Part 27 (1/2)

GENIUS.

Understanding, indeed, can repeat what already existed,-- That which Nature has built, after her she, too, can build.

Over Nature can reason build, but in vacancy only: But thou, genius, alone, nature in nature canst form.

BEAUTEOUS INDIVIDUALITY.

Thou in truth shouldst be one, yet not with the whole shouldst thou be so.

'Tis through the reason thou'rt one,--art so with it through the heart.

Voice of the whole is thy reason, but thou thine own heart must be ever; If in thy heart reason dwells evermore, happy art thou.

VARIETY.

Many are good and wise; yet all for one only reckon, For 'tis conception, alas, rules them, and not a fond heart.

Sad is the sway of conception,--from thousandfold varying figures, Needy and empty but one it is e'er able to bring.

But where creative beauty is ruling, there life and enjoyment Dwell; to the ne'er-changing One, thousands of new forms she gives.

THE IMITATOR.

Good from the good,--to the reason this is not hard of conception; But the genius has power good from the bad to evoke.

'Tis the conceived alone, that thou, imitator, canst practise; Food the conceived never is, save to the mind that conceives.

GENIALITY.

How does the genius make itself known? In the way that in nature Shows the Creator himself,--e'en in the infinite whole.

Clear is the ether, and yet of depth that ne'er can be fathomed; Seen by the eye, it remains evermore closed to the sense.

THE INQUIRERS.

Men now seek to explore each thing from within and without too!

How canst thou make thy escape, Truth, from their eager pursuit?

That they may catch thee, with nets and poles extended they seek thee But with a spirit-like tread, glidest thou out of the throng.

CORRECTNESS.

Free from blemish to be, is the lowest of steps, and highest; Weakness and greatness alone ever arrive at this point.

THE THREE AGES OF NATURE.