302 REVIEWS AND PAMPHLETS ON ART

art;-we know that there is that in the very stroke and fall of the pencil in a master’s hand, which creates colour with an unconscious enchantment-we know that there is a brilliancy which springs from the joy of the painter’s heart-a gloom which sympathizes with its seriousness-a power correlative with its will; but these are all vain unless they be ruled by a seemly caution-a manly moderation-an indivertible foresight. This we think the one great conclusion to be received from the work we have been examining, that all power is vain-all invention vain-all enthusiasm vain-all devotion even, and fidelity vain, unless these are guided by such severe and exact law as we see take place in the development of every great natural glory; and, even in the full glow of their bright and burning operation, sealed by the cold, majestic, deep-graven impress of the signet on the right hand of Time.

[Version 0.04: March 2008]