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It appears in general functions, as in that of reproduction, which is reducible to the same formula in both kingdoms, while it exhibits close approximations in the lower forms; also in a common or similar ground of sensibility in the lowest forms of both, a common faculty of effecting movements tending to a determinate end, traces of which pervade the vegetable kingdom, while on the other hand, this indefinable principle, this vegetable animula vagula, blandula, graduates into the higher sensitiveness of the lower class of animals.
It is just like you to be always on the look-out for some subtle ulterior motive. The body is going out because the mere fact of its doing so is a sure indication of nobility, probity, and rugged grandeur of character. 'Very well, Vagula, have your own wayula! But I, says the brain, 'flatly refuse to be mixed up in this tomfoolery.
I wonder if, as he crushed that butterfly, he said to himself in words that have grown commonplace since his time the words of that strange emperor Hadrian Animula, vagula, blandula!
This, of course, is contrary to the spirit of beautiful design; and the ingenious Hay, who maintains that his "composite ellipse" is capable of universal application in the arts of ornamental composition, and that by its use any desirable lines in mouldings or vases can be mechanically produced, especially Greek lines, falls into the grave error of endeavoring to materialize and fix that animula vagula, blandula, that coy and evasive spirit of Art, which is its peculiar characteristic, and gives to its works inspiration, harmony, and poetic sentiment.
'The commission has its spies watching you constantly. Calculated to inspire confidence in the most timid soul! Now we come to the soup course: Smith and Perkins' Potted Chowder. Date of November third. Er Bert here's something er really worth while, now. Hark to the song of the pin." He read sonorously: "Animula, vagula, Bandula, Hospes, comesque corporis; Quaenunc abibis in loca?"
Come, my friend, how much is it? I ask the easiest interest in the world: old Mordecai, the usurer, has made you pay twice as heavily before now: nothing but the signature of a bond, which is a mere ceremony, and the transfer of an article which, in itself, is a supposition a valueless, windy, uncertain property of yours, called, by some poet of your own, I think, an animula, vagula, blandula bah! there is no use beating about the bush I mean A SOUL. Come, let me have it; you know you will sell it some other way, and not get such good pay for your bargain!" and, having made this speech, the Devil pulled out from his fob a sheet as big as a double Times, only there was a different STAMP in the corner.
"Animula vagula, blandula, Hospes, comesque corporis, Quae nunc abibis in loca, Pallidula, rigida, nudula, Nee, ut soles, dabis jocos?" It sounds a little gloomy as a quotation, but, fortunately for Germany and the Emperor, for "nunc" can be put, pace the poet, the indefinite, yet all too definite, "aliquando."
Animula, vagula, blandula, Hospes, comesque corporis Quæ nonc abibis in loca, Pallidula, rigida, nudula? Nec, ut soles, dabis jocos. Thus imitated by Prior: Poor little pretty fluttering thing, Must we no longer live together? And dost thou prune thy trembling wing To take thy flight thou know'st not whither?
The caressing tone in which the Emperor Hadrian addresses his soul is very much like that of an old person talking with a grandchild or some other pet: "Animula, vagula, blandula, Hospes comesque corporis." "Dear little, flitting, pleasing sprite, The body's comrade and its guest." How like the language of Catullus to Lesbia's sparrow!
My death will not be so fine as hers: I shall not breathe my soul into the soul of my loved one: yet I shall be a gay travelling-companion." Pain interrupted his words. When it ceased, he laughed at himself. "How a foolish mass of flesh protests! It will not allow itself to be overlorded. Yet we were only guests here! 'Animula, vagula, blandula. Hospes comesque corporis. Quae nunc adibis loca?
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