Know first, that light displays and shade destroys Refulgent Nature's variegated dyes. Thus bodies near the light distinctly shine With rays direct, and as it fades decline. 365. Thus to the eye oppos'd with stronger light They meet its orb, for distance dims the sight. t Learn hence to paint the parts that meet the view In sperick forms, of bright and equal hue; 375 Lux varium, vivumque dabit, nullum umbra, colorem. Quo magis adversum est corpus, lucique propinquum. Clarius est lumen; nam debilitatur eundo. Quo magis est corpus directum, oculisque propinquum, Conspicitur melius; nam visus hebescit eundo. "Ergo in corporibus, quæ visa adversa, rotundis, Integra sunt, extrema abscedant perdita signis XXXI. The conduct of the Tints of Light and Shadow. u " XXXI. Tonorum Lu¬ minum et Umbrarum ratio, Lost and confused progressively they fade, 375 Not fall precipitate from light to shade. This Nature dictates, and this taste pursues, Studious in gradual gloom her lights to lose; The various whole with soft'ning tints to fill, As if one single head employ'd her skill. Thus if bold fancy plan some proud design, Where many various various groups divide or join, (Tho' sure from more than there confusion springs,) 380 One globe of light and shade o'er all she flings; Yet skill'd the separate masses to dispose, 385 Where'er, in front, the fuller radiance glows, Behind, a calm reposing gloom she spreads, Relieving shades with light, and light with shades. Confusis, non præcipiti labentur in umbram Totum opus, ex multis quanquam sit partibus, unus And as the center of some convex glass, 390 Draws to a point the congregated mass- 395 As is the Sculptor's, such the Painter's aim, Their labour different, but their end the same: What from the marble the rude chissel breaks, The softer pencil from the canvas takes; 400 285 Sintque ita discreti inter se, ratione colorum, 290 404 And, skill'd remoter distances to keep, Jam signata minùs confusa coloribus aufert: * XXXII. Dense and opa 410 295 300 XXXII. Corpora densa que bodies with translucent et opaca cum translucentibus. ones.. Rough let it swell and boldly meet the sight, Mark'd with peculiar strength of shade and light; There blend each earthy tint of heaviest sort, 415 sky, Light and pellucid from that substance fly. But yield to one alone the power to blaze 420 In translucendi spatio ut super aëra, nubes, 310 a XXXIII. Non duo ex cœlo Lumina in tabulam æqualia. |