On Tragical Representations. 345 
riched by grandeur of sentiment, by every ex- 
hibition of mind which is fitted to interest a 
fellow mind ;. but still it must be a picture. When 
this is conducted by a masterly artist ; it is then 
that all yield to the genius of tragedy; we feel 
that there is an eloquence in the exhibition of 
virtuous distress, suffering from the incidents of 
our natures, from the pardonable errors of hu- 
man judgment, from the follies or vices of others, 
or under the iron hand of oppression and cru- 
elty, which mocks all the power of wisdom to 
equal; which the lettered and the polished can 
no more resist than the most uncultivated child 
of nature. And this eloquence is the instrument 
of a wise providence, whereby he forms and 
fashions our hearts according to what’ he designs 
and approves, and calls forth those benevolent 
affections which move not at the voice of reason 
and calm philosophy. 
