Note 26 — Introduction.

It is always easier to criticise a thing than to do it better. Therefore Karel van Mander, at the completion of a great work, adds these words: “Ye stiff-necked critics must first consider that too great a mountain lies between doing and saying, before you accuse a free conscience with your audacious babbling. Many have mouth enough to contemn the work of everybody; but not the hands to make something better. Saying is mere wind; but doing I esteem.” We say the same, and will let the matter rest here.