For though we should be loath to see
the wholesome conventions, to which we have alluded, broken down by a
general incontinence of publication, and every man's and woman's
diary flying into the bookstores, yet it is to be considered, on the
other hand, that men of genius are often more incapable than others
of that elaborate execution which criticism exacts. Men of genius in
general are, more than others, incapable of any perfect exhibition,
because however agreeable it may be to them to act on the public, it
is always a secondary aim. They are humble, self-accusing, moody
men, whose worship is toward the Ideal Beauty, which chooses to be
courted not so often in perfect hymns, as in wild ear-piercing
ejaculations, or in silent musings. Their face is forward, and their
heart is in this heaven. By so much are they disqualified for a
perfect success in any particular performance to which they can give
only a divided affection. But the man of talents has every advantage
in the competition. He can give that cool and commanding attention
to the thing to be done, that shall secure its just performance.
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