That apparent order, and connexion, which gives form and life to some
compositions, takes away the very soul of this. Fire, elevation, and
select thought, are indispensable; an humble, tame, and vulgar ode is the
most pitiful error a pen can commit.
Musa dedit fidibus divos, puerosque deorum.
And as its subjects are sublime, its writer's genius should be so too;
otherwise it becomes the meanest thing in writing, viz. an involuntary
burlesque.
It is the genuine character, and true merit of the ode, a little to
startle some apprehensions. Men of cold complexions are very apt to
mistake a want of vigour in their imaginations, for a delicacy of taste in
their judgments; and, like persons of a tender sight, they look on bright
objects, in their natural lustre, as too glaring; what is most delightful
to a stronger eye, is painful to them. Thus Pindar, who has as much logic
at the bottom as Aristotle or Euclid, to some critics has appeared as mad;
and must appear so to all who enjoy no portion of his own divine spirit.
Pages:
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189