VOYAGE TO MADAGASCAR. 239 



lebrated at Rome in his time, might he 

 driven ftom the city. I am much' of the 

 fame opinion as that great man. Reafom 

 has no • enemies more formidable. EfTcr- 

 vefcence and enthufiafm are always attended 

 with danger, even vrhen they are directed 

 towards views of utility : but if they are 

 directed to hurtful obje^ts, the evils whichi 

 they produce cannot be exprefled. This 

 fentence, however, can relate only to thofe 

 who^ endeavouring to impofe on the multi- 

 tude^ diid£(in no means of deception which 

 are likdy to accomplifh that end. The 

 decree v9^uld be too fevere did it not refpc€t' 

 true eloquence ; that is to fay^ that fublime 

 talent which carries perfuafibn and convic- 

 tion, at the fame time, into the hearts of 

 enlightened men. Real eloquence is the 

 delight of good minds, and one of the moft 

 powerful promoters of happinefs. Clearnefs, 

 precifion, and elegance are its principal at- 

 tributes. 



