capable of expressing, is almost as much advanced as if like the fairy
HERMELINA, chronicled by GROSIUS, it had been originally a vapor or
mere fantasy, and gradually advanced to fairy life so as to become the
companion of a wizard.

If an artist, say a painter, will take forethought for a certain
picture, whether the subject be determined or not, bringing himself to
that state of easy, assured confidence, as a matter of course that he
will _retain_ the subject he will, if not at the first effort, almost
certainly at last find himself possessed of it. Let him beware of
haste, or of forcing the work. When he shall have secured suggestive
Interest let him will that Ingenuity shall be bolder and his spirit
draw from the stores of memory more abundant material. Thus our powers
may be gradually and gently drawn into our service. Truly it would
seem as if there were no limit to what a man can evolve out of himself
if he will take Thought thereto.

Forethought can be of vast practical use in cases where confidence is
required. Many a young clergyman and lawyer has been literally
frightened out of a career, and many an actor ruined for want of a
very little knowledge, and in this I speak from personal experience.
Let the aspirant who is to appear in public, or pass an examination,
and is alarmed, base his forethought on such ideas as this, that he
would not be afraid to repeat his speech to _one_ person or two--why
should he fear a hundred? There are some who can repeat this idea to
themselves till it takes hold strongly, and they rise almost feeling
contempt for all in court--as did the old lady in Saint Louis, who
felt so relieved when a witness at _not_ feeling frightened that she
bade judge and jury cease looking at her in that impudent way.