第8章

Smallwindows，too，arepiercedthroughthewholelineofancientwall，sothatitseemsarowofdwellingswithonecontinuousfront，builtinastrangestyleofneedlessstrength；butremnantsoftheoldbattlementsandmachicolationsareinterspersedwiththehomelychambersandearthen-tiledhousetops；andallalongitsextentbothgrapevinesandrunningflower-shrubsareencouragedtoclamberandsportovertheroughnessofitsdecay。

Finallythelonggrass，intermixedwithweedsandwildflowers，wavesontheuppermostheightoftheshatteredrampart；anditisexceedinglypleasantinthegoldensunshineoftheafternoontobeholdthewarlikeprecinctsofriendlyinitsolddays，andsoovergrownwithruralpeace。Initsguardrooms，itsprisonchambers，andscoopedoutofitsponderousbreadth，therearedwellingsnowadayswherehappyhumanlivesarespent。Humanparentsandbroodsofchildrennestleinthem，evenastheswallowsnestleinthelittlecrevicesalongthebrokensummitofthewall。

Passingthroughthegatewayofthissamelittletown，challengedonlybythosewatchfulsentinels，thepigeons，wefindourselvesinalong，narrowstreet，pavedfromsidetosidewithflagstones，intheoldRomanfashion。Nothingcanexceedthegrimuglinessofthehouses，mostofwhicharethreeorfourstorieshigh，stonebuilt，gray，dilapidated，orhalf-coveredwithplasterinpatches，andcontiguousallalongfromendtoendofthetown。Nature，intheshapeoftree，shrub，orgrassysidewalk，isasmuchshutoutfromtheonestreetoftherusticvillageasfromtheheartofanyswarmingcity。Thedarkandhalfruinoushabitations，withtheirsmallwindows，manyofwhicharedrearilyclosedwithwoodenshutters，arebutmagnifiedhovels，piledstoryuponstory，andsqualidwiththegrimethatsuccessiveageshaveleftbehindthem。Itwouldbeahideousscenetocontemplateinarainyday，orwhennohumanlifepervadedit。Inthesummernoon，however，itpossessesvivacityenoughtokeepitselfcheerful；forallthewithin-doorsofthevillagethenbubblesoverupontheflagstones，orlooksoutfromthesmallwindows，andfromhereandthereabalcony。Someofthepopulaceareatthebutcher\'sshop；othersareatthefountain，whichgushesintoamarblebasinthatresemblesanantiquesarcophagus。Atailorissewingbeforehisdoorwithayoungpriestseatedsociablybesidehim；aburlyfriargoesbywithanemptywine-barrelonhishead；childrenareatplay；

women，attheirowndoorsteps，mendclothes，embroider，weavehatsofTuscanstraw，ortwirlthedistaff。Manyidlers，meanwhile，strollingfromonegrouptoanother，letthewarmdayslidebyinthesweet，interminabletaskofdoingnothing。

Fromallthesepeopletherecomesababblementthatseemsquitedisproportionedtothenumberoftonguesthatmakeit。SomanywordsarenotutteredinaNewEnglandvillagethroughouttheyear——exceptitbeatapoliticalcanvassortown-meeting——asarespokenhere，withnoespecialpurpose，inasingleday。Neithersomanywords，norsomuchlaughter；forpeopletalkaboutnothingasiftheywereterriblyinearnest，andmakemerryatnothingasifitwerethebestofallpossiblejokes。Insolongatimeastheyhaveexisted，andwithinsuchnarrowprecincts，theselittlewalledtownsarebroughtintoaclosenessofsocietythatmakesthembutalargerhousehold。Alltheinhabitantsareakintoeach，andeachtoall；theyassembleinthestreetastheircommonsaloon，andthusliveanddieinafamiliarityofintercourse，suchasnevercanbeknownwhereavillageisopenateitherend，andallroundabout，andhasampleroomwithinitself。

Stuckupbesidethedoorofonehouse，inthisvillagestreet，isawitheredbough；andonastoneseat，justundertheshadowofthebough，sitsapartyofjollydrinkers，makingproofofthenewwine，orquaffingtheold，astheiroften-triedandcomfortablefriend。

Kenyondrawsbridlehere(forthebough，orbush，isasymbolofthewine-shopatthisdayinItaly，asitwasthreehundredyearsagoinEngland)，andcallsforagobletofthedeep，mild，purplejuice，welldilutedwithwaterfromthefountain。TheSunshineofMonteBeniwouldbewelcomenow。Meanwhile，Donatellohasriddenonward，butalightswhereashrine，withaburninglampbeforeit，isbuiltintothewallofaninnstable。Hekneelsandcrosseshimself，andmuttersabriefprayer，withoutattractingnoticefromthepassers-by，manyofwhomareparentheticallydevoutinasimilarfashion。Bythistimethesculptorhasdrunkoffhiswine-and-water，andourtwotravellersresumetheirway，emergingfromtheoppositegateofthevillage。

Beforethem，again，liesthebroadvalley，withamistsothinlyscatteredoveritastobeperceptibleonlyinthedistance，andmostsointhenooksofthehills。Nowthatwehavecalleditmist，itseemsamistakenotrathertohavecalleditsunshine；thegloryofsomuchlightbeingmingledwithsolittlegloom，intheairymaterialofthatvapor。Beitmistorsunshine，itaddsatouchofidealbeautytothescene，almostpersuadingthespectatorthatthisvalleyandthosehillsarevisionary，becausetheirvisibleatmosphereissolikethesubstanceofadream。

Immediatelyaboutthem，however，therewereabundanttokensthatthecountrywasnotreallytheparadiseitlookedtobe，atacasualglance。Neitherthewretchedcottagesnorthedrearyfarmhousesseemedtopartakeoftheprosperity，withwhichsokindlyaclimate，andsofertileaportionofMotherEarth\'sbosom，shouldhavefilledthem，oneandall。Butpossiblythepeasantinhabitantsdonotexistinsogrimyapoverty，andinhomessocomfortless，asastranger，withhisnativeideasofthosematters，wouldbelikelytoimagine。

TheItaliansappeartopossessnoneofthatemulativepridewhichweseeinourNewEnglandvillages，whereeveryhouseholder，accordingtohistasteandmeans，endeavorstomakehishomesteadanornamenttothegrassyandelm-shadowedwayside。InItalytherearenoneatdoorstepsandthresholds；nopleasant，vine-shelteredporches；noneofthosegrass-plotsorsmoothlyshornlawns，whichhospitablyinvitetheimaginationintothesweetdomesticinteriorsofEnglishlife。

Everything，howeversunnyandluxuriantmaybethescenearound，isespeciallydishearteningintheimmediateneighborhoodofanItalianhome。

Anartist，itistrue，mightoftenthankhisstarsforthoseoldhouses，sopicturesquelytimestained，andwiththeplasterfallinginblotchesfromtheancientbrick-work。Theprison-like，iron-barredwindows，andthewidearched，dismalentrance，admittingononehandtothestable，ontheothertothekitchen，mightimpresshimasfarbetterworthhispencilthanthenewlypaintedpineboxes，inwhich——ifhebeanAmerican——hiscountrymenliveandthrive。Butthereisreasontosuspectthatapeoplearewaningtodecayandruinthemomentthattheirlifebecomesfascinatingeitherinthepoet\'simaginationorthepainter\'seye。

AsusualonItalianwaysides，thewandererspassedgreat，blackcrosses，hungwithalltheinstrumentsofthesacredagonyandpassion：

therewerethecrownofthorns，thehammerandnails，thepincers，thespear，thesponge；andperchedoverthewhole，thecockthatcrowedtoSt。Peter\'sremorsefulconscience。Thus，whilethefertilesceneshowedthenever-failingbeneficenceoftheCreatortowardsmaninhistransitorystate，thesesymbolsremindedeachwayfareroftheSaviour\'sinfinitelygreaterloveforhimasanimmortalspirit。

Beholdingtheseconsecratedstations，theideaseemedtostrikeDonatelloofconvertingtheotherwiseaimlessjourneyintoapenitentialpilgrimage。Ateachofthemhealightedtokneelandkissthecross，andhumblypresshisforeheadagainstitsfoot；andthissoinvariably，thatthesculptorsoonlearnedtodrawbridleofhisownaccord。Itmaybe，too，hereticashewas，thatKenyonlikewiseputupaprayer，renderedmoreferventbythesymbolsbeforehiseyes，forthepeaceofhisfriend\'sconscienceandthepardonofthesinthatsooppressedhim。

NotonlyatthecrossesdidDonatellokneel，butateachofthemanyshrines，wheretheBlessedVirgininfresco——fadedwithsunshineandhalfwashedoutwithshowers——lookedbenignlyatherworshipper；orwhereshewasrepresentedinawoodenimage，orabas-reliefofplasterormarble，asaccordedwiththemeansofthedevoutpersonwhobuilt，orrestoredfromamediaevalantiquity，theseplacesofwaysideworship。Theywereeverywhere：underarchedniches，orinlittlepenthouseswithabricktiledroofjustlargeenoughtoshelterthem；

orperhapsinsomebitofoldRomanmasonry，thefoundersofwhichhaddiedbeforetheAdvent；orinthewallofacountryinnorfarmhouse；

oratthemidwaypointofabridge；orintheshallowcavityofanaturalrock；orhighupwardinthedeepcutsoftheroad。ItappearedtothesculptorthatDonatelloprayedthemoreearnestlyandthemorehopefullyattheseshrines，becausethemildfaceoftheMadonnapromisedhimtointercedeasatendermotherbetwixtthepoorculpritandtheawfulnessofjudgment。

Itwasbeautifultoobserve，indeed，howtenderwasthesoulofmanandwomantowardstheVirginmother，inrecognitionofthetendernesswhich，astheirfaithtaughtthem，sheimmortallycherishestowardsallhumansouls。Inthewire-workscreen\'beforeeachshrinehungofferingsofroses，orwhateverflowerwassweetestandmostseasonable；somealreadywiltedandwithered，somefreshwiththatverymorning\'sdewdrops。Flowerstherewere，too，that，beingartificial，neverbloomedonearth，norwouldeverfade。ThethoughtoccurredtoKenyon，thatflower-potswithlivingplantsmightbesetwithintheniches，oreventhatrose-trees，andallkindsoffloweringshrubs，mightberearedundertheshrines，andtaughttotwineandwreathethemselvesaround；sothattheVirginshoulddwellwithinabowerofverdure，bloom，andfragrantfreshness，symbolizingahomageperpetuallynew。Therearemanythingsinthereligiouscustomsofthesepeoplethatseemgood；manythings，atleast，thatmightbebothgoodandbeautiful，ifthesoulofgoodnessandthesenseofbeautywereasmuchaliveintheItaliansnowastheymusthavebeenwhenthosecustomswerefirstimaginedandadopted。But，insteadofblossomsontheshrub，orfreshlygathered，withthedewdropsontheirleaves，theirworship，nowadays，isbestsymbolizedbytheartificialflower。

