H«'had the reputation of having dabbled a little in our
art ; some said not without merit. What startled me.
MITRBEE. 63

however, was, that he supposed this art to be part of his
regular duties in my service. Now that was a thing I
would not allow ; so I said at once, ' Eichard (or James,
as th^ case might be,) you misunderstand my character.
If a man will and must j)ractise this difficult (and allow
me to add, dangerous) branch of art — if he has an
overruling genius for it, why, he might as well pursue
his studies whilst living in my service as in another's.
And also I may observe, that it can do no harm either
to himself or to the subject on whom he operates, that
he should be guided by men of more taste than himself.
Genius may do much, but long study of the art must
always entitle a man to offer advice. So far I will
, go — general principles I will suggest. But as to
any particular case, once for all I will have nothing to
do with it. Never tell me of any special work of art
you are meditating — I set my face against it in toto.
