89 



the Monk,* and who, although they have fallen infinitely 

 short of him in genius and talents, have certainly much sur- 

 passed him in the method of conveying sentiments of virtue 

 and religion to inexperienced minds ! 



Before I take my leave of this class, I cannot help ex- 

 pressing some regret, that the species of fictitious history, 

 which, as it has been employed by Cervantes, appears to be 

 the safest, or least injurious method of entertaining by fic- 

 tion, has been almost entirely occupied by writers of the 

 basest principles, and loosest morals. For in other hands we 

 have sometimes seen that humour may possibly be accom- 

 panied by decency and morality ; that relaxation, if neces- 

 sary, may be aft'orded to the mind, without causing debi- 

 lity, and amusement without depravity ; and that the fancy 

 may be deliglvted, without any dangerous lesson being con-, 

 veyed to the heart. 



In entering upon that part of the subject, which involves 

 the consideration of sentimental novels, I am so impressed 

 with the conviction of the numerous evils that result from 

 them, that I am led to say, in the words of Tasso, to those^ 

 who have as yet escaped from their dangerous influence, 



" Guarda, cbe inal fato, 

 '' ^ • O giuvenal \ aghezza, noo ti ai^ni 



Ai n^aga^ino de k ciaocie, ah fuggi! , 



Fuggi quel' iucantato allpgiamento. 

 Qui\i habitan le Maghe, che incantando 

 Far traveder; e traudir ciascuna." ■ ; • ' 



* See particolatly in prodf of this, " Pursuits of Literet«re;" -Dial, iv, p. 8-40. 

 VOL. XII. N 



