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diff --git a/old/52862-0.txt b/old/52862-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index e57189e..0000000 --- a/old/52862-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,18069 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Biographical Anecdotes of William Hogarth, by -William Hogarth - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Biographical Anecdotes of William Hogarth - With a Catalogue of his Works - -Author: William Hogarth - -Editor: John Nichols - -Release Date: August 21, 2016 [EBook #52862] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIOGRAPHICAL ANECDOTES--WILLIAM HOGARTH *** - - - - -Produced by Clare Graham and Marc D'Hooghe (FreeLitOrg -online gains some more weight, incl. free education -worldwide: moocs, educational resources, online soon.) -(Images generously made available by the Internet Archive.) - - - - - - -BIOGRAPHICAL ANECDOTES OF WILLIAM HOGARTH; - -WITH A CATALOGUE OF HIS WORKS CHRONOLOGICALLY ARRANGED; AND OCCASIONAL -REMARKS. - - -[BY JOHN NICHOLS.] - - -THE THIRD EDITION, ENLARGED AND CORRECTED. - - -LONDON: -PRINTED BY AND FOR JOHN NICHOLS, -IN RED-LION-PASSAGE, FLEET-STREET. -M DCC LXXXV. - - - - -CONTENTS - - - Page - MEMORANDUM. iii - ADVERTISEMENT TO THE SECOND EDITION. v - ADVERTISEMENT TO THE FIRST EDITION. vii - DETAILS OF MR. CRAYEN'S GERMAN EDITION. viii - INDIVIDUALS CONSULTED BY THE AUTHOR. xv - COLLECTORS OF HOGARTH. xvi - CONCERNING HOGARTH'S ORIGINAL WORKS. xvii - BIOGRAPHICAL ANECDOTES OF HOGARTH. 1 - CATALOGUE OF HOGARTH'S PRINTS. 120 - POSTSCRIPT. 455 - ADDITION. 460 - APPENDIX NO. 1. 461 - NO. 2. 492 - NO. 3. 502 - GENERAL INDEX TO HOGARTH'S PLATES. 527 - NEW BOOKS PUBLISHED BY J. NICHOLS. - - - -MEMORANDUM. - - -Respect and gratitude having engaged me to compile a memoir of my -deceased Master and Patron Mr. BOWYER, in the same performance I -included anecdotes of all the eminent persons any way connected with -him. A note of about a page's length was allotted to HOGARTH. While it -was printing, Mr. WALPOLE'S Fourth Volume on the subject of English -Painters came out, and was followed by an immediate rage for collecting -every scrap of our Artist's designs. Persevering in my enquiries among -my friends, I had now amassed so much intelligence relative to these -engravings, that it could no longer be crowded into the situation -originally meant for it. I was therefore advised to publish it in the -form of a sixpenny pamphlet. This intended publication, however, grew -up by degrees into a three-shilling book, and, within a year and a -half afterwards, was swelled into almost its present bulk, at the price -of six shillings. Such was the origin and progress of the following -sheets, which, with many corrections, &c. have now reached a Third -Edition. - - _J. N._ - -_Nov._ 10, 1785. - - - - -ADVERTISEMENT - -TO THE SECOND EDITION. - - -The author of these imperfect sheets cannot present them a second time -to the world, before he has expressed his gratitude for the extreme -candour with which they have been treated by the _Monthly Reviewers_. -If _J. N._ has not availed himself of all the corrections designed for -his service, it is because the able critic who proposes them has been -deluded by intelligence manifestly erroneous. _J. N._ received each -particular he has mentioned, in respect to the assistance bestowed -on _Hogarth_ while his _Analysis_ was preparing, from Dr. _Morell_, -a gentleman who on that subject could not easily mistake. Implicit -confidence ought rather to be reposed in a literary coadjutor to the -deceased, than in any consistory of females that ever "mumbled their -wisdom over a gossip's bowl." Authors rarely acquaint domestic women -with the progress of their writings, or the proportion of aid they -solicit from their friends. If it were needful that Dr. _Morell_ should -translate a _Greek_ passage[1] for _Hogarth_, how chanced it that our -artist should want to apply what he did not previously understand? I -must add, that the sentiments, published by the _Reviewer_ concerning -these _Anecdotes_, bear no resemblance to the opinion circulated by -the cavillers with whom he appears to have had a remote connection. -The parties who furnished every circumstance on which he founds his -reiterated charges of error and misinformation, are not unknown. Ever -since this little work was edited, the people about Mrs. _Hogarth_ -have paid their court to her by decrying it as "low, stupid, or -false," without the slightest acknowledgement for the sums of money it -has conducted to _The Golden Head_ in _Leicester Fields_. While the -talents of the writer alone were questioned by such inadequate judges -of literary merit, a defence on his part was quite unnecessary. He has -waited, however, with impatience for an opportunity of making some -reply to their groundless reflections on his veracity. This purpose -he flatters himself will have been completely executed after he has -observed that all credentials relative to his disputed assertion -shall be ready (as they are at this moment) for the Reviewer's -inspection. _J. N._ cannot indeed dismiss his present advertisement -without observing, that though the amiable partialities of a wife may -apologize for any contradiction suggested by Mrs. _Hogarth_ herself, -the _English_ language is not strong enough to express the contempt he -feels in regard to the accumulated censure both of her male and her -female Parasites. - - _J. N._ - -_Nov._ 1, 1782. - -[1] Whereabouts is this translation of a _Greek_ passage to be found in -the Analysis? It may have escaped my hasty researches. - - - - -ADVERTISEMENT TO THE FIRST EDITION. - - -When this pamphlet was undertaken, the Author had no thought of -swelling it to it's present bulk; but communicating his design to his -friends, they favoured him with various particulars of information. -Some of these accommodated themselves to his original plan, if he can -be supposed to have had any, but others were more intractable. Still -aware of the value even of disjointed materials, which his profession -would not afford him leisure to compact into a regular narrative, -and conscious that these sheets, rude and imperfect as they are, -may serve to promote a publication less unworthy of its subject, -he dismisses his present work without any laboured apology for the -errors that may be detected in it; claiming, indeed, some merit on -account of intelligence, but not the least on the score of arrangement -or composition. He takes the same opportunity to observe, that many -curious anecdotes of extraordinary persons have been unfortunately -lost, because the possessors of those fugitive particulars had not the -power of communicating them in proper form, or polished language, and -were unwilling to expose them in such a state as these are offered to -the world. - -_May_ 9, 1781. - - - - -The ingenious Mr. CRAYEN of _Leipzig_ having translated the First -Edition of these Anecdotes, &c. into the _German_ Language, dispatched -a copy of his work to _J. N._ attended by the obliging letter here -subjoined: - - SIR, - - Though I have not the honour of being acquainted with you, I hope - your goodness will excuse the liberty I take of sending you a - _German_ translation of the _Biographical Anecdotes of Mr. Hogarth_ - you published. Being convinced of the merits of your production, and - its usefulness to such collectors of prints and connoisseurs in our - country as don't understand the _English_ language, I undertook this - translation, and flatter myself you will be pleased to accept of it as - a proof of my real esteem for you. - - You will find, that I did not always adhere literally to the original, - but made some abridgments, alterations, notes, &c. &c. But I hope you - will do me the justice to consider, that I wrote for my countrymen, - and therefore left out such passages, poems, anecdotes, &c. &c. as - would have been entirely uninteresting to them, and have swelled the - volume to no purpose. - - As to the typographical performance, I think you will be tolerably - satisfied of it. Though the noble art of printing is of _German_ - origin, your nation has improved and brought it to the highest pitch - of perfection in point of neatness, elegance, and correctness. - - I remain, with all possible esteem, - - SIR, - - Your most obedient - - and most humble servant, - - A. CRAYEN. - - _Leipzig_ in _Saxony,_ - the 29th _Jan._ 1783. - - * * * * * - -The following are Translations, by a Friend, from the -Dedication and PREFACE to Mr. CRAYEN'S performance. - - * * * * * - -DEDICATION. - - To Mr. GOTTFRIED WINKLER, in _Leipzig_; - - HONOURED and WORTHY FRIEND, - - Pardon my presumption in offering you the slender fruit of a few - leisure hours. Receive it with your wonted kindness, and judge of it - not by the trifling value of the work, but by the intention of its - Author, whose most zealous wish has long been to find an opportunity - of publickly offering you, however small, a memorial of his respect - and friendship. - - If my labour in adding a mite towards the diffusion of the knowledge - of the Arts, is honoured with the approbation of so enlightened a - Connoisseur, I shall feel myself completely rewarded. - - Receive at the same time my sincerest thanks for the obliging - communication of your Copy of _Hogarth's_ prints, of which, in my - translation, I have more than once availed myself. - - Live, honoured Sir, many days; happy in the bosom of your worthy - family, in the circle of your friends, and in the enjoyment of those - treasures of the Arts you have collected with such distinguished - taste. Remain also a friend of - - Yours, &c. - - THE TRANSLATOR. - - * * * * * - -PREFACE. - -To the GERMAN READER. - -Collectors of the Fine Arts were already possessed of _Catalogues_ and -_Memoires Raisonnées_ of the engravings of many great masters, for -which their acknowledgements are due to the industry of a _Gersaint_, a -_Jombert_, a _Hecquet_, a _Vertue_, a _de Winter_, &c. &c. - -But a similar illustration of HOGARTH'S copper-plates was still -wanting; though it may be asked what works have a juster claim to -a distinguished place in a compleat collection, than those of this -instructive moral painter, this creative genius? - -On this account, it is presumed that the _German_ Lover of the Arts -will deem himself indebted to the Translator, for giving him, in his -own tongue, a concise and faithful version of a book that has lately -made its appearance in _London_, under the title of "Biographical -Anecdotes of _W. Hogarth_, and a Catalogue of his Works chronologically -arranged." - -The Compiler as well as Editor of this work is Mr. JOHN NICHOLS, a -_Printer_ and _Bookseller_ in _London_, who, by much reading, and an -intimate acquaintance with the Arts and Literature of his Country, has -honourably distinguished himself among his professional brethren. How -modestly he himself judges of this his useful performance, appears from -his preface to the work. - -It is true, Mr. HORACE WALPOLE, who possesses perhaps the compleatest -collection of the prints of this Master, some years ago published a -Catalogue of them; but this is only to be found in his work, intituled, -"_Anecdotes of Painting in England collected by G. Vertue, and -published by H. Walpole_," a performance consisting of four volumes -in 4to, too costly for many collectors, and inconvenient for others. -Moreover all that is to be found there relative to _Hogarth_, is not -only included in Mr. _Nichols's_ publication, but is also improved by -considerable additions, so that the curious reader has _Walpole's_ -Catalogue incorporated with the present work. - -The liberty of abridgement, as mentioned in the title, is ventured -only in regard to such diffuse illustrations, repetitions, anecdotes, -and local stories, as would be alone interesting to an _Englishman_; -in a word, in such parts as do not immediately contribute to the -illustration of _Hogarth's_ plates, and would have tired the patience -of the _German_ reader. Of the verses affixed to each copper-plate -the first and last words only are given, as those afford sufficient -indication for a collector who wishes to become acquainted with any -particular print. How far some remarks of the Translator are useful, or -otherwise, is left to the indulgent decision of Judges in the Arts. - -He must not however forget it is his duty to acknowledge the goodness -of old Mr. HANSEN of _Leipsig_. This gentleman's readiness in -permitting him to examine his excellent collection of the engravings -of _British_ artists, for the purpose of comparing and illustrating -several passages in the original of this work, claims his warmest -thanks, and a public acknowledgement. - -_Leipsig, February_ 1783. - - THE TRANSLATOR. - - - - -List of Gentlemen, Artists, &c. who furnished incidental intelligence -to the Author of this Work. - -Mr. _Ashby_. -Mr. _Basire_. -Mr. _Baynes_. -Mr. _Belchier_--dead. -Mr. _Bindley_. -Mr. _Birch_. -Mr. _Bowle_. -Mr. _Braithwaite_. -Mr. _Browning_. -Lord _Charlemont_. -Mr. _Charlton_. -Mr. _Cole_--dead. -Mr. _Colman_. -Mr. _Coxe_. -Mr. _Dodsley_. -Dr. _Ducarel_--dead. -Mr. _Duncombe_. -Mr. _Edwards_. -Mr. _Forrest_--dead. -Mr. _Foster_--dead. -Mr _Goodison_. -Mrs. _Gostling_. -Mr. _Gough_. -Mr. _Hall_. -Sir _John Hawkins_. -Mr. _Henderson_. -Mrs. _Hogarth_. -Dr. _Hunter_--dead. -Mr. _S. Ireland_. -Dr. _Johnson_--dead. -Mr. _Keate_. -Bishop of _Kilala_. -Mr. _Lane_. -Mrs. _Lewis_. -Mr. _Livesay_. -Dr. _Lort_. -Mr. _Lyon_. -Mr. _Major_. -Mr. _Malone_. -Dr. _Monkhouse_. -Dr. _Morell_--dead. -Mr. _Morrison_. -Mr. _Pinkerton_. -Mr. _Rayner_. -Mr. _Reed_. -Sir _Joshua Reynolds_. -Mr. _Richards_. -Mr. _Rogers_--dead. -Mr. _Rumsey_. -Mr. _Steevens_. -Mr. _Thane_. -Mr. _Thomas_. -Mr. _Tyers_. -Mr. _Waldron_. -Mr. _Walker_. -Mr. _J. C. Walker_. -Mr. _Walpole_. -Dr. _Warton_. -Mr. _Way_. -Mr. _Welch_--dead. -Mr. _Whately_. -Mr. _B. White_. -Mr. _H. White_. -Mr. _Wilkes_. -Mr. _Williams_. -Dr. _Wright_. - - - - -COLLECTORS of HOGARTH. - -Mr. AYTON.[1] -Mr. BEDFORD. -Mr. BELLAMY. -Mr. CLARE. -Mr. CRICKITT. -Dr. DUCAREL.[2] -Lord EXETER. -Mr. FOSTER.[3] -Mr. GOODISON. -Mr. GULSTON. -Sir JOHN HAWKINS, Kt. -Mr. HENDERSON.[4] -Mr. IRELAND. -Dr. LORT. -Mr. MORRISON. -Mr. ROGERS.[5] -Mr. STEEVENS. -Mr. WALPOLE. -Mr. WINDHAM.[6] - -[1] His collection was cut up, and sold at _Dickinson's, New Bond -Street_. - -[2] Died _May_ 29, 1785. His collection devolves to his Nephew and -Heir, Mr. DUCAREL, lately returned from _The East Indies_. - -[3] Died _Oct._ 3, 1782. His improved collection sold at _Barford's_ -auction rooms, late _Langford's, March_ 4, 1783, for £.105. Mr. -CRICKITT was the Purchaser. - -[4] Mr. HENDERSON sold his collection to Sir JOHN ELLIOT for £.126 in -_April_ 1785. - -[5] Died _January_ 2, 1784. His collection remains with his Nephew and -Heir, Mr. COTTON, F. S. A. - -[6] The Right Hon. _William Windham_, M. P. for _Norwich_. - - - - -Extract from the DAILY ADVERTISER, _January_ 27, 1783. - - "HOGARTH'S ORIGINAL WORKS. - - "As an opinion generally prevails, that the genuine impressions - of _Hogarth's_ works are very bad, and the plates retouched; Mrs. - _Hogarth_ is under the necessity of acquainting the public in general, - and the admirers of her deceased husband's works in particular, that - it has been owing to a want of proper attention in the conducting this - work for some years past, that the impressions in general have not - done justice to the condition of the plates; and she has requested - some gentlemen most eminent in the art of engraving, to inspect the - plates, who have given the following opinion: - - "_London, Jan._ 21, 1783. - - "We, whose names are underwritten, having carefully examined the - copper-plates published by the late Mr. _Hogarth_, are fully convinced - that they have not been retouched since his death. - - "FRANCIS BARTOLOZZI. - WM. WOOLLET.[1] - WM. WYNNE RYLAND.[2] - - "N. B. All[3] the original works are now properly and well printed, - and to be had of Mrs. _Hogarth_, at her house at _The Golden Head_, in - _Leicester-Fields_." - -This is one of the most extraordinary testimonials ever laid before -the public. _Hogarth_ died in 1764. Since that time his plates have -been injudiciously and unmercifully worked, so as to leave no means -of ascertaining, through any observation or process of art, the exact -period when they were last repaired. Notwithstanding this difficulty, -in the year 1783, we find several engravers of eminence declaring their -full conviction on the subject. All we can do is, to suppose their -confidence was grounded on the veracity of Mrs. _Hogarth_. I believe -the parties as to the fact; and yet it was impossible for Messieurs _B. -W._ and _R._ to be adequate judges of the truth to which they have set -their names as witnesses. - -[1] Died _May_ 23, 1785. - -[2] Executed _Aug._ 29, 1783. - -[3] By "_all_ the original works," Mrs. _Hogarth_ means only such -plates as are in her possession. See page xx, where a great number of -others, equally original, are found. - - - - -Prints _published by_ Mr. HOGARTH: _Genuine Impressions[1] of which are -to be had at_ Mrs. HOGARTH'S _House in_ Leicester Fields, 1782. - - Size of the plates in inches l. s. d. - - 16 by 14 Frontispiece 0 3 0 - 15½ by 12½ Harlot's Progress, six prints 1 1 0 - 16 by 14 Rake's Progress, eight prints 2 2 0 - 18 by 15 Marriage a-la-mode, six prints 1 11 6 - 19 by 15½ Four Times of the Day, four prints 1 1 0 - 16½ by 13 Before and After, two prints 0 5 0 - 18½ by 13½ Midnight Conversation 0 5 0 - 16 by 14 Distress'd Poet 0 3 0 - 16 by 14 Enraged Musician 0 3 0 - 18 by 14 _Southwark_ Fair 0 5 0 - 20¾ by 16½ _Garrick_ in King _Richard_ III. 0 7 6 - 18 by 12 _Calais_, or the Roast Beef - of _Old England_ 0 5 0 - 20½ by 16 _Paul_ before _Felix_ 0 7 6 - Ditto, Ditto, with Alterations 0 6 0 - 20½ by 16½ _Moses_ brought to _Pharaoh's_ Daughter 0 7 6 - 22 by 17 March to _Finchley_ 0 10 6 - Ditto, Strolling Actresses dressing in a Barn 0 5 0 - Ditto, Four Prints of an Election 2 2 0 - 19½ by 12 Bishop of _Winchester_ 0 3 0 - 14 by 10½ Idleness and Industry, 12 prints 0 12 0 - 14 by 9 Lord _Lovat_ 0 1 0 - 10½ by 8½ Sleeping Congregation 0 1 0 - 12 by 8½ Country-Inn Yard 0 1 0 - 14 by 10½ _Paul_ before _Felix, Rembrant_ 0 5 0 - 9 by 8 Various Characters of Heads 0 2 6 - 6½ by 7½ _Columbus_ breaking the Egg 0 1 0 - 12 by 8½ The Bench 0 1 6 - 15 by 13 _Beer Street_ and _Gin Lane_, - two prints 0 3 0 - Ditto, Four Stages of Cruelty, four prints 0 6 0 - 15 by 12½ Two Prints of an Invasion 0 2 0 - Ditto, A Cock Match 0 3 0 - 9 by 8 The Five Orders of Periwigs 0 1 0 - 17 by 13 The Medley 0 5 0 - 12 by 9½ The Times 0 2 0 - 12¾ by 9 _Wilkes_ 0 1 0 - 10 by 11 Bruiser 0 1 6 - 9 by 7½ _Finis_ 0 2 6 - -_N. B._ Any person purchasing the whole together may have them -delivered bound, at the Price of Thirteen Guineas; a sufficient Margin -will be left for framing.--The ANALYSIS of BEAUTY, in Quarto, may also -be had, with two explanatory Prints, Price 15 Shillings. - -[1] _Genuine_ impressions--Query, the meaning of such an epithet in -this place? - - - - -_Credite Posteri!_ - -In the years 1781, 1782, &c. the following Pieces of HOGARTH are known -to have been sold at the prices annexed. - - Lord _Boyne_. 5 5 0 - Charmers of the Age. 5 5 0 - _Booth, Wilks_,&c. 5 5 0 - Discovery. 3 3 0 - Altar-piece. 1 11 6 - _Rich's_ Glory. 4 4 0 - _Beaver's_ Military Pun. 3 3 0 - _Blackwell's_ Figures. 1 16 6 - Boys peeping, &c. 1 1 0 - _Apuleius._ 1 16 6 - _Cassandra._ 1 11 6 - _Beer Street_ with Variat. 1 1 0 - Large _Hudibras_. 5 5 0 - March to _Finchley_ Aq. - F. Proof. 2 2 0 - Do. finished, without - letters. 5 5 0 - Festoon. Rt for _Rich._ III. 1 1 0 - Power of Atty. _F. Hosp._ 1 16 9 - Orator _Henley_. 1 1 0 - _Huggins._ 3 3 0 - Witch. 3 3 0 - Jacobite's Journal. 2 11 6 - _Judith_ and _Holophernes_. 1 1 0 - _Sarah Malcolm._ 2 2 0 - Large Masquerade. 2 2 0 - Small, first impression. 1 16 6 - _Scots_ Opera. 0 15 0 - Woman swearing, &c. 1 1 0 - Lady _Byron_. 1 1 0 - _Hogarth_ with Dog. 2 2 0 - Do. Serjeant Painter. 2 2 0 - Do. scratched over. 2 2 0 - _Perseus_ and _Andromeda_. 2 2 0 - First Distrest Poet. 1 1 0 - Do. Enraged Musician. 1 1 0 - _Motraye._ 2 2 0 - Bench, first impression. 1 1 0 - _Burlington Gate._ 1 1 0 - _Sancho_ at Dinner. 1 1 0 - First Election. 3 3 0 - Fair. 1 1 0 - Farmer's Return. 0 10 6 - _Gulliver_. 0 10 6 - _Hen._ VIII. and _A. Bullen_ 1 1 0 - _Herring_, proof impression. 1 1 0 - _Hogarth_, Engr, Shop Bill. 1 1 0 - _Morell._ 0 10 6 - _Pine._ 0 10 6 - Coat of Arms, Sir _G. - Page_,&c. 2 2 0 - Times, first impression. 1 1 0 - Master of the Vineyard. 2 2 0 - _Turk's_ Head. 2 2 0 - Harlot's Progress, first - impression, red. 10 10 0 - Marriage Alamode. 3 3 0 - Rake's Progress. 6 6 0 - Four Times. 2 2 0 - Prentices, 1st impression. 4 4 0 - Elections, 1st impression. 6 6 0 - _Garrick_ in _Rich._ III. 1 1 0 - Gate of _Calais_. 0 15 0 - _Paul_ burlesqued. 1 1 0 - Strolling Actresses. 1 12 6 - Three additional Prints - to _Beaver_, &c. 2 2 9 - _Milward's_ Ticket. 4 4 0 - Music introduced to - _Apollo_. 1 11 6 - _Martin Folkes_, mezzotinto 0 10 6 - _Spiller's_ Ticket. 5 5 0 - Two plates to _Milton_. 2 2 0 - Frontispiece to _Leveridge's_ - Songs. 1 12 6 - Concert. St. _Mary's_ - Chapel. 5 5 0 - - - - -HOGARTH. - - -This great and original Genius is said by Dr. _Burn_ to have been -the descendant of a family originally from _Kirkby Thore_,[1] in -_Westmoreland_: and I am assured that his grandfather was a plain -yeoman, who possessed a small tenement in the vale of _Bampton_, a -village about 15 miles North of _Kendal_, in that county. He had -three sons. The eldest assisted his father in farming, and succeeded -to his little freehold. The second settled in _Troutbeck_, a village -eight miles North West of _Kendal_, and was remarkable for his talent -at provincial poetry.[2] The third, educated at _St. Bee's_, who -had kept a school in the same county, and appears to have a man of -some learning, went early to _London_, where he resumed his original -occupation of a school-master in _Ship Court_ in _The Old Bailey_, -and was occasionally employed as a corrector of the press. A _Latin_ -letter, from Mr. _Richard Hogarth_, in 1697 (preserved among the MSS. -in _The British Museum_, N° 4277. 50.) relates to a book which had -been printed with great expedition. But the letter shall speak for -itself.[3] - -A Dictionary in _Latin_ and _English_, which he composed for the use of -schools,[4] still exists in MS. He married in _London_; and our Hero, -and his sisters _Mary_ and _Anne_, are believed to have been the only -product of the marriage. - -WILLIAM HOGARTH[5] is said (under the article THORNHILL in the -_Biographia Britannica_) to have been born in 1698, in the parish -of _St. Bartholomew,[6] London_, to which parish, it is added, he -was afterwards a benefactor. The outset of his life, however, was -unpromising. "He was bound," says Mr. _Walpole_, "to a mean engraver -of arms on plate." _Hogarth_ probably chose this occupation, as it -required some skill in drawing, to which his genius was particularly -turned, and which he contrived assiduously to cultivate. His master, it -since appears, was Mr. _Ellis Gamble_, a silversmith of eminence, who -resided in _Cranbourn-street, Leicester-fields_. In this profession it -is not unusual to bind apprentices to the single branch of engraving -arms and cyphers on every species of metal; and in that particular -department of the business young _Hogarth_ was placed;[7] "but, before -his time was expired, he felt the impulse of genius, and that it -directed him to painting." - -During his apprenticeship, he set out one _Sunday_, with two or three -companions, on an excursion to _Highgate_. The weather being hot, -they went into a public-house, where they had not been long, before -a quarrel arose between some persons in the same room. One of the -disputants struck the other on the head with a quart pot, and cut -him very much. The blood running down the man's face, together with -the agony of the wound, which had distorted his features into a most -hideous grin, presented _Hogarth_, who shewed himself thus early -"apprised of the mode Nature had intended he should pursue," with too -laughable a subject to be overlooked. He drew out his pencil, and -produced on the spot one of the most ludicrous figures that ever was -seen. What rendered this piece the more valuable was, that it exhibited -an exact likeness of the man, with the portrait of his antagonist, -and the figures in caricature of the principal persons gathered round -him. This anecdote was furnished by one of his fellow apprentices then -present, a person of indisputable character, and who continued his -intimacy with _Hogarth_ long after they both grew up into manhood. - -"His apprenticeship was no sooner expired," says Mr. _Walpole_, "than -he entered into the academy in _St. Martin's Lane_, and studied drawing -from the life, in which he never attained to great excellence. It -was character, the passions, the soul, that his genius was given him -to copy. In colouring he proved no greater a master: his force lay in -expression, not in tints and chiaro scuro." - -To a man who by indefatigable industry and uncommon strength of genius -has been the artificer of his own fame and fortune, it can be no -reproach to have it said that at one period he was not rich. It has -been asserted, and we believe with good foundation, that the skill -and assiduity of _Hogarth_ were, even in his servitude, a singular -assistance to his own family, and to that of his master. It happened, -however, that when he was first out of his time, he certainly was poor. -The ambition of indigence is ever productive of distress. So it fared -with _Hogarth_, who, while he was furnishing himself with materials -for subsequent perfection, felt all the contempt which penury could -produce. Being one day distressed to raise so trifling a sum as twenty -shillings, in order to be revenged of his landlady, who strove to -compel him to payment, he drew her as ugly as possible, and in that -single portrait gave marks of the dawn of superior genius.[8] This -story I had once supposed to be founded on certainty; but since, on -other authority, have been assured, that had such an accident ever -happened to him, he would not have failed to talk of it afterwards, as -he was always fond of contrasting the necessities of his youth with -the affluence of his maturer age. He has been heard to say of himself, -"I remember the time when I have gone moping into the city with scarce -a shilling in my pocket; but as soon as I had received ten guineas -there for a plate, I have returned home, put on my sword, and sallied -out again, with all the confidence of a man who had ten thousand pounds -in his pocket." Let me add, that my first authority may be to the full -as good as my second. - -How long he continued in obscurity we cannot exactly learn; but the -first piece in which he distinguished himself as a painter, is supposed -to have been a representation of _Wanstead Assembly_.[9] In this are -introduced portraits of the first earl _Tylney_, his lady, their -children, tenants, &c. The faces were said to be extremely like, and -the colouring is rather better than in some of his late and more highly -finished performances. - -From the date of the earliest plate that can be ascertained to be the -work of _Hogarth_, it may be presumed that he began business, on his -own account, at least as early as the year 1720. - -His first employment seems to have been the engraving of arms and -shop-bills. The next step was to design and furnish plates for -booksellers; and here we are fortunately supplied with dates.[10] -Thirteen folio prints, with his name to each, appeared in "_Aubry -de la Motraye's_ Travels," in 1723; seven smaller prints for -"_Apuleius'_ Golden Ass" in 1724; fifteen head-pieces to "_Beaver's_ -Military Punishments of the Ancients," and five frontispieces for the -translation of _Cassandra_, in five volumes, 12°, 1725; seventeen cuts -for a duodecimo edition of _Hudibras_ (with _Butler's_ head) in 1726; -two for "_Perseus_ and _Andromeda_," in 1730; two for _Milton_ [the -date uncertain]; and a variety of others between 1726 and 1733. - -"No symptom of genius," says Mr. _Walpole_, "dawned in those plates. -His _Hudibras_ was the first of his works that marked him as a man -above the common; yet, what made him then noticed, now surprises -us, to find so little humour in an undertaking so congenial to his -talents."--It is certain that he often lamented to his friends the -having parted with his property in the prints of the large _Hudibras_, -without ever having had an opportunity to improve them. They were -purchased by Mr. _Philip Overton_,[11] at the _Golden Buck_, near _St. -Dunstan's Church_ in _Fleet-Street_; and still remain in the possession -of his successor Mr. _Sayer_. - -Mr. _Bowles_ at the _Black Horse_ in _Cornhill_ was one of his earliest -patrons. I had been told that he bought many a plate from _Hogarth_ -by the weight of the copper; but am only certain that this occurrence -happened in a single instance, when the elder Mr. _Bowles_ of _St. -Paul's Church-yard_ offered, over a bottle, half a crown a pound for a -plate just then completed. This circumstance was within the knowledge -of Dr. _Ducarel_.--Our artist's next friend in that line was Mr. -_Philip Overton_, who paid him a somewhat better price for his labour -and ingenuity. - -When Mr. _Walpole_ speaks of _Hogarth's_ early performances, he -observes, that they rose not above the labours of the people who are -generally employed by booksellers. Lest any reader should inadvertently -suppose this candid writer designed the minutest reflection on those -artists to whom the decoration of modern volumes is confided, it is -necessary to observe, that his account of _Hogarth_, &c. was printed -off above ten years ago, before the names of _Cipriani, Angelica, -Bartolozzi, Sherwin,_ and _Mortimer_ were found at the bottom of any -plates designed for the ornament of poems, or dramatic pieces. - -"On the success, however, of those plates," Mr. _Walpole_ says, "he -commenced painter, a painter of portraits; the most ill-suited -employment imaginable to a man whose turn certainly was not flattery, -nor his talent adapted to look on vanity without a sneer. Yet his -facility in catching a likeness, and the method he chose of painting -families and conversations in small, then a novelty, drew him -prodigious business for some time. It did not last, either from his -applying to the real bent of his disposition, or from his customers -apprehending that a satirist was too formidable a confessor for the -devotees of self-love." There are still many family pictures by Mr. -_Hogarth_ existing, in the style of serious conversation-pieces. He was -not however lucky in all his resemblances, and has sometimes failed -where a crowd of other artists have succeeded. The whole-length of Mr. -_Garrick_ sitting at a table, with his wife behind him taking the pen -out of his hand,[12] confers no honour on the painter or the persons -represented.