--P. 51.
Ridicule from a notion of excellence, when the object is absolutely
odious or contemptible. This is the highest degree of the ridiculous;
as in the affectation of diseases or vices.
ENDNOTE DD.
'_Thus far triumphant_,' etc.--P. 51
Ridicule from false shame or groundless fear.
ENDNOTE EE.
'_Last of the motley bands_,' etc.--P. 52.
Ridicule from the ignorance of such things as our circumstances
require us to know.
ENDNOTE FF.
'_Suffice it to have said_,' etc.--P. 52.
By comparing these general sources of ridicule with each other, and
examining the ridiculous in other objects, we may obtain a general
definition of it, equally applicable to every species. The most
important circumstance of this definition is laid down in the lines
referred to; but others more minute we shall subjoin here.
Aristotle's account of the matter seems both imperfect and false.
[Greek: To ghar geloion], says he, [Greek: estin hamartaema ti kai
aischos]: 'The ridiculous is some certain fault or turpitude without
pain, and not destructive to its subject' (_Poet_. c. 5). For
allowing it to be true, as it is not, that the ridiculous is never
accompanied with pain, yet we might produce many instances of such a
fault or turpitude which cannot with any tolerable propriety be
called ridiculous.
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