Such are the natural perils of literature amongst aristocracies.
Every aristocracy which keeps itself entirely aloof from the people becomes impotent--a fact which is as true in literature as it is in politics.

*a [Footnote a: All this is especially true of the aristocratic countries which have been long and peacefully subject to a monarchical government.
When liberty prevails in an aristocracy, the higher ranks are constantly obliged to make use of the lower classes; and when they use, they approach them.

This frequently introduces something of a democratic spirit into an aristocratic community.

There springs up, moreover, in a privileged body, governing with energy and an habitually bold policy, a taste for stir and excitement which must infallibly affect all literary performances.] Let us now turn the picture and consider the other side of it; let us transport ourselves into the midst of a democracy, not unprepared by ancient traditions and present culture to partake in the pleasures of the mind.

Ranks are there intermingled and confounded; knowledge and power are both infinitely subdivided, and, if I may use the expression, scattered on every side.