Ossian Collection > Aspects of poetry

III.] THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF POETRY. 75
Hence arises that mystical feeling about Nature which
forms so large an element in modern poetry ; and which,
when genuine and not exaggerated, adds to poetry a new
charm, because it reveals a real truth as to the relation
in which Nature and the human soul stand to each other.
Of this feeling Wordsworth's poetry is^ of course, the
great storehouse. As one sample, out of a thousand, of
the vivid way in which a scene may be described by the
feeling it awakens, rather than by its physical features,
take his poem Glen Almain or the Narrotv Glen.
In this upward gradation the last and highest stage
is, when not merely moral qualities are suggested, but
something more than these.
In many persons, and not in poets only, a beautiful
sunrise, or a gorgeous sunset, or the starry heavens on
a cloudless night, create moral impressions, and some-
thing more ; these sights suggest to them, if vaguely,
yet powerfully, the presence of Him from whom come
both Nature and the emotions it awakens. The tender
lights that fleet over sea and sky are to them
'signallings from some high land
Of One they feel, but dimly understand.'
As they gaze, they become aware that they are admitted
not only to catch a glimpse into the Divine order and
beauty, but to stand, for a time, in greater nearness to
Him Who makes that order and beauty.
The sublime rapture which it is given to some hearts
to feel in the presence of such sights^ is perhaps nowhere