First，bequitesureofonething，that，howevermuchyoumayknow，andwhateveradvantagesyoumaypossess，andhowevergoodyoumaybe，youhavenotbeensingledout，bytheGodwhomadeyou，fromalltheothergirlsintheworld，tobeespeciallyinformedrespectingHisownnatureandcharacter。Youhavenotbeenborninaluminouspointuponthesurfaceoftheglobe，whereaperfecttheologymightbeexpoundedtoyoufromyouryouthup，andwhereeverythingyouweretaughtwouldbetrue，andeverythingthatwasenforceduponyou，right。Ofalltheinsolent，allthefoolishpersuasionsthatbyanychancecouldenterandholdyouremptylittleheart，thisistheproudestandfoolishest，——thatyouhavebeensomuchthedarlingoftheHeavens，andfavouriteoftheFates，astobebornintheverynickoftime，andinthepunctualplace，whenandwherepureDivinetruthhadbeensiftedfromtheerrorsoftheNations;andthatyourpapahadbeenprovidentiallydisposedtobuyahouseintheconvenientneighbourhoodofthesteepleunderwhichthatImmaculateandfinalveritywouldbebeautifullyproclaimed。Donotthinkit，child;itisnotso。This，onthecontrary，isthefact，—
　　—unpleasantyoumaythinkit;pleasant，itseemstoME，——thatyou，withallyourprettydresses，anddaintylooks，andkindlythoughts，andsaintlyaspirations，arenotonewhitmorethoughtoforlovedbythegreatMakerandMasterthananypoorlittlered，black，orbluesavage，runningwildinthepestilentwoods，ornakedonthehotsandsoftheearth：andthat，ofthetwo，youprobablyknowlessaboutGodthanshedoes;theonlydifferencebeingthatshethinkslittleofHimthatisright，andyoumuchthatiswrong。
　　That，then，isthefirstthingtomakesureof;——thatyouarenotyetperfectlywellinformedonthemostabstruseofallpossiblesubjects，andthatifyoucaretobehavewithmodestyorpropriety，youhadbetterbesilentaboutit。
　　Thesecondthingwhichyoumaymakesureofis，thathowevergoodyoumaybe，youhavefaults;thathoweverdullyoumaybe，youcanfindoutwhatsomeofthemare;andthathoweverslighttheymaybe，youhadbettermakesome——nottoopainful，butpatient——efforttogetquitofthem。Andsofarasyouhaveconfidenceinmeatall，trustmeforthis，thathowmanysoeveryoumayfindorfancyyourfaultstobe，thereareonlytwothatareofrealconsequence，——
　　IdlenessandCruelty。Perhapsyoumaybeproud。Well，wecangetmuchgoodoutofpride，ifonlyitbenotreligious。Perhapsyoumaybevain;itishighlyprobable;andverypleasantforthepeoplewholiketopraiseyou。Perhapsyouarealittleenvious：thatisreallyveryshocking;butthen——soiseverybodyelse。Perhaps，also，youarealittlemalicious，whichIamtrulyconcernedtohear，butshouldprobablyonlythemore，ifIknewyou，enjoyyourconversation。Butwhateverelseyoumaybe，youmustnotbeuseless，andyoumustnotbecruel。Ifthereisanyonepointwhich，insixthousandyearsofthinkingaboutrightandwrong，wiseandgoodmenhaveagreedupon，orsuccessivelybyexperiencediscovered，itisthatGoddislikesidleandcruelpeoplemorethananyothers：—thatHisfirstorderis，"Workwhileyouhavelight;"
　　andHissecond，"Bemercifulwhileyouhavemercy。"
　　"Workwhileyouhavelight，"especiallywhileyouhavethelightofmorning。Therearefewthingsmorewonderfultomethanthatoldpeoplenevertellyoungoneshowprecioustheiryouthis。Theysometimessentimentallyregrettheirownearlierdays;sometimesprudentlyforgetthem;oftenfoolishlyrebuketheyoung，oftenmorefoolishlyindulge，oftenmostfoolishlythwartandrestrain;butscarcelyeverwarnorwatchthem。Remember，then，thatI，atleast，havewarnedYOU，thatthehappinessofyourlife，anditspower，anditspartandrankinearthorinheaven，dependonthewayyoupassyourdaysnow。Theyarenottobesaddays：farfromthat，thefirstdutyofyoungpeopleistobedelightedanddelightful;buttheyaretobeinthedeepestsensesolemndays。Thereisnosolemnitysodeep，toarightly—thinkingcreature，asthatofdawn。
　　Butnotonlyinthatbeautifulsense，butinalltheircharacterandmethod，theyaretobesolemndays。TakeyourLatindictionary，andlookout"solennis，"andfixthesenseofthewordwellinyourmind，andrememberthateverydayofyourearlylifeisordainingirrevocably，forgoodorevil，thecustomandpracticeofyoursoul;
　　ordainingeithersacredcustomsofdearandlovelyrecurrence，ortrenchingdeeperanddeeperthefurrowsforseedofsorrow。Now，therefore，seethatnodaypassesinwhichyoudonotmakeyourselfasomewhatbettercreature：andinordertodothat，findout，first，whatyouarenow。Donotthinkvaguelyaboutit;takepenandpaper，andwritedownasaccurateadescriptionofyourselfasyoucan，withthedatetoit。Ifyoudarenotdoso，findoutwhyyoudarenot，andtrytogetstrengthofheartenoughtolookyourselffairlyinthefaceinmindaswellasbody。Idonotdoubtbutthatthemindisalesspleasantthingtolookatthantheface，andforthatveryreasonitneedsmorelookingat;soalwayshavetwomirrorsonyourtoilettable，andseethatwithpropercareyoudressbodyandmindbeforethemdaily。Afterthedressingisonceoverfortheday，thinknomoreaboutit：asyourhairwillblowaboutyourears，soyourtemperandthoughtswillgetruffledwiththeday’swork，andmayneed，sometimes，twicedressing;butIdon’twantyoutocarryaboutamentalpocket—comb;onlytobesmoothbraidedalwaysinthemorning。
　　Writedownthen，frankly，whatyouare，or，atleast，whatyouthinkyourself，notdwellinguponthoseinevitablefaultswhichIhavejusttoldyouareoflittleconsequence，andwhichtheactionofarightlifewillshakeorsmoothaway;butthatyoumaydeterminetothebestofyourintelligencewhatyouaregoodforandcanbemadeinto。Youwillfindthatthemereresolvenottobeuseless，andthehonestdesiretohelpotherpeople，will，inthequickestanddelicatestways，improveyourself。Thus，fromthebeginning，considerallyouraccomplishmentsasmeansofassistancetoothers;
　　readattentively，inthisvolume，paragraphs74，75，19，and79，{3}
