Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1875-03-26

5ulshed old family, with Il son per-
aps in the army or navy. This was
the impression produced.
So felt when the gentleman, turn
ing toward me, inquired, with large
in-comand smile: "Youlikc art?"
l said that did, but that l war
not altogether proficient.
"This figure is remarkably fine,'
he kindly advanced for my instruc-
ton. "You notice, from wbateve,
point you view it. the effect is equally
perfect. Look this way.'
l looked. But hazarded the re-
mark that l but partially admired the
beauties of the figure referred to. l
thought that a lady contemplating a
medallion Oh which was marital
countenancc was, to say the least OF
it, somewhat uninteresting, and un-
worthy of Westminster Abbey.
He replied like man who deigned
to answer me. There was a bland
ness of authority in his way of speak
ing that did not admit Of contradic-
ton. He delivered an opinion like
one who decided, not like one who
opened, an argument.
was glad to have a guide who
had views of his own. Having gone
into the Abbey to waste my time, /
thought l might improve it.
"These monuments" he continued,
"are badly arranged. They are heaped
together without plan. Admirable,
some of them, in the merits of art
they are spoiled by idea Or location.
There is want of harmony and
whole. What contrast, indeed,
between the exquisite thought, i'm
pressed Oh the glorious pile, and the
paltry attempts at mere human praise
chiseled on most of these marbles!
How the past seems to weigh down
the present! How small are we to-
day compared with the founders of
this church,"
fancied that this seemed learned
by heart. 1t was very well spoken,
and if it was his own it was evident
he was man of education. | con-
cluded that the ideas were his own
because they were consistent with his
FORM" But who shall tell whether
man is original in the first five min
utcs of his acquaintance? Certainly
the words had that sort of sound
which implied they had been SAID
once before and might perhaps be
said once again. 1t struck me as ac-
cidental that was the recipient of
wisdom which was prepared and SEN
fenced for delivery. And then, too,
there is way Of saying good things
which shows that the talker wishes
to elevate himself much more than to
do justice to his theme; and my
friends description of Westminster
sculpture was obviously the exalta-
ton of-my friend. Ireplied in few
words, just to show that l understood
both himself and the remarks he had
made. But he took up his theme
and expanded it.
"The uses OF the Abbey" he de-
clared in irritation, "are simply in
fantile and imbecile Compare that
roof, these walls, this idea, with the
grasp of the Dean and Chapter. 1t
is fabric of really great mind chat
teled by mere children's toys"
This was sublime. l thought it
desirable to say that l agreed with
him. Not wishing to provoke more
deep thoughts l would assuage him
by graceful concession.
81 see you are man OF IDEAS" he
continued Uhis at least showed his
perccption); and then we wandered
all over the Abbey and inspected the
various points.
He smiled at the monuments as
we passed along and made disres-
pectful observations.
was thinking how to get rid Of
him, for the Abbey was cold; and
the chilliness of the monuments,
with the bombast of my friend. sug-
gested a speedy escape. l think he
saw that | had heard about enough,
and was on the point of wishing him
"Good' evening" This quickcned
his plans;
"You know the cloisters?" he asked
me with eagerness-with tone i'm
piled. eff you don't should be ex-
tremely delighted to show them"
l did not know the cloisters.
l had never been in them in my life.
l had no wish whatever to enter them,
least Of all on this chill winters eve,
with the thermometer down below
zero. The, wind too, was blowing
from the east, and there was nothing
outside to invite one. therefore re.
piled that would now return home,
and l made some excuse about
''tamily."
lie was not to be refused.
Il know all these places by heart, y
he objected; 81 have made them the
study of nay life. 1t will not take us
five minutes to walk around. DO
comet"
There is fascination in some men
i'll the inverse proportion Of thcii
gifts OF attracliyeness and merit
You may often be unable to refuse to
the disayreeable what, with reluct
ance, you would refuse to the pleas
ing. Nor is it possible to accoun,
for this anomaly, save on the ground
OF that secret bewitchmcnt which
comes of rank evil to the soul.
think Catullus speaks Of fascinating
"malc lngua;" but there are worse
destinations inherent to some men
th:n those which proceed from the
tongue.
was fascinated into saying Eyes
to my friend, and accordingly to the
cloisters we went.
1t was the very witching hour OF
five, which in winter time means
coming night, and shadows drear and
tittul. The Abbey was growing III
distinct. AS we turned to go my
friend still poured OH me the stream
of his laborious comments.
''rhis motley crowd Of incongru
GUS monuments casts 4 wer'd and
sepulchral look along those desolate
aisles. 1t is difficult to ascertain
whether one is really in church or in
some Pagan mausoleum for the
dead"