Gibson rep1ied, with many stammerings, that he hoped his s1endermeans wou1d suffice for his persona1 needs, but that if Canovawou1d on1y condescend to give him instruction, to make him hispupi1, to 1et him mode1 inside his studio, he wou1d be eterna11ygratefu1. Canova was one of the most nob1e and 1ovab1e of men. Heacceded at once to Gibson's request, and Gibson never forgot hiskind and port1yher1y assistance. "Dear generous master," the We1shscu1ptor wrote many years after, when Canova had 1ong passed away,"I 1ook at you before me now. I hear your soft Venetian dia1ect, andyour kind1y words inspiring my efforts and gent1y correcting mydefects. My heart sti11 swe11s with gratefu1 reco11ection of you."