es of
chivalry, instead of enervating, tend to invigorate the mind, and
endeavour to raise human nature above the condition which is naturally
prescribed to it; but as strict justice, patriotic motives, prudent
counsels, and a dispassionate choice of what upon the whole is fittest
and best, do not direct these heroes of romance, they cannot serve for
instruction and example, like the great characters of true history. It
has ever been my opinion, that only the clear and steady light of truth
can guide men to virtue, and that the lesson which is impracticable must
be unuseful. Whoever shall design to regulate his conduct by these
visionary characters will be in the condition of superstitious people,
who choose rather to act by intimations they receive in the dreams of the
night, than by the sober counsels of morning meditation. Yet I confess
it has been the practice of many nations to incite men to virtue by
relating the deeds of fabulous heroes: but surely it is the custom only
of yours to incite them to vice by the history of fabulous scoundrels.
Men of fine imagination have soared into the regions of fancy to bring
back Astrea; you go thither in search of Pandora. Oh disgrace to
letters! Oh shame to the muses!

_Bookseller_.--You express great indignation at our present race of
writers; but believe me the fault lies chiefly on the side of the
readers. As Monsieur Scuderi observed to you, authors must comply with
the manners and disposition of those who are to read them. There must be
a certain sympathy between the book and the reader to create a good
liking. Would you present a modern fine gentleman, who is negligently
lolling in an easy chair, with the labours of Hercules for his
recreation? or make him climb the Alps with Hannibal when he is expiring
with the fatigue of last night's ball? Our readers must be amused,
flattered, soothed; such adventures must be offered to them as they would
like to have a share in.

_Plutarch_.--It should be the first object of writers to correct the
vices and follies of the age. I will allow as much compliance with the
mode of the times as will make truth and good morals agreeable. Your
love of fictitious characters might be turned to good purpose if those
presented to the public were to be formed on the rules of religion and
morality. It must be confessed that history, being employed only about
illustrious persons, public events, and celebrated actions, does not
supply