BOOK II PART II
easy, where superiority is conjoined with other
relations, seeks its repose as much as possible,
by their separation, and by breaking that asso-
ciation of ideas, which renders the comparison
so much more natural and efficacious. When it
cannot break the association, it feels a stronger
desire to remove the superiority; and this is the
reason why travellers are commonly so lavish
of their praises to the Chinese and Persians,
at the same time, that they depreciate those
neighbouring nations, which may stand upon
a foot of rivalship with their native country.
These examples from history and common
experience are rich and curious; but we may
find parallel ones in the arts, which are no
less remarkable. should an author compose
a treatise, of which one part was serious and
profound, another light and humorous, every