Win us with honest trifles, to betray 's
In deepest consequence.
Cousins, a word, I pray you.
[Macbeth]
Ossian
What Marius Would Say Aloud:
Though more Brand's son than Brennan lays claim, I am hard pressed to imagine Ossian his disciple. Art is not The Art, and while the paths may lie more open to one who walks in another's footsteps, I believe Ossian has already put his feet to a direction more to his liking. I do not think he can be easily painted merely with the brush he holds. I think he is waiting for the right challenge.
What Marius Wouldn't Say Aloud:
Is he "Brand's Pallet," then? Does he bear the shape of things to come? I don't truly believe it. He wears the martyrship of his lost tutor as a romantic albatross. It hangs about his neck and yet he makes it a symbol of fashion. He has standards of association that suggest he is, however, looking for more. Like any obsession, I pray it does not devour him.
In Plain Words:
Marius thinks Ossian enjoys creeping people out with his associations with Brand. On the other hand, if Ossian has inspirations along the same lines, it's not like Marius wouldn't be interested...in a friendly knowledge kind of way, of course. In the meantime, he likes Ossian and can see a strong friendship developing.