power of language。
Its more exquisite beauties could not be
discovered by the sight; but only by the touch of
the hand passed over it。〃 Of another classic
marble at Padua he says; 〃This statue; when the
Christian faith triumphed; was hidden in that
place by some gentle soul; who; seeing it so
perfect; fashioned with art so wonderful; and with
such power of genius; and being moved to reverent
pity; caused a sepulchre of bricks to be built;
and there within buried the statue; and covered it
with a broad slab of stone; that it might not in
any way be injured。 It has very many sweet
beauties which the eyes alone can prehend not;
either by strong or tempered light; only the hand
by touching them finds them out。〃
Hold out your hands to feel the luxury of the sunbeams。 Press the soft
blossoms against your cheek; and finger their graces of form; their
delicate mutability of shape; their pliancy and freshness。 Expose your
face to the aerial floods that sweep the heavens; 〃inhale great draughts
of space;〃 wonder; wonder at the wind's unwearied activity。 Pile note
on note the infinite music that flows increasingly to your soul from the
tactual sonorities of a thousand branches and tumbling waters。 How can
the world be shrivelled when this most profound; emotional sense; touch;
is faithful to its service? I am sure that if a fairy bade me choose
between the sense of light and that of touch; I would not part with the
warm; endearing contact of human hands or the wealth of form; the
nobility and fullness that press into my palms。
FOOTNOTE:
'C' I found that of the senses; the eye is t