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opinion, when I confider the vague manner in which he has ex- 

 prelled himfelf on this fubjed :—" If it be afked," fays he, 

 " what are the proper fources of the fublime? I anfwer, they are 

 " to be found every where in nature." Here, when we look for 

 fome definite rules for our guidance, our thoughts are thrown 

 loofe upon the world. In truth I cannot fo far fee the virtue of 

 this univerfal rule, as to adopt it haftily, to the exclufion of a 

 great and important part of that admirable work of Longinus ; 

 in which, although he fometimes departs from his original defign, 

 and adduces inftances rather of good compofition at large, yet 

 the principles are for the moft part in my opinion perfedly juft, 

 and his illuftrations of them truly fublime. 