　　andyouwillunderstandwhatImean，withrespecttolanguagesandmusic。Inmusicespeciallyyouwillsoonfindwhatpersonalbenefitthereisinbeingserviceable：itisprobablethat，howeverlimitedyourpowers，youhavevoiceandearenoughtosustainanoteofmoderatecompassinaconcertedpiece;——that，then，isthefirstthingtomakesureyoucando。Getyourvoicedisciplinedandclear，andthinkonlyofaccuracy;neverofeffectorexpression：
　　ifyouhaveanysoulworthexpressing，itwillshowitselfinyoursinging;butmostlikelythereareveryfewfeelingsinyou，atpresent，needinganyparticularexpression;andtheonethingyouhavetodoistomakeaclear—voicedlittleinstrumentofyourself，whichotherpeoplecanentirelydependuponforthenotewanted。
　　So，indrawing，assoonasyoucansetdowntherightshapeofanything，andtherebyexplainitscharactertoanotherperson，ormakethelookofitclearandinterestingtoachild，youwillbegintoenjoytheartvividlyforitsownsake，andallyourhabitsofmindandpowersofmemorywillgainprecision：butifyouonlytrytomakeshowydrawingsforpraise，orprettyonesforamusement，yourdrawingwillhavelittleofrealinterestforyou，andnoeducationalpowerwhatever。
　　Then，besidesthismoredelicatework，resolvetodoeverydaysomethatisusefulinthevulgarsense。Learnfirstthoroughlytheeconomyofthekitchen;thegoodandbadqualitiesofeverycommonarticleoffood，andthesimplestandbestmodesoftheirpreparation：whenyouhavetime，goandhelpinthecookingofpoorerfamilies，andshowthemhowtomakeasmuchofeverythingaspossible，andhowtomakelittle，nice;coaxingandtemptingthemintotidyandprettyways，andpleadingforwell—foldedtable—
　　cloths，howevercoarse，andforaflowerortwooutofthegardentostrewonthem。Ifyoumanagetogetacleantable—cloth，brightplatesonit，andagooddishinthemiddle，ofyourowncooking，youmayaskleavetosayashortgrace;andletyourreligiousministriesbeconfinedtothatmuchforthepresent。
　　Again，letacertainpartofyourday（aslittleasyouchoose，butnottobebrokeninupon）besetapartformakingstrongandprettydressesforthepoor。Learnthesoundqualitiesofallusefulstuffs，andmakeeverythingofthebestyoucanget，whateveritsprice。Ihavemanyreasonsfordesiringyoutodothis，——toomanytobetoldjustnow，——trustme，andbesureyougeteverythingasgoodascanbe：andif，inthevillainousstateofmoderntrade，youcannotgetitgoodatanyprice，buyitsrawmaterial，andsetsomeofthepoorwomenaboutyoutospinandweave，tillyouhavegotstuffthatcanbetrusted：andthen，everyday，makesomelittlepieceofusefulclothing，sewnwithyourownfingersasstronglyasitcanbestitched;andembroideritorotherwisebeautifyitmoderatelywithfineneedlework，suchasagirlmaybeproudofhavingdone。Andaccumulatethesethingsbyyouuntilyouhearofsomehonestpersonsinneedofclothing，whichmayoftentoosorrowfullybe;and，eventhoughyoushouldbedeceived，andgivethemtothedishonest，andhearoftheirbeingatoncetakentothepawnbroker’s，nevermindthat，forthepawnbrokermustsellthemtosomeonewhohasneedofthem。Thatisnobusinessofyours;whatconcernsyouisonlythatwhenyouseeahalf—nakedchild，youshouldhavegoodandfreshclothestogiveit，ifitsparentswillletitbetaughttowearthem。Iftheywillnot，considerhowtheycametobeofsuchamind，whichitwillbewholesomeforyoubeyondmostsubjectsofinquirytoascertain。Andafteryouhavegoneondoingthisalittlewhile，youwillbegintounderstandthemeaningofatleastonechapterofyourBible，Proverbsxxxi。，withoutneedofanylabouredcomment，sermon，ormeditation。
　　Inthese，then（andofcourseinallminorwaysbesides，thatyoucandiscoverinyourownhousehold），youmustbetothebestofyourstrengthusefullyemployedduringthegreaterpartoftheday，sothatyoumaybeableattheendofittosay，asproudlyasanypeasant，thatyouhavenoteatenthebreadofidleness。
　　Then，secondly，Isaid，youarenottobecruel。Perhapsyouthinkthereisnochanceofyourbeingso;andindeedIhopeitisnotlikelythatyoushouldbedeliberatelyunkindtoanycreature;butunlessyouaredeliberatelykindtoeverycreature，youwilloftenbecrueltomany。Cruel，partlythroughwantofimagination，（afarrarerandweakerfacultyinwomenthanmen，）andyetmore，atthepresentday，throughthesubtleencouragementofyourselfishnessbythereligiousdoctrinethatallwhichwenowsupposetobeevilwillbebroughttoagoodend;doctrinepracticallyissuing，notinlessearnesteffortsthattheimmediateunpleasantnessmaybeavertedfromourselves，butinourremainingsatisfiedinthecontemplationofitsultimateobjects，whenitisinflictedonothers。
　　Itisnotlikelythatthemoreaccuratemethodsofrecentmentaleducationwillnowlongpermityoungpeopletogrowupinthepersuasionthat，inanydangerordistress，theymayexpecttobethemselvessavedbytheProvidenceofGod，whilethosearoundthemarelostbyHisimprovidence：buttheymaybeyetlongrestrainedfromrightlykindaction，andlongaccustomedtoendureboththeirownpainoccasionally，andthepainofothersalways，withanunwisepatience，bymisconceptionoftheeternalandincurablenatureofrealevil。Observe，therefore，carefullyinthismatter;therearedegreesofpain，asdegreesoffaultfulness，whicharealtogetherconquerable，andwhichseemtobemerelyformsofwholesometrialordiscipline。Yourfingerstinglewhenyougooutonafrostymorning，andareallthewarmerafterwards;yourlimbsarewearywithwholesomework，andliedowninthepleasanterrest;youaretriedforalittlewhilebyhavingtowaitforsomepromisedgood，anditisallthesweeterwhenitcomes。Butyoucannotcarrythetrialpastacertainpoint。Letthecoldfastenonyourhandinanextremedegree，andyourfingerswillmoulderfromtheirsockets。
　　Fatigueyourself，butonce，toutterexhaustion，andtotheendoflifeyoushallnotrecovertheformervigourofyourframe。Letheart—sicknesspassbeyondacertainbitterpoint，andtheheartlosesitslifeforever。
