is that state of mind which prepares one to receive impressions. According to the degree of attention, objects make a stronger or weaker impression (a). Attention is requisite even to the simple act of seeing; the eye can take in a considerable field at one look; but no object in the field is seen distinctly, but that singly which fixes the attention; in a profound reverie that totally occupies the attention, we scarce see what is directly before us. In a train of perceptions, no particular object makes such a figure as it would do singly and apart; for when the attention is divided among many objects, no particular object is intitled to a large share. Hence, the stillness of night contributes to terror, there being nothing to divert the attention:

Horror ubique animos, simul ipsa silentia terrent. Æneid. ii.

Zara. Silence and solitude are ev'ry where!

Through all the gloomy ways and iron doors

That hither lead, nor human face nor voice

Is seen or heard. A dreadful din was heard

To grate the senses, when enter'd here, from groans

And howls of slaves condemn'd, from clank of chains,

And crash of rusty bars and creaking hinges;

And ever and anon the sight was dash'd

With frightful faces, and the meagre looks

Of grim and ghastly executioners,

Yet more this billows terrifies my soul

Than did that scene of complicated horrors.

Mourning Bride, act 5. sc. 8.

In matters of slight importance, attention is mostly directed by will; and for that reason, it is our own fault if trifling objects make any deep impression. Had we power equally to withhold our attention from matters of importance, we might be proof against any deep impression. But our power fails us here; an interesting object seizes and fixes the attention beyond the possibility of control; and while our attention is thus forcibly attached to one object, others may solicit for admittance; but in vain, for they will not be regarded. Thus a small misfortune is scarce felt in preference of a greater:

Lear. Thou think'st 'tis much, that this contentious storm Invades us to the skin; 'twas to thee;

But where the greater malady is fix'd,

The lesser is scarce felt. 'Twas alt thin a bear;

But if thy flight lay toward the roaring sea,

Thou'dst meet the bear i'th' mouth. When the mind's free,

The body's delicate; the tempest in my mind

Doth from my senses take all feeling else,

Save what beats there.

King Lear, act 3. sc. 5.