ARTS (THE). 
43 
indeed, who shall produce any thing to excel 
its richness. If any obstacle resists the 
growth of the acanthus, it seems to struggle 
to overcome it, and to vegetate with renewed 
vigour. So genius, when acted upon by re¬ 
sistance or opposition, redoubles its attempts 
to overthrow every impediment. 
It is said that the architect, Callimach, 
passing near the tomb of a young maiden 
who had died a few days before the time ap- 
j,; pointed for her nuptials, moved by tenderness 
and pity, approached to scatter some flowers 
on her tomb. Another tribute to her memory 
had preceded his. Her nurse had collected 
the flowers which should have decked her on 
it, her wedding-day ; and putting them, with the 
marriage-veil, in a little basket, had placed it 
near the grave upon a plant of acanthus, and 
then covered it with a tile. In the succeed¬ 
ing spring the leaves of the acanthus grew 
round the basket; but, being stayed in their 
Plitj growth by the projecting tile, they recoiled 
qi) is and surmounted its extremities. Callimach, 
ibel- surprised by this rural 'decoration, which 
nisi seemed the work of the Graces in tears, 
Hire, conceived the capital of the Corinthian co- 
jjes, lumn; a magnificent ornament, still used and 
lb a admired by the whole civilised world. 
be¬ 
lted 
