On Tragical Representations. 337 
justration from facts, nor is it to be denied that 
the principles, to which he ascribes the whole, 
have their influence... But with less- attachment 
to.a pre-conceived, theory, it is, methinks, im- 
possible to avoid the discovery of the great master 
principle, evenin the very facts which he himself 
adduces, 
The notion of conversion, which he borrows 
from Fontenelle, is an arbitrary assumption ; 
and may be classed with the Cartesian notion of 
nature’s abhorrence of a yacuum. But if, by 
the delight of being moved be understood, that 
every passion of the soul delights in its proper 
exercise ; it is true that the mind of man will, 
under the impulse of any affection, be moved 
towards the object that is united to the affection. 
And it is also true, that rich imagery, strong 
expression, the harmony of numbers, and the 
charms of imitation, are all grateful. to the mind, 
independant of any end to which they are di- 
rected. It is to these that certain productions 
owe all their interest; but they are light auxi- 
liaries in the grander productions of tragedy, 
unless so far as they are necessary to the perfec- 
tion of the imitation ; without which there is no 
representation adapted to nature, and therefore 
nothing fitted to lay hold of the heart, 
What Mr. Hume intends by his reference to 
the deserted parent, is difficult to say ; when he 
