The sublimity of the poetic diction arises from the pas- sions-How far the poetic diction differs from prose The character of the Poetic Dialect further illustrated by examples of different kinds from the Song of Moses, DEUT. xxxii.-The frequent and sudden transition from one person to another; its cause and effects-The use of the Tenses in a manner quite different from common language: the reasons of this-The Hebrew language peculiar in this respect-The future is often spoken of in the perfect present, and the past in the future Tense: the reason of the former easy to be explained; the latter is a maiter of considerable difficulty, which neither the Commentators, the Translators, nor even the Gramma- rians have elucidated-Some examples of this, and the explanation of them-The frequent use of this form of and attributes of the Deity; also from the display of the Divine Power in the form of Interrogation and. Irony-The Hebrew poets attribute the human passions to the Deity without departing from sublimity; and that frequently when the imagery appears less consistent with the Divine Majesty: the reason of this Page 346 LECTURE XVII. OF THE SUBLIME OF PASSION. Sublimity of sentiment as arising from the vehement affections of the mind-What is commonly called Enthusiasm is the natural effect of passion: the true Enthusiasm arises from the impulse of the Divine Spirit, and is peculiar to the sacred poets-The principal force of poetry is displayed in the expression of passion: in exciting the passions poetry best achieves its purpose, whether it be utility or pleasure-How the passions are excited to the purpose of utility; how to that of pleasure -The difference and connexion between the pathetic and the sublime-That sublimity, which in the sacred poetry proceeds from the imitation of the passions of admiration, of joy, indignation, grief, and terror; illustrated by examples 365 ON THE SACRED POETRY OF THE HEBREWS. LECTURE I. THE INTRODUCTION. OF THE USES AND DESIGN OF POETRY. The purpose of Poetry is to instruct while it gives pleasure; instruction being the end, and pleasure the means-Illustrated by examples from the different species of Poetry-The Didactic-The Epic-Tragedy-Lyric-the lighter kinds of Poetry, which are calculated as well for the amusement of our leisure, as for the ornament and improvement of literature. -Sacred Poetry; whence a transition to the immediate object of these Lectures. THOUGH Our present meeting be, on some accounts, rather earlier than I could have wished'; yet I cheerfully embrace the opportunity The Prælector of Poetry at Oxford is obliged by the statute to read his inaugural lecture the first Tuesday in the portunity which it affords me of assuring you, Gentlemen, that to this undertaking (whether considered as a duty imposed, or as a favour conferred upon me) I bring, if no other accomplishment, at least industry and inclination. I could, indeed, more patiently bear to be accused of wanting genius, fluency, or elegance, than of wanting dili the Term subsequent to his election; and it appears by the University Register, that Mr. Lowth was elected to the Professorship on the 21st of May 1741, in the vacation between Easter and Act Term. As this vacation is only thirteen days, commencing the Thursday before Whitsunday, and ending the Wednesday after Trinity Sunday, the longest interval that could possibly happen between his election and his first Lecture is somewhat less than three weeks: it might probably be much shorter. Even in his youth Bishop Lowth was distinguished by the cautious accuracy of his judgment; he therefore very properly introduces a plan, upon which he was to work for ten years (the usual term of the Professorship), with much modesty and reserve; and when he speaks of meeting his constituents rather early (paulo maturius), he must be understood as regretting the little time, which by the statute was allowed him to prepare his introductory address. This fact will serve also to explain some passages towards the conclusion of the Lecture. For the substance of this note I am indebted to a very intelligent friend at Oxford, and am happy in this opportunity of returning my best acknowledgments. T. T. gence |