Note 82 — EPISTLE[73] TO WILLIAM HAYLEY, Esq.
Reading edition
l. 18. Level line of peace.—Milton, in the close of his sonnet to Mr Laurence, insinuates that there is danger in too frequently indulging the luxury of intellectual society, thus—
What neat repast shall feast us, light and choice, Of attic taste, with wine, whence we may rise To hear the lute well touch’d, and artful voice Warble immortal notes and Tuscan air? He, who of these delights can judge, and spare To interpose them oft, is not unwise.