77
great versatility of her talents, the spontaneous upspringing (for we can deem it nothing less) of her thoughts might afford a conclusive answer to the question so often discussed as to the existence of an original essential difference between mind and mind. Genius—who shall define? It seems, as a whole, inscrutable and innate as that mysterious spirit, of which it is, wherever it exists, the most mysterious part; but that it is a natural gift, not an acquired power, there is sufficient demonstration. If it be said that circumstances affect character; granting that they do, would not the same circumstances affect two or more individuals differently? If this be true, must not that different affection be occasioned by some originally different and innate susceptibility in the persons thus affected? And if this original dissimilarity be admitted in one instance, must it not in many and all? It has been well asked, "If
G 3
of transition, together with a correspondent quickness of utterance, as if her beautiful thoughts were glad to escape into expression. Her observations, however brilliant and deep, never seemed laboured, but arose fast and brightly, unrestricted, except by the prevailing mood of the speaker's mind, or perchance the occasions which by a look or word called them into being. How vividly does memory recal her lovely morning room, with its sweet garden prospect; its birds and flowers; its books and works of art;—all arranged with exquisite taste: while the softened light stealing through the overhanging verandah, gave a somewhat shadowy impression to the whole, rendering it a fitting scene for communion with a high priestess of poetry!
There L. E. L. often read to us—frequently her own poems. Her style of reading was peculiar,—a kind of recitative,—more poetical than musical, derived rather from the soul than from the ear; but giving the fullest effect to every variation of thought, feeling and character. She became for the time a literal improvisatrice; and you listened entranced to the earnest yet varying intonations of her voice, as if it were pouring from her soul, in all their first freshness, the beautiful creations of which she was the previous originator.
