Page:Literary studies by Joseph Jacobs.djvu/122

 spoken out the faith that is in him. He began life as an Hellene of the Hellenes, and was as one of those who are at ease in Zion. He has gradually become more Hebraic than the Hebrews, but yet retains the easy manner of the sons of light. What a motive force he might be if he adapted his style to his matter! Mr. Arnold has some admirable words on Carlyle here in the pages before us. Carlyle is weighed in the balance and found wanting; but if we may deplore the want of sweetness in Carlyle, might we not regret its overabundance in Mr. Arnold's nature? His best friends might wish to see him—they would certainly be curious to see him—lose his temper for once in a way over some subject that deserves to rouse his ire.