OR, THE BHODIAN GENIUS. 407 



then, the action and disturbance produced are soon again succeeded 

 by unfruitful repose. 



" It is otherwise, however, when the same substances are brought 

 together in the bodies of plants and animals. In these, the vital 

 force or power reigns supreme, and, regardless of the mutual amity or 

 enmity of the atoms recognized by Democritus, commands the union 

 of substances which in inanimate nature shun each other, and sepa- 

 rates those which are ever seeking to enter into combination. 



" Now come nearer to me, my friends ; look with me on the first 

 of the pictures before us, and recognize in the Rhodian Genius, in 

 the expression of youthful energy, in the butterfly on his shoulder, 

 and in the commanding glance of his eye, the symbol of vital force 

 animating each individual germ of the organic creation. At his feet 

 are the earthy elements, desiring to mix and unite, conformably to 

 their particular tendencies. The Genius, holding aloft his lighted 

 torch with commanding gesture, controls and constrains them, with- 

 out regard to their ancient rights, to obey his laws. 



" Now view with me the new picture which the tyrant has sent 

 to me for explanation : turn your eyes- from the image of life to that 

 of death. The butterfly has left its former place and soars upwards; 

 the extinguished torch is reversed, the head of the youth has sunk : 

 the spirit has fled to other spheres, and the vital force is dead. Now 

 the youths and maidens joyfully join hands, the earthy substances 

 resume their ancient rights : they are freed from the chains that 

 bound them, and follow impetuously after long restraint the impulse 

 to union. Thus inert matter, animated awhile by vital force, passes 

 through an innumerable diversity of forms, and perhaps in the same 

 substance which once enshrined the spirit of Pythagoras, a poor 

 worm may have enjoyed a momentary existence. 



" Go, Polycles, and tell Dionysius what thou hast heard ; and 

 you my friends, Buryphamos, Lysis, and Scopas, come nearer to me 

 and support me ; I feel that, in my weakened frame, the enfeebled 

 vital power will not long hold in subjection the earthy substances, 

 which reclaim their ancient liberty. Lead me once again to the 

 Pcecile, and thence to the sea-shore ; soon you will collect my ashes/ 7 



