But the truth is, that he has carried sentiment of every
kind to its very highest purity and perfection. By sentiment we
would here understand the habitual workings of some one powerful
feeling, where the heart reposes almost entirely upon itself,
without the violent excitement of opposing duties or, untoward
circumstances. In this way, nothing ever came up to the story of
Frederigo Alberigi and his Falcon. The perseverance in attachment,
the spirit of gallantry and generosity displayed in it, has no
parallel in the history of heroical sacrifices. The feeling is so
unconscious too, and involuntary, is brought out in such small,
unlooked-for, and unostentatious circumstances, as to show it to
have been woven into the very nature and soul of the author. The
story of Isabella is scarcely less fine and is more affecting in the
circumstances and in the catastrophe. Dryden has done justice to the
impassioned eloquence of the Tancred and Sigismunda; but has not
given an adequate idea of the wild preternatural interest of the
story of Honoria. Cimon and Iphigene is by no means one of the best,
notwithstanding the popularity of the subject. The proof of
unalterable affection given in the story of Jeronymo, and the simple
touches of nature and picturesque beauty in the story of the two
holiday lovers, who were poisoned by tasting of a leaf in the garden
at Florence, are perfect masterpieces.
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