work_id,theme,provenance,created_at,text,reviewed_on,id,comments,metaphor,dictionary,updated_at,context
4727,"",HDIS,2003-09-29 00:00:00 UTC,"Remarks.
Ver. 15. A slip-shod Sibyl ] This allegory is extremely just, no conformation of the mind so much subjecting it to real Madness, as that which produces real Dulness. Hence we find the religious (as well as the poetical) Enthusiasts of all ages were ever, in their natural state, most heavy and lumpish; but on the least application of heat, they run like lead, which of all metals falls quickest into fusion. Whereas fire in a Genius is truly Promethean, it hurts not its constituent parts, but only fits it (as it does well-tempered steel) for the necessary impressions of art. But the common people have been taught (I do not know on what foundation) to regard Lunacy as a mark of Wit , just as the Turks and our modern Methodists do of Holiness . But if the cause of Madness assigned by a great Philosopher be true, it will unavoidably fall upon the dunces. He supposes it to be the dwelling over long on one object or idea : Now as this attention is occasioned either by Grief or Study, it will be fixed by Dulness; which hath not quickness enough to comprehend what it seeks, nor force and vigour enough to divert the imagination from the object it laments.
",2003-10-23,12470,•INTEREST. I've included twice: Lead and Steel.,"""Enthusiasts of all ages were ever, in their natural state, most heavy and lumpish; but on the least application of heat, they run like lead, which of all metals falls quickest into fusion. """,Metal,2009-09-14 19:37:01 UTC,Book III
4727,"",HDIS,2003-09-29 00:00:00 UTC,"What tho' we let some better sort of fool
Thrid ev'ry science, run thro' ev'ry school?
Never by tumbler thro' the hoops was shown
Such skill in passing all, and touching none.
He may indeed (if sober all this time)
Plague with Dispute, or persecute with Rhyme.
We only furnish what he cannot use,
Or wed to what he must divorce, a Muse:
Full in the midst of Euclid dip at once,
And petrify a Genius to a Dunce:
Or set on Metaphysic ground to prance,
Show all his paces, not a step advance.
With the same Cement, ever sure to bind,
We bring to one dead level ev'ry mind.
Then take him to devellop, if you can,
And hew the Block off, and get out the Man.
But wherefore waste I words? I see advance
Whore, Pupil, and lac'd Governor from France.
Walker! our hat--nor more he deign'd to say,
But, stern as Ajax' spectre, strode away.
[...]
Remarks.
Ver. 255 to 271. What tho' we let some better sort of fool, & c. ] Hitherto Aristarchus hath displayed the art of teaching his Pupils words, without things. He shews greater skill in what follows, which is to teach things, without profit. For with the better sort of fool the first expedient is, ver. 254 to 258, to run him so swiftly through the circle of the Sciences that he shall stick at nothing, nor nothing stick with him; and though some little, both of words and things, should by chance be gathered up in his passage, yet he shews, ver. 255 to 260, that it is never more of the one than just to enable him to persecute with Rhyme , or of the other than to plague with Dispute . But, if after all, the Pupil will needs learn a Science, it is then provided by his careful directors, ver. 261, 262, that it shall either be such as he can never enjoy when he comes out into life, or such as he will be obliged to divorce . And to make all sure, ver. 263 to 268, the useless or pernicious Sciences, thus taught, are still applied perversely; the man of Wit petrified in Euclid, or trammelled in Metaphysics; and the man of Judgment married , without his parents consent, to a Muse . Thus far the particular arts of modern Education, used partially, and diversified according to the Subject and the Occasion: But there is one general Method, with the encomium of which the great Aristarchus ends his speech, ver. 266 to 268, and that is Authority, the universal Cement , which fills all the cracks and chasms of lifeless matter, shuts up all the pores of living substance, and brings all human minds to one dead level. For if Nature should chance to struggle through all the entanglements of the foregoing ingenious expedients to bind rebel wit , this claps upon her one sure and entire cover. So that well may Aristarchus defy all human power to get the Man out again from under so impenetrable a crust. The Poet alludes to this Master-piece of the Schools in ver. 501, where he speaks of Vassals to a name .
