"
So he spoke. Seeing that Michael was now silent, I urged him on in this
manner. "So, Master Michael Angelo, you assert that out of all the nations
of the world it is only Italians who can paint? (Ollanda continues.)
"But what wonder in that? You must know that in Italy painting is done
well for many reasons, and outside Italy painting is done badly for many
reasons. Firstly, the nature of the Italians is studious in the extreme,
and the talented already bring with them, when they are born, power of
work, taste and love of that to which they are inclined, and of that which
demands their genius; and if any one determines to make a profession, and
to pursue some art or liberal science, he does not content himself with
what is sufficient for him to become rich thereby, and one of the number
of the craftsmen, but in order to be unique and distinguished he watches
and works continuously, and keeps before his eyes the great hope of being
a paragon of perfection (I speak where I know I am believed) and not a
mere mediocrity in that art or science. This is because Italy does not
esteem mediocrity, deeming it an exceedingly poor thing; and speaks only
of those, and even praises them to the skies, who, like _eagles_, surpass
all others, and penetrating the clouds approach the light of the sun.
Then, again, you are born in a province (is not this an advantage?) which
is the mother and protectress of all sciences and disciplines, amongst so
many relics of your ancestors, which do not exist anywhere else, that
already as children you find before your eyes in the streets a great part
of whatever your inclination or genius may be inclined to; and from youth
upwards you are accustomed to see those things which old men never saw in
other kingdoms.
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