SUMMER 103 



shape and color. Such things emphasize 

 a general regularity, yet we are pleased 

 with the latent chance of divergence : it 

 gives latitude. Indeed, in all forms and ex- 

 pressions of worth and beauty we swerve 

 from our original aim and bend toward its 

 opposite. Painting that has no temper of 

 breadth, tone, sobriety, repellent things 

 to the new eye, how sugary, thin, and 

 pretty-pretty it is ! In music we would 

 tire of major harmonies forever, and want 

 a season of minor, which is nearer to dis- 

 cord, yes, and even a diminished chord 

 and discord itself for contrast's sake. We 

 do not take our colors in prismatic purity ; 

 we do not want our sculpture, bronze, and 

 porcelains in weak, smooth forms. The 

 palate objects to pure sugar, and will have 

 a hint of acid or of bitter. Man will not 

 be led wholly by his senses, nor suffer him- 

 self to be confined by their experience. 

 Especially in the outer world should he 

 be willing to merge his prejudice, for when 

 he is fairly and sympathetically in the heart 

 of nature he does not find its spirit reserved 

 and distant, as one philosopher declares it 



