil employ- f. Didactic writers of eminence.
Descriptive poetry.
ed an epithet with great beauty and 2.
a. Description the test of a poet's ima-
propriety? Repeat the passage. Of
gination.
what may these instances and obser- a. The selection of circumstances.
vations give some just idea ? When b. The character of Thompson's Sea-
have we reason to distrust an author's sons.
descriptive talents? Of the best de- c. Parnell, Milton, &c. descriptive
poets.
scriptions, what observed? What
is
d. Homer, Virgil, &c. descriptive poets.
features of an object do they set before o. A proper choice of epithets of
us, and what do they give us ? great importance.

LECTURE XXI.

THE POETRY OF THE HEBREWS.

Among the various kinds of poetry which we are, at present, em-
ployed in examining, the ancient Hebrew poetry, or that of the
Scriptures, justly deserves a place. Viewing these sacred books in
no higher light, than as they present to us the most ancient monu-
ments of poetry extant, at this day, in the world, they afford a cu-
rious object of criticism. They display the taste of a remote age
and country. They exhibit a species of composition, very different
from any other with which we are acquainted, and, at the same time,
beautiful. Considered as inspired writings, they give rise to discus-
sions of another kind. But it is our business, at present, to consider
them not in a theological, but in a critical view and it must needs :

give pleasure, if we shall find the beauty and dignity of the composi-
tion, adequate to the weight and importance of the matter. Dr.
Lowth's learned treatise, De Sacra Poesi Hebraeorum,' ought to be
'

perused by all who desire to become thoroughly acquainted with this

subject. It is a work exceedingly valuable, both for the elegance
of its composition, and for the justness of the criticism which it con-
tains. In this lecture, as I cannot illustrate the subject with more
benefit to the reader, than by following the track of that ingenious
author, I shall make much use of his observations.
I need not spend many words in showing, that among the books of

the Old Testament, there is such an apparent diversity in style, as

sufficiently discovers, which of them are to be considered as poetical,
and which as prose compositions. While the historical books, and
legislative writings of Moses, are evidently prosaic in the composi-
tion, the book of Job, the Psalms of David, the Song of Solomon, the
Lamentations of Jeremiah, a great part of Che prophetical writings, and
several passages scattered occasionally through the historical books,
carry the most plain and distinguishing marks of poetical writing.
There is not the least reason for doubting* that originally these
 ;

460 THE POETRY OF THE HEBREWS, [lect. xli,

were written in verse, or some kind of measured numbers; though,

as the ancient pronunciation of the Hebrew language is now lost, we
are not able to ascertain the nature of the Hebrew verse, or at most
can ascertain it but imperfectly. Concerning this point there have
been great controversiesamong learned men, which it is unnecessary
to our present purpose to discuss. Taking the Old Testament in our
own translation, which is extremely literal, we find plain marks of ma-
ny parts of the original being written in a measured style; and the-
' disjecti membra poetse,' often show themselves. Let any person
read the historical introduction to the book of Job, contained in the
and second chapters, and then go on to Job's speech in the be-
first
ginning of the third chapter, and he cannot avoid being sensible, that
he passes all at once from the region of prose to that of poetry. Not
only the poetical sentiments and the figured style, warn him of the
change but the cadence of the sentence, and the arrangement of
;

the words, are sensibly altered; the change is as great as when he

passes from reading Caesar's Commentaries, to read Virgil's iEneid.
This is sufficient to show that the sacred Scriptures contain what
must be called poetry in the strictest sense of that word ; and I shall
afterwards show, that they contain instances of most of the different
forms of poetical writing. It may be proper to remark in passing,
that hence arises a most invincible argument in honour of poetry..
No person can imagine that to be a frivolous and contemptible art,
which has been employed by writers under divine inspiration, and has
been chosen as a proper channel for conveying to the world the
knowledge of divine truth.
From the earliest times, music and poetry were cultivated among
the Hebrews. In the days of the judges, mention is made of the
schools or colleges of the prophets where one part of the employ-
;

ment of the persons trained in such schools was, tasing the praises
of God, accompanied with various instruments. In the first book of
Samuel, (chap. x. 7.) we find, on a public occasion, a company of
these prophets coming down from the hill where their school was,
'prophesying,' it is said, with the psaltery, tabret, and harp, before
'

them.' But in the days of king David, music and poetry were carried
to their greatest height. For the service of the tabernacle, he appoint-
ed four thousand Levites, divided into twenty-four courses, and mar-
shalled under several leaders, whose sole business it was to sing
hymns, and perform the instrumental music in the public worship.
to
Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, were the chief directors of the music
and from the titles of some psalms, it would appear that they were
also eminent composers of hymns or sacred poems. In chapter xxv.
of the first book of Chronicles, an account is given of David's insti-
tutions, relating to the sacred music and poetry which were cer-
;

tainly more costly, more splendid and magnificent, than ever obtain-
ed in the public service of any other nation.
The general construction of the Hebrew poetry is of a singular
nature, and peculiar to itself. It consists in dividing every period
into correspondent, for the most part into equal members, which
answer to one another, both in sense and sound. In the first mem-
lect. xli.] THE POETRY OF THE HEBREWS. 461

her of the period a sentiment is expressed ; and in the second mem-

ber, the same sentiment is amplified, or is repeated in different
terms, or sometimes contrasted with its opposite; but in such a
manner that the same structure, and nearly the same number of
words, is preserved. This is the general strain of all the Hebrew
poetry. Instances of it occur every where on opening the Old
Testament. Thus, in Psalm xcvi. ' Sing unto the Lord a new song
— sing unto the Lord all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, and bless
his name — show forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his
glory among the heathen — his wonders among all the people. For
the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised — he is to be feared
—
above all the gods. Honour and majesty are before him strength
and beauty are in his sanctuary.' It is owing, in a great measure,
to this form of composition, that our version, though in prose, retains
so much of a poetical cast. For the version being strictly word
for word after the original, the form and order of the original sen-
tence are preserved ; which, by this artificial structure, this regular
alternation and correspondence of parts, makes the ear sensible of
a departure from the common style and tone of prose.
The origin of this form of poetical composition among the He-
brews, is clearly to be deduced from the manner in which their
sacred hymns were wont to be sung. They were accompanied
with music, and they were performed by choirs or bands of singers
and musicians, who answered alternately to each other. When, for
instance, one band began the hymn thus ' The Lord reigneth, let
:

the earth rejoice ;' the chorus, or semi-chorus, took up the corres-
ponding versicle; 'Let the multitude of the isles be glad thereof.'
— ' Clouds and darkness are around about him,' sung the one; the
other replied, 'Judgment and righteousness are the habitation of
his throne.' And in this manner their poetry, when set to music,
naturally divided itself into a succession of strophes and antistrophes
correspondent to each other; whence, it is probable, the antiphon,
or responsory, in the public religious service of so many christian
churches, derived its origin.
We are expressly told, in the book of Ezra, that the Levites sung
in this manner; e Alternation,' or by course; (Ezra iii. 11.) and
some of David's Psalms bear plain marks of their being composed
in order to be thus performed. The 24th Psalm, in particular,
which is thought to have been composed on the great and solemn
occasion of the ark of the covenant being brought back to Mount
Zion, must have had a noble effect when performed after this man-
ner, as Dr. Lowth has illustrated it. The whole people are supposed
to be attending the procession. The Levites and singers, divided
into their several courses, and accompanied with all their musical
instruments, led the way. After the introduction to the Psalm, in
the two first verses, when the procession begins to ascend the sacred
mount, the question is put, as by a semi-chorus 'Who shall ascend
:

unto the hill of the Lord, and who shall stand in his holy place?'
The response is made by the full chorus with the greatest dignity :

' He that hath clean hands and a pure heart; who hath not lifted
 !

4 62 THE POETRY OF THE HEBREWS, [lect. xli.

up his soul to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.* As the procession

approaches to the doors of the tabernacle, the chorus, with all their
instruments, join in this exclamation: 'Lift up your heads, ye
gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of
Glory shall come in.' Here the semi-chorus plainly breaks in, as
with a lower voice, ' Who is this King of Glory V and at the mo-
ment when the ark is introduced into the tabernacle, the response
is made by the burst of the whole chorus: ' The Lord, strong and

mighty the Lord, mighty in battle.' I take notice of this instance

;

the rather, as it serves to show how much the grace and magnifi-
cence of the sacred poems, as indeed of all poems, depends upon
our knowing the particular occasions for which they were composed,
and the particular circumstances to which they were adapted and ;

how much of this beauty must now be lost to us, through our im-
perfect acquaintance with many particulars of the Hebrew history
and Hebrew rites.
The method of composition which has been explained, by cor-
responding versicles, being universally introduced into the hymns
or musical poetry of the Jews, easily spread itself through their other
poetical writings, which were not designed to be sung in alternate
portions, and which therefore did not so much require this mode
of composition. But the mode became familiar to their ears, and
carried with it a certain solemn majesty of style, particularly suited
to sacred subjects. Hence, throughout the prophetical writings, we
find it prevailing as much as in the Psalms of David; as, for in-
stance, in the prophet Isaiah (chap. lx. 1.) ' Arise, shine, for thy
:

light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee for lo
:

—
darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people. But
the Lord shall rise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee,
and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness
of thy rising.' This form of writing is one of the great character-
istics of the ancient Hebrew poetry ; very different from, and even
opposite to, the style of the Greek and Runan poets.
Independently of this peculiar mode of construction, the sacred
poetry is distinguished by the highest beauties of strong, concise,
bold, and figurative expression.
Conciseness and strength are two of its most remarkable charac-
ters. One might indeed at first imagine, that the practice of the
Hebrew poets, of always amplifying the same thought by repetition
or contrast, might tend to enfeeble their style. But they conduct
themselves so, as not to produce this effect. Their sentences are
always short. Few superfluous words are used. The same thought
is never dwelt upon long. To their conciseness and sobriety of
expression, their poetry is indebted for much of its sublimity; and
all writers who attempt the sublime, might profit much, by imitating
in this respect, the style of the Old Testament. For, as I have for-
merly had occasion to show, nothing is so great an enemy to the
sublime, as prolixity or diffuseness. The mind is never so much
affected by any great idea that is presented to it, as when it is struck
all at once. By attempting to prolong the impression, we at the
lect. xli.J THE POETRY OF THE HEBREWS. 463

same time weaken it. Most of the ancient original poets of all
nations are simple and concise. The superfluities and excrescences
of style, were the result of imitation in after-times when compo-
;

sition passed into inferior hands, and flowed from art and study,
more than from native genius.
No writings whatever abound so much with the most bold and ani-
mated figures, as the sacred books. It is proper to dwell a little
upon this article as, through our early familiarity with these books,
;

(a familiarity too often with the sound of the words, rather than
with their sense and meaning,) beauties of style escape us in the
Scripture, which, in any other book, would draw particular atten-
tion. Metaphors, comparisons, allegories, and personifications, are
there particularly frequent. In order to do justice to these, it is
necessary that we transport ourselves as much as we can into the
land of Judaea^ and place before our eyes that scenery, and those
objects, with which the Hebrew writers were conversant. Some
attention of this kind is requisite, in order to relish the writings of
any poet of a foreign country, and a different age. For the imagery
of every good poet is copied from nature, and real life ; if it were
not so, it could not be lively ; and therefore, in order to enter into
the propriety of his images, we must endeavour to place ourselves
in his situation. Now we shall find that the metaphors and com-
parisons of the Hebrew poets, present to us a very beautiful view
of the natural objects of their own country, and of the arts and em-
ployments of their common life.
Natural objects are in some measure common to them with poets
of all ages and countries. Light and darkness, trees and flowers,
the forest and the cultivated field, suggest to them many beautiful
figures. But, in order to relish their figures of this kind, we must
take notice, that several of them arise from the particular circum-
stances of the land of Judaea. During the summer months, little or
no rain falls throughout all that region. While the heats continued,
the country was intolerably parched ; want of water was a great
distress ; and a plentiful shower falling, or a rivulet breaking forth,
altered the whole face of nature, and introduced much higher ideas
of refreshment and pleasure, than the like causes can suggest to us.
Hence, to represent distress, such frequent allusions among them,
to ' a dry and thirsty land, where no water is ;' and hence to de-
scribe a change from distress to prosperity, their metaphors are
founded on the falling of showers, and the bursting out of springs
in the desert. Thus in Isaiah: * The wilderness and the solitary
place shall be glad, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the
rose. For in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams
in the desert; and the parched ground shall become a pool ; and
the thirsty land, springs of water; in the habitation of dragons
there shall be grass, with rushes and reeds.' Chap. xxxv. 1 6, 7.
Images of this nature are very familiar to Isaiah, and occur in many
parts of his book.
Again, as Judsea was a hilly country, it was, during the rainy
months, exposed to frequent inundations by the rushing of torrents,
3X
 ;

464 THE POETRY OF THE HEBREWS, [lect. xlt.

which came down suddenly from the mountains, and carried every-
thing before them; and Jordan, their only great river, annually
overflowed its banks. Hence the frequent allusions to ' the noise,
and to the rushings of many waters ;' and hence great calamities so
often compared to the overflowing torrent, which, in such a coun-
try, must have been images particularly striking: 'Deep calleth
unto deep at the noise of thy water-spouts ; all thy waves and thy
billows are gone over me.' Psalm xlii. 7.
The two most remarkable mountains of the country, were Leba-
non and Carmel the former noted for its height, and the woods of
;

lofty cedars that covered it; the latter,for its beauty and fertility,
and therichnessofitsvinesandolives. Hence, with the greatest pro
priety, Lebanon is employed as an image of whatever is great,
strong, or magnificent; Carmel, of what is smiling and beautiful.
1
The glory of Lebanon,' says Isaiah, ' shall be given to it, and the
excellency of Carmel.' (xxxv. 2.) Lebanon is often put metaphori-
cally for the whole state or people of Israel, for the temple, for the
king of Assyria Carmel, for the blessings of peace and prosperity.
;

'His countenance is as Lebanon,' says Solomon, speaking of the

dignity of a man's appearance but when he describes female beau-
;

ty, ' Thine head is like mount Carmel.' Song v. 15. and vii. 5.
It is farther to be remarked under this head, that in the images
of the awful and terrible kind, with which the sacred poets abound,
they plainly draw their descriptions from that violence of the ele-
ments, and those concussions of nature, with which their climate
rendered them acquainted. Earthquakes were not unfrequent
and the tempests of hail, thunder, and lightning, in Judaea and
Arabia, accompanied with whirlwinds and darkness, far exceed
any thing of that sort which happens in more temperate regions,
fsaiah describes, with great majesty, the earth 'reeling to and fro
like a drunkard, and removed like a cottage.' (xxiv. 20.) And in
those circumstances of terror, with which an appearance of the Al-
mighty is described in the ISth Psalm, when his 'pavilion round
about him was darkness; when hailstones and coals of fire were his
voice and when, at his rebuke, the channels of the waters are said
;

to be seen, and the foundations of the hills discovered ;' though

there may be some reference, as Dr. Lovvth thinks, to the history
of God's descent upon Mount Sinai, yet it seems more probable,
that, the figures were taken directly from those commotions of na-
ture with which the author was acquainted, and which suggested
stronger and nobler images than what now occur to us.
Besides the natural objects of their own country, we find the rites
of their religion, and the arts and employments of their common
life, frequently employed as grounds of imagery among the Hebrews.

They were a people chiefly occupied with agriculture and pasturage.

These were arts held in high honour among them ; not disdained
by their patriarchs, kings, and prophets. Little addicted to com-
merce; separated from the rest of the world by their laws and their
religion; they were, during the better days of their state, strangers
in a great measure to the refinements of luxury. Hence flowed, of
 '

lect. xli.] THE POETRY OF THE HEBREWS. 465

course, the many allusions to pastoral life, to the 'green pastures and
the still waters,' and to the care and watchfulness of a shepherd
over his flock, which carry to this day so much beauty and tender-
ness in them, in the 23d Psalm, and in many other passages of the
poetical writings of Scripture. Hence, all the images founded upon
rural employments, upon the wine-press, the threshing-floor, the
stubble and the chaff. To disrelish all such images, is the effect of
false delicacy. Homer is at least as frequent, and much more mi-
nute and particular, in his similes, founded on what we now call low
life; but, in his management of them, far inferior to the sacred wri-
ters, who generally mix with their comparisons of this kind some-
what of dignity and grandeur to ennoble them. What inexpressible
grandeur does the following rural image in Isaiah, for instance, re-
ceive from the intervention of theDeity ' The nations shall rush like
:

the rushings of many waters ; but God shall rebuke them, and they
shall fly far off; and they shall be chased as the chaffof the mountain
before the wind, and like the down of the thistle before the whirlwind.
Figurative allusions, too, we frequently find, to the rites and cere-
monies of their religion to the legal distinctions of things clean
;

and unclean; to the mode of their temple service; to the dress of

their priests ; and to the most noted incidents recorded in their
sacred history ; as to the destruction of Sodom, the descent of
God upon Mount Sinai, and the miraculous passage of the Israelites
through the Red Sea. The religion of the Hebrews included the
whole of their laws and civil constitution. It was full of splendid
external rites that occupied their senses it was connected with
;

every part of their national history and establishment; and hence,

all ideas founded on religion, possessed in this nation a dignity and
importance peculiar to themselves, and were uncommonly fitted to
impress the imagination.
From all this it results, that the imagery of the sacred poets is, in
a high degree, expressive and natural it is copied directly from real
;

objects that were before their eyes it has this advantage, of being
;

more complete within itself, more entirely founded on national ideas

and manners, than that of most other poets. In reading their works,
we find ourselves continually in the land of Judaea. The palm-trees,
and the cedars of Lebanon, are ever rising in our view. The face of
their territory, the circumstances of their climate, the manners of the
people, and the august ceremonies of their religion, constantly pass
under different forms before us.
The comparisons employed by the sacred poets are generally
short, touching on one point only of resemblance, rather than
branching out into little episodes. In this respect, they have per-
haps an advantage over the Greek and Roman authors ; whose com-
parisons, by the length to which they are extended, sometimes
interrupt the narration too much, and carry too visible marks of
study and labour. Whereas, in the Hebrew poets, they appear
more like the glo wings of a lively fancy, just glancing aside to some
resembling object, and presently returning to its track. Such is the
59
 ;

466 THE POETRY OF THE HEBREWS, [lect. xli.

following fine comparison, introduced to describe the happy influ-

ence of good government upon a people, in what are called the
last words of David, recorded in the 2d book of Samuel (xxiii. 3.)
:

" He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God
and he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth
even a morning without clouds as the tender grass springing out of
;

the earth, by clear shining after rain." This is one of the most
regular and formal comparisons in the sacred books.
Allegory, likewise, is a figure frequently found in them. When
formerly treating of this figure, I gave, for an instance of it, that
remarkably fine and well-supported allegory, which occurs in the
80th Psalm, wherein the people of Israel are compared to a vine.
Of which form a species of allegory, the prophetical wri-
parabies,
tings are fulland if to us they sometimes appear obscure, we must
;

remember, that in those early times, it was universally the mode

throughout all the eastern nations, to convey sacred truths under
mysterious figures and representations.
But the poetical figure, which, beyond all others, elevates the
style of Scripture, and gives it a peculiar boldness and sublimity, is

prosopopoeia or personification. No personifications employed by

any poets, are so magnificent and striking as those of the inspired
writers. On great occasions, they animate every part of nature ;

especially, when any appearance or operation of the Almighty is

concerned. " Before him went the pestilence — the waters saw thee,
—
God, and were afraid the mountains saw thee, and they trem-
bled —the overflowing of the water passed by — the deep uttered
his voice, and lifted up his hands on high." When inquiry is made
about the place of wisdom, Job introduces the " Deep, saying, it is
not in me; and the sea saith, it is not in me. Destruction and
death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears." That
noted sublime passage in the book of Isaiah, which describes the
fall of the king of Assyria, is full of personified objects; the fir-trees
and cedars of Lebanon breaking forth into exultation on the fall of
the tyrant; hell from beneath, stirring up all the dead to meet him
at his coming; and the dead kings introduced as speaking, and join-
ing in the triumph. In the same strain, are the many lively and
passionate apostrophes to cities and countries, to persons and things,
with which the prophetical writings every where abound. " thou
sword of the Lord! how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put
thyself up into the scabbard, rest and be still." "How can it be quiet,"
(as the reply is instantly made) " seeing the Lord hath given it a
charge against Askelon, and the sea-shore? there hath he appointed
it." Jerem. xlvii. 6.
In general, for it would carry us too far to enlarge upon all the
instances, the style of the poetical books of the Old Testament is,
beyond the style of all other poetical works, fervid, bold, and ani-
mated. It is extremely different from that regular correct expres-
sion, to which our ears are accustomed in modern poetry. It is the
burst of inspiration. The scenes are not coolly described, but re-
presented as passing before our eyes. Every object, and every
lect. xli.] THE POETRY OF THE HEBREWS. 4G7

person, is addressed and spoken to, as if present. The transition

isoften abrupt ; the connexion often obscure ; the persons are often
changed; figures crowded, and heaped upon one another. Bold
sublimity, not correct elegance, is its character. We see the spirit
of the writer raised beyond himself, and labouring to find vent for
ideas too mighty for his utterance.
After these remarks on the poetry of the Scriptures, ingeneral, I
shall conclude this dissertation, with a short account of the different
kinds of poetical composition in the sacred books; and of the dis-
tinguishing characters of some of the chief writers.
The several kinds of poetical composition which we find in Scrip-
ture, are chiefly of the didactic, elegiac, pastoral, and lyric. Of the
didactic species of poetry, the book of Proverbs is the principal
instance. The nine first chapters of that book are highly poetical,
adorned with many distinguished graces and figures of expression.
At the tenth chapter the style is sensibly altered, and descends into
a lower strain, which is continued to the end: retaining, however,
that sententious pointed manner, and that artful construction of pe-
riod, which distinguish all the Hebrew poetry. The book of Eccle-
siastes comes likewise under this head and some of the Psalms, as
;

the 119th in particular.

Of elegiac poetry, many very beautiful specimens occur in Scrip-
ture; such as the lamentation of David over his friend Jonathan ;
several passages in the prophetical books ; and several of David's
Psalms, composed on occasions of distress and mourning. The 42d
Psalm, in particular, is, in the highest degree, tender and plaintive.
But the most regular and perfect elegiac composition in the Scrip-
ture, perhaps in the whole world, is the book, entitled the Lamen-
tations of Jeremiah. As the prophet mourns in that book over the
destruction of the temple, and the holy city, and the overthrow of
the whole state, he assembles all the affecting images which a sub-
ject so melancholy could suggest. The composition is uncommonly
artificial. By turns, the prophet, and the city of Jerusalem, are in-
troduced, as pouring forth their sorrows and in the end, a chorus of
;

the people send up the most earnest and plaintive supplications to

God. The lines of the original, too, as may, in part, appear from
our translation, are longer than is usual in the other kinds of Hebrew
poetry and the melody is rendered thereby more flowing and bet-
:

ter adapted to the querimonious strain of elegy.

The Song of Solomon affords us a high exemplification of pasto-
ral poetry. Considered with respect to its spiritual meaning, it is
undoubtedly a mystical allegory; in its form, it is a dramatic pasto-
ral, or a perpetual dialogue between personages in the character of
shepherds ; and suitably to that form, it is full of rural and pastoral
images, from beginning to end.
Of lyric poetry, or that which is intended to be accompanied with
music, the Old Testament is full. Besides a great number of
hymns and songs, which we find scattered in the historical and pro-
phetical books, such as the song of Moses, the song of Deborah,
and many others of like nature, the whole book of Psalms is 1o br
468 THE POETRY OF THE HEBREWS, [lect. xli

considered as a collection of sacred odes. In these, we find the ode

exhibited in all the varieties of its form, and supported with the
highest spirit of lyric poetry; sometimes sprightly, cheerful, and tri-
umphant; sometimes solemn and magnificent; sometimes tender and
soft. From these instances, it clearly appears, that there are con-
tained in the Holy Scriptures, full exemplifications of several of the
chief kinds of poetical writing.
Among the different composers of the sacred books, there is an
evident diversity of style and manner; and to trace their different
characters in this view, will contribute not a little towards our read-
ing their writings with greater advantage. The most eminent of
the sacred poets are, the author of the book of Job, David, and
Isaiah. As the compositions of David are of the lyric kind, there is
a greater variety of style and manner in his works, than in those of the
other two. The manner in which, considered merely as a poet,
David chiefly excels, is the pleasing, the soft, and the tender. In
his Psalms there are many lofty and sublime passages but, in strength
;

of description, he yields to Job; in sublimity, he yields to Isaiah.

It is a sort of temperate grandeur, for which David is chiefly dis-
tinguished ; and to this he always soon returns, when, upon some
occasions, he rises above it. The Psalms in which he touches us
most are those in which he describes the happiness of the right-
eous, or the goodness of God expresses the tender breathings of a
;

devout mind, or sends up moving and affectionate supplications to

Heaven. Isaiah is,without exception, the most sublime of all poets.
This is abundantly visible in our translation and, what is a mate-
;

rial circumstance, none of the books of Scripture appear to have

been more happily translated than the writings of this prophet.
Majesty is his reigning character; a majesty more commanding,
and more uniformly supported, than is to be found among the rest
of the Old Testament poets. He possesses, indeed, a dignity and
grandeur, both in his conceptions and expressions, which is altogether
unparalleled, and peculiar to himself. There is more clearness and
order too, and a more visible distribution of parts, in his book, than
in any other of the prophetical writings.
When we compare him with the rest of the poetical prophets, we
immediately see in Jeremiah a very different genius. Isaiah employs
himself generally on magnificent subjects. Jeremiah seldom disco-
vers any disposition to be sublime, and inclines always to the tender
and elegiac. Ezekiel, in poetical grace and elegance, is much inferior
to them both but he is distinguished by a character of uncommon force
;

and ardour. To use the elegant expressions of Bishop Lowth, with

regard to this prophet: Est atrox, vehemens, tragicus in sensibus,
'
;

fervidus, acerbus, indignabundus in imaginibus fecundus, trucu-

;

lentus, et nonnunquam pene deformis; in dictione grandiloquus,

gravis, austerus, et interdum incultus; frequens in repetitionibus,
non decoris aut gratise oausa, sed ex indignatione et violentia.
Quicquid susceperit tractandum id sedulo persequitur; in eo unice
hrnret defixus ; a proposito raro deflectens. In caoteris, a plerisque
vatibus fortasse superatus ; sed in eo genere, ad quod videtur a na-
lect. xli.j THE POETRY OF THE HEBREWS. 469

tura unice comparatus, nimirum, vi, pondere, impetu, granditate, ne-

mo unquam eum superavit.' The same learned writer compares
Isaiah to Homer, Jeremiah to Simonides, and Ezekiel to iEschylus.
Most of the book of Isaiah is strictly poetical ; of Jeremiah and
Ezekiel, not above one half can be held to belong to poetry.
Among the minor prophets, Hosea, Joel, Micah, Habakkuk, and es-
pecially Nahum, are distinguished for poetical spirit. In the pro-
phecies of Daniel and Jonah, there is no poetry.
It only now remains to speak of the book of Job, with which I
shall conclude. It is known to be extremely ancient ; generally re-
puted the most ancient of all the poetical books; the author uncer-
tain. It is remarkable, that this book has no connexion with the
or manners of the Jews or Hebrews.
affairs The scene is laid in
the land of Uz, or Idumaea, which is a part of Arabia ; and the
imagery employed is generally of a different kind, from what I before
showed to be peculiar to the Hebrew poets. We
meet with no al-
lusions to the great events of sacred history, to the religious rites of
the Jews, to Lebanon or to Carmel, or any of the peculiarities of
the climate of Judaea. Wefind few comparisons founded on rivers
or torrents; these were not familiar objects in Arabia. But the
longest comparison that occurs in the book, is to an object frequent
and well known in that region, a brook that fails in the season of heat,
and disappoints the expectation of the traveller.
The poetry, however, of the book of Job, is not only equal to
that of any other of the sacred writings, but is superior to them all,
except those of Isaiah alone. As Isaiah is the most sublime, David
the most pleasing and tender, so Job is the most descriptive, of all
the inspired poets. A peculiar glow of fancy, and strength of des-
cription, characterize the author. No writer whatever abounds so
much metaphors.
in He may be said not to describe, but to render
visible, whatever he treats of. A variety of instances might be given.
Let us remark only those strong and lively colours, with which, in
the following passages taken from the 18th and 20th chapters of his
book, he paints the condition of the wicked; observe how rapidly
his figures rise before us ; and what a deep impression, at the same
time, they leave on the imagination. < Knowest thou not this of old,
since man was placed upon the earth, that the triumphing of the
wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach
the clouds, yet he shall perish for ever. He shall fly away as a dream,
and shall not be found; yea, he shall be chased away as a vision
of the night. The eye also which saw him, shall see him no more ;

—
they which have seen him shall say, Where is he? He shall suck
the poison of asps; the viper's tongue shall slay him. In the ful-
ness of his sufficiency, he shall be in straits ; every hand shall come
upon him. He shall flee from the iron weapon, and the bow of steel
shall strike him through. All darkness shall be hid in his secret pla-
ces. A fire not blown shall consume him. The heaven shall re-
veal his iniquity, and the earth shall rise up against him. The in-
crease of his house shall depart. His goods shall flow away in the
470 QUESTIONS. [lect. xli.

day of wrath. The light of the wicked shall be put out the light ;

shall be dark in his tabernacle. The steps of his strength shall be

straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down. For he is cast
into a net, by his own feet. He walketh upon a snare. Terrors
shall make him afraid on every side and the robber shall prevail
;

against him. Brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation. His

remembrance shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no name
in the street. He shall be driven from light into darkness. They
that come after him shall be astonished at his day. He shall drink
of the wrath of the Almighty.'

Q,UESTIO]VS.
Among the various kinds of poetry, what? Whence, what probably deri-
which we are at present employed in ved its origin ? In the book of Ezra,
examining, what justly deserves a what are we expressly .old and of ;

place? With what view alone, do the some of David's Psalms, what is ob-
sacred books afford a curious object of served ? Repeat the remarks made on
criticism? What do they display; and the 24th Psalm, to illustrate this re-
what exhibit ? In what view do they mark. Why
does our author notice this
instance ? The method of composition
give rise to discussion of another kind?
But what, at present, is our business;
which has been explained, being uni-
and what must needs give pleasure ? versally introduced into the hymns of
What treatise ought to be particularly
the Jews, what was the consequence ?
perused; and of it, what is observed ? In
But of this mode, what is observed ?
Hence, where do we find it prevailing ;
this lecture, what course is consequently
pursued? In showing what, need not and what instance is given ? Of this
many words be spent ? How is this il-form of writing, what is remarked ? In-
lustrated ? What is there no reason to
dependently of this peculiar mode of
doubt? What has this occasioned? construction, by what is the sacred
Taking the Old Testament, in our own poetry distinguished ? What are its two
translation, what do we find? How is most remarkable characters? What
this remark illustrated ? To show what, might one at first imagine? But how do
is this sufficient ; and afterwards, what they prevent this effect? To what is
shall be shown ? What may it be pro- their poetry indebted for much of its
per, in passing, toremark? What illus- sublimity ? How might all writers, who
tration of this remark is given ? What attempt the sublime, profit much and ;

evidence have we, that music and why ? When is the mind most affected
poetry were cultivated among the He- by any great idea and what is the ef- ;

Drews, from the earliest times ? Of the fect of attempting to prolong the im-
general construction of Hebrew poetry, pression ? Of most of the ancient ori-
what is remarked? In what does it con- ginal poets, what is observed and of ;

sist ? WTiat is done in the first member what were the superfluities and excre-
of the period ; and also in the second ? scences of style, the result ? With what
What instance, to illustrate this form do the sacred books more particularly
rjf Hebrew poetry, is given? To this abound, than any other writings ? Why
form of composition, what is owing; is it proper to dwell a little upon thi* ar-
and why ? From what is the origin of ticle ?W'hat figures there, are particu-
rhisform of composition among the He- larly frequent? In order to do justice
brews, to be deduced? With what were to these, what is necessary ? In order
they accompanied and by whom were
; to do what, is some attention of thia
they performed? To illustrate this, kind requisite; and why? Pursuing
what instances are given ? In this this course, wha., shall we find? Of
manner, their poetry, when set to natural objects, what is observed: and
music, naturally divided itself into what suggest to them many beautiful
 ;; ;

LECT. XLI.] QUESTIONS. 470 a

figures? But in order to relish their observed? What other figure is also
figures of this kind, of what must we frequently found in Scripture ? When
take notice ? Of this remark, what il- formerly treating of this figure, what
lustration is given ? Again, as Judea was done ? Of the parables of the pro-
was a hilly country, to what, during phetical writings, what is observed ?
the rainy months, was it exposed? What poetical figure is it, which, be-
Hence, the frequent allusions to what yond others, elevates the style of
all
and hence to what are great calamities Scripture? How
is this fully illustrated?

frequently compared ? Repeat the pas- What the general remark on the
is

sage here introduced from the Psalms. poetical books of the Old Testament?
Which were the two most remarkable From what is it extremely different
mountains of the country ; and for and what is it? How are the scenes
what were they respectively noted ? represented ; and how is this illustra-
Hence, how are they, with the greatest ted ? After these remarks on the poetry
propriety, employed ? Repeat the illus- of the Scriptures in general, with what
trations that follow. Under this head, is this dissertation concluded? What
what is farther to be remarked? Of are the several kinds of poetical com-
earthquakes, tempests, and thunder and position which we find in Scripture ? Of
lightning, what is observed ? How does didactic poetry, what is the principal
Isaiah describe the earth ? In those instance ? Of the nine first chapters of
circumstances of terror, with which an that book", what is observed ; and what
appearance of the almighty is descri- is said of the rest ? What other parts

bed, from what, is it probable, the of Scripture likewise come under this
figures were taken? Repeat the pas- head? Of elegiac poetry, what beauti-
sage. ful specimens occur in Scripture ?
Besides the natural objects of their Which of the Psalms is, in the highest
own country, what did the Hebrews degree, tender and plaintive? But which,
frequently employ as grounds of im- is the most regular and perfect elegiac

agery ? With what were they chiefly composition in the Scriptures, and per-
occupied and in what estimation were
; haps that was ever written? Of this
these held ? As they were little addict- poem, what is observed? What does
ed to commerce, and separated from the song of Solomon afford us ? Consi-
the rest of the world by their laws and dered with respect to its spiritual mean-
their religion, what was the conse- ing, what is it; and what is it in its
quence ? Hence, as a matter of course, form? Suitably to this form, of what is
what allusions flowed ? Hence, also, it full ? In what poetry does the Old
what images were employed ? To dis- Testament abound ? Hoav is this re-
relishsuch images is the effect of what? mark illustrated ? In the Psalms, what
Of Homer, what is here observed? do we find ? From these instances, what
Repeat the passage here introduced clearly appears ? Of the different com-
from Isaiah illustrative of this remark. posers of the sacred books, what is ob-
To what, also, do we frequently find served ? Who
are the most eminent of
figurative allusions? What instances the sacred poets ? As the compositions
are mentioned ? What did the religion of David are chiefly of the lyric kind,
of the Hebrews include ? Of what was what is the consequence and in what ;

it full and with what was it connect-

; does he excel ** Tn his Psalms, what are
ed ? Hence, what followed ? From all found ; but to whom does he yield ; and
this, what results ? Whence is it copied in what ? For what is David chiefly
and what advantage has it? In read- distinguished ? In what Psalms does
ing their works, where do we find our- he touch us most? Of Isaiah, what is
selves; what are ever rising in our observed ? In what is this abundantly
.view and what constantly pass in dif-
; visible; and what is a material circum-
ferent forms before us ?Of the compari- stance ? What is his reigning charac-
sons employed by the sacred poets, ter ; and of it, what is remarked ?
what is observed ? In this respect, over What does lie possess ; and what pre-
whom have they an advantage and vails in his book, to a greater extent,
;

how does this appear? To illustrate this than in any other book of the propheti-
remark, what fine comparison is intro- cal writings? How do Isaiah and Jere-
duced? Repeat it and of it, what is miah compare; and of Ezekiel, what
;
470 b EPIC POETRY. [lect. xlii.

isobserved? What comparisons does ANALYSIS.

Introductory remarks.
Bishop Lowth make ? Of most of the 1.
2. Music and poetry very early cultivated.
books of Isaiah, and of Jeremiah and 3. Its construction peculiar to itself.
Ezekiel, what is farther observed ? 4. Its remarkable conciseness and strength.
Among the minor poets, who are dis- a. The boldness of its figures.
tinguished for poetical spirit; and in b. Natural objects figuratively used.
c. Awful and terrible imagery introduced.
whose prophecies is there no poetry?
d. Religious rights employed.
Of what does it still remain for us to e. Their imagery,expressive and natural.
speak ? What are the general remarks f. Their comparisons short and pointed.
made upon it? Of the poetry of the g. Allegory of frequent use.
book of Job, what is observed ? How is h. Personification their boldest figure.

this illustrated ? Repeat the passage

5. The different kinds of Hebrew poetiy.
6. Distinguished Hebrew poets.
with which these remarks are closed. a. The book of Job.

LECTURE XLII.

EPIC POETRY.
It now
remains to treat of the two highest kinds of poetical wri-
ting, the epic and the dramatic. I begin with the epic. This lec-
ture shall be employed upon the general principles of that species of
composition after which, I shall take a view of the character and
:

genius of the most celebrated epic poets.

The epic poem is universally allowed to be, of all poetical works,
the most dignified, and, at the same time, the most difficult in execu-
tion. To contrive a story which shall please and interest all read-
ers, by being at once entertaining, important, and instructive to ;

fill it with suitable incidents to enliven it with a variety of charac-

;

ters and of descriptions ; and, throughout a long work, to maintain

that propriety of sentiment, and that elevation of style, which the
epic character requires, is unquestionably the highest effort of poeti-
cal genius. Hence so very few have succeeded in the attempt, that
strict critics will hardly allow any other poems to bear the name of
epic, except the Iliad and the iEneid.
There is no subject, it must be confessed, on which critics have
displayed more pedantry than on this. By tedious disquisitions,
founded on a servile submission to authority, they have given such
an air of mystery to a plain subject, as to render it difficult for an
ordinary reader to conceive what an epic poem is. By Bossu's de-
finition, it is a discourse invented by art, purely to form the manners
of men, by means of instructions disguised under the allegory of some
important action which is related in verse. This definition would
suit several of iEsop's fables, if they were somewhat extended, and
put into verse and accordingly, to illustrate his definition, the critic
;

draws a parallel, in form, between the construction of one of iEsop's

fables and the plan of Homer's Iliad. The first thing, says he, which
either a writer of fables, or of heroic poems, does, is to choose some
maxim or point of morality to inculcate which, is to be the design
;

of his work. Next, he invents a general story, or a series of facts,

without any names, such as he judges will be most proper for illustra-
lect. xlii.] EPIC POETRY. 471

ting his intended moral. Lastly, he particularizes his story ; that

is, if he be a fabulist, he introduces his dog, his sheep, and his wolf;
or if he be an epic poet, he looks out in ancient history for some
proper names of heroes to give to his actors ; and then his plan is
completed.
This is one of the most frigid and absurd ideas that ever entered
into the mind of a critic. Homer, he says, saw the Grecians divided
into a great number of independent states ; but very often obliged
to unite into one body against their common enemies. The most
useful instruction which he could give them in this situation, was,
that a misunderstanding between princes is the ruin of the common
cause. In order to enforce this instruction, he contrived, in his own
mind, such a general story as this. Several princes join in a con-
federacy against their enemy. The prince who was chosen as the
leader of the rest, affronts one of the most valiant of the confederates,
who thereupon withdraws himself, and refuses to take part in the
common enterprise. Great misfortunes are the consequence of this
division till at length, both parties having suffered by the quarrel,
;

the offended prince forgets his displeasure and is reconciled to the

leader and union being once restored, there ensues complete vic-
;

tory over their enemies. Upon this general plan of his fable, adds
Bossu, it was of no great consequence, whether, in filling it up, Ho-
mer had employed the names of beasts, like iEsop, or of men. He
would have been equally instructive either way. But as he rather
fancied to write of heroes, he pitched upon the wall of Troy for the
scene of his fable ; he feigned such an action to happen there he ;

gave the name of Agamemnon to the common leader; that of

Achilles to the offended prince ; and so the Iliad arose.
He that can believe Homer to have proceeded in this manner,
may believe any thing. One may pronounce, with great certainty,
that an author who should compose according to such a plan ; who
should arrange all the subject in his own mind, with a view to the
moral, before he had ever thought of the personages who were to
be the actors, might write, perhaps, useful fables for children ; but
as to an epic poem, if he adventured to think of one, it would be
such as would find few readers. No person of any taste can enter-
tain a doubt, that the first objects which strike an epic poet are, the
hero whom he is to celebrate, and the action, or story, which is to
be the ground-work of his poem. He does not sit down, like a phi-
losopher, to form the plan of a treatise of morality. His genius is
fired by some great enterprise, which, to him, appears noble and
interesting and which, therefore, he pitches upon, as worthy of
;

being celebrated in the highest strain of poetry. There is no subject

of this kind, but will always afford some general moral instruction,
arising from it naturally. The instruction which Bossu points out,
is certainly suggested by the Iliad ; and there is another which
arises as naturally, and may just as well be assigned for the moral of
that poem namely, that providence avenges tho? e who have suffer-
;

ed injustice; but that when they allow their resentment to carry

them too far, it brings misfortunes on themselves. The subject
472 EPIC POETRY. [lect. xlii.

of thepoem the wrath of Achilles, caused hy the injustice of

is

Agamemnon. Jupiter avenges Achilles by giving success to the

Trojans against Agamemnon; but by continuing obstinate in his
resentment, Achilles loses his beloved friend Patroclus.
The plain account of the nature of an epic poem is, the recital
of some illustrious enterprise in a poetical form. This is as exact
a definition, as there is any occasion for on this subject. It compre-
hends several otber poems besides the Iliad of Homer, the -ZEneid
of Virgil, and the Jerusalem of Tasso which are, perhaps, the ;

tbree most regular and complete epic works that ever were compo-
sed. But to exclude all poems from the epic class, which are not
formed exactly upon the same model as these, is the pedantry of
criticism. Wecan give exact definitions and descriptions of mine-
rals, plants, and animals; and can arrange them with precision, un-
der the different classes to which they belong, because nature affords
a visible unvarying standard, to which we refer them. But with
regard to works of taste and imagination, where nature has fixed no
standard, but leaves scope for beauties of many different kinds, it is
absurd to attempt defining and limiting them with the same preci-
sion. Criticism, when employed in such attempts, degenerates into
trifling questions about words and names only. I therefore have

no scruple to class such poems as Milton's Paradise Lost, Lucan's

Pharsalia, Statius's Thebaid, Ossian's Fingal and Temora,Camo ens'
Lusiad, Voltaire's Henriade, Cambray's Telemachus, Glover's Le-
onidas, Wilkie's Epigoniad, under the same species of composition
with the Iliad and the iEneid though some of them approach much
;

nearer than others to the perfection of these celebrated works.