",,12474,•Metaphor scattered throughout verses and remark,"""With the same Cement [Authority], ever sure to bind, / We bring to one dead level ev'ry mind""","",2009-09-14 19:37:01 UTC,""
4727,"",HDIS,2005-06-06 00:00:00 UTC,"Remarks.
Ver. 15. A slip-shod Sibyl ] This allegory is extremely just, no conformation of the mind so much subjecting it to real Madness, as that which produces real Dulness. Hence we find the religious (as well as the poetical) Enthusiasts of all ages were ever, in their natural state, most heavy and lumpish; but on the least application of heat, they run like lead, which of all metals falls quickest into fusion. Whereas fire in a Genius is truly Promethean, it hurts not its constituent parts, but only fits it (as it does well-tempered steel) for the necessary impressions of art. But the common people have been taught (I do not know on what foundation) to regard Lunacy as a mark of Wit , just as the Turks and our modern Methodists do of Holiness. But if the cause of Madness assigned by a great Philosopher be true, it will unavoidably fall upon the dunces. He supposes it to be the dwelling over long on one object or idea : Now as this attention is occasioned either by Grief or Study, it will be fixed by Dulness; which hath not quickness enough to comprehend what it seeks, nor force and vigour enough to divert the imagination from the object it laments.",,12509,•INTEREST. I've included twice: Lead and Steel.,"""Whereas fire in a Genius is truly Promethean, it hurts not its constituent parts, but only fits it (as it does well-tempered steel) for the necessary impressions of art.""",Metal,2009-09-14 19:37:04 UTC,""
4793,"","Searching ""heart"" and ""steel"" in HDIS (Prose)",2005-06-09 00:00:00 UTC,"Next day, while I was at work in the shop, a bouncing damsel well dressed came in, on pretence of finding a vial for some use or other; and taking an opportunity when she thought I did not mind her, of observing me narrowly, went away with a silent look of disdain-- I easily guessed her sentiments, and my pride took the resolution of entertaining the same indifference and neglect towards her--At dinner, the maids with whom I dined in the kitchen, gave me to understand that this was my master's only daughter, who would have a very handsome fortune, on account of which, and her beauty, a great many young gentlemen made their addresses to her--that she had been twice on the brink of marriage, but disappointed by the stinginess of her father, who refused to part with a shilling as long as he should live--for which reason the young lady did not behave to her father with all the filial veneration that might be expected: In particular, she harbour'd the most perfect hatred for his countrymen, in which disposition her mother join'd, who was an English woman; and by the hints [Page 156] they dropp'd, I learn'd the grey mare was the better horse--that she was a matron of a high spirit, which was often manifested at the expence of her dependants: That she lov'd diversions; and look'd upon miss as her rival in all parties; which was indeed the true cause of her disappointments; for had the mother been hearty in her interest, the father would not have ventur'd to refuse her demands. --Over and above this intelligence, I of myself, soon made more discoveries; Mr. Lavement's significant grins at his wife, while she look'd another way, convinc'd me that he was not at all content with his lot: And his behaviour in presence of the captain, made me believe his chief torment was jealousy. --As for my own part, I was consider'd in no other light than that of a menial servant, and had been already six days in the house without being honour'd with one word from either mother or daughter, the latter (as I understood from the maids) having at table one day, expressed some surprize that her papa should entertain such an aukward, mean-looking journeyman. --I was nettled at this piece of information, and next sunday, (it being my turn to take my diversion) dressed myself in my new cloaths to the greatest advantage, and, vanity apart, made no contemptible figure. -- After having spent most part of the day in company with Strap and some of his acquaintance, I came home in the afternoon, and was let in by miss, who not knowing me, dropt a low courtesy as I advanced, which I returned with a profound bow, and shut the door--By that time I had turn'd about, she had perceiv'd her mistake, and chang'd colour, but did not withdraw. The passage being narrow, I could not get away without [Page 157] jostling her; so, I was forc'd to remain where I was, with my eyes fix'd on the ground, and my face glowing with blushes--At length her vanity coming to her assistance, she went