PARTISAN REVIIW
but it has never existed in America, and there seems to be no sign
that it will appear hereafter. Americans are an extraordinarily ignorant
and stupid people, and hence bitterly dogmatic. Their common think–
ing is done in ways that forcibly suggest the theology of the Salvation
Army.
H.
L.
MENCKEN
THE LIVES
"History is a grave and noble pageant," Landor said.
His family life at Gherardesca proved impossible.
In 1844
his
daughter gave
him
Pomero, a dog.
The pictures blacken in their frames, the tassels on the bedspread
Fall. "He laughs like an ogre," Mrs. Browning said,
Who did not relish
him
the way her husband did.
Stuffed
animals
and birds, antiques of plaster gave
A tone to Boston. Santayana, who had stomach trouble
As
a youth, once shook the hand
Of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Professor Norton
Lingered on. "No comfort, not a breath of love,,
Wrote Nietzsche, going mad. Booth Tarkington loved
art.
"Well, history is a grave and noble pageant," Landor said.
"Or 'stately pageant' is perhaps the term."
On the neglected lawn, the iron dogs and the deer,
Rusted among the weeds, alert, indomitable, keep watch.
Weldon Kees
894
