John William Waterhouse (1849-1917) Sainte Cécile

In the cold and malicious society in which I live, I must never mention the Soul, nor speak of my aspirations. If I ever once let these people get a glimpse of the higher side of my nature, they would set on me like a pack of wolves and tear me in pieces.

I wish I had soulful friends-refined Maiden Ladies with ideals and long noses, who live at Hampstead or Putney, and play Chopin with passion. On sad autumn afternoons I would go and have tea with them, and talk of the spiritual meaning of Beethoven’s late Sonatas; or discuss in the twilight the pathos of life and the Larger Hope.

Logan Pearsall Smith – More Trivia