Note 119 — AN ESSAY ON CRITICISM.
Reading edition
It may be pertinent to subjoin Roscommon's remark on the same subject:
——Far the greatest part Of what some call neglect is studied art. When Virgil seems to trifle in a line, 'Tis but a warning piece which gives the sign, To wake your fancy and prepare your sight To reach the noble height of some unusual flight.—Warton.
Variety and contrast are necessary, and it is impossible all parts should be equally excellent. Yet it would be too much to recommend introducing trivial or dull passages to enhance the merit of those in which the whole effort of genius might be employed.—Bowles.