Thegreatestmoderncriticshavelaiditdownasarulethatanheroicpoemshouldbefoundeduponsomeimportantpreceptofmoralityadaptedtotheconstitutionofthecountryinwhichthepoetwrites。HomerandVirgilhaveformedtheirplansinthisview。
　　AsGreecewasacollectionofmanygovernments，whosufferedverymuchamongthemselves，andgavethePersianemperor，whowastheircommonenemy，manyadvantagesoverthembytheirmutualjealousiesandanimosities，Homer，inordertoestablishamongthemanunionwhichwassonecessaryfortheirsafety，groundshispoemuponthediscordsoftheseveralGrecianprinceswhowereengagedinaconfederacyagainstanAsiaticprince，andtheseveraladvantageswhichtheenemygainedbysuchdiscords。Atthetimethepoemwearenowtreatingofwaswritten，thedissensionsofthebarons，whowerethensomanypettyprinces，ranveryhigh，whethertheyquarrelledamongthemselvesorwiththeirneighbours，andproducedunspeakablecalamitiestothecountry。Thepoet，todetermenfromsuchunnaturalcontentions，describesabloodybattleanddreadfulsceneofdeath，occasionedbythemutualfeudswhichreignedinthefamiliesofanEnglishandScotchnobleman。Thathedesignedthisfortheinstructionofhispoemwemaylearnfromhisfourlastlines，inwhich，aftertheexampleofthemoderntragedians，hedrawsfromitapreceptforthebenefitofhisreaders：
　　Godsavetheking，andblessthelandInplenty，joy，andpeace;
　　Andgranthenceforththatfouldebate’Twixtnoblemenmaycease。
　　Thenextpointobservedbythegreatestheroicpoetshathbeentocelebratepersonsandactionswhichdohonourtotheircountry：
　　thusVirgil’sherowasthefounderofRome;Homer’saprinceofGreece;andforthisreasonValeriusFlaccusandStatius，whowerebothRomans，mightbejustlyderidedforhavingchosentheexpeditionoftheGoldenFleeceandtheWarsofThebesforthesubjectsoftheirepicwritings。
　　Thepoetbeforeushasnotonlyfoundoutaheroinhisowncountry，butraisesthereputationofitbyseveralbeautifulincidents。TheEnglisharethefirstwhotakethefieldandthelastwhoquitit。
　　TheEnglishbringonlyfifteenhundredtothebattle，theScotchtwothousand。TheEnglishkeepthefieldwithfifty-three，theScotchretirewithfifty-five;alltherestoneachsidebeingslaininbattle。ButthemostremarkablecircumstanceofthiskindisthedifferentmannerinwhichtheScotchandEnglishkingsreceivethenewsofthisfight，andofthegreatmen’sdeathswhocommandedinit：
　　ThisnewswasbroughttoEdinburgh，WhereScotland’skingdidreign，ThatbraveEarlDouglassuddenlyWaswithanarrowslain。
　　"Oheavynews！"KingJamesdidsay，"Scotlandcanwitnessbe，IhavenotanycaptainmoreOfsuchaccountashe。"
　　LiketidingstoKingHenrycame，Withinasshortaspace，ThatPercyofNorthumberlandWasslaininChevy-Chase。
　　"NowGodbewithhim，"saidourking，"Sith’twillnobetterbe，ItrustIhavewithinmyrealmFivehundredasgoodashe。
　　"YetshallnotScotnorScotlandsayButIwillvengeancetake，AndberevengedonthemallForbraveLordPercy’ssake。"
　　ThisvowfullwellthekingperformedAfteronHumble-down，Inonedayfiftyknightswereslain，Withlordsofgreatrenown。
　　AndoftherestofsmallaccountDidmanythousandsdie，&c。
　　Atthesametimethatourpoetshowsalaudablepartialitytohiscountrymen，herepresentstheScotsafteramannernotunbecomingsoboldandbraveapeople：
　　EarlDouglasonamilk-whitesteed，Mostlikeabaronbold，Rodeforemostofthecompany，Whosearmourshonelikegold。
　　Hissentimentsandactionsareeverywaysuitabletoahero。"Oneofustwo，"sayshe，"mustdie：Iamanearlaswellasyourself，sothatyoucanhavenopretenceforrefusingthecombat;however，"
　　sayshe，"itispity，andindeedwouldbeasin，thatsomanyinnocentmenshouldperishforoursakes：ratherletyouandIendourquarrelinsinglefight："
　　"ErethusIwillout-bravedbe，Oneofustwoshalldie;
　　Iknowtheewell，anearlthouart，LordPercy，soamI。
　　"Buttrustme，Percy，pityitwereAndgreatoffencetokillAnyoftheseourharmlessmen，Fortheyhavedonenoill。
　　"LetthouandIthebattletry，Andsetourmenaside。"
　　"Accurstbehe，"LordPercysaid，"Bywhomthisisdeny’d。"
　　Whenthesebravemenhaddistinguishedthemselvesinthebattleandinsinglecombatwitheachother，inthemidstofagenerousparley，fullofheroicsentiments，theScotchearlfalls，andwithhisdyingwordsencourageshismentorevengehisdeath，representingtothem，asthemostbittercircumstanceofit，thathisrivalsawhimfall：
　　WiththattherecameanarrowkeenOutofanEnglishbow，WhichstruckEarlDouglastotheheartAdeepanddeadlyblow。
　　Whoneverspokemorewordsthanthese，"Fighton，mymerrymenall，Forwhy，mylifeisatanend，LordPercyseesmyfall。"
　　Merrymen，inthelanguageofthosetimes，isnomorethanacheerfulwordforcompanionsandfellow-soldiers。ApassageintheeleventhbookofVirgil’s"AEneid"isverymuchtobeadmired，whereCamilla，inherlastagonies，insteadofweepingoverthewoundshehadreceived，asonemighthaveexpectedfromawarriorofhersex，considersonly，liketheheroofwhomwearenowspeaking，howthebattleshouldbecontinuedafterherdeath：
　　Tumsicexspirans，&c。
　　VIRG。，AEn。xi。820。
　　Agath’ringmisto’ercloudshercheerfuleyes;
　　Andfromhercheekstherosycolourflies，Thenturnstoher，whomofherfemaletrainShetrustedmost，andthusshespeakswithpain：
　　"Acca，’tispast！heswimsbeforemysight，InexorableDeath，andclaimshisright。
　　BearmylastwordstoTurnus;flywithspeedAndbidhimtimelytomychargesucceed;
　　RepeltheTrojans，andthetownrelieve：
　　Farewell。"
　　DRYDEN。
　　Turnusdidnotdieinsoheroicamanner，thoughourpoetseemstohavehadhiseyeuponTurnus’sspeechinthelastverse：
　　LordPercyseesmyfall-
　　Vicisti，etvictumtenderepalmasAusoniividere。
　　VIRG。，AEn。xii。936。
　　TheLatinchiefshaveseenmebegmylife。
　　DRYDEN。
　　EarlPercy’slamentationoverhisenemyisgenerous，beautiful，andpassionate。Imustonlycautionthereadernottoletthesimplicityofthestyle，whichonemaywellpardoninsooldapoet，prejudicehimagainstthegreatnessofthethought：
