Page:Proofs of the Enquiry into Homer's Life and Writings.pdf/107

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94
Proofs of the Enquiry into

94

Proofs of the Enquiry into

e c T. stinct from Matter and empty Space ; which are XII. the only two Realities he will allow to exist : 301.

But while the Sons of Fame their Songs employ On Helen'* Rape, or mourn the Fall of Troy ; Take heed, nor ever from such Tales as these, That ABions by themselves subsist, confess. Creech.

It is observed in Families that live much by themselves, and converse only with one Sett of People, that any strange Custom which they have not seen, or any new Term or Phrase which they never heard in the narrow Circle of their Conversation, proves Matter of great Specu lation, and of a pert sort of childish Raillery. But this Observation is not confined to Families, or such small Societies ; it extends to whole Coun tries and Nations, to whole Vulgar the Customs, Language and Habit of their Neighbours appear harm and ridiculous. The French are a polite hospitable People, remarkable for their Civility to Strangers, and procuring them all the Plea sures which their Country affords in the genteelest Manner : An ingenious Stranger, the Au thor of the excellent and instructive Letters con cerning the English and French, thinks they are civil to Foreigners upon the same sooting as People come to Years indulge Children, and,

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