[13] He has certainly missed the character of our late -_Roscius's_ countenance while undisturbed by passion; but was more -lucky in seizing his features when aggravated by terror, as in the -tent scene of King _Richard_ III. It is by no means astonishing, that -the elegant symmetry of Mrs. _Garrick's_ form should have evaded the -efforts of one to whose ideas _la basse nature_ was more familiar than -the grace inseparable from those who have been educated in higher life. -His talents, therefore, could do little justice to a pupil of Lady -_Burlington_. - -What the prices of his portraits were, I have strove in vain to -discover; but suspect they were originally very low, as the people who -are best acquainted with them chuse to be silent on that subject. - -In the Bee, vol. V. p. 552. and also in the Gentleman's Magazine, vol. -IV. p. 269. are the following verses to Mr. _Hogarth_, on Miss _F's_ -picture, 1734. - - "To _Chloe's_ picture you such likeness give, - The animated canvas seems to live; - The tender breasts with wanton heavings move, - And the soft sparkling eyes inspire with love: - While I survey each feature o'er and o'er, - I turn _Idolater_, and paint adore: - Fondly I here can gaze without a fear, - That, _Chloe_, to my love you'd grow severe; - That in your _Picture_, as in _Life_, you'd turn - Your eyes away, and kill me with your scorn: - No, here at least with transport I can see - Your eyes with softness languishing on me. - While, _Chloe_, this I boast, with scornful heart - Nor rashly censure _Hogarth_, or his _art_, - Who all your _Charms_ in strongest _Light_ has laid, - And kindly thrown your _Pride_ and _Scorn_ in _Shade_." - -At _Rivenhall_, in _Essex_, the seat of Mr. _Western_, is a family -picture, by _Hogarth_ of Mr. _Western_ and his mother (who was a -daughter of Sir _Anthony Shirley_), Chancellor _Hoadly_, Archdeacon -_Charles Plumptre_, the Rev. Mr. _Cole_ of _Milton_ near _Cambridge_, -and Mr. _Henry Taylor_ the Curate there,[14] 1736. - -In the gallery of the late Mr. _Cole_ of _Milton_, was also a small -whole-length picture of Mr. _Western_,[15] by _Hogarth_, a striking -resemblance. He is drawn sitting in his Fellow-Commoner's habit, and -square cap with a gold tassel, in his chamber at _Clare Hall_, over the -arch towards the river; and our artist, as the chimney could not be -expressed, has drawn a cat sitting near it, agreeable to his humour, to -shew the situation. - -"When I sat to him," says Mr. _Cole_, "near fifty years ago, the custom -of giving vails to servants was not discontinued. On my taking leave -of our painter at the door, and his servant's opening it or the coach -door, I cannot tell which, I offered him a small gratuity; but the man -very politely refused it, telling me it would be as much as the loss of -his place, if his master knew it. This was so uncommon, and so liberal -in a man of Mr. _Hogarth's_ profession at that time of day, that it -much struck me, as nothing of the sort had happened to me before." - -It was likewise Mr. _Hogarth's_ custom to sketch out on the spot any -remarkable face which particularly struck him, and of which he wished -to preserve the remembrance. A gentleman still living informs me, that -being once with our painter at the _Bedford Coffee-house_, he observed -him to draw something with a pencil on his nail. Enquiring what had -been his employment, he was shewn the countenance (a whimsical one) of -a person who was then at a small distance. - -It happened in the early part of _Hogarth's_ life, that a nobleman, -who was uncommonly ugly and deformed, came to sit to him for his -picture. It was executed with a skill that did honour to the artist's -abilities; but the likeness was rigidly observed, without even the -necessary attention to compliment or flattery. The peer, disgusted at -this counterpart of his dear self, never once thought of paying for a -reflector that would only insult him with his deformities. Some time -was suffered to elapse before the artist applied for his money; but -afterwards many applications were made by him (who had then no need of -a banker) for payment, without success. The painter, however, at last -hit upon an expedient, which he knew must alarm the nobleman's pride, -and by that means answer his purpose. It was couched in the following -card: - -"Mr. _Hogarth's_ dutiful respects to Lord ----; finding that he does -not mean to have the picture which was drawn for him, is informed again -of Mr. _H's_ necessity for the money; if, therefore, his lordship -does not send for it in three days, it will be disposed of, with the -addition of a tail, and some other little appendages, to Mr. _Hare_, -the famous wild-beast man; Mr. _H._ having given that gentleman a -conditional promise of it for an exhibition-picture, on his lordship's -refusal." - -This intimation had the desired effect. The picture was sent home, and -committed to the flames. - -To the other anecdotes of this comic Painter may be added the -following. Its authenticity must apologize for its want of other merit. - -A certain old Nobleman, not remarkably generous, having sent for -_Hogarth_, desired he would represent, in one of the compartments on a -staircase, _Pharaoh_ and his Host drowned in the _Red Sea_; but at the -same time gave our artist to understand, that no great price would be -given for his performance. _Hogarth_ agreed. Soon after, he waited on -his employer for payment, who seeing that the space allotted for the -picture had only been daubed over with red, declared he had no idea -of paying a painter when he had proceeded no further than to lay his -_ground_. "_Ground!_" said _Hogarth_, "there is no _ground_ in the -case, my lord. The red you perceive, is the _Red Sea. Pharaoh_ and his -Host are drowned as you desired, and cannot be made objects of sight, -for the ocean covers them all." - -Mr. _Walpole_ has remarked, that if our artist "indulged his spirit -of ridicule in personalities, it never proceeded beyond sketches and -drawings," and wonders "that he never, without intention, delivered -the very features of any identical person." But this elegant writer, -who may be said to have received his education in a Court, perhaps had -few opportunities of acquaintance among the low popular characters with -which _Hogarth_ occasionally peopled his scenes.[16] The Friend to whom -I owe this remark was assured by an ancient gentleman of unquestionable -veracity and acuteness of observation, that almost all the personages -who attend the levee of the Rake were undoubted portraits; and that, -in _Southwark Fair_ and the _Modern Midnight Conversation_, as many -more were discoverable. In the former plate he pointed out _Essex_ the -dancing-master; and in the latter, as well as in the second plate to -the _Rake's Progress, Figg_ the prize-fighter.[17] He mentioned several -others by name, from his immediate knowledge both of the painter's -design and the characters represented; but the rest of the particulars, -by which he supported his assertions, have escaped the memory of my -informant. I am also assured, that while _Hogarth_ was painting the -_Rake's Progress_, he had a summer residence at _Isleworth_; and never -failed to question the company who came to see these pictures, if they -knew for whom one or another figure was designed. When they guessed -wrong, he set them right. - -Mr. _Walpole_ has a sketch in oil, given to him by _Hogarth_, who -intended to engrave it. It was done at the time when the House of -Commons appointed a committee to inquire into the cruelties exercised -on prisoners in the _The Fleet_, to extort money from them. "The -scene," he says, "is the committee; on the table are the instruments -of torture. A prisoner in rags, half-starved, appears before them; the -poor man has a good countenance, that adds to the interest. On the -other hand is the inhuman gaoler. It is the very figure that _Salvator -Rosa_ would have drawn for _Iago_ in the moment of detection. Villainy, -fear, and conscience, are mixed in yellow and livid on his countenance; -his lips are contracted by tremor, his face advances as eager to lie, -his legs step back as thinking to make his escape; one hand is thrust -precipitately into his bosom, the fingers of the other are catching -uncertainly at his button-holes. If this was a portrait, it is the -most striking that ever was drawn; if it was not, it is still finer." -The portrait was that of _Bambridge_[18] the warden of _The Fleet_; -and the sketch was taken in the beginning of the year 1729, when -_Bambridge_ and _Huggins_ (his predecessor)[19] were under examination. -Both were declared "notoriously guilty of great breaches of trust, -extortions, cruelties, and other high crimes and misdemeanors;" both -were sent to _Newgate_; and _Bambridge_ was disqualified by act of -parliament.[20] The son[21] of _Huggins_ was possessed of a valuable -painting from this sketch, and also of a scene in the _Beggar's Opera_; -both of them full of real portraits. On the dispersion of his effects, -the latter was purchased by the Rev. Dr. _Monkhouse_ of _Queen's -College, Oxford_. It is in a gilt frame, with a bust of _Gay_ at the -top. It's companion, whose present possessor I have not been able to -trace out, had, in like manner, that of Sir _Francis Page_, one of the -judges, remarkable for his severity;[22] with a halter round his neck. - -The Duke of _Leeds_ has also an original scene in the _Beggar's Opera_, -painted by _Hogarth_. It is that in which _Lucy_ and _Polly_ are on -their knees, before their respective fathers, to intercede for the -life of the hero of the piece. All the figures are either known or -supposed to be portraits. If I am not misinformed, the late Sir _Thomas -Robinson_ (as well known by the name of _Long Sir Thomas_) is standing -in one of the side-boxes. _Macheath_, unlike his spruce representative -on our present stage, is a slouching bully; and _Polly_ appears happily -disencumbered of such a hoop as the daughter of _Peachum_ within our -younger memories has worn. His Grace gave 35 _l._ for this picture -at Mr. _Rich's_ auction. Another copy of the same scene was bought -by the late Sir _William Saunderson_; and is now in the possession -of Sir _Henry Gough_. Mr. _Walpole_ has a painting of a scene in the -same piece, where _Macheath_ is going to execution. In this also the -likenesses of _Walker_, and Miss _Fenton_ afterwards Dutchess of -_Bolton_ (the original _Macheath_ and _Polly_), are preserved. - -In the year 1726, when the affair of _Mary Tofts_, the rabbit-breeder -of _Godalming_, engaged the public attention, a few of our principal -surgeons subscribed their guinea a-piece to _Hogarth_, for an -engraving from a ludicrous sketch he had made on that very popular -subject. This plate, amongst other portraits, contains that of the -notorious _St. André_, the anatomist to the royal household, and in -high credit as a surgeon. The additional celebrity of this man arose -either from fraud or ignorance, perhaps from a due mixture of both. It -was supported, however, afterwards, by the reputation of a dreadful -crime. His imaginary wealth, in spite of these disadvantages, to the -last insured him a circle of flatterers, even though, at the age of -fourscore, his conversation was offensive to modest ears, and his grey -hairs were rendered still more irreverend by repeated acts of untimely -lewdness.[23] A particular description of this plate will be given in -the future catalogue of _Hogarth's_ works. - -In 1727, _Hogarth_ agreed with _Morris_, an upholsterer, to furnish -him with a design on canvas, representing the element of Earth, as a -pattern for tapestry. The work not being performed to the satisfaction -of _Morris_, he refused to pay for it; and our artist sued him for the -money. This suit (which was tried before Lord Chief Justice _Eyre_ at -_Westminster, May_ 28, 1728) was determined in favour of _Hogarth_. The -brief for the defendant in the cause, is preserved below.[24] - -In 1730, Mr. _Hogarth_ married the only daughter of Sir _James -Thornhill_,[25] by whom he had no child. This union, indeed, was a -stolen one, and consequently without the approbation of Sir _James_, -who, considering the youth of his daughter, then barely eighteen, and -the slender finances of her husband, as yet an obscure artist,[26] was -not easily reconciled to the match. Soon after this period, however, -he began his _Harlot's Progress_ (the coffin in the last plate is -inscribed _September_ 2, 1731); and was advised by Lady _Thornhill_ to -have some of the scenes in it placed in the way of his father-in-law. -Accordingly, one morning early, Mrs. _Hogarth_ undertook to convey -several of them into his dining-room. When he arose, he enquired from -whence they came; and being told by whom they were introduced, he cried -out, "Very well; the man who can furnish representations like these, -can also maintain a wife without a portion." He designed this remark as -an excuse for keeping his purse-strings close; but, soon after, became -both reconciled and generous to the young couple. - -Our artist's reputation was so far established in 1731, that it drew -forth a poetical compliment from Mr. _Mitchell_, in the epistle already -quoted. - -An allegorical cieling by Sir _James Thornhill_ is at the house of the -late Mr. _Huggins_, at _Headley Park, Hants_. The subject of it is the -story of _Zephyrus_ and _Flora_; and the figure of a Satyr and some -others were painted by _Hogarth_. - -In 1732 (the year in which he was one of the party who made _A Tour -by land and Water_, which will be duly noticed in the Catalogue) he -ventured to attack Mr. _Pope_, in a plate called "The Man of Taste;" -containing a view of the Gate of _Burlington-house_; with _Pope_ -whitewashing it, and bespattering the Duke of _Chandos's_ coach.[27] -This plate was intended as a satire on the translator of _Homer_, -Mr. _Kent_ the architect, and the Earl of _Burlington_. It was -fortunate for _Hogarth_ that he escaped the lash of the former. Either -_Hogarth's_ obscurity at that time was his protection, or the bard was -too prudent to exasperate a painter who had already given such proof of -his abilities for satire. What must _he_ have felt who could complain -of the "pictured shape" prefixed to _Gulliveriana, Pope Alexander's -Supremacy and Infallibility examined,_ &c. by _Ducket_, and other -pieces, had our artist undertaken to express in colours a certain -transaction recorded by _Cibber_? - -Soon after his marriage, _Hogarth_ had summer-lodgings at -_South-Lambeth_; and being intimate with Mr. _Tyers_, contributed to -the improvement of _The Spring Gardens_ at _Vauxhall_, by the hint of -embellishing them with paintings, some of which were the suggestions -of his own truly comic pencil. Among these were the "Four parts of the -Day," copied by _Hayman_ from the designs of our artist. The scenes of -"Evening" and "Night" are still there; and portraits of _Henry_ VIII. -and _Anne Bullen_ once adorned the old great room on the right hand of -the entry into the gardens. For his assistance, Mr. _Tyers_ gratefully -presented him with a gold ticket of admission for himself and his -friends, inscribed - - IN PERPETUAM BENEFICII MEMORIAM. - -This ticket, now in the possession of his widow, is still occasionally -made use of. - -In 1733 his genius became conspicuously known. The third scene of his -"Harlot's Progress" introduced him to the notice of the great. At a -board of Treasury which was held a day or two after the appearance of -that print, a copy of it was shewn by one of the lords, as containing, -among other excellencies, a striking likeness of Sir _John Gonson_.[28] -It gave universal satisfaction; from the Treasury each lord repaired -to the print-shop for a copy of it, and _Hogarth_ rose completely -into fame. This anecdote was related to Mr. _Huggins_ by _Christopher -Tilson_, esq. one of the four chief clerks in the Treasury, and at -that period under-secretary of state. He died _August_ 25, 1742, after -having enjoyed the former of these offices fifty-eight years. I should -add, however, that Sir _John Gonson_ is not here introduced to be made -ridiculous, but is only to be considered as the image of an active -magistrate identified. - -The familiarity of the subject, and the propriety of it's execution, -made the "Harlot's Progress" tasted by all ranks of people. Above -twelve hundred names were entered in our artist's subscription-book. -It was made into a pantomime by _Theophilus Cibber_; and again -represented on the stage, under the title of _The Jew decoyed, or -a Harlot's Progress_, in a Ballad Opera. Fan-mounts were likewise -engraved, containing miniature representations of all the six plates. -These were usually printed off with red ink, three compartments on one -side, and three on the other.[29] - -The ingenious Abbé _Du Bos_ has often complained, that no -history-painter of his time went through a series of actions, and thus, -like an historian, painted the successive fortune of an hero, from -the cradle to the grave. What _Du Bos_ wished to see done, _Hogarth_ -performed. He launches out his young adventurer a simple girl upon the -town, and conducts her through all the vicissitudes of wretchedness to -a premature death. This was painting to the understanding and to the -heart; none had ever before made the pencil subservient to the purposes -of morality and instruction; a book like this is fitted to every soil -and every observer, and he that runs may read. Nor was the success of -_Hogarth_ confined to his persons. One of his excellencies consisted -in what may be termed the furniture[30] of his pieces; for as in -sublime and historical representations the fewer trivial circumstances -are permitted to divide the spectator's attention from the principal -figures, the greater is their force; so in scenes copied from familiar -life, a proper variety of little domestic images contributes to throw -a degree of verisimilitude on the whole. "The Rake's levee-room," -says Mr. _Walpole_, "the nobleman's dining-room, the apartments of -the husband and wife in Marriage Alamode, the Alderman's parlour, the -bed-chamber, and many others, are the history of the manners of the -age." - -It may also be observed, that _Hogarth_, both in the third and last -plate of the _Harlot's Progress_, has appropriated a name to his -heroine which belonged to a well-known wanton then upon the town. -The _Grub-street Journal_ for _August_ 6, 1730, giving an account of -several prostitutes who were taken up, informs us that "the fourth was -_Kate Hackabout_ (whose brother was lately hanged at _Tyburn_), a woman -noted in and about the hundreds of _Drury, &c_." - -In 1735 our artist lost his mother, as appears by the following extract -from an old Magazine: "_June_ 11, 1735. Died Mrs. _Hogarth_, mother -to the celebrated painter, of a fright from the fire which happened -on the 9th, in _Cecil Court, St. Martin's Lane_, and burnt thirteen -houses;[31] amongst others, one belonging to _John Huggins_, esq. late -Warden of _The Fleet_, was greatly damaged." - -The "Rake's Progress" (published in the same year, and sold at -_Hogarth's_ house, the _Golden Head_ in _Leicester Fields_), though -"perhaps superior, had not," as Mr. _Walpole_ observes, "so much -success, from want of novelty; nor is the print of the arrest equal in -merit to the others.[32] - -"The curtain, however," says he, "was now drawn aside, and his genius -stood displayed in its full lustre. From time to time our artist -continued to give those works that would be immortal, if the nature of -his art will allow it. Even the receipts for his subscriptions had wit -in them. Many of his plates he engraved himself, and often expunged -faces etched by his assistants, when they had not done justice to his -ideas. Not content with shining in a path untrodden before, he was -ambitious of distinguishing himself as a painter of history; and in -1736 presented to the hospital of _St. Bartholomew_, of which he had -been appointed a governor,[33] a painting of the _Pool of Bethesda_, -and another of the _Good Samaritan_. But the genius that had entered -so feelingly into the calamities and crimes of familiar life, deserted -him in a walk that called for dignity and grace. The burlesque turn -of his mind mixed itself with the most serious subjects. In the _Pool -of Bethesda_, a servant of a rich ulcerated lady beats back a poor -man that sought the same celestial remedy; and in his _Danae_ [for -which the Duke of _Ancaster_ paid 60 guineas] the old nurse tries a -coin of the golden shower with her teeth, to see if it is true gold. -Both circumstances are justly thought, but rather too ludicrous. It -is a much more capital fault that _Danae_ herself is a mere nymph of -_Drury_. He seems to have conceived no higher degree of beauty." Dr. -_Parsons_ also, in his Lectures on Physiognomy, 410. p. 58, says, "Thus -yielded _Danae_ to the Golden Shower, and thus was her passion painted -by the ingenious Mr. _Hogarth_." - -The novelty and excellence of _Hogarth's_ performances soon tempted the -needy artist and print-dealer to avail themselves of his designs,[34] -and rob him of the advantages which he was entitled to derive from -them. This was particularly the case with the "Midnight Conversation," -the "Harlot's" and "Rake's" Progresses,[35] and the rest of his early -works. To put a stop to depredations like these on the property of -himself and others, and to secure the emoluments resulting from his -own labours, as Mr. _Walpole_ observes, he applied to the legislature, -and obtained an act of parliament, 8 _George_ II. chap. 3°, to vest -an exclusive right in designers and engravers, and to restrain the -multiplying of copies of their works without the consent of the -artist.[36] - -This statute was drawn by his friend Mr. _Huggins_,[37] who took for -his model the eighth of Queen _Anne_, in favour of literary property; -but it was not so accurately executed as entirely to remedy the evil; -for, in a cause founded on it, which came before Lord _Hardwicke_ in -Chancery, that excellent Lawyer determined that no assignee, claiming -under an assignment from the original inventor, could take any benefit -by it. _Hogarth_, immediately after the passing the act, published a -small print, with emblematical devices, and the following inscription -expressing his gratitude to the three branches of the legislature: - - "In humble and grateful acknowledgment - Of the grace and goodness of the LEGISLATURE, - Manifested - In the ACT of PARLIAMENT for the Encouragement - Of the Arts of Designing, Engraving, &c. - Obtained - By the Endeavours, and almost at the sole Expence, - Of the Designer of this Print in the Year 1735; - By which - Not only the Professors of those Arts were rescued - From the Tyranny, Frauds, and Piracies - Of Monopolizing Dealers, - And legally entitled to the Fruits of their own Labours; - But Genius and Industry were also prompted - By the most noble and generous Inducements to exert themselves; - Emulation was excited, - Ornamental Compositions were better understood; - And every Manufacture, where Fancy has any concern, - Was gradually raised to a Pitch of Perfection before unknown; - Insomuch, that those of GREAT-BRITAIN - Are at present the most Elegant - And the most in Esteem of any in EUROPE." - -This plate he afterwards made to serve for a receipt for subscriptions, -first to a print of an "Election Entertainment;" and afterwards -for three prints more, representing the "polling for members for -parliament, canvassing for votes, and chairing the members." The -royal crown at the top of this receipt is darting its rays on mitres, -coronets, the Chancellor's great seal, the Speaker's hat, &c. &c. and -on a scroll is written, "An Act for the Encouragement of the Arts of -Designing, Engraving, and Etching, by vesting the Properties thereof in -the Inventors and Engravers, during the Time therein mentioned." It was -"Designed, etched, and published as the Act directs, by _W. Hogarth, -March_ 20, 1754." After _Hogarth's_ death, the legislature, by Stat. 7 -_Geo._ III. chap. 38. granted to his widow a further exclusive term of -twenty years in the property of her husband's works. - -In 1736 he had the honour of being distinguished in a masterly poem of -a congenial Humourist. The Dean of _St. Patrick's_, in his "Description -of the Legion Club," after pourtraying many characters with all the -severity of the most pointed satire, exclaims, - - "How I want thee, humorous _Hogarth!_ - Thou, I hear, a pleasant rogue art! - Were but you and I acquainted, - Every monster should be painted: - You should try your graving tools - On this odious group of fools; - Draw the beasts as I describe them; - Form their features, while I gibe them; - Draw them like, for I assure ye, - You will need no _caricatura_. - Draw them so, that we may trace - All the soul in every face." - -An elegant compliment was soon after paid to _Hogarth_ by _Somervile_, -the author of _The Chace_, who dedicates his _Hobbinol_ to him as to -"the greatest master in the burlesque way." Yet _Fielding_, in the -Preface to _Joseph Andrews_, says, "He who should call the ingenious -_Hogarth_ a burlesque painter, would, in my opinion, do him very -little honour, for sure it is much easier, much less the subject -of admiration, to paint a man with a nose, or any other feature of -a preposterous size, or to expose him in some absurd or monstrous -attitude, than to express the affections of men on canvas. It hath been -thought a vast commendation of a painter, to say his figures seem to -breathe; but surely it is a much greater and nobler applause, that they -appear to think."[38] - -_Vincent Bourne_, that classical ornament of _Westminster School_, -addressed the following copy of hendecasyllables - - "Ad GULIELMUM HOGARTH, Παρουνετικόν [Greek: Parounetikon] - - "Qui mores hominum improbos, ineptos, - Incidis, nec ineleganter, æri, - Derisor lepidus, sed & severus, - Corrector gravis, at nec invenustus; - Seu pingis meretricios amores, - Et scenas miseræ vicesque vitæ; - Ut tentat pretio rudem puellam - Corruptrix anus, impudens, obesa; - Ut se vix reprimit libidinosus - Scortator, veneri paratus omni: - Seu describere vis, facete censor, - Bacchanalia sera protrahentes - Ad confinia crastinæ diei, - Fractos cum cyathis tubos, matellam - Non plenam modò sed superfluentem, - Et fortem validumque combibonem - Lætantem super amphorâ repletâ; - Jucundissimus omnium ferêris, - Nullique artificum secundus, ætas - Quos præsens dedit, aut dabit futura. - Macte ô, eja age, macte sis amicus - Virtuti: vitiique quod notâris, - Pergas pingere, & exhibere coràm, - Censura utilior tua æquiorque - Omni vel satirarum acerbitate, - Omni vel rigidissimo cachinno." - -By printed proposals, dated _Jan_. 25, 1744-5, _Hogarth_ offered to -the highest bidder "the six pictures called _The Harlot's Progress_, -the eight pictures called _The Rake's Progress_, the four pictures -representing _Morning, Noon, Evening,_ and _Night,_ and that of _A -Company of Strolling Actresses dressing in a Barn_; all of them his own -original paintings, from which no other copies than the prints have -ever been taken." The biddings were to remain open from the first to -the last day of _February_, on these conditions: "1. That every bidder -shall have an entire leaf numbered in the book of sale, on the top of -which will be entered the name and place of abode, the sum paid by him, -the time when, and for which picture.--That, on the last day of sale, -a clock (striking every five minutes) shall be placed in the room; -and when it hath struck five minutes after twelve, the first picture -mentioned in the sale-book will be deemed as sold; the second picture -when the clock hath struck the next five minutes after twelve; and so -on successively till the whole nineteen pictures are sold. 3. That none -advance less than gold at each bidding. 4. No person to bid on the last -day, except those whose names were before entered in the book.--As Mr. -_Hogarth's_ room is but small, he begs the favour that no persons, -except those whose names are entered in the book, will come to view his -paintings on the last day of sale." - -The pictures were sold for the following prices: - - Six Harlot's Progress, at 14 guineas each £.88 4 0 - Eight Rake's Progress, at 22 guineas each 184 16 0 - Morning, 20 guineas 21 0 0 - Noon, 37 guineas 38 17 0 - Evening, 38 guineas 39 18 0 - Night, 26 guineas 27 6 0 - Strolling Players, 26 guineas 27 6 0 - -------- - 427 7 0 - -At the same time the six pictures of _Marriage à-la-mode_ were -announced as intended for sale as soon as the plates then taking from -them should be completed. This set of Prints may be regarded as the -ground-work of a novel called "The Marriage Act," by Dr. _Shebbeare_, -and of "The Clandestine Marriage." In the prologue to that excellent -comedy, Mr. _Garrick_ thus handsomely expressed his regard for the -memory of his friend: - - "Poets and painters, who from nature draw - Their best and richest stores, have made this law: - That each should neighbourly assist his brother, - And steal with decency from one another. - To-night, your matchless _Hogarth_ gives the thought, - Which from his canvas to the stage is brought. - And who so fit to warm the poet's mind, - As he who pictur'd morals and mankind? - But not the same their characters and scenes; - Both labour for one end, by different means: - Each, as it suits him, takes a separate road, - Their one great object, _Marriage à la Mode!_ - Where titles deign with cits to have and hold, - And change rich blood for more substantial gold! - And honour'd trade from interest turns aside, - To hazard happiness for titled pride. - The painter dead, yet still he charms the eye; - While _England_ lives, his fame can never die: - But he, 'who struts his hour upon the stage,' - Can scarce extend his fame for half an age; - Nor pen nor pencil can the actor save, - The art, and artist, share one common grave."