Had Shelley lived twenty
years longer, I have no doubt he would have become a fervent
Christian, and thus have attained that mental harmony which
was necessary to him. It is true, too, as you say, that we
always feel a melancholy imperfection in what he writes. But I
love to think of those other spheres in which so pure and rich
a being shall be perfected; and I cannot allow his faults
of opinion and sentiment to mar my enjoyment of the vast
capabilities, and exquisite perception of beauty, displayed
everywhere in his poems.'
* * * * *
'_March 17, 1836_.--I think Herschel will be very valuable to
me, from the slight glance I have taken of it, and I thank Mr.
F.; but do not let him expect anything of me because I have
ventured on a book so profound as the Novum Organum. I have
been examining myself with severity, intellectually as well as
morally, and am shocked to find how vague and superficial is
all my knowledge. I am no longer surprised that I should
have appeared harsh and arrogant in my strictures to one who,
having a better-disciplined mind, is more sensible of the
difficulties in the way of really knowing and doing anything,
and who, having more Wisdom, has more Reverence too.
Pages:
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213