BOOK III PART III
brace with a resolution to perish in each others
arms: No man has so savage a heart as to reap
any pleasure from such a spectacle, or with-
stand the motions of the tenderest compassion
and sympathy. It is evident, therefore, there is a
medium in this case; and that if the idea be too
feint, it has no influence by comparison; and
on the other hand, if it be too strong, it oper-
ates on us entirely by sympathy, which is the
contrary to comparison. Sympathy being the
conversion of an idea into an impression, de-
mands a greater force and vivacity in the idea
than is requisite to comparison.
All this is easily applied to the present sub-
ject. We sink very much in our own eyes, when
in the presence of a great man, or one of a su-
perior genius; and this humility makes a con-
siderable ingredient in that respect, which we