Thesculptorfancied，moreover(butperhapsitwashisheresythatsuggestedtheidea)，thatitwouldbeofhappyinfluencetoplaceacomfortableandshadyseatbeneatheverywaysideshrine。Thenthewearyandsun-scorchedtraveller，whilerestinghimselfunderherprotectingshadow，mightthanktheVirginforherhospitality。Nor，perchance，werehetoregalehimself，eveninsuchaconsecratedspot，withthefragranceofapipe，woulditrisetoheavenmoreoffensivelythanthesmokeofpriestlyincense。Wedoourselveswrong，andtoomeanlyestimatetheHolinessaboveus，whenwedeemthatanyactorenjoyment，goodinitself，isnotgoodtodoreligiously。

Whatevermaybetheiniquitiesofthepapalsystem，itwasawiseandlovelysentimentthatsetupthefrequentshrineandcrossalongtheroadside。Nowayfarer，bentonwhateverworldlyerrand，canfailtobereminded，ateverymileortwo，thatthisisnotthebusinesswhichmostconcernshim。Thepleasure-seekerissilentlyadmonishedtolookheavenwardforajoyinfinitelygreaterthanhenowpossesses。Thewretchintemptationbeholdsthecross，andiswarnedthat，ifheyield，theSaviour\'sagonyforhissakewillhavebeenenduredinvain。

Thestubborncriminal，whosehearthaslongbeenlikeastone，feelsitthrobanewwithdreadandhope；andourpoorDonatello，ashewentkneelingfromshrinetocross，andfromcrosstoshrine，doubtlessfoundanefficacyinthesesymbolsthathelpedhimtowardsahigherpenitence。

WhethertheyoungCountofMonteBeninoticedthefact，orno，therewasmorethanoneincidentoftheirjourneythatledKenyontobelievethattheywereattended，orcloselyfollowed，orpreceded，nearathand，bysomeonewhotookaninterestintheirmotions。Asitwere，thestep，thesweepinggarment，thefaintlyheardbreath，ofaninvisiblecompanion，wasbesidethem，astheywentontheirway。Itwaslikeadreamthathadstrayedoutoftheirslumber，andwashauntingtheminthedaytime，whenitsshadowysubstancecouldhaveneitherdensitynoroutline，inthetooobtrusivelight。Aftersunset，itgrewalittlemoredistinct。

"Ontheleftofthatlastshrine，"askedthesculptor，astheyrode，underthemoon，"didyouobservethefigureofawomankneeling，withher，facehiddeninherhands？"

"Ineverlookedthatway，"repliedDonatello。"Iwassayingmyownprayer。Itwassomepenitent，perchance。MaytheBlessedVirginbethemoregracioustothepoorsoul，becausesheisawoman。"

CHAPTERXXXIII

PICTUREDWINDOWS

Afterwidewanderingsthroughthevalley，thetwotravellersdirectedtheircoursetowardsitsboundaryofhills。Here，thenaturalsceneryandmen\'smodificationsofitimmediatelytookadifferentaspectfromthatofthefertileandsmilingplain。Notunfrequentlytherewasaconventonthehillside；or，onsomeinsulatedpromontory，aminedcastle，oncethedenofarobberchieftain，whowasaccustomedtodashdownfromhiscommandingheightupontheroadthatwoundbelow。Foragesback，theoldfortresshadbeenflingingdownitscrumblingramparts，stonebystone，towardsthegrimyvillageatitsfoot。

Theirroadwoundonwardamongthehills，whichrosesteepandloftyfromthescantylevelspacethatlaybetweenthem。Theycontinuallythrusttheirgreatbulksbeforethewayfarers，asifgrimlyresolutetoforbidtheirpassage，orclosedabruptlybehindthem，whentheystilldaredtoproceed。Agigantichillwouldsetitsfootrightdownbeforethem，andonlyatthelastmomentwouldgrudginglywithdrawit，justfarenoughtoletthemcreeptowardsanotherobstacle。Adowntheseroughheightswerevisiblethedrytracksofmanyamountaintorrentthathadlivedalifetoofierceandpassionatetobealongone。Or，perhaps，astreamwasyethurryingshylyalongtheedgeofafarwiderbedofpebblesandshelvingrockthanitseemedtoneed，thoughnottoowidefortheswollenrageofwhichthisshyrivuletwascapable。Astonebridgebestrodeit，theponderousarchesofwhichwereupheldandrenderedindestructiblebytheweightoftheverystonesthatthreatenedtocrushthemdown。OldRomantoilwasperceptibleinthefoundationsofthatmassivebridge；thefirstweightthatiteverborewasthatofanarmyoftheRepublic。

Threadingthesedefiles，theywouldarriveatsomeimmemorialcity，crowningthehighsummitofahillwithitscathedral，itsmanychurches，andpublicedifices，allofGothicarchitecture。Withnomorelevelgroundthanasinglepiazzainthemidst，theancienttowntumbleditscrookedandnarrowstreetsdownthemountainside，througharchedpassagesandbystepsofstone。Theaspectofeverythingwasawfullyold；older，indeed，initseffectontheimaginationthanRomeitself，becausehistorydoesnotlayitsfingerontheseforgottenedificesandtellusallabouttheirorigin。Etruscanprincesmayhavedweltinthem。Athousandyears，atallevents，wouldseembutamiddleageforthesestructures。Theyarebuiltofsuchhuge，squarestones，thattheirappearanceofponderousdurabilitydistressesthebeholderwiththeideathattheycanneverfall，——nevercrumbleaway，——neverbelessfitthannowforhumanhabitation。Manyofthemmayoncehavebeenpalaces，andstillretainasqualidgrandeur。But，gazingatthem，werecognizehowundesirableitistobuildthetabernacleofourbrieflifetimeoutofpermanentmaterials，andwithaviewtotheirbeingoccupiedbyfuture\'generations。

Alltownsshouldbemadecapableofpurificationbyfire，orofdecay，withineachhalf-century。Otherwise，theybecomethehereditaryhauntsofverminandnoisomeness，besidesstandingapartfromthepossibilityofsuchimprovementsasareconstantlyintroducedintotherestofman\'scontrivancesandaccommodations。Itisbeautiful，nodoubt，andexceedinglysatisfactorytosomeofournaturalinstincts，toimagineourfarposteritydwellingunderthesameroof-treeasourselves。Still，whenpeopleinsistonbuildingindestructiblehouses，theyincur，ortheirchildrendo，amisfortuneanalogoustothatoftheSibyl，whensheobtainedthegrievousboonofimmortality。

Sowemaybuildalmostimmortalhabitations，itistrue；butwecannotkeepthemfromgrowingold，musty，unwholesome，dreary，——fullofdeathscents，ghosts，andmurderstains；inshort，suchhabitationsasoneseeseverywhereinItaly，betheyhovelsorpalaces。

"Youshouldgowithmetomynativecountry，"observedthesculptortoDonatello。"Inthatfortunateland，eachgenerationhasonlyitsownsinsandsorrowstobear。Here，itseemsasifallthewearyanddrearyPastwerepileduponthebackofthePresent。IfIweretolosemyspiritsinthiscountry，——ifIweretosufferanyheavymisfortunehere，——methinksitwouldbeimpossibletostandupagainstit，undersuchadverseinfluences。"

"Theskyitselfisanoldroof，now，"answeredtheCount；"and，nodoubt，thesinsofmankindhavemadeitgloomierthanitusedtobe。"

"O，mypoorFaun，"thoughtKenyontohimself，"howartthouchanged！"

Acity，likethisofwhichwespeak，seemsasortofstonygrowthoutofthehillside，orafossilizedtown；soancientandstrangeitlooks，withoutenoughoflifeandjuicinessinittobeanylongersusceptibleofdecay。Anearthquakewouldaffordittheonlychanceofbeingruined，beyonditspresentruin。

Yet，thoughdeadtoallthepurposesforwhichweliveto-day，theplacehasitsgloriousrecollections，andnotmerelyrudeandwarlikeones，butthoseofbrighterandmildertriumphs，thefruitsofwhichwestillenjoy。Italycancountseveraloftheselifelesstownswhich，fourorfivehundredyearsago，wereeachthebirthplaceofitsownschoolofart；norhavetheyyetforgottentobeproudofthedarkoldpictures，andthefadedfrescos，thepristinebeautyofwhichwasalightandgladnesstotheworld。Butnow，unlessonehappenstobeapainter，thesefamousworksmakeusmiserablydesperate。Theyarepoor，dimghostsofwhat，whenGiottoorCimabuefirstcreatedthem，threwasplendoralongthestatelyaisles；sofargonetowardsnothingness，inourday，thatscarcelyahintofdesignorexpressioncanglimmerthroughthedusk。Thoseearlyartistsdidwelltopainttheirfrescos。Glowingonthechurch-walls，theymightbelookeduponassymbolsofthelivingspiritthatmadeCatholicismatruereligion，andthatglorifieditaslongasitretainedagenuinelife；theyfilledthetranseptswitharadiantthrongofsaintsandangels，andthrewaroundthehighaltarafaintreflection——asmuchasmortalscouldsee，orbear——ofaDivinerPresence。Butnowthatthecolorsaresowretchedlybedimmed，——nowthatblotchesofplasteredwalldotthefrescosallover，likeameanrealitythrustingitselfthroughlife\'sbrightestillusions，——thenextbestartisttoCimabueorGiottoorGhirlandaioorPinturicchiowillbehethatshallreverentlycovertheirruinedmasterpieceswithwhitewash！

