s, Mr.
Beckford's grandson; it was painted when Lord Douglas was twelve or
thirteen years old. There is also a charming picture by Reynolds, two
beautiful little girls, full length and large as life, they are the
present Duchess of Hamilton and her sister, Mrs General Ord.

We now entered the lovely dining room, which in point of brilliancy and
cheerfulness has more the character of a drawing than of a dining room.
Opposite the window is an upright grand pianoforte. It is the largest
ever made, with the exception of its companion made at the same time, and
its richness and power of sound are very great. Over the fire is what is
seldom seen in a dining room, a large looking glass. The paintings in
this room have been valued at upwards of 20,000 pounds.

On the right as you enter are five pictures that once adorned the
Aldsbrandini Palace, namely, the St. Catherine by Raphael, a Claude, a
Garofalo, two by Ferrara, and several smaller ones. But how shall I
attempt to describe to you the St. Catherine? This lovely picture
combines all the refined elegance of the Venus de Medici, in form,
contour, and flowing lines, with an astonishing delicacy of colour, and
masterly yet softened execution. The eyes are turned upwards with an
expression of heavenly resignation, the neck, flesh and life itself, the
hands, arms, and shoulders so sweetly rounded, while the figure melts
into the background with the softness of Corregio.

And fills
The air around with beauty, we inhale
The ambrosial aspect, which beheld instils
Part of its immortality; the veil
Of heaven is half withdrawn, within the pale
We stand, and in that form and face behold
What mind can make, when Nature's self would fail.

I can only convey to you a very slight idea of the impression produced by
the contemplation of this admirable painting. Such grace and sweetness,
such softness and roundness in the limbs. She seems the most beautiful
creature that ever trod this earthly planet; in short it is no earthly
beauty that we gaze upon, but the very beau ideal of Italian loveliness.

Eve of the land which still is Paradise.

Italian beauty! didst thou not inspire Raphael? "How different," said
Mr. Beckford, "is that lovely creature from Mr. Etty's beauties. They
are for the most part of a meretricious character, would do well enough
for a mistress; but there," pointing to the St. Catherine, "there are
personified the modesty