He talks of going home, but says that he has been talking of it every
year since he first came to Italy; and between his pleasant life of
congenial labor, and his idea of moral deterioration in America, I think
it doubtful whether he ever crosses the sea again. Like most exiles of
twenty years, he has lost his native country without finding another; but
then it is as well to recognize the truth,--that an individual country is
by no means essential to one's comfort.
Powers took us into the farthest room, I believe, of his very extensive
studio, and showed us a statue of Washington that has much dignity and
stateliness. He expressed, however, great contempt for the coat and
breeches, and masonic emblems, in which he had been required to drape the
figure. What would he do with Washington, the most decorous and
respectable personage that ever went ceremoniously through the realities
of life? Did anybody ever see Washington nude? It is inconceivable. He
had no nakedness, but I imagine he was born with his clothes on, and his
hair powdered, and made a stately bow on his first appearance in the
world.
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