He then proceeds to consider him merely as an orator.

An orator Homer doubtless was, and a great orator.

But surely nothing is more remarkable, in his admirable works, than the art with which his oratorical powers are made subservient to the purposes of poetry.

Nor can I think Quintilian a great critic in his own province.

Just as are many of his remarks, beautiful as are many of his illustrations, we can perpetually detect in his thoughts that flavour which the soil of despotism generally communicates to all the fruits of genius.