[Footnote 99: Vol. i. p. 185.]
[Footnote 100: Vol. i. p. 219.]
North.—But even Saul was softened by music: surely that of Italy must have sometimes soothed you?
Landor.—Opera was, among the Romans, labour, as operae pretium, &c. It now signifies the most contemptible of performances, the vilest office of the feet and tongue. [101]
[Footnote 101: Vol. i. p. 212.]
North.—But the sculptors, the painters, the architects of Italy? You smile disdainfully, Mr. Landor!
Landor.—I do; their sculpture and painting have been employed on most ignoble objects—on scourgers and hangmen, on beggarly enthusiasts and base impostors. Look at the two masterpieces of the pencil; the Transfiguration of Raphael, and the St. Jerome of Correggio; [102] can any thing be more incongruous, any thing more contrary to truth and history?
[Footnote 102: Vol. i. p. 109, note.]
North.—There have been able Italian writers both in verse and prose?
Landor.—In verse not many, in prose hardly any.