400 PRÆTERITA-II

with intense interest, the sentiments and language riveting my attention to every page. But I mourn lest such splendid means of doing eminent service to art should be lost. Had the work been written with the court-eousness of Sir Joshua Reynolds’ lectures, it would have been ‘a standard work,’ the author held in high estimation for his learning, and the volume recommended for instruction and usefulness. Perhaps nothing helps more certainly to an accession of influence, and an accumulating power of doing good, than the language in which we dictate. We approach an unassuming courteous manner with respect, confidence, and satisfaction, but most persons shrink back from sarcasm. Certainly every author who writes to do good will write with firmness and candour, cleaving to what is right, but cautious of giving pain or offence.

“I hope some day to give the book a more careful perusal; it made me think, and when I lay hold of it again, I will endeavour to test it by my experience and the judgment of others; and as I have a little cooled from the rage I felt at first to find my ‘darlings’ set at nought, I trust in spite of its biting bitterness I shall feel more ashamed of myself, and more respect for the opinions of the author.

“Pardon, dear sir, this presuming to tire your patience with my humble opinions; and should it be true what I have just heard, that you know the author, I will rely on your goodness to forgive my objection to opinions in which you are so much interested.

“If it is so, you are indeed honoured, and I trust the powerful ‘angel-bright talent’¹ will be directed to do much good for art and artists. Pray give me credit for sincerity in acknowledging that it is art generally I feel for, and as far as I am individually mentioned, I am pleased to find that I have come off beautifully.

“I did not intend to write so much. Kindly pardon quantity and quality,

“And believe me to remain, dear Sir,

“With the greatest respect,

“Yours truly and obliged,

“S. PROUT.

“J. J. RUSKIN, ESQ.

etc., etc., etc.”

171. I must guard myself, however, very distinctly in giving this letter as an example of the general feeling about the book among the living painters whom it praised, against attributing to them any such admiration of my “angel-bright talent” as that here expressed by my father’s affectionate, and now intimate, friend. The group of landscapists, headed by Copley Fielding, David Cox, and P. de

¹ [Young’s Night Thoughts, vi. 274:-

“Talents angel-bright,

If wanting worth, are shining instruments

In false ambition’s hand.”]

[Version 0.04: March 2008]