ly returned, and with it the energy for which he has always
been remarkable, and he joyfully resumed the chisel and modelling
stick.

"I had scarcely set foot in the streets of Copenhagen, when I saw
Thorwaldsen coming towards me. I was sure that I was not mistaken,
for no one who has ever looked upon that fine benevolent
countenance, that long silver hair, clear, high forehead and gently
smiling mouth--no one who has ever gazed into those divine blue
orbs, wherein creative power seems so sweetly to repose, could ever
forget them again. I went up and spoke to him. He remembered me
immediately, shook my hand with that captivating joviality of
manner which is peculiar to him, and invited me into his house. He
inhabits the Charlottenburg, an old chateau on the Koenigsneumarkt,
by crossing the inner court of which one reaches his studio. My
most delightful moments in Copenhagen were passed there, looking on
whilst he worked at the statues of deities and heroes--he himself
more illustrious than them all. There they stand, those lifelike
and immortal groups, displaying the most wonderful variety of form
and attitude, and yet, strange to say, Thorwaldsen scarcely ever
makes use of a model. His most recently commenced works were two
gigantic allegorical figures, Samson and Aesculapius. The first was
already completed, and I myself saw the bearded physiognomy of
Aesculapius growing each day more distinct and perfect beneath the
cunning hand of the master. The statues represent Strength and
Health."

In his house, and as a private individual, Thorwaldsen is as amiable and
estimable as in his studio. In the centre of one of his rooms is a
four-sided sofa, which was embroidered expressly for him by the fair
hands of the Copenhagen ladies. The walls are covered with pictures,
some of them very good, others of a less degree of merit. They were not
all bought on account of their excellence; Thorwaldsen purchased many of
them to assist young artists who were living, poor and in difficulties,
at Rome. Dressed in his blue linen blouse, he explained to his visitor
the subjects of these pictures, without the slightest tinge of vanity in
his manner or words. None of the dignities or honours that have been
showered upon him, have in the slightest degree turned his head.
Affable, cheerful, and even-tempered, he appears to h