"A happy woman!" I exclaimed; "in truth, The first I ever found affecting art Who shunned expression by it. If a girl Like painting, she must paint; if poetry, She must write verses. Can you tell me why (For sex marks no distinction in this thing). Men with a taste for art in finest forms Cherish the fancy that they may become, Or are, Art's masters? You shall see a man Who never drew a line or struck an arc Direct an architect, and spoil his work, Because, forsooth! he likes a tasteful house! He likes a muffin, but he does not go Into his kitchen to instruct his cook,-- Nay, that were insult. He admires fine clothes, But trusts his tailor. Only in those arts Which issue from creative potencies Does his conceit engage him. He could learn The baker's trade, and learn to cut a coat, But never learn to do that one great deed Which he essays." "'Tis not a strange mistake-- These people make"--she answered, thoughtfully. "Art gives them pleasure; and they honor those Whose heads and hands produce it. If they see The length and breadth and beauty of a thought Embodied by another,--if they hold The taste, the culture, the capacity, To measure values in the things of art, Why cannot they create? Why cannot they Win to themselves the honor they bestow On those who feed them? Is it very strange That those who know how sweet the gratitude Which the true artist stirs, should burn to taste That gratitude themselves?" "Not strange, perhaps," I said, "and yet, it is a sad mistake; For countless noble lives have gone to waste In work which it inspired." Here spoke the aunt: "You are a precious pair; and if you know What you are talking of, you know a deal More than your elders. By your royal leave, I will retire; for I can lay the cloth For kings and queens though I may fail to know Their lore and language. You can eat, I think; And hear a tea-bell, though you hear not me." Thus speaking, in her crisp, good-natured way, The lady left us. When she passed the door, And laughter at her jest had had its way, I said: "It takes all sorts to make a world."