The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-05-08

OF something of the illusive quality OF mere word
music to which have referred. II is most probable
that the lack of sustained thought and severity of
noble form disccrnbe in ms later poems the violence
and extravaganza Of opinion of some Of them, and
sensuaty of others obnoxious to many Of bis read
crs, have been occasloned great by lack
OF concentration induced by his habits Of life What
intellect however brilliant, could endure unimpaired
the of which he Is guiitys In spite his
iects and follcs Swinburne has and devoted
friends for he sincere enthusiastic and acctionatc
as well cxtraord narily gifted.
AGggEABLE COMPARISON
To comment, although IN the most friendly spirit,
upon one-sided and unbalanced. in spite 81
his great qualities Is not altogether agreeable task.
With far more satisfaction turn to Ruskin, one of
England's really great men, who, beyond doubt, has
rendered art true service than any living author
Ruskin has often been, believe, in former years
accused OF exceptional irrtab:hty, but time has
soncned his pecuarites and harmonizcJ his noble
character Strangers III scfdetencc, hardly is he
pressed by host OF unknown admirers who, II he al
lowed himself to be taken advantage Of would con-
sumo his time and strength he is often obliged TO
repc with mask of Indifference or naughty reserve ;
but among his friends no ono Is more simple, gentle,
afectionate, sympathetic and inspiring Ruskin is
enormous worker ana has never been intensely
ford, he spends tho principal portion Of his time in
that grand old town. rich all lofty associations, but
makes frequent excursions to London and 10 his beau
tful country seat. He IS bringing out complete
edition OF his works which IL now almost impos-
sble TO obtain At almost any cost; Is engaged in
series Of works not yet announced 10 the world In
the preparation OF which he is receiving the assistance
of number of learned professors; he edits paper
brisng with aphorisms and tcchncates which,
TO the comprehension Of Phstinc would prove hard
sayings the reason, perhaps, that he reserves for
private circulation among the tiie; he delivers his
weekly lectures and yet finds time his aborious
path with tho waysidc blossoms, which earnest
the public of tho greater works they will hereafter
ENJOY.
EARLY HOURS.
With this picture Of what he is accomplishing is
not surprised to learn that he rises at four O'Clock in
the morning. In the winter makes his hre with his
hands, and constantly pursucs his various occupations
with the impassioned zeal which is the condition OF the
true development OF genius Raskin is very wealthy
aud munnccnt in generosity. large portion OF his
large income he spends yearly in chares-true chari
ties wisely dispensed instance, he has just given
$1,000 to fund which is being admirably organized for
the benefit of un fortunate authors.
YOUNG AMERICAN ARTIST.
In proof or Ruskns kindness Of dspo-
son ana sympanctc nature Will refer To an episode
in his lie in which Americans should be interested
since the heroine is young American girl destined to
for herself ii the promise OF the present is fulfilled
brilliant laurels. Insmate with agreeable American
family, who have resided for many years London
the distinguished author became specially Interested in
one OF the children of tho household a
little girl Of thirteen, whose singular sweet
ness of nature, talent and beauty have
already, in her early youth, won for her
singular privileges. Lalla was fond OF drawing, and
was taking lessons of the man who was once the mas
ter OF Ruskn himscf-an old artist and In reputc an
admirable teacher-athou.h hc had failed to follow
his great pupil his proounder researches and grasp
his subter methods Of instruction. Examining the
studies OF the child, Ruskn convinced that she
had talent off high order, and was being instructed,
and proposed himself to become her teacher He gained
the glad consent Of her parents his scheme and
ceedcd with consummaie tact in dismissng his own
former master ana the master OF his pupil without
offending his vanity or woundIng his pride. And from
that day the great master has been devoted the
young student, even now, amid his multiiarious
Payments finding time TO pay her a weekly visit and
TO send her several letters In the Of the week.
discussing the subtle mysteries and tcchnlcaltics of
art in which she has become profoundly vcrsed,
for Lala did not fail to make the utmost OF her
rare opportunity. She is, Mr.. Ruskn says. the best
pupil he has had and nc predicts tor her the noble
of OF the disciples Of high art to whom
II is given 10 be a OF ideal beauty "Are you
proud oil her. he said his last visit to her
mother, 'sfor am" Tho Of tho happy mother
or her feeling at least, readily be imagined.
POPULAR.
IL is to this same sweet Lalla that Virginia Gabrielle
now Mrs Marsh, herself with vein Of genius
charming and unique has dedicated her beautiful bal
ties afforded by wealth and position beautiful intel
lcctua kind gifted her flower OF life has bloomed in
the sunshine Of The marvellous
success Of her sweet melodies Is but one OF many
proofs Of how highly any utterancc Of genius priced
which touches the heart IL proves, also what power
is within the grasp Of the artist who has the privilege
OF cultvating his or her VEN OF inspiration in Free
dom. Her compositions command fabulous sums For
ony she received f50o This. with two or three other
little songs, brought the composer thousand guincas
besides yearly royalty amounting to some hundreds OF
pounds Wishing TO render service to an artist IN
whom she interested. and who was delicate
health, Virginia Gabrielle presented her with
one Of her compositions. In very short
time this sweet woman died unexpectedly, and
her motEcr and sisters now living in comfort
upon the income derived from tho gilt OF the COM
poser Pleasant it be. the power of thus scatter
Married to man of great ability and political
distinction she has been forced by her position into the
mid.whirl of social dissipation, but has not been
spoiled by IT, She is ono of the few who in the
world without being of the world short time since
this charming lady called upon Mrs. BIauy when
Rnskin giving Ialla her lesson, and the interview
was memorable one; for mind quickening mind and
genius genius, conversation followed which
the talk OF gods. II was pleasure to listen TO Rus
kin's unwontcd outburts of cloqucnce and Virginia
Gabrielle paid many tribute to the great teacher
by which he must have been touched. For instance,
she SAID, "Do YOU know. Mr. Ruskin, that you have
been of no less benefit to composers than to panters9
Ny best Efforts were inspired by my study of your
works" You will allow that 1alla Is happy chia "
have secured the friendship and admiration of Virginia
Gabrielle and Mr.. Ruskn. Seeing her, knowing her,
recalls the exquisite lines OF tho German poet
Du Dist vie cine Biumc,
so hold und sch0n und ren