136 ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 



the second, the predominant passion of the mind throws 

 itself, like the ivy, round all human actions, entwines all 

 our resolutions, and perpetually adheres to and mixes itself 

 in, among, or even overtops them. 



And no wonder that superstitious rites and ceremonies 

 are attributed to Bacchus, when almost every ungovernable 

 passion grows wanton and luxuriant in corrupt religions; 

 nor again, that fury and frenzy should be sent and dealt out 

 by him, because every passion is a short frenzy and if it be 

 vehement, lasting, and take deep root, it terminates in mad 

 ness. And hence the allegory of Pentheus and Orpheus 

 being torn to pieces is evident; for every headstrong 

 passion is extremely bitter, severe, inveterate, and revenge 

 ful upon all curious inquiry, wholesome admonition, free 

 counsel and persuasion. 



Lastly, the confusion between the persons of Jupiter and 

 Bacchus will justly admit of an allegory, because noble 

 and meritorious actions may sometimes proceed from virtue, 

 sound reason, and magnanimity, and sometimes again from 

 a concealed passion and secret desire of ill, however they 

 may be extolled and praised; insomuch that it is not easy 

 to distinguish between the acts of Bacchus and the acts of 

 Jupiter. 



But perhaps we remain too long in the theatre it is time 

 we should advance to the palace of the mind. 



to generalize such movements and connect them with the higher laws of our 

 mental constitution. Physically speaking, the force of the body resisting only 

 augments the effect of the force which endeavors to conquer it; while in the 

 moral world it increases both the effect and the power, as resistance irritates 

 the assailing force and consequently excites it to redouble its efforts: hence 

 may be seen the wisdom of that Providence who has hidden the springs of the 

 universe from ocular vision to sharpen man s faculties in their discovery, and 

 who ordinarily surrounds the course of genius with difficulties, in order that it 

 may burst through them with purer flame. Ed. 



