thing is to be obtained without it. Not to enter
into metaphysical discussions on the nature or essence of genius, I will
venture to assert, that assiduity unabated by difficulty, and a
disposition eagerly directed to the object of its pursuit, will produce
effects similar to those which some call the result of natural powers.

Though a man cannot at all times, and in all places, paint or draw, yet
the mind can prepare itself by laying in proper materials, at all times,
and in all places. Both Livy and Plutarch, in describing Philopoemen,
one of the ablest generals of antiquity, have given us a striking picture
of a mind always intent on its profession, and by assiduity obtaining
those excellences which some all their lives vainly expect from Nature. I
shall quote the passage in Livy at length, as it runs parallel with the
practice I would recommend to the painter, sculptor, or architect.

"Philopoemen was a man eminent for his sagacity and experience in
choosing ground, and in leading armies; to which he formed his mind by
perpetual meditation, in times of peace as well as war. When, in any
occasional journey, he came to a straight difficult passage, if he was
alone, he considered with himself, and if he was in company he asked his
friends what it would be best to do if in this place they had found an
enemy, either in the front, or in the rear, on the one side, or on the
other. 'It might happen,' says he, 'that the enemy to be opposed might
come on drawn up in regular lines, or in a tumultuous body, formed only
by the nature of the place.' He then considered a little what ground he
should take; what number of soldiers he should use, and what arms he
should give them; where he should lodge his carriages, his baggage, and
the defenceless followers of his camp; how many guards, and of what kind,
he should send to defend them; and whether it would be better to press
forward along the pass, or recover by retreat his former station: he
would consider likewise where his camp could most commodiously be formed;
how much ground he should enclose within his trenches; where he should
have the convenience of water; and where he might find plenty of wood and
forage; and when he should break up his camp on the following day,
through what road he could most safely pass, and in what form he should
dispose his troops. With such thoughts and disquisitions he had from his
early years so exercised his mind, that on these occasions no