They are, undoubtedly, all epic ; that is, poetical recitals of great ad-
ventures ; which is all that is meant by this denomination of poetiy.
Though I cannot, by any means, allow, that it is the essence of
an epic poem to be wholly an allegory, or a fable contrived to illus-
trate some moral truth, yet it is certain, that no poetry is of a more
moral nature than this. Its effect in promoting virtue, is not to be
measured by any one maxim, or instruction, which results from the
whole story, like the moral of one of iEsop's fables. This is a
poor and trivial view of the advantage to be derived from perusing
a long epic work, that at the end we shall be able to gather from it
some common-place morality. Its effect arises from the impression
which the parts of the poem separately, as well as the whole taken
together, make upon the mind of the reader from the great exam- ;

ples which it sets before us, and the high sentiments with which it
warms our hearts. The end which it proposes is to extend our
ideas of human perfection or, in ether words, to excite admiration.
:

Now this can be accomplished only by proper representations of he-

roic deeds and virtuous characters. For high virtue is the object,
which all mankind are formed to admire and, therefore, epic poems;

are, and must be, favourable to the cause of virtue. Valour, truth,
justice, fidelity, friendship, piety, magnanimity, are the objects
which, in thecourse of such compositions, are presented toour minds,
under the most splendid and honourable colours. In behalf of virtu
 ;

lkct. xlii.] EPIC POETRY. 473

ous personages, our affections are engaged; in their designs, and

their distresses, we are interested ; the generous and public affec-
tions are awakened ; the mind is purified from sensual and mean
pursuits, and accustomed to take part in great heroic enterprises.
It is indeed no small testimony in honour of virtue, that several of
the most refined and elegant entertainments of mankind, such as
that species of poetical composition which we now consider, must
be grounded on moral sentiments and impressions. This is a testi-
mony of such weight, that, were it in the power of skeptical philo-
sophers to weaken the force of those reasonings, which establish
the essential distinctions between vice and virtue, the writings of
epic poets alone were sufficient to refute their false philosophy
showing by that appeal which they constantly make to the feelings
of mankind in favour of virtue, that the foundations of it are laid
deep and strong in human nature.
The general strain and spirit of rt pic composition, sufficiently
mark its distinction from the other kinds of poetry. In pastoral
writing, the reigning idea is innocence and tranquillity. Compas-
sion is the great object of tragedy; ridicule, the province of comedy.
The predominant character of the epic is, admiration excited by
heroic actions. It is sufficiently distinguished from history, both
by its poetical form, and the liberty of fiction which it assumes.
It is a more calm composition than tragedy. It admits, nay requires,
the pathetic and the violent, on particular occasions ; but the pa-
thetic is not expected to be its general character. It requires,
more than any other species of poetry, a grave, equal, and support-
ed dignity. It takes in a greater compass of time and action, than
dramatic writing admits; and thereby allows a more full display
of characters. Dramatic writings display characters chiefly by
means of sentiments and passions ; epic poetry, chiefly by means
of actions. The emotions, therefore, which it raises, are not so
violent, but they are more prolonged. These are the general
characteristics of this species of composition. But, in order to give
a more particular and critical view of it, let us consider the epic
poem under three heads; first, with respect to the subject, or action
secondly, with respect to the actors, or characters ; and lastly, with
respect to the narration of the poet.
The action, or subject of the epic poem, must have three pro-
perties ; it must be one ; it must be great; it must be interesting.
First, it must be one action, or enterprise, which the poet chooses
for his subject. I have frequently had occasion to remark the
importance of unity, in many kinds of composition, in order to
make a full and strong impression upon the mind. With the high-
est reason, Aristotle insists upon this, as essential to epic poetry ;
and it is, indeed, the most material of all his rules respecting it.
For it is certain, that, in the recital of heroic adventures, several
scattered and independent facts can never affect a reader so deeply,
nor engage his attention so strongly, as a tale that is one and con-
nected, where the several incidents hang upon one another, and
60
474 EPIC POETRY. [lect. xlh.

are all made to conspire for the accomplishment of one end. In a

regular epic, the more sensible this unity is rendered to the ima-
gination, the better will be the effect; and, for this reason, as Aris-
totle has observed, it is not sufficient for the poet to confine himself
to the actions of one man, or to those which happened during a
certain period of time but the unity must lie in the subject itself;
;

and arise from

the parts combining into one whole.
all

In all the great epic poems, unity of action is sufficiently appa-

rent. Virgil, for instance, has chosen for his subject, the establish-
ment of ./Eneas in Italy. From the beginning to the end of the
poem, this object is ever in our view, and links all the parts of it
together with full connexion. The unity of the Odyssey is of the
same nature the return and re-establishment of Ulysses in his own
;

country. The subject of Tasso, is the recovery of Jerusalem from

the infidels that of Milton, the expulsion of our first parents from
;

Paradise and both of them °re unexceptionable in the unity of the

;

story. The professed subject of the Iliad, is the anger of Achilles,,

with the consequences which it produced. The Greeks carry on
many unsuccessful engagements against the Trojans, as long as
they are deprived of the assistance of Achilles. Upon his beinc
appeased and reconciled to Agamemnon, victory follows, and the
poem closes. It must be owned, however, that the unity, or con-
necting principle, is not quite so sensible to the imagination here
as in the iEneid. For, throughout many books of the Iliad,
Achilles is out of sight; he is lost in inaction, and the fancy termi-
nates on no other object, than the success of the two armies whom
we see contending in war.
The unity of the epic action is not to be so strictly interpreted,
as if it excluded all episodes, or subordinate actions. It is neces-
sary to observe here, that the term episode is employed by Aris-
totle, in a different sense from what we now give to it. It was a
term originally applied to dramatic poetry, and thence transferred
to epic; and by episodes, in an epic poem, it should seem that Aris-
totle understood the extension of the general fable, or plan of the
poem, into all its circumstances. What his meaning was, is indeed
not very clear ; and this obscurity has occasioned much altercation
among critical writers. Bossu, in particular, is so perplexed upon
this subject, as to be almost unintelligible. But, dismissing so
fruitless a controversy, what we now understand by episodes, are
certain actions, or incidents, introduced into the narration, connect-
ed with the principal action, yet not of such importance as to destroy,
if they had been omitted, the main subject of the poem. Of this
nature are the interview of Hector with Andromache, in the Iliad ;
the story of Cacus, and that of Nisus and Euryalus, in the iEneid;
the adventures of Tancred with Erminia and Clorinda,in the Jeru-
salem; and the prospect of his descendants exhibited to Adam, in
the last books of Paradise Lost.
Such episodes as these, are not only permitted to an epic poet,
but, provided they be properly executed, are great ornaments to
his work. The rules regarding them are the following:
lect. xlii.] EPIC POETRY. 475

First, they must be naturally introduced they must have a suf-

;

ficient connexion with the subject of the poem they must seem in-
;

ferior parts that belong to it not mere appendages stuck to it. The
;

episode of Olinda and Sophronia, in the second book of Tasso's Jeru-

salem, is faulty, by transgressing this rule. It is too much detached
from the rest of the work: and, being introduced so near the opening
of the poem, misleads the reader into an expectation that it is to be of
some future consequence whereas, it proves to be connected with
;

nothing that follows. In proportion as any episode is slightly related

to the main subject, it. should always be the shorter. The passion
of Dido in the iEneid, and the snares of Armida in the Jerusalem,
which are expanded so fully in these poems, cannot with propriety
be called episodes. They are constituent parts of the work, and
form a considerable share of the intrigue of the poem.
In the next place, episodes ought to present to us objects of a
different kind from those which go before, and those which follow in
the course of the poem. For, it is principally for the sake of va-
riety, that episodes are introduced into an epic composition. In so
long a work, they tend to diversify the subject, and to relieve the
reader, by shifting the scene. In the midst of combats, therefore,
an episode of the martial kind would be out of place; whereas,
Hector's visit to Andromache in the Iliad, andErminia's adventure
with the shepherd in the seventh book of the Jerusalem, afford us a
well-judged and pleasing retreat from camps and battles.
Lastly, as an episode is a professed embellishment, it ought to
be particularly elegant and well finished; and, accordingly, it is,
for the most part, in pieces of this kind, that poets put forth their
strength. The episodes of Teribazus and Ariana, in Leonidas, and
of the death of Hercules, in the Epigoniad, are the two greatest
beauties in these poems.
The unity of the epic action necessarily supposes, that the action
be entire and complete; that is, as Aristotle well expresses it, that
it have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Either by relating the
whole, in his own person, or by introducing some of his actors to
relate what had passed before the opening of the poem, the author
most always contrive to give us full information of every thing that
belongs to his subject; he must not leave our curiosity in any ar-
ticle ungratified; he must bring us precisely to the accomplishment
of his plan, and then conclude.
The second property of the epic action is, that it be great that
;

it have sufficient splendour and importance, both to fix our atten-

tion, and to justify the magnificent apparatus which the poet bestows
.upon it. This is so evidently requisite as not to require illustra-
tion: and, indeed, hardly any who have attempted epic poetry,
have failed in choosing some subject sufficiently important, either
by the nature of the action, or by the fame of the personages con-
cerned in it.
It contributes to the grandeur of the epic subject, that it be not of
a modern date, nor fall within any period of history with which we
are intimately acquainted. Both Lucan and Voltaire have, in the
476 EPIC POETRY. [lect. xlii

choice of their subjects, transgressed this rule, and they have, upon
that account, succeeded worse. Antiquity is favourable to those
high and august ideas, which epic poetry is designed to raise. It
tends to aggrandize, in our imagination, both persons and events ;

and what is still more material, it allows the poet the liberty of
adorning his subject by means of fiction. Whereas, as soon as he
comes within the verge of real and authenticated history, this liberty
is abridged. He must either confine himself wholly, as Lucan has
done, to strict historical truth, at the expense of rendering his story
jejune or if he goes beyond it, like Voltaire in his Henriade, this
;

disadvantage follows, that, in well-known events, the true and the

fictitious parts of the plan do not naturally mingle and incorporate
wit'i each other. These observations cannot be applied to dramatic
writing where the personages are exhibited to us, not so much
;

that we may admire, as that we may love or pity them. Such

passions are much more consistent with the familiar historical
knowledge of the persons who are to be the objects of them and ;

even require them to be displayed in the light, and with the failings,
of ordinary men. Modern and well-known history, therefore, may
furnish very proper materials for tragedy. But for epic poetry,
where heroism is the ground-work, and where the object in view
is to excite admiration, ancient or traditionary history is assuredly

the safest region. There the author may lay hold on names, and
characters, and events, not wholly unknown, on which to build his
story, while, at the same time, by reason of the distance of the pe-
riod, or of the remoteness of the scene, sufficient license is left him
for fiction and invention.
The third property required in the epic poem is, that it be inter-
esting. not sufficient for this purpose that it be great.
It is For
deeds of mere valour, how heroic soever, may prove cold and tire-
some. Much will depend on the happy choice of some subject,
which shall, by its nature, interest the public as when the poet se-
;

lects for his hero, one who is the founder, or the deliverer, or the
favourite of his nation; or when he writes of achievements that
have been highly celebrated, or have been connected with important
consequences to any public cause. Most of the great epic poems
are abundantly fortunate in this respect, and must have been very
interesting to those ages and countries in which they were composed.
But the chief circumstance which renders an epic poem interest-
ing, and which tends to interest, not one age or country alone, but
all readers, is the skilful conduct of the author in the management

of his subject. He must so contrive his plan, as that it shall com-

prehend many affecting incidents. He must not dazzle us perpetu-
ally with valiant achievements for all readers tire of constant fight-
;

ing and battles; but he must study to touch our hearts. He may
sometimes be awful and august; he must often be tender and pathet-
ic; he must give us gentle and pleasing scenes of love, friendship,
and affection. The more an epic poem abounds with situations
which awaken the feelings of humanity, the more interesting it is;
lect. xlii.] EPIC POETRY. 477

and these form always, the favourite passages of the work. I know
no epic poets so happy in this respect as Virgil and Tasso.
Much, too, depends on the characters of the heroes, for rendering
the poem interesting; that they be such as shall strongly attach
the readers, and make them take part in the dangers which the he-
roes encounter. These dangers, or obstacles, form what is called
the nodus, or the intrigue of the epic poem ; in the judicious con-
duct of which consists much of the poet's art. He must rouse our
attention, by a prospect of the difficulties which seem to threaten
disappointment to the enterprise of his favourite personages; he
must make these difficulties grow and thicken upon us by degrees ;
till, after having kept us, for some time, in a state of agitation and sus-

pense, he paves the way, by a proper preparation of incidents, for

the winding up of the plot, in a natural and probable manner. It is
plain, that every tale which is designed to engage attention, must
be conducted on a plan of this sort.
A question has been moved, whether the nature of the epic poem
does not require that it should always end successfully ? Most critics
are inclined to think, that a successful issue is the most proper ; and
they appear to have reason on their side. An unhappy conclusion
depresses the mind, and is opposite to the elevating emotions which
belong to this species of poetry. Terror and compassion are the
proper subjects of tragedy ; but as the epic poem is of larger com-
pass and extent, it were too much, if, after the difficulties and trou-
bles which commonly abound in the progress of the poem, the au-
thor should bring them all at last to an unfortunate issue. Accord-
ingly, the general practice of epic poets is on the side of a prosper-
ous conclusion not, however, without some exceptions.
; For two
authors of great name, Lucan and Milton, have held a contrary
course the one concluding with the subversion of the Roman lib-
;

erty ; the other, with the expulsion of man from Paradise.

With regard to the time or duration of the epic action, no precise
boundaries can be ascertained. Aconsiderable extent is always al-
lowed to it, as it does not necessarily depend on those violent pas-
sions which can be supposed to have only a short continuance. The
Iliad, which is formed upon the anger of Achilles, has, with propri-
ety, the shortest duration of any of the great epic poems. Accord-
ing to Bossu,the action lasts no longer than forty-seven days. The
action of the Odyssey, computed from the taking of Troy to the
peace of Ithaca, extends to eight years and a half; and the action of
the iEneid, computed in the same way, from the taking of Troy to
the death of Turnus, includes about six years. But if we measure
the period only of the poet's own narration, or compute from the
time in which the hero makes his first appearance to the conclusion,
the duration of both these last poems is brought within a much
smaller compass. The Odyssey, beginning with Ulysses in the isl-
and of Calypso, comprehends fifty-eight days only; and the iEneid,
beginning with the storm, which throws .ZEneas upon the coast of
Africa, is reckoned to include, at the most, a year and some months.
Having thus treated of the epic action, or the subject of the
3Z
 ;

478 EPIC POETRY. [lect. xlii.

poem, I proceed next to make some observations on the actors or

personages.
As it is the business of an epic poet to copy after nature, and to
form a probableand interesting" tale, he must study to give all his per-
sonages proper and well-supported characters, such as display tho
features of human nature. This is what Aristotle calls giving man-
ners to the poem. It is by no means necessary, that all his actors
be morally good imperfect, nay, vicious characters, may find a
;

proper place though the nature of epic poetry seems to require,

;

that the principal figures exhibited should be such as tend to raise

admiration and love, rather than hatred or contempt. But whatever
the character be which a poet gives to any of his actors, he must
take care to preserve it uniform, and consistent with itself. Every
thing which that person says, or does, must be suited to it, and must
serve to distinguish him from any other.
Poetic characters may be divided into two kinds, general and
particular. General characters are, such as are wise, brave,
virtuous, without any farther distinction. Particular characters
express the species of bravery, of wisdom, of virtue, for which any
one is eminent. They exhibit the peculiar features which distin-
guish one individual from another, which mark the difference of the
same moral quality in different men, according as it is combined with
other dispositions in their temper. In drawing such particular
characters, genius is chiefly exerted. How far each of the three
great epic poets have distinguished themselves in this part of com-
position, I shall have occasion afterwards to show, when I come to
make remarks upon their works. It is sufficient now to mention,
that it is in this part Homer
has principally excelled Tasso has
;

come the nearest to Homer; and Virgil has been the most deficient.
It has been the practice of all epic poets, to select some one per-
sonage, whom they distinguish above all the rest, and make the hero
of the tale. This is considered as essential to epic composition,
and is attended with several advantages. It renders the unity of the
subject more sensible, when there is one principal figure, to which,
as to a centre, all the rest refer. It tends to interest us more in the
enterprise which is carried on; and it gives the poet an opportunity
of exerting his talents for adorning and displaying one character,
with peculiar splendour. It has been asked, Who then is the hero
of Paradise Lost ? The devil, it has been answered by some critics
and, in consequence of this idea, much ridicule and censure has
been thrown upon Milton. But they have mistaken that author's
intention, by proceeding upon a supposition, that, in the conclusion
of the poem, the hero must needs be triumphant. Whereas Milton
followed a different plan, and has given a tragic conclusion to a po-
em, otherwise epic in its form. For Adam is undoubtedly his hero
that is, the capital and most interesting figure in his poem.
Besides human actors, there are personages of another kind, that
usually occupy no small place in epic poetry I mean the gods, or
;

supernatural beings. This brings us to the consideration of what is

called the machinery of the epic poem the most nice and difficult
;
lect. xlii.] EPIC POETRY. 479

part of the subject. Critics appear to me to have gone to extremes

on both sides. Almost all the French critics decide in favour of
machinery, as essential to the constitution of an epic poem. They
quote that sentence of Petronius Arbiter, as if it were an oracle,
'per ambages, Deorumque ministeria, praecipitandus est liber spirit-
us ;' and hold that though a poem had every other requisite that
could be demanded, yet it could not be ranked in the epic class,
unless the main action was carried on by the intervention of the
gods. This decision seems to be founded on no principle or reason
whatever, unless a superstitious reverence for the practice of Homer
and Virgil. These poets very properly embellished their story by
the traditional tales and popular legends of their own country ac- ;

cording to which,all the great transactions of the heroic times were

intermixed with the fables of their deities. But does it thence fol-
low, that in other countries, and other ages, where there is not the
like advantage of current superstition, and popular credulity, epic
poetry must be wholly confined to antiquated fictions and fairy tales ?
Lucan has composed a very spirited poem, certainly of the epic
kind, where neither gods nor supernatural beings are at all employ-
ed. The author of Leonidas has made an attempt of the same kind,
not without success; and beyond doubt, wherever a poet gives us
a regular heroic story, well connected in its parts, adorned with
characters, and supported with proper dignity and elevation, though
his agents be every one of them human, he has fulfilled the chief
requisites of this sort of composition, and has a just title to be class-
ed with epic writers.
But though I cannot admit that machinery is necessary or essen-
tial to the epic plan, neither can I agree with some late critics of
considerable name, who are for excluding it totally, as inconsistent
with that probability and impression of reality which they think
should reign in this kind of writing.* Mankind do not consider
poetical writings with so philosophical an eye. They seek enter-
tainment from them and for the bulk of readers, indeed for almost
;

all men, the marvellous has a great charm. It gratifies and fills the
imagination, and gives room for many a striking and sublime de-
scription. In epic poetry, in particular, where admiration and lofty
ideas are supposed to reign, the marvellous and supernatural find,
if any where, their proper place. They both enable the poet to
aggrandize his subject, by means of those august and solemn objects
which religion introduces into it; and they allow him to enlarge
and diversify his plan, by comprehending within it heaven, and
earth, ind hell, men and invisible beings, and the whole circle ot
.the u tii verse.
At same time, in the use of this supernatural machinery, it be-
the
comes poet to be temperate and prudent.
a He is not at liberty to
invent what system of the marvellous he pleases. It must always
have some foundation in popular belief. He must avail himself, in
a decent manner, either of the religious faith, or the superstitious

* See Elements of Criticism, ch. 22.

480 EPIC POETRY. [lect. xlii.

credulity of the country wherein he lives, or of which he writes, so

as to give an air of probability to events which are most contrary
to the common course of nature. Whatever machinery he em-
ploys, he must take care not to overload us with it not to with- ;

draw human actions and manners too much from view, nor to ob-
scure them under a cloud of incredible fictions. He must always
remember, that his chief business is to relate to men, the actions and
the exploits of men that it is by these principally he is to interest
;

us, and to touch our hearts ; and that if probability be altogether

banished from his work, it can never make a deep or a lasting im-
pression. Indeed, I know nothing more difficult in epic poetry,
than to adjust properly the mixture of the marvellous with the pro-
bable; so as to gratify and amuse us with the one, without sacrifi-
cing the other. I need hardly observe, that these observations af-
fect not the conduct of Milton's work; whose plan being altogether
theological, his supernatural beings form not the machinery, but
are the principal actors in the poem.
With regard to allegorical personages, fame, discord, love, and
the like, it may be safely pr< nounced, that they form the worst
machinery of any. In description they are sometimes allowa-
ble, and may serve embellishment; but they should never
for
be permitted to bear any share in the action of the poem. For
being plain and declared fictions, mere names of general ideas, to
which even fancy cannot attribute any existence as persons, if they
are introduced as mingling with human actors, an intolerable con-
fusion of shadows and realities arises, and all consistency of action
is utterly destroyed.
In the narration of the poet, which is the last head that remains
to be considered, it is not material, whether he relate the whole

story in his own character, or introduce some of his personages to

relate any part of the action that had passed before the poem opens.
Homer follows the one method in his Iliad, and the other in his
Odyssey. Virgil has, in this respect, imitated the conduct of the
Odyssey ; Tasso, that of the Iliad. The chief advantage which ari-
ses from any of the actors being employed to relate part of the sto-
ry, is, that it allows the poet, if he chooses it, to open with some in-
teresting situation of affairs, informing us afterwards of what had
passed before that period and gives him the greater liberty of
;

spreading out such parts of the subject as he is inclined to dwell upon

in person, and of comprehending the rest within a short recital.
Where the subject is of great extent, and comprehends the transac-
tions of several years, as in the Odyssey and theiEneid, this method
therefore seems preferable. When the subject is of smaller compass,
and shorter duration, as in the Iliad and the Jerusalem, the poet
may, without disadvantage, relate the whole in his own person.
In the proposition of the subject, the invocation of the muse, and
other ceremonies of the introduction, poets may vary at their plea-
make these little formalities the object
sure. It is perfectly trifling to
of precise rule, any farther, than that the subject of the work should
always be clearly proposed, and without affected or unsuitable pomja.
LECT. XLII.] QUESTIONS. 481

For, according to Horace's noted rule, no introduction should ever

set out too high, or promise too much, lest the author should not fulfil
the expectations he has raised.
What is of most importance in the tenour of the narration is, that
it be perspicuous, animated, and enriched with all the beauties of
poetry. No sort of composition requires more strength, dignity, and
fire, than the epic poem. It is the region within which we look for
every thing that is sublime in description, tender in sentiment, and
bold and lively in expression and, therefore, though an author's
;

plan should be faultless, and his story ever so well conducted, yet, if
he be feeble, or flat in style, destitute of affecting scenes, and defi-
cient in poetical colouring, he can have no success. The ornaments
which epic poetry admits, must all be of the grave and chaste kind.
Nothing that is loose, ludicrous, or affected, finds any place there.
All the objects which it presents ought to be either great, or tender,
or pleasing. Descriptions of disgusting or shocking objects, should,
as muchas possible, be avoided and, therefore, the fable of the
;

Harpies, in the third book of the iEneid, and the allegory of Sin and
Death, in the second book of Paradise Lost, had been better omitted
in these celebratedpoems.

QUESTIONS.
Of what does it now remain to trer ? epic poem ? Of this definition, what is
.

With which does our author be^-i? observed; and what does it compre-
On what shall this lecture be employ- hend ? But what is the pedantry of cri-
ed ? After which, what shall be done ? ticism ? With minerals, plants, and ani-
Of the epic poem, what is allowed ? mals, what can Ave do and why ? But
;

What is, unquestionably, the highest with regard to works of taste and ima-
effort of poetical genius 1 Hence, what gination, what is observed ? When em
follows? On this subject, what have ployed in such attempts, into what
critics displayed 7 By tedious disquisi-/ does criticism degenerate ? To class
tions, what have they done 1 By Bos/ what poems, therefore, with the Iliad
su's definition, what is it? Ofthisdef/ and the iEneid, does our author not scru-
nition, what is observed ? What do* ple ? They are, undoubtedly, all of
he say is the first thing which either a what character ? What cannot our au-
writer of fables, or of heroic poems, thor allow yet, what is certain ? Of
;

does ? Next, what does he do ? And its effect in promoting virtue, what is
lastly, what ? Of this idea, what is ob- observed and what remark follows ?
;

served ? Repeat the whole account of From what does its effect arise ? What
the origin of the Iliad, according to is the end which it proposes ? How,
Bossu. What is said of him who can only, can this be accomplished and ;

believe Homer to have proceeded in why ? What objects, in the course of

this manner and what may one, with such compositions, are presented to our
;

great certainty, pronounce? Of what minds, under the most honourable co-
can no person of taste entertain a lours and consequently, how are we
;

doubt ? How is this illustrated ? Be- affected? What is, indeed, no small
sides the instruction which Bossu as- testimony in honour of virtue ? Of the
signs to the Iliad, what other may as weight of this testimony, what is ob-
naturally be considered the moral of served? What sufficiently mark its dis-

that poem ? What is the subject of the from other kinds of poetry?
tinction
poem? How does Jupiter avenge How is this remark illustrated ? By
Achilles ; and what is the effect of what is it sufficiently distinguished from
Achilles' continued obstinacy ? What history; and from tragedy? What
is the plain account of the nature of an does it require ? How dors it compare
 ;;

481 a QUESTIONS. [lect. xlii

with dramatic poetry ? But, in order to property required in the epic poem ?
give a more particular and critical Why is it not. sufficient for this purpose
view of it, under what, three heads that it be great ? On what will much
shall we consider it ? What three pro- depend ; and what examples are men-
perties must the action, or subject of tioned ? Of most of the great epic po-
the epic poem, have ? To remark what, ems, what, in this respect, is observed ?
has our author had frequent occasion'? But what is the chief circumstance
With the highest reason, on what does which renders an epic poem interest-
Aristotle insist and why ? In a regu-
; ing? How is this fully illustrated ?
lar epic, how will the effect be rendered What epic poets are the most happy
more perfect ; and for this reason, what in this respect? On what, does
also,
has Aristotle observed 1 How is
the re- much depend, for rendering the poem
mark fully illustrated, that in all the interesting ? What effect must they
great epic poems, unity of action is produce ? What do these dangers, or
sufficiently apparent ? What does not form ; and
obstacles, in the judicious
the unity of the epic exclude? What conduct of them, consists what? In
is it necessary here to observe? To
what manner must he conduct it ?
what was the term originally applied What is manifest ? What question has
;

and whence transferred? What did been moved ? To what opinion are
Aristotle understand by episodes, in most critics inclined? Why do they
an epic poem? What has been the appear to have reason on their side ?
effect of the obscurity of his meaning ? What illustration of this remark fol-

But, dismissing so fruitless a controver- lows ? To this general practice, what

sy, what do we now understand by two exceptions have we; and how do
them ? Of this nature, what examples they conclude? With regard to the du-
are given ? Of such episodes as these, ration of the epic action, what is ob-
what is observed? What is the first served ? Why
a considerable extent
is

rule given, regarding them ? What always allowed to it? What is the du-
episode is faulty, by transgressing this ration of the action of the Iliad, of the
rule ; and of it, what is remarked ? In Odyssey, and of the /Eneid ? How may
proportion to what, should episodes al- the duration of two of these poems be
ways be the shorter? What cannot, brought into a much smaller compass?
with propriety, be called episodes ; and Within what compass are they thus
what are they? In the next place, brought ? Having treated of the epic
what ought episodes to present to us action, to what does our author next
and why ? In so long a work, what is proceed ? As it is the business of the
their effect ? What illustrations of this epic poet to copy after nature, and to
remark follow? What is the last direc- form a probable and interesting tale,
tion regarding the episode ; and what what, must he study to do ? What does
instances are mentioned ? What does call this ? What is, by no
Aristotle
the unity of the epic action necessarily necessary ? Though vicious
means,
suppose? By this, what is meant? characters may find a proper place,
What is the second property of the yet, what does the nature of epic poe-
epic action? Of this, what is observed ? try seem to require ? But whatever
What contributes to the grandeur of the character of his actors be, about
the epic subject ? Who, in the choice what must he take care and for what ;

of their subjects, have transgressed this reason? Into what two kinds may
rule; and what is the consequence ? poetic characters be divided ? What
To what is antiquity favourable and are general characters what are par-
; ;

why ? When is this liberty abridged ticular characters and what do they ;

and what must he, consequently, do exhibit? In drawing such particular

or, if he goes beyond it, what disadvan- characters, what is chiefly exerted ?
tage follows? cannot these ob- What remark follows? What is it at
Why
servations be applied to dramatic wri- present sufficient to do ? What haa
ting ? Of such passions, what is ob- been the practice of all epic poets? As
served ? What may, therefore, furnish this is considered essential to epic com-
very proper materials for tragedy? position, with what advantages is it
But, for epic poetry, what is the safest attended ? What question has been
region and why? What is the third asked
;
how answered and what re
; ;
LECT. XLIII.] QUESTIONS. 481 b

mark follows ? Besides human actors, is the former ? In the invocation of the
what other personages, usually, occupy muse, what is observed ? What is per-
no small place in epic poetry ? To fectly trifling and why ? What is of ;

what does this bring us? On this sub- most importance in the tenour of the
ject, what has been the opinion of narration and what remark follows ? ;

French critics and of this decision, It is the region within which we look
;

what is observed? What did these for what and, therefore, what fol- ;

f)oets do but what does not thence f bl- lows? Of what kind must the orna-
;

ow ? How is this illustrated from Lu- ments o f epic poetry be and why ? ;

can, and from the author of Leonidas ?

ANALYSIS.
But though our author cannot admit Epic, poetry.
that machinery is essential to the epic 1. Bossu's definition.
plan, with what opinion can he not a. Illustrated.
agree ; and why ? What advantages b. Criticised.
2. The author's definition.
does it afford ? At the same time, how a. Its design.
must machinery be used and
this ;
3. The character of the epic poem.
what must the poet always remem- a.The action.
ber? What remarks follow ? With re- a. Unity.
(a.) Illustrated.
gard to allegorical personages, what is
(b.) Episodes not excluded.
observed? Where are they sometimes Their requisites.
allowable ? In what should they never Greatness requisite.
b.
be permitted to bear any part ; and c. It must be interesting.

why ? In the narration of the poet, 4. The characters to be introduced in

epic poetry.
what, is not material ; and why ? What
A. General and particular.
is the chief advantage that arises from
e. The hero,
the latter method ? When is this me- c. The machinery.
thod, therefore, preferable; and when 5. The narration.

LECTURE XLIII.

HOMER'S ILIAD AND ODYSSEY.— VIRGIL'S ^NEID.

As the epic poem
universally allowed to possess the highest
is

rank among works, it merits a particular discussion.

poetical
Having treated of the nature of this composition, and the principal
rules relating to it, I proceed to make some observations on the most
distinguished epic poems, ancient and modern.
Homer claims, on every account, our first attention, as the father
not only of epic poetry, but, in some measure, of poetry in general.
Whoever sits down to read Homer, must consider that he is going
to read the most ancient book in the world, next to the Bible.
Without making this reflection, he cannot enter into the spirit, nor
relish the composition of the author. He is not to look for the cor-
rectness and elegance of the Augustan age. He must divest him-
self ofour modern ideas of dignity and refinement, and transport
his imagination almost three thousand years back in the history of
mankind. What he is to expect, is a picture of the ancient world.
He must reckon upon finding characters and manners, that retain a
considerable tincture of the savage state moral ideas, as yet imper- ;

fectly formed and the appetites and passions of men brought under
;

none of those restraints to which, in a more advanced state of society,

they are accustomed but bodily strength prized as one of the
;

chief heroic endowments the preparing of a meal, and the appeas-

;
4S2 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [lect. xliii.

ing of hunger, described as very interesting objects and the heroes

;

boasting of themselves openly, scolding one another outrageously,

and glorying, as we should now think very indecently, over their
fallen enemies.
The opening of the Iliad possesses none of that sort of dignity,
which a modern looks for in a great epic poem. It turns on no higher
subject, than the quarrel of two chieftains about a female slave.
The priest of Apollo beseeches Agamemnon to restore his daughter,
who, in the plunder of a city, had fallen to Agamemnon's share
of booty. He refuses. Apollo, at the prayer of his priest, sends a
plague into the Grecian camp. The augur, when consulted, declares
that there is no way of appeasing Apollo, but by restoring the daugh-
ter of his priest. Agamemnon is enraged at the augur; professes
that he likes this slave better than his wife Clytemnestra; but since
he must restore her, in order to save the army, insists to have another
in her place and pitches upon Briseis, the slave of Achilles. Achil-
;

les, as was to be expected, kindles into a rage at this demand ;re-

proaches him for his rapacity and insolence, and after giving him
many hard names, solemnly swears, that, if he is to be thus treated
by the general, he will withdraw his troops, and assist the Grecians
no more against the Trojans. He withdraws accordingly. His
mother, the goddess Thetis, interests Jupiter in his cause who, to
;

revenge the wrong which Achilles had suffered, takes part against the
Greeks, and suffers them to fall into great and long distress; un-
til Achilles is pacified, and reconciliation brought about between

him and Agamemnon.

Such is the basis of the whole action of the Iliad. Hence rise all
those speciosa miracula,' as Horace terms them, which fill that ex-
'

traordinary poem and which have had the power of interesting al-
;

most allthe nations of Europe, during every age, since the days of
Homer. The general admiration commanded by a poetical plan,
so very different from what any one would have formed in our times,
ought not, upon reflection, to be matter of surprise. For, besides
that a fertile genius can enrich and beautify any subject on which it
is employed, it is to be observed, that ancient manners, how much

soever they contradict our present notions of dignity and refinement,

afford, nevertheless, materials for poetry, superior, in some respects,
to those which are furnished by a more polished state of society.
They discover human nature more open and undisguised, without
any of those studied forms of behaviour which now conceal men
from one another. They give free scope to the strongest and most
impetuous emotions of the mind, which make a better figure in de-
scription than calm and temperate feelings. They show us our na-
tive prejudices, appetites, and desires, exerting themselves without
control. From this state of manners, joined with the advantage of
that strong and expressive style, which, as I formerly observed, com-
monly distinguishes the compositions of early ages, we have ground
to look for more of the boldness, ease, and freedom of native genius,
in compositions of such a period, than in those of more civilized
times. And, accordingly, the two great characters of the Homeric
 lect. xliii.J THE ILIAD OF HOMER. 483

poetry are fire and simplicity. Let us now proceed to make some
more
particular observations on the Iliad, under the three heads of
the subject and action, the characters, and narration of the poet.
The subject of the Iliad must unquestionably be admitted to be,
in themain, happily chosen. In the days of Homer, no object
could be more splendid and dignified than the Trojan war. So great
a confederacy of the Grecian states, under one leader, and the ten
years' siege which they carried on against Troy, must have spread
far abroad the renown of many military exploits, and interested all
Greece in the traditions concerning the heroes who had most emi-
nently signalized themselves. Upon these traditions Homer ground-
ed his poem; and though he lived, as is generally believed, only
two or three centuries after the Trojan war, yet, through the want
of written records, tradition must, by this time, have fallen into
the degree of obscurity most proper for poetry; and have left him
.at full liberty to mix as much fable as he pleased with the remains
of true history. He has not chosen for his subject the whole
Trojan war; but, with great judgment, he has selected one part of
it, the quarrel betwixt Achilles and Agamemnon, and the events to

which that quarrel gave rise which, though they take up forty-seven
;

days only, yet included the most interesting and most critical period
of the war. By this management, he has given greater unity to
what would have otherwise been an unconnected history of battles.
He has gained one hero, or principal character, Achilles, who reigns
throughout the work; and he has shown the pernicious effect of discord
among confederated princes. At the same time, I admit that Ho-
mer is less fortunate in his subject than Virgil. The plan of the
.ZEneid includes a greater compass, and a more agreeable diversity of
events; whereas the Iliad is almost entirely filled with battles.
The praise of high invention has, in every age, been given to
Homer, with the greatest reason. The prodigious number of in-
cidents, of speeches, of characters divine and human, with which
he abounds; the surprising variety with which he has diversified
his battles, in the wounds and deaths, and little history pieces of
almost all the persons slain, discover an invention next to bound-
less. But the praise of judgment is, in my opinion, no less due to
Homer, than that of invention. His story is all along conducted
with great art. He rises upon us gradually his heroes are brought
;

out, one after another, to be objects of our attention. The distress

thickens, as the poem advances; and every thing is so contrived
as to aggrandize Achilles, and to render him, as the poet intended
he should be, the capital figure.
'
But that wherein Homer excels all writers is the characteristical
part. Here he is without a rival. His lively and spirited exhibition
of characters is. in a great measure, owing: to his being so dra-
matic a writer, abounding every where with dialogue and conversa-
tion. There is much more dialogue in Homer than in Virgil: or,
indeed, than in any other poet. What Virgil informs us of by two
words of narration, Homer brings about by a speech. may We
observe here, that this method of writing is more ancient than
4 A
484 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [lect. xliii.

the narrative manner. Of this we have a clear proof in the books of

the Old Testament, which, instead of narration, abound with speeches,
with answers and replies, upon the most familiar subjects. Thus, in
the book of Genesis: 'Joseph said unto his brethren, Whence come
ye ? and they answered, From the land of Canaan we come to buy
food. And Joseph said, Ye are spies to see the nakedness of the
;

land are ye come. And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but
to buy food are thy servants come we are all one man's sons, we
;

are true men, thy servants are no spies. And he said unto them,
Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. And they
said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the
land of Canaan ;and behold, the youngest is this day with our fa-
ther; and one is not. And Joseph said unto them; This it is that
I spake unto you, saying, ye are spies. Hereby ye shall be pro-
ved by the life of Pharaoh, ye shall notgo forth, except youryoung-
;

est brother come hither,' &c. Genesis xlii. 7— 15. Such a style
as this, is the most simple and artless form of writing, and must,
therefore, undoubtedly, have been the mostancient. Itis copying
directly from nature; giving a plain rehearsal of what passed, or
was supposed to pass, in conversation between the persons of whom
the author treats. In progress of time, when the art of writing was
more studied, it was thought more elegant to compress the substance
of conversation into short distinct narrative, made by the poet or
historian in his own person ; and to reserve direct speeches for
solemn occasions only.
The ancient dramatic method which Homer practised has some
advantages, balanced with some defects. It renders composition
more natural and animated, and more expressive of manners and
characters; but withal less grave and majestic, and sometimes tire-
some. Homer, it must be admitted, has carried his propensity to
the making of speeches too far; and if he be tedious any where,
• c is in these
; some of them trifling, and some of them plainly un-
seasonable. Together with the Greek vivacity, he leaves upon our
minds some impression of the Greek loquacity also. His speeches,
however, are upon the whole characteristic and lively and to them
;

we owe, in a great measure, that admirable display which he has

given of human nature. Every one who reads him, becomes fa-
miliarly and intimately acquainted with his heroes. We
seem to
have lived among them, and to have conversed with them. Not
only has he pursued the single virtue of courage through all its dif-
ferent forms and features, in his different warriors but some more
;

delicate characters, into which courage either enters not at all, or hut
for an inconsiderable part, he has drawn with singular art.
How finely, for instance, has he painted the character of Helen,
so as, notwithstanding her frailty and her crimes, to prevent her
from being an odious object ! The admiration with which the old
generals behold her, in the third book, when she is coming towards
them, presents her to us with much dignity. Her veiling herself and
shedding tears, her confusion in the presence of Priain, her grief
LT3CT. xliii.] THE ILIAD OF HOMER. 485

and self-accusations at the sight of Menelaus, her upbraiding Paris

for his cowardice, and, at the same time, her returning fondness
for him, exhibit the most striking features of that mixed female
character, which we partly condemn, and partly pity. Homer
never introduces her without making her say something to move
our compassion while, at the same time, he takes care to contrast
:

her character with that of a virtuous matron, in the chaste and

tender Andromache.
Paris himself, the author of all the mischief, is characterized with
the utmost propriety. He is, as we should expect him, a mixture
of gallantry and effeminacy. He retreats from Menelaus, on his first
appearance but, immediately afterwards, enters into single combat
;

with him. He is a great master of civility, remarkably courteous in

his speeches ; and receives all the reproofs of his brother Hector
with modesty and deference. He is described as a person of ele-
gance and taste. He was the architect of his own palace. He is,
in the sixth book, found by Hector, burnishing and dressing up his
armour; and issues forth to battle with a peculiar gayety and osten-
tation of appearance, which is illustrated by one of the finest com-
parisons in all the Iliad, that of the horse prancing to the river.
Homer has been blamed for making his hero Achilles of too bru-
tal and unamiable a character. But I am inclined to think, that in-
justice is commonly done to Achilles upon the credit of two lines
of Horace, who has certainly overloaded his character.
Impiger, iracundus, inexorabilis, acer,
Jura neget sibi nata, nihil non arroget armis. A. P. 121.

