“I am so fully sensible of what your mother
“Rome, 5th March, 1827. “Sir, “Permit me to offer, through you, to the Committee of the Royal Liverpool Institution (as a grateful tribute to my first patrons—to those who enabled me to study my profession where I could best learn it), the accompanying bust, in marble, of their illustrious and venerable president, Roscoe. “To that gentleman I am indebted for what little merit I may possess as a sculptor. He first inspired me with ideas worthy of my profession, and kindled within me an ardent love of fame in the pursuit of it. “By this monument, if I have endeavoured to perpetuate the lineaments of an excellent man, I have hoped also to perpetuate the gratitude and respect of the artist whom he protected. “I have the honour to
remain, Sir,
“Your much obliged
humble servant, “John
Gibson. “T. Martin, Esq.,
Secretary,
“Liverpool Royal
Institution.” |
| LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE. | 147 |
“And yet, my dear friend, if ever there was an occasion, on which the tears we shed are tears of affection and tenderness, rather than of grief and distress, it is the present; when a good man, full of years and honour, goes to receive the reward of his labours, leaving to those who are dearest to him the benefit of his example, the credit of his widely respected name, and the delightful hope, that, by following in his track, they will finally be admitted to his society again in a happier state of being.”
