[ St ] 



only in fubfervicnce to this, which therefore it mufl never be 

 fufFered to counterad. Thus in real life we fcarcely ever fee 

 any train of events uniformly tending to one end, without the 

 intervention of others, between which and that end there fubfifts 

 no neceffary connexion. Yet the unity of a£lion ought always 

 to be maintained by the dramatic poet ; becaufe the human 

 mind is mofl: powerfully interefted, when the force of all its 

 faculties is concentered in a fingle objed. Shakcfpear has often 

 deviated from this rule, and abounds with faults ; but feldom 

 deviates from nature, and therefore abounds with beauties. Hence 

 many even of his faults carry that charm along with them, which 

 more than atones for their imperfedion. 



But Ariel is now introduced again, in the execution of 

 Profpero's commiffion ; drawing Ferdinand to the fight of Miranda 

 by the found of aerial mufic. She, accuftomed to the appearance 

 of fpirits under various forms, naturally fuppofes that a figure 

 uncommonly beautiful is not human j yet his appearance is fo 

 interefting that flie plainly wifhes her conjedure may be falfe. 



« What is't ? Affirit ? 



" Believe me, Sir, 



«« It carries a brave form — but 'th affsrit" 



The natural fimplicity of Miranda's charafler is uniformly main- 

 tained. She attempts not to diffemble the partiality which flie 

 feels for Ferdinand. It is a falfe refinement that will ufe a veil 

 where there is nothing which deferves concealment. Profpero's 

 feeming oppofition to a connexion which he wifhed to bring 

 about, is founded on the jufteft obfervation of nature. Difiiculties 



(G 2) in 