　　Now，theverydefinitionofevilisinthisirremediableness。Itmeanssorrow，orsin，whichendsindeath;andassuredly，asfarasweknow，orcanconceive，therearemanyconditionsbothofpainandsinwhichcannotbutsoend。Ofcourseweareignorantandblindcreatures，andwecannotknowwhatseedsofgoodmaybeinpresentsuffering，orpresentcrime;butwithwhatwecannotknowwearenotconcerned。Itisconceivablethatmurderersandliarsmayinsomedistantworldbeexaltedintoahigherhumanitythantheycouldhavereachedwithouthomicideorfalsehood;butthecontingencyisnotonebywhichouractionsshouldbeguided。Thereis，indeed，abetterhopethatthebeggar，wholiesatourgatesinmisery，may，withingatesofpearl，becomforted;buttheMaster，whosewordsareouronlyauthorityforthinkingso，neverHimselfinflicteddiseaseasablessing，norsentawaythehungryunfed，orthewoundedunhealed。
　　Believemethen，theonlyrightprincipleofactionhere，istoconsidergoodandevilasdefinedbyournaturalsenseofboth;andtostrivetopromotetheone，andtoconquertheother，withasheartyendeavourasiftherewere，indeed，nootherworldthanthis。
　　Aboveall，getquitoftheabsurdideathatHeavenwillinterferetocorrectgreaterrors，whileallowingitslawstotaketheircourseinpunishingsmallones。Ifyouprepareadishoffoodcarelessly，youdonotexpectProvidencetomakeitpalatable;neitherif，throughyearsoffolly，youmisguideyourownlife，needyouexpectDivineinterferencetobringroundeverythingatlastforthebest。
　　Itellyou，positively，theworldisnotsoconstituted：theconsequencesofgreatmistakesarejustassureasthoseofsmallones，andthehappinessofyourwholelife，andofallthelivesoverwhichyouhavepower，dependasliterallyonyourowncommonsenseanddiscretionastheexcellenceandorderofthefeastofaday。
　　Thinkcarefullyandbravelyoverthesethings，andyouwillfindthemtrue：havingfoundthemso，thinkalsocarefullyoveryourownpositioninlife。Iassumethatyoubelongtothemiddleorupperclasses，andthatyouwouldshrinkfromdescendingintoalowersphere。Youmayfancyyouwouldnot：nay，ifyouareverygood，strong—hearted，andromantic，perhapsyoureallywouldnot;butitisnotwrongthatyoushould。Youhave，then，Isuppose，goodfood，prettyroomstolivein，prettydressestowear，powerofobtainingeveryrationalandwholesomepleasure;youare，moreover，probablygentleandgrateful，andinthehabitofeverydaythankingGodforthesethings。ButwhydoyouthankHim？Isitbecause，inthesematters，aswellasinyourreligiousknowledge，youthinkHehasmadeafavouriteofyou？Istheessentialmeaningofyourthanksgiving，"Lord，IthankTheethatIamnotasothergirlsare，notinthatIfasttwiceintheweekwhiletheyfeast，butinthatI
　　feastseventimesaweekwhiletheyfast，"andareyouquitesurethisisapleasingformofthanksgivingtoyourHeavenlyFather？
　　Supposeyousawoneofyourowntrueearthlysisters，LucyorEmily，castoutofyourmortalfather’shouse，starving，helpless，heartbroken;andthateverymorningwhenyouwentintoyourfather’sroom，yousaidtohim，"Howgoodyouare，father，togivemewhatyoudon’tgiveLucy，"areyousurethat，whateverangeryourparentmighthavejustcausefor，againstyoursister，hewouldbepleasedbythatthanksgiving，orflatteredbythatpraise？Nay，areyouevensurethatyouAREsomuchthefavourite？——supposethat，allthiswhile，helovespoorLucyjustaswellasyou，andisonlytryingyouthroughherpain，andperhapsnotangrywithherinanywise，butdeeplyangrywithyou，andallthemoreforyourthanksgivings？Woulditnotbewellthatyoushouldthink，andearnestlytoo，overthisstandingofyours;andallthemoreifyouwishtobelievethattext，whichclergymensomuchdislikepreachingon，"HowhardlyshalltheythathaverichesenterintotheKingdomofGod"？Youdonotbelieveitnow，oryouwouldbelesscomplacentinyourstate;andyoucannotbelieveitatall，untilyouknowthattheKingdomofGodmeans，——"notmeatanddrink，butjustice，peace，andjoyintheHolyGhost，"noruntilyouknowalsothatsuchjoyisnotbyanymeans，necessarily，ingoingtochurch，orinsinginghymns;butmaybejoyinadance，orjoyinajest，orjoyinanythingyouhavedeservedtopossess，orthatyouarewillingtogive;butjoyinnothingthatseparatesyou，asbyanystrangefavour，fromyourfellow—creatures，thatexaltsyouthroughtheirdegradation——exemptsyoufromtheirtoil——orindulgesyouintimeoftheirdistress。
　　Think，then，andsomeday，Ibelieve，youwillfeelalso，——nomorbidpassionofpitysuchaswouldturnyouintoablackSisterofCharity，butthesteadyfireofperpetualkindnesswhichwillmakeyouabrightone。Ispeakinnodisparagementofthem;IknowwellhowgoodtheSistersofCharityare，andhowmuchweowetothem;
　　butalltheseprofessionalpieties（exceptsofarasdistinctionorassociationmaybenecessaryforeffectivenessofwork）areintheirspiritwrong，andinpracticemerelyplasterthesoresofdiseasethatoughtnevertohavebeenpermittedtoexist;encouragingatthesametimetheherdoflessexcellentwomeninfrivolity，byleadingthemtothinkthattheymusteitherbegooduptotheblackstandard，orcannotbegoodforanything。Wearacostume，byallmeans，ifyoulike;butletitbeacheerfulandbecomingone;andbeinyourheartaSisterofCharityalways，withouteitherveiledorvolubledeclarationofit。
　　AsIpause，beforeendingmypreface——thinkingofoneortwomorepointsthataredifficulttowriteof——Ifindaletterin’TheTimes，’fromaFrenchlady，whichsaysallIwantsobeautifully，thatIwillprintitjustasitstands：—
　　SIR，——Itisoftensaidthatoneexampleisworthmanysermons。
　　ShallIbejudgedpresumptuousifIpointoutone，whichseemstomesostrikingjustnow，that，howeverpainful，Icannothelpdwellinguponit？
　　Itistheshare，thesadandlargeshare，thatFrenchsocietyanditsrecenthabitsofluxury，ofexpenses，ofdress，ofindulgenceineverykindofextravagantdissipation，hastolaytoitsowndoorinitsactualcrisisofruin，misery，andhumiliation。IfourMENAGEREScanbecitedasanexampletoEnglishhousewives，so，alas！canotherclassesofoursocietybesetupasanexample——NOT
　　tobefollowed。
　　BittermustbethefeelingsofmanyaFrenchwomanwhosedaysofluxuryandexpensivehabitsareatanend，andwhosebillsofbygonesplendourliewithaheavyweightonherconscience，ifnotonherpurse！
