ea is one of the principal--perhaps the greatest
discovery with regard to poetry which was made in the last generation.
Symbols, among the ancient Greeks, were, if I mistake not, the signs by
which the initiated worshippers of Ceres or Cybele recognized their
mysterious unison of heart. A symbol is an indication of an object, in
opposition to a direct description of the same; it arouses the idea of it
in the awakened soul; rings a bell, for we may almost put it so, which at
once rouses the spirit and reminds it of some special event or imminent
service. The importance of making this the foremost feature of poetry is
not new, although it may be said that we have only lately, and only
partially, become aware of its value. But, really, if you will consider
it, all that the Symbolists have been saying is involved in Bacon's phrase
that 'poetry conforms the shows of things to the desires of the soul,
instead of subjecting the soul to external things'.

There could never be presented a subject less calculated to be wound up
with a rhetorical flourish or to close in pompous affirmation than that
which I have so temerariously brought before you this afternoon. I hope
that you will not think that your time has been wasted while we have
touched, lightly and erratically, like birds on boughs, upon some of the
probable or possible features of the poetry of the future. Whatever you,
or I, or the wisest of professors, may predict on this theme of the unborn
poets, we may be certain that there will

hover in their restless heads
One thought, one grace, one wonder, at the least,
Which into words no virtue

of ours can 'digest'. I began with the rococo image of a Pegasus, poised
in the air, flashing and curvetting, petulantly refusing to alight on any
expected spot. Let me return to it in closing, that I may suggest our only
sage attitude to be one of always watching for his inevitable arrival,
ready to put grateful lips to the waters of Hippocrene as soon as ever
they bubble from the blow of his hoof.

EDMUND GOSSE.

OXFORD: HORACE HART

PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY

The following Publications have been issued by the Association, and those
still in print can be purchased by members:--

1907-12.

1. Types of English Curricula in Boys' Secondary Schools. (Out of print.)
Price 6d.

2. The Teaching of Shakespeare in Secondary Schools (Provisional
suggestions). (Out of print.) Price 1d.

3. A Short