Achilles is passionate, indeed, to a great degree; but he is far from

being a contemner of laws and justice. In the contest with Aga-
memnon, though he carries it on with too much heat, yet he has
reason on his side. He was notoriously wronged but he submits, ;

and resigns Briseis peaceably, when the heralds come to demand

her; only he will fight no longer under the command of a leader
who had affronted him. Besides his wonderful bravery and con-
tempt of death, he has several other qualities of a hero. He is open
and sincere. He loves his subjects, and respects the gods. He is
distinguished by strong friendships and attachments ; he is through-
out, high-spirited, gallant, and honourable and allowing for a de-
;

gree of ferocity which belonged to the times, and enters into the
characters of most of Homer's heroes, he is, upon the whole, abun-
dantly fitted to raise high admiration, though not pure esteem.
Under the head of characters, Homer's gods, or his machinerv,
according to the critical term, come under consideration. The
gods make a great figure in the Iliad ; much greater indeed than
they do in the iEneid, or in any other epic poem ; and hence Ho-
mer has become the standard of poetic theology. Concerning ma-
chinery in general, I delivered my sentiments in the former lec-
ture. Concerning Homer's machinery, in particular, we must ob-
serve, that it was not his own invention. Like every other good
poet, he unquestionably followed the traditions of his country.
The age of the Trojan war approached the age of the gods and de-
 48G THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [lect. xliii.

mi-gods in Greece. Several of the heroes concerned in that war

were reputed to be the children of these gods. Of course, the tra-
ditionary tales relating to them, and to the exploits of th-at age,
were blended with the fables of the deities. These popular legends
Homer very properly adopted though it is perfectly absurd to
;

infer from this, that therefore poets arising in succeeding ages, and
writing on quite different subjects, are obliged to follow the same
system of machinery.
In the hands of Homer, it produces, on the whole, a noble effect;
it is always gay and amusing; often lofty and magnificent. It in-
troduces into his poem a great number of personages, almost as
much distinguished by characters as his human actors. It diversi-
fies his battles greatly, by the intervention of the gods and by fre-
;

quently shifting the scene from earth to heaven, it gives an agree-

able relief to the mind, in the midst of so much blood and slaughter.
Homer's gods, it must be confessed, though they be always lively
and animated figures, yet sometimes want dignity. The conjugal
contentions between Juno and Jupiter, with which he entertains us,
and the indecent squabbles he describes among the inferior deities,
according as they take different sides with the contending parties,
would be very improper models for any modem poet to imitate.
In apology for Homer, however, it must be remembered, that ac-
cording to the fables of those days, the gods are but one remove
above the condition of men. They have all the human passions. They
drink and feast, and are vulnerable like men they have children
;

and kinsmen in the opposite armies; and except that they are im-
mortal, that they have houses on the top of Olympus, and winged
chariots, in which they are often flying down to earth, and then
reascending, in order to feast on nectar and ambrosia; they are in
truth no higher beings than the human heroes, and therefore very
fit to take part in their contentions. At the same time, though
Homer so frequently degrades his divinities, yet he knows how to
make them appear, in some conjunctures, with the most awful ma-
jesty. Jupiter, the father of gods and men, is, for the most part,
introduced with great dignity and several of the most sublime
;

conceptions in the Iliad are founded on the appearances of Neptune,

Minerva, and Apollo, on great occasions.
With regard to Homer's style and manner of writing, it is easy,
natural, and in the highest degree animated. It will be admired
by such only as relish ancient simplicity, and can make allowance
for certain negligences and repetitions, which greater refinement in
the art of writing has taught succeeding, though far inferior, poets
to avoid. For Homer is the most simple in his style of all the great
poets, and resembles most the style of the poetical parts of the Old
Testament. They can have no conception of his manner, who are
acquainted with him in Mr. Pope's translation only. An excellent
poetical performance that translation is, and faithful in the main to
the original. In some places, it may be thought to have even im-
proved Homer. It has certainly softened some of his rudenesses,
and added delicacy and grace to some of his sentiments. But with-
lect. xliii.J THE ILIAD OF HOMER. 487

al, it isno other than Homer modernized. In the midst of the ele-
gance and luxuriancy of Mr. Pope's language, we lose sight of the
old bard's simplicity. I know indeed no author, to whom it is more

difficult to do justice in a translation, than Homer. As the plainness

of his diction, were it literally rendered, would often appear flat in
any modern language; so, in the midst of that plainness, and not a
little heightened by it, there are every where breaking forth upon
us flashes of native fire, of sublimity and beauty, which hardly any
language, except his own, could preserve. His versification has
been universally acknowledged to be uncommonly melodious; and
to carry, beyond that of any poet, a resemblance in the sound to the
sense and meaning.
In narration, Homer is, at all times, remarkably concise, which
renders him lively and agreeable though, in his speeches, as I have
;

before admitted, sometimes tedious. He is every where descriptive ;

and descriptive by means of those well chosen particulars which

form the excellency of description. Virgil gives us the nod of Ju-
piter with great magnificence :

Annuit, et totum nutu tremefecit Otympum. IX. 106.

But Homer, same thing, gives us the sable eye-

in describing the
orows of Jupiter bent, and his ambrosial curls shaken, at the mo-
ment when he gives the nod and thereby renders the figure more
;

natural and lively. Whenever he seeks to draw our attention to

some interesting object, he particularizes it so happily, as to paint it
in a manner to our sight. The shot of Pandarus's arrow, which
broke the truce between the two armies, as related in the fourth
book, may be given for an instance and above all, the admirable
;

interview of Hector with Andromache, in the sixth book; where

all the circumstances of conjugal and parental tenderness, the child
affrighted with the view of his father's helmet and crest, and clinging
to the nurse ; Hector putting off his helmet, taking the child into
his arms, and offering up a prayer for him to the gods ; Andromache
receiving back the child with a smile of pleasure, and at the same
instant bursting into tears, Saxpwsv yshatfatfa., as it is finely expressed
in the original, form the most natural and affecting picture that can
possibly be imagined.
In the description of battles, Homer particularly excels. He
works up the hurry, the terror, and confusion of them in so mas-
terly a manner, as to place the reader in the very midst of the en-
gigement. It is here, that the fire of his genius is most highly dis-
played insomuch that Virgil's battles, and indeed those of most
;

other poets, are cold and inanimate in comparison of Homer's.

With regard to similes, no poet abounds so much with them. Se
veral of them are beyond doubt extremely beautiful: such as those
of the fires in the Trojan camp compared to the moon and stars by
night ; Paris going forth to battle, to the war-horse prancing to the
river and Euphorbus slain, to the flowering shrub cut down by a
;

sudden blast all which are among the finest poetical passages that
:

are any where to be found. I am not, however, of opinion that

 183 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [lect. xliij.

Homer's comparisons, taken in general, are his greatest beauties.

They come too thick upon us and often interrupt the train of hia
;

narration or description. The resemhlance on which they are

founded, is sometimes not clear; and the objects whence they are
taken are too uniform. His lions, bulls, eagles, and herds of sheep,
recur too frequently and the allusions in some of his similes,.
;

even after the allowances that are to be made for ancient manners,
must be admitted to be debasing.*
My observations, hitherto, have been made upon the Iliad only
It is necessary to take some notice of the Odyssey also. Longi-
nus's criticism upon it is not without foundation, that Homer may
in this poem be compared to the setting sun, whose grandeur still-
remains without the heat of his meridian beams. It wants the vi-
gour and sublimity of the Iliad yet, at the same time, possesses
;

so many beauties, as to be justly entitled to high praise. It is a very

amusing poem, and has much greater variety than the Iliad it con- ;

tains many interesting stories, and beautiful descriptions. We see

every where the same descriptive and dramatic genius, and the
same fertility of invention that appears in the other work. It de-
scends indeed from the dignity of gods, and heroes, and warlike
achievements but in recompense we have more pleasing pictures
;

of ancient manners. Instead of that ferocity which reigns in the

Iliad, the Odyssey presents us with the most amiable images of hos-
pitality and humanity entertains us with many a wonderful adven-
;

ture, and many a landscape of nature; and instructs us by a con-

stant vein of morality and virtue, which runs through the poem.
At the same time there are some defects which must be acknow-
ledged in the Odyssey. Many scenes in it fall below the majesty
which we naturally expect in an epic poem. The last twelve books,
after Ulysses is landed in Ithaca, are, in several parts, tedious and
languid ;and though the discovery which Ulysses makes of him-
self to his nurse, Euryclea, and his interview with Penelope, before
she knows him, in the nineteenth book, are tender and affecting, yet

* The severest critic upon Homer in modern times, M. la Motte, admits all that his
admirers urge for the superiority of his genius and talents as a poet: " C'6toit un
genie naturellement poetique, ami des fables et des merveilleux, et port6 en general
a l'imitation, soit des objets de la nature, soit des sentimens et des actions des
homines. II avoit l'esprit vaste et fecond plus elev6 que delicat, plus naturel qu'ingc-
;

nieux, et plus amoureux de l'abondance que du choix — II a saisi, par une superiority

de gout, les premieres idfees de l'eloquence dans toutes les genres ; il a parle le
langage de toutes les passions; et il a du moins ouvert aux ecrivains qui doivent le
suivre une infinite- de routes, qu'il ne restoit plus qu'a applanir. II y a apparence

qu'en quelques temps qu' Homere eut vecu, il cut ete, du moins, le plus grand pogre
de son pays et a ne le prendre que dans ce sens, on peut dire, qu'il est le maitre
:

—
de ceux memes qui l'ont surpasse." Discours sur Homere. (Euvres de la Motte,
tome ii. After these high praises of the author, he indeed endeavours to bring the
merit of the Iliad very low. But his principal objections turn on the debasing ideas
which are there given of the gods, the gross characters and manners of the heroes,
and the imperfect morality of the sentiments which, as Voltaire observes, is like ac-
;

cusing a painter for having drawn his figures in the dress of the times. Homer paint-
ed his gods such as popular tradition then represented th?m ; and describes such
characters and sentiments, as he found among those with whom he lived.
lect. xliii.] THE ^ENEID OF VIRGIL. 489

the poet does not seem happy in the great anagnorisis, or the disco-
very of Ulysses Penelope. She is too cautious and distrustful, and
to
we are disappointed of the surprise of joy, which we expected on
that high occasion.
After having said so much of the father of epic poetry, it is now
time to proceed to Virgil, who has a character clearly marked, and
quite distinct from that of Homer. As the distinguishing excellencies
of the Iliad are simplicity and fire; those of the JEneid are, elegance
and tenderness. Virgil is, beyond doubt, less animated and less sub-
lime than Homer; but, to counterbalance this, he has fewer negli-
gences, greater variety, and supports more of a correct and regular
dignity, throughout his work.
When we begin to read the Iliad, we find ourselves in the region
of the most remote, and even unrefined antiquity. When we open
theiEneid, we discover all the correctness, and the improvements,
of the Augustan age. We
meet with no contentions of heroes about
a female slave, no violent scolding, nor abusive language; but the
poem opens with the utmost magnificence with Juno, forming de-
;

signs for preventing iEneas's establishment in Italy, and ^Eneas him-

self presented to us with all his fleet, in the middle of a storm, which
is described in the highest style of poetry.

The subject of the iEneid is extremely happy still more so, in ;

my opinion, than either of Homer's poems. As nothing could be

more noble, nor carry more of epic dignity, so nothing could be
more flattering and interesting to the Roman people, than Virgil's
deriving the origin of their state from so famous a hero as ^Eneas.
The object was splendid in itself; it gave the poet a theme, taken
from the ancient traditionary history of his own country it allowed ;

him to connect his subject with Homer's stories, and to adopt all his
mythology; it afforded him the opportunity of frequently glancing
at all the future great exploits of the Romans, and of describing
Italy, and the very territory of Rome, in its ancient and fabulous
state. The establishment of iEneas, constantly traversed by Juno,
leads to a great diversity of events, of voyages, and wars; and fur-
nishes a proper intermixture of the incidents of peace with martial
exploits. Upon the whole, I believe, there is no where to be found
so complete a model of an epic fable, or story, as Virgil's iEneid.
I see no foundation for the opinion, entertained by some critics, that
the ^Eneid is to be considered as an allegorical poem, which carries
a constant reference to the character and reign of Augustus Caesar;
or, that Virgil's main design in composing the ^Eneid, was to recon-
cile the"Romans to the government of that prince, who is supposed
to be shadowed out under the character of iEneas. Virgil, indeed,
like the other poets of that age, takes every opportunity which his
subject affords him, of paying court to Augustus.* But, to imagine
that he carried a political plan in his view, through the whole poem,
appears to me no more than a fanciful refinement. He had sufficient

* As particularly in that noted passage of the sixth book, 1. 792.

Hie vir, hie est, tibi quem promitti SEepius audis, Sic.
490 THE yENEID OF VIRGIL. [lect. xliii.

motives, as a poet, to determine him to the choice of his subject,

from its being, in itself, both great and pleasing; from its being
suited to his genius, and its being attended with the peculiar advan-
tages, which I mentioned above, for the full display of poetical tal-
ents.
Unity of action is as, from beginning to
perfectly preserved ;

end, one main object always kept in view, the settlement of

is

/Eneas in Italy, by the order of the gods. As the story compre-

hends the transactions of several years, part of the transactions are
very properly thrown into a recitai made by the hero. The epi-
sodes are linked with sufficient connexion to the main subject; and
the nodus, or intrigue of the poem, is, according to the plan of ancient
machinery, happily formed. The wrath of Juno, who opposes
herself to the Trojan settlement in Italy, gives rise to all the diffi-
culties which obstruct iEneas's undertaking, and connects the hu-
man with the celestial operations, throughout the whole work.
Hence arise the tempest which throws .ZEneas upon the shore of
Africa; the passion of Dido, who endeavours to detain him at Car-
thage and the efforts of Turnus, who opposes him in war.
; Till,
at last, upon a composition made with Jupiter, that the Trojan
name shall be for ever sunk in the Latin, Juno foregoes her resent-
ment, and the hero becomes victorious.
In these main points, Virgil has conducted his work with great
propriety, and shown his art and judgment. But the admiration due
to so eminent a poet, must not prevent us from remarking some
other particulars in which he has failed. First, there are scarce
any characters marked in the iEneid. In this respect it is insipid,
when compared to the Iliad, which is full of characters and life.
Achates, and Cloanthus, and Gyas, and the rest of the Trojan
heroes, who accompanied iEneas into Italy, are so many undistin-
guished figures, who are in no way made known to us, either by any
sentiments which they utter, or any memorable exploits which they
perform. Even iEneas himself is not a very interesting hero. He
is described, indeed, as pious and brave; but his character is not

marked with any of those strokes that touch the heart it is a sort ;

of cold and tame character; and throughout his behaviour to Dido,

in the fourth book, especially in the speech which he makes after
she suspected his intention of leaving her, there appears a certain
hardness and want of relenting, which is far from rendering him
amiable.* Dido's own character is by much the best supported in
the whole ^Eneid. The warmth of her passions, the keenness of
her indignation and resentment, and the violence of her whole cha-
racter, exhibit a figure greatly more animated than any other which
Virgil has drawn.
Besides this defect of character in the iEneid, the distribution
and management of the subject are, in some respects, exception-
able. The iEneid, it is true, must be considered with the indul-

* Num fletu ingemuit nostro ? num lumina flexit ?

Num lacrymas v ictus dedit, aut miseratus amantem est ? JEn. iv. 369.
lect. xliii.] THE jENEID OF VIRGIL. 491

gence due to a work not thoroughly completed. The six last books
are said not to have received the finishing hand of the author; and
for this reason, he ordered, by his will, the ./Eneid to be commit-
ted to the flames. But though this may account for incorrectness
of execution, it does not apologize for a falling off in the subject,
which seems to take place in the latter part of the work. The wars
with the Latins are inferior, in point of dignity, to the more inter-
esting objects which had before been presented to us in the destruc-
tion of Troy, the intrigue with Dido, and the descent into hell.
And in those Italian wars, there is, perhaps, a more material fault
still, in the conduct of the story. The reader, as Voltaire has ob-
served, is tempted to take part with Turnus against -ZEneas. Tur-
nus, a brave young prince, in love with Lavinia, his near relation,
is destined for her by general consent, and highly favoured by her
mother. Lavinia herself discovers no reluctance to the match:
when there arrives a stranger, a fugitive from a distant region,
who had never seen her, and who, founding a claim to an establish-
ment in Italy upon oracles and prophecies, embroils the country in
war, kills the lover of Lavinia, and proves the occasion of her
mother's death. Such a plan is not fortunately laid for disposing
us to be favourable to the hero of the poem ; and the defect might
have been easily remedied, by the poet's making .ZEneas, instead
of distressing Lavinia, deliver her from the persecution of some
rival who was odious to her, and to the whole country.
But notwithstanding these defects, which it was necessary to re-
mark, Virgil possesses beauties which have justly drawn the admi-
ration of ages, and which, to this day, hold the balance in equili-
brium between his fame and that of Homer. The principal and
distinguishing excellency of Virgil, and which, in my opinion, he
possesses beyond all poets, is tenderness. Nature had endowed
him with exquisite sensibility he felt every affecting circumstance
;

in the scenes he describes ; and, by a single stroke, he knows how

to reach the heart. This, in an epic poem, is the merit next to
sublimity ; and puts it in an author's power to render his composi-
tion extremely interesting to all readers.
The chief beauty of this kind in the Iliad, is, the interview of
Hector with Andromache. But in the -ZEneid, there are many such.
The second book is one of the greatest masterpieces that ever was
executed by any hand and Virgil seems to have put forth there the
;

whole strength of his genius, as the subject afforded a variety of

scenes, both of the awful and tender kind. The images of horror,
presented by a city burnt and sacked in the night, are finely mixed
with pathetic and affecting incidents. Nothing, in any poet, is
more beautifully described than the death of old Priam and the
;

family-pieces of iEneas, Anchises, and Creusa, are as tender as can

be conceived. In many passages of the iEneid, the same pathetic
spirit shines ; and they have been always the favourite passages iD
that work. The fourth book, for instance, relating the unhappy
passion and death of Dido, has been always most justly admired,
and abounds with beauties of the highest
8 kind. The interview of
4B
492 THE .ENEID OF VIRGIL. [lect. xliii

iEneas with Andromache and Helenus, in the third book the epi-
;

sodes of Pallas and Evander, of Nisus and Euryalus, of Lausus and

Mezentius,in the Italian wars, are all striking instances of the poet's
power of raising the tender emotions. For we must observe, that
though the iEneid be an unequal poem, and, in some places, languid,
yet there are beauties scattered through it all ;and not a few, even
in the last six books. The best and most finished books, upon the
whole, are, the first, the second, the fourth, the sixth, the seventh,
the eighth, and the twelfth.
Virgil's battles are far inferior to Homer's, in point of fire and
sublimity but there is one important episode, the descent into hell,
;

in which he has outdone Homer in the Odyssey, by many degrees.

There is nothing in all antiquity equal, in its kind, to the sixth
book of the iEneid. The scenery, and the objects, are great and
striking and fill the mind with that solemn awe, which was to be
;

expected from a view of the invisible world. There runs through

the whole description a certain philosophical sublime; which Vir-
gil's Platonic genius, and the enlarged ideas of the Augustan age,
enabled him to support with a degree of majesty, far beyond what
the rude ideas of Homer's age suffered him to attain. With regard
to the sweetness and beauty of Virgil's numbers, throughout his
whole works, they are so well known, that it were needless to en-
large in the praise of them.
Upon the whole, as to the comparative merit of these two great
punces of epic poetry, Homer and Virgil ; the former must, un-
doubtedly, be admitted to be the greater genius; the latter, to be
the more correct writer. Homer was an original in his art, and dis-
covers both the beauties and the defects which are to be expected
in an original author, compared with those who succeed him ; more
boldness, more nature and ease, more sublimity and force but ;

greater irregularities and negligences in composition. Virgil has,

all along, kept his eye upon Homer ;in many places, he has not so
much imitated, as he has literally translated him. The description
of the storm, for instance, in the first iEneid, and JEneas's speech
upon that occasion, are translations from the fifth book of the Odys-
sey not to mention almost all the similes of Virgil, which are no
;

other than copies of those of Homer. The pre-eminence in invention,

therefore, must, beyond doubt, be ascribed to Homer. As to the pre-
eminence in judgment, though many critics are disposed to give it to
Virgil, yet, in my opinion, it hangs doubtful. In Homer, we discern
all the Greek vivacity in Virgil, all the Roman stateliness. Ho-
;

mer's imagination is by much the most rich and copious ;Virgil's,

the most chaste and correct. The strength of the former lies in his
power of warming the fancy that of the latter, in his power of touch-
;

ing the heart. Homer's style is more simple and animated Virgil's;

more elegant and uniform. The first has, on many occasions, a sub-
limity to which the latter never attains but the latter, in return,
;

never sinks below a certain degree of epic dignity, which cannot so

clearly be pronounced of the former. Not, however, to detract from
the admiration due to both these great poets, most of Homer's de
 ;
; ;

LECT. XLIII.] QUESTIONS. 493

fects may reasonably be imputed, not to his genius, but to the man-
ners of the age in which he lived ; and for the feeble passages of the
iEneid, this excuse ought to be admitted, that the iEneid was left an
unfinished work.

QUESTIONS.
Why does the epic poem merit par- sage from the book of Genesis, illustra-
ticular discussion? Having treated of tive of this remark. Of this style, what
the nature of this composition, and of is observed ? It is copying from what
the principal rules relating to it, to and what is it giving ? In progress of
what does our author proceed ? Who time, what was thought more elegant?
claims our first attention ; and why 1 What are the advantages, and also the
What must, whoever sits down to disadvantages, of the ancient dramatic
read Homer, consider ? Whyshould he method which Homer practised? Of
make For what is he
this reflection? his speeches, however, what is farther
not to look and of what must he di-
; observed ; and
to them, what do we
vest himself? What is he to expect owe ? How is this illustrated ? Of the
and what must he reckon upon finding? extent to which he has pursued the sin-
What does the opening of the Iliad gle virtue of courage, what is remark-
not possess ? Upon what does it turn ? ed ? How is this remark illustrated, in
Repeat the basis of the whole action of the manner in which the character of
the Iliad, as illustrative of this remark. Helen is painted ? What presents her
Hence, rise what ? What ought not to to us with much dignity? What ex-
be a matter of surprise ; and why not ? hibit the most striking features of that
How do they discover human nature ? mixed female character, which we
To what do they give free scope ; and partly condemn, and partly pity ? Ho-
what do they show us ? From this state mer never introduces her without
of manners, together with its attending what; and, at the same time, about
circumstances, for what have we what is he careful ? How is Paris him-
ground to look? And accordingly, self characterized ? Repeat his parti-
what are the two great characters of cular characteristics. For what has
Homeric poetry? Under what three Homer been blamed? But to what
heads do we now proceed to make some opinion is our author inclined ? What
more particular observations on the are Achilles' peculiar characteristics ?
Iliad ? Why must the subject of the Under the head of characters, what
Iliad be admitted to be a happy one ? come v ider consideration ; and of them,
Upon what traditions did Homer ground what is observed? Concerning ma-
hispoem and what remark follows ? chinery in general, and concerning
;

What part of the Trojan war did Ho- Homer's machinery in particular, what
mer select as his subject? From this is remarked? What did he follow?
management, what advantage did he How is this illustrated ? In the hands
derive? What has he gained; and of Homer, what is its effect; and of it,
what shown ? At the same time, what what remarks follow? Of Homer's
must be admitted and why ? What, gods, what must be confessed? What
;

in all ages, has, with the greatest rea- illustration of this remark follows ? In
son, been given to Homer ? How is apology, however, for Homer, what
this illustrated? But the praise of what, must be remarked? Howis this re-

is also equally his due ? How is this, mark illustrated ? At the same time,
also, illustrated ? In what does Homer how does he frequently make them ap-
stand without a rival ? To what is his pear; and what instances are men-
lively and spirited exhibition of charac- tioned ? With regard to Homer's style
ters owing? What remark follows? and manner of writing, what is re-
What Virgil informs us by two words marked ? By whom only will it be ad-
of narration, Homer
brings about by mired ; and why ? Who
can have no
what? What may we here observe conception of his manner? Of that
and in what books have we a clear translation, what character is given ?
proof of this remark ? Repeat the pas* Why
is it so difficult to do justice to
 ;

493 QUESTIONS. [lect. xliii.

Homer, in a translation ? Of his versi- What was the effect of the wrath of
fication, what observed ?
is Juno; and hence, arise what? In these
How is Homer in narration? By main points, how has Virgil conducted
means of what, is he every where de- his work and what has he shown ?
;

scriptive ? How is he contrasted in this But the admiration due to so eminent

respect with Virgil? Whenever he a poet, must not prevent what ? What
seeks to draw our attention to any par- is thefirst and in this respect, how does
;

ticular object, what does he do? What it compare with the Iliad ? Of the com-
form the most natural and affecting panions of iEneas, what is observed ?
picture that can possibly be imagined? What is said even of iEneas himself ?
In what does Homer particularly ex- Which is the best supported character

cel ? What does he do and here, how

; in the book; and how is this illustra-
does he compare with other poets ? ted ? Besides this defect of character,
With regard to his similes, what is re- what else are, in some respects, excep-
marked? Of his tionable? With what indulgence must
beautiful similes, what
instances are given ? Of what, howev- the iEneid be considered; and why?
er, is our author not of opinion ; and For this reason, what did he, by his
why are they not ? Upon what has our will, order ? But though this may ac-
author's observations, hitherto, been count for incorrectness of execution, for
made ; and of what is it necessary, also, what does it not apologize ? Hoav is
to take some notice ? What is the criti- tins remark illustrated? For what is
cism of Longinus on this poem ? What such a plan unfortunate ; and how
does it want ; yet, at the same time, might the defect have been easily re-
what does it possess? What do we medied? But notwithstanding these
every where see? From what does it defects, what does Virgil possess?
descend ; but, in recompense for this, What is his distinguishing excellency ?
what have we ? Instead of that feroci- With what had nature endowed him
ty which reigns in the Iliad, with what and what was the consequence ? Of
does the Odyssey present us ? At the this merit, in an epic poem, what is ob-
same time, what are the defects of the served ? What is the chief beauty of
Odyssey ? After having said so much this kind in the Iliad ? Of the second
of the father of epic poetry, to whom book of the iEneid, what is observed ?
do we proceed and of him, what is
; What instances are mentioned? How
observed ? How does he differ from Ho- have such passages in the iEneid al-
mer? When we begin to read the ways been regarded ? Of the death of
Iliad, where do we find ourselves ? Dido, in the fourth book, what is obser-
When we open the iEneid, what do ved? What farther instances of the
we discover ? With what do we not poet's power of raising the tender emo-
meet ? How does the poem open ; and tions, are given ? For we must observe
with what? Why
is the subject of the Avhat ? What are the best and most
/Eneid considered extremely happy? finished books of the iEneid ? Though
Of the object, what is observed and ;
Virgil's battles are inferior to Homer's,
what theme did it give the poet ? What yet in what has he excelled him by
did it allow him and what, also, afford
; many degrees ? What are the peculiar
him ? To what does the establishment excellences of the sixth book of the
of yEneas, constantly traversed by Ju- vEneid ? With regard to the sweetness
no, lead ;and what does it furnish ? and beauty of Virgil's numbers, what
Upon the whole, what does our au- is observed ? Upon the whole, as to
thor believe? For what opinion does the comparative merit of these two
he see no foundation ? What does princes of epic poetry, Homer and Vir-
Virgil, like every other poet of that age, gil, with what remarks does our author
do but what appears no more than a close ?
;

tanciful refinement ? What motives, as

a poet, had he to determine him in the ANALYSIS.
choice of his subject ? How is the unity Homer Introductory remarks. —
of the action perfectly preserved? Why
1. The Iliad.

are part of the transactions very proper- A. The basis of the action.
b. The subject happily chosen.
ly thrown into a recital made by the
c. Homer's invention.
hero ? Of the episodes, and of the in- d. His characters.
trigue of the poem, what is observed? a. The dramatic method considered,
LECT. XL1V.] LUCAN'S PHARSALIA. 493 b

b. Helen —Paris — Achilles. a. The subject.

The machinery.
c. b. The unity of die action.
e. The style. c. Its tenderness.
f. The narration — description—eimiles. 2. Its defects.
2. The Odyssey. a. The characters.
a. Its excellences and its defects. b. The management of the subject.
Virgil — the iEneid. c. The battles.
1. Its excellences. Homer and Virgil compared.

X.ECTUKE XLIV.
LUCAN'S PHARSALIA.— TASSO'S JERUSALEM.— CA-
MOENS' LUSIAD.—FENELON'S TELEMACHUS.— VOL-
TAIRE'S HENRIADE.— MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.
After Homer and Virgil, the next great epic poet of ancient
times,who presents himself, is Lucan. He is a poet who deserves
our attention, on account of a very peculiar mixture of great beau-
ties, with great faults. Though his Pharsalia discover too little in-
vention, and be conducted in too historical a manner, to be account-
ed a perfectly regular epic poem, yet it were the mere squeamishness
of criticism, to exclude it from the epic class. The boundaries, as
I formerly remarked, are far from being ascertained by any such pre-

cise limit, that we must refuse the epic name to a poem, which
treats of great and heroic adventures, because it is not exactly con-
formable to the plans of Homer and Virgil. The subject of the
Pharsalia carries, undoubtedly, all the epic grandeur and dignity ;
neither does it want unity of object, viz. the triumph of Caesar over
the Roman liberty. As it stands at present, it is, indeed, brought
to no proper close. Rut either time has deprived us of the last books,
or it has been left by the author an incomplete work.
Though Lucan's subject be abundantly heroic, yet I cannot reck-
on him happy in the choice of it. It has two defects. The one is,
that civil wars, especially when as fierce and cruel as those of the
Romans, present too many shocking objects to be fit for epic poetry,
and give odious and disgusting views of human nature. Gallant and
honourable achievements furnish a more proper theme for the epic
muse. But Lucan's genius, it must be confessed, seems to delight
in savage scenes he dwells upon them too much and not content
; ;

with those which his subject naturally furnished, he goes out of his
way to introduce a long episode of Marius and Sylla's proscriptions,
which abounds with all the forms of atrocious cruelty.
The other defect of Lucan's subject is, its being too near the
times in which he lived. This is a circumstance, as I observed in a
former lecture, always unfortunate for a poet as it deprives him of ;

the assistance of fiction and machinery, and thereby renders his work
less splendid and amusing. Lucan has submitted to this disadvan-
tage of his subject and in doing so, he has acted with more pro-
;

priety than if he had made an unseasonable attempt to embellish it

with machinery for the fables of the gods would have made a very
;
494 THE PIIARSALIA OF LUCAN. [lect. xliv.

unnatural mixture with the exploits of Caesar and Pompey ; and in-
stead of raising, would have diminished the dignity of such recent
and well-known facts.
With regard to characters, Lucan draws them with spirit, and with
force. But though Pompey be his professed hero, he does not suc-
ceed in interesting us much in his favour. Pompey is not made to
possess any high distinction, either for magnanimity in sentiment, or
bravery in action ; but,on the contrary, is always eclipsed by the su-
perior abilities of Csesar. Cato is, in truth, Lucan's favourite charac-
ter ; and wherever he introduces him, he appears to rise above him-
self. Some of the noblest and most conspicuous passages in the
work, are such as relate to Cato either speeches put into his mouth,
;

or descriptions of his behaviour. His speech in particular to Labi-

enus, who urged him to inquire at the oracle of Jupiter Ammon, con-
cerning the issue of the war, (book ix. 564.) deserves to be remark-
ed, as equal, for moral sublimity, to any thing that is to be found in
all antiquity.
In the conduct of the story, our author has attached himself too
much to chronological order. This renders the thread of his narra-
tion broken and interrupted, and makes him hurry us too often from
place to place. He is too digressive also ; frequently turning aside
from his subject, to give us, sometimes, geographical descriptions of
a country sometimes,philosophical disquisitions concerning natural
;

objects as, concerning the African serpents in the ninth book, and
;

the sources of the Nile in the tenth.

There are in the Pharsalia several very poetical and spirited de-
scriptions. But the author's chief strength does not lie either in
narration or description. His narration is often dry and harsh*
his descriptions are often over-wrought, and employed too upor.
disagreeable objects. His principal merit consists in his sentiments,
which are generally noble and striking, and expressed in that glow-
ing and ardent manner, which peculiarly distinguishes him. Lucan
is the most philosophical and the most public-spirited poet of all

antiquity. He was the nephew of the famous Seneca, the philo-

sopher; was himself a stoic; and the spirit of that philosophy
breathes throughout his poem. We must observe too, that he is the
only ancient epic poet whom the subject of his poem really and
deeply interested. Lucan recounted no fiction. He was a Roman,
and had felt all the direful effects of the Roman civil wars, and of
that severe despotism which succeeded the loss of liberty. His high
and bold spirit made him enter deeply into this subject, and kin-
dle, on many occasions, into the most real warmth. Hence, he
abounds in exclamations and apostrophes, which are, almost al-
ways, well-timed, and supported with a vivacity and fire that do him
no small honour.
But it is the fate of this poet, that his beauties can never be men-
tioned without their suggesting his blemishes also. As his princi-
pal excellency is a lively and glowing genius, which appears, some-
times in his descriptions, and very often in his sentiments, his great
iefect in both is, want of moderation He carries every thing to
 :; ;

lect. xlit.] THE PHARSALIA OF LUCAN. 495

an extreme. He knows not where to stop. From an effort to ag-

grandize his objects, he becomes tumid and unnatural and it fre- :

quently happens, that where the second line of one of his descrip-
tions is sublime, the third, in which he meant to rise still higher, is
perfectly bombast. Lucan lived in an age when the schools of the
declaimers had begun to corrupt the eloquence and taste of Rome.
He was not free from the infection ; and too often, instead of show-
ing the genius of the poet, betrays the spirit of the declaimer.
On the whole, however, he is an author of lively and original
genius. His sentiments are so high, and his fire, on occasions, so
great, as to atone for many of his defects and passages may be pro-
;

duced from him, which are inferior to none in any poet whatever
The characters, for instance, which he draws of Pompey and Cae
sar, in the first book, are masterly ; and the comparison of Pompey
to the aged decaying oak, is highly poetical

totus popularibus auris

Impelli, plausuque sui gaudere theatri
Nee reparare novas vires, multumque priori
Credere fortunes stat magni nominis umbra.
;

Qualis, frugifero quercus sublimis in agro,

Exuvias veteres populi sacrataque gestans
Donaducum; nee jam validis radicibus hffirens,
Pondere fixa suo est, nudosque per aera ramos
Effundens, trunco, non frondibus, efficit umbram.
At, quamvis primo nutet casura sub Euro,
Et circum silvae firmo se robore tollant,
Sola tamen colitur. Sed non in Csesare tantum
Nomen erat, nee fama ducis, sed nescia virtus
Stare loco, sokisque pudor non vincere bello ;
Acer et indomitus.* L. i. 132.

But when we consider the whole execution of his poem, we are

obliged to pronounce, that his poetical fire was not under the
government of either sound judgment or correct taste. His genius
had strength, but not tenderness nothing of what might be called
;

amenity, or sweetness. In his style there is abundance of force ;

but a mixture of harshness, and frequently of obscurity, occasioned
by his desire of expressing himself in a pointed and unusual man-
ner. Compared with Virgil, he may be allowed to have more fire
and higher sentiments, but in every thing else, falls infinitely below
him, particularly in purity, elegance, and tenderness.

With gifts and liberal bounty sought for fame,

And lov'd to hear the vulgar shout his name ;
In his own theatre rejoie'd to sit,
Amidst the noisy praises of the pit.
Careless of future ills that might betide,
No aid he sought to prop his falling side,
But on his former fortune much rely'd.
Still seem'd he to possess, and fiT. his place
But stood the shadow of what once he was
So, in the field with Ceres' bounty spread,
Uprears some ancient oak his rev'rend head :

Chaplets and sacred gifts his boughs adorn,

And spoils of war by mighty heroes worn ;
 —
;

496 TASSO'S JERUSALEM. [lect. xliv

As Statius and Silius Italicus, though they be poets of the epic

class, are too inconsiderable for particular criticism, I proceed next
to Tasso, the most distinguished epic poet in modern ages.
His Jerusalem Delivered was published in the year 1574. It is
a poem regularly and strictly epic in its whole construction ; and
adorned with all the beauties that belong to that species of compo-
sition. The subject is, the recovery of Jerusalem from the infi-
dels, by the united powers of Christendom which, in itself, and
;

more especially according to the ideas of Tasso's age, was a splen-

did, venerable, and heroic enterprise. The opposition of the Chris-
tians to the Saracens, forms an interesting contrast. The subject
produces none of those fierce and shocking scenes of civil discord,
which hurt the mind in Lucan; but exhibits the efforts of zeal and
bravery, inspired by an honourable object. The share which reli-
gion possesses in the enterprise, both tends to render it more au-
gust, and opens a natural field for machinery, and sublime descrip-
tion. The action, too, lies in a country, and at a period of time,
sufficiently remote to allow an intermixture of fabulous tradition
and fiction with true history.
In the conduct of the story, Tasso has shown a rich and fertile
invention, which, in a poet, is a capital quality. He is full of events ;
and those. too, abundantly various, and diversified in their kind. He
never allows us to be tired by mere war and fighting. He frequently
shifts the scene and, from camps and battles, transports us to more
;

pleasing objects. Sometimes the solemnities of religion; some-

times the intrigues of love ; at other times, the adventures of
a journey, or even the incidents of pastoral life, relieve and enter-
tain the reader. At the same time, the whole work is artfully con-
nected ; and while there is much variety in the parts, there is per-
fect unity in the plan. The recovery of Jerusalem is the object
kept in view through the whole, and with it the poem closes. All
the episodes, if we except that of Olindo and Sophronia, in the
second book, on which I formerly passed a censure, are sufficiently
related to the main subject of the poem.

But the first vigour of his root now gone,

He stands dependent on his weight alone ;
All bare his naked branches are display'd,
And with his leafless trunk he forms a shade.
Yet, though the winds his ruin daily threat,
As every blast would heave him from his seat
Though thousand fairer trees the field supplies,
That, rich in youthful verdure, round him rise,
Fix'd in his ancient seat, he yields to none,
And wears the honours of the grove alone.
But Caesar's greatness, and his strength, was more
Than past renown and antiquated power ;

'Twas not the fame of what he once had been,

Or tales in old records or annals seen ;

But 'twas a valour restless, unconfin'd,

Which no success could sate, nor limits bind ;

'Twas shame, a soldier's shame, untaught to yield,

That blush'd for nothing but an ill-fought field, Bowe.
lect. xliv.] TASSO'S JERUSALEM. 497

The poem is enlivened with a variety of characters, and those too

both clearly marked and well supported. Godfrey, the Leader of
the enterprise, prudent, moderate, brave; Tancred, amorous, gene-
rous, and gallant, and well contrasted with the fierce and brutal Ar-
gantes; Rinaldo, (who is properly the hero of the poem, and is in
part copied after Homer's Achilles,) passionate and resentful, seduc-
ed by the allurements of Armida but a personage, on the whole,
;

of much zeal, honour, and heroism. The brave and high-minded

Solyman, the tender Erminia, the artful and violent Armida, the
masculine Clorinda, are all of them well drawn and animated
figures. In the characteristical part, Tasso is indeed remarkably dis-
tinguished he is, in this respect, superior to Virgil; and yields to
;

no poet except Homer.

