(_a_) The world of natural or prosaic fact relatively
excluded. Primarily what it deals with is the infinite
domain of Spirit and the energies of its life
(_b_) Distinction between poetical and prosaic conception 21
[(_α_) Poetical anterior to the prosaic form of artistic
speech. It is the original imaginative grasp of truth. Dates
from first effort of man at self-expression. Endeavours to
make that expression of a higher virtue than mere prose
(_β_) The kind of prose life from which poetry is separate
postulates a different kind of conception and speech. The
finite categories of the understanding applicable to the
former. The ideal rationale of fact is aimed at by poetry.
Its affinity with and distinction from pure thought
(_γ_) Difference between the relation of poetic conception
to prosaic in early times and more modern, where the prosaic
form of life has become stereotyped in a definite system]
(_c_) The nature of the differentiation of poetical activity
in different ages and nations
[(_α_) It has no particular epoch of unique celebration. It
embraces the collective Spirit of man. It is conditioned by
the outlook of various nations and epochs
(_β_) Some of these have closer affinity with its essential
spirit, _e.g.,_ the Oriental in comparison with the Western
nations, if we exclude Greece
(_γ_) Modern interest in Hellenic and certain portions of
Oriental poetry]