Dalrymple recently visited two town squares whose beauty had been marred by modern impositions. Is it possible to ignore the ugly additions and still appreciate the older beauty? An analogy comes to him:

Suppose you are in a restaurant and your meal is delicious. Suddenly the diner at the next table vomits copiously. Do you continue to eat with the same delectation as before, just because the food on your plate remains unchanged?

I think that answers that.