text:  The picture-gallery was the "nova res oblata" which "timorem leniit"-- "Hic primum AEneas sperare salutem Ausus et afflictis melius confidere rebus; Namque"---- It is singular that all the courts of Europe have for more than two centuries been earnestly engaged in forming public galleries a national benefit and honour which England had neglected with her great wealth and with opportunities singularly favourable until within a few years; and even now we are making but very slow progress and works of art of the olden and golden time are becoming more rare and immensely rising in value