He abounds very much with machinery; and in this part of the
work his merit is more dubious. Wherever celestial beings are made
to interpose, his machinery is noble. God looking down upon the
hosts, and, on different occasions, sending an angel to check the Pa-
gans, and to rebuke the evil spirits, produces a sublime effect. The
description of hell too, with the appearance and speech of Satan, in
the beginning of the 4th book, is extremely striking and plainly has
;

been imitated by Milton, though he must be allowed to have im-

proved upon it. But the devils, the enchanters, and the conjurors,
act too great a part throughout Tasso's poem; and form a sort of
dark and gloomy machinery, not pleasing to the imagination. The
enchanted wood, on which the nodus, or intrigue of the poem, is
made in a great measure to depend; the messengers sent in quest
of Rinaldo, in order that he may break the charm their being con-
;

ducted by a hermit to a cave in the centre of the earth; the won-

derful voyage which they make to the fortunate islands; and their
recovering Rinaldo from the charms of Armida and voluptuousness;
are scenes which, though very amusing, and described with the high-
est beauty of poetry, yet must be confessed to carry the marvellous
to a degree of extravagance.
In general, that for which Tasso is most liable to censure, is a
certain romantic vein, which runs through many of the adventures
and incidents of his poem. The objects which he presents to us,
are always great; but, sometimes, too remote from probability.
He retains somewhat of the taste of his age, which was not reclaimed
from an extravagant admiration of the stories of knight-errantry;
stories, which the wild, but rich and agreeable imagination of Arios-
to, had raised into fresh reputation. In apology, however, for Tasso,
it may be said, that he is not more marvellous and romantic than

either Homer or Virgil. All the difference is, that in the one we
find the romance of paganism, in the other, that of chivalry.
With all the beauties of description, and of poetical style, Tasso
remarkably abounds. Both his descriptions and his style are much
diversified, and well suited to each other. In describing magnificent
objects, his style is firm and majestic when he descends to gay and
;

pteasingones, such as Erminia's pastoral retreat in the seventh book,

4 C 63
49S ORLANDO FURIOSO OF ARIOSTO. [lect. xliv.

and the arts and beauty of Armida in the fourth book, it is soft and
insinuating. Both those descriptions which I have mentioned, are
exquisite in their kind. His battles are animated, and very properly
varied in the incidents; inferior however to Homer's, in point of
spirit and fire.
In his sentiments, Tasso is not so happy as in his descriptions. It
is indeed rather by actions, characters, and descriptions, that he in-

terests us, than by the sentimental part of the work. He is far infe-
rior to Virgil in tenderness. When he aims at being pathetic and
sentimental in his speeches, he is apt to become artificial and strained.
With regard to points and conceits, with which he has often been
reproached, the censure has been carried too far. Affectation is by
no means the general character of Tasso's manner, which, upon the
whole, is masculine, strong, and correct. On some occasions, indeed,
especially, as I just now observed, when he seeks to be tender, he
degenerates into forced and unnatural ideas but these are far from
;

being so frequent or common as has been supposed. Threescore

or fourscore lines retrenched from the poem, would fully clear it ? I
am persuaded, of all such exceptionable passages.
With Boileau, Dacier, and the other French critics of the last age,
the humour prevailed of decrying Tasso ; and passed from them to
some of the English writers. But one would be apt to imagine, they
were not much acquainted with Tasso or at least they must have read
;

him under the influence of strong prejudices. For to me it appears

clear, that the Jerusalem is, in rank and dignity, the third regular
epic poem in the world; and comes next to the Iliad and iEneid.
Tasso may be justly held inferior to Homer, in simplicity and in
fire; to Virgil, in tenderness; to Milton, in daring sublimity of geni-
us; but he yields to no other in any poetical talents and for fertility
;

of invention, variety of incidents, expression of characters, richness

of description, and beauty of style, I know no poet, except the three
just named, that can be compared to him.
Ariosto,the great rival of Tasso in Italian poetry, cannot, with any
propriety, be classed among the epic writers. The fundamental
rule of epic composition is, to recount an heroic enterprise, and to
form it into a regular story. Though there is a sort of unity and
connexion in the plan of Orlando Furioso, yet, instead of rendering
this apparent to the reader, it seems to have been the author's in-
tention to keep it out of view by the desultory manner in which the
poem is carried on, and the perpetual interruptions of the several
stories before they are finished. Ariosto appears to have despised all
regularity of plan, and to have chosen to give loose reins to a copious
and rich, but extravagant fancy. At the same time, there is so much
epic matter in the Orlando Furioso, that it would be improper to
pass it by without some notice. It unites, indeed, all sorts of poetry ;

sometimes comic and sometimes light and licentious; at

satiric;
other times, highly heroic, descriptive, and tender. Whatever strain
the poet assumes, he excels in it. He is always master of his sub-
ject; seems himself to play with it; and leaves us sometimes at a
loss to know whether he be serious or in jest. He is seldom dra
lect. xliv.] CAMOENS' LUSIAD. 499

matic; sometimes, but not often, sentimental ; but in narration and

description, perhaps no poet ever went beyond him. He makes every
scene which he describes, and every eveut which he relates, pass
before our eyes; and in his selection of circumstances, is eminently
picturesque. His style is much varied, always suited to the subject,
and adorned with a remarkably smooth and melodious versification.
As the Italians make their boast of Tasso, so do the Portuguese of
Camoe ns who was nearly contemporary with Tasso, but whose poem
;

was published before the Jerusalem. The subject of it is the first

discovery of the East Indies by Vasco de Gama an enterprise ;

splendid in its nature, and extremely interesting to the countrymen

of Camoens, as it laid the foundation of their future wealth and con-
sideration in Europe. The poem opens with Vasco and his fleet ap-
pearing on the ocean, between the island of Madagascar and the
coast of ^Ethiopia. After various attempts to land on that coast,
they are at last hospitably received in the kingdom of Melinda.
Vasco, at the desire of the king, gives him an account of Europe,
recites a poetical history of Portugal, and relates all the adventures
of the voyage, which had preceded the opening of the poem. This
recital takes up three cantos or books. It is well imagined ; contains
a great many poetical beauties ; and has no defect, except that Vasco
makes an unseasonable display of learning to the African prince, in
frequent allusions to the Greek and Roman histories. Vasco and his
countrymen afterwards set forth to pursue their voyage. The
storms and distresses which they encounter their arrival at Cale-
;

cut, on the Malabar coast ; their reception and adventures in that

country, and at last their return homewards, fill up the rest of the
poem.
The whole work is conducted according to the epic plan. Both
the subject and the incidents are magnificent; and, joined with some
wildness and irregularity, there appear in the execution much poetic
spirit, strong fancy, and bold description ; as far as I can judge from
translations, without any knowledge of the original. There is no
attempt towards painting characters in the poem ; Vasco is the hero,
and the only personage indeed that makes any figure.
The machinery of the Lusiad is perfectly extravagant; not only
is it formed of a singular mixture of Christian ideas, and Pagan my-
thology ; but it is so conducted, that the Pagan gods appear to be
the true deities, and Christ and the Blessed Virgin, to be subordi-
nate agents. One great seope of the Portuguese expedition, our
author informs us, is to propagate the Christian faith, and to extir-
pate Mahometanism. In this religious undertaking, the great pro-
tector of the Portuguese is Venus, and their great adversary is Bac-
chus, whose displeasure is excited by Vasco's attempting to rival
his fame in the Indies. Councils of the gods are held, in which Ju-
piter is introduced as foretelling the downfall of Mahometanism, and
the propagation of the Gospel. Vasco, in great distress from a storm,
prays most seriously to God ; implores the aid of Christ and the
Virgin, and begs for such assistance as was given to the Israelites,
when they were passing through the Red Sea, and to the Apostle
 ;

500 FENELON'S TELEMACHUS. [lect. xliv.

Paul,when lie was in hazard of shipwreck. In return to this prayer,

Venus appears, who, discerning the storm to he the work of Bac-
chus, complains to Jupiter, and procures the winds to be calmed.
Such strange and preposterous machinery, shows how much authors
have been misled by the absurd opinion, that there could be no epic
poetry without the gods of Homer. Towards the end of the work,
indeed, the author gives us an awkward salvo for his whole mytho-
logy ; making the goddess Thetis inform Vasco, that she, and the
rest of the heathen deities, are no more than names to describe the
operations of Providence.
There is, however, some
fine machinery, of a different kind, in
the Lusiad. The
genius of the river Ganges appearing to Emanuel,
king of Portugal, in a dream, inviting that prince to discover his
secret springs, and acquainting him, that he was the destined mon-
arch for whom the treasures of the East were reserved, is a happy
idea. But the noblest conception of this sort, is in the fifth canto,
where Vasco is recounting to the king of Melinda, all the wonders
which he met with in his navigation. He tells him, that when the
fleet arrived at the Cape of Good Hope, which never before had been
doubled by any navigator, there appeared to them, on a sudden, a
huge and monstrous phantom, rising out of the sea, in the midst of
tempests and thunders, with a head that reached the clouds, and a
countenance that filled them with terror. This was the genius, or
guardian, of that hitherto unknown ocean. It spoke to them with
a voice like thunder; menacing them for invading those seas which
he had so long possessed undisturbed and for daring to explore
;

those secrets of the deep, which never had been revealed to the eye
of mortals required them to proceed no farther if they should
:
;

proceed, foretold all the successive calamities that were to befall

them and then, with a mighty noise, disappeared. This is one of
;

the most solemn and striking pieces of machinery that ever was
employed ; and is sufficient to show that Camoens is a poet, though
of an irregular, yet of a bold and lofty imagination.*
In reviewing the epic poets, it were unjust to make no mention of
the amiable author of the Adventures of Telemachus. His work,
though not composed in verse, is justly entitled to be held a poem.
The measured poetical prose, in which it is written, is remarkably

harmonious; and gives the style nearly as much elevation as the

French language is capable of supporting, even in regular verse.
The plan of the work is, in general, well contrived and is de- ;

ficient neither in epic grandeur, nor unity of object. The author

has entered with much felicity into the spirit and ideas of the an-
cient poets, particularly into the ancient mythology, which retains
more dignity, and makes a better figure in his hands, than in those
of any other modern poet. His descriptions are rich and beautiful

* I have made no mention of the Araucana, an epic poem, in Spanish, composed by

Alonzo d'Ercilla, because I am unacquainted with the original language, and have
not seen anv translation of it. A full account of it is given by Mr. Hayley, in the
Vnes upon his essay on epic poetry.
lect. xliv.] FENELON'S TELEMAGHUS. 501

especially of the softer and calmer scenes, for which the genius of
Fenelon was best suited ; such as the incidents of pastoral life, the
pleasures of virtue, or a country flourishing in peace. There is
an inimitable sweetness and tenderness in several of the pictures
of this kind which he has given.
The best executed part of the work, is the first six books, in
which Telemachus recounts his adventures to Calypso. The nar-
ration, throughout them, is lively and interesting. Afterwards, es-
pecially in the last twelve books, it becomes more tedious and lan-
guid; and in the warlike adventures, which are attempted, there
is a great defect of vigour. The chief objection against this work
being classed with epic poems, arises from the minute details of
virtuous policy, into which the author in some places enters ; and
from the discourses and instructions of Mentor, which recur upon
us too often, and too much in the strain of common-place morality.
Though these were well suited to the main design of the author,
which was to form the mind of a young prince, yet they seem not
congruous to the nature of epic poetry the object of which is to
;

improve us by means of actions, characters, and sentiments, rather

than by delivering professed and formal instruction.
Several of the epic poets have described a descent into hell and ;

in the prospects they have given us of the invisible world, we may

observe the gradual refinement of men's notions concerning a state
of future rewards and punishments. The descent of Ulysses into
hell, in Homer's Odyssey, presents to us a very indistinct and dreary
sort of object. The scene is laid in the country of the Cimmeri-
ans, which is always covered with clouds and darkness, at the ex-
tremity of the ocean. When the spirits of the dead begin to ap-
pear, we scarcely know whether Ulysses is above ground or below
it. None of the ghosts, even of the heroes, appear satisfied with
their condition in the other world ; and when Ulysses endeavours
to comfort Achilles, by reminding him of the illustrious figure
which he must make in those regions, Achilles roundly tells him
that all such speeches are idle; for he would rather be a day-labour-
er on earth, than have the command of all the dead.
In the sixth book of the iEneid, we discern a much greater re-
finement of ideas, corresponding to the progress which the world
had then made in philosophy. The objects there delineated, are
both more clear and distinct, and more grand and awful. The se
parate mansions of good and of bad spirits, with the punishments
of the one, and the employments and happiness of the other, are
finely described, and in consistency with the most pure morality.
But the which Fenelon makes Telemachus pay to the shades,
visit
is much morephilosophical still than Virgil's. He employs the same
fables and the same mythology but we find the ancient mythology
;

refined by the knowledge of the true religion, and adorned with

that beautiful enthusiasm, for which Fenelon was so distinguished.
His account of the happiness of the just is an excellent description
in themystic strain and very expressive of the genius and spirit
;

of the author.
502 VOLTAIRE'S HENRIADE. [lect. xliv

Voltaire has given us, in his Henriade, a regular epic poem, in

French verse. In every performance of that celebrated writer, we
may expect to find marks of genius and, accordingly, that work
;

discovers, in several places, that boldness in the conceptions, and

that liveliness and felicity in the expression, for which the author
is so remarkably distinguished. Several of the comparisons, in
particular, which occur in it, are both new and happy. But, con-
sidered upon the whole, I cannot esteem it one of his chief pro-
ductions and am of opinion, that he has succeeded infinitely bet-
;

ter in tragic than in epic composition. French versification seems ill

adapted to epic poetry. Besides its being always fettered by rhyme,
the language never assumes a sufficient degree of elevation or ma-
jesty ; and appears to be more capable of expressing the tender in
tragedy, than of supporting the sublime in epic. Hence a feeble-
ness, and sometimes a prosaic flatness, in the style of the Henriade;
and whether from this, or from some other cause, the poem often
languishes. It does not seize the imagination, nor interest and
carry the reader along, with that ardour which ought to be inspired
by a sublime and spirited epic poem.
The subject of the Henriade is the triumph of Henry the Fourth
over the arms of the League. The action of the poem properly
includes only the siege of Paris. It is an action perfectly epic in
its nature ; great, interesting, and conducted with a sufficient re-

gard to unity ; and all the other critical rules. But it is liable to both
the defects which I before remarked in Lucan's Pharsalia. It is
founded wholly on civil wars; and presents to us those odious and
detestable objects of massacres and assassinations, which throw a
gloom over the poem. It is also, like Lucan's, of too recent a date,
and comes too much within the bounds of well-known history. To
remedy this last defect, and to remove the appearance of being a
mere historian, Voltaire has chosen to mix fiction with truth. The
poem, for instance, opens with a voyage of Henry's to England,
and an interview between him and Queen Elizabeth; though every
one knows that Henry never was in England, and that these two
illustrious personages never met. In facts of such public notorie-
ty, a fiction like this shocks the reader, and forms an unnatural and
ill-sorted mixture with historical truth. The episode was contrived,
in order to give Henry an opportunity of recounting the former
transactions of the civil wars, in imitation of the recital which
iEneas makes to Dido in the .ZEneid. But the imitation was inju-
dicious. iEneas might, with propriety, relate to Dido transactions
of which she was either entirely ignorant, or had acquired only an
imperfect knowledge by flying reports. But Queen Elizabeth
could not but be supposed to be perfectly apprized of all the facts,
which the poet makes Henry recite to her.
In order to embellish his subject, Voltaire has chosen to employ
a great deal of machinery. But here, also, I am obliged to censure
his conduct ; for the machinery which he chiefly employs is of the
—
worst kind, and the least suited to an epic poem that of allegorical
beings. Dibcord, cunning, and love, appear as personages, mix with
 .;

lect. xliv.] MILTON'S PARADISE LOST. 503

the human actors, and make a considerable figure in the intrigue of

the poem. This is contrary to every rule of rational criticism. Ghosts,
angels, and devils, have popular belief on their side, and may be con-
ceived as existing. But every one knows, that allegorical beings are
no more than representatives of human dispositions and passions.
They may be employed like other personifications and figures of
speech or in a poem, that is wholly allegorical, they may occupy
;

the chief place ;they are there in their native and proper region
But in a poem which relates to human transactions, as I had occasion
before to remark, when such beings are described as acting along
with men, the imagination is confounded ; it is divided between
phantasms and realities, and knows not on what to rest.
In justice, however, to our author, I must observe, that the machi-
ner}r of St. Louis, which he also employs, is of a better kind, and
possesses real dignity. The finest passage in the Henriade, indeed
one of the finest that occurs in any poem, is the prospect of the in-
visible world, which St. Louis gives to Henry in a dream, in the se-
venth canto : Death bringing the souls of the departed in succes-
sion before God; their astonishment when, arriving from all different
countries and religious sects, they are brought into the Divine pre-
sence; when they find their superstitions to be false, and have the
truth unveiled to them; the palace of the Destinies opened to Hen-
ry, and the prospect of his successors which is there given him: are
striking and magnificent objects, and do honour to the genius of
Voltaire.
Though some of the episodes in this poem are properly exten-
ded, yet the narration is, on the whole, too general; the events are
too much crowded, and superficially related ; which is doubtless, one
cause of the poem making a faint impression. The strain of senti-
ment which runs through it, is high and noble. Religion appears, on
every occasion, with great and proper lustre ; and the author breathes
that spirit of humanity and toleration, which is conspicuous in all
his works.
Milton, of whom it remains now to speak, has chalked out for
himself a new and very extraordinary road in poetry. As soon as
we open his Paradise Lost, we find ourselves introduced all at once
into an invisible world, and surrounded with celestial and infernal
beings. Angels and devils are not the machinery, but principal ac-
tors, in the poem and, what in any other composition would be the
;

marvellous, is here only the natural course of events. A subject so

remote from the affairs of this world, may furnish ground to those who
think such discussions material, to bring it into doubt, whether Para-
dise Lost can properly be classed among epic poems. By whatever
name it is to be called, it is, undoubtedly, one of the highest efforts of
poetical genius; and in one great characteristic of the epic poem,
majesty and sublimity, it is fully equal to any that bear that name.
How far the author was altogether happy in the choice of his sub-
ject, may be questioned. It has led him into very difficult ground.
Had he taken a subject that was more human, and less theological
 ;

504 MILTON'S PARADISE LOST. [lect. xliv

that was more connected with the occurrences of life, and afforded
a greater display of the characters and passions of men, his poem
would, perhaps, have, to the bulk of readers, been more pleasing
and attractive. But the subject which he has chosen, suited the
daring sublimity of his genius.* It is a subject for which Milton
alone was fitted; and in the conduct of it, he has shown a stretch
both of imagination and invention, which is perfectly wonderful. It is
astonishing how, from the few hints given us in the sacred Scriptures,
he was able to raise so complete and regular a structure, and to fill
his poem with such a variety of incidents. Dry and harsh passa-
ges sometimes occur. The author appears, upon some occasions, a
metaphysician and a divine, rather than a poet. But the general
tenourof his work is interesting; he seizes and fixes the imagination;
engages, elevates, and affects us as we proceed which is always a
;

sure test of merit in an epic composition. The artful change of his

objects; the scene laid now in earth, now in hell, and now in hea-
ven, affords a sufficient diversity while unity of plan is, at the same
;

time, perfectly supported. We have still life, and calm scenes, in

the employments of Adam and Eve in Paradise and we have busy ;

scenes, and great actions, in the enterprise of Satan, and the wars
of the angels. The innocence, purity, and amiableness of our first
parents, opposed to the pride and ambition of Satan, furnishes a
happy contrast, that reigns throughout the whole poem only the ;

conclusion, as I before observed, is too tragic for epic poetry.

The nature of the subject did not admit any great display of cha-
racters; but such as could be introduced, are supported with much
propriety. Satan, in particular, makes a striking figure, and is, in-
deed, the best drawn character in the poem. Milton has not describ-
ed him such as we suppose an infernal spirit to be. He has, more
suitably to his own purpose, given him a human, that is, a mixed
character, not altogether void of some good qualities. He is brave
and faithful to his troops. In the midst of his impiety, he is- not
without remorse. He is even touched with pity for our first parents
and justifies himself in his design against them, from the necessity
of his situation. He is actuated by ambition and resentment, ra-
ther than by pure malice. In short, Milton's Satan is no worse than
many a conspirator or factious chief, that makes a figure in history.
The different characters of Beelzebub, Moloch, Belial, are exceed-
ingly well painted in those eloquent speeches which they make in
the second book. Thegood angels, though always described with dig-
nity and propriety, have more uniformity than the infernal spirits in
their appearance though among them, too, the dignity of Michael,
;

the mild condescension of Raphael, and the tried fidelity of Abdiel,

form proper characteristical distinctions. The attempt to describe
God Almighty himself, and to recount dialogues between the Father
* " He seems to have been well acquainted with his own genius, and to know what

\t was that nature had bestowed upon him more bountifully than upon others the pow-
:

er of displaying the vast, illuminating the splendid, enforcing the awful, darkening the
gloomy, and aggravating the dreadful. He therefore chose a subject, on which too
much could not be said ; on which he might tire his fancy, without the censure of ex •

travao-ance
'

Dr. Johnson's Life of Milton

llct. xliv.] MILTON'S PARADISE LOST. 505

and the Son, was too bold and arduous, and is that wherein our poet,
as was to have been expected, has been most unsuccessful. With re
gard to his human characters, the innocence of our first parents, and
their love, are finely and delicately painted. In some of his speeches
to Raphael and to Eve, Adam is, perhaps, too knowing and refined
for his situation. Eve is more distinctly characterized. Her gentle-
ness, modesty, and frailty, mark very expressively a female character.
Milton's great and distinguishing excellence is, his sublimity. In
this, penhaps, he excels Homer ; as there is no doubt of his leaving
Virgil, and every other poet, far behind him. Almost the whole of
the first and second books of Paradise Lost, are continued instan-
ces of the sublime. The prospect of hell and of the fallen host,
the appearance and behaviour of Satan, the consultation of the in-
fernal chiefs, and Satan's flight through chaos to the borders of this
world, discover the most lofty ideas that ever entered into the con-
ception of any poet. In the sixth book, also, there is much grandeur,
particularly in the appearance of the Messiah ; though some parts
of that book are censurable; and the witticisms of the devils upon
the effect of their artillery, form an intolerable blemish. Milton's
sublimity is of a different kind from that of Homer. Homer's is
generally accompanied with fire and impetuosity: Milton's pos-
sesses more of a calm and amazing grandeur. Homer warms and
hurries us along; Milton fixes us in a state of astonishment and
elevation. Homer's sublimity appears most in the description of
actions ; Milton's, in that of wonderful and stupendous objects.
But though Milton is most distinguished for his sublimity, yet
there is also much of the beautiful, the tender, and the pleasing, in
many parts of his work. When the scene is laid in Paradise, the
imagery is always of the most gay and smiling kind. His descrip-
tions show an uncommonly fertile imagination and in his similes,
;

he is, for the most part, remarkably happy. They are seldom im-
properly introduced ; seldom either low or trite. They generally
present to us images taken from the sublime or the beautiful class
of objects ; if they have any faults, it is their alluding too frequent-
ly to matters of learning, and to fables of antiquity. In the latter
part of Paradise Lost, there must be confessed to be a falling off.
With the fall of our first parents, Milton's genius seems to decline.
Beauties, however, there are, in the concluding books, of the tra-
gic kind. The remorse and contrition of the guilty pair, and their
lamentations over Paradise, when they are obliged to leave it, are
very moving. The last episode, of the angel's showing Adam the
fate of his posterity, is happily imagined ; but, in many places, the
execution is languid.
Milton's language and versification have high merit. His style
is full of majesty, and wonderfully adapted to his subject. His blank

verse is harmonious and diversified, and affords the most complete

example of the elevation which our language is capable of attaining
by the force of numbers. It does not flow, like the French verse,
in tame, regular, uniform melody, which soon tires the ear; but is
4D 64
 ; ;;

506 QUESTIONS. [lect. xliv.

sometimes smooth and flowing-, sometimes rough ; varied in its ca-

dence, and intermixed with discords, so as to suit the strength and
freedom of epic composition. Neglected and prosaic lines, indeed,
we sometimes meet with but, in a work so long, and in the main
;

so harmonious, these may be forgiven.

On the whole, Paradise Lost is a poem that abounds with beauties
of every kind, and that justly entitles its author to a degree of fame
not inferior to any poet though it must be also admitted to have
;

many inequalities. It is the lot of almost every high and daring genius,
not to be uniform and correct. Milton is too frequently theological
and metaphysical sometimes harsh in his language often too tech-
; ;

nical in his words, and affectedly ostentatious of his learning. Many

of his faults must be attributed to the pedantry of the age in which
he lived. He discovers a vigour, a grasp of genius, equal to every
thing that is great if, at some times, he falls much below himself, at
;

other times he rises above every poet of the ancient or modern world.

QUESTIONS.
After Homer and Virgil, who is what is remarked ? But what is the
the next i^reat epic poet of ancient fate of this poet ? is this illustra- How
times 1 Whydoes he deserve atten- ted ? In what age did Lucan live, and
tion ? Of his Pharsalia, what is obser- what was the consequence ? On the
ved ? What was formerly remarked ? whole, he is an author possessing what?
What does the subject of the Pharsalia What atone for many of his defects
carry'? What does it not want? As it and from him, what may be produced ?
stands at present, what is said of it What instances are given, illustrative
but what follows ? Of Lucan's subject, of this remark ? Repeat the passage in
what is remarked ? Of its two defects, which Pompey is compared to the an-
what is the first ? What
furnish a more cient decaying oak. But when we con-
proper theme for the epic muse ? But sider the whole execution of his poem,
of Lucan's genius, what must be con- what are we obliged to pronounce?
fessed ? What is the other defect of What had his genius; but of what was
the subject ? Why
is this always un- it destitute ? Of his style, what is ob-
fortunate for a poet? What remark served? How does he compare with
follows ? How
are Lucan's characters Virgir? To whom does our author next,
drawn ? Of Pompey, Avhat is why
observed: proceed ; ; and what is said of
and by whom is he always eclipsed ? him ? When was his Jerusalem Deli-
What is said of Cato and of his speech vered published and what, is said of
; ;

to Labienus, what is observed? In the it ? What is the subject of it and of ;

conduct of the story, to what has our this enterprise, what is remarked?
author too much attached himself; and What forms an interesting contrast?
what is the effect of this ? From what What does the subject not produce
does it appear that he is too digressive but what does it exhibit ? What is ob-
also ? What are there in the Pharsa- served of the share which religion pos-
lia; but in what does our author's chief sesses in the enterprise and of the ac- ;

strength lie ? Of his narration, and of tion, also, what is remarked ? In the
his descriptions, what is observed? In conduct of the story, what has Tasso
what does his principal merit consist shown ? How is this illustrated ? At
and what is said of them ? In what does the same time, of the whole work,
Lucan surpass all the poets of antiqui- what is observed ? What remark fol-
ty and of him, what is farther obser- lows ? What is remarked of the epi-
;

ved ? What must we, also, observe ? sodes ? With what is the poem enliven-
How is this remark illustrated ? Hence, ed; and of them, what is remarked ?
jn what does he abound, and of them, How is this remark illustrated? Of
 ;

LECT. XLIV.] QUESTIONS. 506 a

Tasso, in the characteristical part, of the work, for his whole mythology ?
what observed ? What is said of his What fine machinery, however, of a
is
machinery ? When is it noble ; and different kind, is there in the Lusiad ?
what instances are given? But what But what is the noblest conceptions of
act too great a part throughout the this sort ? What does he tell him ? Of
poem and form what % What scenes, this piece of machinery, what is re-
;

must it be confessed, carry the mar- marked ? In reviewing the epic poets,
vellous to a degree of extravagance 1 to make no mention of whom, were un-
In general, to what is Tasso most lia- just ? Whyis his work entitled to be
ble to censure ? What illustration of held a poem ? What is said of the plan
this remark follows ? What apology, of it? Into what has the author
however, may be offered for him ? Be- entered with much felicity; and in
tween them, what difference is there ? this, how does he compare with other
With what beauties does Tasso re- modern poets ? Of his descriptions,
markably abound 1 Of both his de- what is observed ? Which is the best
scriptions and his style, what is obser- executed part of the work ; and why ?
ved ? How is this remark illustrated ? Of the last twelve books, and of the
What is said of both of the descriptions warlike adventures, what is remark-
which have been mentioned ? Of his ed ? From what does the chief objec-
battles, what is remarked ? In what is tion against this work being classed
Tasso not so happy as in his descrip- with epic poems, arise and of these,
;

tions and by what is it that he inte- what, is observed ? What have several
;

rests us ? In what is he far inferior to of the epic poets described ; and in the
Virgil and when is he apt to become prospects they have given us of the
;

artificial and strained ? What censure invisible world, what may we observe ?
has been carried too far ? What re- Illustrate this remark from Homer
marks follow ; and what would fully from Virgil ; and from Fenelon ? What
clear it of all such exceptionable passa- has Voltaire, in his Henriade, given
ges ? What critics have decried Tas- us ? As in every performance of that
so ? But what would one be apt to ima- celebrated writer, we may expect to
gine and why ? In what may Tasso find marks of genius, what follows ?
;

be held inferior to Homer, in what to Several of what, particularly, are both

Virgil, and in what to Milton'? In what new and happy ? What remarks fol-
is he inferior to no poet, the three just low ? Why is French versification illy

mentioned excepted? Why cannot adapted to epic poetry ? Hence, what

Ariosto, with propriety, be classed follows? What does it not do? What
among epic writers ? What does Arios- is the subject of the poem ? What does
to appear to have despised; and to the action properly include ; and of it,
have chosen what ? At the same time, what is observed ? But to what defects
what does his poem contain ? Of Ari- is it liable and how is this illustrated ?
;

osto, and of his Orlando Furioso, what To remedy this last defect, what has
is farther observed ? Voltaire done, and what instance is
As the Italians make their boast of given? What remark follows; and
Tasso, of whom do the Portuguese why was this episode contrived ? But
boast, and of him, what is observed ? why was the imitation injudicious?
What is the subject of it ? Of the enter- What are the general remarks on the
prise, what is remarked ; and why was machinery employed by Voltaire ? In
it interesting to Camoen's countrymen? justice, however, to our author, what

How does the poem open and what must be observed ? Illustrate this re-
;

follows ? Of this recital, what is obser- mark. What is one reason why this
ved and what fill up the rest of the poem makes a faint impression? Of
;

poem ? From what does it appear that the strain of sentiment which runs
the whole work is conducted according through it, what is observed? How
to the epic plan? Towards what is does religion appear, and what spirit
there no attempt; and who is the hero ? does the author breathe? What has
What is observed of the machinery of Milton done ? How it this illustrated ?

the Lusiad ; and how does this appear ? Of his subject, what is remarked but ;

What was one great scope of the expe- what follows? What may be ques-
dition and what fohows ? What salvo tioned and why ? But the subject
; ;

does the author give towards the end which he has chosen suited what ; and
 ;

506 b QUESTIONS [lect. xlv.

in the conduct of it, what has he cluding books? Of the last episode,
shown ? What is a matter of astonish- what is observed ? What is the charac-
ment; and what remarks follow? ter of his style and of his blank verse, ;

What did not the nature of the subject what is remarked ? Repeat the closing
admit? Repeat the description of Sa- paragraph.
tan. Of Belzebub, Moloch, and Belial,
what is remarked and, what is also
;
ANALYSIS.
said of the good angels? In what,
1. Lucan's Pharsalia.
however, has he been unsuccessful ? a. The subject defective.
With regard to his human characters, b. The characters spiritedly drawn.

what is observed ? Wlrere is Adam too c. The narration considered.

knowing, and too refined for his situa- 2. Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered.
a. The subject-— the narration.
tion but What is said of Eve ? Of Mil-
b. The characters.
;

ton's sublimity, what is remarked ? Al- a. The machinery.

most the whole of what books are con- 3. Ariosto's Orlando Furioso.
tinued instances of the sublime and 4. Camoen's Lusiad.
;

a. The subject — the narration.

what examples are given? What is
b. The machinery considered.
said of the sixth book ? How does Mil- 5. Fenelon's Telemachus.
ton's sublimity compare with that of a. The character of the work.
Homer? What other excellences does 6. Voltaire's Henriade.
Milton possess ? How is this remark il- a. The subject — the narration.
lustrated ? Where is there a falling off; b. The machinery.
7. Milton's Paradise Lost.
and with what does Milton's genius —
a. The subject the characters.
seem to decline ? But what beauties of b. The sublimity— the tenderness.
the traffic kind are there in the con- c. The style ana versification.

LECTURE XLV.
DRAMATIC POETRY.— TRAGEDY.
Dramatic poetry has, among all civilized nations, been considered
as a rational and useful entertainment, and judged worthy of careful
and serious discussion. According as it is employed upon the light
a ad the gay, or upon the grave and affecting incidents of human life,
it divides itself into the two forms, of comedy or tragedy. But as
great and serious objects command more attention than little and
ludicrous ones as the fall of a hero interests the public more than
;

the marriage of a private person tragedy has always been held a

;

more dignified entertainment than comedy. The one rests upon the
high passions, the virtues, crimes, and sufferings of mankind. The
other on their humours, follies, and pleasures. Terror and pity are
the great instruments of the former ; ridicule is the sole instrument
of the latter. Tragedy shall, therefore, be the object of our fullest
discussion. This and the following lecture shall be employed on it
after which, I shall treat of what is peculiar to comedy.
Tragedy, considered as an exhibition of the characters and beha-
viour of men, in some of the most trying and critical situations of
life, is a noble idea of poetry. It is a direct imitation of human
manners and actions. For it does not, like the epic poem, exhibit
characters by the narration and description of the poet ; but the
poet disappears and the personages themselves are set before us,
;

acting and speaking what is suitable to their characters. Hence,

no kind of writing is so great a trial of the author's profound know-
ledge of the human heart. No kind of writing has so much power,
when happily executed, to raise the strongest emotions. It is, or
lect. xlv.] TRAGEDY. 507

ought to be, a mirror in which we behold ourselves, and the evils

to which we are exposed a faithful copy of the human passions, with
;

all their direful effects, when they are suffered to become extrava-
gant.
As tragedy high and distinguished species of composition, so
is a

also, in its general strainand spirit, it is favourable to virtue. Such

power hath virtue happily over the human mind, by the wise and
gracious constitution of our nature, that as admiration cannot be
raised in epic poetry, so neither in tragic poetry can our passions be
strongly moved, unless virtuous emotions be awakened within us.
Every poet finds, that it is impossible to interest us in any character,
without representing that character as worthy and honourable,
though it may not be perfect and that the great secret for raising
;

indignation, is to paint the person who is to be the object of it,

in the colours of vice and depravity. He may, indeed, nay, he
must, represent the virtuous as sometimes unfortunate, because this
is often the case in real life but he will always study to engage our
;

hearts in their behalf; and though they may be described as un-

prosperous, yet there is no instance of a tragic poet representing
vice as fully triumphant, and happy, in the catastrophe of the piece.
Even when bad men succeed in their designs, punishment is made
always to attend them and misery of one kind or other is shown
;

to be unavoidably connected with guilt. Love and admiration of

virtuous characters, compassion for the injured and the distressed,
and indignation against the authors of their sufferings, are the senti-
ments most generally excited by tragedy. And, therefore, though
dramatic writers may sometimes, like other writers, be guilty of im-
proprieties, though they may fail of placing virtue precisely in the
due point of light, yet no reasonable person can deny tragedy to be
a moral species of composition. Taking tragedies complexly, I am
fully persuaded, that the impressions left by them upon the mind
are, on the whole, favourable to virtue and good dispositions. And,
therefore, the zeal which some pious men have shown against the
entertainments of the theatre, must rest only upon the abuse of co-
medy ; which, indeed, has frequently been so great as to justify
very severe censures against it.
The account which Aristotle gives of the design of tragedy is,
that it is intended to purge our passions by means of pity and ter-
ror. This is somewhat obscure. Various senses have been put
upon his words, and much altercation has followed among his com-
mentators. Without entering into any controversy upon this head,
the intention of tragedy may, I think, be more shortly and clearly defi-
ned, to improve our virtuous sensibility. If an author interests us in
behalf of virtue, forms us to compassion for the distressed, inspires
us with proper sentiments on beholding the vicissitudes of life, and,
by means of the concern which he raises for the misfortunes of
others, leads us to guard against errors in our own conduct, he ac-
complishes all the moral purposes of tragedy.
In order to this end, the first requisite is, that he choose some
moving and interesting story, and that he conduct it in a natural
508 TRAGEDY [lect. xlv.

and probable manner. For we must observe, tbat tbe natural and
the probable must always be the basis of tragedy and are infinitely
;

more important there, than in epic poetry. The object of the epic
poet, is to excite our admiration by the recital of heroic adventures;
and a much slighter degree of probability is required when admira-
tion is concerned, than when the tender passions are intended to be
moved. The imagination, in the former case, is exalted, accommo-
dates itself to the poet's idea, and can admit the marvellous with-
out being shocked. But tragedy demands a stricter imitation of
the life and actions of men. For the end which it pursues is not so
much to elevate the imagination, as to affect the heart; and the heart
always judges more nicely than the imagination, of what is probable.
Passion can be raised, only by making the impressions of nature and
of truth upon the mind. By introducing, therefore, any wild or ro-
mantic circumstances into his story, the poet never fails to check
passion inits growth, and, of course, disappoints the main effect of
tragedy.
This principle, which is founded on the clearest reason, excludes
from tragedy all machinery, or fabulous intervention of the gods.
Ghosts have, indeed, maintained their place as being strongly found-
;

ed on popular belief, and peculiarly suited to heighten the terror of

tragic scenes. But all unravellings of the plot which turn upon the
interposition of deities, such as Euripides employs in several of his
plays, are much to be condemned both as clumsy and inartificial, and
;

asdestroying the probability of the story. This mixture of machinery

with the tragic action is, undoubtedly, a blemish in the ancient
theatre.
In order to promote that impression of probability which is so
necessary to the success of tragedy, some critics have required,
that the subject should never be a pure fiction invented by the
poet, but built on real history or known facts. Such, indeed, were
generally, if not always, the subjects of the Greek tragedians. But
I cannot hold this to be a matter of any great consequence. It is
proved by experience, that a fictitious tale, if properly conducted,
will melt the heart as much as any real history. In order to our
being moved, it is not necessary, that the events related did actually
happen, provided they be such as might easily have happened in
the ordinary course of nature. Even when tragedy borrows its mate-
rials from history, it mixes many a fictitious circumstance. The great-
est part of readers neither know, nor inquire, what is fabulous or what
is historical, in the subject. They attend only to whatis probable, and

are touched by events which resemble nature. Accordingly, some

of the most pathetic tragedies are entirely fictitious in the subject;
such as Voltaire's Zaire and Alzire, the Orphan, Douglas, the Fair
Penitent, and several others.
Whether the subject be of the real or feigned kind, that on which
most depends for rendering the incidents in a tragedy probable, and
by means of their probability affecting, is the conduct or manage-
ment of the story, and the connexion of its several parts. To re-
gulate this conduct, critics have laid down the famous rule of the
lect. xlv.] TRAGEDY. 509

three Unities; the importance of which it will be necessary todiscuss.