away tittering, and I could hear her pronounce the word ""creature:"" From this day forward, she came into the shop fifty times every day, upon various pretences, and put in practice so many ridiculous airs, that I could easily perceive her opinion of me was chang'd, and that she did not think me altogether an unworthy conquest--But my heart was so steel'd against her charms by pride and resentment, which were two chief ingredients in my disposition, that I remain'd insensible to all her arts; and notwithstanding some advances she made, could not be prevail'd upon to yield her the least attention--This neglect soon banish'd all the favourable impressions she felt for me, and the rage of a slighted woman took place in her heart; which she manifested not only in all the suggestions her malice could invent to my prejudice with her father, but also in procuring for me such servile employments, as she hoped, would sufficiently humble my spirit. One day in particular, she order'd me to brush my master's coat, but I refusing, a smart dialogue ensued, which ended in her bursting into tears of rage; when her mother interposing, and examining into the merits of the cause, determin'd it in my favour; and this good office I ow'd not to any esteem or consideration she had for me, but solely to the desire of mortifying her daughter, who on this occasion observ'd, that let people be never so much in the right, there were some folks who would never do them justice; but to be sure, they had their reason for it, which some people were not
[Page 158]
ignorant of, although they despised their little arts. --This insinuation of some people and some folks, put me upon observing the behaviour of my mistress more narrowly for the future; and it was not long before I had reason to believe that she look'd upon her daughter as a rival in the affections of captain Odonnell, who lodged in the house. --In the mean time my industry and knowledge gain'd me the good will of my master, who would often say in French, ""Mardy! c'est un bon Garçon."" He had a great deal of business; but as he was mostly employ'd among his fellow refugees, his profits were small. --However, his expence for medicines was not great, he being the most expert man at a succedaneum, of any apothecary in London, so that I have been sometimes amaz'd to see him without the least hesitation, make up a physician's prescription, though he had not in his shop one medicine mention'd in it. --Oyster-shells he could convert into crab's eyes; common oil into oil of sweet almonds; syrup of sugar into balsamic syrup; Thames water into aqua cinnamomi; turpentine into capivi; and a hundred more costly preparations were produc'd in an instant, from the cheapest and coursest drugs of the materia medica: And when any common thing was order'd for a patient, he always took care to disguise it in colour or taste, or both, in such a manner, as that it could not possibly be known. --For which purpose, cochineal and oil of cloves were of great service among many nostrums which he possess'd; there was one for the venereal disease, that brought him a good deal of money; and this he conceal'd so artfully from me, that I could never learn its composition: But during the eight months I stay'd [Page 159] in his service, he was so unfortunate in the use of it, that three parts in four of those who took it, were fain to confirm the cure with a salivation under the direction of another doctor. --This bad success, in all appearance, attach'd him the more to his specifick; and before I left him, I may venture to say, he would have sooner renounc'd the Trinity (notwithstanding his being a good Huegonot) than his confidence in the never-failing power of this remedy. --Mr. Lavement had attempted more than once, to introduce a vegetable diet into his family, by launching out into the praise of it, and decrying the use of flesh, both as a Physician and Philosopher; but all his rhetoric could not make one proselyte to his opinion, and even the wife of his bosom declared against the proposal. --Whether it was owing to the little regard she paid to her husband's admonition in this particular, or to the natural warmth of her constitution, I know not; but this lady's passions became every day more and more violent, till at last she look'd upon decency as an unnecessary restraint; and one afternoon, when her husband was abroad, and her daughter visiting, order'd me to call a hackney coach, in which she and the captain drove off towards Covent-Garden. --Miss came home in the evening, and supping at her usual hour, went to bed. --About eleven a clock my master enter'd, and ask'd if his wife was gone to sleep: Upon which I told him, my mistress went out in