[39] - -_Hogarth_ had projected a _Happy Marriage_, by way of counterpart to -his _Marriage à la Mode_. A design for the first of his intended six -plates he had sketched out in colours; and the following is as accurate -an account of it as could be furnished by a gentleman who, long ago -enjoyed only a few minutes' sight of so imperfect a curiosity. - -The time supposed was immediately after the return of the parties from -church. The scene lay in the hall of an antiquated country mansion. -On one side, the married couple were represented sitting. Behind -them was a group of their young friends of both sexes, in the act of -breaking bride-cake over their heads. In front appeared the father of -the young lady, grasping a bumper, and drinking, with a seeming roar -of exultation, to the future happiness of her and her husband. By -his side was a table covered with refreshments. Jollity rather than -politeness was the designation of his character. Under the screen of -the hall, several rustic musicians in grotesque attitudes, together -with servants, tenants, &c. were arranged. Through the arch by which -the room was entered, the eye was led along a passage into the kitchen, -which afforded a glimpse of sacerdotal luxury. Before the dripping-pan -stood a well-fed divine, in his gown and cassock, with his watch in his -hand, giving directions to a cook, drest all in white, who was employed -in basting a haunch of venison. - -Among the faces of the principal figures, none but that of the young -lady was completely finished. _Hogarth_ had been often reproached -for his inability to impart grace and dignity to his heroines. The -bride was therefore meant to vindicate his pencil from so degrading -an imputation. The effort, however, was unsuccessful. The girl was -certainly pretty; but her features, if I may use the term, were -uneducated. She might have attracted notice as a chambermaid, but would -have failed to extort applause as a woman of fashion. The parson, and -his culinary associate, were more laboured than any other parts of the -picture. It is natural for us to dwell longest on that division of a -subject which is most congenial to our private feelings. The painter -sat down with a resolution to delineate beauty improved by art; but -seems, as usual, to have deviated into meanness; or could not help -neglecting his original purpose, to luxuriate in such ideas as his -situation in early life had fitted him to express. He found himself, -in short, out of his element in the parlour, and therefore hastened, -in quest of ease and amusement, to the kitchen fire. _Churchill_, with -more force than delicacy, once observed of him, that he only painted -the _backside_ of nature. It must be allowed, that such an artist, -however excellent in his walk, was better qualified to represent the -low-born parent, than the royal preserver of a foundling. - -The sketch already described (which I believe is in Mrs. _Garrick's_ -possession) was made after the appearance of _Marriage à la Mode_, and -many years before the artist's death. Why he did not persevere in -his plan, during such an interval of time, we can only guess. It is -probable that his undertaking required a longer succession of images -relative to domestic happiness, than had fallen within his notice, or -courted his participation. _Hogarth_ had no children; and though the -nuptial union may be happy without them, yet such happiness will have -nothing picturesque in it; and we may observe of this truly natural and -faithful painter, that he rarely ventured to exhibit scenes with which -he was not perfectly well acquainted. - -Let us, however, more completely obviate an objection that may be -raised against the propriety of the foregoing criticism. Some reader -may urge, that perhaps, all circumstances considered, a wedding -celebrated at an old mansion-house did not require the appearance of -consummate beauty, refined by the powers of education. The remark has -seeming justice on its side; but _Hogarth_ had previously avowed his -intent to exhibit a perfect face, divested of vulgarity; and succeeded -so well, at least in his own opinion, that he carried the canvas, of -which we are now speaking, in triumph to Mr. _Garrick_, whose private -strictures on it coincided with those of the person who furnishes this -additional confirmation of our painter's notorious ignorance in what -is styled--THE GRACEFUL. From the account I have received concerning a -design for a previous compartment belonging to the same story, there is -little reason to lament the loss of it. It contained no appeal either -to the fancy or to the heart. An artist, who, representing the marriage -ceremony in a chapel, renders the clerk, who lays the hassocks, the -principal figure in it, may at least be taxed with want of judgement. - -Soon after the peace of _Aix la Chapelle_, he went over to _France_, -and was taken into custody at _Calais_, while he was drawing the gate -of that town, a circumstance which he has recorded in his picture, -intituled, "O the Roast Beef of _Old England_!" published _March_ 26, -1749. He was actually carried before the governor as a spy, and, after -a very strict examination, committed a prisoner to _Grandsire_, his -landlord, on his promising that _Hogarth_ should not go out of his -house till it was to embark for _England_. This account, I have good -authority for saying, he himself gave to his friend Mr. _Gostling_ at -_Canterbury_, at whose house he lay the night after his arrival. - -The same accident, however, has been more circumstantially related -by an eminent _English_ engraver, who was abroad when it happened. -_Hayman_, and _Cheere_ the statuary, were of the same party. - -While _Hogarth_ was in _France_, wherever he went, he was sure to be -dissatisfied with all he saw. If an elegant circumstance either in -furniture, or the ornaments of a room, was pointed out as deserving -approbation, his narrow and constant reply was, "What then? but it is -_French_! Their houses are all gilt and b--t." In the streets he was -often clamourously rude. A tatter'd bag, or a pair of silk stockings -with holes in them, drew a torrent of imprudent language from him. In -vain did my informant (who knew that many _Scotch_ and _Irish_ were -often within hearing of these reproaches, and would rejoice at least -in an opportunity of getting our painter mobbed) advise him to be more -cautious in his public remarks. He laughed at all such admonition, and -treated the offerer of it as a pusillanimous wretch, unworthy of a -residence in a free country, making him the butt of his ridicule for -several evenings afterwards. This unreasonable pleasantry was at length -completely extinguished by what happened while he was drawing the -Gate at _Calais_; for though the innocence of his design was rendered -perfectly apparent on the testimony of other sketches he had about him, -which were by no means such as could serve the purpose of an engineer, -he was told by the Commandant, that, had not the peace been actually -signed, he should have been obliged to have hung him up immediately on -the ramparts. Two guards were then provided to convey him on shipboard; -nor did they quit him till he was three miles from the shore. They -then spun him round like a top, on the deck; and told him he was -at liberty to proceed on his voyage without farther attendance or -molestation. With the slightest allusion to the ludicrous particulars -of this affair, poor _Hogarth_ was by no means pleased. The leading -circumstance in it his own pencil has recorded. - -Soon after this period he purchased a little house at _Chiswick_; where -he usually passed the greatest part of the summer season, yet not -without occasional visits to his dwelling in _Leicester Fields_. - -In 1753, he appeared to the world in the character of art author, -and published a quarto volume, intituled, "The Analysis of Beauty, -written with a view of fixing the fluctuating Ideas of Taste." In -this performance he shews, by a variety of examples, that a curve is -the line of beauty, and that round swelling figures are most pleasing -to the eye; and the truth of his opinion has been countenanced by -subsequent writers on the subject. - -Among the letters of Dr. _Birch_ is the following short one, sent with -the "Analysis of Beauty," and dated _Nov._ 25, 1753; "Sir, I beg the -favour of you to present to the Royal Society the enclosed work, which -will receive great honour by their acceptance of it. I am, Sir, your -most obedient humble servant, WM. HOGARTH." - -In this book, the leading idea of which was hieroglyphically thrown -out in a frontispiece to his works in 1745, he acknowledges himself -indebted to his friends for assistance, and particularly to one -gentleman for his corrections and amendments of at least a third part -of the _wording_. This friend, I am assured, was Dr. _Benjamin Hoadly_ -the physician, who carried on the work to about a _third_ part, Chap. -IX. and then, through indisposition, declined the friendly office with -regret. Mr. _Hogarth_ applied to his neighbour, Mr. _Ralph_; but it -was impossible for two such persons to agree, both alike vain and -positive. He proceeded no farther than about a sheet, and they then -parted friends, and seem to have continued such. In the _Estimate of -the Manners and Principles of the Times_, vol. I. p. 47, published in -1757 by Dr. _Brown_, that author pays a compliment to Mr. _Hogarth's_ -genius. Mr. _Ralph_, animadverting on the work, amongst other things, -says, "It is happy for Mr. _Hogarth_, in my humble opinion, that he -is brought upon the stage in such company, rather for the sake of -fastening some additional abuse upon the public, than of bestowing any -special grace upon him. 'Neither the comic pencil, nor the serious -pen of our ingenious countrymen (so the Estimator or Appraiser's -Patent of Allowance runs) have been able to keep alive the taste of -Nature or of Beauty.' For where he has chosen to be a niggard of his -acknowledgements, every other man would chuse to be a prodigal: Nature -had played the _Proteus_ with us, had invited us to pursue her in every -shape, but had never suffered us to overtake her: Beauty all had been -smitten with, but nobody had been able to assign us a rule by which -it might be defined: This was Mr. _Hogarth's_ task; this is what he -has succeeded in; composition is at last become a science; the student -knows what he is in search of; the connoisseur what to praise; and -fancy or fashion, or prescription, will usurp the hacknied name of -taste no more. So that, whatever may be said in disparagement of the -age on other accounts, it has more merit and honour to claim on this, -than any which preceded it. And I will venture for once to prophesy, -from the improvements already manifested, that we shall have the arts -of designing to value ourselves upon, when all our ancient virtues are -worn out." - -The office of finishing the work, and superintending the publication, -was lastly taken up by Dr. _Morell_, who went through the remainder of -the book.[40] The preface was in like manner corrected by the Rev. Mr. -_Townley_. The family of _Hogarth_ rejoiced when the last sheet of the -_Analysis_ was printed off; as the frequent disputes he had with his -coadjutors, in the progress of the work, did not much harmonize his -disposition. - -This work was translated into _German_ by Mr. _Mylins_, when in -_England_, under the author's inspection; and the translation, -containing twenty-two sheets in quarto, and two large plates, was -printed in _London_, price five dollars. - -Of the same performance a new and correct edition was (_July_ 1, -1754) proposed for publication at _Berlin_, by _Ch. Fr. Vok_, with an -explanation of Mr. _Hogarth's_ satirical prints, translated from the -_French_; the whole to subscribers for one dollar, but after six weeks -to be raised to two dollars. - -An _Italian_ translation was also published at _Leghorn_ in 1761, 8vo, -dedicated "All' illustrissime Signora Diana _Molineux_, Dama _Inglese_." - -"This book," Mr. _Walpole_ observes, "had many sensible hints and -observations; but it did not carry the conviction, nor meet the -universal acquiescence he expected. As he treated his contemporaries -with scorn, they triumphed over this publication,[41] and irritated him -to expose him. Many wretched burlesque prints came out to ridicule -his system. There was a better answer to it in one of the two prints -that he gave to illustrate his hypothesis. In the ball, had he confined -himself to such outlines as compose awkwardness and deformity, he would -have proved half his assertion; but he has added two samples of grace -in a young lord and lady, that are strikingly stiff and affected. They -are a _Bath_ beau and a county Beauty." - -_Hogarth_ had one failing in common with most people who attain -wealth and eminence without the aid of liberal education. He affected -to despise every kind of knowledge which he did not possess. Having -established his fame with little or no obligation to literature, he -either conceived it to be needless, or decried it because it lay out of -his reach. His sentiments, in short, resembled those of _Jack Cade_, -who pronounced sentence on the clerk of _Chatham_, because he could -write and read. Till, in evil hour, this celebrated artist commenced -an author, and was obliged to employ the friends already mentioned -to correct his _Analysis of Beauty_,[42] he did not seem to have -discovered that even spelling was a necessary qualification; and yet -he had ventured to ridicule[43] the late Mr. _Rich's_ deficiency as to -this particular, in a note which lies before the Rake whose play is -refused while he remains in confinement for debt. Previous to the time -of which we are now speaking, one of our artist's common topicks of -declamation was the uselessness of books to a man of his profession. In -_Beer-street_, among other volumes consigned by him to the pastry cook, -we find _Turnbull on ancient Painting_, a treatise which _Hogarth_ -should have been able to understand, before he ventured to condemn. -_Garrick_ himself, however, was not more ductile to flattery. A word -in favour of _Sigismunda_, might have commanded a proof print, or -forced an original sketch out of our artist's hands. The furnisher of -this remark owes one of his scarcest performances to the success of -a compliment, which might have stuck even in Sir _Godfrey Kneller's_ -throat. - -The following authenticated story of our artist will also serve to shew -how much more easy it is to detect ill-placed or hyperbolical adulation -respecting others, than when applied to ourselves. _Hogarth_ being at -dinner with the great _Cheselden_, and some other company, was told -that Mr. _John Freke_, surgeon of _St. Bartholomew's Hospital_, a few -evenings before at _Dick's Coffee-house_, had asserted, that _Greene_ -was as eminent in composition as _Handel_. "That fellow _Freke_," -replied _Hogarth_, "is always shooting his bolt absurdly one way or -another! _Handel_ is a giant in music; _Greene_ only a light _Florimel_ -kind of a composer."--"Ay," says our artist's informant, "but at the -same time Mr. _Freke_ declared you were as good a portrait-painter as -_Vandyck_."--"_There_ he was in the right," adds _Hogarth_; "and so by -G-- I am, give me my time, and let me choose my subject!" - -With Dr. _Hoadly_, the late Chancellor of _Winchester_, Mr. _Hogarth_ -was always on terms of the strictest friendship, and frequently -visited him at _Winchester, St. Cross,_ and _Alresford_. It is well -known, that Dr. _Hoadly's_ fondness for theatrical exhibitions was so -great, that few visitors were ever long in his house before they were -solicited to accept a part in some interlude or other. He himself, -with _Garrick_ and _Hogarth_, once performed a laughable parody on -the scene in _Julius Cæsar_, where the _Ghost_ appears to _Brutus. -Hogarth_ personated the spectre; but so unretentive was his memory, -that, although his speech consisted only of two lines, he was unable -to get them by heart. At last they hit on the following expedient in -his favour. The verses he was to deliver were written in such large -letters, on the outside of an illuminated paper-lanthorn, that he could -read them when he entered with it in his hand on the stage. _Hogarth_ -painted a scene on this occasion, representing a sutling booth, with -the _Duck of Cumberland's_ head by way of sign. He also prepared the -play-bill, with characteristic ornaments. The original drawing is still -preserved, and we could wish it were engraved; as the slightest sketch -from the design of so grotesque a painter would be welcome to the -numerous collectors of his works. - -_Hogarth_ was also the most absent of men. At table he would sometimes -turn round his chair as if he had finished eating, and as suddenly -would return it, and fall to his meal again. I may add, that he -once directed a letter to Dr. _Hoadly_, thus,--"To the Doctor at -_Chelsea_." This epistle, however, by good luck, did not miscarry; and -was preserved by the late Chancellor of _Winchester_, as a pleasant -memorial of his friend's extraordinary inattention. - -Another remarkable instance of _Hogarth's_ absence was told me, after -the first edition of this work, by one of his intimate friends. Soon -after he set up his carriage, he had occasion to pay a visit to the -lord-mayor (I believe it was Mr. _Beckford_). When he went, the weather -was fine; but business detained him till a violent shower of rain came -on. He was let out of the Mansion-house by a different door from -that at which he entered; and, seeing the rain, began immediately to -call for a hackney-coach. Not one was to be met with on any of the -neighbouring stands; and our artist sallied forth to brave the storm, -and actually reached _Leicester-fields_ without bestowing a thought on -his own carriage, till Mrs. _Hogarth_ (surprized to see him so wet and -splashed) asked where he had left it. - -Mr. _Walpole_, in the following note, p. 69, is willing to expose the -indelicacy of the _Flemish_ painters, by comparing it with the purity -of _Hogarth_. "When they attempt humour," says our author, "it is by -making a drunkard vomit; they take evacuations for jokes; and when they -make us sick, think they make us laugh. A boor hugging a frightful -frow is a frequent incident, even in the works of _Teniers_." Shall we -proceed to examine whether the scenes painted by our countryman are -wholly free from the same indelicacies? In one plate of _Hudibras_, -where he encounters a _Skimmington_, a man is making water against the -end of a house, while a taylor's wife is most significantly attending -to the dirty process. In another plate to the same work, a boy is -pissing into the shoe of _Ralpho_, while the widow is standing by. -Another boy in the _Enraged Musician_ is easing nature by the same -mode; and a little miss is looking earnestly on the operation. In the -_March to Finchley_, a diseased soldier has no better employment; and -a woman is likewise staring at him out of a window. This circumstance -did not escape the observation of _Rouquet_ the enameller, whose -remarks[44] on the plates of our artist I shall have more than once -occasion to introduce. "Il y a," says he, "dans quelques endroits de -cet excellent tableau, des objets peut être plus propres à peindre -qu'à décrire. D'ou vient que les oreilles sont plus chaste que les -yeux? Ne seroit ce pas parce qu'on peut regarder certains objets dans -un tableau, et feindre de ne pas les voir; et qu'il n'est pas si -aisé d'entendre une obscénité, et de feindre de ne l'entendre pas! -L'objet, dont je veux parler, est toutefois peu considérable; il s'agit -seulement d'un soldat à qui le voyage de _Montpelier_ conviendroit -mieux que celui d'_Ecosse_. L'amour lui a fait une blessure, &c." -Was this occurrence delicate or precious enough to deserve such -frequency of repetition? In the burlesque _Paul before Felix_, when -the High Priest applies his fingers to his nose, we have reason to -imagine that his manœuvre was in consequence of some offensive escape -during the terrors of the pro-consul of _Judea_, who, as he is here -represented, conveys no imperfect image of a late Lord Mayor, at the -time of the riots in _London_. In this last instance, indeed, I ought -to have observed that _Hogarth_ meant to satirize, not to imitate, -the painters of _Holland_ and _Flanders_. But I forbear to dwell any -longer on such disgusting circumstances; begging leave only to ask, -whether the canvas of _Teniers_ exhibits nastier objects than those -of the woman cracking a louse between her nails in the fourth plate -of the _Harlot's Progress_; a _Scotch_ bag-piper catching another in -his neck while he is performing at the Election feast; _Aurora_ doing -the same kind office for a _Syren_ or _Nereid_, in the _Strollers_, -&c.; the old toothless _French_ beldams, slobbering (_Venus_ forbid we -should call it kissing) each other in the comic print entitled _Noon_; -the chamber-pot emptied on the Free Mason's head, in the _Rejoicing -Night_; or the _Lilliputians_ giving a clyster to _Gulliver_? In -some of these instances, however, the humour may compensate for the -indelicacy, which is rarely the case with such _Dutch_ pictures as -have justly incurred the censure of Mr. _Walpole_. Let us now try how -far some of the compositions of _Hogarth_ have befriended the cause -of modesty. In the _Harlot's Progress_, Plate VI. we meet with a hand -by no means busied in manner suitable to the purity of its owner's -function. _Hogarth_ indeed, in three different works, has delineated -three clergymen; the one as a drunkard; the second as a glutton; and -the third as a whoremaster, who (I borrow _Rouquet's_ words) "est plus -occupé de sa voisine que de son vin, qu'il repand par une distraction -qu'elle lui cause." He who, in the eyes of the vulgar, would degrade -our professors of religion, deserves few thanks from society. In -the _Rake's Progress_, Plate the last, how is the hand of the ideal -potentate employed, while he is gazing with no very modest aspect on -a couple of young women who pass before his cell numbered 55? and -to what particular object are the eyes of the said females supposed -to be directed?[45] Nay, in what pursuit is the grenadier engaged -who stands with his face toward the wall in Plate 9. of _Industry -and Idleness_? May we address another question to the reader? Is the -"_smile_ of _Socrates_," or the "_benevolence_ of the designer," very -distinguishable in the half dozen last instances? It has been observed -indeed by physiognomists, that the _smile_ of the real _Socrates_ -resembled the _grin_ of a _satyr_; and perhaps a few of the particulars -here alluded to, as well as the prints entitled BEFORE and AFTER, ought -to be considered as a _benevolence_ to speculative old maids, or misses -not yet enfranchised from a boarding school. Had this truly sensible -critic, and elegant writer, been content to observe, that such gross -circumstances as form the chief subject of _Flemish_ pictures, are only -incidental and subordinate in those of our artist, the remark might -have escaped reprehension. But perhaps he who has told us that "_St. -Paul's_ hand was once _improperly_ placed before the wife of _Felix_" -should not have suffered more glaring insults on decency to pass -without a censure. On this occasion, though I may be found to differ -from Mr. _Walpole_, I am ready to confess how much regard is due to -the opinions of a gentleman whose mind has been long exercised on a -subject which is almost new to me; especially when I recollect that my -present researches would have had no guide, but for the lights held out -in the last volume of the Anecdotes of Painting in _England_. - -_Hogarth_ boasted that he could draw a Serjeant with his pike, -going into an alehouse, and his Dog following him, with only three -strokes;--which he executed thus: - -[Illustration: see below] - - A - B | - \ | - \ | - \ | - \| - | - | - | - | - C | - ʅ| - | - | - - -A. The perspective line of the door. -B. The end of the Serjeant's pike, who is gone in. -C. The end of the Dog's tail, who is following him. -There are similar whims of the _Caracci_. - -A specimen of _Hogarth's_ propensity to merriment, on the most trivial -occasions, is observable in one of his cards requesting the company of -Dr. _Arnold King_ to dine with him at the _Mitre_.[46] Within a circle, -to which a knife and fork are the supporters, the written part is -contained. In the center is drawn a pye, with a _mitre_ on the top of -it; and the invitation of our artist concludes with the following sport -on three of the _Greek_ letters--to _Eta Beta Pi_.[47] The rest of the -inscription is not very accurately spelt. A quibble by _Hogarth_ is -surely as respectable as a conundrum by _Swift_. - -"Some nicer virtuosi have remarked, that in the serious pieces, into -which _Hogarth_ has deviated from the natural biass of his genius, -there are some strokes of the ridiculous discernible, which suit not -with the dignity of his subject. In his PREACHING OF ST. PAUL, a dog -snarling at a cat;[48] and in his PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER, the figure of -the infant _Moses_, who expresses rather archness than timidity; are -alledged as instances, that this artist, unrivalled in his own walk, -could not resist the impulse of his imagination towards drollery. -His picture, however, of _Richard_ III. is pure and unmixed, without -any ridiculous circumstances, and strongly impresses terror and -amazement." As these observations are extracted from the _first_ -edition of Dr. _Warton's_ "Essay on the Genius and Writings of _Pope_," -it would be uncandid if we did not accompany them with the following -note from a subsequent edition of that valuable performance: "The -author gladly lays hold of the opportunity of this third edition of -his work to confess a mistake he had committed with respect to two -admirable paintings of Mr. _Hogarth_, his PAUL PREACHING, and his -INFANT MOSES; which, on a closer examination, are not chargeable with -the blemishes imputed to them. Justice obliges him to declare the high -opinion he entertains of the abilities of this inimitable artist, -who shines in so many different lights, and on such very dissimilar -subjects; and whose works have more of what the ancients called the -ΗθΟΣ [Greek: Ethos] in them, than the compositions of any other Modern. -For the rest, the author begs leave to add, that he is so far from -being ashamed of retracting his error, that he had rather appear a MAN -OF CANDOUR, than the best CRITIC that ever lived."[49] - -In one of the early exhibitions at _Spring Gardens_, a very pleasing -small picture by _Hogarth_ made its first appearance. It was painted -for the earl of _Charlemont_, in whose collection it remains.[50] It -was intituled, _Picquet, or Virtue in Danger,_ and shews us a young -lady, who, during a _tête-à-tête_, had just lost all her money to -a handsome officer of her own age. He is represented in the act of -returning her a handful of bank bills, with the hope of exchanging -them for a softer acquisition, and more delicate plunder. On the -chimney piece is a watch-case and a figure of Time over it, with this -motto--NUNC. _Hogarth_ has caught his heroine during this moment of -hesitation, this struggle with herself, and has marked her feelings -with uncommon success. Wavering chastity, as in this instance, he was -qualified to display; but the graceful reserve of steady and exalted -virtue he would certainly have failed to express. He might have -conveyed a perfect idea of such an _Iphigenia_ as is described by Mr. -_Hayley_, in one of the cantoes of his beautiful poem on the _Triumphs -of Temper_; but the dignity of the same female at the _Tauric_ altar -would have baffled the most vigorous efforts of his pencil. - -_Hogarth's_ Picquet, or _Virtue in Danger_, when exhibited at _Spring -Gardens_, in _May_, 1761, produced the following explanation: - - Ye fair, be warn'd, and shun those arts, - That faithless men do use for hearts: - Weigh o'er and o'er the destin'd man, - And oft this little lesson scan; - If he his character don't fear, - For yours he'll very little care: - With scorn repulse the wretch so bold, - Nor pawn your virtue for his gold! - Of gaming (cards or not) beware, - 'Tis very often found a snare; - But, lest my precept still should fail, - Indulge me--whilst I tell a tale: - - _Dorinda_, chearful, young, and gay, - Oft shone at Balls, at Park, and Play; - Blest with a free, engaging air, - In short, throughout quite debonnair; - (Excuse me--shall I tell the truth?) - That bane of misled, heedless youth, - Gaming--had quite possess'd her mind, - To this (no other vice) inclin'd: - She oft would melancholy sit, - No partner near for dear Picquet! - "At last a cruel spoiler came," - And deeply learn'd in all the game; - A son of _Mars_, with iron face, - Adorn'd with impudence and lace! - Acquaintance with her soon he gains, - He thinks her virtue worth his pains: - Cards (after nonsense) came in course, - By sap advances, not by force. - The table set, the cards are laid, - _Dorinda_ dreams not she's betray'd; - The cards run cross, she fumes and frets, - Her brilliant necklace soon she betts, - She fears her watch, but can't resist, - A miniature can scarce be mist! - At last both watch and trinkets go, - A prey to the devouring foe: - Nay more (if fame but tells us true), - She lost her di'mond buckles too! - Her bracelets next became his prize, - And in his hat the treasure lies. - Upon her Virtue next he treats, - And Honour's sacred name repeats: - Tenders the trinkets, swears and lies, - And vows her person is a prize! - Then swears (with hand upon his breast) - That he without her can't be blest! - Then plies her with redoubled pains, - T' exchange her virtue for his gains: - Shame's purple wings o'ershade her face, - He triumphs over her disgrace; - Soon turns to jest her scruples nice, - In short, she falls!--a sacrifice! - Spoil'd of her virtue in her prime, - And, knowing Heaven detests the crime, - Is urg'd, perhaps, to dare his rod, - "And rush unsummon'd to her God!" - - Ye fair, if happiness ye prize, - Regard this rule, Be timely wise. - -In the "Miser's Feast," Mr. _Hogarth_ thought proper to pillory Sir -_Isaac Shard_, a gentleman proverbially avaricious. Hearing this, the -son of Sir _Isaac_, the late _Isaac Pacatus Shard_,[51] esq. a young -man of spirit, just returned from his travels, called at the painter's -to see the picture; and, among the rest, asking the _Cicerone_ "whether -that odd figure was intended for any particular person;" on his -replying, "that it was thought to be very like one Sir _Isaac Shard_;" -he immediately drew his sword, and slashed the canvas. _Hogarth_ -appeared instantly in great wrath; to whom Mr. _Shard_ calmly justified -what he had done, saying, "that this was a very unwarrantable licence; -that he was the injured party's son, and that he was ready to defend -any suit at law;" which, however, was never instituted. - -About 1757, his brother-in-law, Mr. _Thornhill_, resigned the place -of king's serjeant-painter in favour of Mr. _Hogarth_; who soon after -made an experiment in painting, which involved him in some disgrace. -The celebrated collection of pictures belonging to Sir _Luke Schaub_ -was in 1758 sold by public auction;[52] and the admired picture of -_Sigismunda_ (purchased by Sir _Thomas Sebright_ for 404. _l._ 5 _s._) -excited Mr. _Hogarth's_ emulation. - -"From a contempt of the ignorant virtuosi of the age," says -Mr. _Walpole_, "and from indignation at the impudent tricks of -picture-dealers, whom he saw continually recommending and vending vile -copies to bubble collectors, and from having never studied, indeed -having seen, few good pictures of the great _Italian_ masters, he -persuaded himself that the praises bestowed on those glorious works -were nothing but the effects of prejudice. He talked this language -till he believed it; and having heard it often asserted, as is true, -that time gives a mellowness to colours and improves them, he not only -denied the proposition, but maintained that pictures only grew black -and worse by age, not distinguishing between the degrees in which the -proportion might be true or false. He went farther: he determined -to rival the ancients--and unfortunately chose one of the finest -pictures in _England_ as the object of his competition. This was the -celebrated _Sigismunda_ of Sir _Luke Schaub_, now in the possession -of the Duke of _Newcastle_, said to be painted by _Correggio_, -probably by _Furino_, but no matter by whom. It is impossible to see -the picture, or read _Dryden's_ inimitable tale, and not feel that -the same soul animated both. After many essays, _Hogarth_ at last -produced HIS _Sigismunda_--but no more like _Sigismunda_, than I to -_Hercules_. Not to mention the wretchedness of the colouring, it was -the representation of a maudlin strumpet just turned out of keeping, -and, with eyes red with rage and usquebaugh, tearing off the ornaments -her keeper had given her. To add to the disgust raised by such vulgar -expression, her fingers were bloodied by her lover's heart,[53] that -lay before her, like that of a sheep, for her dinner.[54] None of the -sober grief, no dignity of suppressed anguish, no involuntary tear, no -settled meditation on the fate she meant to meet, no amorous warmth -turned holy by despair; in short, all was wanting that should have been -there, all was there that such a story would have banished from a mind -capable of conceiving such complicated woe; woe so sternly felt, and -yet so tenderly. _Hogarth's_ performance was more ridiculous than any -thing he had ever ridiculed. He set the price of 400 _l._ on it, and -had it returned on his hands by the person for whom it was painted. -He took subscriptions for a plate of it; but had the sense, at last, -to suppress it. I make no more apology for this account than for the -encomiums I have bestowed on him. Both are dictated by truth, and are -the history of a great man's excellencies and errors. _Milton_, it is -said, preferred his _Paradise Regained_ to his immortal poem."