Page:The Iliad of Homer. Translated by James Macpherson, Esq. Volumes 1 to 3. 1818 to 1819.pdf/14



self-conceit, which is so disgustful in individuals, rises into a kind of virtue in nations. In the first, when not carefully concealed, it becomes an invariable mark of folly: In the latter, it is frequently an incentive to the more noble exertions of the human mind. Though the envy, which is almost inseparable from the nature of mankind, throws ever a cloud on the merit of their cotemporaries: There is scarce any people, that have not placed among their ancestors, persons who ascend in every human excellence, above the rest of the world. In the cabinet, in arms, in arts, in philosophy, in all the branches of literature, the petty state, as well as the potent empire, has, in its annals, a man who excels all other nations, and not be equalled by his own.

the department of poetry, there seems to be an exception from this general rule. The least impartial nations have contented themselves, with giving the second place, to the most favoured of their native