74

THE WORKS OF

is sometimes more necessary in Spain than in
other places, because the generality of the nation
have not a just idea of arts, and of their dignity,
or of many gifts from heaven, or of study,
which ought to concur to make a great artist.
The abovementioned discourses, and academic
conferences, will also serve to professors them-
felves, because not all know scientifically the prin-
ciples of their profession, and will be by these
means Simulated to study them. Finally, in
consequence of examining matter, one ihall
destroy by little and little the false maxims that
may have intruded themselves in the rules of the
arts. Youth will have another advantage in hear-
ing the great difficulties that attend the arts in the
difficult study that they pursue; for then would
generous souls alone undertake them, and those
who discover less force and less talents would
abandon the undertaking, or would be content
to apply themselves to a part proportioned to
their capacity. In this manner every talent
would remain at liberty, nor would be con-
strained to the uniformity of study; and that
which imports more, it would acquire art, but
not the particular style of any master.
The greatest utility which, as I think, would
arise from such studies, would be that the nobi-
lity and wealthy would instrud themselves in the
principles of the arts, and would conceive for them
a proper love and esteem ; as in many of them
there is a natural disposition, and nothing is
wanted but to have heard professors who could
make them perceive the importance, dignity and