But, in order to do this with more advantage, it will be necessary
that we first look backwards, and trace the rise and origin of tragedy,
which will give light to several things relating to the subject.
Tragedy, like other arts, was,in its beginning, rude and imperfect.
Among the Greeks, from whom our dramatic entertainments are
derived, the origin of tragedy was no other than the song which
was wont to be sung at the festival of Bacchus. A goat was the
sacrifice offered to that god; after the sacrifice, the priests, with the
company that joined them, sung hymns in honour of Bacchus; and
from the name of the victim, r^ayog, a goat,joined with &$%, a song,
undoubtedly arose the word tragedy.
These hymns, or lyric poems, were sung sometimes by the whole
company, sometimes by separate bands, answering alternately to
each other making what we call a chorus, with its strophes and an-
;

tistrophes. In order to throw some variety into this entertainment,

and to relieve the singers, it was thought proper to introduce a
person who, between the songs, should make recitation in verse.
Thespis, who lived about 536 years before the Christian era, made
this innovation; and, as it was relished, iEschylus, who came 50
years after him, and who is properly the father of tragedy, went
a step farther, introduced a dialogue between two persons, or ac-
tors, in which he contrived to interweave some interesting story, and
brought his actors on a stage, adorned with proper scenery and de-
corations. All that these actors recited, was called episode, or addi-
tional song; and the songs of the chorus were made to relate no
longer to Bacchus, their original subject, but to the story in which
the actors were concerned. This began to give the drama a regular
form, which was soon after brought to perfection, by Sophocles and
Euripides. It is remarkable in how short a space of time tragedy
grew up among the Greeks, from the rudest beginnings to its most
perfect state. For Sophocles, the greatest and most correct of all
the tragic poets, flourished only 22 years after iEschylus, and was
little more than 70 years posterior to Thespis.
From the account which I have now given, it appears, that the
chorus was the basis or foundation of the ancient tragedy. It was
not an ornament added to it or a contrivance designed to render it
;

more perfect; but, in truth, the dramatic dialogue was an addition

to the chorus, which was the original entertainment. In process of
time, the chorus, from being the principal, became only the acces-
sory in tragedy; till at last, in modern tragedy, it has disappear
ed altogether; which forms the chief distinction between the ancient
and the modern stage.
This has given rise to a question, much agitated between the par-
tisans of the ancients and the moderns, whether the drama has
gained, or has suffered, by the abolition of the chorus. It must
be admitted, that the chorus tended to render tragedy both more
magnificent, and more instructive and moral. It was always the
most sublime and poetical part of the work; and being carried on
510 TRAGEDY. [lect. xlv

by singing, and accompanied with music, it must, no doubt, have

diversified the entertainment greatly, and added to its splendour.
The chorus, at the same time, conveyed constant lessons of virtue.
It was composed of such persons as might most naturally be supposed
present on the occasion inhabitants of the place where the scene was
;

laid, often the companions of some of the principal actors, and,

therefore, in some degree, interested in the issue of the action.
This company, which, days of Sophocles, was restricted to
in the
the number of fifteen persons, was constantly on the stage during the
whole performance, mingled in discourse with the actors, entered
into their concerns, suggested counsel and advice to them, moral-
ized on the incidents that were going on, and, during the inter-
all

vals of the action, sung their odes, or songs, in which they address-
ed the gods, prayed for success to the virtuous, lamented their mis-
fortunes, and delivered many religious and moral sentiments.*
But, notwithstanding the advantages which were obtained by
means of the chorus, the inconveniences,on the other side, are so
great,as to render the modern practice of excluding the chorus, far
more eligible upon the whole. For if a natural and probable imi-
tation of human actions be the chief end of the drama, no other
persons ought to be brought on the stage, than those who are neces-
sary to the dramatic action. The introduction of an adventitious
company of persons, who have but a slight concern in the business
of the play, is unnatural in itself, embarrassing to the poet, and,
though it may render the spectacle splendid, tends, undoubtedly, to
render it more cold and uninteresting, because more unlike a real
transaction. The mixture of music, or song, on the part of the cho-
rus, with the dialogue carried on by the actors, is another unnatural
circumstance, removing the representation still farther from the re-
semblance of life. The poet, besides, is subjected to innumerable
difficulties, in so contriving his plan, that the presence of the cho-

* The office of the chorus is thus described by Horace :

Actoris partes chorus, officiumque virile

Defendat : neu quid medios intercinat actus,
Quod non proposito conducat, et hareat apte.
Me bonis faveatque et consilietur amice,
Et regat iratos, et amet pacare tumentes :

Me dapes laudet mcnsse brevis ille salubrem

;

Justitiam, legesque, et apertis otia portis :

Ille teg-at commissa, deosque precetur et oret,

Ut redeat miseris, abeat fortuna superbis. Dh Art Poet S3
The chorus must support an actor's part,
Defend the virtuous, and advise with art;
Govern the choleric, and the proud appease,
And the short feasts of frugal tables praise ;
Applaud the justice of well-governed states,
And peace triumphant with her open gates.
Intrusted secrets let them ne'er betray,
But to the righteous gods with ardour pray,
That fortune, with returning smiles, may bless
Afflicted worth, and impious pride depress ;
Yet let their songs with apt coherence join,
Promote the plot, and aia the just desigu. Francis.
lect. xlv.] TRAGEDY. 511

rus, during all the incidents of the play, shall consist with any pro-
bability. The scene must be constantly, and often absurdly, laid
in somepublic place, that the chorus may be supposed to have free
access to it. To many things that ought to be transacted in private,
the chorus must ever be witnesses ; they must be the confederates of
both parties, who come successively upon the stage, and who are,
perhaps, conspiring against each other. In short, the manage-
ment of a chorus is an unnatural confinement to a poet; it requires
too great a sacrifice of probability in the conduct of the action;
it has too much the air of a theatrical decoration, to be consistent

with that appearance of reality, which a poet must ever preserve,

in order to move our passions. The origin of tragedy, among the
Greeks, we have seen, was a choral song, or hymn, to the gods.
There is no wonder, therefore, that on the Greek stage it so long
maintained possession. But it may confidently, I think, be assert-
ed, that if, instead of the dramatic dialogue having been superadded
to the chorus, the dialogue itself had been the first invention, the
chorus would, in that case, never have been thought of.
One use, I am of opinion, might still be made of the ancient
chorus, and would be a considerable improvement of the modern
theatre. Instead of that unmeaning, and often improperly cho-
sen music, with which the audience is entertained in the intervals
between the acts, a chorus might be introduced, whose music
and songs, though forming no part of the play, should have a rela
tion to the incidents of the preceding act, and to the dispositions
which those incidents are presumed to have awakened in the spec-
tators. By this means the tone of passion would be kept up with-
out interruption ; and all the good effects of the ancient chorus
might be preserved, for inspiring proper sentiments, and for in-
creasing the morality of the performance, without those inconve-
niences which arose from the chorus forming a constituent part of
the play, and mingling unseasonably, and unnaturally, with the
personages of the drama.
After the view which we have taken of the rise of tragedy, and
of the nature of the ancient chorus, with the advantages and incon-
veniences attending it, our way is cleared for examining, with more
advantage, the three unities of action, place, and time, which have
generally been considered as essential to the proper conduct of the
dramatic fable.
Of these three, the first, unity of action, is, beyond doubt, far
the most important. In treating of epic poetry, I have already
explained the nature of it; as consisting in a relation which all the
incidents introduced bear to some design or effect, so as to combine
naturally into one whole. This unity of subject is still more essen-
tial to tragedy, than it is to epic poetry. For a multiplicity of
plots, or actions, crowded into so short a space as tragedy allows,
must, of necessity, distract the attention, and prevent passion from
rising to any height. Nothing, therefore, is worse conduct in a
tragic poet, than to carry on two independent actions in the same
play; the effect of which is, that the mind being suspended and
4 E
 512 TRAGEDY. [lect. xlv.

divided between them, cannot give itself up entirely either to the

one or the other. There may, indeed, be under-plots that is, the
;

persons introduced may have different pursuits and designs but the
;

poet's art must be shown in managing these so as to render them

subservient to the main action. They ought to be connected with
the catastrophe of the play, and to conspire in bringing it forward.
If there be any intrigue which stands separate and independent, and
which may be left out without affecting the unravelling of the plot,
we may always conclude this to be a faulty violation of unity.
Such episodes are not permitted here, as in epic poetry.
We have a clear example of this defect in Mr. Addison's Cato.
The subject of this tragedy is, the death of Cato and a very noble
:

personage Cato is, and supported by the author with much dignity.
But the love scenes in the play, the passion of Cato's two sons
all
for Lucia,and that of Juba for Cato's daughter, are mere episodes ;
have no connexion with the principal action, and no effect upon it.
The author thought his subject too barren in incidents, and in order
to diversifyit, he has given us, as it were, by the by, a history of

the amours that were going on in Cato's family ; by which he hath

both broken the. unity of his subject, and formed a very unseason-
able junction of gallantry, with the high sentiments and public
spirited passions which predominate in other parts, and which the
play was chiefly designed to exhibit.
We must take care not to confound the unity of the action with
the simplicity of the plot. Unity and simplicity import different
things in dramatic composition. The plot is said to be simple,
when a small number of incidents are introduced into it. But it
may be implex, as the critics term it, that is, it may include a con-
siderable number of persons and events, and yet not be deficient in
unity provided all the incidents be made to tend towards the prin-
;

cipal object of the play, and be properly connected with it. All
the Greek tragedies not only maintain unity in the action, but are
remarkably simple in the plot; to such a degree, indeed, as some-
times to appear to us too naked, and destitute of interesting events.
In the CEdipus Coloneus, for instance, of Sophocles, the whole sub-
ject is no more than this: CEdipus, blind and miserable, wanders
to Athens, and wishes to die there : Creon, and his son Polynices,
arrive at the same time, and endeavour, separately, to persuade the
old man to return to Thebes, each with a view to his own interest:
he will not go Theseus, the king of Athens, protects him and
: ;

the play ends with his death. In the Philoctetes of the same author,
the plot, or fable, is nothing more than Ulysses, and the son of
Achilles, studying to persuade the diseased Philoctetes to leave his
uninhabited island, and go with them to Troy, which he refuses to
do, till Hercules, whose arrows he possessed, descends from hea-
ven and commands him. Yet these simple, and seemingly barren
subjects, are wrought up with so much art by Sophocles, as to be-
come very tender and affecting.
Among the moderns, much greater variety of events has been
admitted inte tragedy It has become more the theatre of passion
lect. xlv.J TRAGEDY. 513

than it was among the ancients. A greater display of characters is

attempted; more intrigue and action are carried on; our curiosity
is more awakened, and more interesting situations arise. This varie-

ty is, upon the whole, an improvement on tragedy it renders the :

entertainment both more animated and more instructive; and when

kept within due bounds, may be perfectly consistent with unity o:~
subject. But the poet must, at the same time, beware of not devia-
ting too far from simplicity, in the construction of his fable. For
if he overcharges it with action and intrigue, it becomes perplexed
and embarrassed; and, by consequence, loses much of its effect.
Congreve's Mourning Bride, a tragedy, otherwise far from being
void of merit, fails in this respect; and may be given as an instance
of one standing in perfect opposition to the simplicity of the ancient
plots. The incidents succeed one another too rapidly. The play
is too full of business. It is difficult for the mind to follow and com-
prehend the whole series of events; and, what is the greatest fault
of all, the catastrophe, which ought always to be plain and simple,
is brought about in a manner too artificial and intricate.

Unity of action must not only be studied in the general construc-

tion of the fable or plot, but must regulate the several acts and scenes,
into which the play is divided.
The division of every play into five acts, has no other foundation
than common practice, and the authority of Horace :

Neve minor, neu sit quinto productior actu

Fabula.* De Art. Poet. v. 189.

It is a division purely arbitrary. There is nothing in the nature of

the composition which fixes this number rather than any other; and
it had been much better if no such number had been ascertained, but

every play had been allowed to divide itself into as many parts, or
intervals, as the subject naturall)7 pointed out. On the Greek stage,
whatever may have been the case on the Roman, the division by acts
was totally unknown. The word act, never once occurs in Aristo-
tle's Poetics, in which he defines exactly every part of the drama,
and divides it into the beginning, the middle, and the end; or, in
his own words, into the prologue, the episode, and the exode. The
Greek tragedy was, indeed, one continued representation, from be-
ginning to end. The stage was never empty, nor the curtain let fall.
But at certain intervals, when the actors retired, the chorus continu-
ed and sung. Neither do these songs of the chorus divide the Greek
tragedies into five portions, similar to our acts; though some of the
commentators have endeavoured to force them into this office. But
it is plain, that the intervals at which the chorus sung, are extremely

unequal and irregular, suited to the occasion and the subject and ;

would divide the play sometimes into three, sometimes into seven
or eight acts.t
As practice has now established a different plan on the modern
* If you would have your play deserve success,
Give it complete, nor more, nor less.
five acts Francis
t See the dissertation prefixed o Franklin's traaslation of Sophocles.
G5
 514 TRAGEDY. [lect. xlv

stage, has divided every play into five acts, and made a total pause
in the representation at the end of each act, the poet must be care-
ful that this pause shall fall in a proper place; where there is a natu-
ral pause in the action; and where, if the imagination has any thing
to supply, that is not represented on the stage, it may be supposed
to have been transacted during the interval.
The first act ought to contain a clear exposition of the subject. 1
ought to be so managed as to awaken the curiosity of the spectators
and, at the same time, to furnish them with materials for understand-
ing the sequel. It should make them acquainted with the personages
who are to appear, with their several views and interests, and with the
situation of affairs at the time when the play commences. A striking
introduction, such as the first speech of Almeria, in the Mourning
Bride, and that of Lady Randolph, in Douglas, produces a happy
effect; but this is what the subject will not always admit. In the
ruder times of dramatic writing, the exposition of the subject was
wont to be made by a prologue, or by a single actor appearing, and
giving full and direct information to the spectators. Some of JEschy-
lus's and Euripides's plays are opened in this manner. But such an
introduction is extremely inartificial, and therefore is now totally
abolished, and thesubject made to open itself by conversation among
the first actors who are brought upon the stage.
During the course of the drama, in the second, third, and fourth
acts, the plot should gradually thicken. The great object which the
poet ought here to have in view, is, by interesting us in his story, to
keep our passions always awake. As soon as he allows us to lan-
guish, there is no more tragic merit. He should, therefore, introduce
no personages but such as are necessary for carrying on the action.
He should contrive to place those whom he finds it proper to introduce,
in the most interesting situations. He should have no scenes of idle
conversation, or mere declamation. The action of the play ought
to be always advancing; and as it advances, the suspense, and the
concern of the spectators, to be raised more and more. This is the
great excellency of Shakspeare, that his scenes are full of sentiment
and action, never of mere discourse; whereas, it is often a fault of
the best French tragedians, that they allow the action to languish
for the sake of a long and artful dialogue. Sentiment, passion, pity,
and terror, should reign throughout a tragedy. Every thing should
be full of movements. A useless incident, or an unnecessary con-
versation, weakens the interest which we take in the action, and ren-
ders us cold and inattentive.
The fifth act is the seat of the catastrophe, or the unravelling of
the plot, in which we always expect the art and genius of the poet
to be most fully displayed. The first rule concerning it is, that it
be brought about by probable and natural means. Hence all unrav-
ellings which turn upon disguised habits, rencounters by night, mis-
takes of one person for another, and other such theatrical and roman-
tic circumstances, are to be condemned as faulty. In the uext place,
the catastrophe ought always to be simple; to depend on few events,
and to include but few persons. Passion never rises so high when
lect. xlv.J TRAGEDY 515

it is divided among many objects, as when it is directed towards one,

or a few. And it is still more checked, if the incidents be so com-

plex and intricate, that the understanding is put on the stretch to
trace them, when the heart should be wholly delivered up to emotion.
The catastrophe of the Mourning Bride, as I formerly hinted, offends
against both these rules. In the last place, the catastrophe of a tra-
gedy ought to be the reign of pure sentiment and passion. In pro-
portion as it approaches, every thing snould warm and glow. No
long discourses no cold reasonings no parade of genius, in the midst
; ;

of those solemn and awful events, that close some of the great revo-
lutions of human fortune. There, if any where, the poetmustbe sim-
ple, serious, pathetic ; and speak no language but that of nature.
The ancients were fond of unravellings, which turned upon what
is called an ' Anagnorisis,' or a discovery of some person to be

different from what he was taken to be. When such discoveries are
artfully conducted, and produced in critical situations, they are ex-
tremely striking such as that famous one in Sophocles, which makes
;

the whole subject of his (Edipus Tyrannus, and which is, undoubt-
edly, the fullest of suspense, agitation, and terror, that ever was ex-
hibited on any stage. Among the moderns, two of the most dis-
tinguished Anagnorises, are those contained in Voltaire's Merope,
and Mr. Home's Douglas both of which are great masterpieces of
;

the kind.
It is not essential to the catastrophe of a tragedy, that it should
end unhappily. In the course of the play, there may be sufficient
agitation and distress, and many tender emotions raised by the suf-
ferings and dangers of the virtuous, though in the end, good men are
rendered successful. The tragic spirit, therefore, does not want
scope upon this system; and, accordingly, the Athalie of Racine,
and some of Voltaire's finest plays, such as Alzire, Merope, and the
Orphan of China, with some few English tragedies likewise, have a
fortunate conclusion. But, in general, the spirit of tragedy, espe-
cially of English tragedy, leans more to the side of leaving the im-
pression of virtuous sorrow full and strong upon the heart. I

A question intimately connected with this subject, ant. which has

employed the speculations of several philosophical critics, naturally
occurs here: how it comes to pass that those emotions of sorrow
which tragedy excites, afford any gratification to the mind? For,
is not sorrow in its nature a painful passion? Is not real distress

often occasioned to the spectators, by the dramatic representations

at which they assist? Do we not see their tears flow? and yet,
while the impression of what they have suffered remains upon their
minds, they again assemble in crowds to renew the same distresses.
The question is not without difficulty, and various solutions of it have
been proposed by ingenious men.* The most plain and satisfactory

* See Dr. Campbell's Philosophy of Rhetoric, Book i. ch. xi. where an account is given

of the hypothesis of different critics on this subject f and where one is proposed, with
which, in the main. I agree. See also Lord Kairurs's Essays on the Principles of Mo'
•-ality, Essay i .
; air! Mr David Hume's Essay on, Tragedy.
5 16 TRAGEDY. [lect. xlv.

account of the matter, appears to me to be the following. By the

wise and gracious constitution of our nature, the exercise of all the
social passions is attended with pleasure. Nothing is more pleasing
and grateful, than love and friendship. Wherever man takes a strong
interest in the concerns of his fellow creatures, an internal satisfaction
is made to accompany the feeling. Pity, or compassion, in particu-
lar, is, for wise ends, appointed to be one of the strongest instincts
of our frame, and is attended with a peculiar attractive power. It is
an affection which cannot but be productive of some distress, on ac-
count of the sympathy with the sufferers, which it necessarily in-
volves. But as it includes benevolence and friendship, it partakes,
at the same time, of the agreeable and pleasing nature of those affec-
tions. The heart is warmed by kindness and humanity, at the same
moment at which it is afflicted by the distresses of those with whom
it sympathizes: and the pleasure arising from those kind emotions,

prevails so much in the mixture, and so far counterbalances the pain,

as to render the state of the mind, upon the whole, agreeable. At
the same time, the immediate pleasure, which always goes along
with the operation of the benevolent and sympathetic affections, de-
rives an addition from the approbation of our own minds. We are
pleased with ourselves, for feeling as we ought, and for entering, with
proper sorrow, into the concerns of the afflicted. In tragedy, be-
sides, other adventitious circumstances concur to diminish the pain-
ful part of sympathy, and to increase the satisfaction attending it.
We are, in some measure, relieved, by thinking that the cause of
our distress is feigned, not real and we are also gratified by the
;

charms of poetry, the propriety of sentiment and language, and the

beauty of action. From the concurrence of these causes, the plea-
sure which we receive from tragedy, notwithstanding the distress it
occasions, seems to me to be accounted for in a satisfactory manner.
At the same time, it is to be observed, that, as there is always a mix-
ture of pain in the pleasure, that pain is capable of being so much
heightened, by the representation of incidents extremely direful, as
to shock our feelings, and to render us averse, either to the reading
of such tragedies, or to the beholding of them upon the stage.
Having now spoken of the conduct of the subject throughout the
acts, it is also necessary to take notice of the conduct of the several
scenes which make up the acts of a play.
The entrance of a new personage upon the stage, forms what is cal-
led a new scene. These scenes, or successive conversations, should
be closely linked and connected with each other; and much of the
art of dramatic composition is shown in maintaining this connexion.
Two rules arc necessary to be observed for this purpose.
The first is, that, during the course of one act, the stage should
never be left vacant, though but for a single moment; that is, all
the persons who have appeared in one scene, or conversation, should
never go off together, and be succeeded by a new set of persons ap-
pearing in the next scene, independent of the former. This makes
a gap, or total interruption in the representation, which, in effect,
puts an end to that act. For, whenever the stage is evacuated,
 ;

vect. xl v.J TRAGEDY. 5J7

the act is closed. This rule is, very generally, observed by the
French tragedians; but the English writers, both of comedy and
tragedy, seldom pay any regard to it. Their personages succeed
one another upon the stage with so little connexion the union of ;

their scenes is so much broken,with equal propriety, their

that,
plays might be divided into ten or twelve acts, as well as into five.
The second rule, which the English writers also observe little
better than the former, is, that no person shall come upon the
stage, or leave it, without a reason appearing to us, both for the
one and the other. Nothing is more awkward, and contrary to art,
than for an actor to enter, without our seeing any cause for his
appearing in that scene, except that it was for the poet's purpose he
should enter precisely at such a moment; or for an actor to go
away without any reason for his retiring, farther than that the poet
had no more speeches to put into his mouth. This is managing the
personse dramatis exactly like so many puppets, who are moved by
wires, to answer the call of the master of the show. Whereas the per-
fection of dramatic writing requires that every thing should be con-
ducted in imitation, as near as possible, of some real transaction
where we are let into the secret of all that is passing, where we be-
hold persons before us always busy see them coming and going
;

and know perfectly whence they come, and whither they go, and
about what they are employed.
All that I have hitherto said, relates to the unity of the dra-
matic action. In order to render the unity of action more com-
plete, critics have added the other two unities of time and place.
The strict observance of these is more difficult, and, perhaps, not
so necessary. The unity of place requires, that the scene should
never be shifted but that the action of the play should be contin-
;

ued to the end, in the same place where it is supposed to begin.

The unity of time, strictly taken, requires, that the time of the
action be no longer than the time that is allowed for the represen-
tation of the play though Aristotle seems to have given the poet a
;

little more liberty, and permitted the action to comprehend the

whole time of one day.
The intention of both these rules is, to overcharge, as little as
possible, the imagination of the spectators with improbable circum-
stances in the acting of the play, and to bring the imitation more
close to reality. We
must observe, that the nature of dramatic ex-
hibitions upon the Greek stage, subjected the ancient tragedians to
a more observance of these unities than is necessary in
strict
modern theatres. I showed, that a Greek tragedy was one uninter-

rupted representation, from beginning to end. There was no di-

vision of acts no pauses or interval between them ; but the stage
;

was continually full occupied either by the actors or the chorus.

;

Hence, no room was left for the imagination to go beyond the pre-
cise time and place of the representation; any more than is allowed
during the continuance of one act, on the modern theatre.
But die practice of suspending the spectacle totally for some
little time between the acts, has made a great and material change;
518 TRAGEDY. [lect. xlv

gives more latitude to the imagination, and renders the ancient

strict confinement to time and place less necessary. While the
acting of the play is interrupted, the spectator can, without any
great or violent effort, suppose a few hours to pass between every
act; or can suppose himself moved from one apartment of a palace,
or one part of a city, to another and, therefore, too strict an observ-
:

ance of these unities ought not to be preferred to higher beauties

of execution, nor to the introduction of more pathetic situations,
which sometimes cannot be accomplished in any other way, than by
the transgression of these rules.
On the ancient stage, we plainly see the poets struggling with
many an inconvenience, in order to preserve those unities which were
then so necessary. As the scene could never be shifted, they were
obliged to make it always lie in some court of a palace, or some public
area, to which all the persons concerned in the action might have
equal access. This led to frequent improbabilities, by representing
things as transacted there, which naturally ought to have been trans-
acted before few witnesses, and in private apartments. The like im-
probabilities arose, from limitingthemselvessomuch inpointoftime.
Incidents were unnaturally crowded ; and it is easy to point out seve-
ral instances in the Greek tragedies, where events are supposed to
pass during a song of the chorus, which must necessarily have em-
ployed many hours.
But though it seems necessary to set modern poets free from a
strict observance of these dramatic unities, yet we must remember
there are certain bounds to this liberty. Frequent and wild changes
of time and place hurrying the spectator from one distant city, or
;

country, to another or making several days or weeks to pass dur-

;

ing the course of the representation, are liberties which shock the
imagination, which give to the performance a romantic and unnatu-
ral appearance, and, therefore, cannot be allowed in any dramatic
writer who aspires to correctness. In particular, we must remember,
that it is only between the acts, that any liberty can be given for
going beyond the unities of time and place. During the course of
each act, they ought to be strictly observed ; that is, during each act
the scene should continue the same, and no more time should be
supposed to pass, than is employed in the representation of that act.
This is a rule which the French tragedians regularly observe. To
violate this rule, as is too often done by the English to change the
;

place, and shift the scene in the midst of one act, shows great incor-
rectness, and destroys the whole intention of thedivision of a play into
acts. Mr. Addison's Cato is remarkable beyond most English trage-
dies, for regularity of conduct. The author has limited himself, in
time, to a single day ; and in place, has maintained the most rigorous
unity. The scene is never changed and the whole action passes in
;

the hall of Cato's house, at Utica.

In general, the nearer a poet can bring the dramatic represen-
tation, in all its circumstances, to an imitation of nature and real life,
the impression which he makes on us will always be the more perfect
LECT. XLV.] QUESTIONS. 519

Probability, as observed at the beginning of the lecture, is highly

I

essential to theconduct of the tragic action, and we are always hurt

by the want of it. It is this that makes the observance of the dra-
matic unities to be of consequence, as far as they can be observed
without sacrificing more material beauties. It is not, as has been
sometimes said, that by the preservation of the unities of time and
place, spectators are deceived into a belief of the reality of the ob-
jects which are set before them on the stage and that, when those ;

unities are violated, the charm

broken, and they discover the whole
is

to be a fiction. No such deception as this can ever be accomplished.

No one ever imagines himself to be at Athens, or Rome, when a
Greek or Roman subject is presented on the stage. He knows the
whole to be an imitation only but he requires that imitation to be
;

conducted with skill and verisimilitude. His pleasure, the enter-

tainment which he expects, the interest which he is to take in the
story, all depend on its being so conducted. His imagination, there-
fore, seeks to aid the imitation, and to rest on the probability and ;

the poet, who shocks him by improbable circumstances, and by

awkward, unskilful imitation, deprives him of his pleasure, and
leaves him hurt and displeased. This is the whole mystery of the
theatrical illusion.

Q,UESTIOtfS.
How has dramatic poetry, among the entertainments of the theatre, rest?
all civilized nations, been considered, What account does Aristotle give of
and of what has it been judged worthy? the design of tragedy ? Of this defini-
According to what, does it divide into tion, what is observed ; and what may
the two forms of comedy or tragedy ? be considered a better one ? When does
Why has tragedy always been consi- an author accomplish all the moral
dered a more dignified entertainment purposes of tragedy ? In order to this
than comedy ? Upon what do they end, what is the first requisite and why ?
;

respectively rest ; and what are their What is the object of the epic poet, and
respective instruments ? Which, there- what follows? How is this illustrated?
fore, shall be the object of our fullest From what does it appear that tragedy
discussion? When is tragedy a noble demands a stricter imitation of the life
idea of poetry ? Of what is it a direct and actions of men? How, only, can
imitation ; and why ? Hence, what fol- passion be raised? What, therefore, fol-
lows ? What is it, or what ought it to lows? What does this principle exclude
be ? As tragedy is a high species of from tragedy? Why have ghosts main-
composition, so also, in its general strain tained their place ? But what is to be
and spirit, to favourable? condemned and why ? Of this mix-
what is it ;

How is this remark What ture of machinery with the tragic ac-
illustrated?
does every poet find ? Why
must he tion, what is observed? In order tc
sometimes represent the virtuous un- promote that impression of probability
fortunate; but what will he always which is so necessary for the success of
study to do ? Though they may be de- tragedy, what have some critics re-
scribed as unprosperous, yet of what is quired ? Of what tragedies were such
there no instance? Even when bad men the subjects ? But why cannot our au-
succeed in their designs, what follows? thor hold this to be a matter of any
What sentiments are most generally great consequence ? In order to our be-
excited by tragedy ; and therefore, ing moved, what is not necessary ?
what must be acknowledged ? Taking How is this position farther illustrated,
tragedies complexly, of what is our and what instances are mentioned?
author fully persuaded and, there- Whether the subject be real or feigned,
;

fore, upon what must the zeal which on what does most depend for render-
come pious men have shown against ing the incidents in a tragedy proba-
4F
 ; ;;

519 a QUESTIONS. [lect. xlv.

hie? To regulate this conduct, what of what must the poet beware ; and
famous rule have critics laid down why? What instance is given to illus-
and of them, what is observed ? But in trate this remark and of it, what is ;

order to do this with more advantage, observed ? What must unity of action
what is first necessary ? What was the also regulate ? What foundation has
state of tragedy, i'a its beginning? the division of every play into five
What was its origin among the Greeks? acts ? How does it appear to be purely
How were these poems sung? In or- arbitrary? On the Greek stage, what
der to throw some variety into this en- was totally unknown; and from what
tertainment, what was thought proper? does this appear ? What was the Greek
Who made this innovation of him, tragedy ? How is this illustrated ?
;

what is observed and what is said of What is remarked of the intervals at

;

iEschylus? Of what these actors reci- which the chorus sung? As practice
ted, what is remarked? What did this has now established a different plan,
begin to give the drama, and by whom about what must the poet be careful?
was it soon perfected ? What is remark- What should the first act contain, and
able ; and how is this illustrated ? how ought it to be managed? With
From this account, what appears; and what does it make them acquainted ?
of it, what is further observed? To Of a striking introduction, what is ob-
what question has this given rise? served? In the ruder times of the dra-
What must be admitted; and why? ma, how was the exposition of the sub •

The chorus, at the same time, conveyed ject made and what instance is men- ;

what; and of what persons was it tioned ? As such an introduction is ex-

composed ? Of this company, what is tremely artificial, what follows ? Dur-
further remarked? What illustration ing which acts, should the plot gradu-
of this remark is given? But, notwith- ally thicken? Here, what should be
standing the advantages of the chorus, the poets great object ; and why ?
yet what is observed and why ? How What should he therefore do? What
;

Is this remark fully illustrated? What remark follows and of whom is this ;

may be confidently asserted? What the great excellence ? But of French

use might still be made of the ancient tragedians, Avhat is observed? What
chorus? What would be the effect of should reign throughout a tragedy
this? After the view which we have and why? Of the fifth act, what is re-
taken cf the rise of tragedy, &c. for marked ? What is the first rule con-
examining what, is our way cleared ? cerning it; and hence, what are faulty?
Of these three, which is the most im- What is the next rule and wdiy ? In ;

portant? When was its nature explain- the last place, what is observed; and
ed ; and what
does it consist ?
in Why
how is this illustrated ? Of Avhat were
is this unity of subject still more essen- the ancients fond? When are such
tial to tragedy, than it is to epic poetry? discoveries extremely striking and ;

What, therefore, follows; and why? what instances are given ? What is
What may there be? With what ought not essential to the catastrophe of a
they to be. connected and for what tragedy ; and why ? In proof of this
;

reason ? Where have we a clear ex- remark-, what instances are given ?
ample of this defect ? What is the sub- But in general, to what does the spirit
ject of this tragedy; and what is said of English tragedy lean ? What ques-
of Cato himself? But what are mere tion naturally occurs here ; and why ?
episodes; why did the author intro- Of this question, what is observed ?
duce them ; and what follows ? What is the most plain and satisfacto-
Of what must we take care? What ry account of the matter ? By what
do unity and simplicity respectively are we, in some measure, relieved ; and
import in dramatic composition? Of by what are we gratified? What re-
the Greek trajredics, what is here ob- mark follows ? At the same time, what
served ? How is this remark illustrated must be observed ? Having spoken of
from the GSdinus and Philoctetes of the conduct of the subject throughout
Sophocles ? Yet of these simple sub- the acts, of what is it necessary also to
jects, what is observed? Among the take notice ? What forms a new scene
moderns, what has been admitted into and of these scenes, what, is observed ?
tragedy and what lias it become ?
; For this purpose, what is the first rule
What remark follows ? Why is this va- to be observed? Of this, what is re-
riety an improvement in tragedy? But marked ; and why ? By whom is this
LECT. XLVI.J TRAGEDY. 519 b

rule observed and by whom is ic not ?

; these unities, yet what must we re-
Hew does this appear? What is the member; and why? In particular,
second rule; and why? This is mana- what must we remember ? How is this
ging the personam dramatis in what illustrated; and what instances of an
manner ? Whereas, what does the per- adherence to this rule are mentioned?
fection of dramatic writing require ? When will the impression in general,
All that has hitherto been said, relates be the more perfect? How is this re-
to what; and in order to render it mark fully illustrated ?
more complete, what have critics add-
ed ? Of the strict observance of these, ANALYSIS.
what is observed ? What do they re- Dramatic poetry.
spectively require ? What is the inten- 1. Tragedy.
tion of both these rules ? What must we a. Thestrain and spirit favourable to
observe ? From what does this appear virtue.
;
e. Aristotle's account of it.
and hence, for what was there no room
c. The subject.
left ? What has been the effect of sus-
d. The origin.
f>ending the spectacle totally for some e. The chorus.
ittle time between the acts? While f. Unity.

the acting of the play is interrupted, a. Unity of action.

(a.)Unity and simplicity contrast-
what can the spectator do ; and there- ed.
fore, what follows? On the ancient Directions for the conduct of
(&.)
stage, what do we plainly see ? As the the acts.
scene could not be shifted, what was (c.) The close considered.
the consequence ? To what did this (d.) Why tragic representations af-
fords gratification.
lead ? From what did the like improba-
(e.) Directions for the scenes of the
bilities arise; and why? Though mo- acts.
dern poets need not strictly to observe b. Unity of time and place.

TRAGEDY.— GREEK—FRENCH—ENGLISH TRAGEDY.

Having treated of the dramatic action in tragedy, I proceed next
to treat of the characters most proper to be exhibited. It has been
thought, by several critics, that the nature of tragedy requires the
principal personages to be always of illustrious character, and of
high, or princely rank whose misfortunes and sufferings, it is said,
;

take faster hold of the imagination, and impress the heart more
forcibly, than similar events happening to persons in private life.
But this is more specious than solid. It is refuted by facts. For the
distresses of Desdemona, Monimia, and Belvidera, interest us as
deeply as if they had been princesses or queens. The dignity of
tragedy does, indeed, require that there should be nothing degrad-
ing or mean in the circumstances of the persons which it exhibits,
but it requires nothing more. Their high rank may render the
spectacle more splendid, and the subject seemingly of more impor-
tance, but conduces very little to its being interesting or pathetic ;

which depends entirely on the nature of the tale, on the art of the
poet in conducting it, and on the sentiments to which it gives oc-
casion. In every rank of life, the relations of father, husband, son,
brother, lover, or friend, lay the foundation of those affecting situa-
tions, which make man's heart feel for man.
 ;

520 TRAGEDY. [lect. xlvi

The moral characters of the persons represented, are of much

greater consequence than the external circumstances in which the
poet places them. Nothing, indeed, in the conduct of tragedy, de-
mands a poet's attention more, than so to describe his personages,
and so to order the incidents which relate to them, as shall leave
upon the spectators impressions favourable to virtue, and to the ad-
ministration of Providence. It is not necessary, for this end, that
poetical justice, as it is called, should be observed in the catastrophe
of the piece. This has been long exploded from tragedy ; the end
of which is, to affect us with pity for the virtuous in distress, and to
afford a probable representation of the state of human life, where
calamities often befall the best, and a mixed portion of good and evil
is appointed for all. But, withal, the author must beware of shock-
ing our minds with such representations of life as tend to raise
horror, or to render virtue an object of aversion. Though innocent
persons suffer, their sufferings ought to be attended with such cir-
cumstances, as shall make virtue appear amiable and venerable
and shall render their condition, on the whole, preferable to that of
bad men, who have prevailed against them. The stings and the
remorse of guilt, must ever be represented as productive of greater
miseries, than any that the bad can bring upon the good.
Aristotle's observations on the characters proper for tragedy,
are very judicious. He is of opinion, that perfect unmixed charac-
ters, either of good or ill men, are not the fittest to be introduced.
The distresses of the one, being wholly unmerited, hurt and shock
us; and the sufferings of the other, occasion no pity. Mixed cha-
racters, such as in fact we meet with in the world, afford the most
proper field for displaying, without any bad effect on morals, the
vicissitudes of life ; and they interest us the more deeply, as they
display the emotions and passions of which'we have all been conscious.
When such persons fall into distress through the vices of others,
the subject may be very pathetic but it is always more instructive
;

when a person has been himself the cause of his misfortune, and
when his misfortune is occasioned by the violence of passion, or by
some weakness incident to human nature. Such subjects both dis-
pose us to the deepest sympathy, and administer useful warnings to
us for our own conduct.
Upon these principles, it surprises me that the story of (Edipus
should have been so much celebrated by all the critics, as one of the
fittest subjects for tragedy, and so often brought upon the stage,
not by Sophocles only, but by Corneille also, and Voltaire. An in-
nocent person, one in the main, of a virtuous character, through no
crime of his own, nay, not by the vices of others, but through mere
fi<-ii;fy and blind chance, is involved in the greatest of all human

miseri ;s. In a casual rencounter he kills his father, without know-

ing him he afterwards is married to his own mother and, discover-
; ;

ing himself, in the end, to have committed both parricide and incest,
he becomes frantic, and dies in the utmost misery. Such a subject
excites horror rather than pity. As it is conducted by Sophocles, it
is indeed extremely affecting; but it conveys no instruction; it awa-
lect. xlvi.] TRAGEDY 521

kens in the mind no tender sympathy ; it leaves no impression fa-

vourable to virtue or humanity.
It must be acknowledged, that the subjects of the ancient Greek
tragedies were too often founded on mere destiny and inevitable
misfortunes. They were too much mixed with their tales about
oracles, and the vengeance of the gods, which led to many an in-
cident sufficiently melancholy and tragical ; but rather purely tra-
gical, than useful or moral. Hence, both the (Edipuses of Sopho-
cles, the Iphigenia in Aulis, the Hecuba of Euripides, and several
of the like kind. In the course of the drama, many moral senti-
ments occurred. But the instruction which the fable of the play
conveyed, seldom was any more than that reverence was owing to
the gods, and submission due to the decrees of destiny. Modern
tragedy has aimed at a higher object, by becoming more the theatre
of passion ; pointing out to men the consequences of their miscon-
duct; showing the direful effects which ambition, jealousy, love,
resentment, and other such strong emotions, when misguided, or
left unrestrained, produce upon human life. An Othello, hurried
by jealousy to murder his innocent wife'; a Jaffier, insnared by re-
sentment and want, to engage in a conspiracy, and then stung with
remorse, and involved in ruin a Siffredi, through the deceit which
;

he employs for public spirited ends, bringing destruction on all

whom he loved; a Calista, seduced into a criminal intrigue, which
overwhelms herself, her father, and all her friends in misery; these,
and such as these, are the examples which tragedy now displays
to public view; and by means of which it inculcates on men the
proper government of their passions.
Of all the passions which furnish matter to tragedy, that which
has most occupied the modern stage, is love. To the ancient thea-
tre, it was in a manner wholly unknown. In few of their tragedies
is it ever mentioned and I remember no more than one which turns
;

upon it, the Hippolitus of Euripides. This was owing to the na-
tional manners of the Greeks, and to that greater separation of the
two sexes from one another, than has taken place in modern times ;
aided too, perhaps, by this circumstance, that no female actress ever
appeared on the ancient stage. But though no reason appears for
the total exclusion of love from the theatre, yet with what justice or
propriety it has usurped so much place, as to be in a manner the sole
hinge of modern tragedy, may be much questioned, Voltaire, who
is no less eminent as a critic than as a poet, declares loudly and
strongly against this predominancy of love, as both degrading the
majesty, and confining the natural limits of tragedy. And assuredly,
the mixing of it perpetually with all the great and solemn revolu-
tions of human fortune which belong to the tragic stage, tends to give
tragedy too much the air of gallantry and juvenile entertainment.
The Athalie of Racine, the Merope of Voltaire, the Douglas of Mr.
Home, are sufficient proofs, that without any assistance from love,
the drama is capable of producing its highest effects upon the mind.
This seems to be clear, that wherever love is introduced into tra-
gedy, it ought to reign in it, and to give rise to the principal action
66
522 TRAGEDY. [lect. xlvi.

It ought to be that sort of love which possesses all the force and ma-
jesty of passion and which occasions great and important conse-
;

quences. For nothing can have a worse effect, or be more debasing

to tragedy, than, together with the manly and heroic passions, to
mingle a trifling love intrigue,' as a sort of seasoning to the play.
The bad effects of this are sufficiently conspicuous both in the Cato
of Mr. Addison, as I had occasion before to remark, and in the
Iphigenie of Racine.
After a tragic poet has arranged his subject, and chosen his per-
sonages, the next thing he must attend to, is the propriety of sen-
timents; that they be perfectly suited to the characters of those
persons to whom they are attributed, and to the situations in which
they are placed. The necessity of observing this general rule is so
obvious, that I need not insist upon it. It is principally in the pa-

thetic parts, that both the difficulty and the importance of it are the
greatest. Tragedy is the region of passion. We
come to it expect-
ing to be moved and let the poet be ever so judicious in his con-
;

duct, moral in his intentions, and elegant in his style, yet if he fails in
the pathetic, he has no tragic merit; we return cold and disappoint-
ed from the performance; and never desire to meet with it more.
To paint passion so truly and justly as to strike the hearts of the
hearers with full sympathy, is a prerogative of genius given to few.
It requires strong and ardent sensibility of mind. It requires the
author to have the power of entering deeply into the characters
which he draws ; of becoming for a moment the very person whom
he exhibits, and of assuming all his feelings. For, as I have often had
occasion to observe, there is no possibility of speaking properly the
language of any passion, without feeling it and it is to the absence
;

^r deadncss of real emotion, that we must ascribe the want of suc-

cess in so many tragic writers, when they attempt being pathetic.
No man, for instance, when he is under the strong agitations of
anger, or grief, or any such violent passion, ever thinks of describ-
ing to another what his feelings at that time are ; or of telling them
what he resembles. This never was, and never will be, the lan-
guage of any person, when he is deeply moved. It is the lan-
guage of one who describes coolly the condition of that person to
another; or it is the language of the passionate person himself,
after his emotion has subsided, relating what his situation was in
the moments of passion. Yet this sort of secondary description,
is what tragic poets too often give us, instead of the native and pri-
mary language of passion. Thus, in Mr. Addison's Cato, when
Lucia confesses to Portius her love for him, but at the same time,
swears with the greatest solemnity, that in the present situation of
their country she will never marry him; Portius receives this un-
expected sentence with the utmost astonishment and grief; at least
the poet wants to make us believe that he so received it. How does
he express these feelings?
Fix'd in astonishment, I gaze upon thee,
Like one just blasted by a stroke from heav'n,
Who pants for breath, and stiffens yet alive
In dreadful looks; a monument of wrath.
lect. xlvi.] TRAGEDY. 523

This makes his whole rep\y to Lucia. Now did any person, who
was of a sudden astonished and overwhelmed with sorrow, ever
since the creation of the world, express himself in this manner?
This is indeed an excellent description to be given us by another,
of a person who was in such a situation. Nothing would have
been more proper for a bystander, recounting this conference, than
to have said,
Fix'd in astonishment, lie gaz'd upon her
Like one just blasted by a stroke from heav'n,
Who pants for breath, k.c.

But the person, who is himself concerned, speaks on such an oc-

casion in a very different manner. He gives vent to his feelings ;

he pleads for pity he dwells upon the cause of his grief and aston-
;

ishment; but never thinks of describing his own person and looks,
and showing us, by what he resembles. Such represen-
a simile,
no better in poetry than it would be in paint-
tations of passions are
ing, to make a label issue from the mouth cf a figure, bidding
us remark, that this figure represents an astonished or a grieved
person.
On some other occasions, when poets do not employ this sort
of descriptive language in passion, they are too apt to run into
forced and unnatural thoughts, in order to exaggerate the feelings
of persons, whom they would paint as very strongly moved. When
Osmyn, in the Mourning Bride, after parting with Almeria, re-
grets, in a long soliloquy, that his eyes only see objects that are
present, and cannot see Almeria after she is gone; when Jane
Shore, in Mr. Rowe's tragedy, on meeting with her husband in
her extreme distress, and finding that he had forgiven her, calls on
the rains to give her their drops, and the springs to give her their
streams, that she may never want a supply of tears ; in such pas-
sages, we see very plainly, that it is neither Osmyn, nor Jane Shore,
that speak; but the poet himself in his own person, who, instead
of assuming the feelings of those whom he means to exhibit, and
speaking as they would have done in such situations, is straining
his fancy, and spurring up his genius, to say something that shall
be uncommonly strong and lively.
If we attend to the language that is spoken by persons under the
influence of real passion, we shall find it always plain and simple;
abounding indeed with those figures which express a disturbed and
impetuous state of mind, such as interrogations, exclamations, and
apostrophes; but never employing those which belong to the mere
embellishment and parade of speech. We
never meet with any
subtilty or refinement, in the sentiments of real passion. The
thoughts which passion suggests, are always plain and obvious ones,
arising directly from its object. Passion never reasons, nor specu-
lates, till its ardour begins to cool. It never leads to long discourse
or declamation. On the contrary, it expresses itself most commonly
in short, broken, and interrupted speeches correspondingto the vio-
;

lent and desultory emotions of the mind.

When we examine the French tragedians by these principles,
 ;

524 TRAGEDY. [lect. xlvi

which seem we find them often deficient.

clearly founded in nature,
Though in many parts
of tragic composition, they have great merit
though in exciting soft and tender emotions, some of them are very
successful yet, in the high and strong pathetic, they generally fail.
;

Their passionate speeches too often run into long declamation.

