[ 7^ ] 



their weary lethargy, iiito hyfterical laughter, or hyfterical tears, 

 by the farcical, or the horrid. — They fwallow, with gaping won- 

 der, the eccentric flights, the profane rants, the illuminated mora- 

 lity, the bombaftic didtion, of imported patch-work, from their 

 German favourites. 



Another caufe of the depravation of original tafte, and of the 

 inundation of tranflated works, which deluges the prefs and ftage, 

 may be found in the fmall difpofition towards the encouragement 

 of works of poetical genius and imagination, which is now but 

 too obfervable. Poetry, and all works, whofe prime and imme- 

 diate objedl is amufement, are undervalued by the falfe gravity, 

 and faflidious feverity of the prefent times ; and deprived of the 

 weight, to which they are really entitled, in the fcale of public 

 utility, and public eftimation. — Mathematical difcoveries, and the 

 fludy of nature, are purfued with eagernefs and fuccefs ; and bring 

 due honour to their profeffors. — Antiquarian refearches have more 

 than a due (hare of public attention — Critical purfuits, and claflic 

 learning, are ftill refpeded. The biographical part of hiftory, as 

 being conneded with the favourite fludy of antiquities, preferves 

 her palm. But it is obvious, that the mufes of the country are 

 configned to negled and contempt. This may be owing to the 

 predominant fway of avarice and ambition, which gives a particu- 

 lar bias of the mind, and inclines it to flight and contemn every 

 thing, which does not diredly and rapidly tend to profit and 



advancement. 



