Note 75 — LETTERS OF EDWARD FITZGERALD (continued 2)

The artist, of whom Spedding wrote to Thompson in 1842 when he wished them to become acquainted, ‘There is another man whom I have asked to come a little after 10; because you do not know him, and mutual self introductions are a nuisance. If however he should by any misfortune of mine arrive before I do, know that he is Samuel Laurence, a portrait painter of real genius, of whom during the last year I have seen a great deal and boldly pronounce him to be worthy of all good men’s love. He is one of the men of whom you feel certain that they will never tire you, and never do anything which you will wish they had not done. His advantages of education have been such as it has pleased God (who was never particular about giving his favourite children a good education) to send him. But he has sent him what really does as well or better—the clearest eye and the truest heart; and it may be said of him as of Sir Peter that