　　Thenleavinglife，EarlPercytookThedeadmanbythehand，Andsaid，"EarlDouglas，forthylifeWouldIhadlostmyland。
　　"OChrist！myveryheartdothbleedWithsorrowforthysake;
　　ForsureamorerenownedknightMischancedidnevertake。"
　　Thatbeautifulline，"Takingthedeadmanbythehand，"willputthereaderinmindofAEneas’sbehaviourtowardsLausus，whomhehimselfhadslainashecametotherescueofhisagedfather：
　　Atveroutvultumviditmorientisetora，OramodisAnchisiadespallentiamiris;
　　Ingemuit，miseransgraviter，dextramqnetetendit。
　　VIRG。，AEn。x。821。
　　ThepiousprincebeheldyoungLaususdead;
　　Hegrieved，hewept，thengraspedhishandandsaid，"Poorhaplessyouth！whatpraisescanbepaidToworthsogreat？"
　　DRYDEN。
　　Ishalltakeanotheropportunitytoconsidertheotherpartsofthisoldsong。
　　NEXTESSAY-
　　Pendentoperainterrupta。
　　VIRG。，AEn。iv。88。
　　Theworksunfinishedandneglectedlie。
　　InmylastMonday’spaperIgavesomegeneralinstancesofthosebeautifulstrokeswhichpleasethereaderintheoldsongof"Chevy-
　　Chase;"Ishallhere，accordingtomypromise，bemoreparticular，andshowthatthesentimentsinthatballadareextremelynaturalandpoetical，andfullofthemajesticsimplicitywhichweadmireinthegreatestoftheancientpoets：forwhichreasonIshallquoteseveralpassagesofit，inwhichthethoughtisaltogetherthesamewithwhatwemeetinseveralpassagesofthe"AEneid;"notthatI
　　wouldinferfromthencethatthepoet，whoeverhewas，proposedtohimselfanyimitationofthosepassages，butthathewasdirectedtothemingeneralbythesamekindofpoeticalgenius，andbythesamecopyingsafternature。
　　Hadthisoldsongbeenfilledwithepigrammaticalturnsandpointsofwit，itmightperhapshavepleasedthewrongtasteofsomereaders;butitwouldneverhavebecomethedelightofthecommonpeople，norhavewarmedtheheartofSirPhilipSidneylikethesoundofatrumpet;itisonlynaturethatcanhavethiseffect，andpleasethosetasteswhicharethemostunprejudiced，orthemostrefined。Imust，however，begleavetodissentfromsogreatanauthorityasthatofSirPhilipSidney，inthejudgmentwhichhehaspassedastotherudestyleandevilapparelofthisantiquatedsong;forthereareseveralpartsinitwherenotonlythethoughtbutthelanguageismajestic，andthenumberssonorous;atleasttheapparelismuchmoregorgeousthanmanyofthepoetsmadeuseofinQueenElizabeth’stime，asthereaderwillseeinseveralofthefollowingquotations。
　　Whatcanbegreaterthaneitherthethoughtortheexpressioninthatstanza，TodrivethedeerwithhoundandhornEarlPercytookhisway;
　　ThechildmayruethatisunbornThehuntingofthatday！
　　Thiswayofconsideringthemisfortuneswhichthisbattlewouldbringuponposterity，notonlyonthosewhowerebornimmediatelyafterthebattle，andlosttheirfathersinit，butonthosealsowhoperishedinfuturebattleswhichtooktheirrisefromthisquarrelofthetwoearls，iswonderfullybeautifulandconformabletothewayofthinkingamongtheancientpoets。
　　Audietpugnasvitioparentum。
　　Rarajuventus。
　　HOR。，Od。i。2，23。
　　Posterity，thinn’dbytheirfathers’crimes，Shallread，withgrief，thestoryoftheirtimes。
　　Whatcanbemoresoundingandpoetical，orresemblemorethemajesticsimplicityoftheancients，thanthefollowingstanzas？——
　　ThestoutEarlofNorthumberlandAvowtoGoddidmake，HispleasureintheScottishwoodsThreesummer’sdaystotake。
　　Withfifteenhundredbowmenbold，Allchosenmenofmight，Whoknewfullwell，intimeofneed，Toaimtheirshaftsaright。
　　ThehoundsranswiftlythroughthewoodsThenimbledeertotake，AndwiththeircriesthehillsanddalesAnechoshrilldidmake-
　　VocatingenticlamoreCithaeron，Taygetiquecanes，domitrixqueEpidaurusequorum：
　　Etvoxassensumemorumingeminataremugit。
　　VIRG。，Georg。iii。43。
　　Cithaeronloudlycallsmetomyway：
　　Thyhounds，Taygetus，open，andpursuetheirprey：
　　HighEpidaurusurgesonmyspeed，Famedforhishills，andforhishorses’breed：
　　Fromhillsanddalesthecheerfulcriesrebound：
　　ForEchohuntsalong，andpropagatesthesound。
　　DRYDEN。
　　Lo，yonderdothEarlDouglascome，Hismeninarmourbright;
　　FulltwentyhundredScottishspears，Allmarchinginoursight。
　　AllmenofpleasantTividale，FastbytheriverTweed，&c。
　　ThecountryoftheScotchwarrior，describedinthesetwolastverses，hasafineromanticsituation，andaffordsacoupleofsmoothwordsforverse。IfthereadercomparestheforegoingsixlinesofthesongwiththefollowingLatinverses，hewillseehowmuchtheyarewritteninthespiritofVirgil：
　　Adversicampoapparent：hastasquereductisProtenduntlongedextris，etspiculavibrant：-
　　QuiquealtumPraenesteviri，quiquearvaGabinaeJunonis，gelidumqueAnienem，etroscidarivisHernicasaxacolunt：-quirosearuraVelini;
　　QuiTetricaehorrentesrupes，montemqueSeverum，Casperiamquecolunt，porulosqueetflumenHimellae：
　　QuiTyberimFabarimquebibunt。
　　AEn。xi。605，vii。682，712。
　　Advancinginalinetheycouchtheirspears——-
　　Praenestesendsachosenband，WiththosewhoploughSaturnia’sGabineland：
　　BesidesthesuccourswhichcoldAnienyields：
　　TherocksofHernicus——besidesabandThatfollowedfromVelinum’sdewyland-
　　AndmountaineersthatfromSeveruscame：
　　AndfromthecraggycliffsofTetrica;
　　AndthosewhereyellowTibertakeshisway，AndwhereHimella’swantonwatersplay：
　　Casperiasendsherarms，withthosethatlieByFabaris，andfruitfulForuli。
　　DRYDEN。
　　Buttoproceed：
　　EarlDouglasonamilk-whitesteed，Mostlikeabaronbold，Rodeforemostofthecompany，Whosearmourshonelikegold。
　　Turnus，utantevolanstardumpraecesseratagmen，&c。
　　Vidisti，quoTurnusequo，quibusibatinarmisAurcus——AEn。ix。47，269。
　　OurEnglisharchersbenttheirbows，Theirheartsweregoodandtrue;
　　Atthefirstflightofarrowssent，FullthreescoreScotstheyslew。
