R. DARWIN. 329 



fubjcct, that when the theme and \Cs 

 illuftration are viewed together, we may 

 feel, though we cannot verbally demoii- 

 ftrate the perfect juftnefs of the fimilitude. 



Thus, in general, are the families of 

 Homer conftructed, and thus Milton's, 

 feveral of which, in the Paradife Loft, are 

 grander than moft of thofe in the Iliad and 

 Odyfley. A deceafed modern Poet has 

 given one of extreme beauty, which, from 

 it's aptnefs without precifion, bears exactly 

 that relation to the object it illuftrates 

 which a poetic firnile ought to bear. 

 There is no obvious connexion between 

 our idea of youthful beauty, paled and 

 fhadowed over by death, and a vernal day- 

 fpring, which rifes cold and rainy : 



Her face was like an April morn 

 Clad iu a wintry cloud: 



yet when Poetry connects them, we are 

 immediately fenfible of their interefting 



affinity. 



