Page:Ralcy H. Bell - The Mystery of Words (1924).pdf/93



is mysterious that is well known or unknown. Mystery is the protean spirit of twilight more nimble than the waves of the sea. Proceeding from clear vision to the point where vision ceases, an intermediate station may be found perhaps at which this spirit is most active. If, for illustration, a curve were drawn from the known to the unknown, from that which is clearly perceived to that which is just beyond range, at a point somewhere in the half-light the element of mystery would be deepest. This probably is true of words and the relations that involve them.

Few instruments of the mind are more continually used, and abused, than are our words. From babbling infancy to garrulous dotage,