　　Withustheevilhasspreadhighandlow。Everywherehavetheexamplesgivenbythehighestladiesinthelandbeenfollowedbuttoosuccessfully。
　　Everyyeardiddressbecomemoreextravagant，entertainmentsmorecostly，expensesofeverykindmoreconsiderable。Lowerandlowerbecamethetoneofsociety，itsgoodbreeding，itsdelicacy。MoreandmorewereMONDEandDEMI—MONDEassociatedinnewspaperaccountsoffashionabledoings，inscandalousgossip，onracecourses，inPREMIERESREPRESENTATIONS，inimitationofeachother’scostumes，MOBILIERSandslang。
　　Livingbeyondone’smeansbecamehabitual——almostnecessary——foreveryonetokeepupwith，ifnottogobeyond，everyoneelse。
　　Whattheresultofallthishasbeenwenowseeinthewreckofourprosperity，inthedownfallofallthatseemedbrightestandhighest。
　　Deeplyandfearfullyimpressedbywhatmyowncountryhasincurredandissuffering，IcannothelpfeelingsorrowfulwhenIseeinEnglandsignsofourbesettingsinsappearingalso。Paintandchignons，slangandvaudevilles，knowing"Anonymas"byname，andreadingdoubtfullymoralnovels，areinthemselvessmalloffences，althoughnotmanyyearsagotheywouldhaveappearedveryheinousones，yettheyarequickandtemptingconveyancesonaverydangeroushigh—road。
　　IwouldthatallEnglishwomenknewhowtheyarelookeduptofromabroad——whatahighopinion，whathonourandreverenceweforeignershavefortheirprinciples，theirtruthfulness，thefreshandpureinnocenceoftheirdaughters，thehealthyyouthfulnessoftheirlovelychildren。
　　MayIillustratethisbyashortexamplewhichhappenedverynearme？DuringthedaysoftheEMEUTESof1848，allthehousesinPariswerebeingsearchedforfirearmsbythemob。TheoneIwaslivingincontainednone，asthemasterofthehouserepeatedlyassuredthefuriousandincredulousRepublicans。Theyweregoingtolayviolenthandsonhimwhenhiswife，anEnglishlady，hearingthelouddiscussion，camebravelyforwardandassuredthemthatnoarmswereconcealed。"Vousetesanglaise，nousvouscroyons;lesanglaisesdisenttoujourslaverite，"wastheimmediateanswer，andtheriotersquietlyleft。
　　Now，Sir，shallIbeaccusedofunjustifiedcriticismif，lovingandadmiringyourcountry，astheselineswillprove，certainnewfeaturesstrikemeaspainfuldiscrepanciesinEnglishlife？
　　Farbeitfrommetopreachthecontemptofallthatcanmakelifelovableandwholesomelypleasant。Ilovenothingbetterthantoseeawomannice，neat，elegant，lookingherbestintheprettiestdressthathertasteandpursecanafford，oryourbright，freshyounggirlsfearlesslyandperfectlysittingtheirhorses，oradorningtheirhousesaspretty[sic;itisnotquitegrammar，butitisbetterthanifitwere;]ascare，trouble，andrefinementcanmakethem。
　　ItisthedegreeBEYONDthatwhichtoushasprovedsofatal，andthatIwouldourexamplecouldwarnyoufromasasmallrepaymentforyourhospitalityandfriendlinesstousinourdaysoftrouble。
　　MayEnglishwomenacceptthisinakindlyspiritasaNew—year’swishfromAFRENCHLADY。Dec。29。
　　That，then，isthesubstanceofwhatIwouldfainsayconvincingly，ifitmightbe，tomygirlfriends;atalleventswithcertaintyinmyownmindthatIwasthusfarasafeguidetothem。
　　ForotherandolderreadersitisneedfulIshouldwriteafewwordsmore，respectingwhatopportunityIhavehadtojudge，orrightI
　　havetospeak，ofsuchthings;for，indeed，toomuchofwhatIhavesaidaboutwomenhasbeensaidinfaithonly。AwiseandlovelyEnglishladytoldme，when’SesameandLilies’firstappeared，thatshewassurethe’Sesame’wouldbeuseful，butthatinthe’Lilies’
　　IhadbeenwritingofwhatIknewnothingabout。Whichwasinameasuretootrue，andalsothatitismorepartialthanmywritingsareusually：forasEllesmerespokehisspeechonthe——
　　intervention，not，indeed，otherwisethanhefelt，butyetaltogetherforthesakeofGretchen，soIwrotethe’Lilies’topleaseonegirl;andwereitnotforwhatIrememberofher，andoffewbesides，shouldnowperhapsrecastsomeofthesentencesinthe’Lilies’inaverydifferenttone：forasyearshavegoneby，ithaschancedtome，untowardlyinsomerespects，fortunatelyinothers（becauseitenablesmetoreadhistorymoreclearly），toseetheutmostevilthatisinwomen，whileIhavehadbuttobelievetheutmostgood。Thebestwomenareindeednecessarilythemostdifficulttoknow;theyarerecognizedchieflyinthehappinessoftheirhusbandsandthenoblenessoftheirchildren;theyareonlytobedivined，notdiscerned，bythestranger;and，sometimes，seemalmosthelplessexceptintheirhomes;yetwithoutthehelpofoneofthem，{4}towhomthisbookisdedicated，thedaywouldprobablyhavecomebeforenow，whenIshouldhavewrittenandthoughtnomore。
　　Ontheotherhand，thefashionofthetimerenderswhateverisforward，coarse，orsenseless，infemininenature，toopalpabletoallmen：—theweakpicturesquenessofmyearlierwritingsbroughtmeacquaintedwithmuchoftheiremptiestenthusiasm;andthechancesoflaterlifegavemeopportunitiesofwatchingwomeninstatesofdegradationandvindictivenesswhichopenedtomethegloomiestsecretsofGreekandSyriantragedy。Ihaveseenthembetraytheirhouseholdcharitiestolust，theirpledgedlovetodevotion;Ihaveseenmothersdutifultotheirchildren，asMedea;andchildrendutifultotheirparents，asthedaughterofHerodias：butmytrustisstillunmovedinthepreciousnessofthenaturesthataresofatalintheirerror，andIleavethewordsofthe’Lilies’
　　unchanged;believing，yet，thatnomaneverlivedarightlifewhohadnotbeenchastenedbyawoman’slove，strengthenedbyhercourage，andguidedbyherdiscretion。
　　WhatImightmyselfhavebeen，sohelped，Irarelyindulgeintheidlenessofthinking;butwhatIam，sinceItakeonmethefunctionofateacher，itiswellthatthereadershouldknow，asfarasI
　　cantellhim。