[55] - -_Hogarth_, however, gave directions before his death that the -_Sigismunda_ should not be sold under 500 _l._ and, greatly as he -might have been mortified by _Churchill's_ invective, and the coldness -with which the picture was received by the rest of the world,[56] he -never wholly abandoned his design of having a plate prepared from it. -Finding abundant consolation in the flattery of self-love, he appealed -from the public judgement to his own, and had actually talked with -the celebrated Mr. _Hall_ about the price of the engraving, which was -to have been executed from a smaller painting,[57] copied by himself -from the large one. Death alone secured him from the contempt such -obstinacy would have riveted on his name. To express a sorrow like -that of _Tancred's_ daughter, few modern artists are fully qualified. -We must except indeed Sir _Joshua Reynolds_, with whose pencil Beauty -in all her forms, and the passions in all their varieties, are equally -familiar. - -Since the preceding paragraph was written, the compiler of this volume -has seen an unfinished plate of _Sigismunda_, attempted after the -manner of _Edelinck_, etched by Mr. _Basire_, but not bit-in, and -from which consequently no proof can have been taken. The size of the -plate is 18 inches by 16½. The outlines in general, and particularly -of the face, were completed under the immediate direction of Mr. -_Hogarth_.[58] It was intended to be published by subscription.[59] -The plate itself is still in the hands of Mr. _Basire_. - -This unfortunate picture, which was the source of so much vexation to -Mr. _Hogarth_, at least made a versifier of him, and furnished vent to -his anger in the following lines; which, as I know of no other specimen -of his poetry,[60] may serve to gratify the curiosity of the reader. -The old adage _facit indignatio versum_, seems scarcely to have been -realised in this splenetic effusion, which is intituled "An Epistle to -a Friend," occasioned by Sir _Richard Grosvenor_ (now lord) returning -the picture of _Sigismunda_ on our artist's hands: - - "To your charge, the other day - About my picture and my pay, - In metre I've a mind to try, - One word by way of a reply. - - "To risque, you'll own, 'twas most absurd, - Such labour on a rich man's word; - To lose at least an hundred days - Of certain gain, for doubtful praise; - Since living artists ne'er were paid; - But then, you know, it was agreed, - I should be deem'd an artist dead. - Like _Raphael, Rubens, Guido Rene,_ - This promise fairly drew me in; - And having laid my pencil by,[61] - What painter was more dead than I? - But dead as _Guido_ let me be, - Then judge, my friend, 'twixt him and me - If merit crowns alike the piece, - What treason to be like in price; - Because no copied line you trace, - The picture can't be right, you're sure; - But say, my critic connoisseur, - Moves it the heart as much or more - Than picture ever did before? - This is the painter's truest test, - And this Sir _Richard's_ self confess'd. - Nay, 'tis so moving, that the knight - Can't even bear it in his sight; - Then who would tears so dearly buy, - As give four hundred pounds to cry? - I own, he chose the prudent part, - Rather to break his word than heart; - And yet, methinks, 'tis ticklish dealing, - With one so delicate--in feeling. - - "However, let the picture rust, - Perhaps time's price-enhancing dust, - As statues moulder into earth, - When I'm no more, may mark its worth; - And future connoisseurs may rise, - Honest as ours, and full as wise, - To puff the piece and painter too, - And make me then what _Guido's_ now." - -"The last memorable event in our artist's life," as Mr. _Walpole_ -observes, "was his quarrel with Mr. _Wilkes_, in which, if Mr. -_Hogarth_ did not commence direct hostilities on the latter, he at -least obliquely gave the first offence, by an attack on the friends -and party of that gentleman. This conduct was the more surprizing, as -he had all his life avoided dipping his pencil in political contests, -and had early refused a very lucrative offer that was made to engage -him in a set of prints against the head of a court-party. Without -entering into the merits of the cause, I shall only state the fact. In -_September_ 1762, Mr. _Hogarth_ published his print of _The Times_. It -was answered by Mr. _Wilkes_ in a severe _North Briton_.[62] On this -the painter exhibited the caricatura of the writer. Mr. _Churchill_, -the poet, then engaged in the war, and wrote his epistle to _Hogarth_, -not the brightest of his works,[63] in which the severest strokes fell -on a defect that the painter had neither caused nor could amend--his -age;[64] and which, however, was neither remarkable nor decrepit; much -less had it impaired his talents, as appeared by his having composed -but six months before one of his most capital works, the satire on -the Methodists. In revenge for this epistle, _Hogarth_ caricatured -_Churchill_, under the form of a canonical bear, with a club and a pot -of porter--_et vitulá tu dignus & hic_--never did two angry men of -their abilities throw mud with less dexterity." - -The concluding observation of Mr. _Walpole_ is mortifyingly true. It -may be amusing to compare the account given of this squabble, which -long engrossed the attention of the town, with the narrative of it -printed by Mr. _Wilkes_; who states the circumstances of it in the -following manner: - -"Mr. _Hogarth_ was one of the first who, in the paper war begun by lord -_Bute_ on his accession to the Treasury, sacrificed private friendship -at the altar of party madness. In 1762, the _Scotch_ minister took a -variety of hirelings into his pay, some of whom were gratified with -pensions, others with places and pensions. Mr. _Hogarth_ was only made -_serjeant-painter_ to his majesty, as if it was meant to insinuate to -him, that he was not allowed to paint any thing but the wainscot of -the royal apartments. The term means no more than _house-painter_, -and the nature of the post confined him to that business. He was not -employed in any other way. A circumstance can scarcely be imagined more -humiliating to a man of spirit and genius, who really thought that he -more particularly excelled in _portrait-painting_. - -"The new minister had been attacked in a variety of political -papers. _The North Briton_ in particular, which commenced the week -after _The Briton_, waged open war with him. Some of the numbers -had been ascribed to Mr. _Wilkes_, others to Mr. _Churchill_, and -Mr. _Lloyd_. Mr. _Hogarth_ had for several years lived on terms of -friendship and intimacy with Mr. _Churchill_ and Mr. _Wilkes_. As -the _Buckinghamshire_ militia, which this gentleman had the honour -of commanding, had been for some months at _Winchester_ guarding the -_French_ prisoners, the Colonel was there on that duty. A friend wrote -to him, that Mr. _Hogarth_ intended soon to publish a political print -of _The Times_, in which Mr. _Pitt_, Lord _Temple_, Mr. _Churchill_, -and himself, were held out to the public as objects of ridicule. Mr. -_Wilkes_, on this notice, remonstrated by two of their common friends -to Mr. _Hogarth_, that such a proceeding would not only be unfriendly -in the highest degree, but extremely injudicious; for such a pencil -ought to be universal and moral, to speak to all ages, and to all -nations, not to be dipt in the dirt of the faction of a day, of an -insignificant part of the country, when it might command the admiration -of the whole. An answer was sent, that neither Mr. _Wilkes_ nor Mr. -_Churchill_ were attacked in _The Times_, though Lord _Temple_ and Mr. -_Pitt_ were, and that the print should soon appear. A second message -soon after told Mr. _Hogarth_, that Mr. _Wilkes_ should never believe -it worth his while to take notice of any reflections on himself; but -if his friends were attacked, he should then think he was wounded in -the most sensible part, and would, as well as he was able, revenge -their cause; adding, that if he thought the _North Briton_ would -insert what he sent, he would make an appeal to the public on the very -_Saturday_ following the publication of the print. _The Times_ soon -after appeared, and on the _Saturday_ following [_Sept._ 25, 1762,] -N° 17, of the _North Briton_, which is a direct attack on the king's -_serjeant-painter_.[65] If Mr. _Wilkes_ did write that paper, he kept -his word better with Mr. _Hogarth_, than the painter had done with him. - -"It is perhaps worth remarking, that the painter proposed to give a -series of political prints, and that _The Times_ were marked Plate -I. No farther progress was however made in that design. The public -beheld the first feeble efforts with execrations, and it is said that -the caricaturist was too much hurt by the general opinion of mankind, -to possess himself afterwards sufficiently for the execution of such a -work. - -"When Mr. _Wilkes_ was the second time brought from the _Tower_ to -_Westminster-hall_, Mr. _Hogarth_ skulked behind in a corner of the -gallery of the Court of _Common Pleas_; and while the Chief Justice -_Pratt_,[66] with the eloquence and courage of old _Rome_, was -enforcing the great principles of _Magna Charta_, and the _English_ -constitution, while every breast from him caught the holy flame of -liberty, the painter was wholly employed in caricaturing the _person_ -of the man; while all the rest of his fellow citizens were animated -in his _cause_, for they knew it to be their own cause, that of their -country, and of its laws. It was declared to be so a few hours after by -the unanimous sentence of the judges of that court, and they were all -present. - -"The print of Mr. _Wilkes_ was soon after published, _drawn from -the life by William Hogarth_. It must be allowed to be an excellent -_compound caricatura_, or a _caricatura_ of what nature had already -_caricatured_. I know but one short apology can be made for this -gentleman, or, to speak more properly, for the _person_ of Mr. -_Wilkes_. It is, that he did not make himself, and that he never was -solicitous about the _case_ of his soul, as _Shakspeare_ calls it, only -so far as to keep it clean and in health. I never heard that he once -hung over the glassy stream, like another _Narcissus_, admiring the -image in it, nor that he ever stole an amorous look at his counterfeit -in a side mirrour. His form, such as it is, ought to give him no pain, -because it is capable of giving pleasure to others. I fancy he finds -himself tolerably happy in the _clay-cottage_, to which he is _tenant -for life_, because he has learnt to keep it in good order. While the -share of health and animal spirits, which heaven has given him, shall -hold out, I can scarcely imagine he will be one moment peevish about -the _outside_ of so precarious, so temporary a habitation, or will even -be brought to own, _ingenium Galbæ male habitat. Monsieur est mal logé._ - -"Mr. _Churchill_ was exasperated at this _personal_ attack on his -friend. He soon after published the Epistle to _William Hogarth_,[67] -and took for the motto, _ut pictura poesis_. Mr. _Hogarth's_ revenge -against the poet terminated in vamping up an old print of a pug-dog -and a bear, which he published under the title of The Bruiser _C. -Churchill_ (once the Revd.!) in the character of a _Russian Hercules_, -&c." - -The Editor of the _Monthly Review_ for _November_, 1769, in an account -of Mr. _Wilkes's_ correspondence, remarks, "The writer of this article -had in substance the same relation from the mouth of Mr. _Hogarth_ -himself, but a very little while before his death;[68] and the leading -facts appeared, from his candid representation, in nearly the same -light as in this account which our readers have been just perusing." - -I have been assured by the friend[69] who first carried and read the -invective of _Churchill_ to _Hogarth_, that he seemed quite insensible -to the most sarcastical parts of it. He was so thoroughly wounded -before by the _North Briton_, especially with regard to what related to -domestic happiness, that he lay no where open to a fresh stroke. Some -readers, however, may entertain a doubt on this subject. A man feels -most exquisitely when the merit of which he is proudest is denied him; -and it might be urged, that _Hogarth_ was more solicitous to maintain -the character of a good painter, than of a tender husband. - -One quotation, however, from _Churchill's_ Epistle the warmest admirers -of our matchless artist must be pleased with: - - "In walks of humour, in that cast of style, - Which, probing to the quick, yet makes us smile; - In Comedy, his natural road to fame, - Nor let me call it by a meaner name, - Where a beginning, middle, and an end, - Are aptly join'd; where parts on parts depend, - Each made for each, as bodies for their soul, - So as to form one true and perfect whole, - Where a plain story to the eye is told, - Which we conceive the moment we behold;[70] - _Hogarth_ unrival'd stands, and shall engage - Unrival'd praise to the most distant age." - -_Hogarth_ having been said to be in his dotage when, he produced his -print of the Bear, it should seem as if he had been provoked to make -the following additions to this print, in order to give a further -specimen of his still existing genius. - -In the form of a framed picture on the painter's palette, he has -represented an _Egyptian_ pyramid, on the side of which is a _Cheshire_ -cheese,[71] and round it 3000 _l. per annum_; and at the foot a -_Roman_ Veteran in a reclining posture, designed as an allusion to -Mr. _Pitt's_ resignation. The cheese is meant to allude to a former -speech of his, wherein he said that he would rather subsist a week -on a _Cheshire_ cheese and a shoulder of mutton, than submit to the -implacable enemies of his country. - -But to ridicule this character still more, he is, as he lies down, -firing a piece of ordnance at the standard of _Britain_, on which is -a dove with an olive-branch, the emblem of peace. On one side of the -pyramid is the City of _London_, represented by the figure of one of -the _Guildhall_ giants, going to crown the reclining hero. On the other -side is the king of _Prussia_, in the character of one of the _Cæsars_, -but smoking his pipe. In the center stands _Hogarth_ himself, whipping -a Dancing Bear (_Churchill_) which he holds in a string. At the side -of the Bear is a Monkey, designed for Mr. _Wilkes_. Between the legs -of the little animal is a mop-stick, on which he seems to ride, as -children do on a hobby-horse: at the top of the mop-stick is the cap -of liberty. The Monkey is undergoing the same discipline as the Bear. -Behind the Monkey is the figure of a man, but with no lineaments of -face, and playing on a fiddle. This was designed for Earl _Temple_. - -At the time these hostilities were carrying on in a manner so virulent -and disgraceful to all the parties, _Hogarth_ was visibly declining -in his health. In 1762, he complained of an inward pain, which, -continuing, brought on a general decay that proved incurable.[72] -This last year of his life he employed in retouching his plates -with the assistance of several engravers whom he took with him to -_Chiswick_. On the 25th of _October_, 1764, he was conveyed from -thence to _Leicester-fields_, in a very weak condition, yet remarkably -chearful; and, receiving an agreeable letter from the _American_ Dr. -_Franklin_, drew up a rough draught of an answer to it; but going to -bed, he was seized with a vomiting, upon which he rung his bell with -such violence that he broke it, and expired about two hours afterwards -in the arms of Mrs. _Mary Lewis_, who was called up on his being taken -suddenly ill. To this lady, for her faithful services, he bequeathed -100 _l._ After the death of _Hogarth's_ sister, Mrs. _Lewis_ succeeded -to the care of his prints; and, without violation of truth, it may -be observed, that her good nature and affability recommend these -performances which she continues to dispose of at Mrs. _Hogarth's_ -house in _Leicester-square_. Before our artist went to bed, he boasted -of having eaten a pound of beef-steaks for his dinner,[73] and was -to all appearance heartier than he had been for a long time before. -His disorder was an aneurism; and his corpse was interred in the -church-yard at _Chiswick_, where a monument is erected to his memory, -with this inscription, under his family arms: - - "Here lieth the body - Of _William Hogarth_, Esq. - Who died _October_ the 26th, 1764; - Aged 67 years." - -On another side, which is ornamented with a masque, a laurel wreath, a -palette, pencils, and a book, inscribed "Analysis of Beauty," are the -following verses by his friend Mr. _Garrick_: - - "Farewell, great painter of mankind, - Who reach'd the noblest point of art; - Whose pictur'd morals charm the mind, - And through the eye correct the heart. - If _genius_ fire thee, reader, stay, - If _nature_ touch thee, drop a tear; - If neither move thee, turn away, - For _Hogarth's_ honoured dust lies here." - -On a third side is this inscription: - - "Here lieth the body - Of Dame _Judith Thornhill_, - Relict of Sir _James Thornhill_, knight, - Of _Thornhill_ in the county of _Dorset_. - She died _November_ the 12th, 1757, - Aged 84 years." - -And on the fourth side: - - "Here lieth the body - Of Mrs. _Anne Hogarth_, sister - to _William Hogarth_, Esq. - She died _August_ the 13th, 1771, - Aged 70 years." - -Mr. _Hayley_, in his justly admired _Epistle to an Eminent Painter_ -(Mr. _Romney_), has since expressed himself concerning our artist in -terms that confer yet higher honours on his comic excellence: - - "Nor, if her favour'd hand may hope to shed - The flowers of glory o'er the skilful dead, - Thy talents, _Hogarth!_ will she leave unsung; - Charm of all eyes, and Theme of every tongue! - A separate province 'twas thy praise to rule; - Self-form'd thy Pencil! yet thy works a School, - Where strongly painted, in gradations nice, - The Pomp of Folly, and the Shame of Vice, - Reach'd thro' the laughing Eye the mended Mind, - And moral Humour sportive Art refin'd. - While fleeting Manners, as minutely shown - As the clear prospect on the mirror thrown; - While Truth of Character, exactly hit, - And drest in all the dyes of comic wit; - While these, in _Fielding's_ page, delights supply, - So long thy Pencil with his Pen shall vie. - Science with grief beheld thy drooping age - Fall the sad victim of a Poet's rage: - But Wit's vindictive spleen, that mocks controul, - Nature's high tax on luxury of soul! - This, both in Bards and Painters, Fame forgives - Their Frailty's buried, but their Genius lives." - -Thus far the encomiast, who seeks only for opportunities of bestowing -praise. A more impartial narrative will be expected from the -biographer. - -It may be truly observed of _Hogarth_, that all his powers of -delighting were restrained to his pencil.[74] Having rarely been -admitted into polite circles, none of his sharp corners had been rubbed -off, so that he continued to the last a gross uncultivated man. The -slightest contradiction transported him into rage. To be member of a -Club consisting of mechanics, or those not many removes above them, -seems to have been the utmost of his social ambition; but even in these -assemblies he was oftener sent to _Coventry_ for misbehaviour, than -any other person who frequented them. To some confidence in himself he -was certainly entitled; for, as a comic painter, he could have claimed -no honour that would not most readily have been allowed him;[75] but -he was at once unprincipled and variable in his political conduct and -attachments. He is also said to have beheld the rising eminence and -popularity of Sir _Joshua Reynolds_ with a degree of envy; and, if I -am not misinformed, frequently spoke with asperity both of him and his -performances. Justice, however, obliges me to add, that our artist was -liberal, hospitable, and the most punctual of pay-masters; so that, -in spite of the emoluments his works had procured to him, he left but -an inconsiderable fortune to his widow. His plates indeed are such -resources as may not speedily be exhausted. Some of his domestics had -lived many years in his service, a circumstance that always reflects -credit on a master. Of most of these he painted strong likenesses on a -canvas still in Mrs. _Hogarth's_ possession. - -His widow has also a portrait of her husband, and an excellent -bust of him by _Roubilliac_, a strong resemblance; and one of his -brother-in-law Mr. _Thornhill_, much resembling the countenance of Mrs. -_Hogarth_. Several of his portraits also remain in her possession: -_viz._ a finished portrait of Mrs. _Mary Lewis_; _Thomas Coombes_ of -_Dorsetshire_, aged 108; Lady _Thornhill_; Mrs. _Hogarth_ herself, &c. -&c. - -A portrait of _Hogarth_ with his hat on, painted for the late Rev. Mr. -_Townley_ by _Weltdon_, and said to be finished by himself, is in the -possession of Mr. _James Townley_, proctor in _Doctors Commons_. A -mezzotinto print from it will be mentioned under the year 1781 in the -Catalogue. - -Mr. _Edwards_, of _Beaufort Buildings_, has the portrait of Sir _George -Hay, The Savoyard Girl, The Bench,_ and _Mary Queen of Scots,_[76] by -_Hogarth_. - -A conversation-piece by him is likewise at _Wanstead_ in _Essex_, the -seat of Earl _Tylney_.[77] And Mrs. _Hoadly_ has a scene of _Ranger_ -and _Clarinda_ in _The Suspicious Husband_; and the late Chancellor -_Hoadly_ repeating a song to Dr. _Greene_, for him to compose; both by -_Hogarth_. The first of these is an indifferent picture, and contains -very inadequate likenesses of the persons represented. - -One of the best portraits _Hogarth_ ever painted, is at _Lichfield_. -It is of a gentleman with whom he was very intimate, and at whose -houses at _Mortlake_ and in _Ironmongers-Lane_ he spent much of his -time--Mr. _Joseph Porter_, of _London_, merchant, who died _April_ 7, -1749. Mrs. _Porter_ the sister of this gentleman (who was daughter -of Dr. _Johnson's_ wife by a former husband) is in possession of -the picture.--_John Steers_, esq. (of _The Paper Buildings_ in _The -Temple_) has an auction by _Hogarth_, in which Dr. _Chauncey_, Dr. -_Snagg_, and others, are introduced; and the Earl of _Exeter_ has a -butcher's shop, with _Slack_ fighting, &c. - -Of _Hogarth's_ lesser plates many were destroyed. When he wanted a -piece of copper on a sudden, he would take any from which he had -already worked off such a number of impressions as he supposed he -should sell. He then sent it to be effaced, beat out, or otherwise -altered to his present purpose. - -The plates which remained in his possession were secured to Mrs. -_Hogarth_ by his will, dated _August_ 12, 1764, chargeable with an -annuity of 80 _l._ to his sister _Anne_,[78] who survived him. When, -on the death of his other sister, she left off the business in which -she was engaged (see, in the Catalogue, the first article among the -"Prints of uncertain date,") he kindly took her home, and generously -supported her, making her, at the same time, useful in the disposal of -his prints. Want of tenderness and liberality to his relations was not -among the failings of _Hogarth_. - -Of _Hogarth's_ drawings and contributions towards the works of others, -perhaps a number, on enquiry, might be found. An acquaintance of his, -the late worthy Mr. _John Sanderson_, architect, who repaired _Woburn -Abbey_, as well as _Bedford House_ in _Bloomsbury-square_, possessed -several of his curiosities. One was a sketch in black-lead of a -celebrated young engraver (long since dead) in a salivation. The best -that can be said of it is, that it was most disgustingly natural. Even -the coarse ornaments on the corners of the blankets which enwrapped -him, were characteristically expressed. Our artist seems to have -repeated the same idea, though with less force, and fewer adjuncts, -in the third of his Election prints, where a figure swaddled up in -flannel is conveyed to the hustings. Two other works, viz. a drawing in -_Indian_ ink, and a painting in oil colours, exhibited _Bedford House_ -in different points of view; the figures only by _Hogarth_. Another -represented the corner of a street, with a man drinking under the spout -of a pump, and heartily angry with the water, which, by issuing out too -fast, and in too great quantities, had deluged his face. Our great -painter had obliged Mr. _Sanderson_ with several other comic sketches, -&c. but most of them had been either begged or stolen, before the -communicator of these particulars became acquainted with him. - -In the year 1745, _Launcelot Burton_ was appointed naval officer at -_Deal. Hogarth_ had seen him by accident; and on a piece of paper, -previously impressed by a plain copper-plate, drew his figure with -a pen, in imitation of a coarse etching. He was represented on a -lean _Canterbury_ hack, with a bottle sticking out of his pocket; -and underneath was an inscription, intimating that he was going -down to take possession of his place. This was inclosed to him in a -letter; and some of his friends, who were in the secret, protested -the drawing to be a print which they had seen exposed to sale at the -shops in _London_; a circumstance that put him in a violent passion, -during which he wrote an abusive letter to _Hogarth_, whose name was -subscribed to the work. But, after poor _Burton's_ tormentors had kept -him in suspence throughout an uneasy three weeks, they proved to him -that it was no engraving, but a sketch with a pen and ink. He then -became so perfectly reconciled to his resemblance, that he shewed it -with exultation to Admiral _Vernon_, and all the rest of his friends. - -In 1753, _Hogarth_ returning with Dr. _Morell_ from a visit to Mr. -_Rich_ at _Cowley_, stopped his chariot, and got out, being struck by a -large drawing (with a coal) on the wall of an alehouse. He immediately -made a sketch of it with triumph; it was a St. _George and the Dragon_, -all in strait lines. - -_Hogarth_ made one essay in sculpture. He wanted a sign to distinguish -his house in _Leicester-fields_; and thinking none more proper than the -_Golden Head_, he, out of a mass of cork made up of several thicknesses -compacted together, carved a bust of _Vandyck_, which he gilt and -placed over his door. It is long since decayed, and was succeeded by a -head in plaster, which has also perished; and is supplied by a head of -Sir _Isaac Newton. Hogarth_ modelled another resemblance of _Vandyck_ -in clay; which is likewise destroyed. - -It is very properly observed by Mr. _Walpole_, that "If ever an author -wanted a commentary, that none of his beauties might be lost, it is -_Hogarth_; not from being obscure (for he never was that but in two -or three of his first prints, where transient national follies, as -Lotteries, Free-masonry, and the _South Sea_, were his topics) but for -the use of foreigners, and from a multiplicity of little incidents, -not essential to, but always heightening the principal action. Such -is the spider's web extended over the poor's box in a parish church; -the blunders in architecture in the nobleman's seat, seen through the -window, in the first print of _Marriage à la Mode_; and a thousand -in the Strollers dressing in a barn, which, for wit and imagination, -without any other aid, is perhaps the best of all his works; as, for -useful and deep satire, that on the Methodists is the most sublime. -_Rouquet_, the enameller, published a _French_ explanation, though -a superficial one, of many of his prints, which, it was said, he -had drawn up for the use of Marshal _Belleisle_, then a prisoner in -_England_." - -However great the deficiencies in this work may be, it was certainly -suggested by _Hogarth_, and drawn up at his immediate request. I -receive this information from undoubted authority. Some of the -circumstances explanatory of the plates, he communicated; the rest he -left to be supplied by _Rouquet_ his near neighbour, who lived in the -house at which _Gardelle_ the enameller afterwards lodged, and murdered -his landlady Mrs. _King. Rouquet_, who (as I learn from Mr. _Walpole_) -was a _Swiss_ of _French_ extraction, had formerly published a small -tract on the state of the Arts in _England_, and another, intituled -"L'Art de peinture en fromage ou en ramequin, 1755;" 12mo. (V. "La -_France_ litteraire, ou Dictionaire des Auteurs _François_ vivans, par -_M. Formey_, 1757.") On the present occasion he was liberally paid -by _Hogarth_, for having cloathed his sentiments and illustrations -in a foreign dress. This pamphlet was designed, and continues to be -employed, as a constant companion to all such sets of his prints as -go abroad. Only the letter descriptive of the _March to Finchley_ was -particularly meant for the instruction of Marshal _Belleisle_.[79] - -It was added after the three former epistles had been printed off, and -before the plate was published. The entire performance, however, in my -opinion, exhibits very strong marks of the vivacious compiler's taste, -country, and prejudices. Indeed many passages must have been inserted -without the privity of his employer, who had no skill in the _French_ -language. That our _clergy_ always _affect to ride on white horses_, -and other remarks of a similar turn, &c. &c. could never have fallen -from the pen of _Hogarth_, or any other _Englishman_. - -This epistle bears also internal evidence to the suggestions _Rouquet_ -received from _Hogarth_. Are not the self-congratulations and -prejudices of our artist sufficiently visible in the following passage? - -"Ce Tableau dis-je a le defaut d'etre encore tout brillant de cette -ignoble fraîcheur qu'on decouvre dans la nature, et _qu'on ne voit -jamais dans les cabinets bien célèbres. Le tems ne l'a point encore -obscurci de cette decte fumée, de ce usage sacré, qui le cachera -quelque jour aux yeux profanes du vulgaire, pour ne laisser voir ses -beautés qu'aux initiés._" - -The title of this performance, is, "Lettres de Monsieur * * à un -de ses Amis à _Paris_, pour lui expliquer les Estampes de Monsieur -_Hogarth_.--Imprimé à _Londres_: et se vend chez _R. Dodsley_, dans -_Pall Mall_; et chez _M. Cooper_, dans _Paternoster Row_, 1746." (Le -prix est de douze sols.) - -I should here observe, that this pamphlet affords only descriptions -of the _Harlot's_ and _Rake's Progress, Marriage à la Mode,_ and the -_March to Finchley_. Nine other plates, viz. the _Modern Midnight -Conversation_, the _Distressed Poet_, the _Enraged Musician,_ the -_Fair, Strolling Actresses dressing in a Barn,_ and the _Four Times of -the Day,_ are enumerated without particular explanation. - -I am authorized to add, that _Hogarth_, not long before his death, -had determined, in compliance with the repeated solicitations of his -customers, to have this work enlarged and rendered into _English_, with -the addition of ample comments on all his performances undescribed by -_Rouquet_. - -"_Hogarth_ Moralised"[80] will however in some small degree (a very -small one) contribute to preserve the memory of those temporary -circumstances which Mr. _Walpole_ is so justly apprehensive will be -lost to posterity. Such an undertaking indeed, requires a more intimate -acquaintance with fleeting customs, and past occurrences, than the -compiler of this work can pretend to. Yet enough has been done by him -to awaken a spirit of enquiry, and point out the means by which it may -be farther gratified. - -The works of _Hogarth_, as his elegant biographer has well observed, -are his history;[81] and the curious are highly indebted to Mr. -_Walpole_ for a catalogue of prints, drawn up from his own valuable -collection, in 1771. But as neither that catalogue, nor his appendix -to it in 1780, have given the whole of Mr. _Hogarth's_ labours, I hope -that I shall not be blamed if, by including Mr. _Walpole's_ catalogue, -I have endeavoured from later discoveries of our artist's prints in -other collections, to arrange them in chronological order. It may not -be unamusing to trace the rise and progress of a Genius so strikingly -original. - -_Hogarth_ gave first impressions of all his plates to his late -friends the Rev. Mr. _Townley_ and Dr. _Isaac Schomberg_.