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"Poetic Genius in particular cannot flourish either in uninterrupted SUNSHINE, or in continual SHADE. It languishes under the blazing ardor of a summer noon, as its buds are blasted by the damp fogs and chilling breath of a winter sky."

— Duff, William (1732-1815)

Author

An Essay on Original Genius

Place of Publication

London

Publisher

Printed for Edward and Charles Dilly

Date

1767

Metaphor

"Poetic Genius in particular cannot flourish either in uninterrupted SUNSHINE, or in continual SHADE. It languishes under the blazing ardor of a summer noon, as its buds are blasted by the damp fogs and chilling breath of a winter sky."

Metaphor in Context

We considered the SIMPLICITY and UNIFORMITY of ancient Manners, as another cause why original Genius is exerted in its utmost vigour in the FIRST periods of society. We may remark, on the other hand, that the DIVERSITY, DISSIPATION, and excessive REFINEMENTS of modern Manners, will naturally prove unfavourable to its exertion, in later and move civilized ages. Where there is a great diversity of Manners, it will be difficult to mark and to describe the predominating colours. Where Dissipation prevails, Genius is in danger of being drawn within its vortex; and the false refinements in Luxury and Pleasure, which are characteristical of later ages, though they are consistent enough with, and even productive of the improvement of all the mechanical, and some of the liberal Arts; yet they are unfriendly to the two most sublime of all the liberals Arts, original Poetry and Eloquence. An excess of Luxury is indeed almost as unfavourable to the cultivation of Genius in these, as it is to the cultivation of Virtue. It enfeebles the mind, as it corrupts the heart, and gradually suppresses that strenuous exertion of the mental faculties, by which consummate excellence is to be attained. Poetic Genius in particular cannot flourish either in uninterrupted SUNSHINE, or in continual SHADE. It languishes under the blazing ardor of a summer noon, as its buds are blasted by the damp fogs and chilling breath of a winter sky. Poverty is scarce more unfavourable to the display of true Poetic Genius than excessive Affluence is. The former crushes its early and aspiring efforts at once; the latter more slowly, but no less surely, enervates its powers, and dissolves them in Luxury and Pleasure. It was a sensible observation of a French Monarch, though the conjunction be somewhat fantastical, Poetæ & equi alendi, non saginandi. The situation most desirable for a Poet is the middle state of life. He ought neither to riot in the fulness of opulence, nor to feel the pinching wants of poverty, but to possess that ease and independence, which are necessary to unfold the blossoms of Genius to the utmost advantage.
(pp. 290-2)