68 GRAND CAIRO. 
CHAP. Another proof of their indescribable power is, 
^ ^ -' i that no one ever approached them under other 
emotions than those of terror ; which is another 
source of the sublime'. In certain instances of 
irritable feeling, this impression of awe and fear 
has been deep enough to cause pain, rather 
than pleasure^ ; of which we shall notice a 
remarkable instance in the sequel. Hence, per- 
haps, have originated descriptions of the Pyra- 
mids which represent them as deformed and 
gloomy masses, constructed without either taste 
or beauty. They, who derive no satisfaction 
from the sight of them, may not be conscious, 
that the uneasiness they experience is a result 
of their own sensibility. Other individuals have 
felt impressions widely different, made by 
every wonderful circumstance of character and 
(1) Burke on the Sublime, ibid. 
(2) Confirming, in a striking manner, these words of Burke, con- 
cerning the distinctions of greatness and beauty : " They are indeed 
ideas of a very different nature ; one being founded on pain, the other on 
pleasure." (Ibid.) Having referred to the opinions of this truly great 
man, upon a subject so interesting to every reflecting mind, it may 
not be unseasonable to insert here a brief comparison between the 
theories of Longivus and Burke. There appears to be as much 
difference between them, as between mechanism and intellect ; 
between the operations of a piece of clock-work, and those of human 
reason. Longinus directs us to the effects of the sublime; Burke 
points out its causes. Longinus teaches us to seek for the sublime 
without us; Burke, to create it within ourselves. Longinus views it 
in its broad and vell-knnvn clutnnel; Burke conducts us to its source. 
