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we look only for perfpicuity; when he defcribes, Lect.we expect embellishment; when he divides, or XV.relates, we defire plainnefs and Simplicity. Oneof the greateft fecrets in compofition is, toknow when to be Simple. This always givesa heightening to ornament, in its proper place.

The right difpofition of the Shade , makes thelight and colouring; ftrike the more: “Is enim“ eft eloquens,” fays Cicero, “ qui et humilia“ fubtiliter, et magna graviter, et mediocria“ temperate poteft dicere.—Nam qui nihil poteft“ tranquille, nihil leniter, nihil definite, diftincte,

“ poteft dicere, is, cum non pnsparatis auribus“ inflammare rem coepit, furere apud lanos, etquaft“ inter fobrios bacchari temulentus videturThis admonition Should be particularly attendedto by young practitioners in the art of writing,who are apt to be carried away by an undiftinguilh-ing admiration of what is Showy and florid,whether in its place or not*.

* “ He is truly eloquent, who can difcourfe of humble“ Subjects in a plain Style , who can treat important ones“ with dignity , and Speak of things, which are oSa middle“ nature, in a temperate Strain. For one who , upon no“ occaSion , can exoreSs himSelf in a calm, orderly, distinct“ manner , when he begins to be on fire beSore his readers“ are prepared to kindle along with him , has the appearance“ of raving like a madman among perfons who are in their“ fenfes , or of reeling like a drunkard in the midft of“ fober company, ”

* What perfon of the leaft tafte, can bear the followingpaSTage, in a late hiftorian. He is giving an account of

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