Too much of either detracts from the enjoyment of its beatitudes.

In saying this I do not wish to detract in the least from the value of the part performed by those to whose lot it fell to put the actual schemes into operation.

It just detracts at the supreme moment from the generosity of the scene; it has the accent of the priestess, not of the true lover; and thus at the moment when one longs to be in the very white-heat of emotion, one is subtly aware of an improving hand that casts water upon the flame.

Thus every way perfect and compleat have you, all both Tragedies and Comedies that were ever writ by our Authors, a Pair of the greatest Wits and most ingenious Poets of their Age; from whose worth we should but detract by our most studied Commendations.

In fact my total inability to see Hazel as Edward saw her somewhat detracted from my enjoyment of her history.