, and polish the language; but I am
inclined to conclude that they will seldom rouse the passions, or amend
the heart.

And, to return to the first subject of discussion, the reason why most
people are more interested by a scene described by a poet, than by a
view of nature, probably arises from the want of a lively imagination.
The poet contracts the prospect, and, selecting the most picturesque part
in his _camera_, the judgment is directed, and the whole force of the
languid faculty turned towards the objects which excited the most
forcible emotions in the poet's heart; the reader consequently feels the
enlivened description, though he was not able to receive a first
impression from the operations of his own mind.

Besides, it may be further observed, that gross minds are only to be
moved by forcible representations. To rouse the thoughtless, objects must
be presented, calculated to produce tumultuous emotions; the
unsubstantial, picturesque forms which a contemplative man gazes on, and
often follows with ardour till he is mocked by a glimpse of unattainable
excellence, appear to them the light vapours of a dreaming enthusiast,
who gives up the substance for the shadow. It is not within that they
seek amusement; their eyes are seldom turned on themselves; consequently
their emotions, though sometimes fervid, are always transient, and the
nicer perceptions which distinguish the man of genuine taste, are not
felt, or make such a slight impression as scarcely to excite any
pleasurable sensations. Is it surprising then that they are often
overlooked, even by those who are delighted by the same images
concentrated by the poet?

But even this numerous class is exceeded, by witlings, who, anxious to
appear to have wit and taste, do not allow their understandings or
feelings any liberty; for, instead of cultivating their faculties and
reflecting on their operations, they are busy collecting prejudices; and
are predetermined to admire what the suffrage of time announces as
excellent, not to store up a fund of amusement for themselves, but to
enable them to talk.

These hints will assist the reader to trace some of the causes why the
beauties of nature are not forcibly felt, when civilization, or rather
luxury, has made considerable advances--those calm sensations are not
sufficiently lively to serve as a relaxation to the voluptuary, or even
to the moderate pursuer of artificial pleasures. In the present state of
society