Kenyon，however，beinganearneststudentandcriticofArt，lingeredlongbeforethesepatheticrelics；andDonatello，inhispresentphaseofpenitence，thoughtnotimespentamisswhilehecouldbekneelingbeforeanaltar。Whenevertheyfoundacathedral，therefore，oraGothicchurch，thetwotravellerswereofonemindtoenterit。Insomeoftheseholyedificestheysawpicturesthattimehadnotdimmednorinjuredintheleast，thoughtheyperhapsbelongedtoasoldaschoolofArtasanythatwereperishingaroundthem。Thesewerethepaintedwindows；andasoftenashegazedatthemthesculptorblessedthemedievaltime，anditsgorgeouscontrivancesofsplendor；forsurelytheskillofmanhasneveraccomplished，norhismindimagined，anyotherbeautyorgloryworthytobecomparedwiththese。

Itisthespecialexcellenceofpicturedglass，thatthelight，whichfallsmerelyontheoutsideofotherpictures，ishereinterfusedthroughoutthework；itilluminatesthedesign，andinvestsitwithalivingradiance；andinrequitaltheunfadingcolorstransmutethecommondaylightintoamiracleofrichnessandgloryinitspassagethroughtheheavenlysubstanceoftheblessedandangelicshapeswhichthrongthehigh-archedwindow。

"Itisawoefulthing，"criedKenyon，whileoneofthesefrailyetenduringandfadelesspicturesthrewitshuesonhisface，andonthepavementofthechurcharoundhim，——"asadnecessitythatanyChristiansoulshouldpassfromearthwithoutonceseeinganantiquepaintedwindow，withthebrightItaliansunshineglowingthroughit！

Thereisnoothersuchtruesymbolofthegloriesofthebetterworld，whereacelestialradiancewillbeinherentinallthingsandpersons，andrendereachcontinuallytransparenttothesightofall。"

"Butwhatahorroritwouldbe，"saidDonatellosadly，"iftherewereasoulamongthemthroughwhichthelightcouldnotbetransfused！"

"Yes；andperhapsthisistobethepunishmentofsin，"repliedthesculptor；"notthatitshallbemadeevidenttotheuniverse，whichcanprofitnothingbysuchknowledge，butthatitshallinsulatethesinnerfromallsweetsodetybyrenderinghimimpermeabletolight，and，therefore，unrecognizableintheabodeofheavenlysimplicityandtruth。Then，whatremainsforhim，butthedrearinessofinfiniteandeternalsolitude？"

"Thatwouldbeahorribledestiny，indeed！"saidDonatello。

Hisvoiceashespokethewordshadahollowanddrearycadence，asifheanticipatedsomesuchfrozensolitudeforhimself。Afigureinadarkrobewaslurkingintheobscurityofasidechapelcloseby，andmadeanimpulsivemovementforward，buthesitatedasDonatellospokeagain。

"Buttheremightbeamoremiserabletorturethantobesolitaryforever，"saidhe。"Thinkofhavingasinglecompanionineternity，andinsteadoffindinganyconsolation，oratalleventsvarietyoftorture，toseeyourownweary，wearysinrepeatedinthatinseparablesoul。"

"Ithink，mydearCount，youhaveneverreadDante，"observedKenyon。

"Thatideaissomewhatinhisstyle，butIcannothelpregrettingthatitcameintoyourmindjustthen。"

Thedark-robedfigurehadshrunkback，andwasquitelosttosightamongtheshadowsofthechapel。

"TherewasanEnglishpoet，"resumedKenyon，turningagaintowardsthewindow，"whospeaksofthe\'dim，religiouslight，\'transmittedthroughpaintedglass。Ialwaysadmiredthisrichlydescriptivephrase；but，thoughhewasonceinItaly，IquestionwhetherMiltoneversawanybutthedingypicturesinthedustywindowsofEnglishcathedrals，imperfectlyshownbythegrayEnglishdaylight。Hewouldelsehaveilluminatedthatword\'dim\'withsomeepithetthatshouldnotchaseawaythedimness，yetshouldmakeitglowlikeamillionofrubies，sapphires，emeralds，andtopazes。Isitnotsowithyonderwindow？

Thepicturesaremostbrilliantinthemselves，yetdimwithtendernessandreverence，becauseGodhimselfisshiningthroughthem。"

"Thepicturesfillmewithemotion，butnotsuchasyouseemtoexperience，"saidDonatello。"Itrembleatthoseawfulsaints；and，mostofall，atthefigureabovethem。HeglowswithDivinewrath！"

"Mydearfriend，"saidKenyon，"howstrangelyyoureyeshavetransmutedtheexpressionofthefigure！Itisdivinelove，notwrath！"

"Tomyeyes，"saidDonatellostubbornly，"itiswrath，notlove！Eachmustinterpretforhimself。"

Thefriendsleftthechurch，andlookingup，fromtheexterior，atthewindowwhichtheyhadjustbeencontemplatingwithin，nothing；wasvisiblebutthemerestoutlineofduskyshapes，Neithertheindividuallikenessofsaint，angel，norSaviour，andfarlessthecombinedschemeandpurportofthepicture，couldanywisebemadeout。Thatmiracleofradiantart，thusviewed，wasnothingbetterthananincomprehensibleobscurity，withoutagleamofbeautytoinducethebeholdertoattemptunravellingit。

"Allthis，"thoughtthesculptor，"isamostforcibleemblemofthedifferentaspectofreligioustruthandsacredstory，asviewedfromthewarminteriorofbelief，orfromitscoldanddrearyoutside。

Christianfaithisagrandcathedral，withdivinelypicturedwindows。

Standingwithout，youseenoglory，norcanpossiblyimagineany；

standingwithin，everyrayoflightrevealsaharmonyofunspeakablesplendors。"

AfterKenyonandDonatelloemergedfromthechurch，however，theyhadbetteropportunityforactsofcharityandmercythanforreligiouscontemplation；beingimmediatelysurroundedbyaswarmofbeggars，whoarethepresentpossessorsofItaly，andsharethespoilofthestrangerwiththefleasandmosquitoes，theirformidableallies。

Thesepests——thehumanones——hadhuntedthetwotravellersateverystageoftheirjourney。Fromvillagetovillage，raggedboysandgirlskeptalmostunderthehorses\'feet；hoarygrandsiresandgrandamescaughtglimpsesoftheirapproach，andhobbledtointerceptthematsomepointofvantage；blindmenstaredthemoutofcountenancewiththeirsightlessorbs；womenhelduptheirunwashedbabies；cripplesdisplayedtheirwoodenlegs，theirgrievousscars，theirdangling，bonelessarms，theirbrokenbacks，theirburdenofahump，orwhateverinfirmityordeformityProvidencehadassignedthemforaninheritance。Onthehighestmountainsummit——inthemostshadowyravine——therewasabeggarwaitingforthem。Inonesmallvillage，Kenyonhadthecuriositytocountmerelyhowmanychildrenwerecrying，whining，andbellowingailatonceforalms。Theyprovedtobemorethanfortyofasraggedanddirtylittleimpsasanyintheworld；besideswhom，allthewrinkledmatrons，andmostofthevillagemaids，andnotafewstalwartmen，heldouttheirhandsgrimly，piteously，orsmilinglyintheforlornhopeofwhatevertrifleofcoinmightremaininpocketsalreadysofearfullytaxed。Hadtheybeenpermitted，theywouldgladlyhavekneltdownandworshippedthetravellers，andhavecursedthem，withoutrisingfromtheirknees，iftheexpectedboonfailedtobeawarded。

Yettheywerenotsomiserablypoorbutthatthegrownpeoplekepthousesovertheirheads。

Inthewayoffood，theyhad，atleast，vegetablesintheirlittlegardens，pigsandchickenstokill，eggstofryintoomeletswithoil，winetodrink，andmanyotherthingstomakelifecomfortable。Asforthechildren，whennomoresmallcoinappearedtobeforthcoming，theybegantolaughandplay，andturnheelsoverhead，showingthemselvesjollyandvivaciousbrats，andevidentlyaswellfedasneedsbe。Thetruthis，theItalianpeasantrylookuponstrangersasthealmonersofProvidence，andthereforefeelnomoreshameinaskingandreceivingalms，thaninavailingthemselvesofprovidentialbountiesinwhateverotherform。

Inaccordancewithhisnature，Donatellowasalwaysexceedinglycharitabletotheseraggedbattalions，andappearedtoderiveacertainconsolationfromtheprayerswhichmanyofthemputupinhisbehalf。InItalyacoppercoinofminutevaluewilloftenmakeallthedifferencebetweenavindictivecurse——deathbyapoplexybeingthefavoriteone-mumbledinanoldwitch\'stoothlessjaws，andaprayerfromthesamelips，soearnestthatitwouldseemtorewardthecharitablesoulwithatleastapuffofgratefulbreathtohelphimheavenward。Goodwishesbeingsocheap，thoughpossiblynotveryefficacious，andanathemassoexceedinglybitter，——evenifthegreaterportionoftheirpoisonremaininthemouththatuttersthem，——itmaybewisetoexpendsomereasonableamountinthepurchaseoftheformer。

Donatelloinvariablydidso；andashedistributedhisalmsunderthepicturedwindow，ofwhichwehavebeenspeaking，nolessthansevenancientwomenliftedtheirhandsandbesoughtblessingsonhishead。

"Come，"saidthesculptor，rejoicingatthehappierexpressionwhichhesawinhisfriend\'sface。"Ithinkyoursteedwillnotstumblewithyouto-day。EachoftheseolddameslooksasmuchlikeHorace\'sAtraCuraascanwellbeconceived；but，thoughtherearesevenofthem，theywillmakeyourburdenonhorsebacklighterinsteadofheavier。"

"Arewetoridefar？"askedtheCount。

"Atolerablejourneybetwixtnowandto-morrownoon，"Kenyonreplied；

"for，atthathour，IpurposetobestandingbythePope\'sstatueinthegreatsquareofPerugia。"

CHAPTERXXXIV

MARKETDAYINPERUGIA

Perugia，onitsloftyhilltop，wasreachedbythetwotravellersbeforethesunhadquitekissedawaytheearlyfreshnessofthemorning。Sincemidnight，therehadbeenaheavy，rain，bringinginfiniterefreshmenttothesceneofverdureandfertilityamidwhichthisancientcivilizationstands；insomuchthatKenyonloitered，whentheycametothegraycitywall，andwasloathtogiveuptheprospectofthesunnywildernessthatlaybelow。ItwasasgreenasEngland，andbrightasItalyalone。Therewasallthewidevalley，sweepingdownandspreadingawayonallsidesfromtheweedgrownramparts，andboundedafarbymountains，whichlayasleepinthesun，withthinmistsandsilverycloudsfloatingabouttheirheadsbywayofmorningdreams。

