Page:Sarah Sheppard - L. E. L.pdf/85

 to the approval of excellence many who would shrink from studying precepts in the abstract, or duty in detail. By the term "Fiction" is simply meant the illustration, by example and graphic description, of the truths or qualities, feelings, sentiments or circumstances which the author intends to represent. Fiction is generally considered as opposed to truth, whereas it may become one of the best media for the communication of truth. Dr. Johnson, in his beautiful allegory of "Truth, Falsehood and Fiction," represents Truth as so repeatedly foiled in her contests with Falsehood, every intellect being so precluded by prejudice, and every heart so pre-occupied by passion, that, in the anger of disappointment, she petitions Jupiter to be called back to her native skies, and leave mankind to the disorder and misery which they deserved, by submitting willingly to the usurpation of her antagonist. Jupiter, compassionating mankind too much to grant her request, yet willing to ease her labours, recommends her to consult the Muses by what methods she might obtain an easier reception, and reign without the toil of incessant war. It was then discovered that she obstructed her own purposes by the severity of her aspect and the solemnity of her dictates, and that men would never willingly admit her till they ceased to fear her. Then the Muses wove in the loom of Pallas a loose and changeable robe, like that in which Falsehood captivated her admirers; with this they invested Truth, and named her Fiction. She now went out again to conquer with more success; for, when she demanded entrance of the Passions, they often mistook her for Falsehood, and delivered up their charge; but when she had once taken possession, she was soon disrobed by Reason, and shone