Finally, if, in the presence of a creation, we recognize perfect harmony (which goes beyond perfect proportion); if the work call forth in us that contemplative ecstasy which gives us the impression and, as it were, the vision of pure beauty, shall we not recognize Supreme Art?

The system of Delsarte responds to all these desiderata of aesthetics.  In his law he gives us the necessary bases; by his science he indicates the practical means, by his method and illustrations he completes the science and demonstrates the law.  Where is place left for doubt or contradiction?

He stated what he knew and how he had learned it.  In his recitals occurred innumerable beautiful proofs of his greatness and simplicity, oftentimes more convincing than lengthy, involved argument could ever be.

Some may ask:  How can a positive science lead toward an ideal which cannot be touched, heard not seen?  Would not this science be the antipode (some would say antidote) of the mystic dreams of Plato and of Delsarte himself?

Reply is easy.  Delsarte recognized in our mental consciousness that desire for research into the unknown which would sound the mysteries of nature.  He did not disregard that intuitive force of imagination which can often form from simple known elements the concept of conditions superior to the tangible.

Between this nature, which we hear and see and touch, and that nature which the artist feels, imagines, and to which he aspires, Delsarte has placed a ladder whose base is among us, and whose summit is lost in the infinite spaces of fiction and poesy.  By this ascent into the realm of liberty, of personality and of genius, the elect of aesthetics shall mount and gain, and, still maintaining their relations with the Real, shall bring down to us the glorious trophies of their art.

Delsarte, foremost among men, had climbed the magic ladder.  His exquisite harmonies in the dramatic art and lyric declamation were beautiful indeed, but the aesthetic beauties which he brought forth in the roles that he interpreted, must, alas! disappear with him.  He has left us the bases of his science, but who shall so beautifully tread the way—­reigning by song amidst a thousand accents of devoted enthusiasm!

Chapter VIII.

Application of the Law to the Various Arts.

We have now to consider each branch of aesthetics in the totality of the system, to be assured whether or no this law discovered by Delsarte covers all departures in the domain of art.  First, then, the starting-point around which all is centered and from which flow all developments.