"Itlacksstilltwohoursofnoon，"saidthesculptortohisfriend，astheystoodunderthearchofthegateway，waitingfortheirpassportstobeexamined；"willyoucomewithmetoseesomeadmirablefrescosbyPerugino？ThereisahallintheExchange，ofnogreatmagnitude，butcoveredwithwhatmusthavebeen——atthetimeitwaspainted——suchmagnificenceandbeautyastheworldhadnotelsewheretoshow。"

"Itdepressesmetolookatoldfrescos，"respondedtheCount；"itisapain，yetnotenoughofapaintoanswerasapenance。"

"WillyoulookatsomepicturesbyFraAngelicointheChurchofSanDomenico？"askedKenyon；"theyarefullofreligioussincerity，Whenonestudiesthemfaithfully，itislikeholdingaconversationaboutheavenlythingswithatenderanddevout-mindedman。"

"YouhaveshownmesomeofFraAngelico\'spictures，Iremember，"

answeredDonatello；"hisangelslookasiftheyhadnevertakenaflightoutofheaven；andhissaintsseemtohavebeenbornsaints，andalwaystohavelivedso。Youngmaidens，andallinnocentpersons，Idoubtnot，mayfindgreatdelightandprofitinlookingatsuchholypictures。Buttheyarenotforme。"

"Yourcriticism，Ifancy，hasgreatmoraldepth，"repliedKenyon；"andIseeinitthereasonwhyHildasohighlyappreciatesFraAngelico\'spictures。Well；wewillletallsuchmatterspassforto-day，andstrollaboutthisfineoldcitytillnoon。"

Theywanderedtoandfro，accordingly，andlostthemselvesamongthestrange，precipitatepassages，which，inPerugia，arecalledstreets，Someofthemarelikecaverns，beingarchedallover，andplungingdownabruptlytowardsanunknowndarkness；which，whenyouhavefathomeditsdepths，admitsyoutoadaylightthatyouscarcelyhopedtobeholdagain。Heretheymetshabbymen，andthecarewornwivesandmothersofthepeople，someofwhomguidedchildreninleadingstringsthroughthosedimandantiquethoroughfares，whereahundredgenerationshadpassedbeforethelittlefeetofto-daybegantotreadthem。Thencetheyclimbedupwardagain，andcametothelevelplateau，onthesummitofthehill，wherearesituatedthegrandpiazzaandtheprincipalpublicedifices。

IthappenedtobemarketdayinPerugia。Thegreatsquare，therefore，presentedafarmorevivaciousspectaclethanwouldhavebeenwitnessedinitatanyothertimeoftheweek，thoughnotsolivelyastoovercomethegraysolemnityofthearchitecturalportionofthescene。IntheshadowofthecathedralandotheroldGothicstructures——seekingshelterfromthesunshinethatfellacrosstherestofthepiazza——wasacrowdofpeople，engagedasbuyersorsellersinthepettytrafficofacountryfair。Dealershaderectedboothsandstallsonthepavement，andoverspreadthemwithscantyawnings，beneathwhichtheystood，vociferouslycryingtheirmerchandise；suchasshoes，hatsandcaps，yarnstockings，cheapjewelryandcutlery，books，chieflylittlevolumesofareligiousCharacter，andafewFrenchnovels；toys，tinware，oldiron，cloth，rosariesofbeads，crucifixes，cakes，biscuits，sugar-plums，andinnumerablelittleoddsandends，whichweseenoobjectinadvertising。Basketsofgrapes，figs，andpearsstoodontheground。

Donkeys，bearingpanniersstuffedoutwithkitchenvegetables，andrequiringanampleroadway，roughlyshoulderedasidethethrong。

Crowdedasthesquarewas，ajugglerfoundroomtospreadoutawhiteclothuponthepavement，andcoveritwithcups，plates，balls，cards，wthewholematerialofhismagic，inshort，——wherewithheproceededtoworkmiraclesunderthenoondaysun。Anorgangrinderatonepoint，andaclarionandafluteatanother，accomplishedwhattheircouldtowardsfillingthewidespacewithtunefulnoise，Theirsmalluproar，however，wasnearlydrownedbythemultitudinousvoicesofthepeople，bargaining，quarrelling，laughing，andbabblingcopiouslyatrandom；。

forthebrisknessofthemountainatmosphere，orsomeothercause，madeeverybodysoloquacious，thatmorewordswerewastedinPerugiaonthisonemarketday，thanthenoisiestpiazzaofRomewouldutterinamonth。

Throughallthispettytumult，whichkeptbeguilingone\'seyesandupperstrataofthought，itwasdelightfultocatchglimpsesofthegrandoldarchitecturethatstoodaroundthesquare。Thelifeoftheflittingmoment，existingintheantiqueshellofanagegoneby，hasafascinationwhichwedonotfindineitherthepastorpresent，takenbythemselves。Itmightseemirreverenttomakethegraycathedralandthetall，time-wornpalacesechobacktheexuberantvociferationofthemarket；buttheydidso，andcausedthesoundtoassumeakindofpoeticrhythm，andthemselveslookedonlythemoremajesticfortheircondescension。

Ononeside，therewasanimmenseedificedevotedtopublicpurposes，withanantiquegallery，andarangeofarchedandstone-mullionedwindows，runningalongitsfront；andbywayofentranceithadacentralGothicarch，elaboratelywreathedaroundwithsculpturedsemicircles，withinwhichthespectatorwasawareofastatelyandimpressivegloom。Thoughmerelythemunicipalcouncil-houseandexchangeofadecayedcountrytown，thisstructurewasworthytohaveheldinoneportionofittheparliamenthallofanation，andintheother，thestateapartmentsofitsruler。Onanothersideofthesquarerosethemediaevalfrontofthecathedral，wheretheimaginationofaGothicarchitecthadlongagofloweredoutindestructibly，inthefirstplace，agranddesign，andthencoveringitwithsuchabundantdetailofornament，thatthemagnitudeoftheworkseemedlessamiraclethanitsminuteness。Youwouldsupposethathemusthavesoftenedthestoneintowax，untilhismostdelicatefanciesweremodelledinthepliantmaterial，andthenhadhardeneditintostoneagain。Thewholewasavast，black-letterpageoftherichestandquaintestpoetry。Infitkeepingwithallthisoldmagnificencewasagreatmarblefountain，whereagaintheGothicimaginationshoweditsoverflowandgratuityofdeviceinthemanifoldsculptureswhichitlavishedasfreelyasthewaterdiditsshiftingshapes。

Besidesthetwovenerablestructureswhichwehavedescribed，therewereloftypalaces，perhapsofasoldadate，risingstoryaboveStory，andadornedwithbalconies，whence，hundredsofyearsago，theprincelyoccupantshadbeenaccustomedtogazedownatthesports，business，andpopularassemblagesofthepiazza。And，beyondallquestion，theythuswitnessedtheerectionofabronzestatue，which，threecenturiessince，wasplacedonthepedestalthatitstilloccupies。

"InevercometoPerugia，saidKenyon，"withoutspendingasmuchtimeasIcanspareinstudyingyonderstatueofPopeJuliustheThird。

ThosesculptorsoftheMiddleAgehavefitterlessonsfortheprofessorsofmyartthanwecanfindintheGrecianmasterpieces。

TheybelongtoourChristiancivilization；and，beingearnestworks，theyalwaysexpresssomethingwhichwedonotgetfromtheantique。

Willyoulookatit？"

"Willingly，"repliedtheCount，"forIsee，evensofaroff，thatthestatueisbestowingabenediction，andthereisafeelinginmyheartthatImaybepermittedtoshareit。"

RememberingthesimilarideawhichMiriamashorttimebeforehadexpressed，thesculptorsmiledhopefullyatthecoincidence。Theymadetheirwaythroughthethrongofthemarketplace，andapproachedclosetotheironrailingthatprotectedthepedestalofthestatue。

Itwasthefigureofapope，arrayedinhispontificalrobes，andcrownedwiththetiara。Hesatinabronzechair，elevatedhighabovethepavement，andseemedtotakekindlyyetauthoritativecognizanceofthebusyscenewhichwasatthatmomentpassingbeforehiseye。

Hisrighthandwasraisedandspreadabroad，asifintheactofsheddingforthabenediction，whicheveryman——sobroad，sowise，andsoserenelyaffectionatewasthebronzepope\'sregard——mighthopetofeelquietlydescendingupontheneed，orthedistress，thathehadclosestathisheart。Thestatuehadlifeandobservationinit，aswellaspatriarchalmajesty。Animaginativespectatorcouldnotbutbeimpressedwiththeideathatthisbenignlyawfulrepresentativeofdivineandhumanauthoritymightrisefromhisbrazenchair，shouldanygreatpublicexigencydemandhisinterposition，andencourageorrestrainthepeoplebyhisgesture，orevenbypropheticutterancesworthyofsograndapresence。

Andinthelong，calmintervals，amidthequietlapseofages，thepontiffwatchedthedailyturmoilaroundhisseat，listeningwithmajesticpatiencetothemarketcries，andallthepettyuproarthatawoketheechoesofthestatelyoldpiazza。Hewastheenduringfriendofthesemen，andoftheirforefathersandchildren，thefamiliarfaceofgenerations。

"Thepope\'sblessing，methinks，hasfallenuponyou，"observedthesculptor，lookingathisfriend。

Intruth，Donatello\'scountenanceindicatedahealthierspiritthanwhilehewasbroodinginhismelancholytower。Thechangeofscene，thebreakingupofcustom，thefreshflowofincidents，thesenseofbeinghomeless，andthereforefree，haddonesomethingforourpoorFaun；thesecircumstanceshadatleastpromotedareaction，whichmightelsehavebeenslowerinitsprogress。Then，nodoubt，thebrightday，thegayspectacleofthemarketplace，andthesympatheticexhilarationofsomanypeople\'scheerfulness，hadeachtheirsuitableeffectonatempernaturallypronetobeglad。Perhaps，too，hewasmagneticallyconsciousofapresencethatformerlysufficedtomakehimhappy。Bethecausewhatitmight，Donatello\'seyesshonewithasereneandhopefulexpressionwhilelookingupwardatthebronzepope，towhosewidelydiffusedblessing，itmaybe，heattributedallthisgoodinfluence。

