Vocal inflection is like
the gestures of the blind; in fact, with acquaintance, one may know the
nature of the gesture from the sound of the voice.
We exalt people by a circle. We say that a thing is beautiful, noble,
grand--making circles which grew higher and broader as the object is
more elevated.
We choose the circle for exalting and caressing, because the circle is
the most agreeable form to touch and to caress. For example, an ivory
ball.
This form applies to all that is great.
For God there is no circle, there can be none. But we outline a portion
of an immense circle, of which we can touch but one point. We indicate
only the inner periphery of a circle it is impossible to finish, and
then retrace our steps.
When the circle is made small, we make it with one, two, three or four
fingers, with the hand, with the arm. If the circle is vast as can be
made with the arms, it is homogeneous.
But a small circle made with the arm will express stupidity. Thus we say
of a witty man: "This is a witty man," employing the fingers.
Stupidity wishing to simulate this, would make a broad movement.
Let us take the fable of _Captain Renard_ as an example of this view of
the circle.
I depict the cunning nature of this captain with my fingers. Without
this he would not be a captain; but at most a corporal.
--"He went in company
With his friend He-Goat of the branching horns.
Pages:
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115