It is no youngling enthusiasm on
hilltops that can possess itself of the last essence of beauty.
Probably most people's heads are growing bare before they can see all
in a landscape that they have the capability of seeing; and, even
then, it will be only for one little moment of consummation before
the faculties are again on the decline, and they that look out of the
windows begin to be darkened and restrained in sight. Thus the study
of nature should be carried forward thoroughly and with system.
Every gratification should be rolled long under the tongue, and we
should be always eager to analyse and compare, in order that we may
be able to give some plausible reason for our admirations. True, it
is difficult to put even approximately into words the kind of
feelings thus called into play. There is a dangerous vice inherent
in any such intellectual refining upon vague sensation. The analysis
of such satisfactions lends itself very readily to literary
affectations; and we can all think of instances where it has shown
itself apt to exercise a morbid influence, even upon an author's
choice of language and the turn of his sentences.
Pages:
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312