The Passions therefore of the human Heart, expressed either in the
living Countenance, or the mimetic Strokes of Art, will affect the
Soul of the Beholder with a similar and responsive Disposition. What
wonder then is it that Beauty, borrowing thus the Look of softening
Love, whose Power can lull the most watchful of the Senses,
should cast that sweet _Nepenthe_ upon our Hearts, and enchant our
corresponding Thoughts to rest in the Embraces of Desire? Sure then
I am, that you will always allow Love to be the Source and End of our
Being, and consequently consistent with Truth. It is the Superaddition
of such Charms to Proportion, which is called _Taste_ in Musick,
Painting, Poetry, Sculpture, Gardening and Architecture. By which is
generally meant that happy Assemblage which excites in our Minds, by
Analogy, some pleasurable Image. Thus, for Instance, even the Ruins
of an old Castle properly disposed, or the Simplicity of a rough hewn
Hermitage in a Rock, enliven a Prospect, by recalling the Moral Images
of _Valor_ and _Wisdom_; and I believe no Man will contend, that Valor
exerted in the Defence of one's Country, or Wisdom contemplating in
Retirement for the Welfare of Mankind, are not truly amiable Images,
belonging to the Divine Family of Truth.
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