[82] Both -sets were sold since the death of these gentlemen. That which was Dr. -_Schomberg's_ became the property of the late Sir _John Chapman_, -baronet; and passed after his death into the hands of his brother, the -late Sir _William Chapman_. I should add, indeed, that our artist never -sorted his impressions, selecting the slight from the strong ones: so -that they who wish to possess any equal series of his prints, must pick -it out of different sets. - -A portrait of _Samuel Martin_, esq. the antagonist of Mr. _Wilkes_, -which Mr. _Hogarth_ had painted for his own use, he gave as a legacy to -Mr. _Martin_. - -Mrs. _Baynes_, of _Kneeton-Hall_, near _Richmond, Yorkshire,_ has -an original picture by _Hogarth_, four feet two inches long, by two -feet four inches wide. It is a landscape, with several figures; a man -driving sheep; a boat upon a piece of water, and a distant view of a -town. This picture was bought in _London_, by her father, many years -ago. - -At Lord _Essex's_ sale, in _January_ 1777, Mr. _Garrick_ bought a -picture by _Hogarth_, being the examination of the recruits before -the justices _Shallow_ and _Silence_. For this, it was said in the -news-papers, he gave 350 guineas. I have since been told, that remove -the figure 3, and the true price paid by the purchaser remains. In -private he allowed that he never gave the former of these sums, though -in the public prints he did not think such a confession necessary. -It was in reality an indifferent performance, as those of _Hogarth_ -commonly were, when he strove to paint up to the ideas of others. - -Mr. _Browning_, of _King's College, Cambridge,_ has a small picture by -_Hogarth_, representing _Clare-Market_. It seems to have been one of -our artist's early performances. - -There are three large pictures by _Hogarth_, over the altar in the -church of _St. Mary Redcliff_ at _Bristol_; the sealing of the sacred -Sepulchre, the Ascension, and the three _Maries_, &c. A sum of money -was left to defray the expence of these ornaments, and it found its -way into _Hogarth's_ pocket. The original sketches in oil for these -performances, are now at Mrs. _Hogarth's_ house in _Leicester-fields_. - -In Lord _Grosvenor's_ house, at _Milbank, Westminster_, is a small -painting by our artist on the following subject. A boy's paper-kite in -falling become entangled with furze: the boy arrives just as a crow is -tearing it in pieces. The expression in his face is worthy of _Hogarth_. - -_Hogarth_ was also supposed to have had some hand in the exhibition -of signs,[83] projected above 20 years ago by _Bonnel Thornton_, of -festive memory; but I am informed, that he contributed no otherwise -towards this display, than by a few touches of chalk. Among the heads -of distinguished personages, finding those of the King of _Prussia_ -and the Empress of _Hungary_, he changed the cast of their eyes so as -to make them leer significantly at each other. This is related on the -authority of Mr. _Colman_. - -Mr. _Richardson_ ("now," as Dr. _Johnson_ says, "better known by -his books than his pictures," though his colouring is allowed to -be masterly) having accounted for some classical quotations in his -notes on _Milton_, unlearned as he was, by his son's assisting him -as a telescope does the eye in astronomy; _Hogarth_ shewed him with -a telescope looking through his son (in no very decent attitude) at -a _Virgil_ aloft on a shelf; but afterwards destroyed the plate, and -recalled the prints. Qu. if any remain, and what date?--I much question -whether this subject was ever thrown upon copper, or meant for the -public eye. - -In the "Nouveau Dictionnaire Historique, _Caen_, 1783," our artist is -thus characterized: "Ses compositions sont mal dessinées & foiblement -colories; mais ce sont des tableaux parlans de diverses scènes comiques -ou morales de la vie. Il avoit négligé le méchanisme de son art, c'est -à-dire, les traits du pinceau, le rapport des parties entr'elles, -l'effèt du clare obscure, l'harmonie du coloris, &c. pour s'élever -jusqu'à la perfection de ce méchanisme, c'est à-dire, au poétique & -au moral de la peinture. 'Je reconnois,' disoit-il, 'tout le monde -pour juge compétent de mes tableaux, excepté les connoisseurs de -profession.' Un seul exemple prouvera combien réussit. Il avoit fait -graver une estampe, dans laquelle il avoit exprimé avec énergie -les différens tourmens qu'on fait éprouver aux animaux. Un charrier -fouettoit un jour ses chevaux avec beaucoup de dureté; un bon homme, -touché de pitié, lui dit, 'Miserable! tu n'as donc pas vu l'estampe -d'_Hogarth_?' Il n'étoit pas seulement peintre, il fut écrivain. Il -publia en 1750 un traité en _Anglois_, intitulé, '_Analyse de la -Beauté_.' L'auteur pretend que les formes arrondies constituent la -beauté du corps: principe vrai à certains égards, faux a plusieurs -autres. _Voy._ sur cet artiste, la sécond volume du 'Mercure de -France,' Janvier, 1770." - -Mr. _Peter Dupont_, a merchant, had the drawing of _Paul before -Felix_, which he purchased for 20 guineas, and bound up with a set of -_Hogarth's_ prints. The whole set was afterwards sold by auction, at -_Baker's_, for 17 _l._ to Mr. _Ballard_ of _Little Britain_, in whose -catalogue it stood some time marked at 25 _l._ and was parted with for -less than that sum. - -The following original drawings, by _Hogarth_, are now in the -collection of the Rev. Dr. _Lort_: - -A coloured sketch of a Family Picture, with ten whole-length figures, -most insipidly employed. A Head of a Sleeping Child, in colours, as -large as life, &c. &c. &c. - -When _Hogarth_ designed the print intituled _Morning_, his idea of -an _Old Maid_ appears to have been adopted from one of that forlorn -sisterhood, when emaciated by corroding appetites, or, to borrow -_Dryden's_ more forcible language, by "agony of unaccomplished love." -But there is in being, and perhaps in _Leicester-fields_, a second -portrait by our artist, exhibiting the influence of the same misfortune -on a more fleshy carcase. The ancient virgin[84] now treated of, is -corpulent even to shapelessness. Her neck resembles a collar of brawn; -and had her arms been admitted on the canvas, they must have rivalled -in magnitude the thighs of the _Farnesian_ god. Her bosom, luckily -for the spectator, is covered; as a display of it would have served -only to provoke abhorrence. But what words can paint the excess of -malice and vulgarity predominant in her visage!--an inflated hide -that seems bursting with venom--a brow wrinkled by a _Sardonic_ grin -that threatens all the vengeance an affronted Fury would rejoice -to execute. Such ideas also of warmth does this mountain of quaggy -flesh communicate, that, without hyperbole, one might swear she would -parch the earth she trod on, thaw a frozen post-boy, or over-heat a -glasshouse. "How dreadful," said a bystander, "would be this creature's -hatred!" "How much more formidable," replied his companion, "would be -her love!"--Such, however, was the skill of _Hogarth_, that he could -impress similar indications of stale virginity on features directly -contrasted, and force us to acknowledge one identical character in the -brim-full and exhausted representative of involuntary female celibacy. - -Mr. _S. Ireland_ has likewise a sketch in chalk, on blue paper, of -_Falstaff_ and his companions; two sketches intended for the "Happy -Marriage;" a sketch for a picture to shew the pernicious effects of -masquerading; sketch of King _George_ II. and the royal family; sketch -of his present Majesty, taken hastily on seeing the new coinage of -1764; portrait of _Hogarth_ by himself, with a palette; of Justice -_Welsh_;[85] of Sir _James Thornhill_; of Sir _Edward Walpole_;[86] -of his friend _George Lambert_, the landscape-painter; of a boy; of -a girl's head, in the character of _Diana_, finished according to -_Hogarth's_ idea of beauty; of a black girl; and of Governor _Rogers_ -and his family, a conversation-piece; eleven Sketches from Nature, -designed for Mr. _Lambert_; four drawings of conversations at _Button's -Coffee-house_; _Cymon_ and _Iphigenia_; two black chalk drawings -(landscapes) given to Mr. _Kirby_ in 1762; three heads, slightly -drawn with a pen by _Hogarth_, to exemplify his distinction between -_Character_ and _Caricature_, done at the desire of Mr. _Townley_, -whose son gave them to Dr. _Schomberg_; a landscape in oil: with -several other sketches in oil. - -The late Mr. _Forrest_, of _York Buildings_, was in possession -of a sketch in oil of our Saviour (designed as a pattern for -painted glass), together with the original portrait of _Tibson_ the -Laceman,[87] and several drawings descriptive of the incidents that -happened during a five days tour by land and water. The parties were -Messieurs _Hogarth, Thornhill_ (son of the late Sir _James_), _Scott_ -(the ingenious landscape-painter of that name), _Tothall_,[88] and -_Forrest_. They set out at midnight, at a moment's warning, from -the _Bedford Arms_ Tavern, with each a shirt in his pocket. They -had particular departments to attend to; _Hogarth_ and _Scott_ made -the drawings; _Thornhill_ the map; _Tothall_ faithfully discharged -the joint office of treasurer and caterer; and _Forrest_ wrote the -journal. They were out five days only; and on the second night after -their return, the book was produced, bound, gilt, and lettered, and -read at the same tavern to the members of the club then present. Mr. -_Forrest_ had also drawings of two of the members (_Gabriel Hunt_ and -_Ben Read_), remarkable fat men, in ludicrous situations. Etchings from -all these having been made in 1782, accompanied by the original journal -in letter-press, an account of them will appear in the Catalogue under -that year. - -A transcript of the journal was left in the hands of Mr. -_Gostling_,[89] who wrote an imitation of it in _Hudibrastic_ verse; -TWENTY COPIES only of which having been printed in 1781, as a literary -curiosity,[90] I was requested by some of my friends to reprint it at -the end of the second edition of this work. It had originally been kept -back, in compliment to the writer of the prose journey; but, as that in -the mean time had been given to the public by authority, to preserve -the Tour in a more agreeable dress cannot, it is presumed, be deemed an -impropriety. See the Appendix, N° III. - - -[1] History of _Westmoreland_, Vol. I. p. 479. - -[2] "I must leave you to the annals of Fame," says Mr. _Walker_, the -ingenious Lecturer on Natural Philosophy, who favoured me with these -particulars, "for the rest of the anecdotes of this great Genius; and -shall endeavour to shew you, that his family possessed similar talents, -but they were destined, like the wild rose, - -"'To waste their sweetness in the desart air.' - -"Happy should I be to rescue from oblivion the name of _Ald Hogart_, -whose songs and quibbles have so often delighted my childhood! These -simple strains of this mountain _Theocritus_ were fabricated while -he held the plough, or was leading his fewel from the hills. He was -as critical an observer of nature as his nephew, for the narrow -field he had to view her in: not an incident or an absurdity in the -neighbourhood escaped him. If any one was hardy enough to break through -any decorum of old and established repute; if any one attempted to -over-reach his neighbour, or cast a leering eye at his wife; he was -sure to hear himself sung over the whole parish, nay, to the very -boundaries of the _Westmoreland_ dialect: so that his songs were said -to have a greater effect on the manners of his neighbourhood, than even -the sermons of the parson himself. - -"But his poetical talents were not confined to the incidents of his -village. I myself have had the honour to bear a part in one of his -plays (I say _one_, for there are several of them extant in MS. in the -mountains of _Westmoreland_ at this hour). This play was called 'The -Destruction of _Troy_.' It was written in metre, much in the manner of -_Lopez de Vega_, or the ancient _French_ drama; the unities were not -too strictly observed, for the siege of ten years was all represented; -every hero was in the piece; so that the Dramatis Personæ consisted of -every lad of genius in the whole parish. The wooden horse--_Hector_ -dragged by the heels--the fury of _Diomed_--the flight of _Æneas_--and -the burning of the city, were all represented. I remember not what -Fairies had to do in all this; but as I happened to be about three -feet high at the time of this still-talked-of exhibition, I personated -one of these tiny beings. The stage was a fabrication of boards placed -about six feet high, on strong posts; the green-room was partitioned -off with the same materials; it's cieling was the azure canopy of -heaven; and the boxes, pit, and galleries, were laid into one by the -Great Author of Nature, for they were the green slope of a fine hill. -Despise not, reader, this humble state of the provincial drama; let me -tell you, there were more spectators, for three days together, than -your three theatres in _London_ would hold; and let me add, still more -to your confusion, that you never saw an audience half so well pleased. - -"The exhibition was begun with a grand procession, from the village to -a great stone (dropt by the Devil about a quarter of a mile off, when -he tried in vain to erect a bridge across _Windermere_; so the people, -unlike the rest of the world, have remained a very good sort of people -ever since). I say the procession was begun by the minstrels of five -parishes, and were followed by a yeoman on bull-back--you stare!--stop -then till I inform you that this adept had so far civilised his -bull, that he would suffer the yeoman to mount his back, and even to -play upon his fiddle there. The managers besought him to join the -procession; but the bull, not being accustomed to much company, and -particularly so much applause; whether he was intoxicated with praise; -thought himself affronted, and made game of; or whether a favourite -cow came across his imagination; certain it was, that he broke out of -the procession; erected his tail, and, like another _Europa_, carried -off the affrighted yeoman and his fiddle, over hedge and ditch, till -he arrived at his own field. This accident rather inflamed than -depressed the good humour arising from the procession; and the clown, -or jack-pudding of the piece, availed himself so well of the incident, -that the lungs and ribs of the spectators were in manifest danger. -This character was the most important personage in the whole play: -for his office was to turn the most serious parts of the drama into -burlesque and ridicule: he was a compound of Harlequin and the Merry -Andrew, or rather the Arch-fool of our ancient kings. His dress was -a white jacket, covered with bulls, bears, birds, fish, &c. cut in -various coloured cloth. His trowsers were decorated in like manner, and -hung round with small bells; and his cap was that of Folly, decorated -with bells, and an otter's brush impending. The lath sword must be of -great antiquity in this island, for it has been the appendage of a -jack-pudding in the mountains of _Westmoreland_ time out of mind. - -"The play was opened by this character with a song, which answered the -double purpose of a play-bill and a a prologue, for his ditty gave the -audience a foretaste of the rueful incidents they were about to behold; -and it called out the actors, one by one, to make the spectators -acquainted with their names and characters, walking round and round -till the whole Dramatis Personæ made one great circle on the stage. The -audience being thus become acquainted with the actors, the play opened -with _Paris_ running away with _Helen_, and _Menelaus_ scampering after -them; then followed the death of _Patroclus_, the rage of _Achilles_, -the persuasions of _Ulysses_,&c. &c. and the whole interlarded with apt -songs, both serious and comic, all the production of _Ald Hogart_. The -bard, however, at this time had been dead some years, and I believe -this Fete was a Jubilee to his memory; but let it not detract from -the invention of Mr. _Garrick_, to say that his at _Stratford_ was -but a copy of one forty years ago on the banks of _Windermere_. Was -it any improvement, think you, to introduce several _bulls_ into the -procession instead of one? But I love not comparisons, and so conclude. -Yours, &c. ADAM WALKER." - -However _Ald Hogart_ might have succeeded in the dramatic line, and -before a rustic audience, his poems of a different form are every way -contemptible. Want of grammar, metre, sense, and decency, are their -invariable characteristics. This opinion is founded on a thorough -examination of a whole bundle of them, transmitted by a friend since -the first publication of this work. - -[3] Vir Clarissime, Excusso _Malpighio_ intra sex vel plurimum septem -septimanas te tamen per totum inconsulto, culpa est in Bibliopolam -conferenda, qui adeo festinanter urgebat opus ut moras nectere -nequivimus. Utut sit, tamen mihimet adulor me satis recte authoris & -verba & mentem cepisse (diligenter enim noctes atque dies opere incubui -ne tibi vel ulli regiorum tuorum sodalium molestus forem). Rudiora -tamen quorum specimen infra exhibere placuit, & _Italico-Latina_, juxta -præceptum tuum, _similia feci_ aliter si fecissem, totus fere liber -mutationem sul iisset. Authorem tam pueriliter & barbare loquentem -nunquam antehac evolvi quod meminerim; faciat ergo lector, ut solent -nautæ, qui dum fœtet aqua, nares pilissando comprimunt, spretis enim -verbis sensum, si quis est, attendat. Multa (infinita pœnè dixerim) -authoris errata emendavi, quædam tamen non animadversa vereor; _Augeæ_ -enim stabulum non nisi _Hercules_ repurgavit. Partem _Italico_ sermone -conscriptam præetermitto, istam enim provinciam adornare suscepit -Doctor _Pragestee Italus_; quam bene rem gessit, ipse viderit. -Menda Typographica, spero, aut nulla, aut levia apparebunt. Tuam -tamen & Regiæ Societatis censuram exoptat facilem, Tibi omni studio -addictissimus, - - "RICHARDUS HOGARTH, ...Preli Curator." - -[4] He published "Grammar Disputations; or, an Examination of the -eight parts of speech by way of question and answer, _English_ and -_Latin_, whereby children in a very little time will learn, not -only the knowledge of grammar, but likewise to speak and write -_Latin_; as I have found by good experience. At the end is added a -short Chronological index of men and things of the greatest note, -alphabetically digested, chiefly relating to the Sacred and _Roman_ -History, from the beginning of the World to the Year of Christ 1640, -and downwards. Written for the use of schools of _Great-Britain_, by -_Richard Hogarth_ Schoolmaster, 1712." This little book has also a -_Latin_ title-page to the same purpose, "Disputationes Grammaticales, -&c." and is dedicated, "Scholarchis, Ludimagistris, _et Hypodidascalis -Magnæ Britanniæ_." - -[5] _Hogart_ was the family name, probably a corruption of _Hogherd_, -for the latter is more like the local pronunciation than the first. -This name disgusted Mrs. _Hogart_; and before the birth of her son, -she prevailed upon her husband to liquify it into _Hogarth_. This -circumstance was told to me by Mr. _Walker_, who is a native of -_Westmoreland_. By Dr. _Morell_, I was informed that his real name was -_Hoggard_, or _Hogard_, which, himself altered, by changing _d_ into ð, -the Saxon _th_. - -[6] On what authority this is said, I am yet to learn. The registers of -_St. Bartholomew the Great_, and of _St. Bartholomew the Less_, have -both been searched for the same information, with fruitless solicitude. -The school of _Hogarth's_ father, in 1712, was in the parish of _St. -Martin's Ludgate_. In the register of that parish, therefore, the -births of his children, and his own death, may probably be found.[A] - -[A] The register of _St. Martin's Ludgate_, has also been searched to -no purpose. - -[7] This circumstance has, since it was first written, been verified -by a gentleman who has often heard a similar account from one of the -_last Head Assay-Masters_ at _Goldsmiths-Hall_, who was apprentice to -a silversmith in the same street with _Hogarth_, and intimate with him -during the greatest part of his life. - -[8] Universal Museum, 1764. p. 549. The same kind of revenge, however, -was taken by _Verrio_, who, on the cieling of _St. George's Hall_ at -_Windsor_, borrowed the face of Mrs. _Marriot_, the housekeeper, for -one of the Furies. - -[9] This picture is noticed in the article _Thornhill_, in the -_Biographia Britannica_, where, instead of _Wanstead_, it is called -the _Wandsworth_ assembly. There seems to be a reference to it in "A -Poetical Epistle to Mr. _Hogarth_, an eminent History and Conversation -Painter," written _June_ 1730, and published by the author (Mr. -_Mitchell_), with two other epistles, in 1731, 4to. - - "Large families obey your hand; - _Assemblies_ rise at your command." - -Mr. _Hogarth_ designed that year the frontispiece to Mr. _Mitchell's_ -Opera, _The Highland Clans_. - -[10] Of all these a more particular account will be given in the -Catalogue annexed. - -[11] Brother to _Henry Overton_, the well-known publisher of ordinary -prints, who lived over against _St. Sepulchre's Church_, and sold many -of _Hogarth's_ early pieces coarsely copied, as has since been done by -_Dicey_ in _Bow Church-yard_. - -[12] This conceit is borrowed from _Vanloo's_ picture of _Colley -Cibber_, whose daughter has the same employment. - -[13] It appears that Mr. _G._ was dissatisfied with his likeness, or -that some dispute arose between him and the painter, who then struck -his pencil across the face, and damaged it. The picture was unpaid for -at the time of his death. His widow then sent it home to Mr _Garrick_, -without any demand. - -[14] Afterwards rector of _Crawley_ in _Hampshire_; author of "_Ben -Mordecai's_ Letters," "Confusion worse confounded," and many other -celebrated works. - -[15] He died of the small-pox, Aug. 12, 1729, and is said, in the -"Political State," to have possessed 5000 l. a year. He married a -sister of lord _Bateman_, by whom he left a son and two daughters. - -[16] I have heard that he continually took sketches from nature as -he met with them, and put them into his works; and it is natural to -suppose he did so. - -[17] See the Catalogue at the end of these Anecdotes. A very -considerable number of personalities are there pointed out under the -account of each plate in which they are found. - -[18] The late Mr _Cole_, of _Milton_, in his copy of these Memoirs, had -written against the name of _Bambridge_, "Father to the late attorney -of that name, a worthy son of such a father. He lived at _Cambridge_." -And in a copy of the first edition on occasion of a note (afterwards -withdrawn) which mentioned "Mr. _Baker's_ having quarrelled with -_Hearne_;" Mr. _Cole_ wrote, "Mr. _Baker_ quarrelled with no man: he -might coolly debate with Mr. _Hearne_ on a disputable point. It is, -therefore, a misrepresentation of Mr. _Baker's_ private character, -agreeable to the petulance of this age." - -[19] The wardenship of _The Fleet_, a patent office, was purchased of -the earl of _Clarendon_, for 5000 _l._ by _John Huggins_, esq. who -was in high favour with _Sunderland_ and _Craggs_, and consequently -obnoxious to their successors. _Huggins's_ term in the patent was for -his own life and his son's. But, in _August_ 1728, being far advanced -in years, and his son not caring to take upon him so troublesome an -office, he sold their term in the patent for the same sum it had cost -him, to _Thomas Bambridge_ and _Dougal Cuthbert. Huggins_ lived to the -age of 90. - -[20] Mr. _Rayner_, in his reading on Stat. 2 _Geo._ II. chap. 32. -whereby _Bambridge_ was incapacitated to enjoy the office of warden -of _The Fleet_, has given the reader a very circumstantial account, -with remarks, on the notorious breaches of trust, &c. committed -by _Bambridge_ and other keepers of _The Fleet-Prison_. For this -publication, see _Worral's_ Bibliotheca Legum by _Brooke_, 1777, p. 16. - -"A report from the Committee appointed to enquire into the State of the -Gaols of this Kingdom, relating to the _Marshalsea_ prison; with the -Resolutions of the House of Commons thereupon," was published in 4to. -1729; and reprinted in 8vo, at _Dublin_ the same year. It appears by -a MS. note of _Oldys_, cited in _British Topography_, vol. I. p. 636, -that _Bambridge_ cut his throat 20 years after. - -[21] _William Huggins_, esq. of _Headly Park, Hants,_ well-known by -his translation of the _Orlando Furioso_ of _Ariosto_. Being intended -for holy orders, he was sent to _Magdalen College, Oxford,_ where he -took the degree of M. A. _April_ 30, 1761; but, on the death of his -elder brother in 1756, declined all thoughts of entering into the -church. He died _July_ 2, 1761; and left in MS. a tragedy, a farce, -and a translation of _Dante_, of which a specimen was published in the -_British Magazine_, 1760. Some flattering verses were addressed to -him in 1757, on his version of _Ariosto_; which are preserved in the -_Gentleman's Magazine_, vol. XXVII. p. 180; but are not worth copying. -The last Mr. _Huggins_ left an estate of 2000 _l._ a year to his two -sons-in-law _Thomas Gatehouse_, Esq; and Dr. _Musgrave_ of _Chinnor_. - -[22] Sir _Francis Page's_, "Character," by _Savage_, thus gibbets him -to public detestation: - - "Fair Truth, in courts where Justice should preside, - Alike the Judge and Advocate would guide; - And these would vie each dubious point to clear, - To stop the widow's and the orphan's tear; - Were all, like _Yorke_,[A] of delicate address, - Strength to discern, and sweetness to express, - Learn'd, just, polite, born every heart to gain, - Like _Comyns_[B] mild; like _Fortescue_[C] humane, - All-eloquent of truth, divinely known, - So deep, so clear, all Science is his own. - - "Of heart impure, and impotent of head, - In history, rhetoric, ethics, law, unread; - How far unlike such worthies, once a drudge, - From floundering in low cases, rose a Judge. - Form'd to make pleaders laugh, his nonsense thunders, - And on low juries breathes contagious blunders. - His brothers blush, because no blush he knows, - Nor e'er 'one uncorrupted finger shows.'[D] - See, drunk with power, the circuit-lord exprest! - Full, in his eye, his betters stand confest; - Whose wealth, birth, virtue, from a tongue so loose, - 'Scape not provincial, vile, buffoon abuse. - Still to what circuit is assigned his name, - There, swift before him, flies the warner--Fame. - Contest stops short, Consent yields every cause - To Cost; Delay endures them, and withdraws. - But how 'scape prisoners? To their trial chain'd, - All, all shall stand condemn'd, who stand arraign'd, - Dire guilt, which else would detestation cause, - Prejudg'd with insult, wondrous pity draws. - But 'scapes e'en Innocence his harsh harangue? - Alas!--e'en Innocence itself must hang; - Must hang to please him, when of spleen possest, - Must hang to bring forth an abortive jest. - - "Why liv'd he not ere Star-chambers had fail'd, - When fine, tax, censure, all but law prevail'd; - Or law, subservient to some murderous will, - Became a precedent to murder still? - Yet e'en when portraits did for traitors bleed, - Was e'er the jobb to such a slave decreed, - Whose savage mind wants sophist-art to draw, - O'er murder'd virtue, specious veils of law? - - "Why, Student, when the bench your youth admits, - Where, though the worst, with the best rank'd he sits; - Where sound opinions you attentive write, - As once a _Raymond_, now a _Lee_ to cite, - Why pause you scornful when he dins the court? - Note well his cruel quirks, and well report. - Let his own words against himself point clear, - Satire more sharp than verse when most severe." - -Nor was _Savage_ less severe in his prose. On the trial of this -unfortunate poet, for the murder of _James Sinclair_ in 1727, Judge -_Page_, who was then on the bench, treated him with his usual insolence -and severity; and, when he had summed up the evidence, endeavoured -to exasperate the jury, as Mr. _Savage_ used to relate it, with this -eloquent harangue: "Gentlemen of the Jury, you are to consider that -Mr. _Savage_ is a very great man, a much greater man than you or I, -gentlemen of the jury; that he wears very fine cloaths, much finer -cloaths than you or I, gentlemen of the jury; that he has abundance -of money in his pocket, much more money than you or I, gentlemen of -the jury: but, gentlemen of the jury, is it not a very hard case, -gentlemen of the jury, that Mr. _Savage_ should therefore kill you or -me, gentlemen of the jury?" - -_Pope_ also, _Horace_, B. II. Sat. r, has the following line: - - "Hard words or hanging, if your judge be _Page."