　　Notanunjustperson;notanunkindone;notafalseone;aloveroforder，labour，andpeace。That，itseemstome，isenoughtogivemerighttosayallIcaretosayonethicalsubjects;more，Icouldonlytelldefinitelythroughdetailsofautobiographysuchasnonebutprosperousand（inthesimplesenseoftheword）faultlesslivescouldjustify;——andminehasbeenneither。Yet，ifanyone，skilledinreadingthetornmanuscriptsofthehumansoul，caresformoreintimateknowledgeofme，hemayhaveitbyknowingwithwhatpersonsinpasthistoryIhavemostsympathy。
　　Iwillnamethree。
　　Inallthatisstrongestanddeepestinme，——thatfitsmeformywork，andgiveslightorshadowtomybeing，IhavesympathywithGuidoGuinicelli。
　　Inmyconstantnaturaltemper，andthoughtsofthingsandofpeople，withMarmontel。
　　Inmyenforcedandaccidentaltemper，andthoughtsofthingsandofpeople，withDeanSwift。
　　Anyonewhocanunderstandthenaturesofthosethreemen，canunderstandmine;andhavingsaidsomuch，Iamcontenttoleavebothlifeandworktoberememberedorforgotten，astheirusesmaydeserve。
　　DENMARKHILL，1stJanuary，1871。
　　LECTUREIII——THEMYSTERYOFLIFEANDITSARTS
　　LecturedeliveredinthetheatreoftheRoyalCollegeofScience，Dublin，1868。
　　WhenIacceptedtheprivilegeofaddressingyouto—day，IwasnotawareofarestrictionwithrespecttothetopicsofdiscussionwhichmaybebroughtbeforethisSociety{29}——arestrictionwhich，thoughentirelywiseandrightunderthecircumstancescontemplatedinitsintroduction，wouldnecessarilyhavedisabledme，thinkingasIthink，frompreparinganylectureforyouonthesubjectofartinaformwhichmightbepermanentlyuseful。Pardonme，therefore，insofarasImusttransgresssuchlimitation;forindeedmyinfringementwillbeoftheletter——notofthespirit——ofyourcommands。InwhateverImaysaytouchingthereligionwhichhasbeenthefoundationofart，orthepolicywhichhascontributedtoitspower，ifIoffendone，Ishalloffendall;forIshalltakenonoteofanyseparationsincreeds，orantagonismsinparties：
　　neitherdoIfearthatultimatelyIshalloffendany，byproving——oratleaststatingascapableofpositiveproof——theconnectionofallthatisbestinthecraftsandartsofman，withthesimplicityofhisfaith，andthesincerityofhispatriotism。
　　ButIspeaktoyouunderanotherdisadvantage，bywhichIamcheckedinfranknessofutterance，nothereonly，buteverywhere：namely，thatIamneverfullyawarehowfarmyaudiencesaredisposedtogivemecreditforrealknowledgeofmysubject，orhowfartheygrantmeattentiononlybecauseIhavebeensometimesthoughtaningeniousorpleasantessayistuponit。ForIhavehadwhat，inmanyrespects，Iboldlycallthemisfortune，tosetmywordssometimesprettilytogether;notwithoutafoolishvanityinthepoorknackthatIhadofdoingso：untilIwasheavilypunishedforthispride，byfindingthatmanypeoplethoughtofthewordsonly，andcarednothingfortheirmeaning。Happily，therefore，thepowerofusingsuchpleasantlanguage——ifindeediteverweremine——ispassingawayfromme;andwhateverIamnowabletosayatall，I
　　findmyselfforcedtosaywithgreatplainness。Formythoughtshavechangedalso，asmywordshave;andwhereasinearlierlife，whatlittleinfluenceIobtainedwasdueperhapschieflytotheenthusiasmwithwhichIwasabletodwellonthebeautyofthephysicalclouds，andoftheircoloursinthesky;soalltheinfluenceInowdesiretoretainmustbeduetotheearnestnesswithwhichIamendeavouringtotracetheformandbeautyofanotherkindofcloudthanthose;thebrightcloudofwhichitiswritten——"Whatisyourlife？Itisevenasavapourthatappearethforalittletime，andthenvanishethaway。"
　　Isupposefewpeoplereachthemiddleorlatterperiodoftheirage，withouthaving，atsomemomentofchangeordisappointment，feltthetruthofthosebitterwords;andbeenstartledbythefadingofthesunshinefromthecloudoftheirlifeintothesuddenagonyoftheknowledgethatthefabricofitwasasfragileasadream，andtheenduranceofitastransientasthedew。Butitisnotalwaysthat，evenatsuchtimesofmelancholysurprise，wecanenterintoanytrueperceptionthatthishumanlifesharesinthenatureofit，notonlytheevanescence，butthemysteryofthecloud;thatitsavenuesarewreathedindarkness，anditsformsandcoursesnolessfantastic，thanspectralandobscure;sothatnotonlyinthevanitywhichwecannotgrasp，butintheshadowwhichwecannotpierce，itistrueofthiscloudylifeofours，that"manwalkethinavainshadow，anddisquietethhimselfinvain。"
　　Andleastofall，whatevermayhavebeentheeagernessofourpassions，ortheheightofourpride，areweabletounderstandinitsdepththethirdandmostsolemncharacterinwhichourlifeislikethosecloudsofheaven;thattoitbelongsnotonlytheirtranscience，notonlytheirmystery，butalsotheirpower;thatinthecloudofthehumansoulthereisafirestrongerthanthelightning，andagracemorepreciousthantherain;andthatthoughofthegoodandevilitshallonedaybesaidalike，thattheplacethatknewthemknowsthemnomore，thereisaninfiniteseparationbetweenthosewhosebriefpresencehadtherebeenablessing，likethemistofEdenthatwentupfromtheearthtowaterthegarden，andthosewhoseplaceknewthemonlyasadriftingandchangefulshade，ofwhomtheheavenlysentenceis，thattheyare"wellswithoutwater;cloudsthatarecarriedwithatempest，towhomthemistofdarknessisreservedforever。"
　　Tothoseamongus，however，whohavelivedlongenoughtoformsomejustestimateoftherateofthechangeswhichare，hourbyhourinacceleratingcatastrophe，manifestingthemselvesinthelaws，thearts，andthecreedsofmen，itseemstome，thatnowatleast，ifneveratanyformertime，thethoughtsofthetruenatureofourlife，andofitspowersandresponsibilities，shouldpresentthemselveswithabsolutesadnessandsternness。AndalthoughIknowthatthisfeelingismuchdeepenedinmyownmindbydisappointment，which，bychance，hasattendedthegreaternumberofmycherishedpurposes，Idonotforthatreasondistrustthefeelingitself，thoughIamonmyguardagainstanexaggerateddegreeofit：nay，I