the afternoon, and was not yet return'd. --This was like a clap of thunder to the poor Apothecary, who starting back, cried ""Mort de ma vie! vat you tell a me? --My wife not, at home!"" --At that instant a patient's servant arriv'd with a prescription for a draught, [Page 160] which my master taking, went into the shop to make it up himself. --While he rubb'd the ingredients in a glass mortar, he enquir'd of me, whether or no his wife went out alone; and no sooner heard that she was in company with the captain, than with one blow he split the mortar into a thousand pieces, and grinning like the head of a bass viol, exclaim'd, ""Ah traitresse!"" --It would have been impossible for me to have preserv'd my gravity a minute longer, when I was happily reliev'd by a rap at the door, which I open'd, and perceiv'd my mistress coming out of a coach; she flounc'd immediately into the shop, and addressed her husband thus: ""I suppose you thought I was lost, my dear--Captain Odonnell has been so good as to treat me with a play."" --""Play--play (replied he) Oho! yes by gar, I believe ver prettie play."" --""Bless me! (said she) what's the matter?"" --""Vat de matter? (cried he, forgetting all his former complaisance) by gar, you be one damn dog's wife --ventre bleu! me vill show you vat it is to put one horn upon mine head. Pardieu! le capitaine Odonnell be one."" --Here the captain, who had been all the while at the door discharging the coach, entering, said with a terrible voice, ""D---mme! what am I?"" --Mr. Lavement changing his tone, immediately saluted him with, ""Oh serviteur monsieur le capitaine, vous etes un galant homme--ma femme est fort obligée."" --Then turning about towards me, pronounc'd with a low voice, ""Et diablement obligeante sans doute."" --""Harkee, Mr. Lavement, (said the captain) I am a man of honour, and I believe you are too much of a gentleman to be offended at the civility I shew your [Page 161] wife."" --This declaration had such an effect on the apothecary, that he resum'd all the politesse of a Frenchman; and with the utmost prostration of compliment, assur'd the captain that he was perfectly satisfied with the honour he had done his wife. --Matters being thus compos'd, every body went to rest. --Next day I perceiv'd thro' a glass door that open'd from the shop into a parlour, the captain talking earnestly to miss, who heard him with a look that expressed anger mingled with scorn; which however he at last found means to mollify, and seal'd his reconciliation with a kiss. --This soon convinc'd me of the occasion of the quarrel; but notwithstanding all my vigilance, I could never discover any other commerce between them. --In the mean while, I had reason to believe I had inspir'd one of the maids with tender sentiments for me; and one night when I thought every other person in the house asleep, I took the opportunity of the other maid's absence (for she had got leave to go and visit her sick father who liv'd at Richmond) to avail myself of my conquest: Accordingly I got up, and (naked as I was) explor'd my way in the dark, to the garret where she lay. --I was ravish'd to find the door open, and moved softly to her bed-side, transported with the hope of compleating my wishes. --But what horrors of jealousy and disappointment did I feel, when I found her asleep, fast locked in the arms of a man, whom I easily guessed to be no other than the captain's servant! I was upon the point of doing some rash thing, when the noise of a rat scratching behind the wainscoat, put me to flight, and I was fain to get back to my own bed in safety. --Whether this alarm had disorder'd my mind, [Page 162] or that I was led astray by the power of destiny, I know not; but instead of turning to the left when I descended to the second story, I persu'd the contrary course, and mistook the young lady's bed-chamber for my own. I did not perceive my mistake before I had run against the bed posts; and then it was not in my power to retreat undiscover'd: for the nymph being awake, felt my approach, and with a soft voice, bid me make less noise lest the Scotch-booby in the next room should over-hear us. This hint was sufficient to inform me of the nature of the assignation; and as my passions, at any time high, were then in a state of exaltation, I was resolved to profit by my good fortune. --Without any more ceremony therefore, I made bold to slip into bed to this charmer, who gave me as favourable a reception as I could desire. --Our conversation was very sparing on my part, but she upbraided the person whom I represented, with his jealousy of me, whom she handled so roughly, that my resentment had well nigh occasion'd a discovery more than once; but I was