Rivers from bubbling springs
Have rise at first; and great from abject things.
MIDDLETON.


[CHAPTER XXXIV. P. I.]

MORAL INTEREST OF TOPOGRAPHICAL WORKS. LOCAL ATTACHMENT.


Let none our Author rudely blame
Who from the story has thus long digrest;
But for his righteous pains may his fair fame
For ever travel, whilst his ashes rest.
SIR WILLILAM DAVENANT.


[INTERCHAPTER III.]

THE AUTHOR QUESTIONS THE PROPRIETY OF PERSONIFYING CIRCUMSTANCE, DENIES THE UNITY AND INDIVISIBILITY OF THE PUBLIC, AND MAY EVEN BE SUSPECTED OF DOUBTING ITS OMNISCIENCE AND ITS INFALLIBILITY.