Dwarf understandings, measuring others by their own standard, are apt to
think they see a monster, when they see a man.
And indeed it seems to be the amends which nature makes to those whom she
has not blessed with an elevation of mind, to indulge them in the
comfortable mistake, that all is wrong, which falls not within the narrow
limits of their own comprehensions and relish.
Judgment, indeed, that masculine power of the mind, in ode, as in all
compositions, should bear the supreme sway; and a beautiful imagination,
as its mistress, should be subdued to its dominion. Hence, and hence only,
can proceed the fairest offspring of the human mind.
But then in ode, there is this difference from other kinds of poetry;
that, there, the imagination, like a very beautiful mistress, is indulged
in the appearance of domineering; though the judgment, like an artful
lover, in reality carries its point; and the less it is suspected of it,
it shows the more masterly conduct, and deserves the greater commendation.
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