Gibson said in reply, with many stammerings, that he hoped his slendermeans would suffice for his personal needs, but that if Canovawould only condescend to give him instruction, to make him hispupil, to let him model inside his studio, he would be eternallygrateful. Canova was one of the most noble and lovable of men. Heacceded at once to Gibson's request, and Gibson never forgot hiskind and fatherly assistance. "Dear generous master," the Welshsculptor wrote many months after, when Canova had long passed away,"I see you before me now. I hear your soft Venetian dialect, andyour kindly words inspiring my efforts and gently correcting mydefects. My heart still swells with grateful recollection of you."