"
The first four of these novel lines touch off the Duke's disposition
and genius to a tittle. He had a love for such scenes of strife:
in the midst of them his spirit rose calm and supreme, soaring (like
an angel or not, but anyway the compliment is a very pretty one) on
the battle-clouds majestic, and causing to ebb or to flow the mighty
tide of war.
But as this famous simile might apply with equal propriety--to a bad
angel as to a good one, it may in like manner be employed to
illustrate small quarrels as well as great--a little family
squabble, in which two or three people are engaged, as well as a
vast national dispute, argued on each side by the roaring throats of
five hundred angry cannon. The poet means, in fact, that the Duke
of Marlborough had an immense genius for mischief.
Our friend Brock, or Wood (whose actions we love to illustrate by
the very handsomest similes), possessed this genius in common with
his Grace; and was never so happy, or seen to so much advantage, as
when he was employed in setting people by the ears. His spirits,
usually dull, then rose into the utmost gaiety and good-humour.
When the doubtful battle flagged, he by his art would instantly
restore it.
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