　　Theyclosedfullfastonev’ryside，Noslacknesstherewasfound;
　　AndmanyagallantgentlemanLaygaspingontheground。
　　WiththattherecameanarrowkeenOutofanEnglishbow，WhichstruckEarlDouglastotheheart，Adeepanddeadlyblow。
　　AEneaswaswoundedafterthesamemannerbyanunknownhandinthemidstofaparley。
　　Hasintervoces，mediaintertaliaverba，Eccevirostridensalisallapsasagittaest，Incertumquapulsamanu——AEn。xii。318。
　　Thus，whilehespake，unmindfulofdefence，Awingedarrowstruckthepiousprince;
　　Butwhetherfromahumanhanditcame，Orhostilegod，isleftunknownbyfame。
　　DRYDEN。
　　Butofallthedescriptivepartsofthissong，therearenonemorebeautifulthanthefourfollowingstanzas，whichhaveagreatforceandspiritinthem，andarefilledwithverynaturalcircumstances。
　　Thethoughtinthethirdstanzawasnevertouchedbyanyotherpoet，andissuchaoneaswouldhaveshoneinHomerorinVirgil：
　　Sothusdidboththesenoblesdie，Whosecouragenonecouldstain;
　　AnEnglisharcherthenperceivedThenobleEarlwasslain。
　　Hehadabowbentinhishand，Madeofatrustytree，Anarrowofacloth-yardlongUntotheheaddrewhe。
　　AgainstSirHughMontgomerySorighthisshaftheset，Thegray-goosewingthatwasthereonInhisheart-bloodwaswet。
　　ThisfightdidlastfrombreakofdayTillsettingofthesun;
　　Forwhentheyrungtheev’ningbellThebattlescarcewasdone。
　　Onemayobserve，likewise，thatinthecatalogueoftheslain，theauthorhasfollowedtheexampleofthegreatestancientpoets，notonlyingivingalonglistofthedead，butbydiversifyingitwithlittlecharactersofparticularpersons。
　　AndwithEarlDouglastherewasslainSirHughMontgomery，SirCharlesCarrel，thatfromthefieldOnefootwouldneverfly。
　　SirCharlesMurrelofRatclifftoo，Hissister’ssonwashe;
　　SirDavidLambsowellesteem’d，Yetsavedcouldnotbe。
　　Thefamiliarsoundinthesenamesdestroysthemajestyofthedescription;forthisreasonIdonotmentionthispartofthepoembuttoshowthenaturalcastofthoughtwhichappearsinit，asthetwolastverseslookalmostlikeatranslationofVirgil-
　　CaditetRipheusjustissimusunusQuifuitinTeucrisetservantissimusaequi。
　　Diisalitervisum。
　　AEn。ii。426。
　　ThenRipheusfellintheunequalfight，Justofhisword，observantoftheright：
　　Heav’nthoughtnotso。
　　DRYDEN。
　　InthecatalogueoftheEnglishwhofell，Witherington’sbehaviourisinthesamemannerparticularisedveryartfully，asthereaderispreparedforitbythataccountwhichisgivenofhiminthebeginningofthebattle;thoughIamsatisfiedyourlittlebuffoonreaders，whohaveseenthatpassageridiculedin"Hudibras，"willnotbeabletotakethebeautyofit：forwhichreasonIdarenotsomuchasquoteit。
　　Thensteptagallant’squireforth，Witheringtonwashisname，Whosaid，"IwouldnothaveittoldToHenryourkingforshame，"Thate’ermycaptainfoughtonfoot，AndIstoodlookingon。"
　　WemeetwiththesameheroicsentimentinVirgil：
　　Nonpudet，ORutuli，cunctisprotalibusunamObjectareanimam？numeroneanviribusaequiNonsumus？
　　AEn。xii。229
　　Forshame，Rutilians，canyouhearthesightOfoneexposedforall，insinglefight？
　　Canwebeforethefaceofheav’nconfessOurcouragecolder，orournumbersless？
　　DRYDEN。
　　Whatcanbemorenatural，ormoremoving，thanthecircumstancesinwhichhedescribesthebehaviourofthosewomenwhohadlosttheirhusbandsonthisfatalday？
　　NextdaydidmanywidowscomeTheirhusbandstobewail;
　　Theywash’dtheirwoundsinbrinishtears，Butallwouldnotprevail。
　　Theirbodiesbathedinpurpleblood，Theyborewiththemaway;
　　Theykiss’dthemdeadathousandtimes，Whentheywerecladinclay。
　　Thusweseehowthethoughtsofthispoem，whichnaturallyarisefromthesubject，arealwayssimple，andsometimesexquisitelynoble;thatthelanguageisoftenverysounding，andthatthewholeiswrittenwithatruepoeticalspirit。
　　IfthissonghadbeenwrittenintheGothicmannerwhichisthedelightofallourlittlewits，whetherwritersorreaders，itwouldnothavehitthetasteofsomanyages，andhavepleasedthereadersofallranksandconditions。IshallonlybegpardonforsuchaprofusionofLatinquotations;whichIshouldnothavemadeuseof，butthatIfearedmyownjudgmentwouldhavelookedtoosingularonsuchasubject，hadnotIsupporteditbythepracticeandauthorityofVirgil。
　　ADREAMOFTHEPAINTERS-
　　Animumpicturapascitinani。
　　VIRG。，AEn。i。464。
　　Andwiththeshadowypicturefeedshismind。
　　Whentheweatherhindersmefromtakingmydiversionswithout-doors，Ifrequentlymakealittleparty，withtwoorthreeselectfriends，tovisitanythingcuriousthatmaybeseenundercover。Myprincipalentertainmentsofthisnaturearepictures，insomuchthatwhenIhavefoundtheweathersetintobeverybad，Ihavetakenawholeday’sjourneytoseeagallerythatisfurnishedbythehandsofgreatmasters。Bythismeans，whentheheavensarefilledwithclouds，whentheearthswimsinrain，andallnaturewearsaloweringcountenance，Iwithdrawmyselffromtheseuncomfortablescenes，intothevisionaryworldsofart;whereImeetwithshininglandscapes，gildedtriumphs，beautifulfaces，andallthoseotherobjectsthatfillthemindwithgayideas，anddispersethatgloominesswhichisapttohanguponitinthosedarkdisconsolateseasons。
　　Iwassomeweeksagoinacourseofthesediversions，whichhadtakensuchanentirepossessionofmyimaginationthattheyformedinitashortmorning’sdream，whichIshallcommunicatetomyreader，ratherasthefirstsketchandoutlinesofavision，thanasafinishedpiece。
　　IdreamtthatIwasadmittedintoalong，spaciousgallery，whichhadonesidecoveredwithpiecesofallthefamouspainterswhoarenowliving，andtheotherwiththeworksofthegreatestmastersthataredead。
　　Onthesideoftheliving，Isawseveralpersonsbusyindrawing，colouring，anddesigning。Onthesideofthedeadpainters，Icouldnotdiscovermorethanonepersonatwork，whowasexceedingslowinhismotions，andwonderfullyniceinhistouches。
