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¬selection, embraced every advantage of private circles, and all the splendour of numerous as- semblies; a system that if encouraged under the patronage of rank and opulence, which lead fashions in all countries, would soon extinguish the minor dissipations, and when improved by the erection of buildings in the highest perfec- tion of architecture and sculpture, would be- come a great feature in the eyes of strangers visiting, like myself, this ancient and illustrious city. ¬In nations depending for their wealth and greatness upon arts and manufactures it is the grossest mistake to imagine that mat- ters of this kind are indifferent — They are, on the contrary, of high importance. — Folly only declaims against the luxuries of the wealthy, because it is too short-sighted to see that they relieve the necessities of the poor. Nothing impoverishes a people but what is taken, without measure, by governments from the common stock ; all other expenses, wise or ¬h 4 unwise ¬
