But, whilst this muddy vesture of decay
Doth grossly close it in, we cannot hear it."[617:A]
Of the beauties of painting and sculpture he appears to have had a keen and lively discernment. On Julio Romano, the most poetical, perhaps, of painters, he has pronounced, that "had he himself eternity, and could put breath into his work, 'he' would beguile Nature of her custom[617:B];" and of his masterly appreciation of the art of sculpture, the following lines from the The Winter's Tale, where Paulina unveils to Leontes the supposed statue of Hermione, afford evidence beyond all praise:—
"Paul. ——————————— Here it is: prepare
To see the life as lively mock'd, as ever
Still sleep mock'd death: behold; and say, 'tis well.
(Paulina undraws a curtain, and discovers a statue.
I like your silence, it the more shews off
Your wonder: but yet speak;—
Comes it not something near?