RICHARD EARL OF BURLINGTON.

RICHARD BOYLE, third Earl of Burlington, and
fourth Earl of Cork and Ossory, was born in the
year 1695 his noble name had already been
associated with the highest honours of worth and
science, and his youth promised that its reputation
would not be lowered in his keeping. His station
commanded the best instruction; and he was an
apt pupil in whatever tends to refine taste. Before
he was of
age he had distinguished himself by his
strong love for all the liberal arts: he was already
well known as a patron of poetry and painting;
but architecture was his chief favourite; nor did
he think it unworthy of his rank to study its prin-
ciples and make himself familiar with its technical
details. At an early age he learned to draw and
design; he sought knowledge at the best sources;
he studied the portfolios of Inigo Jones, and the
magnificent structures of Palladio: indeed he
seems to have neglected nothing except our own
old Gothic architecture; for that he had ever
studied this no one will ever believe who hears
him confessing that he could see little either of
science or of beauty in the most splendid of our
English cathedrals.

His fortune was ample, and his spirit was open
Never," says Walpole, was

and generous.

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protection and great wealth more generously and more judiciously diffused than by this great person, who had every quality of a genius and an artist, except envy. He spent great sums in contributing to public works, and was known to choose that the expense should fall on himself, rather than that his country should be deprived of some beautiful edifices. His enthusiasm for the works of Inigo Jones was so active, that he repaired the church of Covent Garden because it was the production of that great master; and purchased his gateway at Beaufort Garden, in Chelsea, and transported the identical stones to Chiswick with religious attachment. With the same zeal for pure architecture, he assisted Kent in publishing Inigo's designs for Whitehall, and gave a beautiful edition of the Antique Baths from the drawings of Palladio." The truth is, that

Lord Burlington bore all the cost of Kent's Inigo. He also published at his own expense Castell's Villas of the Ancients, giving the profits of the work to the author; the Palladio was only for private distribution.

Burlington's taste in architecture was considered superior to his taste in poetry; yet, such is the fortune of life, the most eminent poet of the time was his friend and companion, while he bestowed his patronage on but an indifferent architect. All the paintings, carvings, buildings, and landscape gardens of Kent have reflected less honour upon his lordship's name than the single epistle of Pope. In the labours of Kent we may, however, read the taste of the peer; of his character we can gather some little from the page of the poet;