human
I have just found your brother, said Phillis,
gpt
Noble fellow, Cornelius! murmured the Artist.
human
Always at it. Always with nose to the grindstone. He will overdo it some day.
gpt
I hope not, said Phillis, with a gleam in her eye.
human
I sincerely hope not. Perhaps he is stronger than he looks. And what are you doing, Mr. Humphrey?
gpt
You found me asleep. The bow stretched too long must snap or be unbent.
human
Yes, said Phillis;
gpt
My great picture--no, it is not on the canvas,
human
Where is it, then? Do show it to me.
gpt
When the groups are complete I will let you criticise them. It may be that I shall learn something from an artless and unconventional nature like your own.
human
Thank you, said Phillis.
gpt
That is a compliment, I am sure. What is the subject of the picture?
human
It is the 'Birth of the Renaissance.' An allegorical picture. There will be two hundred and twenty-three figures in the composition.
gpt
The 'Birth of the Renaissance,' Phillis mused.
human
I think I know all about that. 'On the taking of Constantinople in the year 1433, the dispersed Greeks made their way to the kingdoms of the West, carrying with them Byzantine learning and culture. Italy became the chosen home of these exiles. The almost simultaneous invention of printing, coupled with an outburst of genius in painting and poetry, and a new-born thirst for classical knowledge, made up what is known by the name of the Renaissance.' That is what my guardian told me one night. I think that I do not want to see any picture on that subject. Sit down now and draw me a girl's face.
gpt
Art cannot be forced,
human
Mr. Humphrey, --her eyes began to twinkle,--