It is impossible, as impossible as to raise the dead, to restore anything that has ever been great or beautiful in architecture. That which I have... insisted upon as the life of the whole, that spirit which is given only by the hand and eye of the workman, can never be recalled.

Summary

This quote suggests that the author believes it is impossible to fully revive or recreate the greatness and beauty found in architecture once it has been lost. The author emphasizes the importance of the personal touch and skill brought by the workman, stating that it cannot be replicated or reclaimed. This implies that the spirit and unique craftsmanship that go into creating extraordinary architecture cannot be restored once it is gone, making it an irreplaceable aspect of the art form.