Our mortal eyes, however bright, are only darkened melancholy mirrors. - Charles Baudelaire

That which is not slightly distorted lacks sensible appeal; from which it follows that irregularity — that is to say, the unexpected, surprise and astonishment, are an essential part and characteristic of beauty.

Isn't it true that a pleasant house makes winter more poetic, and doesn't winter add to the poetry of a house?

Toutes les beautés contiennent, comme tous les phénomènes possibles, quelque chose d'éternel et quelque chose de transitoire — d'absolu et de particulier.