38
Quivering, poises to north. I think so. But I am cautious;
More, far more than I was in the old silly days when I left you;
Though I much fear that my eyes may betray me. Still I am heedful;
Any way try; and have learnt some self-controul of manner,
As I conceive, with staying and contemplating at Balloch;
Other things I hope, but clearly to be more retentive.
Not at the bothie now ; at the changehouse in the clachan;[1]
Why I delay my letter is more than I can tell you.
There was another scrap, without or date or comment,
Dotted over with various observations, as follows:
Only think, I had danced with her twice, and did not remember.
I was as one that sleeps on the railway; one, who dreaming
Hears thro’ his dream the name of his home shouted out; hears and hears not,-
Faint, and louder again, and less loud, dying in distance;
Dimly conscious, with something of inward debate and choice,—and
Sense of claim and reality present, relapses
Nevertheless, and continues the dream and fancy, while forward
Swiftly, remorseless, the car presses on, he knows not whither.
Handsome who handsome is, who handsome does, is more so;
Pretty is all very pretty, it's prettier far to be useful.
No, fair Lady Maria, I say not that; but I will say,
Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered,
Interchange of service the law and condition of beauty:
Any way beautiful only to be the thing one is meant for.
I, I am sure, for the sphere of mere ornament am not intended:
No, nor she, I think, thy sister at Toper-na-fuosich;
No, she transcends it as far, as I perhaps fall below it.—
This was the letter of Philip, and this had brought the Tutor:
This is, why tutor and pupil are walking with David and Elspie.—
When for the night they part, and these, once more together,
Went by the lochside along to the changehouse near in the clachan,
Thus to his pupil anon commenced the grave man Adam.
Yes, she is beautiful, Philip, beautiful even as morning:
Yes, it is that which I said, the Good and not the Attractive!
Happy is he that finds, and finding does not leave it!
And by his side in silence walked Philip, and presently answered,
Happy is he that finds, if he lose not : but happy, and more too,
Blessed, be he by whose showing the seeker is changed to the finder.
Ten more days did Adam with Philip abide at the changehouse,
- ↑ Public-house in the hamlet.
