Such latitude hath nature indulged in the rate of succession. What latitude it indulges with respect to uniformity we proceed to examine. The uniformity or variety of a train, so far as composed of external objects, depends on the particular objects that surround the percipient at the time. The present occupation must also have an influence; one is sometimes engaged in a multiplicity of affairs, sometimes altogether vacant. A natural train of ideas of memory is more circumscribed, each object being linked, by some connection, to what precedes and to what follows it. These connections, which are many and of different kinds, afford scope for a sufficient degree of variety; and at the same time prevent any excess that is unpleasant. Temper and constitution also have an influence here, as well as upon the rate of succession. A man of a calm and sedate temper, admits not willingly any idea but what is regularly introduced by a proper connection. One of a roving disposition embraces with avidity every new idea, however slender its relation be to those that go before it. Neither must we overlook the nature of the perceptions that compose the train; for their influence is not less with respect to uniformity and variety, than with respect to the rate of succession. The mind ingrossed by any passion, love or hatred, hope or fear, broods over its object, and can bear no interruption. In such a state, the train of perceptions must not only be slow, but extremely uniform. Anger newly inflamed eagerly grasps its object, and leaves not a cranny in the mind for another thought than of revenge. In the character of Hotspur, this state of mind is represented to the life; a picture remarkable for high colouring as well as for strictness of imitation: _Worcester._ Peace, cousin, say no more. And now I will unclasp a secret book, And to your quick-conceiving discontents I’ll read you matter, deep and dangerous; As full of peril and advent’rous spirit As to o’erwalk a current, roaring loud, On the unsteadfast footing of a spear. _Hotspur._ If he fall in, good-night. Or sink or swim, Send danger from the east into the west, So honour cross it from the north to south; And let them grapple. O! the blood more stirs To rouse a lion than to start a hare. _Worcester._ Those same Noble Scots, That are your prisoners---- _Hotspur._ I’ll keep them all. By Heav’n, he shall not have a Scot of them: No, if a Scot would save his soul, he shall not; I’ll keep them, by this hand. _Worcester._ You start away, And lend no ear unto my purposes; Those pris’ners you shall keep.