337 



and of this picture ; and, I can tell you, 

 it is as dangerous to quit a disciple, as a 

 mistress: } r our rival has been very pressing; 

 and I wish I may not have given him too 

 much encouragement. I am glad, how- 

 ever, you are come, as I had just begun to 

 question him on a point, which I wish to 

 hear discussed with you : it is, whether 

 painters, or connoisseurs like yourselves, 

 would continue to admire such a building 

 as this, if all that I admire were broken 

 and defaced, as much, or even more, thaa 

 in its present entire and finished state." 



" I perceive you look to me for an an- 

 swer," said Mr. Hamilton, " probably as I 

 am the person to whom you originally put 

 the question ; and I know you rather love 

 to promote a little altercation between 

 Howard and me ; but upon this particular 

 point, I think we shall not differ very ma- 

 terially. It certainly has been imagined, 

 that because ruins are more picturesque 

 than entire buildings, they are consequently 

 preferred to them by painters : I think, 

 however, the idea is unfounded ; for I be- 



