1792. Italian literature. 198 
event, has had upon many other subjects, literary and 
political. A similar effect is now experienced at 
Rome, from the influence of the doctrines of the 
society of Arcadia. For though the persons who form- 
ed that institution had no other object in view at the 
beginning, but to correct the errors of a false taste, 
by setting aside all deference to every authority in lite- 
rature, that was not supported by sound reason, and 
common sense ; yet it has been found that those who 
disregard mere authority in one case, will naturally 
suspect it ought not to be blindly submitted to im 
another. ‘The empire of reason is thus gradually ex~ 
tended ; and there can be no doubt but that that blind 
ignorance, which so long establifhed the reign. of bi- 
gotry in Europe, will in time be baniined from the 
earth ; and that mer will soom reason with as much 
freedom in Rome on every subject, as they now do 
in Britain. 
The inhabitants of Arcadia, a province of the Pe- 
Joponnesus, have always been considered as affording 
the purest pattern of the pastoral life. The tem- 
perature of the climate, the multiplicity of moun- 
tains, of woods, of rivers; the richnefs of their 
pastures, the abundance of cattle and flocks, the 
tranquil disposition of the people, their abhor- 
rence of war, and their love of music and poe- 
“try, to which they were accustomed from their 
youth ; their manners, customs, and even their laws, 
have all contributed to render them supremely emi- 
nent in this respect. Polybius gives us-a most pleas~ 
