The Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Vol. 2 [of 2]Shelley, Percy Bysshe
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The Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Vol. 2 [of 2]
Shelley, Percy Bysshe
English prose literature
I ought to have observed that the central arch of the triumphal arch
of Titus yet subsists, more perfect in its proportions, they say, than
any of a later date. This I did not remark. The figures of Victory,
with unfolded wings, and each spurning back a globe with outstretched
feet, are, perhaps, more beautiful than those on either of the others.
Their lips are parted: a delicate mode of indicating the fervour of
their desire to arrive at the destined resting-place, and to express
the eager respiration of their speed. Indeed, so essential to beauty
were the forms expressive of the exercise of the imagination and the
affections considered by _Greek_ artists, that no ideal figure of
antiquity, not destined to some representation directly exclusive of
such a character, is to be found with closed lips. Within this arch are
two panelled alto relievos, one representing a train of people bearing
in procession the instruments of Jewish worship, among which is the
holy candlestick with seven branches; on the other, Titus standing in
a quadriga, with a winged Victory. The grouping of the horses, and the
beauty, correctness and energy of their delineation, is remarkable,
though they are much destroyed.
TO THOMAS LOVE PEACOCK.
_Rome, April 6th, 1819._
My dear Peacock,
I sent you yesterday a long letter, all about antique Rome, which
you had better keep for some leisure day. I received yours, and one
of Hunt’s, yesterday.--So, you know the B----s? I could not help
considering Mrs. B., when I knew her, as the most admirable specimen
of a human being I had ever seen. Nothing earthly ever appeared to me
more perfect than her character and manners. It is improbable that I
shall ever meet again the person whom I so much esteemed, and still
admire. I wish, however, that when you see her, you would tell her that
I have not forgotten her, nor any of the amiable circle once assembled
round her; and that I desire such remembrances to her, as an exile and
a _Pariah_ may be permitted to address to an acknowledged member of
the community of mankind. I hear they dined at your lodgings. But no
mention of A * * * and his wife--where were they? C * * *, though so
young when I saw her, gave indications of her mother’s excellences;
and, certainly less fascinating, is, I doubt not, equally amiable,
and more sincere. It was hardly possible for a person of the extreme
subtlety and delicacy of Mrs. B----’s understanding and affections, to
be quite sincere and constant.
I am all anxiety about your I. H. affair. There are few who will
feel more hearty satisfaction at your success, in this or any other
enterprise, than I shall. Pray let me have the earliest intelligence.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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