u 



as were the people of Ionia, much time will be devoted 

 to amusement; and men will cultivate the lighter strains 

 of poetry, particularly erotic poetry, and the softest and 

 most luxurious modes and measures of music. The acute 

 and subtle character of the Arabians, inflamed and subtil- 

 ized by the influence of a burning sun, under which they 

 lived, led them to intricate metaphysical disquisitions; 

 platonic conceits and refmements, in poetry; florid figures, 

 in eloquence; and elaborate conceits, and far-fetched or- 

 naments, in architecture. Here, then, is another aspect, 

 under which the political circumstances of countries are 

 to be considered, with respect to the growth and prospe- 

 rity of the Jine arts. 



We are not to consider those wonderful phenomena, the 

 poems of Homer, as forming an exception to the general 

 principles, which may be laid down, respecting the state 

 of the Jine arts, in a particular stage of society. They are 

 standing miracles, in the history of the human mind; since 

 they contain notices and views, poetic beauties, and va- 

 rious traits of refinement and knowledge, which should 

 seem to belong to a stage of society, much more advanced 

 and perfect, than that in which we know they were pro- 

 duced. Another aspect, under which the political circum- 

 stances of a country may be considered, is its influence, 

 with respect to morals. It is obvious, that certain forms 

 of government are most favourable to morals. For exam- 

 ple; the republican, the principle of which is virtue, incul- 

 cates strictness of morals, and a love of justice, with a 



B 2 spirit 



