The Historian, the Poet, and the Philosopher, have their thoughts embodied by the Painter; and the tale so glowingly described in language by the one, is brought full before the eye by the other; while the Portrait-painter hands down, by the vivid touches of his pencil, the features and character of those who by their talents have deservedly signalized themselves in society.
The face of nature is displayed in the landscape, and the force of imagination by the judicious selector of scenes from actual life.

Hence painting is the fascinating region of enchantment.

The pencil is a magic wand; it calls up ~242~~to view the most extensive and variegated scenery calculated to wake the slumbering mind to thought.
"-- --To mark the mighty hand That, ever busy, wheels the silent spheres, Works in the secret deep; shoots steaming thence The fair profusion that o'erspreads the Spring; Flings from the sun direct the naming day; Feeds every creature; hurls the tempest forth; And as on earth this grateful change revolves.
With transport touches all the springs of life." "Upon my life!" cried Bob, "we seem to have no need of Sparkle now, for you are endeavouring to imitate him." "Your observations maybe just, in part," replied Tom; "but I can assure you I have no inclination to continue in the same strain.

At the same time, grave subjects, or subjects of the pencil and graver, are deserving of serious consideration, except where the latter are engaged in caricature." "And that has its utility," said Bob.
"To be sure it has," continued Tom--"over the human mind, wit, humour and ridicule maintain authoritative influence.

The ludicrous images which flit before the fancy, aided by eccentric combinations, awaken the risible powers, and throw the soul into irresistible tumults of laughter.