Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-02-03
SEE, EC17ONS

The following essay Is nom literary
work, published in London. in the year 17s5-
Ego nee stsaium sine divise reno,
.Nsc rude gtsid prosit, video, ingeaium.-
Hon.
All, what can application do,
Unless we have Genius too
Or Genius how have cultivation,
v. Without due.pains and duplication
If we consider that part of our ac-
quaintance, whom we remember from
their infancy, we shall find that the ex-
pectations we once entertained OF their
future abilities are in many instances
disappointed. Those, who were &C
counted heavy dull boys, have by dill
gence and application made their way
TO the first honours, and become emf
nent for their learning and knowledge
of the world; while others who where
regarded as bright lads, and imagined
to possess parts equal to any scheme OF
life, have turned out dissolute and igno-
rant; and quite unworthy the title OF a
eenius,except in the modern acceptation
of the word BY which it signifies very
silly young fellow, who from his ex-
travagance and debauchery has obtained
the name of Genius, like tucus q non
kxcendo, because he had no Genius at all.
tits shocking drawback from
fathers happiness, when he sees his son
blessed with strong natural parts and
quick conception, to reflect that these
very talents may be his ruin. If vanity
once gets into his head and gives it a
wrong turn, the young coxcomb will
neglect the means Of improvement,
trust entirely to his native abilities,
and be as ridiculously proud Of his
parts, as the brats ofquality are taught
tobe of their family. In the mean
time those, whom nature threw far
behind him, are by application ena-
bled to leave him at a distance in their
turn; and he continues boasting of his
genius, till it subsists no longer but
dies for want of cultivation. Thusvan-
ity and Incidence prevent his improve
ment; and if he is to rise in the world
by his merit, take away the means OF
success, and perhaps reduce him to
very miserable distresses. know
one of these early geniuses, who scarce
supports, hinselfby writing for book
seller, and another who is at leisure to
contemplate his extraordinary parts in
the Fleet-prison.
five look into the world, We shall
find that the mere genius will never
raise himself to any degree Of eminence
without close & unwearied application
TO his respective business or profession.
The Inns of Court are full Of these
men of parts, who cannot bear the |
drudgery of turning over dry Cases
and Reports; but, though they appear
ever so eloquent in taverns and coffee
houses, not the nearest relation will
trust them with Brief: and many
sprightly physician has walked on
foot all his life, with no more knowledge
of his profession than what lies in his
periwig. For whatever opinion they
themselves may have of their own
parts, other persons do not chuse to be |
bantered out Of their estates, or joked
out of their lives: and even in trade,
the plodding men of the alley would
foretell the bankruptcy Of any wit
among them, who should laugh at the |
labour of accounts, or despise the Italian |
method of Bookkeeping. Thus we
see, that parts alone are not sufficient
to recommend US to the good opinion
of the world; and ifnot reused and call
ed forth by study and application,
they would become torpid and use
less: as the race-horse, though not put
to drag dray or carry pack, must
yet be kept in exercise. But shall
enlarge no further on this subject,
as would not anticipate the thoughts
contained in the following elegant
little Fable; which is written by the
same ingenious hand, that Obliged
the public with the Verses on imitation,
inserted in my sixty-seventh number.
THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE.
Genius, blest term ofmeaning wide!
(For sure no term so misapply'd)
How many bear the sacred name,
That never fe,t real flame!
Proud ofthe specious appellation,
Thus fools have christ'nd Inclination.
But yet suppose Genius true;
Erempk grafia, me or you.
What'er he tries with due intention,
Rarely escapes his apprehension;
Surrounding evfy opposition,
You'd swear he learnt by intuition.
Should he presume alone on parts,
ind study therefore but by starts'
Sure Of success WIENER he tres,
Should he forego the means TO rise'
Suppose your watch, Graham make,
Gold, ifyou viii, for value sake,
It's springs within in order due,
No watch, when going, goes 50 true:
If ne'er wound up with proper care
What service is Il in the wearl
Some genial spark of Phe6vs' rays
Perhaps within our bosom plays.
u