^4 PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. [aNNO 1705. 



did before. Nay, I hear that Signior Verrio, though grown old, paints now far 

 better than ever, and is grown almost ashamed of some of his own works which 

 he painted at Windsor- Castle in the time of King Charles II. There may be 

 this in it, that aged persons having attained, through long practice, to a greater 

 experience, to a more solid and mature judgment, than they had when younger, 

 are more cautious of that which they let go out of their hands; and correct 

 those flashy touches of their pencil, and other superfluous irregularities, which 

 they and others were formerly very fond of. 



As for the flame and motion of the eyes in a picture, or the breath in its 

 mouth, I can say but little, having as yet never had the happiness to see such 

 rarities, though I have been admitted to the sight of some of the best pieces of 

 the most celebrated masters. As to the painters painting a living or moving 

 thing, so that one shall almost discern the motion, and see the bird flying, the 

 horse or hound running, &c. that is more easy, especially when assisted with 

 the friendly and pregnant fancy of the charmed spectator. In the still-life in- 

 deed, the eye is quickly deceived, and though there are, I believe, several 

 masters now living more excellent at it than ever Zeuxis and Parrhasius were; 

 yet still, with all their art, it is very difficult to impose on a man so, as to 

 make him believe it is not a picture, but the very life that he sees before 

 him. 



Musicians seem to be under the same predicament with painters, since they 

 are observed to live fast, as also the poets. It is by the practice of many years 

 that they attain to a just knowledge and mastery in their respective arts; and as 

 their first compositions are little and light, suitable to the mercurial temper of 

 heedless and inconstant youth ; so, in time this wears off", and as their experi- 

 ence and judgment increases, their compositions grow more solid and sound. 

 A young man may make a better minuet or jig, but the elder a more sound 

 service or anthem. The music of the former, with other accomplishments, 

 may go a great way towards inticing a foolish girl to love; but that of the latter 

 excites the devotion, moves the aflfections, and raises the passions of those 

 truly religious souls, who take pleasure in singing praises to the honour and 

 glory of his name, who lives for ever and ever. 



If it should be said, that the very best painters, musicians and poets, died 

 young, or at least before they attained to an advanced age, when they would 

 have failed or grown dull, as others did: I must beg leave to say that old men 

 are of two sorts, either those who are much affected with their age and 

 weakened, or those who are not. If a mar\ be born of unsound parents, or 

 has lived all along in an air disagreeable to his constitution, or is always un- 

 healthful, or has lived an intemperate or debauched life, or has been crushed by 



