*55 



It is under the mild atmosphere of limited monarchs^ 

 where a variety of arts and professions exists, and, at the 

 same time, there is a great number of idle and dissipated 

 people; where the free sallies of humour and ridicule are 

 not only tolerated, but favoured, as sources of amuse- 

 ment; where luxury, idleness, and the desire of pleasure, 

 dispose men to intrigue, and to an indulgence of all their 

 whims and propensities; that the comic muse fixes her 

 abode. The free and sportive character of society and 

 conversation, the intercourse of the sexes, the volatile and 

 frivolous character and pursuits, which courts and their re- 

 tainers produce, and the free display of all the vanities 

 and humours of men, furnish abundant materials for come- 

 dy; while a splendid and well-frequented theatre, which is 

 always among the pleasurable establishments of a free mo- 

 narchy, encourages and rewards the display of her powers. 



It seems, then, that, if all other circumstances are equal, 

 a mixed monarchy should be favourable to more branches 

 of the fine arts, and produce greater perfection in them, 



than 



had their share of attraction in that of Solomon. In Ecclesiastes, he speaks 

 of music among the vain luxuries, and vexations of spirit, with which he found 

 himself satiated: " I got men singers, and women singers, and the delights 

 " of the sons of men, and musical instruments of all sorts." The poetical 

 parti of the Old Testament are sufficient to convince us, that poetry was car- 

 ried to a very high pitch of perfection, among the ancient Hebrews. The 

 description of the magnificence of Solomon, particularly of the structure of 

 the temple, and its embellishments and furniture, may convince us, that they 

 had carried architecture to an equal pitch of excellence. 