There is too much reasoning and refinement; too much pomp and
studied beauty in them. They rather convey a feeble impres-
sion of passion, than awaken any strong sympathy in the reader's
mind.
Sophocles and Euripides are much more successful in this part of
composition. In their pathetic scenes, we find no unnatural refine-
ment no exaggerated thoughts. They set before us the plain and
;

direct feelings of nature, in simple expressive language and there- ;

fore on great occasions, they seldom fail of touching the heart.*

This too is Shakspeare's great excellency and to this it is princi- ;

pally owing, that his dramatic productions, notwithstanding their

many imperfections, have been so long the favourites of the public.
He is more faithful to the true language of nature, in the midst of
passion, than any writer. He gives us this language, unadulterated
by art and more instances of it can be quoted from him, than from
;

all other tragic poets taken together. I shall refer only to that admi-

rable scene in Macbeth, where Macduff receives the account of his

wife, and all his children, being slaughtered in his absence. The
emotions, first of grief, and then of the most fierce resentment rising
against Macbeth, are painted in such a manner, that there is no heart
but must feel them, and no fancy can conceive any thing more ex-
pressive of nature.
With regard to moral sentiments and reflections in tragedies, it is
clear that they must not recur too often. They lose their effect,
when unseasonably crowded. They render the play pedantic and
declamatory. This is remarkably the case with those Latin trage
dies which go under the name of Seneca, which are little more
than a collection of declamations and moral sentiments, wrought
up with a quaint brilliancy, which suited the prevailing taste of that
age.
I am not, however, of opinion, that moral reflections ought to be
altogether omitted in tragedies. When properly introduced, they
give dignity to the composition, and on many occasions, they are
extremely natural. When persons are under any uncommon dis-
tress when they are beholding in others, or experiencing in them-
;

selves, the vicissitudes of human fortune; indeed, when they are

placed in any of the great and trying situations of life, serious and

* Nothing, for instance, can be more touching and pathetic than the address which
Medea, Euripides, makes to her children, when she had formed the resolution of
in
putting them to death, and nothing more natural than the conflict which she is de-
scribed as suffering on that occasion :

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lect. xlvi.] TRAGEDY. 525

moral reflections naturally occur to them, whether they be persons

of much virtue or not. Almost every human being is, on such oc-
casions, disposed to be serious. It is then the natural tone of the
mind; and therefore no tragic pOet should omit such proper oppor-
tunities, when they occur, for favouring the interests of virtue.
Cardinal Wolsey's soliloquy upon his fall, for instance, in Shak-
speare, when he bids a long farewell to all his greatness, and the ad-
vices which he afterwards gives to Cromwell, are, in his situation, ex-
tremely natural touch and please all readers ; and are at once in-
;

structive and affecting. Much of the merit of Mr. Addison's Cato

depends upon that moral turn of thought which distinguishes it. I
have had occasion, both in this lecture and in the preceding one, to
take notice of some of its defects; and certainly neither for warmth
of passion nor proper conduct of the plot, is it at all eminent.
It does not, however, follow, that it is destitute of merit. For, by
the purity and beauty of the language, by the dignity of Cato's
character, by that ardour of public spirit, and those virtuous senti-
ments of which it is full, it has always commanded high regard and ;

has, both in our own country and among foreigners, acquired no

small reputation.
The style and versification of tragedy ought to be free, easy, and
varied. Our blank verse is happily suited to this purpose. It has
sufficient majesty for raising the style ; it can descend to the simple
and familiar; it is susceptible of great variety of cadence; and is
quite free from the constraint and monotony of rhyme. For mono-
tony is, above all things, to be avoided by a tragic poet. If he main-
tains every where the same stateliness of style, if he uniformly keep
up the same run of measure and harmony in his verse, he cannot
fail of becoming insipid. He should not indeed sink into flat and
careless lines; his style should always have force and dignity, but
not the uniform dignity of epic poetry. It should assume that brisk-
ness and ease, which is suited to the freedom of dialogue, and the
fluctuations of passion.
One of the greatest misfortunes of the French tragedy is, its be-
ing always written in rhyme. The nature of the French language,
indeed, requires this, in order to distinguish the style from mere
prose. But it fetters the freedom of the tragic dialogue, fills it with
a languid monotony, and is, in a manner, fatal to the high strength
and power of passion. Voltaire maintains, that the difficulty of com-
posing in French rhyme, is one great cause of the pleasure which
the audience receives from the composition. Tragedy would be
ruined, says he, if we were to write it in blank verse ; take away the
difficulty, and you take away the whole merit. A strange idea! as
if the entertainment of the audience arose, not from the emotions
which the poet is successful in awakening, but from a reflection on
the toil which he endured in his closet, from assorting male and fe-
male rhymes. With regard to those splendid comparisons in rhyme,
and strings of couplets, with which it was, some time ago, fashiona-
ble for our English poets to conclude, not only every act of a tragedy,
but sometimes also the most interesting scenes, nothing need be said,
4G
526 GREEK TRAGEDY. [lect. xr.vi

but that they were the most perfect barbarisms childish ornaments,
;

introduced to please a false taste in the audience and now univer-

sally laid aside.
Having thus treated of all the different parts of tragedy, I shall
conclude the subject, with a short view of the Greek, the French,
and the English stage, and with observations ontiie principal writers.
Most of the distinguishing characters of the Greek tragedy have
been already occasionally mentioned. It was embellished with the
lyric poetry of the chorus, of the origin of which, and of the advan-
tages and disadvantages attending it, I treated fully in the preceding
lecture. The plot was always exceedingly simple. It admitted of few
incidents. It was conducted with a very exact regard to the uni-
ties of action, time, and place. Machinery, or the intervention of
the gods, was employed and, which is very faulty, the final un-
;

ravelling sometimes made to turn upon it. Love, except in one or

two instances, was never admitted into the Greek tragedy. Their
subjects were often founded on destiny, or inevitable misfortunes.
A vein of religious and moral sentiment always runs through them;
but they made less use than the moderns of the combat of the pas-
sions, and of the distresses which our passions bring upon us. Their
plots were all taken from the ancient traditionary stories of their
own nation. Hercules furnishes matter for two tragedies. The
history of CEdipus, king of Thebes, and his unfortunate family, for
six. The war of Troy, with its consequences, for no fewer than sev-
enteen. There is only one of later date than this which is the Per-
;

sa;, or expedition of Xerxes, by .Eschylus.

./Eschylus is the father of Greek tragedy, and exhibits both the
beauties and the defects of an early original writer. He is bold, .

nervous, and animated, but very obscure and difficult to be under-

stood; partly by reason of the incorrect state in which we have his
works, (they having suffered more by time, than any of the ancient
tragedians) and partly, on account of the nature of his style, which
is crowded with metaphors, often harsh and tumid. He abounds
with martial ideas and descriptions. He has much fire and eleva-
tion ; less of tenderness than of force. He delights in the marvel-
lous. The ghost of Darius in the Persae, the inspiration of Cassan-
dra in Agamemnon, and the songs of the Furies in the Eumenides,
are beautiful in their kind, and strongly expressive of his genius.
Sophocles is the most masterly of the three Greek tragedians,
the most correct in the conduct of his subjects the most just and
;

sublime in his sentiments. He is eminent for his descriptive talent.

The relation of the death ofCEdipus, in his CEdipus Coloneus, and
of the death of Hacmon and Antigone, in his Antigone, are perfect
patterns of description to tragic poets. Euripides is esteemed more
tender than Sophocles, and he is fuller of moral sentiments. But,
in the conduct of his plays, he is more incorrect and negligent; his
expositions, or openings of the subject, are made in a less artful
manner; and the songs of his chorus, though remarkably poetical,
have, commonly, less connexion with the main action, than those of
Sophocles. Both Euripides and Sophocles, however, have very
lect. xlvi.] GREEK TRAGEDY. 527

high merit as tragic poets. They are elegant and beautiful in their
style; just, for the most part, in their thoughts; they speak with
the voice of nature ; and, making allowance for the difference of an-
cient and modern ideas, in the midst of all their simplicity, they are
touching and interesting.
The circumstances of theatrical representation on the stages of
Greece and Rome, were, in several respects, very singular, and
widely different from what obtains among us. Not only were the
songs of the chorus accompanied with instrumental music, but, as
the Abbe du Bos, in his reflections on poetry and painting, has pro-
ved, with much curious erudition, the dialogue part had also a
modulation of its own, which was capable of being set to notes;
it was carried on in a sort of recitative between the actors, and
was supported by instruments. He lias farther attempted to prove,
but the proof seems more incomplete, that on some occasions, on the
Roman stage, the pronouncing and gesticulating parts were divided ;
that one actor spoke, and another performed the gestures and mo-
tions corresponding to what the first said. The actors in tragedy
wore a long robe, called Syrma, which flowed upon the stage. They
were raised upon Cothurni, which rendered their stature uncom-
monly high; and the}^ always played in masks. These masks
were like helmets, which covered the whole head; the mouths of
them were so contrived, as to give an artificial sound to the voice, in
order to make it be heard over their vast theatres; and the visage,
was so formed and painted, as to suit the age, characters, or dis-
positions of the persons represented. When, during the course
of one scene, different emotions were to appear in the same person,
the mask is said to have been so painted, that the actor, by turn
ingone or other profile of his face to the spectators, expressed the
change of the situation. This, however, was a contrivance attended
with many disadvantages. The mask must have deprived the
spectators of all the pleasure which arises from the natural animated
expression of the eye and the countenance and, joined with the
;

other circumstances which I have mentioned, is apt to give us but an

unfavourable idea of the dramatic representations of the ancients.
In defence of them, it must, at the same time, be remembered, that
their theatres were vastly more extensive in the area than ours, and
filled with immense crowds. They were always uncovered, and ex
posed to the open air. The actors were beheld at a much greatei
distance, and of course much more imperfectly by the bulk of the
spectators, which both rendered their looks of less consequence, and
might make it in some degree necessary that their features should
be exaggerated, the sound of their voices enlarged, and their whole
appearance magnified beyond the life, in order to make the stronger
impressionVlt is certain, that, as dramatic spectacles were the favour-
ite entertainments of the Greeks and Romans, the attention given to
their proper exhibition, and the magnificence of the apparatus be-
stowed on their theatres, far exceeded any thing that has been at-
tempted in modern ages.
In the compositions of some of the French dramatic writers,
 ;

528 FRENCH TRAGEDY. [lect. xlvi

particularly Corneille, Racine, and Voltaire, tragedy has appeared

with much lustre and dignity. They must be allowed to have im-
proved upon the ancients, in introducing more incidents, a greater
variety of passions, a fuller display of characters, and in rendering
the subject thereby more interesting. They have studied to imitate
the ancient models in regularity of conduct. They are attentive
to all the unities, and to all the decorums of sentiment and morali-
ty ; and their style is, generally, very poetical and elegant. What
an English taste is most apt to censure in them, is the want of fer-
vour, strength, and the natural language of passion. There is often
too much conversation in their pieces, instead of action. They
are too declamatory, as was before observed, when they should be
passionate; too refined, when they should be simple. Voltaire
freely acknowledges these defects of the French theatre. He ad-
mits, that their best tragedies do not make a sufficient impression
on the heart; that the gallantry which reigns in them, and the long
fine-spun dialogue with which they over-abound, frequently spread
a languor over tbem; that the authors seemed to be afraid of being
too tragic; and very candidly gives it as his judgment, that an union
of the vehemence and the action, which characterize the English
theatre, with the correctness and decorum of the French theatre,
would be necessary to form a perfect tragedy.
Corneille, who is properly the father of French tragedy, is distin-
guished by the majesty and grandeur of his sentiments, and the
iruitfulness of his imagination. His genius was unquestionably very
rich, but seemed more turned towards the epic than the tragic vein
for, in general, he is magnificent and splendid, rather than tender
and touching. Heisthemostdeclamatory of all the French trage-
dians. He united the copiousness of Dryden with the fire of Lu-
can, and he resembles them also in their faults, in their extrava-
gance and impetuosity. He has composed a great number of tra-
gedies, very unequal in their merit. His best and most esteemed
pieces are, the Cid, Horace, Polyeucte, and Cinna.
Racine, as a tragic poet, is much superior to Corneille. He want-
ed the copiousness and grandeur of Corneille's imagination ; but is
free from his bombast, and excels him greatly in tenderness. Few
poets, indeed, are more tender and moving than Racine. His Phae-
dra, his Andromaque, his Athalic, and his Mithridate, are excellent
dramatic performances, and do no small honour to the French stage.
His language and versification are uncommonly beautiful. Of all
the French authors, he appears to me have most excelled in poet-
to
ical style to have managed their rhyme with the greatest advantage
;

and facility, and to have given it the most complete harmony. Vol-
taire has, again and again, pronounced Racine's Athalie to be the
* Chef d'CEuvre' of the French stage. It is altogether a sacred dra-
ma, and owes much of its elevation to the majesty of religion, but
it is less tender and interesting than Andromaque.

Racine has formed two of his plays upon plans of Euripides. In

the Phaedra he is extremely successful; but not so, in my opinion, in
the Iphigenie; where he has degraded the ancient characters, by
 :

lect. xlvi.] FRENCH TRAGEDY. 529

unseasonable gallantry Achilles is a French lover ; and Eriphile, a

modern lady.*
Voltaire, in several of his tragedies, is inferior to none of his
predecessors. In one great article, he has outdone them all: in the
delicate and interesting situations which he has contrived to intro-
duce. In these lie his chief strength. He is not, indeed, exempt
from the defects of the other French tragedians, of wanting force,
and of being sometimes too long and declamatory in his speeches;
but his characters are drawn with spirit, his events are striking, and
in his sentiments there is much elevation. His Zayre, Alzire,Merope,
and Orphan of China, are four capital tragedies, and deserve the
highest praise. What one might perhaps not expect, Voltaire is, in
the strain of his sentiments, the most religious, and the most moral,
of all tragic poets.
Though the musical dramas of Metastasio fulfil not the character

* The characters of Corneille and Racine are happily contrasted with each other,
in the following beautiful lines of a French poet, which will gratify several readers*
CORNEILLE.
Ilium nobilibus majestas evehitalis
Vertice tangentem nubes: stant ordine longo
Magnanimi circum heroes, fulgentibus omnes
Induti trabeis; Polyeuctus, Cinna, Selencus,
Et Cidus, et rugis signatus Horatius ora.
RACINE.
Hunc circumvolitat penna alludente Cupido,
Vincula triumphatis insternens florea scenis;
Colligit hffic mollis genius, levibusque catenis
Heroas stringit dociles, Phyrrhosque, Titosque,
Pelidasque, ac Hippolytos, qui sponte sequuntur
Servitium, facilesque ferunt in vincula palmas.
Ingentes nimirum animos Cornelius ingens,
Et quales habet ipse, suis heroibus afflat
Sublimes sensus ; vox olli mascula, magnum os,
Nee mortale sonans. Rapido fluit impetu vena,
Vena Sophocleis non inficianda fluentis.
Racinius Gallis haud visos ante theatris
Mollior ingenio teneros induxit amores.
Magnanimos quamvis sensus sub pectore verset
Agrippina, licet Romano robore Burrhus
Polleat, et magni generosa superbia Pori
Non semel eniteat, tamen esse ad mollia natum
Credideris vatem vox olli mellea, lenis
;

Spiritus est;..uon ille animis vim concitus infert,

Et efficos anim^rum aditus rimatur, et imis
Mentibus occultos, siren penetrabilis, ictus
Insinuans, palpando ferit, lreditque placendo.
Vena fluit facili non intermissa nitore,
Nee rapidos semper volvit cum murmure ductus,
Agmine sed leni fluitat. Seu gramina lambit
Rivulus, et effico per prata virentia lapsu,
Aufugiens, tacita fluit indeprensus arena;
Flore micant ripae illimes; hue vulgus amantum
Convolat, et lacrymis auget rivalibus undas
Singultus undse referunt, gemitusque sonoros
Ingeminant, molli gemitus imitante susurro.
Templum Tragcedia;, per Fr. Marsy, e SociOM* ta»
67
 ;

330 ENGLISH TRAGEDY. [lect. xlvi.

of just and regular tragedies, they approach however so near to it, and
possess so much merit, that it would be unjust to pass them over
without notice. For the elegance of style, the charms of lyric po-
etry, and the beauties of sentiment, they are eminent. They abound
in well contrived and interesting situations. The dialogue, by its
closeness and rapidity, carries a considerable resemblance to that of
the ancient Greek tragedies; and is both more animated and more
natural, than the long declamation of the French theatre. But the
shortness of the several dramas, and the intermixture of so much
lyric poetry as belongs to this sort of composition, often occasions
the course of the incidents to be hurried on too quickly, and pre-
vents that consistent display of characters, and that full preparation
of events, which are necessary to give a proper verisimilitude to
tragedy.
It now remains to speak of the state of tragedy in Great
only
Britain the general character of which is, that it is more animated
;

and passionate than French tragedy, but more irregular and incor-
rect, and less attentive to decorum and to elegance. The pathetic,
it must always be remembered, is the soul of tragedy. The English,
therefore, must be allowed to have aimed at the highest species of
excellence; though, in the execution, they have not always joined
the other beauties that ought to accompany the pathetic.
The first object which presents itself to us on the English theatre,
is the great Shakspeare. Great he may be justly called, as the
extent and force of his natural genius, both for tragedy and come-
dy, are altogether unrivalled.* But, at the same time, it is genius
shooting wild deficient in just taste, and altogether unassisted by
;

knowledge or art. Long has he been idolized by the British nation

much has been said, and much has been written concerning him;
criticism has been drawn to the very dregs, in commentaries upon
his words and witticisms and yet it remains, to this day, in doubt,
;

whether his beauties, or his faults,be greatest. Admirable scenes,

and passages without number, there are in his plays; passages be-
yond what are to be found in any other dramatic writer; but there
is hardly any one of his plays which can be called altogether a good

one, or which can be read with uninterrupted pleasure from begin-

ning to end. Besides extreme irregularities in conduct, and grotesque
mixtures of serious and comic in one piece, we are often interrupted
by unnatural thoughts, harsh expressions, a certain obscure bombast,
and a play upon words, which he is fond of pursuing; and these
interruptions to our pleasure too frequently occur, on occasions

* The character which Dryden lias drawn of Shakspeare is not only just, but uncom-
monly elegant and happy. '
He was the man, who of all modern, and perhaps ancient
poets, had the largest and most comprehensive soul. All the images of nature were
still present to him, and he drew them not laboriously, but luckily. When he describes
any thing, you more than see it; you feel it too. They who accuse him of wanting learn-
ing, give him the greatest commendation. He was naturally learned. He needed
not the spectacles of books to read nature. He looked inward, and found her there.
I cannot say he is every where alike. Were he so, I should do him injury, to compare
him to the greatest of mankind. He is many times flat and insipid his comic wit dege-
;

nerating into clenches his serious swelling into bombast. But he is always great, whea
;

some great occasion is presented to him.' Dryden's Essay on Dramatic Poetry

 ;

lect. xivi.J ENGLISH TRAGEDY. 531

when we would least wish to meet with them. All these faults,
however, Shakspeare redeems, by two of the greatest excellencies
which any tragic poet can possess his lively and diversified paint-
;

ings of character; his strong and natural expressions of passion.

These are his two chief virtues; on these his merit rests. Not-
withstanding his many we are reading
absurdities, all the while
his plays, we midst of our fellows; we meet
find ourselves in the
with men, vulgar perhaps in their manners, coarse or harsh in
their sentiments, but still they are men; they speak with human
voices, and are actuated by human passions; we are interested in
what they say or do, because we feel that they are of the same na-
ture with ourselves. It is therefore no matter of wonder, that from
the more polished and regular, but more cold and artificial perform-
ances of other poets, the public should return with pleasure to
such warm and genuine representations of human nature. Shak-
speare possesses likewise the merit of having created, for himself, a
sort of world of preternatural beings. His witches, ghosts, fairies,
and spirits of all kinds, are described with such circumstances of
awful and mysterious solemnity, and speak a language so peculiar to
themselves, as strongly to affect the imagination. His two master-
pieces, and in which, in my opinion, the strength of his genius chiefly
appears, are, Othello and Macbeth. With regard to his historical
plays, they are, properly speaking, neither tragedies nor comedies
but a peculiar species of dramatic entertainment, calculated to de-
scribe the manners of the times of which he treats, to exhibit the
principal characters, and to fix our imagination on the most interest-
ing events and revolutions of our own country.*
After the age of Shakspeare, we can produce in the English lan-
guage several detached tragedies of considerable merit. But we
have not many dramatic writers whose -whole works are entitled
either to particular criticism, or very high praise. In the tragedies
of Drydcn and Lee, there is much fire, but mixed with much fustian
and rant. Lee's Theodosius, or the ' Force of Love,' is the best
of his pieces, and, in some of the scenes, does not want tenderness
and warmth, though romantic in the plan, and extravagant in the sen-
timents. Otway was endowed witii a high portion of the tragic
spirit which appears to great advantage in his two principal trage-
;

dies, ' The Orphan,' and ' Venice Preserved.' In these, he is perhaps
too tragic the distresses being so deep, as to tear and overwhelm the
;

mind. He is a writer, doubtless, of genius and strong passion; but

at the same time, exceedingly gross and indelicate. No tragedies are
less moral than those of Otway. There are no generous or noble
sentiments in them but a licentious spirit often discovers itself.
;

He is the very opposite of the French decorum ; and has contrived

to introduce obscenity and indecent allusions, into the midst of deep
tragedy.

* See an excellent defence of Shakspeare's Historical Plays, and several just obser-
vations on his peculiar excellencies as a tragic poet, in Mrs. Montague's Essay on the
writings and genius of Shakspeare.
532 ENGLISH TRAGEDY. [lect. xlvi.

Rowe's tragedies make a contrast to those of Otway. He is full

of elevated and moral sentiments. The poetry is often good, and
the language always pure and elegant ; but in most of his plays, he is
too cold and uninteresting; and flowery rather than tragic. Two,
however, he has produced, which deserve to be exempted from this
censure, Jane Shore and the Fair Penitent; in both of which there
are so many tender and truly pathetic scenes, as to render them
justly favourites of the public.
Dr. Young's Revenge, is a play which discovers genius and fire;
but wants tenderness, and turns too much upon the shocking and
direful passions. In Congreve's Mourning Bride, there are some
fine situations, and much good poetry. The two first acts are ad-
mirable. The meeting of Almeria with her husband Osmyn, in the
tomb of Adselmo, is one of the most solemn and striking situations
to be found in any tragedy. The defects in the catastrophe, I point-
ed out in the last lecture. Mr. Thomson's tragedies are too full of stiff"
morality, which renders them dull and formal. Tancred and Sigis-
munda, far excels the rest; and for the plot, the characters, and
sentiments, justly deserves a place among the best English tragedies.
Of later pieces, and of living authors, it is not my purpose to treat.
Upon the whole; reviewing the tragic compositions of different
nations, the following conclusions arise. A Greek tragedy is the re-
lation of any distressful or melancholy incident; sometimes the ef-
fect of passion or crime, oftener of the decree of the gods, simply
exposed ; without much variety of parts or events, but naturally and
beautifully set before us; heightened by the poetry of the chorus.
A French tragedy, is a series of artful and refined conversations,
founded upon a variety of tragical and interesting situations ; carried
on with little action and vehemence; but with much poetical beauty,
and high propriety and decorum. An English tragedy is the com-
bat of strong passions, set before us in all their violence producing
;

deep disasters; often irregularly conducted; abounding in action;

and filling the spectators with grief. The ancient tragedies were
more natural and simple ; the modern are more artful and complex.
Among the French, there is more correctness; among the English
more fire. Andromaque and Zayre, soften Othello and Venice
;

Preserved, rend the heart. It deserves remark, that three of the

greatest masterpieces of the French tragic theatre, turn wholly up-
on religious subjects: the Athalie of Racine, the Polyeucte of Cor-
neille, and the Zayre of Voltaire. The first is founded upon a his-
torical passage of the Old Testament ;in the other two, the distress
arises from the zeal and attachment of the principal personages to
the Christain faith; and in all the three, the authors have, with
much propriety, availed themselves of the majesty which may be
derived from religious ideas.
 ;

( 532 a )

QUESTIONS.
Having treated of the dramatic ac- not ? As tragedy is the region of pas-
tion in tragedy, to treat of what docs sion, what follows ? What is a preroga-
our author next proceed ? What has tive of genius given to few ? What does
been thought by some critics ? From it require ; and why ? How is this re-
what does it appear that this is more mark illustrated ? Of a person in what
specious than solid ? What does the situation, is this the language? Yet
dignity of tragedy, indeed, require? follows ? What instance
what remark
What effect may their high rank pro- we
of it ? Repeat the passage. Of
have
duce but to what does it conduce very
; it, what is observed? How does the
little
; and why 1 What illustration of person who is himself concerned, speak
this remark follows ? Of the moral cha- on such an occasion? Such representa-
racters of the persons represented, what tions of passion in poetry, are no better
is observed ? What, in the conduct oi than what ? On some other occasions,
tragedy, demands the poet's greatest into what, are poets too apt to run and ;

attention? For this end, what is not why ? By what examples is this re-
necessary ; and why ? But, withal, of mark illustrated and in such passages, ;

what must the author beware and fir what do we see ? What is the charac-
;

what reason? How must the stings of ter of language spoken under the in-
the remorse of guilt, ever be represent- fluence of real passion ? In the senti-
ed ? What is Aristotle's opinion on the ments of real passion, with what do we
characters proper for tragedy and never meet; and why? Of passion,
;

why ? Of mixed characters, what is what is farther observed ? When we

observed ? Of such persons, what is far- examine the French tragedians by
ther remarked ; but when is it always these principles, what do we find and ;

more instructive; and why? Upon what remark follows? How is this il-
these principles, at what is our author lustrated ? Of Sophocles and Euripides,
surprised ? What is the subject of the what is here observed and also of ;

GEdipus; what does it excite and of it, Shakspcare? To what scene does our
;

as it is conducted by Sophocles, what is author refer, in support of this remark?

observed ? Of the subjects of the an- What is said of it ? With regard to
cient Greek tragedies, what must be moral sentiments and reflections in tra-
acknowledged ? With what were they gedies, what is observed; and why?
too much mixed ? What instances of With what tragedies is this remarkably
this kind are mentioned ? Though ma- the case ; and what arc they ? Of what,
ny moral sentiments occurred in the however, is our author not of opinion ;

course of the drama, yet what remark and why ? When do serious and moral
follows ? How has modern tragedy reflections naturally occur to persons of
aimed at a higher object? To illus- all descriptions ? Why is almost every
trate this remark, what instances are human being, then, disposed to be seri-
mentioned, and what is said of them ? ous; and, therefore, what follows?
In tragedy, what passion has most oc- What instance is here given to illus-

cupied the modern stage ? Where was trate remark

this and of Addison's;

it, in a manner, wholly unknown? Cato, what is here observed ? What

How is this illustrated ? To what was should the style and versification ol
this owing ? What remark follows tragedy be ? Why is our blank verse
and on this subject, what is the opinion happily suited to this purpose? Why
of Voltaire ?-To what does the mixing should monotony, above all things bs
of it perpetually with all the important avoided by a tragic poet? Into wnat
events that belong to the tragic starre, should he not sink; and what should
.tend ? Of what are the Douglas of Mr. his style always have? What should
Home, &c. a sufficient proof ? On this it assume ? What is one of the greatest
subject, what seems to be clear ? What. misfortunes of French tragedy ? What
sort of love ought it to be ; and why ? requires this and why ? 'What is its ;

In what plays are the bad effects of effect? What does Voltaire maintain?
this sufficiently conspicuous? After the What does he say ? Of this idea, what
tragic poet has arranged his subject, is observed? With regard to what, need
and chosen his personages, Avhat is the nothing be said ; only that they were
next thing to which he must attend ? what ?
Of the necessity of observing this gene- Having thus treated of all the diffe-
ral rule, what is observed and why rent kinds of tragedy, with what doea
4H
 ; ;;

532 6 QUESTIONS. [lect. XLV*

our author conclude the subject? Re- the musical dramas of Metastasio /
peat the distinguishing characters of For what are they eminent and in ;

the Greek tragedy, which have been what do they abound ? Of the dialogue,
mentioned. From what were most of what is observed? What remark fol-
their plots taken ? What instances are lows ? To speak of what do we now pro-
given 1 What does ./Eschylus exhibit ? ceed and what is their general cha-
;

What are his characteristics? Why is racter ? As the pathetic is the soul of
he obscure and difficult? With what tragedy, what follows ? What is the
does he abound what does he possess
;
first object which presents itself to us,

and in what does he delight ? What on the English theatre? What are
are beautiful in their kind, and strongly his merits and what are his faults ?
;

expressive of his genius? What is said What are his two chief virtues? How
of Sophocles? What evidence have we is this illustrated ? What, therefore, is
of the eminence of his descriptive ta- no matter of wonder ? What merit
lent? How does he compare with Eu- does Shakspeare likewise possess?
ripides ? What merits do they both pos- How is this illustrated ? Which are his
sess, as tragic poets ? Of theatrical two masterpieces ? Of his historical
representation on the stages of Greece plays, what is observed ? After the age
and Rome, what is observed ? What of Shakspeare, what can we produce
has the Abbe du Cos proved I What but what have we not ? Of Dryden and
has he farther attempted to prove ? Of Lee, and of Lee's Theodosius, what is
the actors in tragedy, what is obser- observed ? With what was Otway en-
ved ? What is said of these masks ? dowed, and where does it appear to
When different emotions were to ap- •Treatadvantage? Of these, what is
pear in the same person, how was the farther remarked ? does he pos- What
change expressed ? With what disad- sess? In what does his want of morali-
vantages was this contrivance attend- ty appear of what is he the opposite
;
;

ed ? In defence of them, what, at the and what has he contrived to do? How
same time, must be remembered ? In do Rowe's tragedies compare with those
whose hands has tragedy appeared of Otway ? To this remark, what two
with much lustre and dignity? How exceptions are there ; and what is said
have they improved upon the ancients? of them ? What is said of Dr. Young's
In what have they studied to imitate Revenue ; and of Congreve's Mourn
them ? To what are they attentive ? ing Bride ? Of Mr. Thompson's trage-
In them, what is an English taste most dies, what is remarked ? Which far ex-
apt to censure? How is this defect il- cels the rest, and what is said of it ?
lustrated? What does Voltaire admit; On reviewing the tragic compositions
and what does he very candidly give of different nations, what conclusions
as his judgment? By what is Cor- arise ? In what did the ancients and in
neille distinguished ? Of his genius, what do the moderns excel ? How do
what is observed and why ? How does the French and the Enoij^h compare
;

he compare with other French trage- and what illustration follows ? What
dians? What did he write; and in deserves remark and on what are they ;

what, also, did he resemble them ? respectively founded ?

What has lie composed; and which
are his best ? How does Racine com-
ANALYSIS.
1. Tragedy.
pare with Corneille? Of his tenderness, a. The characters.
what is observed and of what per-
; a. Aristotle's observations on them.
formances, what is remarked ? What b. The subjects of Greek tragedies.
c. Love predominant on the modern
fe said of his language and versifica-
stage.
tion 1 In what has he excelled all the b. The sentiments.
French authors? What evidence of a. The natural language of passion to
this is given and what is said of it?
; be observed.
b. Moral reflections considered.
Upon whose plans has Racine formed
two of his plays and of them, what is
;
c. The style and versification.
a. The disadvantages of French rhyme.
remarked ? Of Voltaire, what is obser- 2. Greek trasredy.
ved ? In what has he outdone them a. jEschyius —
Sophocles Euripides. —
all ? From what is he not exempt but
; b. Peculiarities in the representation.

how are his characters drawn ? Which French tragedy.

are four excellent tragedies? In the
A. Corneille— Racine —Voltaire.
English tragedy.
Btrains of his sentiments, what do we a.Shakspeare— Dryden — Otway, &c.
unexpectedly find 1 What is said of The conclusion.
 ( 533 )

LECTURE XLVII.

COMEDY....GREEK AND ROMAN....FRENCH....ENGLISH

COMEDY.
Comedy is from tragedy, by it3 general
sufficiently discriminated
spirit and strain. While
pity and terror, and the other strong pas-
sionsjform the province of the latter, the chief or rather sole instru-
ment of the former is ridicule. Comedy proposes for its object
neither the great sufferings nor the great crimes of men ; but their
and slighter vices, those parts of their character which raise
follies
in beholders a sense of impropriety, which expose them to be cen-
sured and laughed at by others, or which render them troublesome
in civil society.
This general idea of comedy, as a satirical exhibition of the im-
proprieties and follies of mankind, is an idea very moral and useful.
There is nothing in tbe nature, or general plan of this kind of com-
position, that renders it liable to censure. To polish the manners
of men, to promote attention to the proper decorums of social be-
haviour, and above all, to render vice ridiculous, is doing real service
to the world. Many vices might be more successfully exploded, by
employing ridicule against them, than by serious attacks and argu-
ments. At the same time it must be confessed, that ridicule is an
instrument of such a nature, that when managed by unskilful, or im-
proper hands, there is hazard of its doing mischief, instead of good,
to society. is far from being, as some have maintained
For ridicule
it to be, a proper of truth.
test On the contrary, it is apt to mis-
lead, and seduce, by the colours which it throws upon its objects;
and it is often more difficult to judge, whether these colours be na-
tural and proper, than it is to distinguish between simple truth and
error. Licentious writers, therefore, of the comic class, have too
often had it in their power to cast a ridicule upon characters and ob-
jects which did not deserve it. But this is a fault, not owing to the
nature of comedy, but to the genius and turn of the writers of it. In
the hands of a loose, immoral author, comedy will mislead and cor-
rupt ; while, in those of a virtuous and well-intentioned one, it will
be not only a gay and innocent, but a laudable and useful entertain-
ment. French comedy is an excellent school of manners; while
English comedy has been too often the school of vice.
The rules respecting the dramatic action, which I delivered in the
first lecture upon tragedy, belong equally to comedy ; and hence,
of course, our disquisitions concerning it are shortened. It is equally
necessary to both these forms of dramatic composition, that there
be a proper unity of action and subject, that the unities of time and
place be, as much as possible, preserved ; that is, that the time of
the action be brought within reasonable bounds and the place of
;

the action never changed, at least, not during the course of each
 ;

534 COMEDY. [lect. xlvii.

act; that the several scenes or successive conversations be properly

linked together; that the stage be never totally evacuated till the
act closes ; and that the reason should appear to us, why the per-
sonages who lill up the different scenes, enter and go off the stage,
at the time when they are made to do so. The scope of all these
rules, I showed, was to bring the imitation as near as possible to
probability which is always necessary, in order to any imitation giv-
;

ing us pleasure. This reason requires, perhaps, a stricter observance

of the dramatic rules in comedy, than in tragedy. For the action of
comedy being more familiar to us than that of tragedy, more like
what we are accustomed to see in common life, we judge more easi-
ly ofwhat is probable, and are more hurt by the want of it. The
probable and the natural, both in the conduct of the story, and in
the characters and sentiments of the persons who are introduced, are
the great foundation, it must always be remembered, of the whole
beauty of comedy.
The subjects of tragedy are not limited to any country, or to any
age. The tragic poet may lay his scene in whatever region he
pleases. He may form his subject upon the history, either of his
own, or of a foreign country; and he may take it from any period
that is agreeable to him, however remote in time. The reverse of
tiiis holds in coined}', for a clear and obvious reason. In the great
vices, great virtues, and high passions, men of all countries and ages
resemble one another; and are therefore equally subjects for the tra-
gic muse. But those decorums of behaviour, those lesser discrimi-
nations of character, which afford subject for comedy, change with
the differences of countries and times; and can never be so well un-
derstood by foreigners, as by natives. We weep for the heroes of
Greece and Rome, as freely as we do for those of our own country;
but we are touched with the ridicule of such manners and such cha-
racters only, as we see and know and therefore the scene and subject
;

of comedy, should always be laid in our own country, and in our own
times. The comic poet who aims at correcting improprieties and
follies of behaviour, should study ' to catch the manners living as
they rise.' It is not his business to amuse us with a tale of the last
age, or with a Spanish or a French intrigue, but to give us pictures
taken from among ourselves; to satirize reigning and present vices;
to exhibit to the age a faithful copy of itself, with its humours, its
follies, and its extravagances. It is only by laying his plan in this
manner, that he can add weight and dignity to the entertainment
which he gives us. Plautus, it is true, and Terence, did not follow
this rule. They laid the scene of their comedies in Greece, and
adopted the Greek laws and customs. But it must be remembered,
that comedy was, in their age, but a new entertainment in Rome
and that then they contented themselves with imitating, often with
translating merely, the comedies of Menander, and ether Greek
writers. In after times, it is known that the Romans had the 'Co-
mcedia Togata,' or what was founded on their own manners, as well
as the 'Comoedia Palliata,' or what was taken from the Greeks.
Comedy may be divided into two kinds: comedy of character,
 lect. xlvii.J COMEDY. 535

and comedy of intrigue. In the latter, the plot, or the action of

the play, is made the principal object. In the former, the display
of some peculiar character is chiefly aimed at; the action is contri-
ved altogether with a view to this end, and is treated as subordinate
to it. The French abound most in comedies of character. All
Moliere's capital pieces are of this sort; his Avare, for instance,
5
Misanthrope, Tartu fife; and such are Destouches also, and those of
the other chief French comedians. The English abound more in
comedies of intrigue. In the plays of Congreve, and, in general,
in all our comedies, thei'e is much more story, more bustle, and ac-
tion, than on the French theatre.
In order to give this sort of composition its proper advantage,
these two kinds should be properly mixed together. Without some
interesting and well-conducted story, mere conversation is apt to be-
come insipid. There should be always as much intrigue as to give
us something to wish, and something to fear. The incidents should
so succeed one another, as to produce striking situations, and to fix
our attention ; while they afford at the same time a proper field for
the exhibition of character. For the poet must never forget, that
to exhibit characters and manners, is his principal object. The ac-
tion in comedy, though it demands his care, in order to render it

animated and natural, is a less significant and important part of the

performance, than the action in tragedy: as in comedy, it is what
men say, and how they behave, that draws our attention, rather than
what they suffer. Hence it is a great fault to overcharge it with too
much intrigue; and those intricate Spanish plots that were fashion-
able for a while, carried on by perplexed apartments, dark entries,
and disguised habits, are now justly condemned and laid aside: for
Dy such conduct, the main use of comedy was lost. The attention
of the spectators, instead of being directed towards any display of
characters, was fixed upon the surprising turns and revolutions of the
intrigue; and comedy was changed into a mere novel.
In the management of characters, one of the most common faults
of comic writers, is the carrying of them too far beyond life. Where-
ever ridicule is concerned, it is indeed extremely difficult to hit the
precise point where true wit ends, and buffoonery begins. When
the miser, for instance, in Plautus, searching the person whom he
suspects for having stolen his casket, aftej examining first his right
hand, and then his left, cries out 'Ostende etiam tertiam,' 'show me
your third hand,' (a stroke too which Moliere has copied from him)
there is no one but must be sensible of the extravagance. Certain
degrees of exaggeration are allowed to the comedian but there ;

•
are limits set to it by nature and good taste; and supposing the mi-
ser to be ever so much engrossed by his jealousy and his suspicions,
it is impossible to conceive any man in his wits suspecting another

of having more than two hands.

Characters in comedy ought to be clearly distinguished from one
another; but the artificial contrasting of characters, and the intro-
ducing them always in pairs, and by opposites, give too theatrical and
536 COMEDY. [lect. xlvii.

affected an air to the piece. This is become too common a resource

of comic writers, in order to heighten their characters, and display
them to more advantage. As soon as the violent and impatient per-
son arrives upon the stage, the spectator knows that, in the next
scene, he is to be contrasted with the mild and good-natured man;
or if one of the lovers introduced be remarkably gay and airy, we
are sure that his companion is to be a grave and serious lover; like
Frankly and Bellamy, Clarinda and Jacintha, in Dr. Hoadly's Sus-
picious Husband. Such production of characters by pairs, is like
the employment of the figure antithesis in discourse, which, as I for-
merly observed, gives brilliancy indeed upon occasions, but is too ap-
parently a rhetorical artifice. In every sort of composition, the per-
fection of art is to conceal art. A masterly writer will, therefore,
give us his characters, distinguished rather by such shades of diversity
as arc commonly found in society, than marked with such strong op-
positions, as are rarely brought into actual contrast in any of the
circumstances of life.
The style of comedy ought to be pure, elegant, and lively; very
seldom rising higher than the ordinary tone of polite conversation,
and, upon no occasion, descending into vulgar, mean, and gross ex-
pressions. Here the French rhyme, which in many of their come-
dies they have preserved, occurs as an unnatural bondage. Certain-
ly, if prose belongs to any composition whatever, it is to that which
imitates the conversation of men in ordinary life. One of the most
difficult circumstances in writing comedy, and one, too, upon which
the success of it very much depends, is to maintain, throughout, a
current of easy, genteel, unaffected dialogue, without pertness and
flippancy without too much studied and unseasonable wit without
; ;

dulness and formality. Too few of our English comedies are dis-
tinguished for this happy turn of conversation; most of them are
liable to one or other of the exceptions I have mentioned. The
Careless Husband, and, perhaps, we may add the Provoked Husband,
and the Suspicious Husband, seem to have more merit than most of
them, for easy and natural dialogue.
These are the chief observations that, occur to me, concerning the
general principlesof this species of dramatic writing, as distinguish-
ed from tragedy. But its nature and spirit will be still better under-
stood, by a short history of its progress and a view of the manner
;

in which it has been carried on by authors of different nations.