　　Iwasresolvedtoexaminetheseveralartiststhatstoodbeforeme，andaccordinglyappliedmyselftothesideoftheliving。ThefirstIobservedatworkinthispartofthegallerywasVanity，withhishairtiedbehindhiminariband，anddressedlikeaFrenchman。Allthefaceshedrewwereveryremarkablefortheirsmiles，andacertainsmirkingairwhichhebestowedindifferentlyoneveryageanddegreeofeithersex。Thetoujoursgaiappearedeveninhisjudges，bishops，andPrivyCouncillors。Inaword，allhismenwerepetitsmaitres，andallhiswomencoquettes。Thedraperyofhisfigureswasextremelywellsuitedtohisfaces，andwasmadeupofalltheglaringcoloursthatcouldbemixedtogether;everypartofthedresswasinaflutter，andendeavouredtodistinguishitselfabovetherest。
　　OnthelefthandofVanitystoodalaboriousworkman，whoIfoundwashishumbleadmirer，andcopiedafterhim。HewasdressedlikeaGerman，andhadaveryhardnamethatsoundedsomethinglikeStupidity。
　　ThethirdartistthatIlookedoverwasFantasque，dressedlikeaVenetianscaramouch。Hehadanexcellenthandatchimera，anddealtverymuchindistortionsandgrimaces。Hewouldsometimesaffrighthimselfwiththephantomsthatflowedfromhispencil。Inshort，themostelaborateofhispieceswasatbestbutaterrifyingdream：
　　andonecouldsaynothingmoreofhisfinestfiguresthanthattheywereagreeablemonsters。
　　ThefourthpersonIexaminedwasveryremarkableforhishastyhand，whichlefthispicturessounfinishedthatthebeautyinthepicture，whichwasdesignedtocontinueasamonumentofittoposterity，fadedsoonerthaninthepersonafterwhomitwasdrawn。
　　Hemadesomuchhastetodespatchhisbusinessthatheneithergavehimselftimetocleanhispencilsnormixhiscolours。ThenameofthisexpeditiousworkmanwasAvarice。
　　NotfarfromthisartistIsawanotherofaquitedifferentnature，whowasdressedinthehabitofaDutchman，andknownbythenameofIndustry。Hisfigureswerewonderfullylaboured。Ifhedrewtheportraitureofaman，hedidnotomitasinglehairinhisface;ifthefigureofaship，therewasnotaropeamongthetacklethatescapedhim。Hehadlikewisehungagreatpartofthewallwithnight-pieces，thatseemedtoshowthemselvesbythecandleswhichwerelightedupinseveralpartsofthem;andweresoinflamedbythesunshinewhichaccidentallyfelluponthem，thatatfirstsightIcouldscarceforbearcryingout"Fire！"
　　Thefiveforegoingartistswerethemostconsiderableonthissidethegallery;therewereindeedseveralotherswhomIhadnottimetolookinto。Oneofthem，however，Icouldnotforbearobserving，whowasverybusyinretouchingthefinestpieces，thoughheproducednooriginalsofhisown。Hispencilaggravatedeveryfeaturethatwasbeforeovercharged，loadedeverydefect，andpoisonedeverycolourittouched。Thoughthisworkmandidsomuchmischiefonthesideoftheliving，heneverturnedhiseyetowardsthatofthedead。HisnamewasEnvy。
　　Havingtakenacursoryviewofonesideofthegallery，Iturnedmyselftothatwhichwasfilledbytheworksofthosegreatmastersthatweredead;whenimmediatelyIfanciedmyselfstandingbeforeamultitudeofspectators，andthousandsofeyeslookinguponmeatonce：forallbeforemeappearedsolikemenandwomen，thatI
　　almostforgottheywerepictures。Raphael’spicturesstoodinonerow，Titian’sinanother，GuidoRheni’sinathird。OnepartofthewallwaspeopledbyHannabalCarrache，anotherbyCorreggio，andanotherbyRubens。Tobeshort，therewasnotagreatmasteramongthedeadwhohadnotcontributedtotheembellishmentofthissideofthegallery。Thepersonsthatowedtheirbeingtotheseseveralmastersappearedallofthemtoberealandalive，anddifferedamongoneanotheronlyinthevarietyoftheirshapes，complexions，andclothes;sothattheylookedlikedifferentnationsofthesamespecies。
　　Observinganoldman，whowasthesamepersonIbeforementioned，astheonlyartistthatwasatworkonthissideofthegallery，creepingupanddownfromonepicturetoanother，andretouchingallthefinepiecesthatstoodbeforeme，Icouldnotbutbeveryattentivetoallhismotions。Ifoundhispencilwassoverylightthatitworkedimperceptibly，andafterathousandtouchesscarceproducedanyvisibleeffectinthepictureonwhichhewasemployed。
　　However，ashebusiedhimselfincessantly，andrepeatedtouchaftertouchwithoutrestorintermission，heworeoffinsensiblyeverylittledisagreeableglossthathunguponafigure。Healsoaddedsuchabeautifulbrowntotheshades，andmellownesstothecolours，thathemadeeverypictureappearmoreperfectthanwhenitcamefreshfromthemaster’spencil。Icouldnotforbearlookinguponthefaceofthisancientworkman，andimmediatelybythelonglockofhairuponhisforehead，discoveredhimtobeTime。
　　WhetheritwerebecausethethreadofmydreamwasatanendI
　　cannottell，but，uponmytakingasurveyofthisimaginaryoldman，mysleepleftme。
　　SPARETIME-
　　SpatiobreviSpemlongamreseces：dumloquimur，fugeritinvidaAEtas：carpediem，quamminimumcredulapostero。
　　HOR。，Od。i。11，6。
　　Thylengthen’dhopewithprudencebound，Proportion’dtotheflyinghour：
　　Whilethuswetalkincarelessease，Ourenviousminuteswingtheirflight;
　　Thenswiftthefleetingpleasureseize，Nortrustto-morrow’sdoubtfullight。
　　FRANCIS。
　　Weallofuscomplainoftheshortnessoftime，saithSeneca，andyethavemuchmorethanweknowwhattodowith。Ourlives，sayshe，arespenteitherindoingnothingatall，orindoingnothingtothepurpose，orindoingnothingthatweoughttodo。Wearealwayscomplainingourdaysarefew，andactingasthoughtherewouldbenoendofthem。Thatnoblephilosopherdescribedourinconsistencywithourselvesinthisparticular，byallthosevariousturnsofexpressionandthoughtswhicharepeculiartohiswritings。
