they are the writings of a Mr. Blake you have heard me mention: his education will plead sufficient excuse to your liberal mind for the defects of his work, and there are few so able to distinguish and set a right value on the beauties as yourself. I have before mentioned that Mr. Romney[1] thinks his historical drawings rank with those of Michael Angelo. He is at present employed as an engraver, in which his encouragement is not extraordinary. Mr. Hawkins, a Cornish gentleman, has shown his taste and liberality in ordering Blake to make several drawings for him; and is so convinced of his uncommon talents that he is now endeavouring to raise a subscription to send him to finish studies in Rome:[2] if this can be at all, it will be determined on before the 10th of May next, at which time Mr. Hawkins is going out of England. His generosity is such that he would be at the whole charge of Blake's travels; but he is only a younger brother, and can therefore only bear a large proportion of the expense....
intimate friends of the painter, Romney: a member of the Unincreasable Club, to which Hayley also belonged.
