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[169] Omnia sed vereor, (quis enim securus amavit?) If Hero cannot wholly hide her suspicious from her lover, yet they are expressed in so delicate and handsome a manner, that it is impossible he should take offence. She owns he never gave her any cause for them, and that they are nothing more than those unavoidable disquiets which ever attend upon love. This was absolutely necessary for the poet's design. He was to represent in Leander and Hero a chaste and mutual passion, that he might raise the greater compassion in his reader, when he reffects upon their unhappy fate. It would have been altogether inconsisted it with this to introduce a passion sullied with black suspicions on either side. The poet was more a master of his subject, and has made Hero say no more than might naturally be expected from any one in her circumstances, how well soever assured of her over's affections. Accordingly we find that the poet's intention has been fully answered; never have any two lovers been more frequently mentioned, or with greater marks of compassion for their fate.

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