Page:Four Dissertations - David Hume (1757).djvu/258

 was a dog in his forehead and a deer in his heart, or Jupiter threaten Juno with a sound drubbing, if she will not be quiet.

principles are also a blemish in any polite composition, when they rise up to superstition, and intrude themselves into every sentiment, however remote from any connection with religion. 'Tis no excuse for the poet, that the customs of his country had burthened life with so many religious ceremonies and observances, that no part of it was exempt from that yoak. It must be for ever ridiculous in Petrarch to compare his mistress, Laura, to Jesus Christ. Nor is it less ridiculous in that agreeable libertine, Boccace, very seriously to give thanks to God Almighty, and the ladies, for their assistance in defending him against his enemies.

P. 7. L. 13. r. set. P. 9. L. 12. r. be buried. P. 42. L. 5. r. conditions. P. 70. L. 4. from the Bottom, read foretel the issue. P. 116. L. 16. read corrupt.