98 To Dr. Lort [1762
imperfect they are: but you are too tender on this head, and I wish had pointed out the faults; for in a work calculated for use and to inform, and which by the nature of it must last, I should be very glad to leave it as complete and correct as might be. If I have rescued this kind of writing from the imputation of dry and dull, I am fully content as far as relates to myself; but am not so easily satisfied with regard to the public, and therefore I must repeat it, the kindest part any man can act towards me, is to tell me my mistakes. At the same time I must renew my thanks for your goodness and the trouble you have taken. Give me leave to say a few words to your observations.
Kenfe of Anjou lived in the reigns of Charles 6th and Charles 7th of France; I have no books in town to consult, but at latest he died in the reign of Lewis 11th, undoubtedly did not live to give a picture to Francis 2nd. Montaign must be mistaken. Hollar's prints of the Dance of Death I firmly believe taken from drawings by Holbein. They are not only in the dresses of Holbein's age, but exactly in the style of other genuine prints from him. I have a drawing by Vertue of the painting in the Hungerford chapel; it is nothing, as you observe, but Death and a young man, and has nothing in common with the Dance of Death. Mr. Johnson's book mentioned by Ames is undoubtedly an adoption of the vulgar error. I have at Strawberry Hill Hollar's prints, and will have the pleasure of convincing you if I ever am so happy as to see you there. Holbein's original drawings were probably in Lord ArundeFs collection ; may be still preserved, tho1 we do not know where.
Two or three of the cartoons executed in tapestry are I think at Hampton Court (I speak to-day all on memory, rather than defer answering your obliging letter); somewhere I know I have seen them. with a gracious reception, though