_Calloph._ Why, Sir, amongst the _Greeks_ and _Romans_, you may observe several very well-shaped Deities: The _Hercules_, the _Apollo_, and the _Venus_, are at this Day Standards of Beauty.
_Polypth._ Yes; but I am apt to attribute this rather to the Imagination of their Sculptors, than their Priests. To _shew Art_, rather than to _express Religion_, was the Point aimed at in these enchanting Pieces of Workmanship.----But when Superstition acted without Controul; when the fantastic Notions of Priests were put into the Hands of ordinary Workmen, even amongst the polite _Greeks_ and _Romans_ themselves, Lord! what misshapen Monsters crouded into Temples, and reared themselves aloft above Altars! Search other Countries likewise, _Egypt_ and _Africa_, _China_ and _Japan_, or any Place either ancient or modern, where Superstition prevails, and I dare engage in the whole Catalogue of their Deities you will scarce meet with one that bears any thing like the human Shape.
_Calloph._ Why their Demi-Gods, or canonized Heroes, of which all pagan Nations had Abundance, were generally I fancy represented in the human Form. And these _Saxon_ Divinities, I suppose, pretend not to any superior Rank----But however, as no Degree of Veneration is exacted from you, you may I think let them rest quietly upon their Pedestals, without any farther Molestation.----We have a good View into the Country from hence. Those Woods are extremely elegant in their kind; we must certainly contrive to take a Ride thither some Evening. They are laid out in a very fine Manner, and cut into very beautiful Ridings.
_Polypth._ Ay, that is the kind of Improvement that takes most with me (let us step in here a Moment, we are caught I see in a Shower). I am altogether of the Poet's Opinion, that
_'Tis _Use_ alone that sanctifies Expence._
Were I a Nobleman, I should endeavour to turn my Estate into a Garden, and make my Tenants my Gardiners: Instead of useless Temples, I would build Farm-houses; and instead of cutting out unmeaning Vistas, I would beautify and mend Highways: The Country should smile upon my Labours, and the Public should partake in my Pleasures. What signifies all this ostentatious Work? Is any Man the better for it? Is it not Money most vilely squandered away?