57 



mocratic form, and the people, on tlie principle of re- 

 presentation, have such a share in the govei'nnient, such 

 an importance in the state, and are impressed with such 

 a sense of their own dignity, that it produces an inde- 

 pendent spirit, and an elevation of mind; while the splen- 

 dor of an imperial court diffuses the love of pleasure, and 

 the opulence of the merchant joins with the pomp and 

 expense of a wealthy nobility, to supply an ample en- 

 couragement to all the arts, that minister to luxury, plea- 

 sure and magnificence. 



When the great duke of Florence, Cosmo, . prevailed in 

 his schemes of ambition, and, under the affected simpli- 

 city of manners, and affectation of a love of equality, ren- 

 dered himself master of his country; we are not to ar- 

 gue with respect to a monarchy, nor yet with respect to a 

 republic, from what then took place at Florence. Though, 

 nominally, there was a republic; yet, in reality, a mo- 

 narchy Avas established: and, though single domination was 

 established, a strong free spirit remained. Hence we shall 

 find, in the admirable works of art and literature, which 

 Florence produced, something mixed, something that sa- 

 vours of the expense and magnificence of a monarchy, 

 and, at the same time, breathes the free and elated spi- 

 rit, and shews the noble and independent sentiments, pe- 

 culiar to a republic. 



I shall conclude this part of my Essay by observing, 

 that, as in various departments of nature and art, extremes 

 are found to meet; so it is, with respect to the influence 



VOL. X. H of 



