I should like to be the greatest painter _purely out of revenge_.
"But what a damper is thrown upon my enthusiasm when I find that, the moment when all the treasures of art are before me, just within my reach; that advantages to the artist were never greater than now; Paris with all its splendid depository of the greatest works but a day or two's journey from me, and open to my free inspection,--what a damper, I say, is it to find that my three years' allowance is just expired; that while all my contemporary students and companions are revelling in these enjoyments, and rapidly advancing in their noble studies, they are leaving me behind, either to return to my country, or, by painting portraits in Bristol, just to be able to live through the year.

The thought makes me melancholy, and, for the first time since I left home, have I had one of my desponding fits.

I have got over it now, for I would not write to you in that mood for the world.

My object in stating this is to request patronage from some rich individual or individuals for a year or two longer at the rate of L250 per year.

This to be advanced to me, and, if required, to be returned in money as soon as I shall be able, or by pictures to the amount when I have completed my studies....