ecessors of this and perhaps every
other nation, in his genius for acting; in the sweetness and variety of
his tones, the irresistible magic of his eye, the fire and vivacity
of his action, the elegance of attitude, and the whole pathos of
expression. Quin excelled in dignity and declamation, as well as
exhibiting some characters of humour, equally exquisite and peculiar.
Mrs. Cibber breathed the whole soul of female tenderness and passion;
and Mrs. Pritchard displayed all the dignity of distress. That Great
Britain was not barren of poets at this period, appears from the
detached performances of Johnson, Mason, Gray, the two Whiteheads,
and the two Whartons; besides a great number of other bards, who
have sported in lyric poetry, and acquired the applause of their
fellow-citizens. Candidates for literary fame appeared even in the
higher sphere of life, embellished by the nervous style, superior sense,
and extensive erudition of a Corke; by the delicate taste, the polished
muse, and tender feelings of a Lyttleton. King shone unrivalled in Roman
eloquence. Even the female sex distinguished themselves by their taste
and ingenuity. Miss Carter rivalled the celebrated Dacier in learning
and critical knowledge; Mrs. Lennox signalized herself by many
successful efforts of genius, both in poetry and prose; and Miss Reid
excelled the celebrated Rosalba in portrait painting, both in miniature
and at large, in oil as well as in crayons. The genius of Cervantes was
transfused into the novels of Fielding, who painted the characters,
and ridiculed the follies of life, with equal strength, humour, and
propriety. The field of history and biography was cultivated by many
writers of ability: among whom we distinguish the copious Guthrie,
the circumstantial Ralph, the laborious Carte, the learned and elegant
Robertson, and above all, the ingenious, penetrating, and comprehensive
Hume, whom we rank among the first writers of the age, both as an
historian and philosopher. Nor let us forget the merit conspicuous
in the works of Campbell, remarkable for candour, intelligence, and
precision. Johnson, inferior to none in philosophy, philology, poetry,
and classical learning, stands foremost as an essayist, justly admired
for the dignity, strength, and variety of his style, as well as for the
agreeable manner in which he investigates the human heart, tracing
every interesting emotion, and opening all the sources of morality.
The laudable aim of