[ S7 ] 



of neo-ligence, yet we can feldom find the nnity of a fentencc 

 violated by ideas crowded together, or the fenfe obfcured by 

 an improper connection of claufes. Though, like his predecefTors, 

 he freqtiently ufes two words to_ expi'efs one idea, yet, in this 

 inftance, he is lefs faulty than they ; and, among the variations 

 introduced by him, we muft reckon a more flri(5l attention to 

 the choice of words, and more precifion in the ufe of them. 



Of figurative language Addifon has always been acknow- 

 ledged the mofl happy model. He was, indeed, the firft of the 

 Englifli profe writers who were equally excellent in the choice 

 and in the management of their figures. Of thofe who pre- 

 ceded him, it has been obferved that they were frequently 

 unhappy in both inftances ; that their metaphors either, were, fuch 

 as tended rather to degrade their fubjecSl than to give it dignity 

 and elevation ; or that when they were well chofen, they were 

 fpoilcd by the manner in which they were condudled, being 

 detained under the pen until their fpirit evaporated, or traced 

 until the likenefs vanifhed. Addifon avoided both faults : his 

 metaphors are feledted "with care and tafte, or rather feem to 

 fpring fpontaneoufly from his fubjedl ; they are exhibited to the 

 mind but for a moment that the leading traits of fimilitude may 

 be obferved while minute likenefles are difregarded — like thofe. 

 flaflies of eledric fire which often illumine a Summer's night, 

 they fhed a vivid, though a tranfient luftre, over the fcene, and 

 pleafe rather .by the brightnefs witli which they gild the profped 

 than the accuracy with which they fhew its beauties. 



Vol. VI. * ( H ) Should 



