THE HARMONY OF VIRTUE

16 The Harmony of Virtuethird element, colour; and the painting of figures is more beautifulthan the portrayal of landscapes, because the latter is destituteof perfume while figures of life have always that characteror emotion which we have called the perfume of the living form.Again if we take two forms of beauty otherwise exactly onthe same level, we shall find that the more beautiful in whichthe three elements are most harmoniously blended. As for instancea perfect human form and a perfect poem; whichever wemay admire, we shall find our reason, if we probe for it, to bethat the whole is more perfectly blended and the result a moresatisfying completeness. If we think of all this, it will assuredlynot be too rash to describe beauty by calling the general effectharmony and the ulterior cause proportion. What is your opinion,Broome?Wilson: Your idea is certainly remarkable and novel, but thelanguage you have selected is so intricate that I am in the darkas to whether it admits of invariable application.Keshav: The usual effect of endeavouring to be too explicitis to mystify the hearer. I will try to dive into less abysmal depths.Can you tell me why a curve is considered more beautiful thana straight line?Wilson: No, except that the effect is more pleasing.Keshav: Ah yes, but why should it be more pleasing?Wilson: I cannot tell.Keshav: I will tell you. It is because a curve possesses thatvariety which is the soul of proportion. It rises, swells and fallswith an exact propriety — it is at once various and regular asrolling water; while the stiff monotony of a straight line disguststhe soul by its meaningless rigidity and want of proportion. Onthe other hand a system of similar curves, unless very delicatelymanaged, cannot possibly suggest the idea of beauty: and that isbecause there is no proportion, for proportion, I would impressupon you, consists in a regular variety. And thus a straight line,tho' in itself ugly, can be very beautiful if properly combinedwith curves. Here again the like principle applies.Do you now understand?Wilson: Yes, I admit that your theory is wonderfully completeand consistent.