"Yes，mydearfriend，"saidhe，inreplytothesculptor\'sremark，"I

feeltheblessinguponmyspirit。"

"Itiswonderful，"saidKenyon，withasmile，"wonderfulanddelightfultothinkhowlongagoodman\'sbeneficencemaybepotent，evenafterhisdeath。Howgreat，then，musthavebeentheefficacyofthisexcellentpontiff\'sblessingwhilehewasalive！"

"Ihaveheard，"remarkedtheCount，"thattherewasabrazenimagesetupinthewilderness，thesightofwhichhealedtheIsraelitesoftheirpoisonousandranklingwounds。IfitbetheBlessedVirgin\'spleasure，whyshouldnotthisholyimagebeforeusdomeequalgood？

Awoundhaslongbeenranklinginmysoul，andfillingitwithpoison。"

"Ididwrongtosmile，"answeredKenyon。"ItisnotformetolimitProvidenceinitsoperationsonman\'sspirit。"

Whiletheystoodtalking，theclockintheneighboringcathedraltoldthehour，withtwelvereverberatingstrokes，whichitflungdownuponthecrowdedmarketplace，asifwarningoneandalltotakeadvantageofthebronzepontiff\'sbenediction，orofHeaven\'sblessing，howeverproffered，beforetheopportunitywerelost。

"Highnoon，"saidthesculptor。"ItisMiriam\'shour！"

CHAPTERXXXV

THEBRONZEPONTIFF\'SBENEDICTION

Whenthelastofthetwelvestrokeshadfallenfromthecathedralclock，Kenyonthrewhiseyesoverthebusysceneofthemarketplace，expectingtodiscernMiriamsomewhereinthe\'crowd。Helookednexttowardsthecathedralitself，whereitwasreasonabletoimaginethatshemighthavetakenshelter，whileawaitingherappointedtime。

Seeingnotraceofherineitherdirection，hiseyescamebackfromtheirquestsomewhatdisappointed，andrestedonafigurewhichwasleaning，likeDonatelloandhimself，ontheironbalustradethatsurroundedthestatue。Onlyamomentbefore，theytwohadbeenalone。

Itwasthefigureofawoman，withherheadbowedonherhands，asifshedeeplyfelt——whatwehavebeenendeavoringtoconveyintoourfeebledescription——thebenignandawe-inspiringinfluencewhichthepontiff\'sstatueexercisesuponasensitivespectator。NomatterthoughitweremodelledforaCatholicchiefpriest，thedesolateheart，whateverbeitsreligion，recognizesinthatimagethelikenessofafather。

"Miriam，"saidthesculptor，withatremorinhisvoice，"isityourself？"

"ItisI，"shereplied；"Iamfaithfultomyengagement，thoughwithmanyfears。"Sheliftedherhead，andrevealedtoKenyon——revealedtoDonatellolikewise——thewell-rememberedfeaturesofMiriam。Theywerepaleandworn，butdistinguishedevennow，thoughlessgorgeously，byabeautythatmightbeimaginedbrightenoughtoglimmerwithitsownlightinadimcathedralaisle，andhadnoneedtoshrinkfromtheseverertestofthemid-daysun。Butsheseemedtremulous，andhardlyabletogothroughwithascenewhichatadistanceshehadfoundcouragetoundertake。

"Youaremostwelcome，Miriam！"saidthesculptor，seekingtoaffordhertheencouragementwhichhesawshesogreatlyrequired。"Ihaveahopefultrustthattheresultofthisinterviewwillbepropitious。

Come；letmeleadyoutoDonatello。"

"No，Kenyon，no！"whisperedMiriam，shrinkingback；"unlessofhisownaccordhespeaksmyname，——unlesshebidsmestay，——nowordshalleverpassbetweenhimandme。ItisnotthatItakeuponmetobeproudatthislatehour。Amongotherfemininequalities，IthrewawaymypridewhenHildacastmeoff。"

"Ifnotpride，whatelserestrainsyou？"Kenyonasked，alittleangryatherunseasonablescruples，andalsoatthishalf-complainingreferencetoHilda\'sjustseverity。"Afterdaringsomuch，itisnotimeforfear！Ifwelethimpartfromyouwithoutaword，youropportunityofdoinghiminestimablegoodislostforever。"

"True；itwillbelostforever！"repeatedMiriamsadly。"But，dearfriend，willitbemyfault？Iwillinglyflingmywoman\'sprideathisfeet。But——doyounotsee？——hisheartmustbeleftfreelytoitsowndecisionwhethertorecognizeme，becauseonhisvoluntarychoicedependsthewholequestionwhethermydevotionwilldohimgoodorharm。Excepthefeelaninfiniteneedofme，Iamaburdenandfatalobstructiontohim！"

"Takeyourowncourse，then，Miriam，"saidKenyon；"and，doubtless，thecrisisbeingwhatitis，yourspiritisbetterinstructedforitsemergenciesthanmine。"

Whiletheforegoingwordspassedbetweenthemtheyhadwithdrawnalittlefromtheimmediatevicinityofthestatue，soastobeoutofDonatello\'shearing。Still，however，theywerebeneaththepontiff\'soutstretchedhand；andMiriam，withherbeautyandhersorrow，lookedupintohisbenignantface，asifshehadcomethitherforhispardonandpaternalaffection，anddespairedofsovastaboon。

Meanwhile，shehadnotstoodthuslonginthepublicsquareofPerugia，withoutattractingtheobservationofmanyeyes。Withtheirquicksenseofbeauty，theseItalianshadrecognizedherloveliness，andsparednottotaketheirfillofgazingatit；thoughtheirnativegentlenessandcourtesymadetheirhomagefarlessobtrusivethanthatofGermans，French，orAnglo-Saxonsmighthavebeen。ItisnotimprobablethatMiriamhadplannedthismomentousinterview，onsopublicaspotandathighnoon，withaneyetothesortofprotectionthatwouldbethrownoveritbyamultitudeofeye-witnesses。Incircumstancesofprofoundfeelingandpassion，thereisoftenasensethattoogreataseclusioncannotbeendured；thereisanindefinitedreadofbeingquitealonewiththeobjectofourdeepestinterest。

Thespeciesofsolitudethatacrowdharborswithinitselfisfelttobepreferable，incertainconditionsoftheheart，totheremotenessofadesertorthedepthsofanuntroddenwood。Hatred，love，orwhateverkindoftoointenseemotion，orevenindifference，whereemotionhasoncebeen，instinctivelyseekstointerposesomebarrierbetweenitselfandthecorrespondingpassioninanotherbreast。This，wesuspect，waswhatMiriamhadthoughtof，incomingtothethrongedpiazza；partlythis，andpartly，asshesaid，hersuperstitionthatthebenignstatueheldgoodinfluencesinstore。

ButDonatelloremainedleaningagainstthebalustrade。Shedarednotglancetowardshim，toseewhetherhewerepaleandagitated，orcalmasice。Only，sheknewthatthemomentswerefleetlylapsingaway，andthathisheartmustcallhersoon，orthevoicewouldneverreachher。Sheturnedquiteawayfromhimandspokeagaintothesculptor。

"Ihavewishedtomeetyou，"saidshe，"formorethanonereason。

Newshascometomerespectingadearfriendofours。Nay，notofmine！Idarenotcallherafriendofmine，thoughoncethedearest。"

"DoyouspeakofHilda？"exclaimedKenyon，withquickalarm。"Hasanythingbefallenher？WhenIlastheardofher，shewasstillinRome，andwell。"

"HildaremainsinRome，"repliedMiriam，"norissheillasregardsphysicalhealth，thoughmuchdepressedinspirits。Shelivesquitealoneinherdove-cote；notafriendnearher，notoneinRome，which，youknow，isdesertedbyallbutitsnativeinhabitants。Ifearforherhealth，ifshecontinuelonginsuchsolitude，withdespondencypreyingonhermind。Itellyouthis，knowingtheinterestwhichtherarebeautyofhercharacterhasawakenedinyou。"

"IwillgotoRome！"saidthesculptor，ingreatemotion。"Hildahasneverallowedmetomanifestmorethanafriendlyregard；but，atleast，shecannotpreventmywatchingoverheratahumbledistance。

Iwillsetoutthisveryhour。"

"Donotleaveusnow！"whisperedMiriamimploringly，andlayingherhandonhisarm。"Onemomentmore！Ah；hehasnowordforme！"

"Miriam！"saidDonatello。

Thoughbutasingleword，andthefirstthathehadspoken，itstonewasawarrantofthesadandtenderdepthfromwhichitcame。IttoldMiriamthingsofinfiniteimportance，and，firstofall，thathestilllovedher。Thesenseoftheirmutualcrimehadstunned，butnotdestroyed，thevitalityofhisaffection；itwasthereforeindestructible。Thattone，too，bespokeanalteredanddeepenedcharacter；ittoldofavivifiedintellect，andofspiritualinstructionthathadcomethroughsorrowandremorse；sothatinsteadofthewildboy，thethingofsportive，animalnature，thesylvanFaun，herewasnowthemanoffeelingandintelligence。

Sheturnedtowardshim，whilehisvoicestillreverberatedinthedepthsofhersoul。

"Youhavecalledme！"saidshe。

"Becausemydeepesthearthasneedofyou！"hereplied。"Forgive，Miriam，thecoldness，thehardnesswithwhichIpartedfromyou！I

wasbewilderedwithstrangehorrorandgloom。"

"Alas！anditwasIthatbroughtitonyou，"saidshe。"Whatrepentance，whatself-sacrifice，canatoneforthatinfinitewrong？

Therewassomethingsosacredintheinnocentandjoyouslifewhichyouwereleading！Ahappypersonissuchanunaccustomedandholycreatureinthissadworld！And，encounteringsorareabeing，andgiftedwiththepowerofsympathywithhissunnylife，itwasmydoom，mine，tobringhimwithinthelimitsofsinful，sorrowfulmortality！

Bidmedepart，Donatello！Flingmeoff！Nogood，throughmyagency，canfollowuponsuchamightyevil！"

"Miriam，"saidhe，"ourlotliestogether。Isitnotso？Tellme，inHeaven\'sname，ifitbeotherwise。"

