The child sees what we are, behind what we wish to be.  Hence his reputation as a physiognomist.  He extends his power as far as he can with each of us; he is the most subtle of diplomatists.  Unconsciously he passes under the influence of each person about him, and reflects it while transforming it after his his own nature.  He is a magnifying mirror.  This is why the first principle of education is, Train yourself; and the first rule to follow, if you wish to possess yourself of a child’s will, is, Master your own.

December 17th, 1856.—­This evening was the second quartet concert.  It stirred me much more than the first; the music chosen was loftier and stronger.  It was the quartette in D minor of Mozart, and the quartette in C major of Beethoven, separated by a Spohr concerto.

The work of Mozart, penetrated as it is with mind and thought, represents a solved problem, a balance struck between aspiration and executive capacity, the sovereignty of a grace which is always mistress of itself, marvelous harmony and perfect unity.  His quartette describes a day in one of those Attic souls who prefigure on earth the serenity of Elysium.

In Beethoven’s, on the other hand, a spirit of tragic irony paints for you the mad tumult of existence, as it dances forever above the threatening abyss of the infinite.  No more unity, no more satisfaction, no more serenity!  We are spectators of the eternal duel between the two great forces, that of the abyss which absorbs all finite things, and that of life which defends and asserts itself, expands, and enjoys.

The soul of Beethoven was a tormented soul.  The passion and the awe of the infinite seemed to toss it to and fro from heaven to hell.  Hence its vastness.  Which is the greater, Mozart or Beethoven?  Idle question!  The one is more perfect, the other more colossal.  The first gives you the peace of perfect art, beauty at first sight.  The second gives you sublimity, terror, pity, a beauty of second impression.  The one gives that for which the other rouses a desire.  Mozart has the classic purity of light and the blue ocean.  Beethoven the romantic grandeur which belongs

(Continued in Volume II)