_ - -And _Fielding_, in _Tom Jones_, makes _Partridge_ say, with great -_naiveté_, after premising that judge _Page_ was a very brave man, and -a man of great wit, "It is indeed charming sport to hear trials on life -and death!" - -[A] Sir _Philip Yorke_, chief justice of the King's Bench, afterwards -lord-chancellor and earl _Hardwicke_. - -[B] Sir _John Comyns_, chief baron of the Exchequer. - -[C] Hon. _William Fortescue_, then one of the justices of the court of -Common Pleas, afterwards master of the Rolls. - -[D] "When _Page_ one uncorrupted finger shows." D. of WHARTON. - -[23] The truth and propriety of these strictures having been disputed -by an ingenious correspondent in the _Public Advertiser_, his -letter, with remarks on it, is subjoined by way of appendix to the -present work. In this place performances of such a length would have -interrupted the narrative respecting _Hogarth_ and his productions. See -Appendix I. - -[24] In co'i Banco. - -WILLIAM HOGARTH, Plaintiff. JOSHUA MORRIS, Defendant. - -_Middlesex._ - -The Plaintiff declares, that on the 20th of _December_, 1727, at -_Westminster_ aforesaid, Defendant was indebted to him 30 _l_. for -painter's work, and for divers materials laid out for the said work; -which Defendant faithfully promised to pay when demanded. - -Plaintiff also declares, that Defendant promised to pay for the said -work and other materials, as much as the same was worth; and Plaintiff -in fact says the same was worth other 30 _l_. - -Plaintiff also declares for another sum of 30 _l_ for money laid out -and expended for Defendant's use, which he promised to pay. - -The said Defendant not performing his several promises, the Plaintiff -hath brought this action to his damage 30 _l_. for which this action is -brought. - -To which the Defendant hath pleaded _non assumpsit_ and thereupon issue -is joined. - - -CASE. - -The Defendant is an upholsterer and tapestry-worker, and was -recommended to Plaintiff as a person skilful in painting patterns -for that purpose; the Plaintiff accordingly came to Defendant, who -informing him that he had occasion for a tapestry design of the Element -of Earth, to be painted on canvas, Plaintiff told Defendant he was -well skilled in painting that way, and promised to perform it in a -workmanlike manner; which if he did, Defendant undertook to pay him for -it twenty guineas. - -Defendant, soon after, hearing that Plaintiff was an engraver, and no -painter, was very uneasy about the work, and ordered his servant to go -and acquaint Plaintiff what he had heard; and Plaintiff then told the -said servant, 'that it was a bold undertaking, for that he never did -any thing of that kind before; and that, if his master did not like it, -he should not pay for it.' - -That several times sending after Plaintiff to bring the same to -Defendant's house, he did not think fit so to do; but carried the same -to a private place where Defendant keeps some people at work, and there -left it. As soon as Defendant was informed of it, he sent for it home, -and consulted with his workmen whether the design was so painted as -they could work tapestry by it, and they were all unanimous that it was -not finished in a workmanlike manner, and that it was impossible for -them to work tapestry by it. - -Upon this, Defendant sent the painting back to Plaintiff by his -servant, who acquainted him, 'that the same did not answer the -Defendant's purpose, and that it was of no use to him; but if he would -finish it in a proper manner, Defendant would take it, and pay for it.' - -Defendant employs some of the finest hands in _Europe_ in working -tapestry, who are most of them foreigners, and have worked abroad as -well as here, and are perfect judges of performances of this kind. - -The Plaintiff undertook to finish said piece in a month, but it was -near three months before he sent to the Defendant to view it; who, -when he saw it, told him that he could not make any use of it, and was -so disappointed for want of it, that he was forced to put his workmen -upon working other tapestry that was not bespoke, to the value of 200 -_l._ which now lies by him, and another painter is now painting another -proper pattern for the said piece of tapestry. - -To prove the case as above set forth, call Mr. _William Bradshaw_. - -To prove the painting not to be performed in a workmanlike manner, and -that it was impossible to make tapestry by it, and that it was of no -use to Plaintiff, call Mr. _Bernard Dorrider_, Mr. _Phillips_, Mr. _De -Friend_, Mr. _Danten_, and Mr. _Pajon_. - -By the counsel's memoranda on this brief it appears, that the witnesses -examined for the Plaintiff were _Thomas King, Vanderbank, Le Gard, -Thornhill,_ and _Cullumpton_. - -[25] _James Thornhill_, esq. serjeant-painter and history-painter -to King _George_ I. In _June_ 1715, he agreed to paint the cupola -of _St. Paul's_ church for 4000 _l._ and was knighted in _April_ -1720. In a flattering account given of him immediately after his -death, which happened _May_ 13, 1734, in his 57th year, he is said to -have been "the greatest history-painter this kingdom ever produced, -witness his elaborate works in _Greenwich-Hospital_, the cupola of -_St. Paul's_, the altar-pieces of _All-Souls College_ in _Oxford_, -and in the church of _Weymouth_, where he was born; a cieling in the -palace of _Hampton-Court_, by order of the late Earl of _Halifax:_ his -other works shine in divers noblemens' and gentlemens' houses. His -later years were employed in copying the rich cartoons of _Raphael_ -in the gallery of _Hampton-Court_, which, though in decay, will be -revived by his curious pencil, not only in their full proportions, -but in many other sizes and shapes, he in a course of years had drawn -them. He was chosen representative in the two last parliaments for -_Weymouth_, and having, by his own industry, acquired a considerable -estate, re-purchased the seat of his ancestors, which he re-edified -and embellished. He was not only by patents appointed history-painter -to their late and present majesties, but serjeant-painter, by which -he was to paint all the royal palaces, coaches, barges, and the royal -navy. This late patent he surrendered in favour of his only son _John -Thornhill_, Esq. He left no other issue but one daughter, now the wife -of Mr _Wm. Hogarth_, admired for his curious miniature conversation -paintings. Sir _James_ has left a most valuable Collection of pictures -and other curiosities." - -[26] He was called on this occasion, in the Craftsman, "Mr. _Hogarth_, -an ingenious designer and engraver." - -[27] "_Pope_ published in 1731 a poem called _False Taste_, in which he -very particularly and severely criticises the house, the furniture, the -gardens, and the entertainments of _Timon_, a man of great wealth and -little taste. By _Timon_ he was universally supposed, and by the Earl -of _Burlington_, to whom the poem is addressed, was privately said to -mean the Duke of _Chandos_; a man perhaps too much delighted with pomp -and shew, but of a temper kind and beneficent, and who had consequently -the voice of the publick in his favour. A violent outcry was therefore -raised against the ingratitude and treachery of _Pope_, who was said -to have been indebted to the patronage of _Chandos_ for a present of -a thousand pounds, and who gained the opportunity of insulting him by -the kindness of his invitation. The receipt of the thousand pounds -_Pope_ publickly denied; but from the reproach which the attack on a -character so amiable brought upon him, he tried all means of escaping. -The name of _Cleland_ was employed in an apology, by which no man was -satisfied; and he was at last reduced to shelter his temerity behind -dissimulation, and endeavour to make that disbelieved which he never -had confidence openly to deny. He wrote an exculpatory letter to the -Duke, which was answered with great magnanimity, as by a man who -accepted his excuse without believing his professions. He said, that -to have ridiculed his taste, or his buildings, had been an indifferent -action in another man; but that in _Pope_, after the reciprocal -kindness that had been exchanged between them, it had been less easily -excused." _Dr. Johnson, in his Life of Pope._ - -[28] That Sir _John Gonson_ took a very active part against the Ladies -of Pleasure, is recorded by more than one of their votaries: In "A -View of the Town, 1735," by Mr. _T. Gilbert_, a fellow of _Peter House -Cambridge_, and an intimate companion of _Loveling_,[A] I meet with -these lines: - - "Though laws severe to punish guilt were made, - What honest man is of these laws afraid? - All felons against judges will exclaim, - As harlots startle at a _Gonson's_ name." - -The magistrate entering with his myrmidons was designed as the -representative of this gentleman, whose vigilance on like occasions is -recorded in the following elegant Sapphic Ode, by Mr. _Loveling_. This -gentleman was educated at _Winchester-school_, became a commoner of -_Trinity College, Oxford_, was ordained deacon, lived gaily, and died -young. His style, however, appears to have been formed on a general -acquaintance with the language of _Roman_ poetry; nor do any of his -effusions betray that poverty of expression so conspicuous in the poems -of _Nicholas Hardinge_, esq. who writes as if _Horace_ was the only -classic author he had ever read. - - Ad _Johannem Gonsonum_, Equitem. - - Pellicum, _Gonsone_, animosus hostis, - Per minus castas _Druriæ_ tabernas - Lenis incedens, abeas _Diones_ - Æquus alumnis! - Nuper (ah dictu miserum!) _Olivera_ - Flevit ereptas viduata mœchas, - Quas tuum vidit genibus minores - Ante tribunal. - Dure, cur tantâ in _Veneris_ ministras - Æstuas irâ? posito furore - Huc ades, multà & prece te vocantem - Gratior audi! - Nonne sat mœchas malè feriatas - Urget infestis fera sors procellis? - Adderis quid tu ulterior puellis - Causa doloris? - Incolunt, eheu! thalamos supernos, - Nota quæ sedes fuerat Poetis; - Nec domum argento gravis, ut solebat, - Dextra revertit. - Nympha quæ nuper nituit theatro, - Nunc stat obscuro misera angiportu, - Supplici vellens tunicam rogatque - Voce _Lyæum_. - Te voco rebus _Druriæ_ mentis; - Voci communi _Britonum_ Juventus - Te vocat, nunc ô! dare te benignum - Incipe votis. - Singulum tunc dona feret lupanar: - Liberum mittet _Rosa_ Lusitanum, - Gallici _Haywarda_ et generosa mittet - Munera _Bacchi_. - Sive te forsan moveat libido, - Aridis pellex requiescet ulnis, - Callida effœtas renovare lento - Verbere vires. - -The same poet, speaking of the exhilarating effects of Gin, which had -just been an object of Parliamentary notice, has the following stanza: - - Utilis mœchae fuit & Poetæ; - Sprevit hinc Vates Dolopum catervas, - Mœcha _Gonsonum_ tetricâ minantem - Fronte laborem. - -Thus, between the poet and the painter, the fame of our harlot-hunting -Justice is preserved. But as a slave anciently rode in the same -chariot with the conqueror, the memory of a celebrated street-robber -and highwayman will descend with that of the magistrate to posterity, -_James Dalton's_ wig-box being placed on the tester of the Harlot's -bed. I learn from the _Grubstreet Journal_, that he was executed on -the 12th of _May_, 1730. Sir _John Gonson_ died _January_ 9, 1765. He -was remarkable for the charges which he used to deliver to the grand -juries, which are said to have been written by Orator _Henley_. The -following puffs, or sneers, concerning them, are found in the first -number of the _Grubstreet Journal_, dated _January_ 8, 1730. "Yesterday -began the General Quarter Sessions, &c. when Sir _John Gonson_, being -in the chair, gave a most _incomparable, learned,_ and _fine_ charge to -the Grand Jury." _Daily Post_. - -"The _Morning Post_ calls Sir _John's_ charge _excellent, learned_ and -_loyal_. The _Evening Post_ calls it an _excellent lecture_ and _useful -charge_." - -Three of these performances had been published in 1728.[B] Sir _John's_ -name is also preserved in Mr _Pope's_ works: - - "Talkers I've learn'd to bear: _Motteux_ I knew; - _Henley_ himself I've heard, and _Budgell_ too. - The Doctor's wormwood style, the hash of tongues - A pedant makes, the storm of _Gonson's_ lungs." - Fourth Sat. of Dr. _Donne_ versified. - -[A] In the collection of _Loveling's_ Poems, 1741, are two by _Gilbert. -Loveling_ also addressed a poem, not printed in his works, "_Gilberto -suo_," and in _Gilbert's_ Poems, published 1747, is "A familiar Epistle -to my friend _Ben Loveling_." - -[B] One charge by Sir _John Gonson_ is in the Political State, vol. -XXXV. p. 50; and two others in vol. XXXVI. pp 314. 333. - -[29] It was customary in _Hogarth's_ family to give these fans to the -maids. - -[30] Among the small articles of furniture in the scenes of _Hogarth_, -a few objects may speedily become unintelligible, because their -archetypes, being out of use, and of perishable natures, can no longer -be found. Such is the _Dare for Larks_ (a circular board with pieces -of looking-glass inserted in it), hung up over the chimney-piece of -the _Distress'd Poet_; and the _Jews Cake_ (a dry tasteless biscuit -perforated with many holes, and formerly given away in great quantities -at the Feast of Passover), generally used only as a fly-trap, and -hung up as such against the wall in the sixth plate of the _Harlot's -Progress_. I have frequently met with both these articles in mean -houses. - -[31] The fire began at the house of Mrs. _Calloway_, who kept a -brandy-shop. This woman was committed to _Newgate_, it appearing -among other circumstances, that she had threatened "to be even with -the landlord for having given her warning, and that she would have -a bonfire on the 20th of _June_, that should warm all her rascally -neighbours." - -[32] _Hogarth_ attempted to improve it, but without much success. The -additional figures are quite episodical. See the Catalogue. - -[33] In _Seymour's_ history of _London_, vol. II. p. 883. is the -following notice of our artist: - -"Among the Governors of _St. Bartholomew's Hospital_, was lately chosen -Mr. _William Hogarth_ the celebrated printer, who, we are told, designs -to paint the stair-case of the said hospital, and thereby become a -benefactor to it, by giving his labour gratis." - -[34] He bought up great quantities of the copies of his works; and -they still remain in possession of his widow. The "Harlot's" and the -"Rake's" Progress, in a smaller size than the original, were published, -with his permission, by _Thomas Bakewell_, a printseller, near the -_Horn Tavern, Fleet-street_. - -[35] Of the _Harlot's Progress_ I have seen no less than eight -piratical imitations. - -[36] _Lord Gardenston_, one of the lords of session in _Scotland_, on -delivering his opinion in the court of session upon the question of -literary property, in the cause of _Hinton_ and _Donaldson_ and others, -all booksellers, in _July_ 1773 thus introduced the works of _Hogarth_: -"There is nothing can be more similar than the work of engraving is to -literary composition. I will illustrate this proposition by the works -of Mr _Hogarth_, who, in my humble opinion, is the only true original -artist which this age has produced in _England_. There is hardly any -character of an excellent author, which is not justly applicable -to his works. What composition, what variety, what sentiment, what -fancy, invention, and humour, we discover in all his performances! -In every one of them an entertaining history, a natural description -of characters, and an excellent moral. I can read his works over and -over, _Horace's_ characteristic of excellency in writing, _decies -repetita placebit_; and every time I peruse them, I discover new -beauties, and feel fresh entertainment: can I say more in commendation -of the literary compositions of a _Butler_ or a _Swift_? There is -great authority for this parallel; the legislature has considered the -works of authors and engravers in the same light; they have granted -the same protection to both; and it is remarkable, that the act of -parliament for the protection of those who invent new engravings, or -prints, is almost in the same words with the act for the protection -and encouragement of literary compositions." This is taken from a 4to -pamphlet, published in 1774 by _James Boswell_, esq. advocate, one of -the counsel in the cause. - -[37] "That _Huggins_ penned the statute, I was told by Mr. _Hogarth_ -himself. The determination of Lord _Hardwicke_ was thus occasioned. -_Jefferys_, the printseller at the corner of _St. Martin's Lane_, -had employed an artist to draw and engrave a print representing the -_British_ Herring Fishery; and, having paid him for it, took an -assignment of the right to the property in it accruing to the artist -by the act of parliament. The proprietors of one of the magazines -pirated it in a similar size, and _Jefferys_ brought his bill for an -injunction, to which the defendants demurred: and, upon argument of the -demurrer, the same was allowed, for the reason abovementioned, and the -bill dismissed. _Hogarth_ attended the hearing; and lamented to me that -he had employed _Huggins_ to draw the act, adding, that, when he first -projected it, he hoped it would be such an encouragement to engraving -and printselling, that printsellers would soon become as numerous -as bakers' shops; which hope, notwithstanding the above check, does -at this time seem to be pretty nearly gratified." _For this note my -readers are indebted to Sir_ John Hawkins. - -[38] "What Caricatura is in painting," says _Fielding_, "Burlesque -is in writing; and in the same manner the comic writer and painter -correlate to each other. And here I shall observe, that as in the -former the painter seems to have the advantage; so it is in the latter -infinitely on the side of the writer: for the Monstrous is much easier -to paint than describe, and the Ridiculous to describe than paint. -And though perhaps this latter species doth not in either science so -strongly affect and agitate the muscles as the other; yet it will be -owned, I believe, that a more rational and useful pleasure arises to us -from it." - -[39] This idea originally occurred in _Colley Cibber's Apology_. -From thence it was transplanted by _Lloyd_ into his celebrated poem -intituled _The Actor_. Lying thus in the way of _Garrick_, he took -it up for the use of the _prologue_ already quoted. Lastly, Mr. -_Sheridan_, in his beautiful _Monody_, condescended to borrow it, only -because it spared him the labour of unlocking the richer storehouse of -his own imagination. - -I may however remark that _Cibber_, when he suggested this mortifying -reflection, had more reason on his side than some of his successors -who have indulged themselves in the same dolorous strain of complaint. -To whatever oblivion the celebrated actors of the last age have been -resigned, the pencil of _Hogarth, Dance, Zoffani,_ and _Reynolds_, -had left Mr. _Garrick_ not the slightest reason to be apprehensive -that, in his own particular case, the art and the artist would alike -be forgotten. Meanwhile, let our heroes of the stage be taught to -moderate their anxiety for posthumous renown, by a recollection that -their peculiar modes of excellence will, at least, be as well preserved -to futurity as those of the lords _Chatham_ and _Mansfield_, whose -talents, perhaps, might support an equal claim to perpetuation. - -[40] Dr. _M._ once observed to _J. N._ in a letter on this subject, "In -the 13th chapter I was somewhat puzzled with the _flat_ and _round_, or -the _concave_ and _convex_, appearing the reverse; till the sun happily -shining in upon the cornice, I had a fair example of what he intended -to express. The next chapter, with regard to _colouring_, did not go -on quite so smooth; for, if I satisfied _him_, I was not satisfied -_myself_ with his peculiar principles; nor could I relish his laying -the blame on the _colourmen_, &c." - -[41] One exception to this remark occurs in the _Gentleman's Magazine_ -for 1754, p. 14; where the reviewer of the Analysis observes, that it -is "a book written with that precision and perspicuity which can only -result from a perfect knowledge of his subject in all its extent. His -rules are illustrated by near two hundred figures, engraved by himself; -the knowledge which it contains is universally useful, and as all -terms of art are avoided, the language will be universally understood. -The player and the dancing-master, whom others consider as patterns -of just action and genteel deportment, are not less instructed than -the statuary and the painter; nor is there any species of beauty or -elegance that is not here investigated and analysed. - -"A book, by which the author has discovered such superiority, could -scarce fail of creating many enemies; those who admit his Analysis -to be just, are disposed to deny that it is new. Though in the year -1745, having drawn a serpentine line on a painter's pallet, with -these words under it, 'the line of beauty,' as a frontispiece to his -prints, no _Egyptian_ hieroglyphic ever produced greater variety of -speculation; both painters and sculptors then came to enquire the -meaning of a symbol, which they soon pretended to have been their old -acquaintance; though the account they could give of its properties were -scarce so satisfactory as that of a day-labourer, who constantly uses -the _lever_, could give of that instrument, as a mechanical power. The -work, however, will live when these cavils are forgotten; and except -the originals, of which it is pretended to be a copy, are produced, -there is no question but that the name of the author will descend to -posterity with that honour which competitors only can wish to withhold." - -It should be observed, however, that the general decision on -_Hogarth's_ performance may be just. Certain we are, that it has not -been reversed by the opinion of the First of our Modern Painters. - -[42] The _Analysis_ itself however affords sufficient specimens of -inaccuracy in spelling. Thus we have (pref. p. xix.) _Syclamen_ instead -of _Cyclamen_; (p. 44.) calc_i_donian for C_h_alc_e_donian; (p. 65.) -nuckles for _k_nuckles; (p. 97.) Iris_h_-stitch for Iris-stitch, &c. -&c. In the sheets that contain these errors, it is easy to conceive -that _Hogarth_ must have been his own corrector of the press. - -[43] It is so extraordinary for an illiterate person to ridicule -inaccuracy of spelling, that this might probably be a real blunder. - -[44] Some account of this work will be given in a future page. - -[45] See a note on _Marriage-a-la-Mode_ (under the year 1745); from -whence it sufficiently appears, that _indelicacies_, &c. had been -imputed to _Hogarth's_ performances, and that, therefore, when he -advertised the six plates of _Marriage-a-la-Mode_, he thought it -necessary to assure the public that no _indelicacy, indecency,_ or -_personality_, would be found in any of these representations. - -[46] The exigence of this card having been doubted, it is engraved in -our title-page, from the original now in _Charles Street, Grosvenor -Square_, in the possession of Dr. _Wright_. - -[47] This pun reminds us of a similar one from _Garth_ to _Rowe_, who -making repeated use of his snuff-box, the _Doctor_ at last sent it to -him with the two _Greek_ letters written on the lid, Φ, ρ, (_Phi, Ro_). -At this the sour _Dennis_ was so provoked, as to declare, that "a man -who could make such a vile pun, would not scruple to pick a pocket." - -[48] The cat spitting at the dog is a circumstance in the fourth plate -of _Industry and Idleness_, where it is naturally introduced. The dog -attends on a porter who is bringing in goods; and the warehouse cat, -who considers this animal as an invader, is preparing to defend her -person and premises. - -[49] When this ample, nay, redundant, apology by Dr. _Joseph Warton_ -first made its appearance, _Hogarth_ was highly delighted with as much -of it as he understood. But, not knowing the import of the word ΗθΟΣ -[Greek: Ethos], he hastened to his friends for information. All, in -their turn, sported with his want of skill in the learned languages; -first telling him it was Greek for one strange thing, and then for -another, so that his mind remained in a state of suspence; as, for -aught he knew to the contrary, some such meaning might lie under these -crooked letters, as would overset the compliments paid him in the -former parts of the paragraph. No short time, therefore, had passed -before he could determine whether he ought to retract or continue his -charge against his adversary: but it was at last obliterated. For -several months afterwards, however, poor _Hogarth_ never praised his -provision or his wine, without being asked what proportion of the ΗθΟΣ -[Greek: Ethos] he supposed to be in either. - -[50] An engraving from this picture may be expected from Mr. _Livesay_. - -[51] A polite gentleman, of great learning, and much esteemed. He had -some good pictures, and a very fine library, in the great house at -_Peckham_ (formerly inhabited by Lord _Trevor_), which, together with -a considerable estate there, was bequeathed to him by his aunt Mrs. -_Hill_. - -[52] See the names of the purchasers, and prices of this collection, in -the _Gentleman's Magazine_, 1758, p. 225. - -[53] He painted the heart from an injected one provided for him -by _Cæsar Hawkins_ the surgeon; and, on the authority of repeated -inspection, I venture to affirm, that the fingers of _Sigismunda_ are -unstained with blood, and that neither of her hands is employed in -rending ornaments from her head, or any other part of her person. In -this instance Mr. _Walpole's_ memory must have failed him, as I am -confident that his misrepresentation was undesigned. It is whispered -(we know not with how much truth) that Mrs. _H._ was hurt by this -description of the picture, and that she returned no thanks for the -volume that contains it, when it was sent to her as a present by its -author. It should seem that she still designs to dispose of this -ill-fated performance, and thinks that its reputation required no -additional blast. - -I have reprinted this note, without correction, that I might thereby -obtain the fairer opportunity of doing justice to Mr. _Walpole_, -concerning the faithfulness of whose memory I had ventured to express -a doubt. Genuine information is not always to be had; nor shall -I hesitate a moment to apologize for the fallaciousness of mine. -The fingers of _Sigismunda_ were _originally_ stained with blood. -This indelicate and offensive circumstance was pointed out by some -intelligent friend to _Hogarth_, who reluctantly effaced it. - -A correspondent, however, on reading this work, has furnished an -additional reason why the lady already mentioned may be offended by -the severity of Mr. _Walpole's_ strictures on _Sigismunda_. "It has -been whispered that Count _Guiscard's_ widow was a copy from the -_daughter of Sir James Thornhill_. If this circumstance be true, the -very accomplished Critick of _Strawberry Hill_ will own at least that -her wrath and _Juno's_ had the same provocation, '_Judiciam Paridis, -spretæque injuria formæ_.' Impartiality, however, obliges us to add, -that Mrs. _Hogarth_, though in years, is still a very fine woman; and -that Mr. _Walpole's_ idea of what a picture of _Sigismunda_ ought to -express, is poetically conceived, and delivered with uncommon elegance -and force of language. The _sober grief_, the _dignity of suppressed -anguish_, the _involuntary tear_, the _settled meditation on the fate -she meant to meet_, and the _amorous warmth turned holy by despair_, -are words that fill the place of colours, supply all the imperfections -of _Hogarth's_ design, and succeed even where a _Furino_ or a -_Correggio_ may have failed." - -[54] This circumstance was ridiculed in a grotesque print, called _A -Harlot blubbering over a bullock's heart. By William Hogart._ - -[55] "Many causes may vitiate a writer's judgement of his own works. -On that which has cost him much labour he sets a high value, because -he is unwilling to think that he has been diligent in vain; what has -been produced without toilsome efforts is considered with delight, as a -proof of vigorous faculties and fertile invention; and the last work, -whatever it be, has necessarily most of the grace of novelty. _Milton_, -however it happened, had this prejudice, and had it to himself." Dr. -JOHNSON. - -[56] _Sigismunda_, however, though she missed of judicious admirers, -had, at least, the good fortune to meet with a flatterer in the late -Mr. _Robert Lloyd_, whose poem intituled _Genius, Envy,_ and _Time,_ -addressed to _William Hogarth_, esq. has the following lines. _Time_ is -the speaker. - - "While _Sigismunda's_ deep distress - Which looks the soul of wretchedness, - When I, with slow and softening pen, - Have gone o'er all the tints agen, - Shall urge a bold and proper claim, - To level half the ancient fame; - While future ages, yet unknown, - With critic air shall proudly own - Thy _Hogarth_ first of every clime - For humour keen, or strong sublime, &c." - -It is but justice, on one hand, to add, that when _Lloyd_ wrote this -eulogium, he was not yet enlisted under the banners of fashion; but -impartiality, on the other hand, requires we should observe that, -having, like _Hogarth_, seen few pictures by the best masters, he was -treating of an art he did not understand. - -The authors of the _Monthly Review_ are of opinion, that _Mr. Walpole_ -speaks too contemptuously of _Sigismunda_, and that there is no -ground for the insinuation that the person for whom it was painted -thought meanly of it. "We have in our possession (say they) a letter -to _Hogarth_ from the noble person referred to, in which he expresses -himself in the following terms;--_I really think the performance so -striking and inimitable, that the constantly having it before one's -eyes, would be often occasioning melancholy ideas to arise in one's -mind, which, a curtain being drawn before it, would not diminish in -the least._" Surely this epistle, if genuine, was ironical. Or shall -we suppose that, afterwards, his lordship only saw the picture through -the disgusting medium of the price? Mr. _Wilkes's_ opinion of the piece -will be best conveyed in his own words, which are therefore copied in -p. 81. - -Dr. _Morell_, an intimate friend of Mr. _Hogarth_, who was applied to -for information, returned for answer: "His excellencies, as well as his -foibles, are so universally known, that I cannot add to the former, -and would not, if I could, to the latter. I should think we lived in -a very ill-natured world, if the whims and follies in a man's life -were to be exposed, and his oddities and mistakes, _ubi plura nitent_, -seriously condemned. But the unhappy affair of _Sigismunda_ requires -animadversion. And I will venture to say that even this _Sigismunda_ -would not have deserved so many hard things as have been said of it, if -Mr. _Hogarth_ had timely and properly observed the caution--_Manum de -Tabula_. But it was so altered, upon the criticism of one Connoisseur -or another; and especially when, relying no longer upon strength of -genius, he had recourse to the _feigned_ tears and _fictitious_ woe of -a female friend; that, when it appeared at the exhibition, I scarce -knew it again myself, and from a passable picture it became little -better than the wretched figure here represented. In my opinion, I -never saw a finer resemblance of flesh and blood, while the canvas was -warm, I mean _wet_; but, like that of real flesh, as soon as it was -chilled, the beauty wore off. And this, he said, could not be helped, -as no colours, but those of pure nature, as _ultramarine_, &c. would -keep their natural brightness. But it is granted that colouring was not -Mr. _Hogarth's_ forte; and the subject we are upon is a disagreeable -one." - -[57] The first sketch in oil for _Sigismunda_, and a drawing from the -finished picture, are in the possession of Mr. _Samuel Ireland_. - -[58] At the Club of Artists, it was not unusual to reproach _Hogarth_ -with want of due attention to the Ancients, whom he always affected to -despise. It accidentally happened that Mr. _Basire_, whilst this plate -was in hand, was employed likewise in engraving, for the Society of -Antiquaries, two plates of an antique bronze from the collection of -Mr. _Hollis_, so remarkably grotesque, that Mr. _Hogarth_ very readily -consented that his plate should be postponed, and declared, "he could -not have imagined that the Ancients had possessed so much humour." - -[59] Some subscriptions were actually received, and the money returned. -The munificient Mr. _Hollis_, who was one of the subscribers, refused -to take back what he had paid; and it was given by Mr. _Basire_ to a -public charity. - -[60] Two other little pieces are ascribed to him; the distich under the -subscription-ticket for his _Sigismunda_, 1761, - - 'To Nature and yourself appeal; - Nor learn of others how to feel.' - -And the following well-known Epigram: - - "Your servant, Sir," says surly _Quin_, - "Sir, I am yours," replies _Macklin_, - "Why, you're the very _Jew_ you play, - Your face performs the task well." - "And you are _Sir John Brute_, they say, - And an accomplished _Maskwell_." - Says _Rich_, who heard the sneering elves, - And knew their horrid hearts; - "Acting too much your very selves, - You overdo your parts."