Donatello\'sconsciencewasevidentlyperplexedwithdoubt，whetherthecommunionofacrime，suchastheytwowerejointlystainedwith，oughtnottostiflealltheinstinctivemotionsoftheirhearts，impellingthemonetowardstheother。Miriam，ontheotherhand，remorsefullyquestionedwithherselfwhetherthemisery，alreadyaccruingfromherinfluence，shouldnotwarnhertowithdrawfromhispath。Inthismomentousinterview，therefore，twosoulsweregropingforeachotherinthedarknessofguiltandsorrow，andhardlywereboldenoughtograspthecoldhandsthattheyfound。

Thesculptorstoodwatchingthescenewithearnestsympathy。

"Itseemsirreverent，"saidhe，atlength；"intrusive，ifnotirreverent，forathirdpersontothrusthimselfbetweenthetwosolelyconcernedinacrisislikethepresent。Yet，possiblyasabystander，thoughadeeplyinterestedone，Imaydiscernsomewhatoftruththatishiddenfromyouboth；nay，atleastinterpretorsuggestsomeideaswhichyoumightnotsoreadilyconveytoeachother。"

"Speak！"saidMiriam。"Weconfideinyou。""Speak！"saidDonatello。

"Youaretrueandupright。"

"Iwellknow，"rejoinedKenyon，"thatIshallnotsucceedinutteringthefew，deepwordswhich，inthismatter，asinallothers，includetheabsolutetruth。Buthere，Miriam，isonewhomaterriblemisfortunehasbeguntoeducate；ithastakenhim，andthroughyouragency，outofawildandhappystate，which，withincircumscribedlimits，gavehimjoysthathecannotelsewherefindonearth。Onhisbehalf，youhaveincurredaresponsibilitywhichyoucannotflingaside。Andhere，Donatello，isonewhomProvidencemarksoutasintimatelyconnectedwithyourdestiny。Themysteriousprocess，bywhichourearthlylifeinstructsusforanotherstateofbeing，wasbegunforyoubyher。Shehasrichgiftsofheartandmind，asuggestivepower，amagneticinfluence，asympatheticknowledge，which，wiselyandreligiouslyexercised，arewhatyourconditionneeds。Shepossesseswhatyourequire，and，withutterselfdevotion，willuseitforyourgood。Thebondbetwixtyou，therefore，isatrueone，andnever——exceptbyHeaven\'sownact——shouldberentasunder。"

"Ah；hehasspokenthetruth！"criedDonatello，graspingMiriam\'shand。

"Theverytruth，dearfriend，"criedMiriam。

"Buttakeheed，"resumedthesculptor，anxiousnottoviolatetheintegrityofhisownconscience，"takeheed；foryouloveoneanother，andyetyourbondistwinedwithsuchblackthreadsthatyoumustneverlookuponitasidenticalwiththetiesthatuniteotherlovingsouls。Itisformutualsupport；itisforoneanother\'sfinalgood；

itisforeffort，forsacrifice，butnotforearthlyhappiness。Ifsuchbeyourmotive，believeme，friends，itwerebettertorelinquisheachother\'shandsatthissadmoment。Therewouldbenoholysanctiononyourweddedlife。"

"None，"saidDonatello，shuddering。"Weknowitwell。"

"None，"repeatedMiriam，alsoshuddering。"United——miserablyentangledwithme，rather——byabondofguilt，ourunionmightbeforeternity，indeed，andmostintimate；——but，throughallthatendlessduration，Ishouldbeconsciousofhishorror。"

"Notforearthlybliss，therefore，"saidKenyon，"butformutualelevation，andencouragementtowardsasevereandpainfullife，youtakeeachother\'shands。Andif，outoftoil，sacrifice，prayer，penitence，andearnestefforttowardsrightthings，therecomesatlengthasombreandthoughtful，happiness，tasteit，andthankHeaven！

Sothatyoulivenotforit，——sothatitbeawaysideflower，springingalongapaththatleadstohigherends，——itwillbeHeaven\'sgraciousgift，andatokenthatitrecognizesyourunionherebelow。"

"Haveyounomoretosay？"askedMiriamearnestly。"Thereismatterofsorrowandloftyconsolationstrangelymingledinyourwords。"

"Onlythis，dearMiriam，"saidthesculptor；"ifeverinyourlivesthehighestdutyshouldrequirefromeitherofyouthesacrificeoftheother，meettheoccasionwithoutshrinking。Thisisall。"

WhileKenyonspoke，Donatellohadevidentlytakenintheideaswhichhepropounded，andhadennobledthembythesincerityofhisreception。

Hisaspectunconsciouslyassumedadignity，which，elevatinghisformerbeauty，accordedwiththechangethathadlongbeentakingplaceinhisinteriorself。Hewasaman，revolvinggraveanddeepthoughtsinhisbreast。HestillheldMiriam\'shand；andtheretheystood，thebeautifulman，thebeautifulwoman，unitedforever，astheyfelt，inthepresenceofthesethousandeye-witnesses，whogazedsocuriouslyattheunintelligiblescene。Doubtlessthecrowdrecognizedthemaslovers，andfanciedthisabetrothalthatwasdestinedtoresultinlifelonghappiness。Andpossiblyitmightbeso。Whocantellwherehappinessmaycome；orwhere，thoughanexpectedguest，itmaynevershowitsface？Perhaps——shy，subtlething——ithadcreptintothissadmarriagebond，whenthepartnerswouldhavetrembledatitspresenceasacrime。

"Farewell！"saidKenyon；"IgotoRome。"

"Farewell，truefriend！"saidMiriam。

"Farewell！"saidDonatellotoo。"Mayyoubehappy。Youhavenoguilttomakeyoushrinkfromhappiness。"

AtthismomentitsochancedthatallthethreefriendsbyoneimpulseglancedupwardatthestatueofPopeJulius；andtherewasthemajesticfigurestretchingoutthehandofbenedictionoverthem，andbendingdownuponthisguiltyandrepentantpairitsvisageofgrandbenignity。Thereisasingulareffectoftentimeswhen，outofthemidstofengrossingthoughtanddeepabsorption，wesuddenlylookup，andcatchaglimpseofexternalobjects。Weseematsuchmomentstolookfartheranddeeperintothem，thanbyanypremeditatedobservation；itisasiftheymetoureyesalive，andwithalltheirhiddenmeaningonthesurface，butgrewagaininanimateandinscrutabletheinstantthattheybecameawareofourglances。Sonow，atthatunexpectedglimpse，Miriam，Donatello，andthesculptor，allthreeimaginedthattheybeheldthebronzepontiffendowedwithspirituallife。Ablessingwasfeltdescendinguponthemfromhisoutstretchedhand；heapprovedbylookandgesturethepledgeofadeepunionthathadpassedunderhisauspices。

CHAPTERXXXVI

HILDA\'STOWER

WhenwehaveonceknownRome，andleftherwhereshelies，likealong-decayingcorpse，retainingatraceofthenobleshapeitwas，butwithaccumulateddustandafungousgrowthoverspreadingallitsmoreadmirablefeatures，leftherinutterweariness，nodoubt，ofhernarrow，crooked，intricatestreets，souncomfortablypavedwithlittlesquaresoflavathattotreadoverthemisapenitentialpilgrimage，soindescribablyugly，moreover，socold，soalley-like，intowhichthesunneverfalls，andwhereachillwindforcesitsdeadlybreathintoourlungs，——lefther，tiredofthesightofthoseimmenseseven-storied，yellow-washedhovels，orcallthempalaces，whereallthatisdrearyindomesticlifeseemsmagnifiedandmultiplied，andwearyofclimbingthosestaircases，whichascendfromaground-floorofcookshops，cobblers\'stalls，stables，andregimentsofcavalry，toamiddleregionofprinces，cardinals，andambassadors，andanuppertierofartists，justbeneaththeunattainablesky，——lefther，wornoutwithshiveringatthecheerlessandsmokyfiresidebyday，andfeastingwithourownsubstancetheravenouslittlepopulaceofaRomanbedatnight，——lefther，sickatheartofItaliantrickery，whichhasuprootedwhateverfaithinman\'sintegrityhadenduredtillnow，andsickatstomachofsourbread，sourwine，rancidbutter，andbadcookery，needlesslybestowedonevilmeats，——lefther，disgustedwiththepretenceofholinessandtherealityofnastiness，eachequallyomnipresent，——lefther，halflifelessfromthelanguidatmosphere，thevitalprincipleofwhichhasbeenuseduplongago，orcorruptedbymyriadsofslaughters，——lefther，crusheddowninspiritwiththedesolationofherruin，andthehopelessnessofherfuture，——lefther，inshort，hatingherwithallourmight，andaddingourindividualcursetotheinfiniteanathemawhichheroldcrimeshaveunmistakablybroughtdown，——whenwehaveleftRomeinsuchmoodasthis，weareastonishedbythediscovery，byandby，thatourheart-stringshavemysteriouslyattachedthemselvestotheEternalCity，andaredrawingusthitherwardagain，asifitweremorefamiliar，moreintimatelyourhome，thaneventhespotwherewewereborn。

Itiswithakindredsentiment，thatwenowfollowthecourseofourstorybackthroughtheFlaminianGate，and，treadingourwaytotheViaPortoghese，climbthestaircasetotheupperchamberofthetowerwherewelastsawHilda。

HildaallalongintendedtopassthesummerinRome；forshehadlaidoutmanyhighanddelightfultasks，whichshecouldthebettercompletewhileherfavoritehauntsweredesertedbythemultitudethatthrongedthemthroughoutthewinterandearlyspring。Nordidshedreadthesummeratmosphere，althoughgenerallyheldtobesopestilential。Shehadalreadymadetrialofit，twoyearsbefore，andfoundnoworseeffectthanakindofdreamylanguor，whichwasdissipatedbythefirstcoolbreezesthatcamewithautumn。Thethicklypopulatedcentreofthecity，indeed，isneveraffectedbythefeverishinfluencethatliesinwaitintheCampagna，likeabesiegingfoe，andnightlyhauntsthosebeautifullawnsandwoodlands，aroundthesuburbanvillas，justattheseasonwhentheymostresembleParadise。WhattheflamingswordwastothefirstEden，suchisthemalariatothesesweetgardensandgrove。Wemaywanderthroughthem，ofanafternoon，itistrue，buttheycannotbemadeahomeandareality，andtosleepamongthemisdeath。Theyarebutillusions，therefore，liketheshowofgleamingwatersandshadowyfoliageinadesert。

