The Works of Virgil, Volume 2

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James Swan, 1803
 

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Page xlv - ... to be constant, if he would be grateful. My lord, I have set this argument in the best light I can, that the ladies may not think I write booty ; and perhaps it may happen to me, as it did to Doctor Cudworth, * who has raised such strong objections against the being of a God, and Providence, that many think he has not answered them.
Page i - A HEROIC poem, truly such, is undoubtedly the greatest work which the soul of man is capable to perform.
Page xlix - I say nothing (for they were all machining work); but possession having cooled his love, as it increased hers, she soon perceived the change, or at least grew suspicious of a change. This suspicion soon turned to jealousy, and jealousy to rage; then she disdains and threatens, and again is humble and entreats: and, nothing availing, despairs, curses, and at last becomes her own executioner. See here the whole process of that passion, to which nothing can be added.
Page 159 - Oppress'd with numbers in th' unequal field, His men discourag'd, and himself expell'd, Let him for succour sue from place to place, Torn from his subjects, and his son's embrace. First let him see his friends in battle slain, And their untimely fate lament in vain: And when, at length, the cruel war shall cease, On hard conditions may he buy his peace: Nor let him then enjoy supreme command; But fall, untimely, by some hostile hand, And lie unbury'd on the barren sand!
Page lxxxv - Though deep, yet clear; though gentle, yet not dull Strong without rage; without o'erflowing, full. And there are yet fewer who can find the reason of that sweetness.
Page 114 - And now the rising morn with rosy light Adorns the skies, and puts the stars to flight; When we from far, like bluish mists, descry The hills, and then the plains, of Italy. Achates first pronounc'd the joyful sound; Then, 'Italy!
Page 139 - His flying feet, and mounts the western winds: And, whether o'er the seas or earth he flies, With rapid force they bear him down the skies. But first he grasps within his awful hand The mark of...
Page 219 - The gates of hell are open night and day ; Smooth the descent, and easy is the way : But, to return, and view the cheerful skies — In this the task and mighty labour lies.
Page lxxxvii - The turn on thoughts and words is their chief talent, but the epic poem is too stately to receive those little ornaments. The painters draw their nymphs in thin and airy habits; but the weight of gold and of embroideries is reserv'd for queens and goddesses.
Page vi - ... the greatest ; in few words, to expel arrogance, and introduce compassion, are the great effects of tragedy : great, I must confess if they were altogether as true as they are pompous. But are habits to be introduced at three hours...

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