consoled for her hatred of me, by understanding from her own mouth, that it was now high time to salve her reputation by matrimony; for she had reason to fear she could not much longer conceal the effects of their mutual intercourse. --While I was meditating an answer to this proposal, I heard a noise in my room, like something heavy falling down upon the floor: Upon which, I started up, and creeping to the door of my chamber, observ'd by moon-light, the shadow of a man groping his way out; whereupon, I retir'd to one side to let him pass, and saw him go down stairs as expeditiously as he could. --It was an easy matter to divine that this [Page 163] was the captain, who having over-slept himself, had got up at last to keep his assignation; and finding my door open, had enter'd into my apartment instead of that of his mistress, where I supplied his place. --But finding his mistake, by falling over my chair, was afraid the noise might alarm the family, and for that reason made off, delaying the gratification of his desire till another opportunity. --By this time, I was satisfied; and instead of returning to the place from whence I came, retreated to my own castle, which I fortified by bolting the door; and in the congratulation of my own happiness fell asleep. --But the truth of this adventure could not be long conceal'd from my young mistress, who next day came to an eclaircisement with the captain, upon his lamenting his last night's disappointment, and begging pardon for the noise he had made. --Their mutual chagrin, when they came to the knowledge of what had happen'd, may be easily conjectur'd, though each had a peculiar grief unfelt by the other; for she was conscious of having not only betray'd to me the secrets of her commerce with him; but also, of having incensed me by the freedoms she had taken with my name, beyond a hope of reconciliation. --On the other hand, his jealousy suggested, that her sorrow was all artifice; and that I had supplied his place with her own privity and consent. --That such was the situation of their thoughts, will appear in the sequel--for that very day she came into the shop where I was alone, and fixing her eyes, swimming in tears, upon me, sigh'd most piteously: But I was proof against her distress, by recollecting the epithets with which she had honour'd me the night before; and believing that the good reception I enjoy'd [Page 164] was destin'd for another. I therefore took no notice of her affliction; and she had the mortification to find her disdain return'd four-fold. -- However, from thenceforward she thought proper to use me with more complaisance than usual, knowing that it was in my power at any time to publish her shame. --By these means my life became much more agreeable (though I never could prevail upon myself to repeat my nocturnal visit) and as I every day improv'd in my knowledge of the town, I shook off my aukward air by degrees, and acquir'd the character of a polite journeyman apothecary.
(pp. 164)",,12774,
,"""But my heart was so steel'd against her charms by pride and resentment, which were two chief ingredients in my disposition, that I remain'd insensible to all her arts""",Metal,2009-09-14 19:37:22 UTC,"Vol. 1, Chap. 19"
4863,"","Searching ""heart"" and ""iron"" in HDIS (Prose)",2005-06-07 00:00:00 UTC,"The mendicant, who bore an inveterate grudge against this son of Æsculapius, ever since he had made so free with the catholic religion, replied with great bitterness, that he was a wretch with whom no Christian ought to communicate; that the vengeance of heaven would one day overtake him, on account of his profanity; and that his heart was shod with a metal much harder than iron, which he was afraid nothing but hell-fire would be able to melt.",,13017,•INTEREST. I've included twice: Iron and Horse. Are the iron hearts I've discovered meant to be suggestive of horseshoes?,"""[H]is heart was shod with a metal much harder than iron, which he was afraid nothing but hell-fire would be able to melt.""",Animals and Metal,2013-09-23 18:07:49 UTC,"Vol. 2, Chap. 61"
4861,"","Searching ""breast"" and ""steel"" in HDIS (Prose)",2005-06-09 00:00:00 UTC,"I.
While with fond rapture and amaze,
On thy transcendent charms I gaze,
My cautious soul essays in vain
Her peace and freedom to maintain:
Yet let that blooming form divine,
Where grace and harmony combine,
Those eyes, like genial orbs, that move,
Dispensing gladness, joy and love,
In all their pomp assail my view,
Intent my bosom to subdue;
My breast, by wary maxims steel'd,
Not all those charms shall force to yield.
II.
But, when invok'd to beauty's aid,
I see th' enlighten'd soul display'd;
That soul so sensibly sedate
Amid the storms of froward fate!