[A] - -[A] The censure contained in these poor lines is eminently unjust. -_Macklin_ is known to have been an anxious and affectionate parent, and -_Quin_ a benevolent and liberal friend. - -[61] On what account I know not, but he had then forborn painting for -more than a year. - -[62] See hereafter, p. 81. - -[63] In the Beauties of all the Magazines, 1773, p. 440, is a droll -"Epistle from _Jacob Henriques_, born anno Domini, &c. to Messieurs -_Hogarth_ and _Churchill_ greeting." - -[64] For this the Satirist unmercifully apologizes in the conclusion of -his poem, which may be seen in the Catalogue, under the year 1763, in a -note on N° 2. - -[65] As much of this paper as relates to our artist is here subjoined: - -"The humourous Mr. _Hogarth_, the _supposed_ author of the _Analysis -of Beauty_, has at last entered the list of politicians, and given us -a print of _The Times. Words are man's province_, says _Pope_; but -they are not Mr. _Hogarth's_ province. He somewhere mentions his being -indebted to a friend for a third part of the _wording_: that is his -phrase. We all titter the instant he takes up a _pen_, but we tremble -when we see the _pencil_ in his hand. I will do him the justice to -say, that he possesses the rare talent of gibbetting in colours, and -that in most of his works he has been a very good moral satirist. His -forte is there, and he should have kept it. When he has at any time -deviated from _his own peculiar walk_, he has never failed to make -himself perfectly ridiculous. I need only make my appeal to any one -of his _historical_ or _portrait_ pieces, which are now considered -as almost beneath all criticism. The favourite _Sigismunda_, the -labour of so many years, the boasted effort of his art, was not -_human_. If the figure had a resemblance of any thing ever on earth, -or had the least pretence to meaning or expression, it was what he -had seen, or perhaps made, in real life, his own wife in an agony -of passion; but of what passion no connoisseur could guess. All his -friends remember what tiresome discourses were held by him day after -day about the transcendent merit of it, and how the great names of -_Raphael, Vandyke,_ and others, were made to yield the palm of beauty, -grace, expression, &c. to him, for this long laboured, yet still, -_uninteresting_, single figure. The value he himself set on this, as -well as on some other of his works, almost exceeds belief; yet from -politeness or fear, or some other motives, he has actually been paid -the most astonishing sums, as the price, not of his merit, but of his -unbounded vanity. - -"The darling passion of Mr. _Hogarth_ is to shew the _faulty_ and -_dark_ side of every object. He never gives us in perfection the _fair -face of nature_, but admirably well holds out her deformities to -ridicule. The reason is plain. All objects are painted on his _retina_ -in a grotesque manner, and he has never felt the force of what the -_French_ call _la belle nature_. He never caught a single idea of -beauty, grace, or elegance; but, on the other hand, he never missed the -least flaw in almost any production of nature or of art. This is his -true character. He has succeeded very happily in the way of humour, and -has miscarried in every other attempt. This has arisen in some measure -from his head, but much more from his heart. After _Marriage à la -Mode_, the public wished for a series of prints of a _happy_ marriage. -_Hogarth_ made the attempt, but the rancour and malevolence of his -mind made him very soon turn with envy and disgust from objects of so -pleasing contemplation, to dwell and feast a bad heart on others of a -hateful cast, which he pursued, for he found them congenial, with the -most unabating zeal, and unrelenting gall. - -"I have observed some time his _setting sun_. He has long been very -_dim_, and almost _shorn of his beams_. He seems so conscious of this, -that he now glimmers with _borrowed light. John Bull's house in flames_ -has been hackney'd in fifty different prints; and if there is any merit -in the figure on stilts, and the mob prancing around, it is not to -be ascribed to _Hogarth_, but to _Callot_. That spirited _Italian_, -whom the _English_ painter has so carefully studied, has given us in -the _Balli di Sfessania di Jacomo Callot_, the very same ideas, but -infinitely more ludicrous in the execution. The piece is _Smaraolo -cornuto. Ratsa di Boio. The Times_ must be confessed destitute of -every kind of original merit. The print at first view appears too -much crouded with figures; and is in every part confused, perplexed, -and embarrassed. The _story is not well told to the eye_; nor can -we any where discover the faintest ray of that genius, which with a -few strokes of the pencil enabled us to penetrate into the deepest -recesses of thought, and even caprice, in a _rake_, a _harlot_, and a -_profligate young man of quality_. - -"I own too that I am grieved to see the genius of _Hogarth_, which -should take in all ages and countries, sunk to a level with the -miserable tribe of party-etchers, and now, in his rapid decline, -entering into the poor politics of the faction of the day, and -descending into low personal abuse, instead of instructing the -world, as he could once, by manly moral satire. Whence can proceed -so surprizing a change? Is it the frowardness of old age? Or is it -that envy and impatience of resplendent merit in every way, at which -he has always sickened? How often has he been remarked to droop at -the fair and honest applause given even to a friend, though he had -particular obligations to the very same gentleman! What wonder then -that some of the most respectable characters of the age become the -objects of his ridicule? It is sufficient that the rest of mankind -applaud; from that moment he begins the attack, and you never can be -well with him, till he hears an universal outcry against you, and -till all your friends have given you up. There is besides a silly -affectation of singularity, joined to a strong desire of leading the -rest of the world: when that is once found impracticable, the spleen -engendered on such an occasion is discharged at a particular object, or -ends in a general misanthropy. The public never had the least share of -_Hogarth's_ regard, or even good-will. _Gain_ and _vanity_ have steered -his little bark quite through life. He has never been consistent but -with respect to those two principles. What a despicable part has he -acted with regard to the society of _Arts and Sciences_! How shuffling -has his conduct been to the whole body of _Artists_! Both these useful -societies have experienced the most ungenteel and offensive behaviour -from him. There is at this hour scarcely a single man of any degree of -merit in his own profession, with whom he does not hold a professed -enmity. It is impossible the least degree of friendship could ever -subsist in this intercourse of the arts with him; for his insufferable -vanity will never allow the least merit in another, and no man of -a liberal turn of mind will ever condescend to feed his pride with -the gross and fulsome praise he expects, or to burn the incense he -claims, and indeed snuffs like a most gracious god. To this he joins -no small share of jealousy; in consequence of which, he has all his -life endeavoured to suppress rising merit, and has been very expert -in every mean underhand endeavour, to extinguish the least spark of -genuine fire. Rut all _genius_ was not born, nor will die, with Mr. -_Hogarth_: and notwithstanding all his ungenerous efforts to damp or -chill it in another, I will trust to a discerning and liberal spirit in -the _English_ nation, to patronize and reward all real merit. It will -in the end rise superior to the idle laugh of the hour, which these -triflers think it the highest praise to be able to raise. For my part, -I scarcely know a more profligate principle, than the indiscriminately -sacrificing every thing, however great or good, to the dangerous talent -of ridicule; and a man, whose sole object is _dummodo risum excutiat_, -ought to be avoided as the worst pest of society, as the _enemy_ most -to be feared, I mean a treacherous _friend_. Such a man will go all -lengths to raise a laugh at your expence, and your whole life will be -made miserable from his ambition of diverting the company for half an -hour. - -"I love to trace the ideas of a Genius, and to mark the progress of -every art. Mr. _Hogarth_ has heard much of the _cobwebs_ of the law, -and the _spinning fine spider-webs_, &c. This is thrown on paper, and -the idea carefully treasured. Lord _Hardwicke_ being at the head of -the law, and deservedly in as high esteem with his countrymen as any -man who ever held the seals, unspotted in life, and equally revered -by prince and people, becomes an excellent subject for the satirical -pencil of a malevolent painter. He is accordingly emblematically -represented by Mr. _Hogarth_ as a great spider in a large, thick web, -with myriads of the carcases of _flies, clients_ I suppose, sucked to -death by the gloomy tyrant. Mr. _Hogarth_ had heard of Mr. _Pitt's_ -being _above_ all his fellow-citizens, and of his superior virtue -having _raised_ him to an envied and dangerous _height_ of grandeur. -Now this he has taken literally, and, with the kind aid of _Callot_, -has put Mr. _Pitt_ on stilts, and made the people _look up_ to him; -which, after all this insipid ridicule, they will continue to do, -as a kind of tutelar deity, from whom they expect that security and -those blessings they despair of from others. As to the conceit of the -_bellows_, to signify, I suppose, Mr. _Pitt's_ endeavours to blow up -the flames of war and discord, it is at once very poor and very false. -His whole conduct the last session in parliament, and out of the house -ever since, has demonstrated the contrary: _neque vero hoc_ oratione -_solum, sed multo magis_ vitâ _et_ moribus _comprobavit._ Cic. de Fin. - -"Lord _Temple_ is a nobleman of fine parts and unsullied honour, who -has shewn a thorough disinterestedness, a great love of liberty, -and a steady attachment to the public, in every part of his conduct -through life. It was impossible such a character could be missed by -the poisonous shafts of envy, which we see pointed at all superior -virtue.... Mr. _Hogarth's_ wit on this noble lord is confined to the -wretched conceits of the _Temple Coffee-house_, and a _squirt_ to -signify the _playing on_ the ministry. I really believe this wit is all -Mr. _Hogarth's_ own. - -"When a man of parts dedicates his talents to the service of his -country, he deserves the highest rewards: when he makes them -subservient to base purposes, he merits execration and punishment. -Among the _Spartans_, music and poetry were made to serve the noblest -purposes of the _Lacedemonian_ state. A manly courage and great -contempt of death were inspired by them; and the poet, musician, -soldier, and patriot, were often the same good citizen, who despised -the low _mechanic lucre_ of the profession, and was zealous only for -the glory of his country. In the year 1746, when the _Guards_ were -ordered to march to _Finchley_, on the most important service they -could be employed in, the extinguishing a _Scottish_ rebellion, which -threatened the intire ruin of the illustrious family on the throne, -and, in consequence, of our liberties, Mr. _Hogarth_ came out with a -print to make them ridiculous to their countrymen and to all _Europe_; -or perhaps it rather was to tell the _Scots_ in his way how little the -Guards were to be feared, and that they might safely advance. That -the ridicule might not stop here, and that it might be as offensive -as possible to his own _sovereign_, he dedicated the print to the -king of _Pru[s]ia[A] as an encourager of arts_. Is this patriotism! -In old _Rome_, or in any of the _Grecian_ states, he would have been -punished as a profligate citizen, totally devoid of all principle. In -_England_ he is rewarded, and made _serjeant_ painter to that very -king's grandson. I think the term means the same as what is vulgarly -called _house_-painter; and indeed he has not been suffered to -_caricature_ the royal family. The post of portrait-painter is given to -a _Scotsman_, one _Ramsay_. Mr. _Hogarth_ is only to paint the wainscot -of the rooms, or, in the phrase of the art, may be called their -_pannel-painter_. But how have the _Guards_ offended Mr. _Hogarth_, for -he is again attacking them in _The Times_? Lord _Harrington's_ second -troop of grenadier guards is allowed to be very perfect in every part -of military discipline; and _Hogarth's_ friend, the king of _Prussia_, -could have shewn him the real importance of it. He had heard them much -applauded, and therefore must abuse them. The ridicule ends however -in airs composed by _Harrington_, and in a piece of _clock-work_; but -he ought to have known, that though _l'homme machine_ is not sound -philosophy, it is the true doctrine of tactics. - -"The _Militia_ has received so many just testimonies of applause, both -from their king and country, that the attack of envy and malevolence -was long expected. But I dare say this poor jester will have Mr. -_George Townshend's_ free consent to vent his spleen upon him and the -gentlemen of _Norfolk_. I believe he may ever go on in this way almost -unnoticed; at one time ridiculing the _Guards_ for a _disorderly_, -and at another the _Militia_ for an exact and _orderly_ march. Mr. -_Townshend_ will still have the warm applause of his country, and the -truest satisfaction, that of an honest heart, for his patriot labours -in establishing this great plan of internal defence, a _Militia_, which -has delivered us from the ignominy of _foreign hirelings_, and the -ridiculous fears of invasion, by a brave and well-disciplined body of -_Englishmen_, at all times ready and zealous for the defence of their -country, and of its laws and constitution." - -[A] This is the orthography of Mr. _Hogarth_. See the print. - -[66] The present Lord _Camden_. - -[67] This gave rise to a catchpenny, intituled, "_Pug's_ Reply to -Parson _Bruin_; or, a Political Conference, occasioned by an Epistle to -_William Hogarth_, Esq;" 4to. - -[68] "Which was probably accelerated by this unlucky (we had almost -said unnatural) event; for _Wilkes, Churchill,_ and _Hogarth_, had been -intimate friends, and might have continued such as long as they lived, -had not the dæmon of politics and party sown discord among them, and -dissolved their union." - -[69]--the friend----Dr. _Morell_. The conduct of this gentleman cannot -fail to put the reader in mind of _Sir Fretful Plagiary's_ complaint in -Mr. Sheridan's _Critic_: "--if it is abuse, why one is always sure to -hear of it from one damn'd good-natured _friend_ or another." - -[70] - "While thinking figures from the canvas start, - And _Hogarth_ is the _Garrick_ of his art," - -is a couplet in _Smart's Hilliad_. - -The compliment from the _Hilliad_ to Mr. _Hogarth_, Mr. _Smart_ -observes, "is reciprocal, and reflects a lustre on Mr. _Garrick_, -both of them having similar talents, equally capable of the highest -elevation, and of representing the ordinary scenes of life with the -most exquisite humour." - -[71] The pyramid, &c. This stroke of satire was retorted on _Hogarth_, -and employed to express his advanced age and declining abilities; while -the _Cheshire_ cheese, with 3000 _l._ on it, seemed to imply that he -himself merited an annual pension. - -I received this explanation from an ingenious friend.--The late Mr. -_Rogers_ explained it thus: "Mr. _Pitt_ is represented in it sitting -at his ease [in the position of the great Sir _Isaac Newton_ in -_Westminster-Abbey_], with a mill-stone hanging over his head, on which -is written 3000 _l._ in allusion to his saying, that _Hanover_ was a -mill-stone round the neck of _England_, on account of the expences -attending it; and his afterwards adding himself to the public expences -by accepting a pension of 3000 _l._ a year. He is firing a mortar-piece -levelled at a Dove bearing an olive-branch (the symbol of peace) -perched on the standard of _England_; and is supported by the City of -_London_, denoted by the two Giants in _Guildhall. Hogarth_ is flogging -_Wilkes_ and _Churchill_, and making them dance to the scrapings -of a fidler; designed to represent a Nobleman [Earl _Temple_], who -patronized them in 1763, and who, for his unmeaning face, has ever been -described without a feature. See _Trusler's_ Preface, p. vii." - -[72] It may be worth observing, that in "Independence," a poem which -was not published by _Churchill_ till the last week of _September_, -1764, he considers his antagonist as a departed Genius: - - "_Hogarth_ would draw him (Envy must allow) - E'en to the life, WAS HOGARTH LIVING NOW." - -How little did the sportive Satirist imagine that the power of pleasing -was so soon to cease in both! _Hogarth_ died in four weeks after the -publication of this poem; and _Churchill_ survived him but nine days. -In some lines which were printed in _November_ 1764, the compiler of -these Anecdotes took occasion to lament that - - "----Scarce had the friendly tear, - For _Hogarth_ shed, escap'd the generous eye - Of feeling Pity, when again it flow'd - For _Churchill's_ fate. Ill can we bear the loss - Of Fancy's twin-born offspring, close ally'd - In energy of thought, though different paths - They sought for fame! Though jarring passions sway'd - The living artists, let the funeral wreath - Unite their memory!" - -[73] The _Monthly Reviewer_ unintentionally reads _supper_, instead of -_dinner_. As to this article of minute intelligence, whether it be true -or false, it was communicated by Mrs. _Lewis_. - -[74] Mr. _Walpole_ once invited _Gray_ the Poet and _Hogarth_ to -dine with him; but what with the reserve of the one, and a want of -colloquial talents in the other, he never passed a duller time than -between these representatives of _Tragedy_ and _Comedy_, being obliged -to rely entirely on his own efforts to support conversation. - -[75] The most solid praise, perhaps, that ever was given to our artist, -was a legacy of 100 _l._ "for the great pleasure the testator had -received from his works." - -[76] Originally begun for a portrait of Mrs. _Cholmondeley_, but -altered, after one or two sittings, to the Queen. - -[77] See p. 9. - -[78] To whom, in case of Mrs. _Hogarth's_ marrying again, he gave the -plates of Marriage à la Mode, and of the Harlot's and Rake's Progress. - -[79] Whilst the Marshal was a prisoner in _England_, Monsieur -_Coetlagon_ opened a subscription at two guineas, one to be paid on -subscribing, the other on the delivery of "A Dictionary of Arts and -Sciences," in two large folio volumes. Many of the nobility, as well -as gentry subscribed; but very few of them made good their second -payments, or had the work; and the author dedicated it (in gratitude, -it is supposed, for the generous patronage he received from the -_English_) to Marshal _Belleisle_; whose place of confinement was in -_The Round Tower_ at _Windsor Castle_; where the large dining-room is -still ornamented with a variety of humourous _French_ engravings; and a -small library of _French_ books. - -[80] In the year 1768 was published a work, intituled, "_Hogarth_ -Moralised. Being a complete Edition of _Hogarth's_ Works. Containing -near Fourscore Copper-Plates, most elegantly engraved. With an -Explanation, pointing out the many Beauties that may have hitherto -escaped Notice, and a Comment on their Moral Tendency, &c. With the -Approbation of _Jane Hogarth_, Widow of the late Mr. _Hogarth_." - -The history of the work is as follows: The Rev. _John Trusler_ engaged -with some engravers in this design, after _Hogarth's_ death, when they -could carry it into execution with impunity. Mrs. _Hogarth_, finding -her property would be much affected by it, was glad to accept an offer -they made her, of entering into partnership with them; and they were -very glad to receive her, knowing her name would give credit to the -publication, and that she would certainly supply many anecdotes to -explain the plates. Such as are found in the work are probably all -hers. The other stuff was introduced by the editor to eke out the book. -We are informed, that, when the undertaking was completed, in order to -get rid of her partners, she was glad to buy out their shares, so that -the whole expence which fell on her amounted to at least 700 _l._ - -[81] "They abound," says an excellent judge, "in true humour; and -satire, which is generally well-directed: they are admirable moral -lessons, and afford a fund of entertainment suited to every taste: a -circumstance, which shews them to be just copies of nature." We may -consider them too as valuable repositories of the manners, customs, and -dresses of the present age. What amusement would a collection of this -kind afford, drawn from every period of the history of _Britain!_--How -far the works of _Hogarth_ will bear a critical examination, may be -the subject of a little more enquiry. In design _Hogarth_ was seldom -at a loss. His invention was fertile, and his judgement accurate. An -improper incident is rarely introduced; a proper one rarely omitted. No -one could tell a story better; or make it, in all its circumstances, -more intelligible. His genius, however, it must be owned, was suited -only to low, or familiar subjects. It never soared above common life: -to subjects naturally sublime, or which from antiquity, or other -accidents, borrowed dignity, he could not rise. In composition we see -little in him to admire. In many of his prints, the deficiency is so -great, as plainly to imply a want of all principle; which makes us -ready to believe, that when we do meet with a beautiful group, it is -the effect of chance. In one of his minor works, the Idle Prentice, we -seldom see a crowd more beautifully managed, than in the last print. -If the sheriff's officers had not been placed in a line, and had been -brought a little lower in the picture, so as to have formed a pyramid -with the cart, the composition had been unexceptionable: and yet the -first print of this work is so striking an instance of disagreeable -composition, that it is amazing, how an artist, who had any idea of -beautiful forms, could suffer so unmasterly a performance to leave his -hands. Of the distribution of light _Hogarth_ had as little knowledge -as of composition. In some of his pieces we see a good effect; as in -the execution just mentioned; in which, if the figures at the right -and left corners had been kept down a little, the light would have -been beautifully distributed on the fore-ground, and a little fine -secondary light spread over part of the crowd: but at the same time -there is so obvious a deficiency in point of effect, in most of his -prints, that it is very evident he had no principles. Neither was -_Hogarth_ a master in drawing. Of the muscles and anatomy of the head -and hands he had perfect knowledge; but his trunks are often badly -moulded, and his limbs ill set on. I tax him with plain bad drawing; -I speak not of the niceties of anatomy, and elegance of outline: of -these indeed he knew nothing; nor were they of use in that mode of -design which he cultivated: and yet his figures, upon the whole, are -inspired with so much life and meaning, that the eye is kept in good -humour, in spite of its inclination to find fault. The author of the -Analysis of Beauty, it might be supposed, would have given us more -instances of grace, than we find in the works of _Hogarth_; which -shews strongly that theory and practice are not always united. Many -opportunities his subjects naturally afford of introducing graceful -attitudes; and yet we have very few examples of them. With instances -of picturesque grace his works abound. Of his expression, in which -the force of his genius lay, we cannot speak in terms too high. In -every mode of it he was truly excellent. The passions he thoroughly -understood, and all the effects which they produce in every part of -the human frame: he had the happy art also of conveying his ideas with -the same precision with which he conceived them.--He was excellent too -in expressing any humorous oddity, which we often see stamped upon the -human face. All his heads are cast in the very mould of nature. Hence -that endless variety, which is displayed through his works: and hence -it is, that the difference arises between his heads, and the affected -caricaturas of those masters, who have sometimes amused themselves -with patching together an assemblage of features from their own ideas. -Such are _Spagniolet's_; which, though admirably executed, appear -plainly to have no archetypes in nature. _Hogarth's_, on the other -hand, are collections of natural curiosities. The _Oxford-heads_, the -physicians-arms, and some of his other pieces, are expressly of this -humorous kind. They are truly comic; though ill-natured effusions of -mirth: more entertaining than _Spagniolet's_, as they are pure nature; -but less innocent, as they contain ill-directed ridicule.--But the -species of expression, in which this master perhaps most excels, is -that happy art of catching those peculiarities of air, and gesture, -which the ridiculous part of every profession contract; and which, for -that reason, become characteristics of the whole. His counsellors, his -undertakers, his lawyers, his usurers, are all conspicuous at sight. In -a word, almost every profession may see, in his works, that particular -species of affectation which they should most endeavour to avoid. The -execution of this master is well-suited to his subjects, and manner -of treating them. He etches with great spirit; and never gives one -unnecessary stroke. For myself, I greatly more value the works of his -own needle, than those high-finished prints on which he employed other -engravers. For as the production of an effect is not his talent; and as -this is the chief excellence of high finishing; his own rough manner -is certainly preferable; in which we have most of the force and spirit -of his expression. The manner in none of his works pleases me so well -as in a small print of a corner of a play-house. There is more spirit -in a work of this kind, struck off at once, warm from the imagination, -than in all the cold correctness of an elaborate engraving. If all -his works had been executed in this style, with a few improvements in -the compositions, and the management of light, they would certainly -have been a much more valuable collection of prints than they are. -The Rake's Progress, and some of his other works, are both etched and -engraved by himself: they are well done; but it is plain he meant -them as furniture. As works designed for a critick's eye, they would -certainly have been better without the engraving, except a few touches -in a very few places. The want of effect too would have been less -conspicuous, which in his highest-finished prints is disagreeably -striking." _Gilpin, Essay on Prints,_ p. 165. - -[82] To whom _Hogarth_ bequeathed ten guineas for a ring. - -[83] It having been requested in the Catalogue of this exhibition -(which was in _Bow-Street, Covent-Garden_) that all remarks on the -artists, or their performances, might be sent to _The St. James's -Chronicle_; the compiler of these Anecdotes transmitted a few hasty -lines, which were printed in that paper _April_ 29, 1762. They are not -worth transcribing: but a short extract will preserve the ASSUMED names -of some of the artists-- - - "And _Masmore, Lester's, Ward's_, and _Fishbourne's_ name, - With thine, _Vandyck_, shall live to endless fame; - In your collection Wit and Skill combine, - And Humour flows in every well-chose Sign." - -[84] She is still living, and has been loud in abuse of this work, a -circumstance to which she owes a niche in it. - -[85] Among the compliments _Hogarth_ was disposed to pay his own -genius, he asserted his ability to take a complete likeness in three -quarters of an hour. This head of Mr. _Welsh_ was painted within the -compass of the time prescribed, but had afterwards the advantage of a -second sitting. - -[86] Mr. _Walpole_ is now possessed of the portrait of his brother Sir -_Edward_. - -[87] This, and the preceding article, are now in the possession of -_Peter Coxe_, esq. of _College Hill_, in the city, executor to Mr. -_Forrest_, and brother to the Rev. _William Coxe_, who has obliged the -world with his Travels through _Poland, Russia,_ &c. - -[88] The following brief Memoirs of Mr. _William Tothall_, F. A. S. -were communicated by Dr. _Ducarel_, who was personally acquainted -with Mr. _Tothall_, and received the intelligence in a letter from -the Rev. Mr. _Lyon_, Minister of _St. Mary's_ at _Dover_, to whom the -particulars in it were related by Captain _Bulstrode_ of that town. - - "_Dover, June_ 11, 1781. - - "Sir, - - "The following narrative of your friend _Tothall_ may be depended - upon, as Captain _Bulstrode_ informs me he frequently heard it from - _Tothall_ himself. His father was an apothecary in _Fleet-street_; but - dying, as Captain _Bulstrode_ thinks, while his son was young, and - in but indifferent circumstances (as his mother afterwards practised - as a midwife), he was taken by an uncle, who was a fishmonger. He - lived with his uncle some time; but, not approving of the business, - ran away from him, and entered on board a merchant-ship going to _The - West Indies_. He also went several times to _Newfoundland_. During - the time of his being in _The West Indies_, though so early in life, - he was indefatigable in the collecting of shells, and brought home - several utterly unknown in _England_. He continued at sea till he was - almost 30 years of age. In one of his voyages he was taken by the - _Spaniards_, and marched a considerable way up the country, without - shoe or stocking, with only a woollen cap on his head, and a brown - waistcoat on, with a large staff in his hand. He had afterwards his - picture drawn in this dress. He continued a prisoner till exchanged. - - "When he was about 30 years of age, he went as shopman to a - woollen-draper at the corner of _Tavistock Court, Covent Garden,_ with - whom he continued some years; and his master, finding him a faithful - servant, told him, 'as he dealt only in cloth, and his customers were - taylors, he would lend him money to buy shalloons and trimmings, and - recommend him to his chapmen, if he liked to take the trouble and the - profit of the branch upon himself.' He readily accepted the proposal. - - "About the same time an acquaintance in _The West Indies_ sent him a - puncheon of rum. Before he landed it, he consulted his master what he - should do with it; who advised him to sell it out in small quantities, - and lent him a cellar in his house. He followed this advice; and, - finding the profits considerable, wrote to his correspondent in - _The West Indies_ to send him another supply; and from this time he - commenced rum, brandy, and shalloon merchant. - - "I cannot learn how long he continued in this way; but his master - having acquired a fortune, and being desirous of retiring from - business, left him in possession of his whole stock at prime cost, and - he was to pay him as he sold it. He now commenced woollen-draper, and - continued in this business till he acquired a sum sufficient, as he - thought, to retire upon; and he left his business to his shopman, the - late Mr. _Job Ray_, on the same conditions his master left it to him. - - "During his residence in _Covent Garden_, he became a member of the - club at the _Bedford Coffee-house_, and of course contracted an - acquaintance with _Hogarth, Lambert,_ and other men eminent in their - way; and _Hogarth_ lived some time in his house on the footing of a - most intimate friend. - - "On quitting his business (being troubled with an asthmatical - complaint) he came and settled at _Dover_; where, soon becoming - connected with certain persons in the smuggling branch, he fitted - out a bye-boat, which was designed (as is supposed) to promote their - business; but in this branch Fortune, which had hitherto smiled upon - his endeavours, now frowned upon his attempts. The vessel, in going - over with horses either to _Ostend_ or _Flushing_, was lost. This, - with some other losses, so reduced him, that he was rather straitened - in his circumstances, and he could not live as he had done previous to - the losses he sustained. - - "His residence was near the Rope-walk at _Dover_ (since pulled down), - where his old friend _Hogarth_ frequently visited him: but being in - a decline, and his asthma increasing, he bought a very small cottage - at _West Langdon_, about three miles from _Dover_, to which he used - to go on horseback. Digging in a very small garden belonging to this - cottage, he had the good fortune to find some valuable fossils; which - to a man of his taste was a singular treasure. He died _January_ 9, - 1768, at the age of 70 (possessed of about 1500 _l._), and was buried - at _St. Mary's Church_ at _Dover_. His collection of shells and - fossils were sold by auction at _Longford's_, the following year. - - "The foregoing is the substance of what I have gathered from Capt. - _Bulstrode_. If there should be any other particular which you are - desirous of knowing, I shall be happy to make the inquiry, and to - communicate it; and am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant, - - "J. LYON." - -[89] _William Gostling_, M. A. a minor canon of _Canterbury_ cathedral -for fifty years, and vicar of _Stone_ in the isle of _Oxney, Kent_, -well known to all lovers of antiquity by his truly original "Walk in -and about _Canterbury_," first printed in 1774, of which there have -been three editions. He died _March_ 9, 1777, in the 82d year of his -age. Of his father, who was first a minor canon of _Canterbury_, and -afterwards one of the priests of the chapel-royal and sub-dean of _St. -Paul's_, there are several anecdotes, communicated by his son, in Sir -_John Hawkins's_ "History of Music." To which may be added what King -_Charles_ II. is reported to have said of him, "You may talk as much -as you please of your nightingales, but I have a _Gostling_ who excels -them all." Another time, the same merry monarch presented him with a -silver egg filled with guineas, saying, "that he had heard that eggs -were good for the voice." - -[90] See the Catalogue, under the year 1782. - - - - -CATALOGUE OF HOGARTH'S PRINTS.