silence; and it is only when extreme quietness reigns that they peep
from their retreats. Hence each of the facts mentioned, presupposing
numerous others, calls up these with more or less distinctness; and
revives the feeling of dull solitude with which they are connected
in our experience. Were all these facts detailed instead of suggested,
the attention would be so frittered away that little impression of
dreariness would be produced. Similarly in other cases. Whatever
the nature of the thought to be conveyed, this skilful selection
of a few particulars which imply the rest, is the key to success.
In the choice of component ideas, as in the choice of expressions,
the aim must be to convey the greatest quantity of thoughts with
the smallest quantity of words.

49. The same principle may in some cases be advantageously
carried yet further, by indirectly suggesting some entirely distinct
thought in addition to the one expressed. Thus, if we say, "The
head of a good classic is as full of ancient myths, as that of
a servant-girl of ghost stories"; it is manifest that besides the
fact asserted, there is an implied opinion respecting the small value
of classical knowledge: and as this implied opinion is recognized
much sooner than it can be put into words, there is gain in omitting
it. In other cases, again, great effect is produced by an overt
omission; provided the nature of the idea left out is obvious.
A good instance of this occurs in 'Heroes and Heroworship.' After
describing the way in which Burns was sacrificed to the idle
curiosity of Lion-hunters--people who came not out of sympathy, but
merely to see him--people who sought a little amusement, and who
got their amusement while "the Hero's life went for it!" Carlyle
suggests a parallel thus: "Richter says, in the Island of Sumatra
there is a kind of 'Light-chafers,' large Fire-flies, which people