　　ratherbelievethatinperiodsofneweffortandviolentchange，disappointmentisawholesomemedicine;andthatinthesecretofit，asinthetwilightsobelovedbyTitian，wemayseethecoloursofthingswithdeepertruththaninthemostdazzlingsunshine。Andbecausethesetruthsabouttheworksofmen，whichIwanttobringto—daybeforeyou，aremostofthemsadones，thoughatthesametimehelpful;andbecausealsoIbelievethatyourkindIrishheartswillanswermoregladlytothetruthfulexpressionofapersonalfeeling，thantotheexpositionofanabstractprinciple，Iwillpermitmyselfsomuchunreservedspeakingofmyowncausesofregret，asmayenableyoutomakejustallowanceforwhat，accordingtoyoursympathies，youwillcalleitherthebitterness，ortheinsight，ofamindwhichhassurrendereditsbesthopes，andbeenfoiledinitsfavouriteaims。
　　Ispentthetenstrongestyearsofmylife，（fromtwentytothirty，）
　　inendeavouringtoshowtheexcellenceoftheworkofthemanwhomI
　　believed，andrightlybelieved，tobethegreatestpainteroftheschoolsofEnglandsinceReynolds。Ihadthenperfectfaithinthepowerofeverygreattruthofbeautytoprevailultimately，andtakeitsrightplaceinusefulnessandhonour;andIstrovetobringthepainter’sworkintothisdueplace，whilethepainterwasyetalive。
　　Butheknew，betterthanI，theuselessnessoftalkingaboutwhatpeoplecouldnotseeforthemselves。Healwaysdiscouragedmescornfully，evenwhenhethankedme——andhediedbeforeeventhesuperficialeffectofmyworkwasvisible。Iwenton，however，thinkingIcouldatleastbeofusetothepublic，ifnottohim，inprovinghispower。Mybooksgottalkedaboutalittle。Thepricesofmodernpictures，generally，rose，andIwasbeginningtotakesomepleasureinasenseofgradualvictory，when，fortunatelyorunfortunately，anopportunityofperfecttrialundeceivedmeatonce，andforever。TheTrusteesoftheNationalGallerycommissionedmetoarrangetheTurnerdrawingsthere，andpermittedmetopreparethreehundredexamplesofhisstudiesfromnature，forexhibitionatKensington。AtKensingtontheywere，andare，placedforexhibition;buttheyarenotexhibited，fortheroominwhichtheyhangisalwaysempty。
　　Well——thisshowedmeatonce，thatthosetenyearsofmylifehadbeen，intheirchiefpurpose，lost。Forthat，Ididnotsomuchcare;Ihad，atleast，learnedmyownbusinessthoroughly，andshouldbeable，asIfondlysupposed，aftersuchalesson，nowtousemyknowledgewithbettereffect。ButwhatIdidcareforwasthe——tomefrightful——discovery，thatthemostsplendidgeniusintheartsmightbepermittedbyProvidencetolabourandperishuselessly;thatintheveryfinenessofittheremightbesomethingrenderingitinvisibletoordinaryeyes;butthat，withthisstrangeexcellence，faultsmightbemingledwhichwouldbeasdeadlyasitsvirtueswerevain;thatthegloryofitwasperishable，aswellasinvisible，andthegiftandgraceofitmightbetousassnowinsummerandasraininharvest。
　　Thatwasthefirstmysteryoflifetome。But，whilemybestenergywasgiventothestudyofpainting，Ihadputcollateraleffort，moreprudentiflessenthusiastic，intothatofarchitecture;andinthisIcouldnotcomplainofmeetingwithnosympathy。AmongseveralpersonalreasonswhichcausedmetodesirethatImightgivethis，myclosinglectureonthesubjectofarthere，inIreland，oneofthechiefwas，thatinreadingit，Ishouldstandnearthebeautifulbuilding，——theengineer’sschoolofyourcollege，——whichwasthefirstrealizationIhadthejoytosee，oftheprinciplesI
　　had，untilthen，beenendeavouringtoteach！butwhich，alas，isnow，tome，nomorethantherichlycanopiedmonumentofoneofthemostearnestsoulsthatevergaveitselftothearts，andoneofmytruestandmostlovingfriends，BenjaminWoodward。NorwasithereinIrelandonlythatIreceivedthehelpofIrishsympathyandgenius。Whentoanotherfriend，SirThomasDeane，withMr。
　　Woodward，wasentrustedthebuildingofthemuseumatOxford，thebestdetailsoftheworkwereexecutedbysculptorswhohadbeenbornandtrainedhere;andthefirstwindowofthefacadeofthebuilding，inwhichwasinauguratedthestudyofnaturalscienceinEngland，intruefellowshipwithliterature，wascarvedfrommydesignbyanIrishsculptor。
　　Youmayperhapsthinkthatnomanoughttospeakofdisappointment，towhom，eveninonebranchoflabour，somuchsuccesswasgranted。
　　HadMr。Woodwardnowbeenbesideme，Ihadnotsospoken;buthisgentleandpassionatespiritwascutofffromthefulfilmentofitspurposes，andtheworkwedidtogetherisnowbecomevain。Itmaynotbesoinfuture;butthearchitectureweendeavouredtointroduceisinconsistentalikewiththerecklessluxury，thedeformingmechanism，andthesqualidmiseryofmoderncities;amongtheformativefashionsoftheday，aided，especiallyinEngland，byecclesiasticalsentiment，itindeedobtainednotoriety;andsometimesbehindanenginefurnace，orarailroadbank，youmaydetectthepatheticdiscordofitsmomentarygrace，and，withtoil，decipheritsfloralcarvingschokedwithsoot。IfeltanswerabletotheschoolsIloved，onlyfortheirinjury。Iperceivedthatthisnewportionofmystrengthhadalsobeenspentinvain;andfromamidststreetsofiron，andpalacesofcrystal，shrankbackatlasttothecarvingofthemountainandcolouroftheflower。
　　AndstillIcouldtelloffailure，andfailurerepeated，asyearswenton;butIhavetrespassedenoughonyourpatiencetoshowyou，inpart，thecausesofmydiscouragement。Nowletmemoredeliberatelytellyouitsresults。Youknowthereisatendencyinthemindsofmanymen，whentheyareheavilydisappointedinthemainpurposesoftheirlife，tofeel，andperhapsinwarning，perhapsinmockery，todeclare，thatlifeitselfisavanity。
　　Becauseithasdisappointedthem，theythinkitsnatureisofdisappointmentalways，oratbest，ofpleasurethatcanbegraspedbyimaginationonly;thatthecloudofithasnostrengthnorfirewithin;butisapaintedcloudonly，tobedelightedin，yetdespised。YouknowhowbeautifullyPopehasexpressedthisparticularphaseofthought：—
　　"Meanwhileopiniongilds，withvaryingrays，Thesepaintedcloudsthatbeautifyourdays;
　　Eachwantofhappinessbyhopesupplied，Andeachvacuityofsense，bypride。
　　HopebuildsasfastasKnowledgecandestroy;
　　InFolly’scup，stilllaughsthebubblejoy。
　　Onepleasurepast，anotherstillwegain，Andnotavanityisgiveninvain。"