ButRome，withinthewalls，atthisdreadedseason，enjoysitsfestaldays，andmakesitselfmerrywithcharacteristicandhereditarypas-times，forwhichitsbroadpiazzasaffordabundantroom。Itleadsitsownlifewithafreerspirit，nowthattheartistsandforeignvisitorsarescatteredabroad。Nobloom，perhaps，wouldbevisibleinacheekthatshouldbeunvisited，throughoutthesummer，bymoreinvigoratingwindsthananywithinfiftymilesofthecity；nobloom，butyet，ifthemindkeptitshealthyenergy，asubduedandcolorlesswell-being。TherewasconsequentlylittleriskinHilda\'spurposetopassthesummerdaysinthegalleriesofRomanpalaces，andhernightsinthataerialchamber，whithertheheavybreathofthecityanditssuburbscouldnotaspire。Itwouldprobablyharmhernomorethanitdidthewhitedoves，whosoughtthesamehighatmosphereatsunset，and，whenmorningcame，flewdownintothenarrowstreets，abouttheirdailybusiness，asHildalikewisedid。

WiththeVirgin\'saidandblessing，whichmightbehopedforevenbyaheretic，whosoreligiouslylitthelampbeforehershrine，theNewEnglandgirlwouldsleepsecurelyinheroldRomantower，andgoforthonherpictorialpilgrimageswithoutdreadorperil。Inviewofsuchasummer，Hildahadanticipatedmanymonthsoflonely，butunalloyedenjoyment。Notthatshehadachurlishdisinclinationtosociety，orneededtobetoldthatwetasteoneintellectualpleasuretwice，andwithdoubletheresult，whenwetasteitwithafriend。But，keepingamaidenheartwithinherbosom，sherejoicedinthefreedomthatenabledherstilltochooseherownsphere，anddwellinit，ifshepleased，withoutanotherinmate。

Herexpectation，however，ofadelightfulsummerwaswoefullydisappointed。Evenhadsheformednopreviousplanofremainingthere，itisimprobablethatHildawouldhavegatheredenergytostirfromRome。Atorpor，heretoforeunknowntohervivaciousthoughquiettemperament，hadpossesseditselfofthepoorgirl，likeahalf-deadserpentknottingitscold，inextricablewreathsaboutherlimbs。Itwasthatpeculiardespair，thatchillandheavymisery，whichonlytheinnocentcanexperience，althoughitpossessesmanyofthegloomycharacteristicsthatmarkasenseofguilt。Itwasthatheartsickness，which，itistobehoped，wemayallofushavebeenpureenoughtofeel，onceinourlives，butthecapacityforwhichisusuallyexhaustedearly，andperhapswithasingleagony。Itwasthatdismalcertaintyoftheexistenceofevilintheworld，which，thoughwemayfancyourselvesfullyassuredofthesadmysterylongbefore，neverbecomesaportionofourpracticalbeliefuntilittakessubstanceandrealityfromthesinofsomeguide，whomwehavedeeplytrustedandrevered，orsomefriendwhomwehavedearlyloved。

Whenthatknowledgecomes，itisasifacloudhadsuddenlygatheredoverthemorninglight；sodarkacloud，thatthereseemstobenolongeranysunshinebehinditoraboveit。Thecharacterofourindividualbelovedonehavinginvesteditselfwithalltheattributesofright，——thatonefriendbeingtousthesymbolandrepresentativeofwhateverisgoodandtrue，——whenhefalls，theeffectisalmostasiftheskyfellwithhim，bringingdowninchaoticruinthecolumnsthatupheldourfaith。Westruggleforthagain，nodoubt，bruisedandbewildered。Westarewildlyaboutus，anddiscover——or，itmaybe，wenevermakethediscovery——thatitwasnotactuallytheskythathastumbleddown，butmerelyafrailstructureofourownrearing，whichneverrosehigherthanthehousetops，andhasfallenbecausewefoundeditonnothing。Butthecrash，andtheaffrightandtrouble，areasoverwhelming，forthetime，asifthecatastropheinvolvedthewholemoralworld。Rememberingthesethings，letthemsuggestonegenerousmotiveforwalkingheedfullyamidthedefilementofearthlyways！Letusreflect，thatthehighestpathispointedoutbythepureIdealofthosewholookuptous，andwho，ifwetreadlessloftily，mayneverlooksohighagain。

Hilda\'ssituationwasmadeinfinitelymorewretchedbythenecessityofConfiningallhertroublewithinherownconsciousness。Tothisinnocentgirl，holdingtheknowledgeofMiriam\'scrimewithinhertenderanddelicatesoul，theeffectwasalmostthesameasifsheherselfhadparticipatedintheguilt。Indeed，partakingthehumannatureofthosewhocouldperpetratesuchdeeds，shefeltherownspotlessnessimpugnent。

Hadtherebeenbutasinglefriend，——ornotafriend，sincefriendswerenolongertobeconfidedin，afterMiriamhadbetrayedhertrust，——but，hadtherebeenanycalm，wisemind，anysympathizingintelligence；or，ifnotthese，anydull，half-listeningearintowhichshemighthaveflungthedreadfulsecret，asintoanecholesscavern，whatareliefwouldhaveensued！Butthisawfulloneliness！

Itenvelopedherwhithersoevershewent。Itwasashadowinthesunshineoffestaldays；amistbetweenhereyesandthepicturesatwhichshestrovetolook；achilldungeon，whichkeptherinitsgraytwilightandfedherwithitsunwholesomeair，fitonlyforacriminaltobreatheandpinein！Shecouldnotescapefromit。Intheefforttodoso，strayingfartherintotheintricatepassagesofournature，shestumbled，everandagain，overthisdeadlyideaofmortalguilt。

Poorsuffererforanother\'ssin！Poorwellspringofavirgin\'sheart，intowhichamurderedcorpsehadcasuallyfallen，andwhenceitcouldnotbedrawnforthagain，butlaythere，dayafterday，nightafternight，taintingitssweetatmospherewiththescentofcrimeanduglydeath！

ThestrangesorrowthathadbefallenHildadidnotfailtoimpressitsmysterioussealuponherface，andtomakeitselfperceptibletosensitiveobserversinhermannerandcarriage。AyoungItalianartist，whofrequentedthesamegallerieswhichHildahaunted，grewdeeplyinterestedinherexpression。Oneday，whileshestoodbeforeLeonardodaVinci\'spictureofJoannaofAragon，butevidentlywithoutseeingit，——for，thoughithadattractedhereyes，afanciedresemblancetoMiriamhadimmediatelydrawnawayherthoughts，——thisartistdrewahastysketchwhichheafterwardselaboratedintoafinishedportrait。ItrepresentedHildaasgazingwithsadandearnesthorroratabloodspotwhichsheseemedjustthentohavediscoveredonherwhiterobe。Thepictureattractedconsiderablenotice。CopiesofanengravingfromitmaystillbefoundintheprintshopsalongtheCorso。Bymanyconnoisseurs，theideaofthefacewassupposedtohavebeensuggestedbytheportraitofBeatriceCenci；and，infact，therewasalooksomewhatsimilartopoorBeatrice\'sforlorngazeoutofthedrearyisolationandremoteness，inwhichaterribledoomhadinvolvedatendersoul。Butthemodernartiststrenuouslyupheldtheoriginalityofhisownpicture，aswellasthestainlesspurityitssubject，andchosetocallit——andwaslaughedatforhispains——"Innocence，dyingofaBlood-stain！"

"Yourpicture，SignorePanini，doesyoucredit，"remarkedthepicturedealer，whohadboughtitoftheyoungmanforfifteenscudi，andafterwardssolditfortentimesthesum；"butitwouldbeworthabetterpriceifyouhadgivenitamoreintelligibletitle。Lookingatthefaceandexpressionofthisfairsignorina，weseemtocomprehendreadilyenough，thatsheisundergoingoneoranotherofthosetroublesofthehearttowhichyoungladiesarebuttooliable。

Butwhatisthisblood-stain？Andwhathasinnocencetodowithit？

Hasshestabbedherperfidiousloverwithabodkin？"

"She！shecommitacrime！"criedtheyoungartist。"Canyoulookattheinnocentanguishinherface，andaskthatquestion？No；but，asIreadthemystery，amanhasbeenslaininherpresence，andtheblood，spurtingaccidentallyonherwhiterobe，hasmadeastainwhicheatsintoherlife。"

"Then，inthenameofherpatronsaint，"exclaimedthepicturedealer，"whydon\'tshegettherobemadewhiteagainattheexpenseofafewbaiocchitoherwasherwoman？No，no，mydearPanini。Thepicturebeingnowmyproperty，Ishallcallit\'TheSignorina\'sVengeance。\'

Shehasstabbedherloverovernight，andisrepentingitbetimesthenextmorning。Sointerpreted，thepicturebecomesanintelligibleandverynaturalrepresentationofanotuncommonfact。"

Thuscoarselydoestheworldtranslateallfinergriefsthatmeetitseye。Itismoreacoarseworldthananunkindone。

ButHildasoughtnothingeitherfromtheworld\'sdelicacyoritspity，andneverdreamedofitsmisinterpretations。Herdovesoftenflewinthroughthewindowsofthetower，wingedmessengers，bringingherwhatsympathytheycould，andutteringsoft，tender，andcomplainingsounds，deepintheirbosoms，whichsoothedthegirlmorethanadistincterutterancemight。AndsometimesHildamoanedquietlyamongthedoves，teachinghervoicetoaccordwiththeirs，andthusfindingatemporaryrelieffromtheburdenofherincommunicablesorrow，asifalittleportionofit，atleast，hadbeentoldtotheseinnocentfriends，andbeenunderstoodandpitied。

WhenshetrimmedthelampbeforetheVirgin\'sshrine，Hildagazedatthesacredimage，and，rudeaswastheworkmanship，beheld，orfancied，expressedwiththequaint，powerfulsimplicitywhichsculptorssometimeshadfivehundredyearsago，awoman\'stendernessrespondingtohergaze。Ifsheknelt，ifsheprayed，ifheroppressedheartbesoughtthesympathyofdivinewomanhoodafarinbliss，butnotremote，becauseforeverhumanizedbythememoryofmortalgriefs，wasHildatobeblamed？ItwasnotaCatholickneelingatanidolatrousshrine，butachildliftingitstear-stainedfacetoseekcomfortfromamother。

