Page:A History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 2.djvu/178

162 162 ENGLISH ARCHITECTUEE. Pabt n. balauced by the stronger ribs introduced, and by the arrangement of the whole, that, so far from any weakness being felt, the whole is quite as stable as the purposes to which it is applied would seem to require. Another equally constructive and equally beautiful example is the south transept window at Lincoln (Woodcut No. 596), where the segmental lines introduced give the strength required. Though almost all its lines are flowing, it looks stronger and more construc- tively correct than the north transept window (Woodcut No. 592), which is wholly made up of circular forms, and is in itself one of the best examples of the earlier form of English geometric tracery. Circular windows were not, however, the forte of English architects ; they very rarely used them in their west fronts, not always in their transepts, and generally, indeed, may be said to have preferred the ordinary pointed forms, in which, as in most matters, they probably exercised a wise discretion. It may not be quite clear whether William of Wykeham (1366- 1404) invented perpendicular tracery, but certain it is that the admira- tion excited by his works in this style at Winchester, Ox- ford, and elsewhere, gave a death-blow to the Decorated forms previously in fashion. Although every lover of true art must regret the change, there was a great deal to be said in favor of the new style. It was pre-eminently construct- ive and reasonable. Nothing in a masonic point of view could be better than the straight lines runnina: throuo-h from bottom to top of the window, strengthened by transoms when requisite for support, and doubled in the upper division. The ornaments, too, were all appro- priate, and, externally at least, the whole harmonized perfectly with the lines of the building. Internally, the architects were more studious to prepare forms suitable by their dimensions and arrangements for the display of painted glass, than to spend much thought on the form of the frames themselves. The poetry of tracery was gone, but it was not only in this respect that we miss the poetic feeling of earlier days. The mason was gradually taking the guidance of the work out of the hands of the educated classes, and applying the square and the rule to replace the poetic inspirations of enthusiasts and the delicate imaginings by which they were expressed. It is curious to observe how different the course of events was in 597. Perpendicular Tracery, Winchester Cathedral.