[(_α_) It has no particular epoch of unique celebration. It embraces the collective Spirit of man. It is conditioned by the outlook of various nations and epochs (_β_) Some of these have closer affinity with its essential spirit, _e.g.,_ the Oriental in comparison with the Western nations, if we exclude Greece (_γ_) Modern interest in Hellenic and certain portions of Oriental poetry] 2. The Art-product of poetry and prose (_a_) The artistic composition of poetry generally [(_α_) It must possess intrinsic unity. The action must be conceived as that of particular men or women. There must be vital coalescence of characters, events, and actions. Unity in the nature of a process and a differentiation of parts which coalesce therein (_β_) Nature of this organic differentiation and synthesis. Tendency of Art to particularization. Delight in detail. Nature of its treatment of such detail. Result, a secure self-subsistency (_γ_) Substantive unity preserved. Display of particular features, despite all opposition, must combine in a union of mysterious accord. The unity is essential and organic. It is the soul of the entirety. Parallel in musical trichord. Varied type of artistic form in the Epic, the Drama, and the Lyric] (_b_) History and oratory compared with the poetical product [(_α_) The arts of history and oratory come into closest affinity with poetical composition. History implies great ends, cannot rest content with mere chronicles. Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon, and Tacitus. Products of the art of language, but not entirely free art. The nature of the historical content prohibits this. The prosaic element in the historical age and the historical treatment defined (_β_) Oratory appears to be closer to the freedom of Art. The orator appeals to the whole man. It is directed to the enunciation of principles. It is none the less almost wholly relative to the rule of practical utility. Religious oratory. It is in the service of a collateral purpose] (_c_) The free poetical work of Art [(_α_) The attitude of the poet in his work, to contingent and insignificant fact and local conditions, actions, events, etc. (_β_) The end of Art not practical as in oratory. Nor is it to edification. _Poems d'occasion_ (_γ_) It is an essentially infinite (self-rounded) organism. Permeated with a principle of unity. Independent of any one particular condition of Life or Nature] 3. The creative impulse of the Poet [(_a_) Less under restriction in respect to his medium. The problem proposed in one respect more easy, and in another more difficult than that of the other arts. Technical control of the medium which is easier makes the demand for imaginative penetration the greater