　　Buttheeffectoffailureuponmyownmindhasbeenjustthereverseofthis。Themorethatmylifedisappointedme，themoresolemnandwonderfulitbecametome。Itseemed，contrarilytoPope’ssaying，thatthevanityofitWASindeedgiveninvain;butthattherewassomethingbehindtheveilofit，whichwasnotvanity。Itbecametomenotapaintedcloud，butaterribleandimpenetrableone：notamirage，whichvanishedasIdrewnear，butapillarofdarkness，towhichIwasforbiddentodrawnear。ForIsawthatbothmyownfailure，andsuchsuccessinpettythingsasinitspoortriumphseemedtomeworsethanfailure，camefromthewantofsufficientlyearnestefforttounderstandthewholelawandmeaningofexistence，andtobringittonobleanddueend;as，ontheotherhand，Isawmoreandmoreclearlythatallenduringsuccessinthearts，orinanyotheroccupation，hadcomefromtherulingoflowerpurposes，notbyaconvictionoftheirnothingness，butbyasolemnfaithintheadvancingpowerofhumannature，orinthepromise，howeverdimlyapprehended，thatthemortalpartofitwouldonedaybeswallowedupinimmortality;andthat，indeed，theartsthemselvesneverhadreachedanyvitalstrengthorhonour，butintheefforttoproclaimthisimmortality，andintheserviceeitherofgreatandjustreligion，orofsomeunselfishpatriotism，andlawofsuchnationallifeasmustbethefoundationofreligion。
　　NothingthatIhaveeversaidismoretrueornecessary——nothinghasbeenmoremisunderstoodormisapplied——thanmystrongassertionthattheartscanneverberightthemselves，unlesstheirmotiveisright。Itismisunderstoodthisway：weakpainters，whohaveneverlearnedtheirbusiness，andcannotlayatrueline，continuallycometome，cryingout——"Lookatthispictureofmine;itMUSTbegood，I
　　hadsuchalovelymotive。Ihaveputmywholeheartintoit，andtakenyearstothinkoveritstreatment。"Well，theonlyanswerforthesepeopleis——ifonehadthecrueltytomakeit——"Sir，youcannotthinkoverANYthinginanynumberofyears，——youhaven’ttheheadtodoit;andthoughyouhadfinemotives，strongenoughtomakeyouburnyourselfinaslowfire，ifonlyfirstyoucouldpaintapicture，youcan’tpaintone，norhalfaninchofone;youhaven’tthehandtodoit。"
　　But，farmoredecisivelywehavetosaytothemenwhoDOknowtheirbusiness，ormayknowitiftheychoose——"Sir，youhavethisgift，andamightyone;seethatyouserveyournationfaithfullywithit。
　　Itisagreatertrustthanshipsandarmies：youmightcastTHEM
　　away，ifyouweretheircaptain，withlesstreasontoyourpeoplethanincastingyourowngloriouspoweraway，andservingthedevilwithitinsteadofmen。Shipsandarmiesyoumayreplaceiftheyarelost，butagreatintellect，onceabused，isacursetotheearthforever。"
　　This，then，Imeantbysayingthattheartsmusthavenoblemotive。
　　ThisalsoIsaidrespectingthem，thattheyneverhadprospered，norcouldprosper，butwhentheyhadsuchtruepurpose，andweredevotedtotheproclamationofdivinetruthorlaw。AndyetIsawalsothattheyhadalwaysfailedinthisproclamation——thatpoetry，andsculpture，andpainting，thoughonlygreatwhentheystrovetoteachussomethingaboutthegods，neverhadtaughtusanythingtrustworthyaboutthegods，buthadalwaysbetrayedtheirtrustinthecrisisofit，and，withtheirpowersatthefullreach，becameministerstoprideandtolust。AndIfeltalso，withincreasingamazement，theunconquerableapathyinourselvesandhearers，nolessthaninthesetheteachers;andthatwhilethewisdomandrightnessofeveryactandartoflifecouldonlybeconsistentwitharightunderstandingoftheendsoflife，wewereallplungedasinalanguiddream——ourheartsfat，andoureyesheavy，andourearsclosed，lesttheinspirationofhandorvoiceshouldreachus——lestweshouldseewithoureyes，andunderstandwithourhearts，andbehealed。
　　Thisintenseapathyinallofusisthefirstgreatmysteryoflife;
　　itstandsinthewayofeveryperception，everyvirtue。Thereisnomakingourselvesfeelenoughastonishmentatit。Thattheoccupationsorpastimesoflifeshouldhavenomotive，isunderstandable;but——Thatlifeitselfshouldhavenomotive——thatweneithercaretofindoutwhatitmayleadto，nortoguardagainstitsbeingforevertakenawayfromus——hereisamysteryindeed。
　　ForjustsupposeIwereabletocallatthismomenttoanyoneinthisaudiencebyname，andtotellhimpositivelythatIknewalargeestatehadbeenlatelylefttohimonsomecuriousconditions;
　　butthatthoughIknewitwaslarge，Ididnotknowhowlarge，norevenwhereitwas——whetherintheEastIndiesortheWest，orinEngland，orattheAntipodes。Ionlyknewitwasavastestate，andthattherewasachanceofhislosingitaltogetherifhedidnotsoonfindoutonwhattermsithadbeenlefttohim。SupposeIwereabletosaythispositivelytoanysinglemaninthisaudience，andheknewthatIdidnotspeakwithoutwarrant，doyouthinkthathewouldrestcontentwiththatvagueknowledge，ifitwereanywisepossibletoobtainmore？Wouldhenotgiveeveryenergytofindsometraceofthefacts，andneverresttillhehadascertainedwherethisplacewas，andwhatitwaslike？Andsupposehewereayoungman，andallhecoulddiscoverbyhisbestendeavourwasthattheestatewasnevertobehisatall，unlesshepersevered，duringcertainyearsofprobation，inanorderlyandindustriouslife;butthat，accordingtotherightnessofhisconduct，theportionoftheestateassignedtohimwouldbegreaterorless，sothatitliterallydependedonhisbehaviourfromdaytodaywhetherhegottenthousandayear，orthirtythousandayear，ornothingwhatever—
　　—wouldyounotthinkitstrangeiftheyouthnevertroubledhimselftosatisfytheconditionsinanyway，noreventoknowwhatwasrequiredofhim，butlivedexactlyashechose，andneverinquiredwhetherhischancesoftheestatewereincreasingorpassingaway？