　　Ioftenconsidermankindaswhollyinconsistentwithitselfinapointthatbearssomeaffinitytotheformer。Thoughweseemgrievedattheshortnessoflifeingeneral，wearewishingeveryperiodofitatanend。Theminorlongstobeofage，thentobeamanofbusiness，thentomakeupanestate，thentoarriveathonours，thentoretire。Thus，althoughthewholeoflifeisallowedbyeveryonetobeshort，theseveraldivisionsofitappearlongandtedious。Weareforlengtheningourspaningeneral，butwouldfaincontractthepartsofwhichitiscomposed。Theusurerwouldbeverywellsatisfiedtohaveallthetimeannihilatedthatliesbetweenthepresentmomentandnextquarter-day。Thepoliticianwouldbecontentedtolosethreeyearsinhislife，couldheplacethingsintheposturewhichhefanciestheywillstandinaftersucharevolutionoftime。Theloverwouldbegladtostrikeoutofhisexistenceallthemomentsthataretopassawaybeforethehappymeeting。Thus，asfastasourtimeruns，weshouldbeveryglad，inmostpartofourlives，thatitranmuchfasterthanitdoes。Severalhoursofthedayhanguponourhands，nay，wewishawaywholeyears;andtravelthroughtimeasthroughacountryfilledwithmanywildandemptywastes，whichwewouldfainhurryover，thatwemayarriveatthoseseverallittlesettlementsorimaginarypointsofrestwhicharedispersedupanddowninit。
　　Ifwedividethelifeofmostmenintotwentyparts，weshallfindthatatleastnineteenofthemaremeregapsandchasms，whichareneitherfilledwithpleasurenorbusiness。Idonot，however，includeinthiscalculationthelifeofthosemenwhoareinaperpetualhurryofaffairs，butofthoseonlywhoarenotalwaysengagedinscenesofaction;andIhopeIshallnotdoanunacceptablepieceofservicetothesepersons，ifIpointouttothemcertainmethodsforthefillinguptheiremptyspacesoflife。
　　ThemethodsIshallproposetothemareasfollow。
　　Thefirstistheexerciseofvirtue，inthemostgeneralacceptationoftheword。Thatparticularschemewhichcomprehendsthesocialvirtuesmaygiveemploymenttothemostindustrioustemper，andfindamaninbusinessmorethanthemostactivestationoflife。Toadvisetheignorant，relievetheneedy，comforttheafflicted，aredutiesthatfallinourwayalmosteverydayofourlives。Amanhasfrequentopportunitiesofmitigatingthefiercenessofaparty;
　　ofdoingjusticetothecharacterofadeservingman;ofsofteningtheenvious，quietingtheangry，andrectifyingtheprejudiced;
　　whichareallofthememploymentssuitedtoareasonablenature，andbringgreatsatisfactiontothepersonwhocanbusyhimselfinthemwithdiscretion。
　　Thereisanotherkindofvirtuethatmayfindemploymentforthoseretiredhoursinwhichwearealtogetherlefttoourselves，anddestituteofcompanyandconversation;ImeanthatintercourseandcommunicationwhicheveryreasonablecreatureoughttomaintainwiththegreatAuthorofhisbeing。ThemanwholivesunderanhabitualsenseoftheDivinepresence，keepsupaperpetualcheerfulnessoftemper，andenjoyseverymomentthesatisfactionofthinkinghimselfincompanywithhisdearestandbestoffriends。Thetimeneverliesheavyuponhim：itisimpossibleforhimtobealone。Histhoughtsandpassionsarethemostbusiedatsuchhourswhenthoseofothermenarethemostinactive。Henosoonerstepsoutoftheworldbuthisheartburnswithdevotion，swellswithhope，andtriumphsintheconsciousnessofthatPresencewhicheverywheresurroundshim;or，onthecontrary，poursoutitsfears，itssorrows，itsapprehensions，tothegreatSupporterofitsexistence。
　　Ihavehereonlyconsideredthenecessityofaman’sbeingvirtuous，thathemayhavesomethingtodo;butifweconsiderfurtherthattheexerciseofvirtueisnotonlyanamusementforthetimeitlasts，butthatitsinfluenceextendstothosepartsofourexistencewhichliebeyondthegrave，andthatourwholeeternityistotakeitscolourfromthosehourswhichwehereemployinvirtueorinvice，theargumentredoublesuponusforputtinginpracticethismethodofpassingawayourtime。
　　Whenamanhasbutalittlestocktoimprove，andhasopportunitiesofturningitalltogoodaccount，whatshallwethinkofhimifhesuffersnineteenpartsofittoliedead，andperhapsemployseventhetwentiethtohisruinordisadvantage？But，becausethemindcannotbealwaysinitsfervours，norstraineduptoapitchofvirtue，itisnecessarytofindoutproperemploymentsforitinitsrelaxations。
　　Thenextmethod，therefore，thatIwouldproposetofillupourtime，shouldbeusefulandinnocentdiversions。ImustconfessI
　　thinkitisbelowreasonablecreaturestobealtogetherconversantinsuchdiversionsasaremerelyinnocent，andhavenothingelsetorecommendthembutthatthereisnohurtinthem。Whetheranykindofgaminghaseventhusmuchtosayforitself，Ishallnotdetermine;butIthinkitisverywonderfultoseepersonsofthebestsensepassingawayadozenhourstogetherinshufflinganddividingapackofcards，withnootherconversationbutwhatismadeupofafewgamephrases，andnootherideasbutthoseofblackorredspotsrangedtogetherindifferentfigures。Wouldnotamanlaughtohearanyoneofthisspeciescomplainingthatlifeisshort？
　　Thestagemightbemadeaperpetualsourceofthemostnobleandusefulentertainments，wereitunderproperregulations。
　　Butthemindneverunbendsitselfsoagreeablyasintheconversationofawell-chosenfriend。Thereisindeednoblessingoflifethatisanywaycomparabletotheenjoymentofadiscreetandvirtuousfriend。Iteasesandunloadsthemind，clearsandimprovestheunderstanding，engendersthoughtsandknowledge，animatesvirtueandgoodresolutions，soothesandallaysthepassions，andfindsemploymentformostofthevacanthoursoflife。
　　Nexttosuchanintimacywithaparticularperson，onewouldendeavourafteramoregeneralconversationwithsuchasareabletoentertainandimprovethosewithwhomtheyconverse，whicharequalificationsthatseldomgoasunder。
　　Therearemanyotherusefulamusementsoflifewhichonewouldendeavourtomultiply，thatonemightonalloccasionshaverecoursetosomethingratherthansufferthemindtolieidle，orrunadriftwithanypassionthatchancestoriseinit。
