Languages & literature > Abridgement of lectures on rhetoric

'LYRIC POETRY. 229
tubje&s. a. Heroic odes, which concern the celebra¬
tion of heroes, and great actions. 3. Moral and phi-
lofophical odes, which refer chiefly to virtue, friendfliip,
and humanity. 4. Feftive and amorous odes, which
are calculated merely for amufement and pleafure.
Enthufiafm being confidered, as the chara&eriftic of
the ode, it has often degenerated into licentioufnefs.
This fpecies of writing has above all others been in-
fefted by want of order, method, and connexion. / The
poet is out of fight in a moment. He is fo abrupt and
eccentric, fo irregular and obfcure, that we cannot fol¬
low him. ^It is not indeed neceflary, that the ftrufture
of the ode be fo perfedtly regular, as an epic poem.)
But in every compofition there ought to be a whole ;
and this whole Ihould confift of connefted parts. /'The
tranfition from thought to thought may be light and
delicate, but the connexion of ideas (hould be preferv-
ed ; the author fhould think, and not rave, j
Pindar, the father of lyric poetry, has led his imita¬
tors into enthufiaftic wildnefs. They imitate his difor-
-der without catching his fpirit. In Horace’s odes eve¬
ry thing is correft, harmonious, and happy. His ele¬
vation is moderate, not rapturous. Grace and ele-
igance are his charafteriftics. He fupports a moral
fentiment with dignity, touches a gay one with felicity,
and has the art of trifling moft agreeably. His lan¬
guage too is moft fortunate.
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