niche of the doorway.  In classic architecture, as has been shown, instead of the arch and gable, the column and entablature everywhere recur under different forms.  The minor domes which flank the great dome of the cathedral of Florence enhance and reinforce the latter, and prepare the eye for a climax which would otherwise be too abrupt.  The central pavilion of the Chateau Maintenon, with its two turrets, echoes the entire facade with its two towers.  Like the overture to an opera, it introduces themes which find a more extended development elsewhere (Illustration 26).

[Illustration 25]

[Illustration 26]

[Illustration 27]

This law of Consonance is operative in architecture more obscurely in the form of recurring numerical ratios, identical geometrical determining figures, parallel diagonals and the like, which will be discussed in a subsequent essay.  It has also to do with style and scale, the adherence to substantially one method of construction and manner of ornament, just as in music the key, or chosen series of notes, may not be departed from except through proper modulations, or in a specific manner.

Thus it is seen that in a work of art, as in a piece of tapestry, the same thread runs through the web, but goes to make up different figures.  The idea is deeply theosophic:  one life, many manifestations; hence, inevitably, echoes, resemblances—­Consonance.

DIVERSITY IN MONOTONY

Another principle of natural beauty, closely allied to the foregoing, its complement as it were, is that of Diversity in Monotony—­not identity, but difference.  It shows itself for the most part as a perceptible and piquant variation between individual units belonging to the same class, type, or species.

No two trees put forth their branches in just the same manner, and no two leaves from the same tree exactly correspond; no two persons look alike, though they have similiar members and features; even the markings on the skin of the thumb are different in every human hand.  Browning says,

  “As like as a hand to another hand! 
  Whoever said that foolish thing,
  Could not have studied to understand—­”

Now every principle of natural beauty is but the presentment of some occult law, some theosophical truth; and this law of Diversity in Monotony is the presentment of the truth that identity does not exclude difference.  The law is binding, yet the will is free:  all men are brothers united by the ties of brotherhood, yet each is unique, a free agent, and never so free as when most bound by the Good Law.  This truth nature beautifully proclaims, and art also.  In architecture it is admirably exemplified in the metopes of the Parthenon frieze:  seen at a distance these must have presented a scarcely distinguishable texture of sunlit marble and cool shadow, yet in reality each is a separate work of art.  So with the capitals