^2 chservailons on Watson's history. March 2Y2' 

 liar traits, wlilchmake it clearly distinguifhable from 

 that of Alva and his afsociates, though walking in 

 the same steps, and guided «by the same maxims. 

 An ordinary writer knows no distinction but that of 

 good or bad, great or little ; and it is one of the highest 

 efforts of genius to mould the general properties 

 of human nature into form or fhape, so as to make a 

 distinct figure in the imagination. The whole liis- 

 tory of Philip u. teems with distinct and natural 

 characters ; the ferocity, pride, and military abili- 

 ties of Alva are strongly exprefsed ; the timid mode- 

 ration of Requesens, the turbulent activity of Don 

 John, and the dignified courage of the prince of Par- 

 ma. The characters of the prince of Orange and his 

 illustrious son Maurice, are the most amiable and 

 interesting in the whole work, their singular virtues 

 and abilities, and the qualities in which they differed^ 

 are beautifully displayed, and supported with great 

 dignity. The important period of this history is 

 crowded with heroes, patriots, and politicians, who 

 all make their appearance before us in their proper 

 characters as on a stage, and the bold and difficult 

 enterprises in which they are engaged, call fortlr 

 every exertion of body and mind, and give occasion 

 to a very diversified display of human nature. The 

 different situations in which they are placed, serve 

 the more to heighten the characters, and interest us 

 in their actions. Philip on the one hand, with his 

 generals, all actuated by the same dark spirit of des- 

 potism, and driven on to the most barbarous deeds, 

 are naturally objects of abhorrence. But when con- 

 trasted with the piiiice of Orange, and his generous 



