Page:Sarah Sheppard - L. E. L.pdf/26

 and of which the moral relations, while so powerful in their effects on character and conduct, claim also universal empire. It is an affection whose right use is not more productive of virtue and happiness than its neglect and abuse tend to vice and misery. By the refining and humanizing—by the brightening and soothing—by the generous and expanding influences which affection diffuses over the world, it holds its place among the component elements of the happiness and good of the social system. "It is affection," observes the philosopher already quoted, "which in some of its forms, if I may use so bold a phrase, animates even life itself, that without it would be scarcely worthy of the name."* If then the wise and good thus turn reverentially and admiringly to contemplate the light of love and the ennobling blessings of that light; if its influences be almost universal as those of the sun, and in themselves as pure, however occasionally darkened and distorted by the media through which they may pass, is it reasonable to condemn a gifted writer for shedding over her pages, or even for there concentrating, as in a crystal focus, the unsullied rays of pure and exalted affection? After all, we cannot agree with the assertion that there is nothing but "love" in Miss Landon's poetry. How varied are the subjects which her versatile genius has delineated! Has it not fathomed the depths of the poet's soul, and laid bare to our