　　Well，youknowthatthisisactuallyandliterallysowiththegreaternumberoftheeducatedpersonsnowlivinginChristiancountries。Nearlyeverymanandwomaninanycompanysuchasthis，outwardlyprofessestobelieve——andalargenumberunquestionablythinktheybelieve——muchmorethanthis;notonlythataquiteunlimitedestateisinprospectforthemiftheypleasetheHolderofit，butthattheinfinitecontraryofsuchapossession——anestateofperpetualmisery——isinstoreforthemiftheydispleasethisgreatLand—Holder，thisgreatHeaven—Holder。Andyetthereisnotoneinathousandofthesehumansoulsthatcarestothink，fortenminutesoftheday，wherethisestateisorhowbeautifulitis，orwhatkindoflifetheyaretoleadinit，orwhatkindoflifetheymustleadtoobtainit。
　　Youfancythatyoucaretoknowthis：solittledoyoucarethat，probably，atthismomentmanyofyouaredispleasedwithmefortalkingofthematter！YoucametohearabouttheArtofthisworld，notabouttheLifeofthenext，andyouareprovokedwithmefortalkingofwhatyoucanhearanySundayinchurch。Butdonotbeafraid。Iwilltellyousomethingbeforeyougoaboutpictures，andcarvings，andpottery，andwhatelseyouwouldlikebettertohearofthantheotherworld。Nay，perhapsyousay，"Wewantyoutotalkofpicturesandpottery，becausewearesurethatyouknowsomethingofthem，andyouknownothingoftheotherworld。"Well——
　　Idon’t。Thatisquitetrue。ButtheverystrangenessandmysteryofwhichIurgeyoutotakenotice，isinthis——thatIdonot;——noryoueither。Canyouanswerasingleboldquestionunflinchinglyaboutthatotherworld？——Areyousurethereisaheaven？Surethereisahell？Surethatmenaredroppingbeforeyourfacesthroughthepavementsofthesestreetsintoeternalfire，orsurethattheyarenot？Surethatatyourowndeathyouaregoingtobedeliveredfromallsorrow，tobeendowedwithallvirtue，tobegiftedwithallfelicity，andraisedintoperpetualcompanionshipwithaKing，comparedtowhomthekingsoftheearthareasgrass—hoppers，andthenationsasthedustofHisfeet？Areyousureofthis？or，ifnotsure，doanyofussomuchascaretomakeitsure？and，ifnot，howcananythingthatwedoberight——howcananythingwethinkbewise？whathonourcantherebeintheartsthatamuseus，orwhatprofitinthepossessionsthatplease？
　　Isnotthisamysteryoflife？
　　Butfarther，youmay，perhaps，thinkitabeneficentordinanceforthegeneralityofmenthattheydonot，withearnestnessoranxiety，dwellonsuchquestionsofthefuturebecausethebusinessofthedaycouldnotbedoneifthiskindofthoughtweretakenbyallofusforthemorrow。Beitso：butatleastwemightanticipatethatthegreatestandwisestofus，whowereevidentlytheappointedteachersoftherest，wouldsetthemselvesaparttoseekoutwhatevercouldbesurelyknownofthefuturedestiniesoftheirrace;andtoteachthisinnorhetoricalorambiguousmanner，butintheplainestandmostseverelyearnestwords。
　　Now，thehighestrepresentativesofmenwhohavethusendeavoured，duringtheChristianera，tosearchoutthesedeepthings，andrelatethem，areDanteandMilton。Therearenonewhoforearnestnessofthought，formasteryofword，canbeclassedwiththese。Iamnotatpresent，mindyou，speakingofpersonssetapartinanypriestlyorpastoraloffice，todelivercreedstous，ordoctrines;butofmenwhotrytodiscoverandsetforth，asfarasbyhumanintellectispossible，thefactsoftheotherworld。
　　Divinesmayperhapsteachushowtoarrivethere，butonlythesetwopoetshaveinanypowerfulmannerstriventodiscover，orinanydefinitewordsprofessedtotell，whatweshallseeandbecomethere;orhowthoseupperandnetherworldsare，andhavebeen，inhabited。
　　Andwhathavetheytoldus？Milton’saccountofthemostimportanteventinhiswholesystemoftheuniverse，thefalloftheangels，isevidentlyunbelievabletohimself;andthemoreso，thatitiswhollyfoundedon，andinagreatpartspoiledanddegradedfrom，Hesiod’saccountofthedecisivewaroftheyoungergodswiththeTitans。Therestofhispoemisapicturesquedrama，inwhicheveryartificeofinventionisvisiblyandconsciouslyemployed;notasinglefactbeing，foraninstant，conceivedastenablebyanylivingfaith。Dante’sconceptionisfarmoreintense，and，byhimself，forthetime，nottobeescapedfrom;itisindeedavision，butavisiononly，andthatoneofthewildestthateverentrancedasoul——adreaminwhicheverygrotesquetypeorphantasyofheathentraditionisrenewed，andadorned;andthedestiniesoftheChristianChurch，undertheirmostsacredsymbols，becomeliterallysubordinatetothepraise，andareonlytobeunderstoodbytheaid，ofonedearFlorentinemaiden。
　　Itellyoutrulythat，asIstrivemorewiththisstrangelethargyandtranceinmyself，andawaketothemeaningandpoweroflife，itseemsdailymoreamazingtomethatmensuchastheseshoulddaretoplaywiththemostprecioustruths，（orthemostdeadlyuntruths，）
　　bywhichthewholehumanracelisteningtothemcouldbeinformed，ordeceived;——alltheworldtheiraudiencesforever，withpleasedear，andpassionateheart;——andyet，tothissubmissiveinfinitudeofsouls，andevermoresucceedingandsucceedingmultitude，hungryforbreadoflife，theydobutplayuponsweetlymodulatedpipes;
　　withpompousnomenclatureadornthecouncilsofhell;touchatroubadour’sguitartothecoursesofthesuns;andfilltheopeningsofeternity，beforewhichprophetshaveveiledtheirfaces，andwhichangelsdesiretolookinto，withidlepuppetsoftheirscholasticimagination，andmelancholylightsoffranticfaithintheirlostmortallove。
　　Isnotthisamysteryoflife？
　　Butmore。Wehavetorememberthatthesetwogreatteacherswerebothofthemwarpedintheirtemper，andthwartedintheirsearchfortruth。Theyweremenofintellectualwar，unable，throughdarknessofcontroversy，orstressofpersonalgrief，todiscernwheretheirownambitionmodifiedtheirutterancesofthemorallaw;
　　ortheirownagonymingledwiththeirangeratitsviolation。Butgreatermenthanthesehavebeen——innocent—hearted——toogreatforcontest。Men，likeHomerandShakespeare，ofsounrecognisedpersonality，thatitdisappearsinfutureages，andbecomesghostly，likethetraditionofalostheathengod。Men，therefore，towhoseunoffended，uncondemningsight，thewholeofhumannaturerevealsitselfinapatheticweakness，withwhichtheywillnotstrive;orinmournfulandtransitorystrength，whichtheydarenotpraise。