New Physiognomy : or signs of character, as manifested through temperament and external forms, and especially in the "the human face divine." . XXXVII. THE SECRET OF BEAUTY. Beauty or strength casketecl in a rounded, complete, and admirable physique, freefrom excess or deficiency of proportions, stands among the highest ambitions of thewoman or the man. The admiration we bestow upon a perfect form, when by chancewe meet with one, is a feeling akin to worship—one in which the head has no part orprerogative. We reverence instinctively the largeness of grace, the perfection ofmotion, life, and ca
New Physiognomy : or signs of character, as manifested through temperament and external forms, and especially in the "the human face divine." . XXXVII. THE SECRET OF BEAUTY. Beauty or strength casketecl in a rounded, complete, and admirable physique, freefrom excess or deficiency of proportions, stands among the highest ambitions of thewoman or the man. The admiration we bestow upon a perfect form, when by chancewe meet with one, is a feeling akin to worship—one in which the head has no part orprerogative. We reverence instinctively the largeness of grace, the perfection ofmotion, life, and capability of which wc perceive that our nature is susceptible.—Life HE desire for completenessand comeliness of formand face is universal. AmI engaging ? is the inces-sant but often unrealizedquestion of the maidensbosom; Am I command-ing ? the unexpressed aspi-ration of the boy. Beautyis power ! We all ac-knowledge its sway—wealmost worship it ! Itrules alike in court and incamp ; in the drawing-room and in the street; inthe city and in the forest;civilized men andof the Fig. 909.—LovB AND Hope. amongin the wiGfwams savage. It outwits thewily diplomatist; it subjects to its dominion the victor of ahundred battles; it enters doors which even wealths goldenkey can not unlock; it plays with crowns and kingdoms andhuman hearts! And what is it ? A something unattainable WHAT IS BEAUTY? 653 and iindefinable ? A fairy gift ? A grand prize in a lotteryin which a few are the lucky holders of fortunate numbersand the many inevitably draw blanks ? This is the popularnotion, but it is not the doctrine of this book, as the readerwill have already perceived. I
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