drawing from one alone, will by habit be taught to overlook

defects, and mistake deformity for beauty. But of this there is no

danger, since the council has determined to supply the academy with

a variety of subjects; and indeed those laws which they have drawn

up, and which the secretary will presently read for your

confirmation, have in some measure precluded me from saying more

upon this occasion. Instead, therefore, of offering my advice,

permit me to indulge my wishes, and express my hope, that this

institution may answer the expectations of its royal founder; that

the present age may vie in arts with that of Leo X. and that "the

dignity of the dying art" (to make use of an expression of Pliny)

may be revived under the reign of George III.