CHAPTER IV. PORT ROYAL AND PASCAL’S LATER YEARS.

page 102It is unnecessary to attempt any estimate of Pascal’s character.  The reader must draw it for himself in the light of these pages.  With all enthusiasm for its grandeur and unity of purpose, and that moral and intellectual elevation which it everywhere shows, it may be found lacking in breadth and variety, and that familiar interest and charm which strangely often come from the contemplation of human weakness rather than of human strength.  There is certainly less to love in him than to admire—less to call forth delight than respect.  The play of natural individuality is hidden behind lines of lofty distance, and latterly of Jansenist severity.  A proud, ascetic, and worn figure seems to rise before us; but strangely Pascal’s portrait, as known to us, conveys no idea of asceticism.  The face is full-fleshed and expressive, like the face of a child, with large ripe lips and open eyes of wonder,—a portrait which suggests the companion of the Duc de Roannez in his years of pleasure, rather than the weary and pain-worn penitent of Port Royal. ¹¹