CHAPTERXXXVII

THEEMPTINESSOFPICTUREGALLERIES

Hildadescended，daybyday，fromherdove-cote，andwenttooneoranotherofthegreatoldpalaces，——thePamfiliDoria，theCorsini，theSciarra，theBorghese，theColonna，——wherethedoorkeepersknewherwell，andofferedherakindlygreeting。Buttheyshooktheirheadsandsighed，onobservingthelanguidstepwithwhichthepoorgirltoiledupthegrandmarblestaircases。Therewasnomoreofthatcheeryalacritywithwhichsheusedtoflitupward，asifherdoveshadlenthertheirwings，norofthatglowofhappyspiritswhichhadbeenwonttosetthetarnishedgildingofthepictureframesandtheshabbysplendorofthefurniturealla-glimmer，asshehastenedtohercongenialanddelightfultoil。

AnoldGermanartist，whomsheoftenmetinthegalleries，oncelaidapaternalhandonHilda\'shead，andbadehergobacktoherowncountry。

"Gobacksoon，"hesaid，withkindlyfreedomanddirectness，"oryouwillgonevermore。And，ifyougonot，why，atleast，doyouspendthewholesummer-timeinRome？Theairhasbeenbreathedtoooften，insomanythousandyears，andisnotwholesomeforalittleforeignflowerlikeyou，mychild，adelicatewood-anemonefromthewesternforest-land。"

"Ihavenotasknordutyanywherebuthere，"repliedHilda。"Theoldmasterswillnotsetmefree！"

"Ah，thoseoldmasters！"criedtheveteranartist，shakinghishead。

"Theyareatyrannousrace！Youwillfindthemoftoomightyaspirittobedealtwith，forlongtogether，bytheslenderhand，thefragilemind，andthedelicateheart，ofayounggirl。RememberthatRaphael\'sgeniusworeoutthatdivinestpainterbeforehalfhislifewaslived。Sinceyoufeelhisinfluencepowerfullyenoughtoreproducehismiraclessowell，itwillassuredlyconsumeyoulikeaflame。"

"Thatmighthavebeenmyperilonce，"answeredHilda。"Itisnotsonow。"

"Yes，fairmaiden，youstandinthatperilnow！"insistedthekindoldman；andheadded，smiling，yetinamelancholyvein，andwithaGermangrotesquenessofidea，"Somefinemorning，IshallcometothePinacothecaoftheVatican，withmypaletteandmybrushes，andshalllookformylittleAmericanartistthatseesintotheveryheartofthegrandpictures！AndwhatshallIbehold？Aheapofwhiteashesonthemarblefloor，justinfrontofthedivineRaphael\'spictureoftheMadonnadaFoligno！Nothingmore，uponmyword！Thefire，whichthepoorchildfeelssofervently，willhavegoneintoherinnermost，andburntherquiteup！"

"Itwouldbeahappymartyrdom！"saidHilda，faintlysmiling。"ButI

amfarfrombeingworthyofit。Whattroublesmemuch，amongothertroubles，isquitethereverseofwhatyouthink。Theoldmastersholdmehere，itistrue，buttheynolongerwarmmewiththeirinfluence。Itisnotflameconsuming，buttorporchillingme，thathelpstomakemewretched。"

"Perchance，then，"saidtheGerman，lookingkeenlyather，"Raphaelhasarivalinyourheart？Hewasyourfirstlove；butyoungmaidensarenotalwaysconstant，andoneflameissometimesextinguishedbyanother！"Hildashookherhead，andturnedaway。Shehadspokenthetruth，however，inallegingthattorpor，ratherthanfire，waswhatshehadtodread。Inthosegloomydaysthathadbefallenher，itwasagreatadditionalcalamitythatshefeltconsciousofthepresentdimnessofaninsightwhichsheoncepossessedinmorethanordinarymeasure。Shehadlost——andshetrembledlestitshouldhavedepartedforever——thefacultyofappreciatingthosegreatworksofart，whichheretoforehadmadesolargeaportionofherhappiness。Itwasnowonder。

Apicture，howeveradmirablethepainter\'sart，andwonderfulhispower，requiresofthespectatorasurrenderofhimself，indueproportionwiththemiraclewhichhasbeenwrought。Letthecanvasglowasitmay，youmustlookwiththeeyeoffaith，oritshighestexcellenceescapesyou。Thereisalwaysthenecessityofhelpingoutthepainter\'sartwithyourownresourcesofsensibilityandimagination。Notthatthesequalitiesshallreallyaddanythingtowhatthemasterhaseffected；buttheymustbeputsoentirelyunderhiscontrol，andworkalongwithhimtosuchanextent，that，inadifferentmood，whenyouarecoldandcritical，insteadofsympathetic，youwillbeapttofancythattheloftiermeritsofthepicturewereofyourowndreaming，notofhiscreating。

Likeallrevelationsofthebetterlife，theadequateperceptionofagreatworkofartdemandsagiftedsimplicityofvision。Inthis，andinherself-surrender，andthedepthandtendernessofhersympathy，hadlainHilda\'sremarkablepowerasacopyistoftheoldmasters。

Andnowthathercapacityofemotionwaschokedupwithahorribleexperience，itinevitablyfollowedthatsheshouldseekinvain，amongthosefriendssoveneratedandbeloved，forthemarvelswhichtheyhadheretoforeshownher。Inspiteofareverencethatlingeredlongerthanherrecognition，theirpoorworshipperbecamealmostaninfidel，andsometimesdoubtedwhetherthepictorialartbenotaltogetheradelusion。

Forthefirsttimeinherlife，Hildanowgrewacquaintedwiththaticydemonofweariness，whohauntsgreatpicturegalleries。HeisaplausibleMephistopheles，andpossessesthemagicthatisthedestructionofallothermagic。Heannihilatescolor，warmth，and，moreespecially，sentimentandpassion，atatouch。Ifhespareanything，itwillbesomesuchmatterasanearthenpipkin，orabunchofherringsbyTeniers；abrasskettle，inwhichyoucanseeyourrice，byGerardDouw；afurredrobe，orthesilkentextureofamantle，orastrawhat，byVanMieris；oralong-stalkedwineglass，transparentandfullofshiftingreflection，orabitofbreadandcheese，oranover-ripepeachwithaflyuponit，truerthanrealityitself，bytheschoolofDutchconjurers。Thesemen，andafewFlemings，whispersthewickeddemon，weretheonlypainters。ThemightyItalianmasters，asyoudeemthem，werenothuman，noraddressedtheirworktohumansympathies，buttoafalseintellectualtaste，whichtheythemselveswerethefirsttocreate。Wellmighttheycalltheirdoings"art，"

fortheysubstitutedartinsteadofnature。Theirfashionispast，andought，indeed，tohavediedandbeenburiedalongwiththem。

Thenthereissuchaterriblelackofvarietyintheirsubjects。Thechurchmen，theirgreatpatrons，suggestedmostoftheirthemes，andadeadmythologytherest。Aquarterpart，probably，ofanylargecollectionofpicturesconsistsofVirginsandinfantChrists，repeatedoverandoveragaininprettymuchanidenticalspirit，andgenerallywithnomoremixtureoftheDivinethanjustenoughtospoilthemasrepresentationsofmaternityandchildhood，withwhicheverybody\'sheartmighthavesomethingtodo。HalfoftheotherpicturesareMagdalens，FlightsintoEgypt，Crucifixions，DepositionsfromtheCross，Pietas，Noli-me-tangeres，ortheSacrificeofAbraham，ormartyrdomsofsaints，originallypaintedasaltar-pieces，orfortheshrinesofchapels，andwoefullylackingtheaccompanimentswhichtheartisthaftinview。

Theremainderofthegallerycomprisesmythologicalsubjects，suchasnudeVenuses，Ledas，Graces，and，inshort，ageneralapotheosisofnudity，oncefreshandrosyperhaps，butyellowanddingyinourday，andretainingonlyatraditionarycharm。TheseimpurepicturesarefromthesameillustriousandimpioushandsthatadventuredtocallbeforeustheaugustformsofApostlesandSaints，theBlessedMotheroftheRedeemer，andherSon，athisdeath，andinhisglory，andeventheawfulnessofHim，towhomthemartyrs，deadathousandyearsago，havenotyetdaredtoraisetheireyes。TheyseemtotakeuponetaskortheotherwthedisrobedwomanwhomtheycallVenus，orthetypeofhighestandtenderestwomanhoodinthemotheroftheirSaviourwithequalreadiness，buttoachievetheformerwithfarmoresatisfactorysuccess。IfanartistsometimesproducedapictureoftheVirgin，possessingwarmthenoughtoexcitedevotionalfeelings，itwasprobablytheobjectofhisearthlylovetowhomhethuspaidthestupendousandfearfulhomageofsettingupherportraittobeworshipped，notfigurativelyasamortal，butbyreligioussoulsintheirearnestaspirationstowardsDivinity。AndwhocantrustthereligioussentimentofRaphael，orreceiveanyofhisVirginsasheaven-descendedlikenesses，afterseeing，forexample，theFornarinaoftheBarberiniPalace，andfeelinghowsensualtheartistmusthavebeentopaintsuchabrazentrollopofhisownaccord，andlovingly？

WouldtheBlessedMaryrevealherselftohisspiritualvision，andfavorhimwithsittingsalternatelywiththattypeofglowingearthliness，theFornarina？

Butnosoonerhavewegivenexpressiontothisirreverentcriticism，thanathrongofspiritualfaceslookreproachfullyuponus。WeseecherubsbyRaphael，whosebabyinnocencecouldonlyhavebeennursedinparadise；angelsbyRaphaelasinnocentasthey，butwhosesereneintelligenceembracesbothearthlyandcelestialthings；madonnasbyRaphael，onwhoselipshehasimpressedaholyanddelicatereserve，implyingsanctityonearth，andintowhosesofteyeshehasthrownalightwhichhenevercouldhaveimaginedexceptbyraisinghisowneyeswithapureaspirationheavenward。Weremember，too，thatdivinestcountenanceintheTransfiguration，andwithdrawallthatwehavesaid。

PoorHilda，however，inhergloomiestmoments，wasneverguiltyofthehightreasonsuggestedintheaboveremarksagainstherbelovedandhonoredRaphael。Shehadafaculty(which，fortunatelyforthemselves，purewomenoftenhave)ofignoringallmoralblotchesinacharacterthatwonheradmiration。Shepurifiedtheobjects；ofherregardbythemereactofturningsuchspotlesseyesuponthem。