by deciding hastily on its merit from a collection of such oversights. If the critic be rigorous in marking whatever is amiss in this way, what author may abide the trial? But though such slips are not to be regarded as the sole or even principal test of demerit in literary productions, they ought not to be altogether overlooked. Whatever is faulty in any degree it were better to avoid. And there are consequences regarding the language in general, as well as the success of particular works, which should preserve verbal criticism from being considered as beneath the attention of any author. An author, so far from having reason to be offended, is doubtless obliged to the man, who, free from captious petulance, candidly points out his errors, of what kind soever they be. The Nature and Foundations of Eloquence. CHAP. I. Eloquence in the largest acceptation defined, its more general forms exhibited, with their CHAP. III. The doctrine of the preceding chapter defended 71 SECT. I. Aristotle's account of the ridiculous explained. 72 Part I. Division of the subject into scientific and moral, Other passions as well as moral sentiments use- How an unfavourable passion must be calmed 196 Of the consideration which the speaker ought to have of the hearers as such men in parti- 191 CHAP. X. The different kinds of public speaking in use among moderns, compared, with a view to their different advantages in respect of elo- Of the cause of that pleasure which we receive from objects or representations that excite |