Volume 1

A series of plays : in which it is attempted to delineate the stronger passions of the mind; each passion being the subject of a tragedy and a comedy / [Joanna Baillie].

  • Baillie, Joanna, 1762-1851
Date:
1798-1812
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A series of plays : in which it is attempted to delineate the stronger passions of the mind; each passion being the subject of a tragedy and a comedy / [Joanna Baillie]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    passions are not the predominant inmates of the human breast, it .hath produced more deeds—O many more ! of kindness than of cruelty. It holds up for our example a standard of excellence^ which, without its assistance, our inward con- sciousness of what is right and becoming might never have dictated. It teaches us, also, to respect ourselves, and our kind ; for it is a poof mind, indeed, that from this employment of its faculties, learns not to dwell upon the noble view of human nature rather than the mean. Universal, however, as this disposition un- doubtedly is, with the generality of mankind it occupies itself in a passing and superficial way. Though a native trait of character or of passion is obvious to them as well as to the sage, yet to their minds it is but the visitor of a moment; they look upon it singly and unconnected : and though this disposition, even so exercised, brings instruction as well as amusement, it is chiefly by storing up in their minds those ideas to which the instructions of others refer, that it can be eminently useful. Those who reflect and reason upon what human nature holds out to their obser- vation, are comparatively but few. No stroke of nature which engages their attention stands insulated and alone. Each presents itself to them with many varied connections ; and they com- prehend not merely the immediate feeling which