　　Amanthathasatasteofmusic，painting，orarchitecture，islikeonethathasanothersense，whencomparedwithsuchashavenorelishofthosearts。Theflorist，theplanter，thegardener，thehusbandman，whentheyareonlyasaccomplishmentstothemanoffortune，aregreatreliefstoacountrylife，andmanywaysusefultothosewhoarepossessedofthem。
　　Butofallthediversionsoflife，thereisnonesopropertofillupitsemptyspacesasthereadingofusefulandentertainingauthors。ButthisIshallonlytouchupon，becauseitinsomemeasureinterfereswiththethirdmethod，whichIshallproposeinanotherpaper，fortheemploymentofourdead，inactivehours，andwhichIshallonlymentioningeneraltobethepursuitofknowledge。
　　NEXTESSAY-
　　HocestViverebis，vitapossepriorefrui。
　　MART。，Ep。x。23。
　　Thepresentjoysoflifewedoublytaste，Bylookingbackwithpleasuretothepast。
　　ThelastmethodwhichIproposedinmySaturday’spaper，forfilingupthoseemptyspacesoflifewhicharesotediousandburthensometoidlepeople，istheemployingourselvesinthepursuitofknowledge。IrememberMr。Boyle，speakingofacertainmineral，tellsusthatamanmayconsumehiswholelifeinthestudyofitwithoutarrivingattheknowledgeofallitsqualities。Thetruthofitis，thereisnotasinglescience，oranybranchofit，thatmightnotfurnishamanwithbusinessforlife，thoughitweremuchlongerthanitis。
　　Ishallnothereengageonthosebeatensubjectsoftheusefulnessofknowledge，norofthepleasureandperfectionitgivesthemind，noronthemethodsofattainingit，norrecommendanyparticularbranchofit;allwhichhavebeenthetopicsofmanyotherwriters;
　　butshallindulgemyselfinaspeculationthatismoreuncommon，andmaytherefore，perhaps，bemoreentertaining。
　　Ihavebeforeshownhowtheunemployedpartsoflifeappearlongandtedious，andshallhereendeavourtoshowhowthosepartsoflifewhichareexercisedinstudy，reading，andthepursuitsofknowledge，arelong，butnottedious，andbythatmeansdiscoveramethodoflengtheningourlives，andatthesametimeofturningallthepartsofthemtoouradvantage。
　　Mr。Lockeobserves，"Thatwegettheideaoftimeorduration，byreflectingonthattrainofideaswhichsucceedoneanotherinourminds：that，forthisreason，whenwesleepsoundlywithoutdreaming，wehavenoperceptionoftime，orthelengthofitwhilstwesleep;andthatthemomentwhereinweleaveofftothink，tillthemomentwebegintothinkagain，seemstohavenodistance。"Towhichtheauthoradds，"andsoIdoubtnotbutitwouldbetoawakingman，ifitwerepossibleforhimtokeeponlyoneideainhismind，withoutvariationandthesuccessionofothers;andweseethatonewhofixeshisthoughtsveryintentlyononething，soastotakebutlittlenoticeofthesuccessionofideasthatpassinhismindwhilstheistakenupwiththatearnestcontemplation，letsslipoutofhisaccountagoodpartofthatduration，andthinksthattimeshorterthanitis。"
　　Wemightcarrythisthoughtfurther，andconsideramanasononeside，shorteninghistimebythinkingonnothing，orbutafewthings;so，ontheother，aslengtheningit，byemployinghisthoughtsonmanysubjects，orbyentertainingaquickandconstantsuccessionofideas。Accordingly，MonsieurMalebranche，inhis"InquiryafterTruth，"whichwaspublishedseveralyearsbeforeMr。
　　Locke’sEssayon"HumanUnderstanding，"tellsus，"thatitispossiblesomecreaturesmaythinkhalfanhouraslongaswedoathousandyears;orlookuponthatspaceofdurationwhichwecallaminute，asanhour，aweek，amonth，orawholeage。"
　　ThisnotionofMonsieurMalebrancheiscapableofsomelittleexplanationfromwhatIhavequotedoutofMr。Locke;forifournotionoftimeisproducedbyourreflectingonthesuccessionofideasinourmind，andthissuccessionmaybeinfinitelyacceleratedorretarded，itwillfollowthatdifferentbeingsmayhavedifferentnotionsofthesamepartsofduration，accordingastheirideas，whichwesupposeareequallydistinctineachofthem，followoneanotherinagreaterorlessdegreeofrapidity。
　　ThereisafamouspassageintheAlcoran，whichlooksasifMahomethadbeenpossessedofthenotionwearenowspeakingof。ItistheresaidthattheAngelGabrieltookMahometoutofhisbedonemorningtogivehimasightofallthingsinthesevenheavens，inparadise，andinhell，whichtheprophettookadistinctviewof;
　　and，afterhavingheldninetythousandconferenceswithGod，wasbroughtbackagaintohisbed。Allthis，saystheAlcoran，wastransactedinsosmallaspaceoftime，thatMahometathisreturnfoundhisbedstillwarm，andtookupanearthenpitcher，whichwasthrowndownattheveryinstantthattheAngelGabrielcarriedhimaway，beforethewaterwasallspilt。
　　ThereisaveryprettystoryintheTurkishTales，whichrelatestothispassageofthatfamousimpostor，andbearssomeaffinitytothesubjectwearenowupon。AsultanofEgypt，whowasaninfidel，usedtolaughatthiscircumstanceinMahomet’slife，aswhatwasaltogetherimpossibleandabsurd：butconversingonedaywithagreatdoctorinthelaw，whohadthegiftofworkingmiracles，thedoctortoldhimhewouldquicklyconvincehimofthetruthofthispassageinthehistoryofMahomet，ifhewouldconsenttodowhatheshoulddesireofhim。Uponthisthesultanwasdirectedtoplacehimselfbyahugetubofwater，whichhedidaccordingly;andashestoodbythetubamidstacircleofhisgreatmen，theholymanbadehimplungehisheadintothewateranddrawitupagain。Thekingaccordinglythrusthisheadintothewater，andatthesametimefoundhimselfatthefootofamountainonthesea-shore。Thekingimmediatelybegantorageagainsthisdoctorforthispieceoftreacheryandwitchcraft;butatlength，knowingitwasinvaintobeangry，hesethimselftothinkonpropermethodsforgettingalivelihoodinthisstrangecountry。Accordinglyheappliedhimselftosomepeoplewhomhesawatworkinaneighbouringwood：thesepeopleconductedhimtoatownthatstoodatalittledistancefromthewood，where，aftersomeadventures，hemarriedawomanofgreatbeautyandfortune。Helivedwiththiswomansolongthathehadbyhersevensonsandsevendaughters。Hewasafterwardsreducedtogreatwant，andforcedtothinkofplyinginthestreetsasaporterforhislivelihood。Onedayashewaswalkingalonebythesea-