Thy genius active, strong and clear,
Thy wit sublime, tho' not severe,
The social ardour void of art,
That glows within thy candid heart;
My spirits, sense and strength decay,
My resolution dies away,
And ev'ry faculty opprest,
Almighty love invades my breast!",,13023,"","""My breast, by wary maxims steel'd, / Not all those charms shall force to yield""",Metal,2009-09-14 19:37:40 UTC,"Vol. 2, Chap. 61"
5112,"","Searching ""heart"" and ""steel"" in HDIS (Prose)",2005-06-09 00:00:00 UTC,"Sir Launcelot thrusting his hand mechanically into his pocket, pulled out a couple of guineas, and desired Felton to accommodate her with that trifle in his own name; but he declined the proposal, and refused to touch the money. ""God forbid, (said he) that I should attempt to thwart your charitable intention: but this, my good sir, is no object--she has many resources. Neither should we number the clamorous beggar [Page 188] among those who really feel distress. He is generally gorged with bounty misapplied. The liberal hand of charity should be extended to modest want that pines in silence, encountering cold, and nakedness, and hunger, and every species of distress. Here you may find the wretch of keen sensations, blasted by accident in the blossom of his fortune, shivering in the solitary recess of indigence, disdaining to beg, and even ashamed to let his misery be known. Here you may see the parent who has known happier times, surrounded by his tender offspring, naked and forlorn, demanding food, which his circumstances cannot afford. --That man of decent appearance and melancholy aspect, who lifted his hat as you passed him in the yard, is a person of unblemished character. He was a reputable tradesman in the city, and failed through inevitable losses. A commission of bankruptcy was taken out against him by his sole creditor, a quaker, who refused to sign his certificate. He has [Page 189] lived these three years in prison, with a wife and five small children. In a little time after his commitment, he had friends who offered to pay ten shillings in the pound of what he owed, and to give security for paying the remainder in three years, by installments. The honest quaker did not charge the bankrupt with any dishonest practices; but he rejected the proposal with the most mortifying indifference, declaring that he did not want his money. The mother repaired to his house, and kneeled before him with her five lovely children, imploring mercy with tears and exclamations. He stood this scene unmoved, and even seemed to enjoy the prospect, wearing the looks of complacency while his heart was steeled with rancour. ""Woman, (said he) these be hopeful babes, if they were duly nurtured. Go thy ways in peace; I have taken my resolution."" Her friends maintained the family for some time; but it is not in human charity to persevere: some of them died; [Page 190] some of them grew unfortunate; some of them fell off; and now the poor man is reduced to the extremity of indigence, from whence he has no prospect of being retrieved. The fourth part of what you would have bestowed upon the lady would make this poor man and his family sing with joy.""",,13885,
,"""He stood this scene unmoved, and even seemed to enjoy the prospect, wearing the looks of complacency while his heart was steeled with rancour""",Metal,2009-09-14 19:39:25 UTC,"Vol. 2, Chap. 21"
5354,"","Searching ""heart"" and ""steel"" in HDIS (Prose)",2005-06-09 00:00:00 UTC,"As for this lawyer, he waited below till the hurly-burly was over, and then stole softly to his own chamber, from whence he did not venture to make a second sally till eleven in the forenoon, when he was led into the public room by his own servant and another assistant, groaning most woefully, with a bloody napkin round his head. But things were greatly altered--The selfish brutality of his behaviour on the stairs had steeled their hearts against all his arts and address--Not a soul offered to accommodate him with a chair, cushion, or footstool; so that he was obliged to sit down on a hard wooden bench--In that position, he looked around with a rueful aspect, and, bowing very low, said, in a whining tone, ""Your most humble servant, ladies--Fire is a dreadful calamity."" -- ""Fire purifies gold, and it tries friendship,"" cried Mrs. Tabitha, bridling. ""Yea, madam (replied Micklewhimmen) and it trieth discretion also."" ""If discretion consists in forsaking, a friend in adversity, you are eminently possessed of that virtue,"" resumed our aunt. ""Na, madam (rejoined the advocate) well I wot, I cannot claim [Page 252] any merit from the mode of my retreat--Ye'll please to observe, ladies, there are twa independent principles that actuate our nature--One is instinct, which we have in common with the brute creation, and the other is reason--Noo, in certain great emergencies, when the faculty of reason is suspended, instinct takes the lead, and, when this predominates, having no affinity with reason, it pays no sort of regard to its connections; it only operates for the benefit of the individual, and that by the most expeditious and effectual means; therefore, begging your pardon, ladies, I'm no accountable in foro conscientiæ, for what I did, while under the influence of this irresistable pooer.""
(pp. 251-2)",,14363,"","""The selfish brutality of his behaviour on the stairs had steeled their hearts against all his arts and address""",Metal,2009-09-14 19:40:42 UTC,"Vol 1, Letter 47"