VII 



were, in the resemblance of the individual, (to use the 

 words of a most eloquent person on another occasion), 

 " his spirit, his feelings, and his character V Or what 

 elegant scholar but must wish to view the resemblance 

 of the almost unknown Thomas Whately, Esq., or 

 that of the Rev William Gilpin, whose vivid pen (like 

 that of the late Sir Uvedale Price), has " realized 

 painting," and enchained his readers to the rich scenes 

 of nature ? 



Dr. Johnson calls portrait painting " that art which 

 is employed in diffusing friendship, in reviving tender- 

 ness, in quickening the affections of the absent, and 

 continuing the presence of the dead." 



The horticultural intercourse that now passes be- 

 tween England and France, induces one to express a 



superior powers of talent and virtue, was the seat of liberal endow- 

 ment, warm piety, and energetic benevolence." 



Being thus on the subject of portraits, let me remark, that it is 

 not always that we meet with a faithful likeness. A review of 

 Mad. de Genlis's Petrarch ct Laure, justly observes, that " it is 

 doubtful if any of the portraits of Petrarch, which still remain, 

 were painted during his life-time. However that may be, it is im- 

 possible to trace in them, either the elevation of his mind, the fire 

 of his imagination, or the pensive melancholy of his soul.'' In the 

 Essays on Petrarch, by Ugo Foscolo, he informs us, that M Pe- 

 trarch's person, if we trust his biographers, was so striking with 

 beauties, as to attract universal admiration. They represent him 

 with large and manly features, eyes full of fire, a blooming com- 

 plexion, and a countenance that bespoke all the genius and fancy 

 that shone forth in his works." Do we yet know one really good 

 likeness of Mary Queen of Scots ? 



