BOOK II PART III
view, the affections must in the same manner
be divided betwixt opposite emotions.
Now if we consider the human mind, we
shall find, that with regard to the passions,
it is not the nature of a wind-instrument
of music, which in running over all the
notes immediately loses the sound after the
breath ceases; but rather resembles a string-
instrument, where after each stroke the vibra-
tions still retain some sound, which gradually
and insensibly decays. The imagination is ex-
treme quick and agile; but the passions are
slow and restive: For which reason, when any
object is presented, that affords a variety of
views to the one, and emotions to the other;
though the fancy may change its views with
great celerity; each stroke will not produce a
clear and distinct note of passion, but the one