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been a law rather of nature than of artificial critlcifm to the 

 fublimeft writers in the world ? Can there be a doubt that the 

 fame conception fhall have different effeds, according as the 

 language in which it is clothed is mean or grand, and as 

 the arrangement is weak, vague and fpiritlefs, or clofe, 

 ftrong and animated ? An idea naturally fublime might not 

 perhaps lofe its whole fublimity under the moft wretched dif- 

 guife, yet it cannot be denied that fuch a difguife would con-, 

 fiderably impair its grandeur; and therefore the precepts given 

 under the heads of didion and arrangement are of material 

 import. Nor do they feem lefs neceffary to fublime compofition 

 than to any other fpecies of good writing : It is the perfedion 

 of human genius; and every circumftance which can heighten 

 or obfcure its glory becomes of interefting moment. - Where 

 Majefty appears, we exped to find a fuitable pomp and dignity 

 furround the throne. A fingle example may ferve to illuflrate 

 what has been advanced : Let it be taken from that fublime 

 paffage in the 6th book of Milton, where the Son of God is 

 defcribed coming forth in his chariot againft the rebel angels : 



Under his burning wheels 

 The ftedfafl Empyrean fliook throughout, 

 All but the throne itfelf of God. 



See now how the great fublime of this paffage will fink, 

 though we fhould preferve the thought, and make little other 

 change befide in the ajrangement: 



Except the throne of God, 

 All the firm Heav'n beneath his heated wheels 

 Did {hake throughout. 



If 



