it more readily engages the generality of readers, as partaking more of the air of conversation; and, especially with the assistance of rhyme, leads to a closer and more concise expression. Add to this the example of the most perfect of modern poets, who has so happily applied this manner to the noblest parts of philosophy, that the public taste is in a great measure formed to it alone. Yet, after all, the subject before us, tending almost constantly to admiration and enthusiasm, seemed rather to demand a more open, pathetic, and figured style. This, too, appeared more natural; as the author's aim was not so much to give formal precepts, or enter into the way of direct argumentation, as, by exhibiting the most engaging prospects of nature, to enlarge and harmonize the imagination, and by that means insensibly dispose the minds of men to a similar taste and habit of thinking in religion, morals, and civil life. 'Tis on this account that he is so careful to point out the benevolent intention of the Author of nature in every principle of the human constitution here insisted on, and also to unite the moral excellencies of life in the same point of view with the mere external objects of good taste; thus recommending them in common to our natural propensity for admiring what is beautiful and lovely. The same views have also led him to introduce some sentiments which may perhaps be looked upon as not quite direct to the subject; but, since they bear an obvious relation to it, the authority of Virgil, the faultless model of didactic poetry, will best support him in this particular. For the sentiments themselves he makes no apology. BOOK I. ARGUMENT. THE subject proposed. Difficulty of treating it poetically. The ideas of the Divine Mind, the origin of every quality pleasing to the imagination. The natural variety of constitution in the minds of men, with its final cause. The idea of a fine imagination, and the state of the mind in the enjoyment of those pleasures which it affords All the primary pleasures of the imagination result from the perception of greatness or wonderfulness or beauty in objects. The pleasure from greatness, with its final cause. Pleasure from novelty or wonderfulness, with its final cause. Pleasure from beauty, with its final cause. The connection of beauty with truth and good, applied to the conduct of life. Invitation to the study of moral philosophy. The different degrees of beauty in different species of objects: colour, shape, natural concretes, vegetables, animals, the mind. The sublime, the fair, the wonderful of the mind. The connection of the imagination and the moral faculty. sion. Conclu WITH what attractive charms this goodly frame Your gifts, your honours, dance around my strain. r Let Fiction come, upon her vagrant wings 20 She blends and shifts at will, thro' countless forms, Be present, all ye Genii, who conduct The wandering footsteps of the youthful bard, Oft have the laws of each poetic strain Obscure, to conquer the severe ascent Of high Parnassus. Nature's kindling breath High as the summit; there to breathe at large 80 40 Immortal sons of praise. These flattering scenes, To this neglected labour court my song; ? Yet not unconscious what a doubtful task Give colour, strength, and motion. But the love Untasted springs, to drink inspiring draughts, 3C From Heaven my strains begin; from Heaven descends The flame of genius to the human breast, And love, and beauty, and poetic joy, And inspiration. Ere the radiant sun Sprang from the east, or 'mid the vault of night e The radiant sun, the moon's nocturnal lamp, 70 "fate's unbroken chain' Unfolded into being. Hence the breath Of life informing each organic frame, Hence the green earth, and wild resounding waves; But not alike to every mortal eye Is this great scene unveil'd. For since the claims 81 The active powers of man, with wise intent Imprints a different bias, and to each 90 To some she taught the fabric of the sphere, In balmy tears. But some, to higher hopes Were destin'd; some within a finer mould She wrought, and temper'd with a purer flame. The world's harmonious volume, there to read 100 |