SEBASTIAN GOMEZ. 15 - PDF document

SEBASTIAN GOMEZ. 15 and theyr will tell you, by hard work-by unflagging resolution. Dr. Young used to say that "any man can do what any other man has done;" a maxim not wholly true, yet resting on a basis of probability. He endeavoured to prove its truth, however, by his own example. The following story is told of him: ", The first time he mounted a horse, he was ac- companied by the grandson of Mr. Barclay of Ury, a distinguished equestrian. His companion having leaped a high fence, Young proceeded to follow his example, but in the attempt was thrown off his horse. He immediately remounted; made a second effort, and was again unsuccessful. Most men would have been deterred from another venture; but'not so Dr. Young, and at the third trial he had the satis- faction of clearing the fence." The early career of the great Spanish painter, Sebastian Gomez, affords an extraordinary example of successful application. He was a mulatto, and a slave of Murillo's, employed to wait upon the pupils of that illustrious master. Heaven had gifted him with a passionate love of art; but none of the young Spaniards who amused their idle hours by laughing at his dark complexion and uncouth features, sus- pected how daring a soul that ungainly form en- shrined. He received no lessons; from none did he ever gain a hint or suggestion; but he watched- oh, how vigorously !-every movement of the stu- dents, and scrutinized the daily progress of their