of the almost tragic greatness of the
lot of men. The disappointments of
the race have been largely due to its
inadequate conception of its own pos-
sibilities; its disillusions have been
like the fading of the mirage which
simulates against the near horizon
that which lies long leagues away.
These disappointments and disillu-
sions, as Browning saw clearly, are
essential parts of an education which
leads the race step by step from
smaller to larger ideas, from nearer
and easier to more remote and diffi-
cult attainments.

The disappointment which comes
with the completion of every piece of
work well and wisely done does not
arise from the futility of the work, as
the pessimists tell us, but from its
inadequacy to express entirely the
thought and force of the man who

[[263]]

p262 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p263w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p264

v?