Note 108 — CHRONOLOGICAL LIST
Reading edition
THE NOTE!
"First, the Genius of the place 'tells the waters,' or only simply gives directions: then he 'helps the ambitious hill,' or is a fellow-labourer: then again, he 'scoops the circling theatre,' or works alone, or in chief. Afterwards, rising fast in our idea of dignity, he 'calls in the country,' alluding to the orders of princes in their progress, when accustomed to display all their state and magnificence. His character then grows sacred, 'he joins willing woods,' a metaphor taken from one of the offices of the priesthood, till at length he becomes a divinity, and creates, and presides over the whole."—Warburton's edit. of Pope, 1752, vol. iii. p. 285.
Would the reader wish a better specimen of the Bishop's taste!