xvii Wedgwood and Flaxman 227 



" I am concerned that I have not entirely finished 

 the bas-relief of the Birth of Bacchus, which I began 

 for you so long ago. It is nearly finished. I shall 

 bring it to England with me, and about three weeks 

 after my arrival will end it. The studies I have made, 

 so absolutely necessary to my improvement, one con- 

 siderable work which I have finished, and another I 

 am engaged in, have engrossed my time and thoughts. 

 You will, I am sure, be well convinced that I ought to 

 lose no time or opportunity, whilst I remain here, for 

 furnishing my mind with information for my future 

 employment. My career here now draws towards a 

 conclusion. I have refused some considerable business 

 that I might not be detained longer than the time I 

 had appointed, from my friends and country ; and with 

 the permission of God we shall see each other in June 

 next. Mrs. Flaxman unites with me in respectful 

 remembrance and best wishes to yourself, Mrs. Wedg- 

 wood, and all your family. We also beg our loves to 

 our good friends, Mr. and Mrs. Byerley, and are im- 

 patient to see them, as well as our other friends. I 

 have the honour to remain, sir, your much obliged 

 friend, JOHN FLAXMAN, jun." 



