It follows from the foregoing train of reasoning, that a garden near a great city, ought to have an air of solitude. The solitariness again of a waste country ought to be contrasted in forming a garden; no temples, no obscure walks; but _jets d’eau_, cascades, objects active, gay, and splendid. Nay such a garden should in some measure avoid imitating nature, by taking on an extraordinary appearance of regularity and art, to show the busy hand of man, which in a waste country has a fine effect by contrast. It may be gathered from what is said above[88], that wit and ridicule make not an agreeable mixture with grandeur. Dissimilar emotions have a fine effect in a slow succession; but in a rapid succession, which approaches to co-existence, they will not be relished. In the midst of a laboured and elevated description of a battle, Virgil introduces a ludicrous image, which is certainly out of its place: Obvius ambustum torrem Chorinæus ab ara Corripit, et venienti Ebuso plagamque ferenti Occupat os flammis: illi ingens barba reluxit, Nidoremque ambusta dedit. _Æn._ xii. 298. The following image is not less ludicrous, nor less improperly placed. Mentre fan questi i bellici stromenti Perche debbiano tosto in uso porse, Il gran nemico de l’humane genti, Contra i Christiani i lividi occhi torse: E lor veggendo a le bell’ opre intenti, Ambo le labra per furor si morse: E qual tauro ferito, il suo dolore Verso mugghiando e sospirando fuore. _Gierusal. cant. 4. st. 1._ It would however be too austere, to banish altogether ludicrous images from an epic poem. This poem doth not always soar above the clouds. It admits great variety; and upon occasions can descend even to the ground without sinking. In its more familiar tones, a ludicrous scene may be introduced without impropriety. This is done by Virgil[89] in describing a foot-race; the circumstances of which, not excepting the ludicrous part, are copied from Homer[90]. After a fit of merryment, we are, it is true, the less disposed to the serious and sublime: but then, a ludicrous scene, by unbending the mind from severe application to more interesting subjects, may prevent fatigue, and preserve our relish entire. CHAP. IX. Of Uniformity and Variety. When I apply myself to explain uniformity and variety, and to show how we are affected by these circumstances, it appears doubtful what method ought to be followed. I foresee several difficulties in keeping close to my text; and yet by indulging a range, such as may be necessary for a clear view, I shall certainly incur the censure of wandering.--Be it so. One ought not to abandon the right track for fear of censure. The collateral matters, beside, that will be introduced, are curious, and not of slight importance in the science of human nature.