But the race of genius born too "near the sun" have found their increased sensibility flame into crimes of a deeper dye--crimes attesting the treachery and the violence of the professors of an art which, it appears, in softening the souls of others, does not necessarily mollify those of the artists themselves.

The dreadful story of ANDREA DEL CASTAGNO seems not doubtful.

Having been taught the discovery of painting in oil by Domenico Venetiano, yet, still envious of the merit of the generous friend who had confided that great secret to him, Andrea with his own hand secretly assassinated him, that he might remain without a rival.

The horror of his crime only appeared in his confession on his death-bed.
DOMENICHINO seems to have been poisoned for the preference he obtained over the Neapolitan artists, which raised them to a man against him, and reduced him to the necessity of preparing his food With his own hand.

On his last return to Naples, Passeri says, "_Non fu mai piu veduto da buon occhio da quelli Napoletani: e li Pittori lo detestavano perche egli era ritornato--mori con qualche sospetto di veleno, e questo non e inverisimile perche l'interesso e un perfido tiranno_." So that the Neapolitans honoured Genius at Naples by poison, which they might have forgotten had it flourished at Rome.