　　side，beingseizedwithmanymelancholyreflectionsuponhisformerandhispresentstateoflife，whichhadraisedafitofdevotioninhim，hethrewoffhisclotheswithadesigntowashhimself，accordingtothecustomoftheMahometans，beforehesaidhisprayers。
　　Afterhisfirstplungeintothesea，henosoonerraisedhisheadabovethewaterbuthefoundhimselfstandingbythesideofthetub，withthegreatmenofhiscourtabouthim，andtheholymanathisside。Heimmediatelyupbraidedhisteacherforhavingsenthimonsuchacourseofadventures，andbetrayedhimintosolongastateofmiseryandservitude;butwaswonderfullysurprisedwhenheheardthatthestatehetalkedofwasonlyadreamanddelusion;
　　thathehadnotstirredfromtheplacewherehethenstood;andthathehadonlydippedhisheadintothewater，andimmediatelytakenitoutagain。
　　TheMahometandoctortookthisoccasionofinstructingthesultanthatnothingwasimpossiblewithGod;andthatHe，withwhomathousandyearsarebutasoneday，can，ifHepleases，makeasingleday——nay，asinglemoment——appeartoanyofHiscreaturesasathousandyears。
　　IshallleavemyreadertocomparetheseEasternfableswiththenotionsofthosetwogreatphilosopherswhomIhavequotedinthispaper;andshallonly，bywayofapplication，desirehimtoconsiderhowwemayextendlifebeyonditsnaturaldimensions，byapplyingourselvesdiligentlytothepursuitofknowledge。
　　Thehoursofawisemanarelengthenedbyhisideas，asthoseofafoolarebyhispassions。Thetimeoftheoneislong，becausehedoesnotknowwhattodowithit;soisthatoftheother，becausehedistinguisheseverymomentofitwithusefuloramusingthoughts;
　　or，inotherwords，becausetheoneisalwayswishingitaway，andtheotheralwaysenjoyingit。
　　Howdifferentistheviewofpastlife，inthemanwhoisgrownoldinknowledgeandwisdom，fromthatofhimwhoisgrownoldinignoranceandfolly！Thelatterisliketheownerofabarrencountry，thatfillshiseyewiththeprospectofnakedhillsandplains，whichproducenothingeitherprofitableorornamental;theotherbeholdsabeautifulandspaciouslandscapedividedintodelightfulgardens，greenmeadows，fruitfulfields，andcanscarcecasthiseyeonasinglespotofhispossessionsthatisnotcoveredwithsomebeautifulplantorflower。
　　CENSURE。
　　Romulus，etLiberpater，etcumCastorePollux，Postingentiafacta，deorumintemplarecepti;
　　Dumterrashominumquecoluntgenus，asperabellaComponunt，agrosassignant，oppidacondunt;
　　PloraveresuisnonresponderefavoremSperatummeritis。
　　HOR。，Epist。ii。1，5。
　　MITATED。
　　EdwardandHenry，nowtheboastoffame，AndvirtuousAlfred，amoresacredname，Afteralifeofgeneroustoilsendured，TheGaulsubdued，orpropertysecured，Ambitionhumbled，mightycitiesstorm’d，Orlawsestablish’d，andtheworldreform’d;
　　ClosedtheirlongglorieswithasightofindTh’unwillinggratitudeofbasemankind。
　　POPE。
　　"Censure，"saysalateingeniousauthor，"isthetaxamanpaystothepublicforbeingeminent。"Itisafollyforaneminentmantothinkofescapingit，andaweaknesstobeaffectedwithit。Alltheillustriouspersonsofantiquity，andindeedofeveryageintheworld，havepassedthroughthisfierypersecution。Thereisnodefenceagainstreproachbutobscurity;itisakindofconcomitanttogreatness，assatiresandinvectiveswereanessentialpartofaRomantriumph。
　　Ifmenofeminenceareexposedtocensureononehand，theyareasmuchliabletoflatteryontheother。Iftheyreceivereproacheswhicharenotduetothem，theylikewisereceivepraiseswhichtheydonotdeserve。Inaword，themaninahighpostisneverregardedwithanindifferenteye，butalwaysconsideredasafriendoranenemy。Forthisreasonpersonsingreatstationshaveseldomtheirtruecharactersdrawntillseveralyearsaftertheirdeaths。Theirpersonalfriendshipsandenmitiesmustcease，andthepartiestheywereengagedinbeatanend，beforetheirfaultsortheirvirtuescanhavejusticedonethem。Whenwritershavetheleastopportunityofknowingthetruth，theyareinthebestdispositiontotellit。
　　Itisthereforetheprivilegeofposteritytoadjustthecharactersofillustriouspersons，andtosetmattersrightbetweenthoseantagonistswhobytheirrivalryforgreatnessdividedawholeageintofactions。WecannowallowCaesartobeagreatman，withoutderogatingfromPompey;andcelebratethevirtuesofCato，withoutdetractingfromthoseofCaesar。Everyonethathasbeenlongdeadhasadueproportionofpraiseallottedhim，inwhich，whilsthelived，hisfriendsweretooprofuse，andhisenemiestoosparing。
　　AccordingtoSirIsaacNewton’scalculations，thelastcometthatmadeitsappearance，in1680，imbibedsomuchheatbyitsapproachestothesun，thatitwouldhavebeentwothousandtimeshotterthanred-hotiron，haditbeenaglobeofthatmetal;andthatsupposingitasbigastheearth，andatthesamedistancefromthesun，itwouldbefiftythousandyearsincooling，beforeitrecovereditsnaturaltemper。Inthelikemanner，ifanEnglishmanconsidersthegreatfermentintowhichourpoliticalworldisthrownatpresent，andhowintenselyitisheatedinallitsparts，hecannotsupposethatitwillcoolagaininlessthanthreehundredyears。Insuchatractoftimeitispossiblethattheheatsofthepresentagemaybeextinguished，andourseveralclassesofgreatmenrepresentedundertheirpropercharacters。Someeminenthistorianmaythenprobablyarisethatwillnotwriterecentibusodiis，asTacitusexpressesit，withthepassionsandprejudicesofacontemporaryauthor，butmakeanimpartialdistributionoffameamongthegreatmenofthepresentage。
