Lost" to the public with all the pomp of system and severity of
science, the criticism would perhaps have been admired, and the poem
still have been neglected; but by the blandishments of gentleness
and facility he has made Milton an universal favourite, with whom
readers of every class think it necessary to be pleased. He
descended now and then to lower disquisitions: and by a serious
display of the beauties of "Chevy Chase" exposed himself to the
ridicule of Wagstaff, who bestowed a like pompous character on Tom
Thumb; and to the contempt of Dennis, who, considering the
fundamental position of his criticism, that "Chevy Chase" pleases,
and ought to please, because it is natural, observes; "that there is
a way of deviating from nature, by bombast or tumour, which soars
above nature, and enlarges images beyond their real bulk; by
affectation, which forsakes nature in quest of something unsuitable;
and by imbecility, which degrades nature by faintness and
diminution, by obscuring its appearances, and weakening its
effects." In "Chevy Chase" there is not much of either bombast or
affectation; but there is chill and lifeless imbecility. The story
cannot possibly be told in a manner that shall make less impression
on the mind.

Before the profound observers of the present race repose too
securely on the consciousness of their superiority to Addison, let
them consider his Remarks on Ovid, in which may be found specimens
of criticism sufficiently subtle and refined: let them peruse
likewise his Essays on Wit, and on the Pleasures of Imagination, in
which he founds art on the base of nature, and draws the principles
of invention from dispositions inherent in the mind of man with
skill and elegance, such as his contemners will not easily attain.