299 



have heard quoted from the old law of 

 France (a maxim that hardly required the 

 sanction of such venerable authority) ou il 

 iiy a rien, It roi perd ses droits ; and this 

 is generally a case in point with respect 

 to Mr. Browns artificial rivers. Even 

 when, according to Mr. Walpole's de- 

 scription, " a "few trees, scattered here and 

 there on its edges, sprinkle the tame bank 

 that accompanies its maeanders," the re- 

 flections would not have any great variety, 

 or brilliancy*. 



The marauders of a river, which at every 

 turn present scenes of a different character, 

 niake us strongly feel the use and the 



* The passage I have quoted is in his Treatise on 

 Modern Gardening. The general tenor of that part is in 

 commendation of the present style of made water; but this 

 passage contains more just and pointed satire, than ever 

 was conveyed in the same number of words : a few trees, 

 scattered here and there on its edges, sprinkle the tame 

 bank. It seems to m e that in the midst of praises, his 

 natural taste breaks out into criticism, perhaps unintended, 

 ^nd which, on that account, may well sting the improver 

 who reads them; for the sting is always much sharper when 



Medio de fonte leporum 

 Surgit araari aliquid, quod in ipsis floribus angat* 



