I know you, Ulrich, I know it! But I also know something else, and it must now be said frankly.

If you allow yourself to be led on to paint pictures, if you do not submit to again become a modest pupil, and honestly torment yourself with studying, you will make no progress, you will never again accomplish a portrait like the one in the old days, like your Sophonisba.

You will then be no great artist and you can, you must become one." "I will, Belita, I will!" "Well, well; but first be a pupil! If I were in your place, I would, for aught I care, go to Venice and look about me, but from there I would ride to Flanders, to Moor, to the master." "Give up Italy?
Can you be in earnest?
Your father, himself, told me, that I...

well, yes...

in portrait-painting, he too thinks I am no blunderer.