Quales Ego; A Few Remarks in Particular and at Large (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1896. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... BEFORE A SHRINE When you personify the commonplace, how do you figure it? If you judge merely by its avowed repute in the market-place of reviewers and diners-out, the image would be most naturally that of a fugitive, with never a rag to his bare bones, pursued by a host of detective critics and militant artists, a wretched being, bleeding, panting, and ashamed. But I think if you consider the matter with knowledge and careful discernment, you will see in your mind's eye a creature warm-clad and richly nourished, reposing easefully and graciously accepting the homage of the uncommon, her slave. She does not fume, nor scold, like her novices, this priestess of the inner shrine: she sits there and waits for her own good time. us Complacent she views your genius, what time with seeming scorn of her he goeth up like a rocket. For she knows (she has other rewards than mere vulgar gain) that on a day hunger will gnaw his starveling body and he will make recantation on his knees and crave crumbs from her table, what time he cometh down like a stick. Then in sweet forgiveness she will give him a jewelled hand to kiss, or haply spurn him out of her way and so forget him. Often the rogue, as he makes his flight a yard or two above the street lamps, keeps a crafty eye on the comfort of her plump proportions, watches for a frown, and, when he sees it, performs a familiar and intelligible antic and hails a dimpling smile with joy. His lady was bored and growing hungry, and he was quick to offer her a slab of sweetmeat--of orthodoxy, or melodrama, or other platitude. Him she knows for the servant of her alone, and asks to dinner. Or another would compromise, and, serving her for many hours a day, disport him freely for the rest. One of many lots may be his. She may in brief t...