Tragedy is generally supposed to have been more ancient among
the Greeks than comedy. We have fewer lights concerning the
origin and progress of the latter. What is most probable is, that,
like the of her, it took its rise accidentally from the diversions pecu-
liar to the feast of Bacchus, and from Thespis and his cart: till,
by
degrees, it diverged into an entertainment of a quite different na-
ture from solemn and heroic tragedy. Critics distinguish three
stages of comedy among the Greeks ; which they call the ancient,
the middle, and the new.
The ancient comedy consisted in direct and avowed satire against
particular known persons, who were brought upon the stage by
<.ect xlvii.] ANCIENT COMEDY. 537

<iame. Of this nature are the plays of Aristophanes, eleven of

which are still extant; plays of a very singular nature, and wholly
different from all compositions which have, since that age, borne
the name of comedy. They show what a turbulent and licentious
republic that of Athens was, and what unrestrained scope the Athe-
nians gave to ridicule, when they could suffer the most illustrious
personages of their state, their generals, and their magistrates, Cleon,
Lamachus, Nicias, Alcibiades, not to mention Socrates the philoso-
pher, and Euripides the poet, to be publicly made the subject of
comedy. Several of Aristophanes' plays are wholly political satires
upon public management, and the conduct of generals and states-
men, during the Peloponnesian war. They are so full of political
allegories and allusions, that it is impossible to understand them with-
out a considerable knowledge of the history of those times. They
abound, too, with parodies of the great tragic poets, particularly of
Euripides; to whom the author bore much enmity, and has written
two comedies, almost wholly in order to ridicule him.
Vivacity, satire, and buffoonery, are the characteristics of Aristo-
phanes. Genius and force he displays upon many occasions; but
his performances, upon the whole, are not calculated to give us any
high opinion of the Attic taste of wit, in his age. They seem, indeed,
to have been composed for the mob. The ridicule employed in
them is extravagant the wit, for the most part, buffoonish and farci-
;

cal; the personal raillery, biting and crue-1 ; and the obscenity that
reigns in them, is gross and intolerable. The treatment given by
this comedian, to Socrates the philosopher, in his play of 'The
Clouds,' is well known but however it might tend to disparage So-
;

crates in the public esteem, P. Brumoyf in his Theatre Grec,

makes it appear, that it could not have been, as is commonly sup-
posed, the cause of decreeing the death of that philosopher, which
did not happen till twenty-three years after the representation of
Aristophanes' Clouds. There is a chorus in Aristophanes' plays;
but altogether of an irregular kind. It is partly serious, partly comic;
sometimes mingles in the action, sometimes addresses the spectators,
defends the author, and attacks his enemies.
Soon after the days of Aristophanes, the liberty of attacking per-
sons on the stage by name, being found of dangerous consequence
to the public peace, was prohibited by law. The chorus also was,
at this period, banished from the comic theatre, as having been an
instrument of too much license and abuse. Then, what is called
the middle comedy, took rise which was no other than an elusion
;

of the law. Fictitious names, indeed, were employed; but living

persons were still attacked and described in such a manner as to
;

be sufficiently known. Of these comic pieces, we have no remains.

To them succeeded the new comedy; when the stage being oblig-
ed to desist wholly from personal ridicule, became, what it is now,
the picture of manners and characters, but not of particular persons.
Menander was the most distinguished author, of this kind, among
the Greeks; and both from the imitations of him by Terence, ana
68
 ;

£33 SPANISH COMEDY. [lect. xlvii.

the account given of him by Plutarch, we have much reason to re-

gret that his writings have perished as he appears to have reform-
;

ed, in a very high degree, the public taste, and to have set the
model of correct, elegant, and moral comedy.
The only remains which we now have of the new comedy, among
the ancients, are the plays of Plautus and Terence; both of whom
were formed upon the Greek writers. Plautus is distinguished for
very expressive language, and a great degree of the vis comica.
As he wrote in an early period, he bears several marks of the rude-
ness of the dramatic art among the Romans, in his time. He
opens his plays with prologues, which sometimes pre-occupy the sub-
ject of the whole piece. The representation too, and the action of
the comedy, are sometimes confounded the actor departing from
;

his character and addressing the audience. There is too much low
wit and scurrility in Plautus; too much of quaint conceit, and play
upon words. But withal, he displays more variety and more force
than Terence. His characters are always strongly marked, though
sometimes coarsely. His Amphytrion has been copied both by Mo-
liere and by Dryden; and his Miser also, (in the Audularia ) is the
foundation of a capital play of Moliere's, which has been once and
again imitated on the English stage. Than Terence, nothing can
be more delicate, more polished, and elegant. His style is a model
of the purest and most graceful Latinity. His dialogue is always de-
cent and correct and he possesses, beyond most writers, the art of
;

relating with that beautiful picturesque simplicity, which never

fails to please. His morality is, in general, unexceptionable. The
situations which he introduces are often tender and interesting and ;

many of his sentiments touch the heart. Hence, he may be consider-

ed as the founder of that serious comedy, which has of late years
been revived, and of which I shall have occasion afterwards to speak.
If he fails in any thing, it is in sprightliness and strength. Both in
his characters, and in his plots, there is too much sameness and uni-
formity throughout all his plays; he copied Menander, and is said
not to have equalled him.* In order to form a perfect comic author,
an union would be requisite of the spirit and lire of Plautus, with the
grace and correctness of Terence.
When we enter on the view of modern comedy, one of the first
objects which presents itself, is, the Spanish theatre, which has been
remarkably fertile in dramatic productions. Lopez de Vega, Guillin,
and Calderon, are the chief Spanish comedians. Lopez de Vega, who
is by much the most famous of them, is said to have written above a

thousand plays; but our surprise at the number of his productions

will be diminished, by being informed of their nature. From the
" Julius Caesar has given us his opinion of Terence, ki the following lines, which are
preserved in the life of Terence, ascribed to Suetonius :

Tu quoque, tu in summis, o dimidiate Menander,

Poneris, et merito puri sermonis ainator;
Lenibus atque utinam scriptis adjuncta foret vis
Comica, ut osquato virtus polleret honore
Cum Greecis, neque in hac despectus parte jaceres
Unum hoc maceror et doleo tibi deesse, Terenti.
lect. xlvii.] FRENCH COMEDY. 539

account which M. Perron de Castera, a French writer, gives of

them, it wpuld seem that our Shakspeare is perfectly a regular and
methodical author, in comparison of Lopez. He throws aside all
regard to the three unities, or to any of the established forms of dra-
matic writing. One play often includes many years, nay, the whole
life of a man. The scene, during the first act, is laid in Spain, the
next in Italy, and the third in Africa. His plays are mostly of the
historical kind, founded on the annals of the country; and they are
generally, a sort of tragic-comedies; or a mixture of heroic speeches,
serious incidents, war and slaughter, with much ridicule and buf-
foonery. Angels and gods, virtues and vices, christain religion and
pagan mythology, are all frequently jumbled together. In short,
they are all plays like no other dramatic compositions full of the ro-
;

mantic and extravagant. At. the same time, it is generally admitted,

that in the works of Lopez de Vega, there are frequent marks of
genius, and much force of imagination ;many well drawn charac-
ters; many happy situations; many striking and interesting surpri-
ses and from the source of his rich invention, the dramatic writers
;

of other countries are said to have frequently drawn their materials.

He himself apologizes for the extreme irregularity of his composi-
tion, from the prevailing taste of his countrymen, who delighted in
a variety of events, in strange and surprising adventures, and a laby-
rinth of intrigues, much more than in a natural and regularly con-
ducted story.
The general characters of the French comic theatre an;, that it is
correct, chaste, and decent. Several writers of considerable note it
has produced, such as Regnard, Dufresny, Dancourt, and Marivaux ;
but the dramatic author, in whom the French glory most, and whom
they justly place at the head of all their comedians, is the famous
Moliere. There is, indeed, no author in all the fruitful and distin-
guished age of Louis XIV. who has attained a higher reputation than
Moliere, or who has more nearly reached the summit of perfection
in his own art, according to the judgment of all the French critics.
Voltaire boldly pronounces him to bethe most eminent comic poet of
any age or country nor, perhaps, is this the decision of mere par-
;

tiality for,taking him upon the whole, I know none who deserves to
;

be preferred to him. Moliere is always the satirist only of vice or folly.

He has selected a great variety of ridiculous characters peculiar to the
times in which he lived, and he has generally placed the ridicule just-
ly. He possessed strong comic powers he is full of mirth and plea-
;

santry; and his pleasantry is always innocent. His comedies in verse,

such as the Misanthrope and Tartuffe, are a kind of dignified comedy,
.in which vice is exposed in the style of elegant and polite satire. In
his prose comedies, though there is abundance of ridicule, yet there
is never any thing found to offend a modest ear, or to throw con-

tempt on sobriety and virtue. Together with those high qualities,

Moliere has also defects which Voltaire, though his professed pa-
negyrist, candidly admits. He is acknowledged not to be happy
in the unravelling of his plots. Attentive more to the strong exhi
bition of characters, than to the conduct of the intrigue, his unravel-
41
540 ENCxLISH COMEDY. [lect. xlvii

ling is frequently brought on with too little preparation, and in an im-

probable manner. In his verse comedies, he is sometimes not suffi-
ciently interesting, and too full of long speeches; and in his more
risible pieces in prose, he is censured for being too farcical. Few
writers, however, if any, ever possessed the spirit, or attained the true
end of comedy so perfectly, upon the whole, as Moliere. His Tar-
tuffe, in the style of grave comedy, and his Avare, in the gay, are
accounted his two capital productions.
From the English theatre, we are naturally led to expect a greatet
variety of original characters in comedy, and bolder strokes of wit
and humour, than are to be found on any other modern stage. Hu-
mour is, in a great measure, the peculiar province of the English na-
tion. The nature of such a free government as ours; and that un-
restrained liberty which our manners allow to every man, of living
entirely after his own taste, afford full scope to the display of singu-
larity of character, and to the indulgence of humour in all its forms.
Whereas, in France, the influence of a despotic court, the more es-
tablished subordination of ranks, and the universal observance of the
forms of politeness and decorum, spread a much greater uniformity
over the outward behaviour and characters of men. Hence,comedy
has a more ample field, and can flow with a much freer vein,in Bri-
tain than in France. But it is extremely unfortunate, that, together
with the freedom and boldness of the comic spirit in Britain, there
should have been joined such a spirit of indecency and licentiousness,
as has disgraced English comedy beyond that of any nation, since
the days of Aristophanes.
The first age. however, of English coined}-, was not infected by
this spirit. Neither the plays of Shakspearc, nor those of Ben
Jonson, can be accused of immoral tendency. Shakspeare's gen-
eral character, which I gave in the last lecture, appears with as great
advantage in his comedies as in his tragedies; a strong, fertile, and
creative genius, irregular in conduct, employed too often in amusing
the mob, but singularly rich and happy in the description of charac-
ters and manners. Jonson is more regular in the conduct of his
pieces, but stiff and pedantic; though not destitute of dramatic ge-
nius. In the plays of Beaumont and Fletcher, much fancy and in-
vention appear, and several beautiful passages may be found. But,
in general, they abound with romantic and improbable incidents, with
overcharged and unnatural characters, and with coarse and gross al-
lusions. These comedies of the last age, by the change of public
manners, and of the turn of conversation, since their time, are now
become too obsolete to be very agreeable. For we must observe,
that comedy, depending much on the prevailing modes of external
behaviour, becomes sooner antiquated than any other species of wri-
ting; and, when antiquated, it seems harsh to us, and loses its power
of pleasing. This is especially the case with respect to the comedies
of our own country, where the change of manners is more sensible
and striking, than in any foreign production. In our own country,
the present mode of behaviour is always the standard of politeness;
and whatever departs from it appears uncouth whereas, in the writ
;
 rccT. xlvii.] ENGLISH COMEDY. 541

ings of foreigners, we are less acquainted with any standard of this

kind, and, of course, are less hurt by the want of it. Plautus appear-
ed more antiquated to the Romans, in the age of Augustus, than
he does now to us. It is a high proof of Shakspeare's uncommon
genius, that, notwithstanding these disadvantages, his character of
Falstaffis to this day admired, and his "Merry Wives of Windsor"
read with pleasure.
It was not till the era of the restoration of King Charles II. that
the licentiousness which was observed, at that period, to infect the
( urt, and the nation in general, seized, in a peculiar manner, upon
nedy as its province, and, for almost a whole century, retained
possession of it. It was then, first, that the rake became the pre-
dominant character, and, with some exceptions, the hero of every
comedy. The ridicule was thrown, not upon vice and folly, but
much more commonly upon chastity and sobriety. At the end of
the play, indeed, the rake is commonly, in appearance, reformed,
and professes that he is to become a sober man; but throughout the
play, he is set up as the model of a fine gentleman; and the agree-
able impression made by a sort of sprightly licentiousness, is left
upon the imagination, as a picture of the pleasurable enjoyment
of life; while the reformation passes slightly away, as a matter of
mere form. To what sort of moral conduct such public entertain-
ments as these tend to form the youth of both sexes, may be easily
imagined. Yet this was the spirit which prevailed upon
the comic stage of Great Britain, not only during the reign of
Charles II. but throughout the reigns of King William and Queen
Anne, and down to the days of king George II.
Dryden was the first considerable dramatic writer after the resto-
ration in whose comedies, as in all his works, there are found many
;

strokes of genius, mixed with great carelessness, and visible marks

of hasty composition. As he sought to please only, he went along
with the manners of the times; and has carried through all his come-
dies, that vein of dissolute licentiousness which was then fashiona-
ble. In some of them, the indecency was sc gross, as to occasion,
even in that age, a prohibition of being brought upon the stage.*
Since his time, the writers of comedy, of greatest note, have been
Cibber, Vanburgh, Farquhar, and Congreve. Cibber has written
a great many comedies; and though in several of them there be
much sprightliness, and a certain pert vivacity peculiar to him, yet
they are so forced and unnatural in the incidents, as to have gene-
rally sunk into obscurity, except two which have always continued
in high favour with the public, 'The Careless Husband,' and 'The
Provoked Husband.' The former is remarkable for the polite and
easy turn of the dialogue; and, with the exception of one indelicate
scene, is tolerably moral, too, in the conduct and in the tendency.
* 'The mirth which he excites in comedy will, perhaps, be found not so much to
arise from any original humour, or peculiarity of character, nicely distinguished, and
diligently pursued, as from incidents and circumstances, artifices and surprises, from
jests of action, rather than sentiment. What lie had of humorous or passionate, he
seems to have had, not from nature, but from other poets: if not always a plagiary,
yet, at least, an imitator.' Johnson's Life of Dryden.
542 ENGLISH COMEDY. [lect. xlvit

The 'The Provoked Husband/ (which was the joint produc-

latter,
Vanburgh and Gibber,) is, perhaps, on the whole, the best
tion of
comedy in the English language. It is liable, indeed, to one critical
objection, of having a double plot; as the incident of the Wrong-
head family, and those of Lord Townley's, are separate and inde-
pendent of each other. But this irregularity is compensated by the
natural characters, the fine painting, and the happy strokes of hu-
mour with which it abounds. We
are, indeed, surprised to find so
unexceptionable a comedy proceeding from two such loose authors ;

for, in its general strain, it is calculated to expose licentiousness and

folly ; and would do honour to any stage.
Sir John Vanburgh has spirit, wit, and easebut he is, to the last
;

degree, gross and indelicate. He

one of the most immoral of
is

all our comedians. His Provoked Wife' is full of such indecent

'

sentiments and allusions, as ought to explode it out of all reputable

society. His Relapse' is equally censurable and these are his
' ;

only two considerable pieces. Congreve is, unquestionably, a wri-

ter of genius. He is lively, witty, and sparkling full of character,
;

and full of action. His chief fault, as a comic writer, is, that he
overflows with wit. It is often introduced unseasonably; and, al-
most every where, there is too great a proportion of it for natural
well-bred conversation.* Farquhar is a light and gay writer less cor- ;

rect and less sparkling than Congreve but he has more ease and
; ;

perhaps fully as great a share of the vis comica. The two best and
least exceptionable of his plays, are the ' Recruiting Officer,' and the
' Beaux Stratagem.' I say, the least'exceptionable; for, in general,

the tendency of both Congreve and Farquhar's plays is immoral.

Throughout them all, the rake, the loose intrigue, and the life of
licentiousness, are the objects continually held up to view ; as if the
assemblies of a great and polished nation could be amused with none
but vicious objects. The indelicacy of these writers, in the female
characters which they introduce, is particularly remarkable. No-
thing can be more awkward than their representations of a woman
of virtue and honour. Indeed, there are hardly any female charac-
ters in their plays except two women of loose principles
: or, when ;

a virtuous character is attempted to be drawn, women of affected

manners.
The censure which I have now passed upon these celebrated co-
medians, is far from being overstrained or severe. Accustomed to
the indelicacy of our own comedy, and amused with the wit and
humour of it, its immorality too easily escapes our observation.
But all foreigners, the French especially, who are accustomed to a
better regulated, and more decent stage, speak of it with surprise
and astonishment. Voltaire, who is, assuredly, none of the most
austere moralists, plumes himself not a little upon the superior bien-

* Dr. Johnson says of him, in his Life, that ' his personages are a kind of intellectual
gladiators; every sentence is to ward, or to strike; the contest of smartness is never
intermitted ; his wit is a meteor, playing to and fro, with alternate corruscations.'
 ;

lect. xlvii.] ENGLISH COMEDY. 543

seance of the French theatre and says, that the language of Eng-
;

lish comedy is the language of debauchery, not of politeness. M.

Moralt, in his letters upon the French and English nations, ascribes
the corruption of manners in London to comedy, as its chief cause.
Their comedy, he says, is like that of no other country; it is the
school in which the youth of both sexes familiarize themselves with
vice, which is never represented there as vice, but as mere gayety.
As for comedies, says the ingenious M. Diderot, in his observations
upon dramatic poetry, the English have none; they have in their
place, satires, full, indeed, of gayety and force, bu* without morals,
and without taste; sans mceurs, et sans gout. Tnere is no wonder,
therefore, that Lord Kaimes, in his Elements of Criticism, should
have expressed himself upon this subject, of the indelicacy of Eng-
lish comedy, in terms much stronger than any that I have used
concluding his invective against it in these words: 'How odious
ought those writers to be, who thus spread infection through their
native country, employing the talents which they have received from
their Maker most traitorously against himself, by endeavouring to
corrupt and disfigure his creatures. If the comedies of Congreve
did not rack him with remorse, in his last moments, he must have
been lost to all sense of virtue.' Vol. II. 479.
I am happy, however, to have it in my power to observe, that ot
fate years, a sensible reformation has begun to take place in English
comedy. We have, at last, become ashamed of making our public
entertainments rest wholly upon profligate characters and scenes
and our later comedies, of any reputation, are much purified from
the licentiousness of former times. If +hpy have not the spirit, the
ease, and the wit of Congreve and Farquhar, in which respect they
must be confessed to be somewhat deficient this praise, however,
;

they justly merit, of being innocent and moral.

For this reformation, we are, questionless, much indebted to the
French theatre, which has not only been, at all times, more chaste
and inoffensive than ours, but has, within these few years, produced a
species of comedy, of a still graver turn than any that I have yet
mentioned. This,which is called the serious, or tender comedy, and
was termed by its opposers, La Comedie Larmoyante, is not altoge-
ther a modern invention. Several of Terence's plays, as the Andria,
in particular, partake of this character; and as we know that Terence
copied Menander, we have sufficient reason to believe that his come-
dies, also, were of the same kind. The nature of this compositior
does not by any means exclude gayety and ridicule but it lays the
;

chief stress upon tender and interesting situations it aims at being

;

.sentimental, and touching the heart by means of the capital incidents;

it makes our pleasure arise, not so much from the laughter which it

excites, as from the tears of affection and joy which it draws forth.
In English, Steele's Conscious Lovers is a comedy which ap-
proaches to this character, and it has always been favourably receiv-
ed by tjie public. In French, there are several dramatic composi-
tions of this kind, which possess considerable merit and reputation
;
544 ENGLISH CCLVIEDY. [lect. xlvii.

such as the Melanide, and Prejuge a la Mode, of La Chaussee;

the Pere de Famille, of Diderot; the Cenie, of Mad. Graffigny;
and the Nanine, and L'Enfant Prodigue, of Voltaire.
When this form of comedy first appeared in France, it excited a
great controversy among the critics. It was objected to, as a dan-
gerous and unjustifiable innovation in compositon. It is not tragedy,
for it does not involve us in sorrow. By what name then can it be
called? or what pretentions hath it to be comprehended under dra-
matic writing? But this was trifling, in the most egregious manner,
with critical names and distinctions, as if these had invariably fixed
the essence, and ascertained the limits of every sort of composition.
Assuredly, it is not necessary that all comedies should be formed on
one precise model. Some may be entirely light and gay others ;

may incline more to the serious some may partake of both, and all
;

of them, properly executed, may furnish agreeable and useful enter-

tainment to the public, by suiting the different tastes of men.*
Serious and tender comedy has no title to claim to itself the posses-
sion of the stage, to the exclusion of ridicule and gayety. But when
it retains only its proper place, without usurping the province of

any other, when it is carried on with resemblance to real life, and

without introducing romantic and unnatural situations, it may cer-
tainly prove both an interesting and an agreeable species of drama-
tic writing. If it become insipid and drawling, this must be impu-
ted to the fault of the author, not to the nature of the composition,
which may admit much liveliness and vivacity.
In general, whatever form comedy assumes, whether gay or seri-
ous, it may always be esteemed a mark of society advancing in true
politeness, when those theatrical exhibitions, which are designed for
public amusement, are cleared from indelicate sentiment, or immo-
ral tendency. Though the licentious buffoonery of Aristophanes
amused the Greeks for a while, they advanced by degrees to a chas
ter and juster taste and the like progress of refinement may be con-
;

cluded to take place among us, when the public receive with favour,
dramatic compositions of such a strain and spirit as entertained the
Greeks and Romans, in the days of Menander and Terence.

" 'II y a beaucoup de tres-bonnes pieces, ou ii ne regne que de la gaiete: d'autus

toutes serieuses; d'autresmelangees; d'autres, ou I'attendrissement va jusqu'aux larme*.
II ne faut donner exclusion a. aucun genie; et si 'on me demandoil, quel genre est la
I

meilleur ? je iepondrois, celui qui est le miens traite.' Voltaire.

 ;

( 544 a )

CtUESTIOtfS.
By what is comedy sufficiently dis- pairs, is like what ? As in every sort of
criminated from tragedy ? What form composition, the perfection of art is to
the province of the latter; and what is conceal art, how will a masterly writer
the sole instrument of the former? give us his characters? What should
What does comedy propose for its ob- the style of comedy be? Of the French
ject ? Of the general idea of comedy, rhyme, what is here observed ; and what
what is observed ; and why ? What is remark follows? What is one of the most
doing real service to the world and ; difficult and one of the most impor-
what remark follows? At the same tant circumstances in writing comedy ?
time, what must be confessed ; and What is here observed of our English
why ? What, therefore, have licentious comedies ; what ones are mentioned,
writers of the comic class, too often had and what is said of them? What remark
m their power ? Of this fault, what is follows but how will its nature and spirit
;

observed? How is this illustrated ? Of be better understood? With what re-

French, and of English comedy, what mark does our author commence ; and
is here observed ? How are our disqui- how is it probable comedy took its rise?
sitions concerning comedy shortened? What three stages of comedy do critics
To both these forms of dramatic com- distinguish among the Greeks? In what
position, what is equally necessary? did the ancient consist? Of this nature,
What was shown to be the scope of all are whose plays, and what is said of
these rules and why is this necessary?
; them? What do they show? What are
Why does this require a stricter obser- several of Aristophanes's plays? Of
vance of the dramatic rules in comedy, what are they full what is the conse-
;

than in tragedy; and what are the quence; and with what do they abound?
great foundation of the whole beauty What are his characteristics? On many
of comedy ? Of the subjects of tragedy, occasions, what does he display but of ;

what is here observed ? Why does the his performances, what remark follows?
reverse of this hold in comedy 1 How is Why do they seem to have been com-
this illustrated? At what should the posed for the mob? Of the treatment
comic poet aim ? What is not his busi- given by this comedian to Socrates,
ness; what should he give us; and why? what is observed ? What is remarked
Of Plautus and Terence, what is of the chorus in his plays ? Soon af-
here remarked but what must be re-
; ter the days of Aristophanes, what tools;
membered ? In after times, what had place? Why was the chorus also
the Romans? Into what two kinds may banished? Then what arose, and what
comedy be divided and of them, re-
; was it ? How was it conducted and ;

spectively, what is observed? In which what remark follows? To them suc-

do the French most abound; and what ceeded what, and what did the stage
instances are given ? In which do the then become ? Of Menander what is
English ; and what remark follows ? observed ? What are the only remains
In order to give this sort of composition which we now have of the new come-
its proper advantage, what is requisite ? dy? For what is Plautus distinguished?
How is this remark fully illustrated ? As he wrote at an early period, what is
Of the action in comedy, what is re- the consequence? How does he open
marked ; and why ? Hence, what is a his plays; and what are sometimes eon-
great fault? What are now justly con- lbunded ? Of him, what is farther re-
demned and laid aside; and why? marked? Which of his plays have
What remark follows? In the manage- been copied and by whom ? What is ;

ment of characters, what is one of the said of Terence? Of what is his style
most common faults of comic writers ? a model ? What is observed of his dia-
Wherever ridicule is concerned, what logue ; and what does he, beyond most
is very difficult? What instance is writers, possess ? What is the general
mentioned ; and of it, what is remarked? character of his morality; and what
Of the characters in comedy, what is remark follows ? Hence, of what may
observed; but what give too theatrical he be considered the founder ? In what,
and affected an air to the piece? Why
if in any thing, does he fail ? How is
has this become too common a resource this illustrated ? In order to form a per-
of comic writers ? How is this illustra- fect comic author, what would be re-
ted ? What instances are mentioned quisite?
and such production of characters by When we enter on the view of mo-
544 6 QUESTIONS. [lect. xlyii.

dern comedy, what is one of the first how is this irregularity compensated ?
objects which presents and of it, At what are we surprised; and why?
itself;
what is observed 1 Who are the chief What is said of Sir John Vanburgh ?
Spanish comedians? Of Lopez de How is this illustrated? Of Congreve,
Vega, what is remarked ? Of these what is observed and what is his chief ;

plays, what is the nature ? At the same fault? How is this illustrated? What
time, what is generally admitted? kind of a writer is Farquhar ? Which
What apology does he himself give, are his two best plays ? Why does our
for the extreme irregularity of his com- author say the least exceptionable?
positions I What are the general cha- How
is this fully illustrated ? Of the
racters of the French comic theatre ? censure which our author has now
What writers of note has it produced ? passed, what is observed; and why?
Of Moliere, whav, js .arther observed ? How
do foreigners speak of this? How
W'hat does Voltaire boldly pronounce is this illustrated ? Of what, therefore,
him? Of this decision, what is obser- is there no wonder, and what does he
ved? Of what is Moliere always the say ? To have what in his power, how-
satirist; and what has he done ? What ever, is our author happy and of what ;

docs he possess, and of what is he full ? have we at last become ashamed ?

Of his comedies in verse, what is ob- What remark follows ? For this refor-
served ;and also of those in prose, mation, to what are we indebted and ;

\vhat is remarked? Together with of it what is observed ? From what

those high qualities what defects has does it appear that this is not altoge-
he ? Few writers, however, have done ther a modern invention ? Of the na-
what, so perfectly as he has ? Which are ture of this composition, what is obser-
accounted his two capital productions? ved? What comedy have we in Eng-
From the English theatre, what are we lish that approaches this character;
naturally led to expect and why ? What and what is said of it? In French,
;

afford full scope to the display of singu- what are there and name them ? ;

larity of character, and to the indulgence When this form of comedy first ap-
of humour? What is the case in France? peared in France, how was it received ?
Hence, what follows but what is ex- Why was it objected to
; and what ;

tremely unfortunate? How does it ap- was said of it ? But of this, what is ob-
pear that the age of English come- served ? Why should not all comedies
first
dy was by this spirit ? Of be formed on one precise model ? Of
not infected
Shakspeare's general character, par- serious anil tender comedy, what is far-
ticularly, what is observed? What is ther remarked? But when may it prove
also said of Jonson? What is remarked both an interesting and an agree-
of the plays of Beaumont and Fletcher; able species of dramatic writing? If it
but in general, with what do they become insipid and drawling, to what
abound? How have these comedies be- must this be imputed ? What may al-
come too obsolete to be very agreeable; ways be esteemed a mark of society
and why ? With what comedies is this advancing in true politeness? Repeat
especially the case; and for what reason? the closing remark.
Of Plautus, what is here observed and ;

what is a high proof of Shakspeare"s

genius ? When did licentiousness seize ANALYSIS.
on comedy for its province ? Who then Comedy.
became the hero of every comedy ; and 1. The nature of comedy.

upon what was the ridicule thrown ? 2. Rules respecting it. 1

3. The scene and subjects.

At the end of the play, what common- 4. The different kinds of comedy.
ly took place ? But for what is he set 5. The characters.
up throughout, it, and what is the conse- 6. The style.
quence? What remark follows and ;
7. The origin of comedy.
how long did this spirit prevail upon 8. Greek comedy.
a. The different stages of it.
the comic stage ? What is
said of Dry-
9. Spanish comedy.
den? As he sought to please only, a. Lopez de Vega.
what was the consequence? Since his 10. French comedy.
time, who have been the writers of a. Moliere.
11. English comedy.
<ireatest note ? Of Gibber, what is re-
a. Shakspeare —
Beaumont Fletcher. —
marked ? Of the former, what is ob- e. Drydcn — —
Gibber Vanburgh Con- —
served and what is said of the latter?
; greve.
To what is it liable; and why? But c. A new species of comedy.
 INDEX.

Accents, thrown farther back from the ter- that mountain, 46. And on that by Sir
mination in the English than in any oth- Richard Blackmore, ibid.
er language, 99. Seldom more than Affectation, the disadvantages of, in public
one in English words, 368. Govern the speaking, 376.
measure of English verse, 430. Ages, four, peculiarly fruitful in learned
Achilles, his character in the Iliad examin- men, pointed out, 388.
ed, 485. Akenside, his comparison between sublimi-
Action, much used to assist language in an ty in natural and moral objects, 36, note.
imperfect state, 63. And by ancient ora- Instance of his happy allusion to figures,
tors and players, 64. Fundamental rule 155. Characters of his Pleasures of the
of propriety in, 374. Caution with res- Imagination, 449.
pect to, 376. In epic poetry, the requi- Alphabet of letters, the consideration which
sites of, 474. led to the invention of, 76. Remote ob-
Acts, the division of a play into five, and scurity of this invention, ibid. The al-
arbitrary limitation, 513. These pauses phabets of different nations derived from
in representation ought to fall proper- one common source, 77.
ly, 514. Allegory, explained, 168. Anciently a fa-
Adam, his character in Milton's Paradise vourite method of conveying instruc-
Lost, 504. tions, 169. Allegorical personages im-
Addison, general view of his Essay on the proper agents in epic poetry, 172, 230.
Pleasures of the Imagination, 31. His Ambiguity in style, from whence it pro-
invocation of the muse in his Campaign ceeds, 114.
censured, 48. Blemishes in his style, Amplification in speech, what, 191. Its
115, 116, 124. Ease and perspicuity of, principal instrument, ibid.
127, 128, 130. His beautiful description American languages, the figurative style
of light and colours, 155. Instance of of, 67, 152.
his use of metaphor, 165. Improper Anagnorisisj in ancient tragedy explained,
use of similes, 184. His general cha- 515.
racter as a writer, 208. Character of Annals and history, the distinction be-
his Spectator, 216. Critical examina- tween, 408.
tion of some of those papers, ibid. Re- Ancients and moderns distinguished, 388.
marks on his criticism of Tasso's Aruin- The merits of ancient wrkers are now
ta, 441, note. His tragedy of Cato cri- finally ascertained, 389. The progress
tically examined, 511, 518, 522, 524. of knowledge favourable to the moderns,
Adjectives, common to all languages, 88. in forming a comparison between them,
How they came to be classed with nouns, 390. In philosophy and history, ibid.
ibid. The of genius greater among the
efforts
Adverbs, their nature and use defined, 93. ancients, 391. A mediocrity of genius
Importance of their position in a sen- now more diffused, 392.
tence illustrated, 115. Antithesis, in language explained, 188.
AZneid, of Virgil, critical examination of The too frequent use of, censured, ibid.
that poem, 489. The subject, ibid. Ac- Apostrophe, the nature of this figure ex-
tion, 490. Is deficient in characters, plained, 179. Find one from Cicero,
ibid. Distribution and management of 290, note.
the subject, ibid. Abounds with awful Arabian Nights Entertainments, a charac-
and tender scenes, 491. The descent ter of those tales, 418.
of jEneas into hell, 492. The poem left Arabian poetry, its character, 425.
,
unfinished by Virgil, 493. Arbuthnot, character of his epistolary writ-
JEschines, a comparison between him and ing, 416.
Demosthenes, 272. Architecture, sublimity in, whence it arises,
Aeschylus, his character as a tragic writer, 35. The sources of beauty in, 54.
526. Arguments, the proper management of in
JEtna, remarks on Virgil's description of a discourse, 353. Analytic and synthe-
4 K 6
 546 INDEX.
tic methods, 354. Arrangement of, 355. of vague application, 50. Colours, ibid
Are not to be too much multiplied, 357. Figures, 51. Hogarth's line of beauty
Arioslo, character of his Orlando Furioso, and line of grace considered, 51. The
419,498. human countenance, 53. Works of art,
Aristotle, his rules for dramatic and epic ibid. The influence of fitness and de-
composition, whence derived, 27. His sign in our ideas of beauty, 54. Beauty
definition of a sentence, 112. His ex- in literary composition, ibid. Novelty,
tended sense of the term metaphor, 159. 55. Imitation, ibid.
Chai acter of his style, 197, 201. His in- Bergerus,a. German critic, writes a treatise
stitutions of rhetoric, 270, 386. His de- on the sublimity of Ceesar's Commenta-
finition of tragedy considered, 507. His ries, 38.
observations on tragic characters, 520. Berkeley, bishop, character of his Dia-
Aristophanes, character of his comedies, logues on the existence of Matter, 413.
537. Biography, as the class of historical com-
Arithmetical figures, universal characters, position, characterized, 409.
75. Blackmore, Sir Richard, remarks on his
Ark of the covenant, choral service per- description of Mount iEtna, 46.
formed in the procession of bringing it Blackwell, his character as a writer, 210.
back, to Mount Zion, 461. Boileau, his character as a didactic poet,
Armstrong, character of his Artof Preserv- 451.
ing Health, 449. Bolingbroke, instances of inaccuracy in his
Art, works of, considered as a source of style, 121, 132. A beautiful climax
beauty, 54. from, 129. A beautiful metaphor from,
Articles, in language, the use of, 81. Their 159. His general character as a politi-
importance in the English language il- cian and philosopher, 160. His general
lustrated, ibid. character as a writer, 211, 383.
Articulation, clearness of, necessary in Bombast, in writing described, 48.
public speaking, 367. Bossu, his definition of an epic poem, 470
Associations, academical, recommended, His account of the composition of the
384. Instructions for the regulation of, Iliad, 471.
385. Bossuet, M. instances of apostrophes to
Athenians, ancient character of, 266. Elo- personified objects, in his funeral ora-
quence of, ibid. tions, 179, note. Conclusion of his fu-
Atterbury, a more harmonious writer than neral oration on the Prince of Conde, 364.
Tillotson, 142. Critical examination of Britain, Great, not eminent for the study
one of hissermons, 326. His exordium of Eloquence, 280. Compared with
to a 30th of January sermon, 345. France in this respect, 281.
Allici and Asiani, parties at Rome, account Bruyere, his parallel between the elo
of, 275. quence of the pulpit and the bar, 313,
Authors, petty, why no friends to criticism, note.
28. Why the most ancient afford the Buchanan, his character as an historian,
most striking instances of sublimity, 39. 407.
Must write with puritv to gain esteem, Building, how rendered sublime, 35.
100, 101. C.
B. Cadmus, account of his alphabet, 76.
Bacon, his observations on romances, 417. Cccsar's commentaries, the style of charac-
Ballads, have great influence over the man- terized, 38. Is considered by Bergerus
ners of a people, 417. Were the first as a standard of sublime writing, ibid.
vehicles of historical knowledge and in- Instance of his happy talent in historical
struction, 423. painting, 404, note. His character oi
Bar, the eloquence of defined, 263. Why Terence the dramatist, 538.
more confined than the pleadings before Cameons, critical examination of his Lusi-
ancient tribunals, 283. Distinction be- ad, 499. Confused machinery of, ibid.
tween the motives of pleading at the Campbell, Dr. his observations on English
bar, and speaking in popularasseinblies, particles, 87, note.
299. In what respect ancient pleadings Carmel, Mount, metaphorical allusions to
differ from those of modern times, ibid. in Hebrew poetry, 464.
Instructions for pleaders, 301, 350. Casimir, hischaracter as a lyric poet, 446.
Bards, ancient, the first founders of law Catastrophe, the proper conduct of, in dra-
and civilization, 424. matic representations, 514.
Barroio, Dr. character of his style, 199. Caudine Forks, Livy's happy description
Character of his sermons, 325. of the disgrace of the Roman army there,
Beaumont and Fletcher, their characters 402.
as dramatic poets, 540. Celtic language, its antiquity and charac-
Beauty, the emotion raised by, distinguish- ter, 95. The remains of it where to be
ed from that of sublimity, 49. Is a term found, ibid. Poetry, its character, 42 J
 INDEX. 547

