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 principles 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.

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;