But theſe qualities will be better exemplified by an attentive conſideration of two admirably drawn characters of Milton, which are beautifully, delicately, and diſtinctly marked. Theſe are, Belial, who may not improperly be called the Demon of Sentiment; and Abdiel, who may be termed the Angel of Principle.
Survey the picture of Belial, drawn by the ſublimeſt hand that ever held the poetic pencil.
A fairer perſon loſt not heav'n; he ſeem'd
For dignity compos'd, and high exploit,
But all was falſe and hollow, tho' his tongue
Dropt manna, and could make the worſe appear
The better reaſon, to perplex and daſh
Matureſt counſels, for his thoughts were low,
To vice induſtrious, but to nobler deeds
Tim'rous and ſlothful; yet he pleas'd the ear.
Paradise Lost, B. II.
Here is a lively and exquiſite repreſentation of art, ſubtilty, wit, fine breeding and poliſhed manners: on the whole, of a very accompliſhed and ſentimental ſpirit.
Now turn to the artleſs, upright, and unſophiſticated Abdiel,
Faithful found
Among the faithleſs, faithful only he
Among innumerable falſe, unmov'd,
Unſhaken, unſeduc'd, unterrified;
His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal.
Nor number, nor example with him wrought
To ſwerve from truth, or change his conſtant mind,
Though ſingle.
Book V.
But it is not from theſe deſcriptions, juſt and ſtriking as they are, that their characters are ſo perfectly known, as from an examination of their conduct through the remainder of this divine work: in which it is well worth while to remark the conſonancy of their actions, with what the above pictures ſeem to promiſe. It will alſo be obſerved, that the contraſt between them is kept up throughout, with the utmoſt exactneſs of delineation, and the moſt animated ſtrength of colouring. On a review it will be found, that Belial talked all, and Abdiel did all. The former,
With words ſtill cloath'd in reaſon's guiſe,
Counſel'd ignoble eaſe, and peaceful ſloth,
Not peace.