Clocher de Chartres, nef d’Amiens,
Chœur de Beauvais, Portail de Reims.
[57] The octagonal spire is made of the light stone of Marboué.
[58] ‘The endless upward reach of the great west front, the clear silvery tone of its surface, the way three or four magnificent features are made to occupy its serene expanse, its simplicity, majesty and dignity—these things crowd upon one’s sense with a force that makes the act of vision for the moment almost all of life. There is an inexpressible harmony in the façade of Chartres.’—Henry James—Portraits of Places.
[59] Livre des Miracles.
Mens hebes ad verum per materialia surgit
Et demersa prius hac visa luce resurgit.
[61] There were formerly five statues on the front of the south-west tower. The Ass is resting on two human heads that seem crushed by his weight. The Sow is much mutilated. A similar piece occurs on the façade of S. Pol-de-Léon (Finisterre). The motive of an ass playing a lyre is found in ancient Egyptian monuments; a dog playing a lyre occurs at Poitiers.
[62] The same legend is connected with the Imp of Lincoln and also with one of the churches at Rome.
[63] I drink—burn wood—prune vines—give grass—flowers—field sports—hay—harvest—vintage—sow corn—fatten swine on acorns—kill swine.
[64] Revelation, chaps. iv., v.