ARTICLES 73 



sexual selection is undoubtedly at work, and here and there 

 its operation will be manifest. 



The possession, therefore, of such beauty as we have been 

 considering would appear to be evidence of an heredity compris- 

 ing the qualities that characterise the most desirable partners 

 in life, as well as ability to exercise in each generation the 

 selection of the fittest mates. It would consequently imply 

 the promise of reproductive success in large measure. Con- 

 versely, ugliness or unattractiveness would take what might 

 seem its natural office as an indication of but moderate fitness 

 for the most eugenic union. 



Evidence as to the facts might be obtainable by Galtonian 

 methods. 



May we not, then, conclude, with regard to the significance 

 of this order of beauty, that it should indicate capacity for 

 the highest fulfilment of the sexual life ; that, as ordinary 

 beauty is an index of a well-formed and well-functioning body, 

 so an amplified and exceptional beauty is of the most pro- 

 found biological and psychical significance — Nature's symbol 

 of perfect parenthood ? 



Rossetti, in one of his wonderful sonnets, gives expression 

 to his sense of the profound import of transcendent beauty : 



'' Beauty like hers is genius. Not the call 



Of Homer's or of Dante's heart sublime, — 

 Not Michael's hand furrowing the zones of time, — 

 Is more with compassed mysteries musical : 



. . . This sovereign face, whose love-spell breathes 

 Even from its shadowed contour on the wall." 