Characters, the dangers of labouring them Comedy, how distinguished from tragedy,
too much in historical works, 405. The 506, 533. Rules for the conduct of, ibid.
due requ.sites of, in tragedy, 519. The characters in, ought to be of our
Chinese language, character of, 64. And own country and our own time, 534.
writing, 74. Two kinds of, ibid. Characters ought
Chivalry, origin of, 418. to be distinguished, 535. Style, 536.
Chorus, ancient, described, 509. Was the Rise and progress of comedy, ibid. Spa-
origin of tragedy, ibid. Inconveniences nish comedy, 538. French comedy, 539.
of,'ibid. How it might properly be in English comedy, 540. Licentiousness of,
troduced on the modern theatre, 503. from the era of the restoration, 541.
Chronology, a due attention to, necessary The restoration of, to what owing, 543.
to historical compositions, 397. General remarks, 544.
Chrysostom, St. his oratorical character, Comparison, distinguished from metaphor,
280. 15B. The nature of this figure explain-
Cibber, his character as a dramatic writer, ed, 181.
541. Composition. See Literary composition.
Cicero, his ideas of taste, 17, note. His dis- Congreve, the plot of his Mourning Bride
tinction between amare and diligere, 108. embarrassed, 513. General character
His observations on style, 1 13. Very of his tragedy, 532. His comedies, 541.
attentive to the beauties of climax, 129. Conjugation of verbs, the varieties of, 90.
Is the most harmonious of all writers, Conviction, distinguished from persuasion,
135. His remarks on the power of mu- 262.
sic in orations, 137. His attention to Copulatives, caution for the use of them,
harmony too visible, 141. Instance of 124.
his happy talent of adapting sound to Corneille, his character as a tragic writer,
sense, 143. His account of the origin 528.
of figurative language, 152. His obser- Couplets, the first introduction of, into
vations on suiting language to the sub- English poetry, 432.
ject, 161. His rule for the use of meta- Cowley, instances of forced metaphors in
phor, 162. Instance of antithesis in, 187. his poems, 162. His use of similes cen-
The figure of speech called vision, 90. sured, 186. His general character as a
His caution against bestowing profuse poet, 446.
ornaments on an oration, 193. His dis- Crevier, his character of several eminent
tinction of style, 196. His own charac- French writers, 382, note.
ter as a writer, 197. His character of Criticism, true and pedantic distinguished,
the Grecian orators, 268. His own cha- 13. Its object, 27. Its origin, 28.
racter as an orator, 274. Compared Why complained of by petty authors,
with Demosthenes, 276. Masterly apos- ibid. May sometimes decide against the
trophe in, 290, note. His method of voice of the public, ibid.
studying the judicial causes he under- Cyphers, or arithmetical figures, a kind of
took to plead, 301. State of the prose- universal character, 75.
cution of Ayitus Cluentius, 305. Analysis D.
of Cicero's oration for him, ibid. The ex- David, King, his magnificent institutions
ordium of his second oration against Rul- for the cultivation of sacred music and
lus, 343. His method of preparing intro- poetry, 460. His character as a poet,
ductions to his orations, 344. Excelled in 468.
narration, 351. His defence of Milo, ibid. Debate in popular assemblies, the eloquence
357. Instance of the pathetic in his last of,defined, 262. More particularly con-
oration against Verres, 362. Character of sidered, 285. Rules for, 287.
his treatise de Oratore, 389. Character Declamation, unsupported by sound rea-
of his dialogues, 4 12. His epistles, 415. soning, false eloquence, 286.
Clarendon, Lord, remarks on his style, Declension of nouns considered in various
120. His character as an historian, 407. languages, 84. Whether cases or pre-
Clarke, Dr. the style of his sermons cha- positions were most anciently used, 85.
racterized, 324. Which of them are most useful and
Classics, ancient, their merits now finally beautiful, 86.
settled beyond controversy, 388. The Deities, heathen, probable cause of the
study of them recommended, 393. number of, 173.
Climax, a great beauty in composition, Deliberative orations what, 284.
129. In what it consists, 191. Delivery, the importance of,in public speak-
Cluentius, Avitus, history of his prosecu- ing, 292, 365. The four chief requisites
tion, 305. His cause undertaken by Ci- in, 366. The powers of voice, ibid.
cero, ibid. Analysis of Cicero's oration Articulation, 367. Pronunciation, 36S.
for him, ibid. Emp'uasis, 369. Pauses, 370. Decla
Colours, considered as the foundation of matory delivery, 374. Action ibid. Af
beauty, 50. fectation, 376.
54S INDEX.
Demetrius, Phalerus, the rhetorician, his the term, 262, 377. Fundamental max-
character, 273. ims of the art, 262. Defended against
Demonstralhe orations, what, 284. the objection of the abuse of the art of
Demosthenes, his eloquence characterized, persuasion, ibid. Three kinds of elo-
267. His expedients to surmount the quence distinguished, 263. Oratory, the
disadvantages of his person and address, highest degree of, the offspring of pas-
271. His opposition to Philip of Ma- sion, 264. Requisites foreloquence, ibid.
cedon, ibid. His rivalship with JEi- French eloquence, 265. Grecian, 266.
chines, 272. His style and action, ibid. Rise and character of the rhetoricians of
Compared witli Cicero, 276. Why his Greece, 268. Roman, 274. The attici
orations still please in perusal, 2S6. and asiani, 276. Comparison between
Extracts from his Philippics, 293. His Cicero and Demosthenes, ibid. The
definition of the several points of orato- schools of the deciaimers, 279. The
ry, 365. eloquence of the primitive fathers of the
Description, the great test of a poet's ima- church, 280. General remarks on mod-
gination, 452. Selection of circum- ern eloquence, ibid. Parliament, 283.
stances, ibid. Inanimate objects should The bar and pulpit, ibid. The three kinds
be enlivened. 455. Choice of epithets, of orations distinguished by the ancients,
456. 284. These distinctions how far corres-
Description and imitation, the distinction pondent with those made at present,
between, 56. 285. Eloquence of popular assemblies
Des Brosses, his speculations on the ex- considered, ibid. The foundation of elo-
pressive power of radical letters and quence, 286. The danger of trusting to
syllables, 61, note. prepared speeches at public meetings,
Dialogue writirg, the properties of, 411. 287. Necessary premeditation pointed
Is very difficult to execute, 412. Mo- out, ibid. Method, 288. Style and ex-
dern dialogues characterized, ibid. pression, ibid. Impetuosity, 289. At-
Didactic poetry, its nature explained, 447. tention to decorums, 290. Delivery,
The most celebrated productions in this 292,366. Summary, 292. See Cicero,
class specified, ibid. Rules for composi- Demosthenes, Oration, and Pulpit.
tions of this kind, 448. Proper embel- English language, the arrangement of
lishments of, ibid. words in, more refined than that of an-
Diderot, M. his character of English co- cient languages, 70. But more limited,
medy, 543. ibid. The principles of general grammar
Dido, her character in the jEneid examin- seldom applied to it, 78. The important
ed, 490. use of articles in, 81. All substantive
Dionysius of Halicarnas? us. his ideas of nouns of inanimate objects of the neuter
excellency in a sentence, 136 His dis- gender, S2. The place of declension in,
tinction of stvie, 196. Character of his supplied by prepositions, 85. The va-
treatise on Grecian oratory, 269. His rious tenses of English verbs, 91. His-
comparison between Lysias and Iso- torical view of the English language.
crates, 270, note. His ci iticism on Thu- 95. The Celtic the primitive language ot
cydides, 397. Britain, ibid. The Teutonic tongue the
Discourse. See Oration. basis of our present speech, 96. Its ir-
Dramatic poetry, the origin of, 425. Dis- regularities accounted for, ibid. Its
tinguished by its objects, 505. See Tra- copiousness, ibid. Compared with the
gedy and Comedy. French language, 97. Its style charac-
Dryden, one of the first reformers of our terized, ibid. Its flexibility, 98. Is more
style, 200. Johnson's character of his harmonious than generally allowed,
is

prose style, ibid, note. His character as ibid. Is rather strong than graceful, 99.
a poet, 432. His character of Shak- Accent thrown farther back in English
speare,530, note. His own character as words, than in those of any other lan-
a dramatic writer, 531, 541. guage, ibid. General properties of the
Du Bos, Abbe, his remark on the theatii- English tongue, ibid. Why so looselv
cal compositions of the ancients, 137. and inaccurately written, 100. The
E. fundamental rules of syntax, common
Education, liberal and essential requisite both to the English and Latin, ibid.
for eloquence, 380. No author can gain esteem if he does
Egypt, the style of the hieroglyphical writ- not write with purity, 101. Grammati-
ing of, 73. This an early stage of the cal authors recommended, ibid, note.
art of writing, ibid. The alphabet pro- Epic poetry, the standards of, 393. Is the
bably invented ia that country, 76. highest effort of poetical genius, 470
Emphasis, its importance in public speak- The characters of, obscured by critics,
ing, 369. Rule for, ibid. ibid, Examination of Bossu's account
Eloquence, the se-veral objects of considera- of the formation of the Iliad, ibid. Epic
tion under this head, 261. Definition of poetry rrmtideved as to its moral tenderi-
 INDEX. 54<

cy, 472. Predominant character of, 473. Figures of thought among rhetoricians, de-
Action of, ibid. Episodes, 474. The fined, 148.
subject should be of remote date, 475. Fitness and design, considered as sources
Modern history more proper for dramatic of beauty, 54.
writing than lor epic poetry, ibid. The Fleece, a poem, harmonious passage from,
story must be interesting and skilfully 145.
managed, 476. The intrigue, 477. The Fonienelle, character of his dialogues, 413.
question considered whether it ought French, Norman, when introduced into
to end successfully, ibid. Duration for England, 95.
the action, ibid. Characters of the French writers, general remarks on their
personages, 478. The principal hero, style, 198. Eloquence,265,280. French
ibid. The machinery, 479. Narration, and English oratory compared, 282.
480. Loose observations, 481. Frigidity in writing characterized, 48.
Episode, defined with reference to epic G.
poetry, 474. Rules for conduct of, 475. Gay, a character of his pastorals, 441.
Epistolary writing, general remarks on, Gender of nouns, foundation of, 82.
413. Genius distinguished from taste, 29. Its
Eve, her character in Milton's Paradise import, ibid. Includes taste, 30. The
Lost, 504. pleasures of the imagination, a striking
Euripides, instance of his excellence in the testimony of Divine benevolence, 31.
pathetic, 524, note. His character as a True, is nursed by liberty, 265. In arts
tragic writer, 527. and writing, why displayed more in one
Exclamations, the proper use of, 189. age than another, 291. Was more vi-
Mode of their operation, ibid. Rule for gorous in the ancients than in the mod-
the employment of, 190. erns, 391. A general mediocrity of,
Exercise improves both bodily and mental how diffused, ibid.
powers, 18. Gesner, a character of his Idyls, 440.
Exordium of a discourse, the objects of, Gestures in public oratory. See Action.
342. Rules for the composition of, 343. Gil Bias of Le Sage, character of that no-
Explication of the subject of a sermon, ob- vel, 419.
servation on, 352. Girard, abb6, character of his Synonymes
F. Francois, 111.
Face, human, the beauty of, complex, 53. Gordon, instances of his unnatural disposi-
Farquhar, his character as a dramatic writ- tion of words, 56.
er, 542. Gorgius of Leontium, the rhetorician, his
Fathers, Latin, character of their style of character, 268.
eloquence, 279. Gothic poetry, its character, 424.
Fenelon, archbishop, his parallel between Gracchus, C. his declamations regulated by
Demosthenes and Cicero, 277. His re- musical rules, 137.
marks on the composition of a sermon, Grammar, general, the principles of, titles

347. Critical examination of his Ad- attended to by writers, 78. The divi-
ventures of Telemachus, 500. sion of the several parts of speech, 79.
Fielding, a character of his novels, 420. Nouns substantive, 80. Articles, 81.
Figurative style of language defined, 146. Number, gender, and case of nouns, 82.
Is not a scholastic invention, but a natu- Prepositions, 85. Pronouns, 88. Ad-
ral effusion of imagination, 147. How jectives, ibid. Verbs, 90. Verbs the
described by rhetoricians, 148. Will not most artificial complex of all the parts
render a cold or empty composition in- of speech, 92. Adverbs, 93. Prepo-
teresting, 149. The pathetic and sub- sitions and conjunctions, ibid. Impor-
lime reject figures of speech, ibid. Ori- tance of the study of grammar, 94.
gin of, 150. How they contribute to Grandeur. See Sublimity-
the beauty of style, 153. Illustrative des- Greece, short account of the ancient repub-
cription, 154. Heightened emotion, ibid. lics of, 266. Eloquence carefully stu-
The rhetorical names and classes of fig- died there, 287. Characters of the dis-
ures frivolous, 156. The beauties of tinguished orators of, ibid. Rise and
composition not dependant on tropes and character of the rhetoricians, 268.
figures, 192. Figures must always rise Greek, a musical language, 64, 136. Its
naturally from the subject, 193. Are not flexibility, 98. Writers distinguished
to be profusely used, 194. The talent for simplicity, 207.
of using derived from nature, and not to Guarini, character of his Pastor Fido, 441.
be created, ibid. If improperly intro- Guicciardini, his character as an historian,
duced, are a deformity, ibid, note. See 406. .

Metaphor. H.
Figure, considered as a source of beauty, Habakkuk, sublime representation of the
51. Deity in, 40.
Blgures of speech, the origin of, 66. Harris, explanatory simile cited from, 183
550 1JNDEX.

Hebrew poetry, in what points of view les,ibid. General character of his

to be considered, 459. The ancient pro- Odyssey, 488. Defects of the Odyssey,
nunciation of lost, 460. Music and poe- ibid. Compared with Virgil, 489.
try, early cultivated among the He- Hooker, a specimen of his style, 200.
brews, ibid. Construction of Hebrew Horace, figurative passages cited from, 153
poetry, ibid. Is distinguished by a con- Instance of mixed metaphor in, 165.
cise strong- figurative expression, 463. Crowded metaphors, 166. His charac-
The metaphors employed in, suggested ter as a poet, 393, 445. Was the refor-
by the climate and nature of the land mer of satire, 450.
of Judea, 463, 465. Bold and sublime Humour, why the English possess their
instances of personification in, 466. quality more eminently than other na-
Book of proverbs, 467. Lamentations tions, 540.
of Jeremiah, ibid. Book of Job, 468. Hyperbole, an explanation of that figure ;

Helen, her character in the Iliad exami- 169. Cautions for the use of, 170. Two
ned, 484. kinds of, ibid.
Hell, the various descents into, given by I.

epic poets, show the gradual improve- Ideas, abstract, entered into the first for-
ment of actions concerning a future mation of language, 80.
state, 501. Jeremiah, his poetical character, 468. See
Henriade. See Voltaire. Lamentations.
Herodotus, his character as an historian, Iliad, story of, 482. Remarks on, ibid.
397. The principal characters, 484. Machi-
Heroism, sublime instances of pointed out, nery of, 485.
35. Imagination, the pleasures of, as specified
Harvey, character of his style, 204. by Mr. Addison, 31. The powers of,
Hieroglyphics, the second stage of writing, to enlarge the sphere of our pleasure, a
73. Of Egypt, ibid. striking instance of divine benevolence,
Historians, modern, their advantages over ibid. Is the source of figurative lan-
the ancient, 390. Ancient models of, guage 147, 151.
393. Tire objects of their duty, 394. Imitation, considered as a source of plea-
Character of Polybius, 396. Of Thucy- sure to taste, 55. And description dis-
dides, ibid. Of Herodotus and Thuanus, tinguished, 57.
397. Primary qualities necessary in an Inferences from a sermon, the proper man-
historian, 398. Character of Livy and agement of, 364.
Sallust, 399. Of Tacitus, ibid. Instruc- Infinity of space, numbers, or duration af-
tions and cautions to historians, 400. fect the mind with sublime ideas, 32.
How topreserve the dignity of narra- Interjections, the first elements of speech,
tion, 401. How to render it interesting, 60.
402. Danger of refining too much in Interrogation, instances of the happy use
drawing characters, 404. Character of and effect of, 189. Mode of their ope-
the Italian historians, 406. The French ration, ibid. Rule for using, 190.
and English, 407. Job, exemplification of the sublimity of
listory, the proper object and end of, 394. obscurity in the book of, 34. Remarks
True, the characters of, ibid. The dif- on the style of, 460. The subject and
ferent classes of, 395. General history, poetry of, 468. Fine passage from,
the proper conduct of, ibid. The ne- 469.
cessary qualities of historical narration, Johnson, his character of Dryden's prose
401. The propriety of introducing ora- style, 200, note. His remarks on the
tions in history, examined, 405. And style of Swift, 250, note. His character
characters, ibid. The Italians the best of Thompson, 454, note. His character of
modern historians, 406. See Annals, Dryden's comedies, 541, note. His char-
Biography, Memoirs, and Novels, acter of Congreve, 542.
"fogarih, his analysis of beauty consider- Jonson, Ben, his character as a dramatic
ed, 51. poet, 540.
Homer, not acquainted with poetry as a Isceus, the rhetorician, his character, 270.
systematic art, 27. Did not possess a Isaiah, sublime representation of the Deity
refined taste, 30. Instances of sublimi- in, 40. His description of the fall of the
ty in, 41. Is remarkable for the use of Assyrian empire, 180. His metaphors
personification, 175. Story of the Iliad, suited to the climate of Judea, 463, 464.
482. Remarks on, ibid. His inven- His character as a poet, 468.
tion and judgment in the conduct of Isocrates, the rhetorician, his character,
the poem., 483. Advantages and de- 269.
fects arising from his narrative speeches, Judea, temarks on the climate and natural
ibid. His character, 484. His machi- circumstancos of that country, 463.
nery, 485. His style, 48€. His skill Judicial orations, what, 284.
in narrative description, 487 His simi- Juvenal, a character of his satires, 460
 INDEX. 551

K. be referred, 56. The beauties of, not

KaimesJLard, his severe censures of English dependant on tropes and figures, 192.
comedies, 543. The different kinds of distinguished, 394.
Knight errantry, foundation of the roman- See History, Poetry, &c.
ces concerning', 418. Livy, his character as an historian, 399,
Knowledge an essential requisite for elo- 402.
quence, 380. The progress of, in favour Locke, general character of his style, 202.
of the moderns, upon a comparison with The style of his Treatise on Human Un-
the ancients, 391. The acquisition of, derstanding, compared with the writings
difficult in former ages, 392. of Lord Shaftesbury, 411.
L. Longinus, strictures on his Treatise on the
Lamentations of Jeremiah, the most perfect Sublime, 38. His account of the conse-
elegiac composition in the sacred scrip- quences of liberty, 265. His sententious
tures, 467. opinion of Homer's Odyssey, 488.
Landscape, considered as an assemblage of Lopes de la Vega, hischaracteras adrama-
beautiful objects, 418. tic poet, 538.

Language, the improvement of, studied Love, too much importance and frequency
even by rude nations, 9. In what the allowed to, on the modern stage, 521.
true improvement of language consists, Lowth's English Grammar recommended,
10. Importance of the study of language \0\,note, 124, note. His character of the
ibid. Defined, 59. The present refine- prophet Ezekiel, 468.
ments of, ibid. Origin and progress of, Lucan, instances of his destroying a sub-
60. The first elements of, ibid. Ana- lime expression of Caesar, by amplifica-
logy between words and things, 6i. The tion's. Extravagant hyperbole from,
great assistance afforded by gestures, 171. Critical examination of his Phar-
63. The Chinese language, 64. The salia, 493. The subject, ibid. Charac
Greek and Roman languages, ibid. Ac- ters and conduct of the story, 494.
tion much used by ancient orators, 64. Lucian, character of his dialogues, 413.
Roman pantomimes, 65. Great differ- Lucretius, his sublime representation of the
ence between ancient and modern pro- dominion of superstition over mankind,
nunciation, ibid. Figures of speech the 34, note. The most admired passages in
origin of, 66. Figurative style of Ame- his Treatise De Rerum JVatura, 449.
rican languages, 67. Cause of the de- Lusiad. See Camoens.
cline of figurative language, ibid. The Lyric poetry, the peculiar character of,
natural and original arrangement of 443. Four classes of odes, 444. Char-
words in speech, 68. The arrangement acters of the most eminent lyric poets,
of words in modern languages, different 445.
from that of the ancients, 70. An exem- Lysias, the rhetorician, his character, 270.
plification, ibid. Summary of the fore- M.
going observations, 72. Its wonderful Machiavel, his character as an historian,
powers, 1155. All language strongly 406.
tinctured with metaphor, 158. In mo- Machinery, the great use of in epic poetry,
dern productions, often better than the 478. Cautions for the use of, 479, 485.
subjects of them, 260. Written and oral, Mackenzie, Hir George, instance of regular
distinction between, 383. See Grammar, climax in his proceedings, IP 1.
Style, and Writing. Man, by nature both a poet and musician,
Latin language, the pronunciation of, 423.
musical and gesticulating, 64, 136. The Marivaux, a character of his novels, 420.
natural arrangement of words in, 69. Marmontel, his comparative remarks on
The want of articles a defect in, 81. French, English, and Italian p^efv.
Remarks on words deemed synonymous 431, note.
in, 108. Many, Fr. his contrast between the cha-
Learning, an essential requisite for elo- racters of Corneille and Racine, 529,
quence, 380. note.
Lebanon, metaphorical allusions to, in He- Massillon, extracts from a celebrated ser-
brew poetry, 464. mon of his, 323, note. Encom :, tm on,
Lee, extravaganl hyperbole quoted from, by Louis XIV. 326. His artful divi-
'
171. His character as a tragic poet, sion of a text, 350.
631. Memoirs, their class in historical composi-
Liberty, the nurse of true genius, 265. tion assigned, 408. Why the French
Literary composition, importance of the are fond of this kind of writing, ibid.
study of language, preparatory to, 11. Melalepsis, in figurative language explain-
The beauties of, indefinite, 54. To what ed, 156.
class the pleasures received from elo- Metaphor, in figurative style, explained,
quence, poetry and line writing, are to 157, 158. All language strongly tinct
 552 INDEX.
ured with, 159. Approaches the nearest 0.
to painting of all (he figures of speech, Obscurity, not unfavourable to sublimity,
ibid. Rules to be observed in the con- 34. Of style, owing to indistinct concep-
duct of, 160. See Jlllegory. tions, 102.
Mctastasio, his character as a dramatic Ode, the nature of defined, 443. Four
writer, 529. distinctions of, 444. Obscurity and ir-
Metonomy, in figurative style, explained, regularity, the great faults in, ibid.
159. Odyssey, general character of, 488. De-
Mexico, historical pictures the records of fects of, ibid.
that empire, 73. (Edipus, an improper character for the
Milo, narrative of the encounter between stage, 521.
him and Clodius, by Cicero, 351. Orators, ancient, declaimed in recitative, 64.
Milton, instances of sublimity in, 33, 44, Orations, the three kinds of, distinguished
46. Of harmony, 135, 144. Hyperboli- by the ancients, 284. The present dis-
cal sentiments of Satan in, 170. Striking tinctions of, 285. Those in popular
instances of personification in, 175, 176. assemblies considered, ibid. Prepared
Excellence of his descriptive poetry, 454. speeches not to be trusted to, 287. Ne-
Who the proper hero of his Paradise cessary degrees of premeditation, ibid.
Lost, 478. Critical examination of this Method, 288. Style and expression,
poem, 503. His sublimity characterized, ibid. Impetuosity, 289. Attention to
505. His language and versification, decorums, 290. Delivery, 292, 365.
ibid. The several parts of a regular oration,
Moderns. See Jlncients. 341. Introduction, 342. Introduction
Moliere, his character as a dramatic poet, to replies, 347. Introduction to sermons,
539. ibid. Division of a discourse, 348.
Monboddo,hord, his observations on Eng- Rules for dividing it, 349. Explication,
lish and Latin verse, 429, note. 350. The argumentative part, 353. The
Monotony in language, often the result of pathetic, 358. The peroration, 364. Vir-
too great attention to musical arrange- tue necessary to the perfection of elo-
ment, 141. quence, S7S. Description of a true ora-
Montague, Lady Mary Wortley, a charac- tor, 380. Qualifications for, ibid. The
ter of her epistolary style, 417. best ancient writers on oratory, 385,
Montesquieu, character of his style, 154. 393. The use made of orations by the
Monumental inscriptions, the numbers suit- ancient historians, 405. See Eloquence.
ed to the style, 145. Oriental poetry, more characteristical of
Moralt, M. his severe censure of English an age than of a country, 424. Style
comedy, 543. of scripture language, 67.
More, Dr. Henry, character of his divine Orlando Furioso. See Jiriosto.
dialogues, 413. Ossian, instances of sublimity in his works,
Motion, considered as a source of beauty, 42. Correct metaphors, 164. Confu-
52. sed mixture of metaphorical and plain
Motte, M. de la, his observations on lyric language in, ibid. Fine apostrophe, 180.
poetry, 445, note. Remarks on his cri- Delicate simile, 183. Lively descrip-
ticism on Homer, 488. tions in, ibid.
Music, its influence on the passions, 423. Ohcay, his character as a tragic poet, 513.
Its union with poetry, ibid. Their se- P.
paration injurious to each, 427. Pantomime, an entertainment of Roman
N. origin, 65.
Naivete, import of that French term, Parables, Eastern, their general vehicle for
207. the conveyance of truth, 465.
Narration, an important point in pleadings Paradise Lost, critical review of that
at the bar, 350. poem, 503. The characters in, 504.
Night scenes commonly sublime, 33. Sublimity of, 505. Language and ver-
Nomic melody of the Athenians, what, sification, ibid.
137. Parenthesis, cautions for the use of them,
Novels, a species of writing,not so insignifi- 121.
cant as may be imagined, 416. Might Paris, his character in the Iliad, exam-
be employed for very useful purposes, ined, 485.
417. Rise and progress of fictitious Parliament of Great-Britain, why elo-
history, 418. Characters of the most quence has never been so powerful an
celebrated romances and novels, 419. instrument in, as in the ancient popular
Novelty, considered as a source of beautv, assemblies of Greece and Rome, 283.
55. Parnel, his character as a descriptive poet,
Nouns, substantive, the foundation of all 454.
grammar, 79. Number, gender, and Particles, cautions for the useof them, 124.
cases of, 83. Ought never to close sentences, 130.
 INDEX. 553

Passion, the source of oratory, 264. Plutarch, his character as a biographer,

Passions, when and how to be addressed 409.
ty orators, 358. The orator must feel Poetry, in what sense descriptive, and in
emotions before he can communicate what imitative, 57. Is more ancient
them to others, 360. The language of, than prose, 67. Source of the pleasure
361. Poets address themselves to the we receive from the figurative style of,
passions, 423. 176. Test of the merit of, 185. Whence
Pastoral poetry, inquiry into its origin, 433. the difficulty of reading poetry arises,
A threefold view of pastoral life, 434. 371. Compared with oratory, 377.
Rules for pastoral writing, ibid. Its Epic, the standards of, 393. Definition
scenery, 435. Characters, 437. Sub- of poetry, 421. Is addressed to the ima-
jects, 438. Comparative merit of an- gination and the passions, 422. Its ori-
cient pastoral writers, 439. And of gin, ibid. In what sense older than
moderns, 440. prose, 422. Its union with music, 423.
Pathetic, the proper management of, in a Ancient history and instructions first
discourse, 358. Fine instance of from conveyed in poptry, 424. Oriental,
Cicero, 362. more characteristical of an age than of
Pauses, the due use of, in public speaking, a country, ibid. Gothic, Celtic, and
370. In poetry, 371,430. Grecian, 425. Origin of the different
Pericles, the first who brought eloquence kinds of, 426. Was more vigorous in
to any degree of perfection, 368. His its first rude essays than under refine-

general character, ibid. ment, 427. Was injured by the separa-

Period. See Sentence. tion of music from it, ibid. Metrical
Personification, the peculiar advantages of feet, invention of, 428. These measures
the English language in, 83. Limitations not applicable to English poetry, 429.
of gender in, 84. Objections against English heroic verse, the structure of,
the practice of, answered, 172. The dis- 430. French poetry, ibid. Rhyme and
position to animate the objects about us, blank verse compared, 431. Progress
natural to mankind, 173. This dispo- of English versification, 432. Pastorals,
sition may account for the number of 433. Lyrics, 443. Didactic poetry,
heathen divinities, ibid. Three degrees 447. Descriptive poetry, 452. Hebrew
of this figure, 174. Rules for the man- poetry, 459. Epic poetry, 470. Poetic
agement of the highest degree of, 177. characters, two kinds of, 478. Dramat-
Cautions for the use of in prose compo- ic poetry, 507.
sitions, 178. See Apostrophe. Pointing cannot correct a confused sen-
Perseus, a character of his satires, 450. tence, 121.
Perspicuity, essential to a good style, 102. Politics, the science of, why ill understood
Not merely a negative virtue, 103. The among the ancients, 398.
three qualities of, ibid. Polybius, his character as an historian,
Persuasion, distinguished from conviction, 396.
262. Objection brought from the abuse Pope, criticism on a passage in his Homer,
of this art, answered, ibid. Rules for, 43. Prose specimen from, consisting of
286. short sentences, 113. Other specimens
Peruvians, their method of transmitting of his style, 127, 132. Confused mix-
their thoughts to each other, 74. tures of metaphorical and plain lan-
Petronius Arbiter, his address to the de- guage in, 163. Mixed metaphor in, 1C6.
claimers of his time, 279. Confused personification, 178. Instance
Pharsalia. See Lucan. of his fondness for antithesis, 188.
Pherecydes of Svcros, the first prose wri- Character of his epistolary writings, 4 16.
ter, 68. Criticism on, ibid. Construction of his
Philips, character of his pastorals, 441. verse, 430. Peculiar character of his
Philosophers, modern, their superiority versification, 432. His pastorals, 438,
over the ancient, unquestionable, 390. 440. His ethic epistles, 451. The merit
Philosophy, the proper style of writing of his various poems examined, ibid.
adapted to, 410. Proper embellishment Character of his translation of Homer,
for, ibid. 486.
Pictures, the first essay toward writing, 72. Precision in language, in what it consists,
Pindar, his character as a lyric poet, 445. 104. The importance of, ibid, 114. Re-
Pilcairn, Dr. extravagant hyperbole cited quisite to, 111.
from, 172. Prepositions, whether more ancient than
Plato, character of his dialogues, 412. the declension of nouns by cases, 85
Plautus, his character as a dramatic poet, Whether more useful and beautiful, 86.
538. Dr. Campbell's observations on, 87,
Pleaders at the bar, instruction to, 301, Their great use in speech, 94.
350. Prior, allegory cited f.'om, 168.
Pliny's letters, general character of, 415. Pronouns, their use, varieties, and cases,
70
 '

554 INDEX.
87. Relative instances illustrating- the sublimity, 43 And blank verse com
importance of their proper position in a par^d, 431. The former, why improper
sentence, 1 16. in the Greek and Latin languages, 1 32.
Pronunciation, distinctness of, necessary The first introduction of couplets in
in pnbiic speaking 367. Tones of, 372.
1

, English poetry, ibid.

Proverbs, book of, a didactic poem, 497. Richardson, a character of his novels, 420.
Psalm xviii. sublime representation of the Ridicule, an instrument often misapplied,
Deity in, 39. lxxxth, a fine allegory 533.
from, 168. Remarks on the poetic con- Robinson Crusoe, a character of that no-
struction of the Psalms, 461, 464. vel, 420.
Pulpit, eloquence of the, defined, 263. Romance, derivation of the term, 418. See
English and French sermons compared, Novels.
281. The practice of reading sermons Romans, derived their learning from
in England, disadvantageous to oratory, Greece, 273. Comparison between them
283. The art of persuasion resigned to and the Greeks, 274. Historical view
the Puritans, ibid. Advantages and dis- of their eloquence, ibid. Oratorical
advantages of pulpit eloquence, 312. character of Cicero, 274. Era of the
Rules for preaching, 313. The chief decline of eloquence among, 278.
characteristics of pulpit eloquence, 316. Rosseau, Jean Baptiste, his character as a
Whether it is best to read sermons or lyric poet, 446.
deliver them extempore, 321. Pronun- Rowe, his character as a tragic poet, 532.
ciation, 322. Remarks on French ser- S.
mons, ibid. Cause of the dry argumen- Sallust, his character as an historian, 399.
tative style of English sermons, 324. Sanazarius, his piscatory eclogues, 440.
General observations, 325. Salan, examination of his character in
Pisislralus, the first who cultivated the arts Milton's Paradise Lost, 504.
of speech, 267. Satire, poetical, general remarks on the
Q. style of, 449.
Quintilian, his ideas of taste, 17, nole. His Saxon language, how established in Eng-
account of the ancient division of the land, 95.
several parts of speech, 79, note. His Scenes, dramatic, what, and the proper
remarks on the importance of the study conduct of, 516.
of grammar, 94. On perspicuity of Scriptures, sacred, the figurative style of,
style, 102, 108. On climax, 129. On remarked, 67. The translators of, hap-
the structure of sentences, 131. Which py in suiting theirnumbers to the sub-
ought not to offend the ear, 134, 140. ject, 143. Fine apostrophe in, 180.
His caution against too great an atten- Presents us with the most ancient monu-
tion to harmony, 141. His caution ments of poetry extant, 459. The di-
against mixed metaphor, 164. His fine versity of style in the several books of,
apostrophe on the death of his son, ISO. ibid. The Psalms of David, 460. No
His rule for the use of similes, 186. His other writings abound with such bold
direction for the use of figures of style, and animated figures, 463. Parables
193. His distinction of style, 196, 203. 466. Bold and sublime instances of per-
His instructions for good writing, 213. sonification in, ibid. Book of Proverbs,
His character of Cicero's oratory, 204. 467. Lamentations of Jeremiah, ibid.
His instructions to public speakers for Scuderi, Madam, her romances, 419.
preserving decorum, 291. His instruc- Seneca, his frequent antithesis censured,
tions to judicial pleaders, 301. His ob- 187. Character of his general style,
servations on exordiums to replies in de- 198. His epistolary writings, 411.
bate, 347. On the proper division of an Sentence, in language, definition of, 112.
oration, 348. His mode of addressing Distinguished into long and short, 113.
the passions, 357. His lively represen- A variety in, to be studied, ibid. The
tations of the effects of depravity, 379. properties essential to a perfect sentence,
Is the best ancient writer on oratory, 114. A principal rule for arranging
386. the members of, 115. Position of ad-
R verbs, ibid. And relative pronouns,
Racine, his character as a tragic poet, 528. 116. Unity of a sentence, rules for pre-
Ramsay, Allan, character of his Gentle serving, 119. Pointing, 121. Paren-
Shepherd, 442. thesis, ibid. Should always be brought
Rapin, P. remarks on his parallels be- to a perfect close, 122. Strength, 123.
tween Greek and Roman writers, 277. Should be cleared of redundancies, ibid.
Rets, Cardinal de, character of his Me- Due attention to particles recommend-
moirs, 408. ed, 124. The omission of particles
Rhetoricians, Grecian, rise and character sometimes connects objects closer to-
of, 268. gether, 126. Directions for placing the
Rhyme, in English verse, unfavourable to important words, ibid. Climax, 129
 INDEX. 555

A like order necessary to be observed Solomon's song, descriptive beauties of, 456
in all assertions of propositions, 130. Songs, Runic, the origin of Gothic history
Sentence ought not to conclude with a ibid.
feeble word, ibid. Fundamental rule in Sophists of Greece, riseand character of,
the construction of, 133. Sound not to 269.
be disregarded, 134. Two circumstan- Sophocles, the plots of his tragedies re-
ces to be attended to, for producing har- markably simple, 512. Excelled in the
mony in, 134, 139. Rules of the ancient pathetic, 524. His character as a tra-
rhetoricians for this purpose, 135. Why gic poet, 526.
harmony much less studied now than Sorrow, why the emotions of, excited by
formerly, 136. English words cannot tragedy, communicate pleasure, 515.
be so exactly measured by metrical feet, Sounds, of an awful nature, affect us with
as those of Greek and Latin, 139. What sublimity, 32. Influence of, in the for-
required for the musical close of a sen- mation of words, 61.
tence, 141. Unmeaning words introduc- Speaker, public, must be directed more by
ed merely to round a sentence, a great his ear than by rules, 138.
blemish, ibid. Sounds ought to be adapt- Spectator, general character of that publi-
ed to sense, 142. cation, 216. Critical examination of
Sermons, English compared with French, those papers that treat of the pleasures
281. Unity an indispensable requisite of the imagination, 217.
in, 316. The subject ought to be precise Speech, the power of, the distinguishing
and particular, 317. The subject ought privilege of mankind, 9. The grammati-
not to be exhausted, ibid. Cautions cal division of, into eight parts, not lo-
against dryness, 31S. And against con- gical, 79. Of the ancients, regulated
forming to fashionable modes of preach- by musical rules, 136.
ing, 319. Style, 320. Quaint expres- Strada, his character as an historian, 406.
sions, 321. Whether best written or Style, in language, defined, 101. The dif-
delivered extempore, ibid. Delivery, ference of, in different countries, ibid.
322. Remarks on French sermons, ibid. The qualities of a good style, 102. Per-
Cause of the dry argumentative style spicuity, ibid. Obscurity, owing to in-
of English sermons, 325. General ob- distinct conceptions, 102. Three requi-
servations, ibid. Remarks on the pro- site qualities in perspicuity, ibid. Pre-
per division of, 347. Conclusion, 364. cision, 104. A loose style, from what
Delivery, 365. it proceeds, 105. Too great an atten-
Sevigni, Madame de, character of her let- tion to precision, renders a style dry and
ters, 416. barren, 111. French distinction of
Shaftesbury, Lord, observations on hi< style, 113. The characters of, flow from
style, 106, 113, 120, 127, 129, 142, 166. peculiar modes of thinking, 195. Dif-
His general character as a writer, 209. ferent subjects require a different style,
Shakspeare, the merit of his plays exam- ibid. Ancient distinctions of, 196. The
ined, 28. Was not possessed of refined different kinds of, ibid. Concise and
taste, 29. Instance of his improper use diffusive, on what occasions proper, 196
of metaphors, 161, 164, 165. Exhibits Nervous and feeble, 199. A harsh style,
passions in the language of nature, 524. from what it proceeds, ibid. Era of the
His character as a tragic poet, 530. As formation of our present style, 200.
a comic poet, 541. Dry manner described, 201. A plain
Shenstone, his pastoral ballad, 441. style, ibid. Neat style, 202. Elegant
Shepherd, the proper character of, in pas- style, 203. Florid style, 203. Natural
toral description, 437. style, 205. Different senses of the term
$heridan,his distinction between ideas and simplicity, ibid. The Greek writers dis-
emotions, 373, note. tinguished for simplicity, 207. Vehe-
Sherlock, Bishop, fine instance of personi- ment style, 211. General directions
fication cited from his sermons, 174. A how to attain a good style, 212. Imita-
happy allusion cited from his sermons, tion dangerous, 214. Style not to be
320. note. studied to the neglect of thoughts, 215.
Silius Italirus. his sublime representation Critical examination of those papers in
of Hannibal, 36, note. the Spectator that treat of the pleasures
Simile, distinguished from metaphor, 158, of imagination, 217. Critical examina-
182. Sources of the pleasure they afford, tion of a passage in Swift's writings, 250,
ibid. Two kinds of, ibid. Requisites General observations, 259. See Elo-
in, 183. Rules for, 185. Local proprie- quence.
ty to be adhered to in, 213. Sublimity of external objects, and sublimi-
Simplicity applied to style, different senses ty in writing distinguished 32. Its im-

of the term, 382. pressions, ibid. Of space, ib. Of sounds,

Smollett, improper use of figurative style, 32. Violence of the elements, 32. So-
cited from him, 126, note lemnity, bordering on the terrible, ibid
 556 INDEX.
Obscurity, not unfavourable to, 34. in being corrupted, tbid. The test of, re
buildings, 35. Heroism, ibid. Great ferred to the concurring voice of the pol
virtue, 36. Whether there is any one ished part of mankind, 25. Distinguish-
fundamental quality in the sources of ed from genius, 29. The sources of
sublime, ibid. pleasure in, 30. The powers of, enlarge
Sublimity in writing:. 310. Errors in Lon the sphere of our pleasures, 31. Imi
ginus pointed out, ibid. The most an- tations as a source of pleasure, 55. Mu
cient writers afford the most striking- in- sic, ibid. To what class the pleasures
stances of sublimity, 311. Sublime re- received from eloquence, poetry, and
presentation of the Deity in Psalm xviii. fine writing, are to be referred, 56.
39. And in the prophet Habakkuk, 40. Telemachus. See Fenelon.
In Moses and Isaiah, ibid. Instances of Temple, Sir William, observations of his
sublimity in Homer, ibid. In Ossian, style, 106. Specimens, 113, 120, 122,
42. Amplification injurious to sublimi- 125, 139. His general character as a
ty, ibid. Rhyme in English verse unfa- writer, 208.
vourable to, 43. Strength essential to Terence, beautiful instance of simplicity
sublime writing, 44. A proper choice from, 209. His character as a dramatic
of circumstances essential to sublime writer, 53S.
description, 45. Strictures on Virgil's Terminations of words, the variation of,
description of Mount iEtna, 46. The in the Greek and Latin languages, fa
proper sources of the sublime, 47. Sub- vourable to the liberty of transposition,
limit}' consists in the thought, not in the 70.
words, 48. The faults opposed to the Theocritus, the earliest knowD writer of
sublime, ibid. pastorals, 434. His talents in painting
Sully, Duke de, character of his memoirs, rural scenery, 435. Character of his
408. pastorals, 439.
Superstition, sublime representation of its Thomson, fine passage from, where he
dominion over mankind, from Lucretius ;
animates all nature, 176. Character of
34, note. his Seasons, 453. His eulogium by Dr
Swift, observations on his stvle, 104, 111, Johnson, ibid, note.
120, 131, 142. General character of his Thuanus, his character as an historian, 398.
style, 202. Critical examination of the T/nicydides, his character as an historian,
beginning of his proposals for correct- 396. Was the first who introduced ora-
ing, Sic. the English tongue, 250. Con- tions in historical narration, 405.
cluding observations, 259. His lan- Tillotson, Archbishop, observations on his
guage, 383. Character of his epistola- style, 106, US,139, 161. General cha-
ry writing. 416. racter of as a writer, 208.
.Syllables, English, cannot be exactly mea- Tones, the due management of, in public
sured bv metrical feet, as those of Greek speaking, 373.
and Latin, 139. Topics, among the ancient rhetoricians,
Synecdoche, in figurative stvle, explained, explained, 353.
157. Tragedy, how distinguished from comedy,
Synonymous words, observations on, 10S. 506. More particular definition of, 507.
Subject and conduct of, 508. Rise and
Tacitus, character of his style, 197. His progress of, 509. The three dramatic
character as an historian. 402. His hap- unities, 511. Division of the represen-
py manner of introducing incidental ob- tation into acts, 513. The catastrophe,
servations, ibid. Instance of his success- 514. Why the sorrow excited by tra-
ful talent in historical painting, 406 gedy communicates pleasures, ibid.
His defects as a writer, 408. Proper ideT of scenes, and how to be
Tasso, a passage from his Gierusnlemme conducted, 516. Characters, 520. High-
distinguished by the harmony of mini er degrees of morality inculcated by mo-
bers, 145. Strained sentiments in his dern than by ancient tragedy, 521. Too
pastorals, 443. Character of his Amin- great use made of the passion of love
ta, 487. Ciitical examination of his on the modern stages, ibid. All trage-
poem, 496. dies expected to lie pathetic, 522. The
Taste, true, the uses of in common life, 14. proper use of moral reflections in 524.
Definition of, 16. Is more or less com- The proper style and versification, 525.
mon to all men, 17. Is an improvable Brief view of the Greek stage, 526.
faculty, IS How to be refined, 19. Is French tragedy, 528. English tragedy
assisted by reason, 19. A good heart 530. Concluding observations, 532.
requisite to a just taste, 20. Delicacy Tropes, a definition of, 14S. Origin of, 150.
and correctness the characters of perfect The rhetorical distinctions among frivo
taste, ibid. Whether there be any stan- lous, 156.
dard of taste, 22. The diversity of, in Turniis, the character of, not favourably
different men. no evidence of theiv tastes treated in the JEneid, 491.
 INDEX. 651

T<irpin, archbishop of Rheims, a romance Voltaire, his character as an historian, 409.

writer, 419. Critical examination of his Henriade,
Typographical figures of speech, what, 189. 502. His argument for the use of rhyme
V. in dramatic composition, 525. Hh
cha-
Vanburgh, his character as a dramatic racter as a tragic poet, 529.
writer, 542. Vossius, Joannes Gerardus, character r> f
Verbs, their nature and office explained, his writings on eloquence, 385.
89. No sentence complete without a VV.
verb, expressed or implied, 90. The Waller, the first English poet who bi ought
tenses, ibid. The advantage of English couplets into vogue, 432.
over the Latin, in the variety of tenses, Wit, is to be very sparingly used at the
91. Active and passive, ibid. Are the bar, 304.
most artificial and complex of all the Words, obsolete, and new coined, incon-
parts of speech, 92. gruous with purity of style, 103. Bad
Verse, blank, more favourable to sublimity consequences of their being ill chosen,
than rhyme, 43. Instructions for the 104. Observations on those termed sy-
reading of, 371. Construction of, 431. nonymous, 108. Considered with refer-
Virgil, instances of sublimity in, 33, 45, ence to sound, 134.
46. Of harmony, 145, 146. Simplicity Words, and things, instances of the ana-
of language, 149. Figurative language, logy between, 61.
157, 174, 179. Specimens of his pasto- Writers of genius, why they have been
ral descriptions, 435, note, 438. Charac- more numerous in one age than another,
ter of his pastorals, 439. His Geoigics, 387. Four happy ages of, pointed out,
a perfect model of didactic poetry, 447. 388.
Beautiful descriptions in his iEneid,456. Writing, two kinds of, distinguished, 72.
Critical examination of that poem, 489. Pictures, the first essay in, ibid. Hiero-
Compared with Homer, 491. glyphic, the second, 73. Chinese cha-
Virtue, high degrees of, a source of the racters, 74. Arithmetical figures, 75.
sublime, 36. A necessary ingredient to The considerations which led to the in-
form an eloquent orator, 378. vention of an alphabet, ibid. Cadmus's
Vision, the figure of speech so termed, in alphabet the origin of that now used, 76.
what it consists, 190. Historical account of the materials used
Unities, dramatic, the advantages of ad- to receive writing, 77. General remarks,
hering to, 511. Why the moderns are ibid. See Grammar.
less restricted to the unities of time and Y.
place than the ancients, 518. Young, Dr. his poetical character, 167-
Voice, the powers of, to be studied in pub- Too fond of antithesis, 188. The merit
lic speaking, 366. of his works examined, 451. His cha-
Voiture, character of his epistolary wri- racter as a tragic poet, 532
tings, 416.

THE END-