　　IcannotforbearentertainingmyselfveryoftenwiththeideaofsuchanimaginaryhistoriandescribingthereignofAnnetheFirst，andintroducingitwithaprefacetohisreader，thatheisnowenteringuponthemostshiningpartoftheEnglishstory。Thegreatrivalsinfamewillbethendistinguishedaccordingtotheirrespectivemerits，andshineintheirproperpointsoflight。Suchanone，saysthehistorian，thoughvariouslyrepresentedbythewritersofhisownage，appearstohavebeenamanofmorethanordinaryabilities，greatapplication，anduncommonintegrity：norwassuchanone，thoughofanoppositepartyandinterest，inferiortohiminanyoftheserespects。Theseveralantagonistswhonowendeavourtodepreciateoneanother，andarecelebratedortraducedbydifferentparties，willthenhavethesamebodyofadmirers，andappearillustriousintheopinionofthewholeBritishnation。Thedeservingman，whocannowrecommendhimselftotheesteemofbuthalfhiscountrymen，willthenreceivetheapprobationsandapplausesofawholeage。
　　Amongtheseveralpersonsthatflourishinthisgloriousreign，thereisnoquestionbutsuchafuturehistorian，asthepersonofwhomIamspeaking，willmakementionofthemenofgeniusandlearningwhohavenowanyfigureintheBritishnation。Formyownpart，Ioftenflattermyselfwiththehonourablementionwhichwillthenbemadeofme;andhavedrawnupaparagraphinmyownimagination，thatIfancywillnotbealtogetherunlikewhatwillbefoundinsomepageorotherofthisimaginaryhistorian。
　　Itwasunderthisreign，sayshe，thattheSpectatorpublishedthoselittlediurnalessayswhicharestillextant。Weknowverylittleofthenameorpersonofthisauthor，exceptonlythathewasamanofaveryshortface，extremelyaddictedtosilence，andsogreataloverofknowledge，thathemadeavoyagetoGrandCairofornootherreasonbuttotakethemeasureofapyramid。HischieffriendwasoneSirRogerDeCoverley，awhimsicalcountryknight，andaTemplar，whosenamehehasnottransmittedtous。Helivedasalodgeratthehouseofawidow-woman，andwasagreathumoristinallpartsofhislife。Thisisallwecanaffirmwithanycertaintyofhispersonandcharacter。Asforhisspeculations，notwithstandingtheseveralobsoletewordsandobscurephrasesoftheageinwhichhelived，westillunderstandenoughofthemtoseethediversionsandcharactersoftheEnglishnationinhistime：
　　notbutthatwearetomakeallowanceforthemirthandhumouroftheauthor，whohasdoubtlessstrainedmanyrepresentationsofthingsbeyondthetruth。Forifweinterprethiswordsintheirliteralmeaning，wemustsupposethatwomenofthefirstqualityusedtopassawaywholemorningsatapuppet-show;thattheyattestedtheirprinciplesbytheirpatches;thatanaudiencewouldsitoutaneveningtohearadramaticalperformancewritteninalanguagewhichtheydidnotunderstand;thatchairsandflower-potswereintroducedasactorsupontheBritishstage;thatapromiscuousassemblyofmenandwomenwereallowedtomeetatmidnightinmaskswithinthevergeoftheCourt;withmanyimprobabilitiesofthelikenature。Wemusttherefore，intheseandthelikecases，supposethattheseremotehintsandallusionsaimedatsomecertainfollieswhichweretheninvogue，andwhichatpresentwehavenotanynotionof。Wemayguessbyseveralpassagesinthespeculations，thattherewerewriterswhoendeavouredtodetractfromtheworksofthisauthor;butasnothingofthisnatureiscomedowntous，wecannotguessatanyobjectionsthatcouldbemadetohispaper。IfweconsiderhisstylewiththatindulgencewhichwemustshowtooldEnglishwriters，orifwelookintothevarietyofhissubjects，withthoseseveralcriticaldissertations，moralreflections，-
　　***
　　Thefollowingpartoftheparagraphissomuchtomyadvantage，andbeyondanythingIcanpretendto，thatIhopemyreaderwillexcusemefornotinsertingit。
　　THEENGLISHLANGUAGE。
　　Estbrevitateopus，utcurratsententia，HOR。，Sat。i。10，9。
　　Letbrevitydespatchtherapidthought。
　　IhavesomewherereadofaneminentpersonwhousedinhisprivateofficesofdevotiontogivethankstoHeaventhathewasbornaFrenchman：formyownpartIlookuponitasapeculiarblessingthatIwasbornanEnglishman。Amongmanyotherreasons，Ithinkmyselfveryhappyinmycountry，asthelanguageofitiswonderfullyadaptedtoamanwhoissparingofhiswords，andanenemytoloquacity。
　　AsIhavefrequentlyreflectedonmygoodfortuneinthisparticular，IshallcommunicatetothepublicmyspeculationsupontheEnglishtongue，notdoubtingbuttheywillbeacceptabletoallmycuriousreaders。
　　TheEnglishdelightinsilencemorethananyotherEuropeannation，iftheremarkswhicharemadeonusbyforeignersaretrue。Ourdiscourseisnotkeptupinconversation，butfallsintomorepausesandintervalsthaninourneighbouringcountries;asitisobservedthatthematterofourwritingsisthrownmuchclosertogether，andliesinanarrowercompass，thanisusualintheworksofforeignauthors;for，tofavourournaturaltaciturnity，whenweareobligedtoutterourthoughtswedoitintheshortestwayweareable，andgiveasquickabirthtoourconceptionsaspossible。
　　ThishumourshowsitselfinseveralremarksthatwemaymakeupontheEnglishlanguage。As，firstofall，byitsaboundinginmonosyllables，whichgivesusanopportunityofdeliveringourthoughtsinfewsounds。Thisindeedtakesofffromtheeleganceofourtongue，butatthesametimeexpressesourideasinthereadiestmanner，andconsequentlyanswersthefirstdesignofspeechbetterthanthemultitudeofsyllableswhichmakethewordsofotherlanguagesmoretuneableandsonorous。ThesoundsofourEnglishwordsarecommonlylikethoseofstringmusic，shortandtransient，whichriseandperishuponasingletouch;thoseofotherlanguagesarelikethenotesofwindinstruments，sweetandswelling，andlengthenedoutintovarietyofmodulation。
　　Inthenextplacewemayobservethat，wherethewordsarenotmonosyllables，weoftenmakethemso，asmuchasliesinourpower，byourrapidityofpronunciation;asitgenerallyhappensinmostofourlongwordswhicharederivedfromtheLatin，wherewecontractthelengthofthesyllables，thatgivesthemagraveandsolemnairintheirownlanguage，tomakethemmoreproperfordespatch，andmoreconformabletothegeniusofourtongue。Thiswemayfindinamultitudeofwords，as"liberty，""conspiracy，""theatre，""orator，"