Studies in Criticism

well tremble for their theories as long as there exists such a reality as genius; for while its subtle power is so preeminently spiritual as to defy definition, its effects are too substantial to be denied by the rashest. Genius symbolizes creative energy. And whenever or wherever the God-like gift manifests itself, men bow before it " as the sheaves of the eleven before that of Joseph." Narrow and grovelling indeed must be the soul that has never enthroned a genius. The deathless aspiration after glory, the pride of family, the soul-swelling consciousness of noble blood?what are they but witnesses to the universal homage men render to its sovereignty ? We seek in vain for words to express our delight in that power which extends the sphere of thought, inspires and quickens the flight of the imagination, 109 deepens the capacity for feeling, endows all who come within the radii of its circle with new faculties, invests life itself with an undreamed-of charm, ?unveils an ideal world?and does all this in virtue of the very humanity which we ourselves share with it. A delight in Nature is sometimes contrasted with an enthusiasm for genius, the life of the universe with the life of thought. Such an antithesis does not exist. Nature is loved by the self-poised character. Its charm is addressed to the thought and feeling already at work within the soul -' it does not create new thoughts, new feelings. The animal, the boor, the peasant see with the visual organ ...