Noblemen Turned Critics

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Title:     Noblemen Turned Critics
Author: Isaac Disraeli [More Titles by Disraeli]

I offer to the contemplation of those unfortunate mortals who are necessitated to undergo the criticisms of _lords_, this pair of anecdotes:--

Soderini, the Gonfaloniere of Florence, having had a statue made by the great _Michael Angelo_, when it was finished, came to inspect it; and having for some time sagaciously considered it, poring now on the face, then on the arms, the knees, the form of the leg, and at length on the foot itself; the statue being of such perfect beauty, he found himself at a loss to display his powers of criticism, only by lavishing his praise. But only to praise might appear as if there had been an obtuseness in the keenness of his criticism. He trembled to find a fault, but a fault must be found. At length he ventured to mutter something concerning the nose--it might, he thought, be something more Grecian. _Angelo_ differed from his Grace, but he said he would attempt to gratify his taste. He took up his chisel, and concealed some marble dust in his hand; feigning to re-touch the part, he adroitly let fall some of the dust he held concealed. The Cardinal observing it as it fell, transported at the idea of his critical acumen, exclaimed--"Ah, _Angelo_, you have now given an inimitable grace!"

When Pope was first introduced to read his Iliad to Lord Halifax, the noble critic did not venture to be dissatisfied with so perfect a composition; but, like the cardinal, this passage, and that word, this turn, and that expression, formed the broken cant of his criticisms. The honest poet was stung with vexation; for, in general, the parts at which his lordship hesitated were those with which he was most satisfied. As he returned home with Sir Samuel Garth, he revealed to him the anxiety of his mind. "Oh," replied Garth, laughing, "you are not so well acquainted with his lordship as myself; he must criticize. At your next visit, read to him those very passages as they now stand; tell him that you have recollected his criticisms; and I'll warrant you of his approbation of them. This is what I have done a hundred times myself." _Pope_ made use of this stratagem; it took, like the marble dust of _Angelo_; and my lord, like the cardinal, exclaimed--"Dear _Pope_, they are now inimitable!"

[The end]
Isaac D'Israeli's essay: Noblemen Turned Critics

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