Beauty by A.C. Benson

 Beauty by A.C. Benson (1862-1925)
“Life is a sweeter, stronger, fuller, more gracious thing for the friend's existence, whether he be near or far"

I was visited as I sat in my room today, by one of those sudden impressions of rare beauty that come and go like flashes, and which leave one desiring a similar experience.

 The materials  of the impression were simple and familiar enough.

 My room looks out into a little court; there is a plot of grass, and to the right of it an old stone-built wall, close against which stands a row of aged lime trees.

 While I was looking out today there came a flying burst of sun, and there was a sudden feast of delicate colour;

 the rich green of the grass.....

 The pale moss  green , a sudden delicate harmony of tints.

 I had it a hundred times......

 before ever guessing what a perfect picture it made.

 What a strange power the perception of beauty is!

 It seems to ebb and flow like some secret tide.....

 It seems to ebb and flow like some secret tide.....

 independent alike of health or disease, of joy or sorrow.

 There are times in our lives when we seem to go singing on our way, 

 And when the beauty of the world sets itself ,like a quiet harmony to the song we uplift....

 "Beauty" by A.C. Benson (1862-1925) from "1000 Beautiful Things 1948.
English essayist, poet, author and academic and the 28th Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge.
"As I make my slow pilgrimage through the world, a certain sense of beautiful mystery seems to gather and grow."