‘My dear Sir,—I had the pleasure of receiving, a
few days ago, a large paper copy of your beautiful poem on Italy, which you have had the
goodness to present for me to my son Thomas, who has availed himself of his brother Robert’s recent visit to Lancashire, to
convey it safely to my hands. I do not consider this, your obliging remembrance
of me, merely as an interesting and truly original poem, decorated with
exquisite engravings, but as a production in which the sister arts of poetry
and painting are united to produce a simultaneous effect, as brilliant jewels
are only seen to full advantage when set off by a beautiful face. The art of
engraving has hitherto aimed only to please the eye; but it may now be said to
have arrived at its highest excellence; and
| ROSCOE AND PANIZZI | 55 |
‘In the state of partial seclusion from the world in
which I have lived for some time past, it is a merciful dispensation that I am
still able to enjoy my books: amongst these I may enumerate, as lately
acquired, the works of Lorenzo de’
Medici, in four vols. folio, commented upon and published by the
present Grand Duke of Tuscany, to whom I am
indebted for a present—a copy of them. I also highly value a large paper
copy of the “Landscape
Annual,” and am at present employed in illustrating a similar
copy of the translation of Lanzi’s
“History of Painting in
Italy,” which will be a splendid work; but none of these seem
to me so truly to deserve the name of a literary gem as your delightful
publication; for which I must now beg leave to offer you my most grateful
thanks. This is intended to be delivered to you by my highly valued friend
Sig. Antonio Panizzi, Professor of
the Italian language in the London University who lived some years in
Liverpool, and from whence he is just returned from visiting the numerous
friends whom he has made during his residence here. He is probably already
known to you by his literary works, particularly his edition of Bojardo and Ariosto now
publishing; in addition to which I beg leave to add my testimony, not only to
his abilities as an elegant scholar, but to his experienced worth as a sincere
friend and his character as a man. It is, therefore, with great satisfaction I
introduced him to your better acquaintance; being convinced
| 56 | ROGERS AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES |
‘I am, my dear Sir, always most faithfully yours,
