But the third Artist, who was also a Citizen, thought long of his task.
"I am an Artist," he said, "and this is my World. Of what avail is my Beauty if the World does not see it? How do I know that Worlds to Come will see it?—even if it lives? This World needs Beauty, now! If I work to express myself alone, I die, lean and angry; and my work dies with me. If I basely cater to this Neglected Child, I die, though fatter; and my work dies with me. How shall I feed the World?"
But he was an Artist, and very powerful, so he essayed his task.
He earnestly studied the needs of the World. "Shall I feed a lamb on beef?" said he, "or a cat on pie?"
By the exercise of his intelligence he learned the needs of the World, which were many and conspicuous; by the exercise of his Art he met them.
He gave it Amusement which was within reach of the tastes of that
Neglected Child, yet which was in truth Amusing; and the World was
Amused, and loved him.
He gave it food both palatable and nourishing; and the World was fed, and loved him.
He gave it Inspiration which struck to the heart, yet was drawn from
Eternal Truth; and the World was Inspired, and loved him.
And he poured forth his very soul in Beauty; Beauty as simple as the common flowers the whole world loves, and as true as the stars in heaven, Beauty that ravished the soul of the Neglected Child, opened its eyes to Radiant Joy, and lifted it along the ages. And the World bathed in Beauty, and loved him. Also its taste improved continually under the influence of his Art. And the Artist was happy, for he fulfilled his mighty task.
"My glorious World!" he said; "What happiness! To be allowed to serve the World!"