376 



hardly less famed for the mildness of his nature 

 than for his skill and valour in war. 



Although I have on a former occasion disclaim- 

 ed any critical knowledge of the Greek language, 

 I must add to this long note, by making an ac- 

 knowledgment of the same kind. I should be 

 sorry to be suspected of making a parade of erudi- 

 tion, if 1 really were possessed of any ; much more 

 having no such pretensions. I thought the subject 

 new and curious ; I wished to collect and'i;ommu- 

 nicate, whatever might throw light upon it ; and I 

 have on this, as on many other occasions, received 

 great assistance from my ingenious and learned 

 friends. 



F. 122.1. 13. The effect of coming upon objects sud- 

 denly and without preparation is so well known, 

 that I should hardly have mentioned it, were it not 

 that the general system of opening and clearing 

 has made it much less common, and less natural 

 when attempted. Where a thick plantation is 

 made to blind you till the master thinks you ought 

 to see, there is a lurking suspicion in the mind of 

 an effect to come, very fatal to the intended im- 

 pression.-— 



" Ten lines hence a ghost, and hah ! a start." 

 There is besides a sort of impatience and 

 irritation at being blindfolded for any length of 

 time, and not allowed lo make your own composi- 

 tiom, as you may amidst forest glades and thickets. 

 The circumstance of a door or gateway, in the 



