VI

PKEFACE.

monarchs would be insufficient to complete it; acriticism which the Signoria resented by confininghim for two months in prison, and afterwards con-ducting him through the public treasury, to teachhim that the Florentines could build their wholecity of marble, and not one poor steeple only, werethey so inclined.”

I see that “ The Builder,” vol. xi. page 690. hasbeen endeavouring to inspire the citizens of Leedswith some pride of this kind respecting theirtown-hall. The pride would be well, but I sincerelytrust that the tower in question may not be built onthe design there proposed. I am sorry to have towrite a special criticism, but it must be rememberedthat the best works, by the best men living, are inthis age abused without mercy by nameless critics ;and it would be unjust to the public, if those whohave given their names as guarantee for their since-rity never had the courage to enter a protest againstthe execution of designs which appear to themunworthy.

Denmark Hill,

16th April, 1854.