Deucalion (Volume 3); Lapse of Waves, and Life of Stones. Parts I. and II. Mornings in Florence. Before the Soldan (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. 1875. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE THIRD MORNING. BEFORE THE SOLDAH. I PROMISED some note of Sandro's Fortitude, before whom I asked you to sit and read the end of my last letter; and I've lost my own notes about her, and forget, now, whether she has a sword, or a mace;--it does not matter. What is chiefly notable in her is--that you would not, if you had to guess who she was, take her for Fortitude at all. Everybody else's Fortitudes announce themselves clearly and proudly. They have tower-like shields, and lion-like helmets--and stand firm astride on their legs, --and are confidently ready for all comers. Yes;--that is your common Fortitude. Very grand, though common. But not the highest, by any means. Ready for all comers, and a match for them, --thinks the universal Fortitude;--no thanks to her for standing so steady, then But Botticelli's Fortitude is no match, it may be, for any that are coming. Worn, somewhat; and not a little weary, instead of standing ready for all comers, she is sitting, --apparently in reverie, her fingers playing restlessly and idly--nay, I think--even nervously, about the hilt of her sword. For her battle is not to begin to-day; nor did it begin yesterday. Many a mom and eve have passed since it began--and now--is this to be the ending day of it? And if this--by what manner of end? That is what Sandro's Fortitude is thinking. And the playing fingers about the sword-hilt would fain let it fall, if it might be: and yet, how swiftly and gladly will they close on it, when the far-off trumpet blows, which she will hear through all her reverie There is yet another picture of Sandro's here, which you must look at before going back to Giotto: the small Judith in the room next the Tribune, as you return from this outer one. It is just under Lionardo's Medusa. She is retur...