The new virtue which constitutes a thing beautiful, is a certain cosmical quality, or, a power to suggest a relation to the whole world, and so lift the object out of a pitiful individuality.
Every natural feature,—sea, sky, rainbow, flowers, musical tone,—has in it somewhat which is not private, but universal speaks of that central benefit which is the soul of Nature and thereby is beautiful.
And, in chosen men and women, I find somewhat in form, speech, and manners, which is not of their person and family, but of a humane, catholic, and spiritual character, and we love them as the sky.
They have a largeness of suggestion, and their face and manners carry a certain grandeur, like time and justice.
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