Page:The treasure of the humble (IA cu31924072557063).pdf/145

WELL might it be said that, from century to century, a tragic poet 'has wandered through the labyrinths of destiny with the torch of poesy in his hand.' For in this way has each one, according to the forces of his hour, fixed the souls of the annals of man, and it is divine history that has thus been composed. It is in the poets alone that we can follow the countless variations of the great unchanging power; and to follow them is indeed interesting, for at the root of the idea that they have formed of this power is to be found, perhaps, the purest essence of a nation's soul. It is a power that has