Acanthus.... The Arts.
Reading edition
The Acanthus blooms in greatest perfection by the great rivers of hot climates. Among the ancients, it was a favourite, and they adorned their furniture, vases, and costly dresses, with its elegant leaves. When any obstacle obstructs the growth of the Acanthus, it puts forth fresh force and grows with additional vigour. Thus genius is strengthened by the difficulties which it cannot overcome. Callimachus, an ancient architect, derived the idea of the Corinthian capital, from seeing the leaves of an Acanthus surrounding a basket which had been set upon the ground, and impeded the regular growth of the plant.
Tired at first sight with what the muse imparts, In fearless youth we tempt the heights of arts, While from the bounded level of our mind Short views we take, nor see the length behind; But, more advanced, behold with strange surprise New distant scenes of endless science rise. Pope.
For though I must confess an artist can Contrive things better than another man, Yet when the task is done, he finds his pains Sought but to fill his belly with his brains. Is this the guerdon due to liberal arts, To admire the head and then to starve the parts? Timely prevention though discreetly used Before the fruits of knowledge were abused. When learning has incurred a fearful damp, To save our oil, ’tis good to quench the lamp. Lady Alimony.
She had read Her father’s well-filled library with profit, And could talk charmingly. Then she would sing, And play too, passably, and dance with spirit. She sketched from nature well, and studied flowers, Which was enough alone to love her for. Yet she was knowing in all needlework, And shone in dairy and in kitchen too, As in the parlour. James N. Barker.
Art became the shadow Of the dear star-light of thy haunting eyes! They called me vain, some mad—I heeded not, But still toiled on, hoped on, for it was surest, If not to win, to feel more worthy thee. Bulwer.