Dagley, Richard [Ill.]: Gems, selected from the antique: with illustrations (London, 1804)

INTRODUCTION

STUDY OF ENGRAVED GEMS.

As Nature joying in her boundless reign
Adorns the tiny links of Beauty's lessening chain,
Her rival art, whom emulation warms,
Loves to astonish by diminished forms ;
And the consummate character to bring
Within the compass of the costly ring ;
Delightful talent of the patient hand,
Gaining o'er life such delicate command.

The heroes of old time were proud to wear
The seal engraven with ingenious care.
To this fine branch of useful art we owe
Treasures that grandeur may be proud to show;
Features of men who on Fame's list enrolled,
Gave life and lustre to the world of old;
Worthies, whose statues fail'd Time's flood to stem,
Yet live effulgent in the deathless gem.

Hayley, Essay on Sculpture, Canto IV.



JL HE history of the arts of antiquity is doubtless one of the
most interesting parts of history; it every where exhibits to our
contemplation the most agreeable images, and the most consola-
tory ideas.

Of all the remaining monuments of ancient art, none are so
replete with entertainment and instruction, so various in their ob-

B