Page:Life of William Blake, Gilchrist.djvu/207

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ÆT. 42—43.]
A NEW LIFE.
155

rude and slight a work. But the kindled imagination of the artist can speak eloquently through few and simple strokes? and with them kindle imagination in others. This is more than the most skilful piece of mere artistic handicraft can do, which as it does not come from, neither can it appeal to, the mind. Hence we venture to claim for these designs, a place among the genuinely great in kind, though not in degree, of excellence. In truth, there are very few works by Blake for which thus much, at least, cannot be claimed.