Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/83

 to compare him, he had nothing to help him but Strength of Genius, assisted by Observation and Experience: He owns himself, that he had no Learning; and it is evident to any Man that reads his Writings. He flourished in a barbarous Age, and died just as Learning had crossed the Alpes, to get into France: So that he could not, by Conversation with Scholars, have those Defects which Learning cures, supplied. This is what cannot be said of the Thucydides's, Polybius's, Sallusts, Livies, and Tacitus's of Antiquity. Yet, with all these Disadvantages, to which this great one ought also to be added, That by the Monkish Books then in vogue, he might sooner be led out of the Way, than if he had none at all to peruse, his Stile is Masculine and significant; though diffuse, yet not tedious; even his Repetitions, which are not over-frequent, are diverting: His Digressions are wise, proper, and instructing: One sees a profound Knowledge of Mankind in every Observation that he makes; and that without Ill Nature, Pride, or Passion. Not to mention that peculiar Air of Impartiality, which runs through the whole Work; so that it is not easie to withdraw our Assent from every Thing which he says. To all which I need not