Characteristicks of Men, Manners, Opinions, Times - Volume 1

Section 1.

...pitch. And you, my Lord, who are the noblest actor, playing the noblest role assigned to any human on this earthly stage, when you are working for liberty and humanity; does not the public presence—that of your friends and those who wish your cause well—add something to your thinking and your genius? original: "Genius." In this context, it refers to a person's natural talent or creative spirit. Or is that height of reason and power of eloquence, which you display in public, no more than what you are equally a master of in private? Can you command it at any time, when alone, or with unremarkable company, or in some relaxed or calm hour? This would indeed be more godlike; but I think ordinary human nature does not reach so high.

For my own part, my Lord, I have such a great need for a significant presence or company to elevate my thoughts on any occasion that, when I am alone, I must try to provide for this need through the power of my imagination original: "Strength of Fancy." Here meaning the ability to visualize or mentally simulate a situation.. For lack of a Muse, I must seek out some great man of extraordinary talent, whose imagined presence might inspire me with more than what I feel during ordinary hours. And so, my Lord, I have chosen to address myself to your Lordship, though without signing my name. This allows you, as a stranger, the total freedom to read no more than what you feel like reading; while I reserve for myself the privilege of imagining you