Page:Virgil - The Georgics, Thomas Nevile, 1767.djvu/10

 for, as in the estimate of characters the showy anomalies of the giddy and dissolute are preferred by vulgar Observers to the silent consistencies of the sober and decent; just so the gross and gorgeous decorations of licentious composition operate more powerfully on common Readers, than the modest and elegant graces of exact writing.

A ready discernment of the more delicate and latent beauties presupposes long habit and reflexion, a refinement of our natural sensibility, and a knowledge of the laws, by which Judgment is directed: where these are wanting, an impatience for gratification is sure to betray the young Student into a fondness for whatever makes a quick and forcible impression: hence a passion for glare and glitter, tumour, and exuberance: hence, in a word, those corruptions, which, when recommended by reputable example, have been known to elude the judicious efforts of reforming Criticism.

It is with true taste as with sound morals; a timely study of the best Authors forms us to the one, as an early converse with the best Men trains us to the other. Rh