The contemplative philosopher; or, Short essays on the various objects of nature throughout the year with poetical illus., and moral reflections on each subject Volume 1 - Softcover
Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1817 edition. Excerpt: ... alone shall be the subject of' my preĢ sent discussion; and, although it occurs every day, it does not the less merit to be observed, and to lie the object of admiration. If every day did not produce fresh instances of thd ingratitude of mankind, we might, perhaps, be at a loss to know, why so liberal and impartial a bene-factor as Sleep, should meet with so few historians or panegyrists. Writers, in general, are so totally absorbed by the business of the day, as never to tura their attention to that power, whose officious hand 10 seasonably suspends the burden of life; and vith# out whose interposition man would not be ablo tt VOL. U K endure the fatigue of the most beneficial labour, or the struggles of the most successful opposition. The poets, however, among all those that enjoj the blessings of sleep, seem to be exempted from this censure. How much Statius considered the evils of life as assuaged and softened by thebahn of slumber, we may discover by the pathetic invocation which he poured forth in his waking nights. Virgil and Milton call Sleep the gift of Heaven. Ovid has deified Sleep, and having given a beautiful description of his house, makes Iris, the messenger of Juno, thus address him: Somne, quies rerum, placidissime Somne Deornm, &c. LIB. XI. O sacred Rest, Sweet pleasing Sleep, of all the powers the best! O peace of mind, repairer of decay,.j Whose balms renew the limbs to labours of the day, Care shuns thy soft approach, and sullen flies away! J DaYDEN. Statius has likewise given a description of the House of Sleep; but Ariosto has not merely improved, but surpassed them both. Ovid, in particular, says there"is no porter at the door; Custos in limine nu/lus. But Ariosto has greatly enriched the picture, by placing Oblivion...
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