Affection, like melancholy, magnifies trifles; but the magnifying of the one is like looking through a telescope at heavenly objects; that of the other, like enlarging monsters with a microscope.

Summary

This quote suggests that affection and melancholy can both make small things seem bigger or more important. However, the effect of affection is compared to looking at heavenly objects through a telescope, which implies that it enhances and beautifies them. On the other hand, melancholy is said to be like using a microscope to enlarge monsters, indicating that it distorts and exaggerates negative experiences or thoughts. In essence, the quote highlights the contrasting effects of affection and melancholy on the perception of insignificant matters.

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