duces, to an improper estimation of the powers of imagination, compared with those of memory and judgment; between which there is precisely the same relation, as between that which is merely elegant or entertaining, and that which is highly useful. From the predominance of imagination, the man of genius comes to the investigation of any subject, ardent indeed, in the pursuit of truth, and prosecutes his inquiries with all the energy of enthusiastic admiration. But this very ardour becomes the cause of his disappointment. He flies over the intermediate steps, in which the investigation of truth consists, and embraces for her dictates, that which most powerfully impresses his imagination, till he is surrounded by prejudices, errors, and absurdities. Of all objects of commiseration, this is the most affecting to the soul of sensibility; to which the errors of genius are sacred, and which throws the mantle of benevo❤ lence over its aberrations.

The infelicities peculiar to genius are not, however, confined to those which refer to the intellectual, but extend also to the moral character. Strong passions are the usual concomitants of genius; and where imagination paints the consequence of their gratification in her glowing, but delusive colours, it will not be an unaccount

able, though a very melancholy circumstance, that the man of genius is frequently "passion's slave, and indiscretion's child." This has been peculiarly the case with genius, where it has been originally depressed by poverty, and has emerged, by the vigour of its energies, from obscurity to splendour. In these circumstances, the exercise of the judgment has done little to correct the effervescence of the imagination; nor has religion, borrowing additional influence from parental affection, exerted her influence to restrain the turbulence of the passions. The principles here delineated, will explain the cause of the unhappy deviations of Morland, of Dermody, and, in part, of poor Burns.

Excessive sensibility is another source of the infelicity of genius. When the objects of its choice are neither poetry, nor painting, nor a path immediately connected with the imagination, the evils which spring from that source are avoided. But it is inseparable from genius to be

66 Tremblingly alive all o'er."

And its history would incline us to suspect, that the unfeeling world received a savage joy from compelling it

"To smart and agonize at every pore."

-If a happy combination of circumstances exempt

it from these calamities as its own, still the scenes of misery and confusion in the world at large, will shock its finer perceptions of virtue, order, and happiness, and steep it in the very dregs of mental wretchedness.

From this source springs the melancholy, which is the usual attendant upon genius. It will admit, perhaps, of a doubt, whether this be a source of infelicity, or whether the sensations it inspires, though of a sombre hue, ought not be classed with the most exquisite enjoyment of which the human mind is susceptible. Its indulgence is undoubtedly dangerous, and its termination uncertain, since it is allied with the most awful calamity to which intellect is exposed. Philosophic views of the Deity, and his dispensations, constitute the best, perhaps, the only preservative from the sad catastrophe; but if, unhappily, it form an alliance with the gloomy spirit of Calvinism, it must fall, like the amiable Cowper, a sacrifice to the influence of those opinions, the disemination of which, involves the destruction of every purer feeling, and every dignified sentiment.

Another disadvantage, if not an infelicity of genius, is, that in the midst of society it is condemned to comparative solitude, from the difficulty of meeting associates of congenial feelings

and sentiments.

Its language is that of the ele

gant translator of Camoens :

There are but very few

Who feel as I for ever do.

In consequence, the ordinary amusements of life are insipid, and its general conversations excite no feelings, except those of disgust.

If it were my intention to exhaust my subject, I might dwell upon the influence of genius, in superinducing premature old age, and describe its sensations when trembling over an early grave, without the prospect of transmitting its memory to distant ages, and enjoying, in anticipation, its beloved immortality. This I must resign to my readers. My object in pointing out these sources of infelicity is, that they may be avoided or ameliorated; and I may be permitted to suggest, that the cultivation of the moral virtues, founded upon a rational piety, is a sovereign antidote, not only to the infelicities of genius, but to all the evils of humanity.

L.

THE PONDERER. No. 7.

Obsequio dulces vincuntur amici.

TERENCE.

"Complaisance is a certain method of securing valuable friendships."

AMONG the several means by which a man may become a general favourite of the world, none is so universally successful, as an ability to compliment with elegance, but without the appearance of flattery. With only this quality, either to excite respect or to procure esteem, many pass their lives in a succession of enjoyment, deriving pleasure from conferring it, and reaping considerable portions of happiness, from inducing others to be pleased with their own abilities, and to rest satisfied with their respective acquisitions.

In a state of being which contains so much evil, either real or imaginary, whatever tends to diminish infelicity, or communicate any degree of innocent gratification, may, with propriety, be considered important. The stern moralist will doubtless declaim against every pleasure, the basis of which is delusion; but he will do well to remember that all happiness is at best illusive,