inferior, for therein, as says
Spencer, "Truth is one, and right is ever one;" but wrongs are
various and multitudinous. "Vice," says Byron, in Marino Faliero,
"must have variety; but Virtue stands like the sun, and all which
rolls around drinks life from her aspect."

[C] It is with regret that, in a work of this nature, I take notice
of criticisms, which, after all, are merely intended to amuse the
careless reader, and be forgotten as soon as read; but I do so in
compliance with wishes expressed to me since the publication of this
work, by persons who have the interests of art deeply at heart, and
who, I find, attach more importance to the matter than I should have
been disposed to do. I have, therefore, marked two or three passages
which _may_ enable the public to judge for themselves of the quality
of these critiques; and this I think a matter of justice to those
who might otherwise have been led astray by them--more than this I
cannot consent to do. I should have but a hound's office if I had to
tear the tabard from every Rouge Sanglier of the arts--with bell and
bauble to back him.

[D] Chrysoprase, (Vide No. for October, 1843, p. 502.)

[E] Every school-boy knows that this epithet was given to Poussin in
allusion to the profound classical knowledge of the painter. The
reviewer, however, (September, 1841,) informs us that the expression
refers to his skill in "Composition."

[F] Critique on Royal Academy, 1842. "He" (Mr. Lee) "often reminds
us of Gainsborough's best manner; but he is _superior_ to him always
in subject, composition, and variety."--Shade of
Gainsborough!--deep-thoughted, solemn Gainsborough,--forgive us for
re-writing this sentence; we do so to gibbet its perpetrator
forever,--and leave him swinging in the winds of the Fool's
Paradise. It is with great pain that I ever speak with severity of
the works of living masters, especially when, like Mr. Lee's, they
are well-intentioned, simple, free from affectation or imitation,
and evidently painted with constant reference to nature. But I
believe that these qualities will always secure him that admiration
which he deserves--that there will be many unsophisticated and
honest minds always ready to follow his guidance, and answer his
efforts with delight; and therefore, that I need not fear to point
out in him the