Page:The spirit of the Hebrew poetry 1861.djvu/135

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Hebrew Poetry.
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the picturesque is the Conservatism of Landscape Beauty. It is where the picturesque holds undisputed sway that we shall find—or shall expect to find—secure and placid longevity—domestic sanctity and reverence; together with a piety that holds more communion with the past than correspondence with the busy and philanthropic present. Give me only the picturesque, and I shall be well content never to gaze upon tropical luxuriance, or upon Alpine sublimities; nor shall ever wish to tread the broad walks that surround palaces; shall never be taxed for my admiration of those things which wealth and pride have superadded to Nature.