EYU LANGUAGE. 367 



the parts controlled by the sjnnpathetic nerves which regulate the 

 condition of the blood-vessels and their minute continuations. This 

 will perhaps be best discussed a little later, when some points in the 

 physiology of the eyeball which bear upon expression are dealt with. 



The relation of the brow to the eye greatly influences its expres- 

 sion. If one examines the eye of an eagle one finds that its impres- 

 sive aspect greatly depends upon the fact that it is overhung by a 

 lowered brow. Although we speak of an " eagle eye " in a human 

 being, there can be no doubt that it is the unconscious application 

 of human physiognomical standards to the bird which makes us 

 think its expression so imposing. The eagle has in an exaggerated 

 form certain ocular characteristics which in a human being are a 

 sure sign of formidable qualities. A clear and steady gaze — pos- 

 sibly emphasized by the sparkle indicating some fierce emotion — 

 from beneath a lowered frowning brow means a great deal when 

 seen in a man. Throughout all Nature a steady eye indicates cour- 

 age. The possessor is confident in his own strength, and does not feel 

 the need of looking hither and thither either for succor or for a way 

 of escape. This fearlessness and fearless aspect under natural cir- 

 cumstances is generally fully justified. It is only when it is backed 

 up by such jDhysical qualities as to give a fair prospect of success in 

 any encounter that warlike courage is one of Nature's conservative 

 forces. Otherwise it would obviously expose its possessor to grave 

 risks of extinction. It is because this sign of courage seen in the 

 countenance is also almost invariably a sign of formidable power 

 that it is so universally held in respect. In the " eagle eye " one has 

 this bold clear glance, and above it the suggestion of a frown. Now 

 a brow of this character usually means two things: First, that there 

 is some feeling of resentment; and second, that the mind of the 

 frowner is made up as to some course of action. When these are 

 added on to the other qualities indicated by the " eagle eye," one 

 naturally feels that the man displaying^ it is not one to be trifled 

 with. Most savages frown horribly when they wish to intimidate 

 their foes, and it is said the Chinese recruits are exercised in this 

 maneuver as thoroughly as ours are in accomplishing the " goose 

 step." Their words of command (as commonly reported) are, 

 " Prepare to look fierce ! Look fierce ! Advance on the enemy ! " 



I am inclined to think that Ave have a remnant of this self-same 

 piece of strategy in the peaked caps still worn by the soldiers of sev- 

 eral nations. The cap which one sees most commonly represented in 

 pictures of the French troops in the Franco-German "War brings a 

 frowning look to the brow, and shadows the eyes in such a way as to 

 give the face a very stern and soldierly ensemhle. 



I remember being greatly struck with the transformation effected 



