Towards democracy

514 Towards Democracy

domination of this mood. I have tested and measured everything by it; it has been the sun to which all the images and conceptions and thoughts used have been as material objects ” teflecting its ight. And perhaps this connects itself with the fact that it has been so necessary to write in the open air. The more universal feeling which I sought to convey refused itself from me within doors ; nor could I at any time or by any means persuade the rhythm or style of expression to render itself up within a room—tending there always to break back into distinct metrical forms; which, however much I admire them in certain authors, and think them myself suitable for certain kinds of work, were not what I wanted, and did zo? | express for me the feeling which I sought to express. This fact {of the necessity of the open air) is very curious, and I cannot really explain it. I only know that it is so, quite indubitable and insurmountable. I can feel it at once, the difference, in merely passing through a doorway—but I cannot explain it. Always especially the s£y seemed to contain for me the key, the inspiration ; the sight of it more than anything gave what I wanted (sometimes like a veritable lightning-flash toming down from it onto my paper—I a mere witness, but agitated with strange transports). But if I should be asked—as I have sometimes been asked —What is the exact nature of this mood, of this illuminant splendour, of which you speak? I should have to reply that Iwcan give no very concise and clearcut answer. The whole | of ‘‘ Towards Democracy” is an endeavour to give it utterance ; any mere single sentence, or direct definition, would be of no use—rather indeed would tend to obscure by limiting. All” I can say is that there seems to be a vision possible to man, as from some more universal stand-point, free from the obscurity and localism which especially connect themselves with the