Benjamin West, Esq.
The elegant volume descriptive of sir John Leicester’s gallery, contains an outline of Mr. Behnes’ bust; the outline of that delineation is preserved in the preceding [sketch], because it is familiar. Mr. Behnes conveys to us the apostolic simplicity of West’s character, and the present engraving may be regarded as inviting the admirers of the genius of the late president of the royal academy, who have not seen the marble, to view it, in sir John Leicester’s noble collection of works of British artists, which during a stated season every year is liberally opened to public inspection.
In “The Examiner” of the 10th of March, 1816, there are some lines, too beautiful in sentiment to be passed over on any day.
Providence.
From the Italian of Filicaia.
Just as a mother with sweet pious face
Yearns tow’rds her little children from her seat,
Gives one a kiss, another an embrace,
Takes this upon her knees, that on her feet:
And while from actions, looks, complaints, pretences,
She learns their feelings and their various will,
To this a look, to that a word dispenses,
And whether stern or smiling, loves them still:—
So Providence for us, high, infinite,
Makes our necessities its watchful task,
Hearkens to all our prayers, helps all our wants;
And ev’n if it denies what seems our right,
Either denies because ’twould have us ask,
Or seems but to deny, or in denying grants.