Those who are inclined to the curious, those who have minds of a pretty turn, whose intellects are ever seeking to penetrate things, may try to improve on the equivocal and invisible, and set all the charm of art in some elaborate stroke or symbolisation; but, none the less, Michael Angelo remains the all-powerful, the maker of men, the master of clearness, simplicity, and health." At this Narcisse smiled with indulgent and courteous disdain.

And he anticipated further argument by remarking: "It's already eleven.

My cousin was to have sent a servant here as soon as he could receive us.

I am surprised to have seen nobody as yet.

Shall we go up to see the _stanze_ of Raffaelle while we wait ?" Once in the rooms above, he showed himself perfect, both lucid in his remarks and just in his appreciations, having recovered all his easy intelligence as soon as he was no longer upset by his hatred of colossal labour and cheerful decoration.
It was unfortunate that Pierre should have first visited the Sixtine Chapel; for it was necessary he should forget what he had just seen and accustom himself to what he now beheld in order to enjoy its pure beauty.
It was as if some potent wine had confused him, and prevented any immediate relish of a lighter vintage of delicate fragrance.