An Essay towards Fixing the True Standards of Wit, Humour, Railery, Satire, and Ridicule (1744) by Corbyn Morris
page 62 of 88 (70%)
page 62 of 88 (70%)
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we all feel upon the _Theatre_, where no Biass of Envy, Malice, or
personal Resentment draws us aside, seems to be some Evidence of our _natural_ and _genuin_ Disposition to _Probity_ and _Virtue_; tho' the Minds of most Persons being early and deeply _tinged_ with vicious Passions, it is no wonder that _Stains_ have been generally mistaken for _original Colours_. It may be added, that _Humour_ is the most exquisite and delightful, when the _Oddities_ and _Foibles_ introduc'd are not _mischievous_ or _sneaking_, but _free_, _jocund_, and _liberal_; and such as result from a generous Flow of Spirits, and a warm universal _Benevolence_. It is obviously from hence, that the _Character_ of Sir _Roger_ de _Coverly_ in the _Spectators_ is so extremely agreeable. His _Foibles_ are all derived from some amiable Cause.--If he believes that _one Englishman_ can conquer _two Frenchmen_, you laugh at his _Foible_, and are fond of a _Weakness_ in the Knight, which proceeds from his high Esteem of his _own Country-men_.--If he chuses you should employ a _Waterman_ or _Porter_ with _one_ Leg, you readily excuse the Inconvenience he puts you to, for his worthy regard to the Suffering of a brave _Soldier_.--In short, though he is guilty of continual Absurdities, and has little Understanding or real Abilities, you cannot but _love_ and _esteem_ him, for his _Honour_, _Hospitality_, and universal _Benevolence_. It is indeed true, that his _Dignity_, _Age_, and _Rank_ in his Country, are of constant Service in _upholding_ his Character. These are a perpetual _Guard_ to the Knight, and preserve him from _Contempt_ upon many Occasions.--All which corresponds entirely with the fore-going _Remark_. For you would be fond of Sir _Roger's_ |
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