Εικόνες σελίδας
PDF
Ηλεκτρ. έκδοση
[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

*The paffion the painter would endeavour to exprefs here would be ECSTASY, or joy heightened by the contrary passion.

SECT.

SECT. LXXXII.

ABSENCE.

ROCHEFOUCALT has very well remarked, that abfence destroys weak paffions, but increases strong, as the wind extinguishes a candle, but blows up a fire. Long abfence naturally weakens the idea, and diminishes the paffion*: but where the affection is fo ftrong and lively as

* Absence may be too long, and then, instead of being an indire& ftimulus, will exhibit its fedative effect. Hence people go abroad to overcome the paffion of love; or,

As when fome youth of firm and conftant mind,
who long in climes remote had abfent pin'd;

and, after many a year of toil and care,

returns impatient to review the fair,
whom still he hopes to find the fame
fresh blooming object of his youthful flame;
but fees, alas! that time's relentless pow'r
has chang❜d the bloffom to a faded flow'r;
for radiant locks, that wav'd in ringlets gay,
fees rugged treffes verging fast to gray;
for eyes, whofe glance illumin'd all around,
dull lifeless lamps, in watʼry dimness drown'd;
for cheeks, which glow'd with beauty's rofy pride,

a wan complexion, and a fhrivell'd hide-
One tender word he scarce has pow'r to say,
but turns with horror from the fight away.

to support itself, the uneasiness arising from absence, fays HUME, certainly increases the paffion, and gives it new force and influence.

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]
« ΠροηγούμενηΣυνέχεια »