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Show 222 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. of perfection that he formed for himself a style which, in grace, beauty, and pathos, rivals the originals. Nothing finer can be imagined than his tragedies of Phedre, Iphi-g4nie, Athalie, Britannicus, and Andromaque 34. Whenever this illustrious m a n handles a subject that has already been treated on by the ancients, he has, as it were, brought it to greater perfection, or imitated them to rivalry. But Racine studied nature as well as the classical productions. The moderns too often neglect the study of nature for that of authors; and L e Batteux justly observes, "that the ancients are to us, what nature was to them." The works of nature will bear a deeper study than those of men. It may be said of the French Euripides, that he has avoided the faults of the illustrious ancients by exchanging their defects for his own natural beauties ; and fortunate are those who can pursue a similar system35. Since even models possess defects, care must be taken to avoid them when studying. Feebleness and mediocrity would frequently appeal to their authority as precedents for the faults they commit. The vanity of young artists is easily flattered in perceiving that some slight resemblance may be seen between certain parts of their own productions and those of the great masters ; but it is in their beauties and perfections only that this resemblance must be sought. M e n of genius may be accused of errors, but their excellence never wants admirers; and he is justly despised who presents in his works nothing but an imitation of their failings. Favour and excuse may be easily procured from the generality of observers; but connoisseurs bestow praise only in proportion to real merit. Voltaire also possessed the rare talent of perfecting his originals. Endued with the double advantage of vast experience, united to a brilliant genius, which was adorned |