[1] - - -I am now engaged in an undertaking, which from its nature will be -imperfect. While _Hogarth_ was yet an apprentice, and worked on his -master's account, we may suppose he was not at liberty to affix his -name to his own performances. Nay, afterwards, when he appeared as an -independent artist, he probably left many of them anonymous, being -sometimes obliged to measure out his exertions in proportion to -the scanty prices paid for them. For reasons like these, we may be -sure that many of his early plates must have eluded search; and, if -gradually discovered, will serve only to swell the collections they -will not adorn.--The judicious connoisseur, perhaps, would be content -to possess the pictures of _Raffaelle_, without aiming at a complete -assemblage of the Roman _Fayence_ that passes under his name. - -In settling the dates of his pieces there is also difficulty. -Sometimes, indeed, they have been inferred from circumstances almost -infallible; as in respect to the _Rabbit-breeder_,&c. which would -naturally have been published in the year 1726. On other occasions they -are determined within a certain compass of time. Thus the _Ticket for -Milward_, then a player at _Lincoln's-Inn Fields_, must have preceded -1733, when he removed with _Rich_ to _Covent Garden_; and it is equally -sure, that _Orator Henley christening an Infant_, and _A Girl swearing -a child to a grave citizen_, came out before 1735, in which year we -know that _J. Y. Schley_, one of _Picart's_ coadjutors, had re-engraved -them both for the use of the fourth volume of the _Religious -Ceremonies_, published at _Amsterdam_ in 1736. But how are we to guess -at the period that produced _Sancho at Dinner_, or _The Discovery_? - -The merits and demerits of his performances would prove deceitful -guides in our researches. As our artist grew older, he did not -regularly advance in estimation; for neither the frontispieces to -_Tristram Shandy_, the _Times_, the _Bathos_, or the _Bear_, can -be said to equal many of his earliest productions.--Under such -difficulties is the following chronological list of our author's pieces -attempted. - -The reader is likewise entreated to observe, that throughout the -annexed catalogue of plates, variations, &c. _J. N._ has mentioned -only such as he has seen. Alike unwilling to deceive or be deceived, -he has suppressed all intelligence he could not authenticate from -immediate inspection. He might easily have enlarged his work by -admitting particulars of doubtful authority, sometimes imperfectly -recollected by their several communicators, and sometimes offered as -sportive impositions on an author's credulity. Of this weakness every -one possesses some; but perhaps no man more than he who ambitiously -seeks opportunities to improve on the labours of another. _J. N._ is -sure, however, that Mr. _Walpole_, whom none can exceed in taste and -judgment, will be little concerned about the merits of a performance -that founds its claim to notice only on the humbler pretences of -industry and correctness. - -[1] It is proper to acknowledge, that all such short strictures and -annotations on these performances as are distinguished by being printed -both in _Italics_ and between inverted commas, are copied from the list -of _Hogarth's_ works published by Mr. _Walpole_. - - * * * * * - -1720. - - -1. _W. Hogarth_, engraver, with two figures and two _Cupids, April_ 28, -1720. - - * * * * * - -1721. - - -1. An emblematic print on the _South Sea. W. Hogarth inv. & sc. Sold -by Mrs. Chilcot in Westminster-hall, and B. Caldwell, Printseller in -Newgate-street. "Persons riding on wooden horses. The Devil cutting -Fortune into collops. A man broken on the wheel, &c. A very poor -performance."_ Under it are the following verses: - - See here the causes why in _London_ - So many men are made and undone; - That arts and honest trading drop, - To swarm about the Devil's shop (A), - Who cuts out (B) Fortune's golden haunches, - Trapping their souls with lots and chances, - Sharing 'em from blue garters down - To all blue aprons in the town. - Here all religions flock together, - Like tame and wild fowl of a feather, - Leaving their strife religious bustle, - Kneel down to play at pitch and hustle (C): - Thus when the shepherds are at play; - Their flocks must surely go astray; - The woeful cause that in these times - (E) Honour and Honesty (D) are crimes - That publickly are punish'd by - (G) Self-Interest and (F) Vilany; - So much for mony's magic power, - Guess at the rest, you find out more. - _Price One Shilling._[1] - -It may be observed, that _London_ always affords a set of itinerant -poets, whose office it is to furnish inscriptions for satirical -engravings. I lately overheard one of these unfortunate sons of the -Muse making a bargain with his employer. "Your print," says he, "is a -taking one, and why won't you go to the price of a half-crown Epigram?" -From such hireling bards, I suppose, our artist purchased not a few of -the wretched rhimes under his early performances, unless he himself be -considered as the author of them. - -Of this print emblematic of the _South Sea_, there are, however, two -impressions. The second, printed for _Bowles_, has been retouched. - -[1] For some further account of this design, see the article _Man of -Taste_, under the year 1732, N° 7. - - -2. The Lottery.[1] _W. Hogarth inv. & sculp. Sold by Chilcot and -Caldwell. "Emblematic, and not good."_ This plate is found in four -different states. In one there is no publisher's name under the title. -Another was _sold by Chilcot, &c._ A third was printed and sold by S. -_Sympson_, in _Maiden-lane_, near _Covent Garden_. A fourth was printed -for _John Bowles_, in whose possession the plate, which he has had -retouched, remains. The following explanation accompanies this plate: -"1. Upon the pedestal, National Credit leaning on a pillar, supported -by Justice. 2. _Apollo_ shewing _Britannia_ a picture representing -the Earth receiving enriching Showers drawn from herself (an emblem -of state lotteries). 3. Fortune drawing the blanks and prizes. 4. -Wantonness drawing the numbers. 5. Before the pedestal, Suspence -turned to and fro by Hope and Fear. 6. On one hand, Good Luck being -elevated is seized by Pleasure and Folly, Fame persuading him to raise -sinking Virtue, Arts, &c. 7. On the other hand, Misfortune oppressed -by Grief, _Minerva_ supporting him points to the sweets of Industry. -8. Sloth hiding his head in the curtain. 9. On the other side, Avarice -hugging his money. 10. Fraud tempting Despair with money at a trap-door -in the pedestal." _Price One Shilling._--Had not _Hogarth_, on this -occasion, condescended to explain his own meaning, it must have -remained in several places inexplicable. - -[1] It appears, from the following notice in the _General Advertiser, -Dec._ 12, 1751, that this and the foregoing print were re-published by -_Bowles_ during the life of _Hogarth_. - -"Lately reprinted, designed, and engraved by Mr. _William Hogarth_. - -"Two Prints on the Lottery. One of them showing the drawing of the -Lottery by Wantonness and Fortune; and by suitable emblems represents -the suspence of the adventurers, the situation of the fortunate and -unfortunate. - -"The other print is a burlesque representation of the folly and madness -which inspires all ranks of people after lottery-gaming, with the -pernicious consequences thereof. _Price One Shilling._ - -"Sold by _J. Bowles_, at the _Black-horse_, in _Cornhill_." - - * * * * * - -1723. - - -1. Fifteen plates to _Aubry de la Motraye's_ "Travels through _Europe, -Asia,_ and Part of _Africa_." _W. Hogarth sculp._ on fourteen of them; -viz. plates V. IX. X.[1] XI. XV. XVII. b. XVIII. XXVI. XXX.[2] XXXII. -XXXIII. 1. XXXIII. 2. XXXV. XXXVIII. One of these (viz. XXX.) contains -a portrait of _Charles_ the XIIth of _Sweden_. Several of the pictures, -from which the Seraglio, &c. were engraved, are still in being, and are -undoubtedly authentic, being painted in _Turkey_, and brought home by -_De la Motraye_, at his return from his travels. They were sold about -twenty-five years ago at _Hackney_, for a mere trifle, together with -the plates to the present work. The latter, in all probability, are -destroyed. This book was originally published in _English_ at _London_, -1723; afterwards in _French_ at _The Hague_, in 1727; and again in -_English_[3] at _London_, revised by the author; with the addition of -two new cuts, in 1730. In the _French_ edition, Plate V. Tom. I. is -engraved by _R. Smith_, instead of _Hogarth_, so that this intermediate -copy contains only fourteen plates by him. It is probable also, that -some other anonymous ones, in all the editions, were by the same -engraver. His reputation, indeed, will save more than it loses by the -want of his signature to establish their authenticity. - -[1] At the bottom of this plate, in one copy of the _English_ edition, -the name of _Hogarth_, though erased, is sufficiently legible. - -[2] In some of the _English_ copies of this work, instead of Plate XXX. -by _Hogarth_, we only find a very small and imperfect copy of it by -another hand. - -[3] This, strictly speaking, was not a re-publication; it is the -identical edition of 1723, with the addition of a Preface and an -Appendix. New title-pages were again printed to it, and a third volume -added, in 1732. - - -2. Five _Muscovites_. This small print appears at the corner of one -of the maps to the second volume of the foregoing work. It has no -intelligible reference; but, in the _English_ copy now before me, is -the last plate but one, and is marked. C--T. II. In a former edition -of the present catalogue, it was enumerated as a separate article, -but must now be reckoned as one of the fifteen plates to _Motraye's_ -Travels. - -To these I might add three plates more. If _Hogarth_ engraved the -_Muscovites_ at the corner of the map already mentioned, he likewise -furnished the figures in the corner of another, marked T. I.--B. And -Plate T. I.--XVI. and T. I.--XXXVII. I have likewise reason to suppose -were the works of our artist; eighteen plates in all; though the three -latter being only conjectural, I have not ventured to set them down as -indisputed performances. Of the _Muscovites_ there is a modern copy.[1] - -I have just been assured by a gentleman of undoubted veracity, that -he was once possessed of a set of plates engraved by _Hogarth_ for -some treatise on mathematicks; but, considering them of little value, -disposed of them at the price of the copper. As our artist could have -displayed no marks of genius in representations of cycloids, diagrams, -and equilateral triangles, the loss of these plates is not heavily to -be lamented. - -[1] Mr. _Walpole_ enumerates only 12 plates. - - * * * * * - -1724. - - -1. Seven small prints to "The New Metamorphosis of _Lucius Apuleius_ of -_Medaura. London_, printed for _Sam. Briscoe_, 1724." 12mo. 2 vol. I. -Frontispiece. II. Festivals of Gallantry, which the noblemen of _Rome_ -make in the churches for the entertainment of their mistresses. III. -The banditti's bringing home a beautiful virgin, called _Camilla_, from -her mother's arms, the night before she was to have been married. Vol. -I. p. 113. No name to this plate. IV. _Fantasio's_ arrival at the house -of an old witch, who is afterwards changed into a beautiful young lady. -V. The provincial of the Jesuits' recovery of his favourite dog from -the cooper's wife. VI. _Psyche's_ admission of her unknown husband in -the dark, who always departed before the return of light. VII. Cardinal -_Ottoboni_ and his niece's visit to an Hermitage in the holy desart, -called _Camaldule_; the Cardinal's discourse against solitude to the -hermit, who had not been out of his cell, nor spoke a word, for forty -years together. Plate IV. is the only one that has the least trait of -character in it. - - -2. Masquerades and operas. _Burlington-gate. W. Hogarth inv. & sculp._ -Of the three small figures in the center of this plate, the middle -one is Lord _Burlington_, a man of considerable taste in Painting and -Architecture, but who ranked Mr. _Kent_ (an indifferent artist) above -his merit. On one side of the peer is Mr. _Campbell_, the architect; -on the other, his lordship's postilion. On a show-cloth in this plate -is also supposed to be the portrait of King _George_ II. who gave -1000 _l._ towards the masquerade; together with that of the Earl of -_Peterborough_, who offers _Cuzzoni_, the _Italian_ singer, 8000 -_l._ and she spurns at him.[1] Mr. _Heidegger_, the regulator of the -Masquerade, is also exhibited, looking out at a window, with the letter -_H._ under him. The substance of the foregoing remarks is taken from a -collection lately belonging to Captain _Baillie_,[2] where it is said -that they were furnished by an eminent Connoisseur.[3] A board is -likewise displayed, with the words--"Long Room. _Fawks's_ dexterity of -hand." It appears front the following advertisement in _Mist's Weekly -Journal_ for _Saturday, December_ 25, 1725, that this artist was a -man of great consequence in his profession. "Whereas the town hath -lately been alarmed, that the famous _Fawks_ was robbed and murdered, -returning from performing at the Dutchess of _Buckingham's_ house -at _Chelsea_; which report being raised and printed by a person to -gain money to himself, and prejudice the above mentioned Mr. _Fawks_, -whose unparalleled performances have gained him so much applause from -the greatest of quality, and most curious observers: We think, both -in justice to the injured gentleman, and for the satisfaction of his -admirers, that we cannot please our readers better than to acquaint -them he is alive, and will not only perform his usual surprizing -dexterity of hand, posture-master, and musical clock; but for the -greater diversion of the quality and gentry, has agreed with the famous -_Powell_ of _The Bath_ for the season, who has the largest, richest, -and most natural figures, and finest machines in _England_, and whose -former performances in _Covent Garden_ were so engaging to the town, as -to gain the approbation of the best judges, to show his puppet-plays -along with him, beginning in the _Christmas_ holidays next, at the -old _Tennis-court_ in _James-Street_, near _The Haymarket_; where any -incredulous persons may be satisfied he has not left this world, if -they please to believe their hands, though they can't believe their -eyes."--"_May_ 25," indeed, "1731, died Mr. _Fawkes_, famous for his -dexterity of hand, by which he had honestly acquired a fortune of -above 10,000 _l._ being no more than he really deserved for his great -ingenuity, by which he had surpassed all that ever pretended to that -art." Political State, vol. XLI. p. 543. - -This satirical performance of _Hogarth_, however, was thought to be -invented and drawn at the mitigation of Sir _James Thornhill_, out of -revenge, because Lord _Burlington_ had preferred Mr. _Kent_ before him -to paint for the king at his palace at _Kensington_. Dr. _Faustus_ -was a pantomime performed to crowded houses throughout two seasons, -to the utter neglect of plays, for which reason they are cried about -in a wheel-barrow.[4] We may add that there are three prints of this -small masquerade, &c. one a copy from the first. The originals have -_Hogarth's_ name within the frame of the plate, and the eight verses -are different from those under the other. It is sometimes found without -any lines at all; those in the first instance having been engraved on -a separate piece of copper, so that they could either be retained, -dismissed, or exchanged, at pleasure. In the first copy of this print, -instead of _Ben Jonson's_ name on a label, we have _Pasquin_, N° -XI. This was a periodical paper published in 1722-3, and the number -specified is particularly severe on operas, &c. The verses to the first -impression of this plate, are, - - Could now dumb _Faustus_, to reform the age, - Conjure up _Shakespear's_ or _Ben Johnson's_ ghost, - They'd blush for shame, to see the _English_ stage - Debauch'd by fool'ries, at so great a cost. - What would their manes say? Should they behold - Monsters and masquerades, where useful plays - Adorn'd the fruitfull theatre of old, - And rival wits contended for the bays. - _Price_ 1 _shilling_ 1724. - -To the second impression of it: - - O how refin'd, how elegant we're grown! - What noble Entertainments charm the town! - Whether to hear the Dragon's roar we go, - Or gaze surpriz'd on _Fawks's_ matchless show, - Or to the Operas, or to the Masques, - To eat up ortelans, and t' empty flasques, - And rifle pies from _Shakespear's_ clinging page, - Good gods! how great's the gusto of the age. - -In this print our artist has imitated the engraving of _Callot_. - -To the third impression, i. e. the copy: - - Long has the stage productive been - Of offsprings it could brag on, - But never till this age was seen - A Windmill and a Dragon. - - O _Congreve_, lay thy pen aside, - _Shakespear_, thy works disown, - Since monsters grim, and nought beside, - Can please this senseless town. - -I should have observed, that the idea of the foregoing plate was stolen -from an anonymous one on the same subject. It represents _Hercules_ -chaining follies and destroying monsters. He is beating _Heidegger_, -till the money he had amassed falls out of his pocket. The situation of -the buildings, &c. on the sides, &c. has been followed by our artist. -_Mercury_ aloft sustains a scroll, on which is written "The Mascarade -destroy'd." The inscription under this print is "Hei Degeror. O! I am -undone." _Price One Shilling._ - -[1] She is rather drawing the money towards her with a rake. - -[2] This collection, consisting of 241 prints, in three portfeuilles, -was sold at _Christie's, April_ 7, 1781, for 59 guineas, to Mr. _Ingham -Foster_, a wealthy ironmonger, since dead. A set, containing only 100 -prints, had been sold some time before, at the same place, for 47 -guineas. The Hon. _Topham Beauclerk's_ set, of only 99 prints, was sold -in 1781 (while this note was printing off for the first edition) for -34_l._ 10_s._ - -[3] It is not, indeed, inconvenient for the reputation of this famous -connoisseur, that his name continues to be a secret. Either he could -not spell, or his copier was unable to read what he undertook to -transcribe. _Postilion_ must be a mistake for some other word. The -whole note, in the original, appears to have been the production of -a male _Slip-slop_, perhaps of high fashion. His petulant invective -against Lord _Burlington_ is here omitted. - -[4] Dr. _Faustus_ was first brought out at _Lincoln's-Inn Fields_ in -1723, and the success of it reduced the rival theatre to produce a -like entertainment at their house in 1725. From a scarce pamphlet in -octavo, without date, called "Tragi-comical Reflections, of a moral -and political Tendency, occasioned by the present State of the two -Rival Theatres in _Drury-Lane_ and _Lincoln's-Inn Fields_, by _Gabriel -Rennel_, Esq." I shall transcribe an illustration of these plates: -"A few years ago, by the help of _Harleykin_, and Dr. _Faustus_, and -_Pluto_ and _Proserpine_, and other infernal persons, the New-House -was raised to as high a pitch of popularity and renown as ever it -had been known to arrive at. Tho' the actors there consisted chiefly -of _Scotch_, and _Irish_, and _French_ Strollers, who were utterly -unacquainted with the _English_ Stage, and were remarkably deficient in -elocution and gesture: yet so much was the art of juggling at that time -in vogue, and so extreamly was the nation delighted with Raree-Shows, -and foreign representations, that all people flocked to the New-House, -whilst the Old one was altogether deserted, tho' it then could glory -in as excellent a set of _English_ actors as ever had trod upon any -stage. In the midst of this joyful prosperity and success, the Managers -of the New-House were not without secret uneasiness and discontent, -whenever they considered how slippery a ground they stood upon, and -how much a juster title their rivals had to the favour and affections -of the people. They were therefore always intent upon forming designs -and concerting measures for the entire subversion of the Old-House. -For this purpose, they constantly kept in pay a standing army of -Scaramouches, who were sent about the town to possess it with aversion -and resentment against the Old Players, whose virtues had rendered -them formidable, and whose merit was their greatest crime. These -Scaramouches, in so corrupt and degenerate a time, when blindness and -folly, and a false taste every where reigned, were every where looked -on as men of a superior skill to all other actors, and consequently -had a greater influence than the rest, and could lead after them a -larger number of followers. It was by means of the incessant clamour -and outcry that these miscreants raised, and of the lies and forgeries -which they scattered about the nation, that the common people were -spirited up to commit the most extravagant acts of insolence and -outrage on the Managers of the Old-House. They were made the sport and -derision of fools, and were delivered up to an enraged and deluded -populace, as a prey to the fury of wild beasts. Their enemies were -continually plotting and conspiring their destruction, and yet were -continually prosecuting them for Sham-Plots and pretended Conspiracies, -and suborning witnesses to prove them guilty of attempts to undermine -and blow up the New-House. - -"During the course of those violent and illegal proceedings, the -New Actors were not wanting in any pains or expence to gratify and -increase the then popular taste for Raree-Shows, and Hocus-Pocus -Tricks. Scenes and Machines, and Puppets, and Posture-Masters, and -Actors, and Singers, with a new set of Heathen Gods and Goddesses, and -several other foreign Decorations and Inventions, were sent for from -_France_ _and Italy_, and were ready to be imported with the first -fair wind. But quarrels falling out among the Managers of the House, -and one or two of the principal Actors happening to quit the Stage, -and the people growing tired with so much foul play, and with the same -_deceptio visus_ so often repeated, the scene changed at once, the -_vox populi_ turned against the New-House, which sunk under a load of -infamy and contempt, and was deserted not only by the Spectators, but -even by its Actors, who, to save themselves from the justice of an -abused and enraged people, were forced to fly out of the nation, and to -beg for protection and subsistence from their wicked Confederates and -Fellow-Jugglers abroad." - - * * * * * - -1725. - - -1. Five small prints for the translation of _Cassandra_, in five -volumes duodecimo. _W. Hogarth inv. & sculp._ - - -2. Fifteen head pieces for "The _Roman_ Military Punishments, by _John -Beaver_, Esq. _London_. From the happy Revolution, Anno xxxvii." (i. -e. 1725.) Small quarto, pp. 155. From the preface it should seem -that the author had been Judge Advocate. The book is divided into -seventeen chapters, each of which, except the second, third, seventh, -and twelfth, have small head-pieces prefixed, of ancient military -punishments, in the manner of _Callot's_ Small Miseries of War. _W. -Hogarth inv. & sculp._ In 1779, were first sold by a printseller ten of -these prints, together with two others not in the book, being scenes -of modern war; a pair of drums being in one, and a soldier armed with -a musket in the other. Thus are there three prints in the book not in -this set; viz. Chap. 9. Soldiers sold for slaves. 10. Degradation. -16. Banishment. There is also in the title-page a little figure of a -_Roman_ General sitting; probably done by _Hogarth_, though his name is -not under it. - -In the year 1774, these plates were in the possession of a -Button-manufacturer at _Birmingham_. There are only eleven, one of -them being engraved on both sides. They were given by him, however, -to my informant, who parted with them to _S. Harding_ an engraver, -who sold them to _Humphry_ the printseller near _Temple-Bar_, their -present proprietor. How they fell into the hands of the _Birmingham_ -manufacturer (who took off a few impressions from them), is unknown. - -Query. Does the plate engraved on both sides contain the two modern -designs? - -In a Catalogue of Books sold by _W. Bathoe_, was included "Part of the -Collection of the late ingenious _W. Hogarth_, Esq. Serjeant Painter to -his Majesty;" in which was _Beaver's_ "_Roman_ Military Punishments," -with _twelve plates_ by _Hogarth_. - -The plate to Chap. XVII. viz. "Pay stopt wholly, or in part, by way -of punishment"--"Barley given to offenders instead of wheat, &c." -differs in many instances from that sold with the set. At the bottom -of the former, in the book, we read, "_W. Hogarth, Invent. sculpt."_ -The latter has "_W. Hogarth, invent. & fec._" The former has a range -of tents behind the pay-table. These are omitted in the latter; which -likewise exhibits an additional soldier attendant on the measuring out -of the corn, &c. - -I do not mean to say that the plate sold with the set is spurious. -Had it been a copy, it would naturally have been a servile one. Some -reason, now undiscoverable, must have prevailed on our artist to -re-engrave it with variations. - -N. B. The two "scenes of modern war," mentioned also in p. 134, were -designed for a continuation of the same work, which was never printed, -as I guess from the conclusion of the Author's preface. "This regularly -divided my book into two parts; one treating of the _Roman_, the -other of the _Modern Military Punishments_. The first I now send into -the world, as a man going into the water dips his foot to feel what -reception he is like to meet with; by that rule resolving, either -to publish the second part, or sit down contented with the private -satisfaction of having, by my studies, rendered myself more able -worthily to discharge the duties of my office." - -I have since been assured, that our Author's heir was a pastry-cook, -who used all the copies of this book for waste-paper. - - -3. A burlesque on _Kent's_ altar piece at _St. Clement's_, with -notes. "_It represents angels very ill drawn, playing on various -instruments._" Speaking of this print, Mr. _Walpole_ in one place calls -it a _parody_; and in another, a _burlesque_ on _Kent's_ Altar-piece. -But, if we may believe _Hogarth_ himself, it is neither, but a very -fair and honest representation of a despicable performance. The -following is our artist's inscription to it, transcribed _verbatim & -literatim_. - -"This Print is exactly Engraiv'd after ye celebrated Altar-Piece -in St. _Clements_ Church which has been taken down by Order of ye -Lord Bishop of _London_ (as tis thought) to prevent Disputs and Laying -of wagers among the Parrshioners about ye Artists meaning in it. -for publick Satisfaction here is a particular Explanation of it humbly -Offerd to be writ under the Original, that it may be put up again by -which means ye Parish'es 60 pounds which thay nifely gave for it, -may not be Entirely lost. - -"1st. Tis not the Pretenders Wife and Children as our weak brethren -imagin. - -"2dly. Nor St. _Cecilia_ as the Connoisseurs think but a choir of -Angells playing in Consort. - - "A | an Organ - B | an Angel playing on it - C | the shortest Ioint of the Arm. - D | the longest Ioint - E | An Angel tuning an harp - F | the inside of his Leg but whether right or Left - | is yet undiscover'd - G | a hand Playing on a Lute - H | the other leg judiciously Omitted to make - | room for the harp - I& | 2 Smaller Angells as appears by their - K | wings" - -This picture produced a tract, intituled, "A Letter from a Parishioner -of _St. Clement Danes_ to _Edmund [Gibson]_ Lord Bishop of _London_, -occasion'd by his lordship's causing the picture over the altar -to be taken down: with some observations on the use and abuse of -Church-paintings in general, and of that picture in particular, 1725." -8vo. See Appendix II. The proofs of this plate are commonly on blue -paper, though I have met with more than one on white. The original, -after it was removed from the church, was for some years one of the -ornaments of the music-room at _The Crown and Anchor_ in the _Strand_. -As this house has frequently changed its tenants, &c. I am unable to -trace the picture in question any further. There is a good copy of this -print by _Livesay_. - - -4. A scene in _Handel's_ opera of _Ptolomeo_, performed in 1728, with -_Farinelli, Cuzzoni,_ and _Senesino_, in the characters of _Ptolemy, -Cleopatra,_ and _Julius Cæsar_. Those who are inclined to doubt -the authenticity of this performance, will do well to consult the -representation on a painted canvas in the small print on masquerades -and operas, where the same figures occur in almost the same attitudes. -I do not, however, vouch for the genuineness of this plate. In -_Southwark Fair_, our artist has borrowed the subject of his show-cloth -from _Laguerre_; and might, in the present instance, have adopted it -from another hand. - -The appearance _Farinelli_ makes on this occasion may be justified by -the following quotation from a Pamphlet, intituled, _Reflections upon -Theatrical Expression in Tragedy, &c._ printed for _W. Johnston_, &c. -1755. "I shall therefore, in my further remarks upon this article, go -back to the _Old Italian Theatre_, when _Farinelli_ drew every body -to the _Haymarket_. What a pipe! what modulation! what extasy to the -ear! But, heavens! what clumsiness! what stupidity! what offence to -the eye! Reader, if of the city, thou mayest probably have seen in the -fields of _Islington_ or _Mile-end_, or if thou art in the environs -of _St. James's_, thou must have observed in the park, with what ease -and agility a Cow, heavy with Calf, has rose up at the command of the -Milk-woman's foot. Thus from the mossy bank sprung up the _Divine -Farinelli_. Then with long strides advancing a few paces, his left hand -settled upon his hip, in a beautiful bend like that of the handle of -an old-fashioned caudle-cup, his right remained immoveable across his -manly breast, till numbness called its partner to supply its place; -when it relieved itself in the position of the other handle to the -caudle-cup." p. 63, &c. - -Under a copy of the print abovementioned, which must have been made -soon after its publication, appear the following inscription, and -wretched ungrammatical lines: - - The three most Celebrated Singers at the Opera. - - _Scire tuum nihil est, nisi te scire hoc sciat alter._ - - _Sigra_ the great, harmoniously inclin'd, - Who charms the ear and captivates the mind. - - _Cuzzoni._ - - Thou little slave an emblem is of those - Whose hearts are wholly att ye worlds dispose. - - Great _Barrenstadt_[1] encomiums great and true - is very short of whats your right and due. - -The characters in the print under consideration, might have been -new-christen'd by the copier of it. - -Either the dignity of _Senesino_ must have been wonderful, or the -following passage in Dr. _Warburton's_ "Enquiry into the Cause of -Prodigies and Miracles," (printed in 1727) affords a most notorious -example of the Bathos. "Observe," says he, p. 60. "Sir _Walter -Raleigh's_ great manner of ending the _first part of the History of the -World_. 'By this which we have already set down is seen the beginning -and end of the Three first Monarchies of the World; whereof the -founders and erectors thought that they could never have ended: that -of _Rome_, which made the fourth, was also at this time almost at the -highest. We have left it flourishing in the middle of the field; have -rooted up, or cut down, all that kept it from the eyes and admiration -of the world; but after some continuance, it shall begin to lose the -beauty it had; the storms of ambition shall beat her great boughs and -branches one against another; her leaves shall fall off; her limbs -wither, and a rabble of barbarous nations enter the field and cut her -down.' What strength of colouring! What grace, what nobleness of -expression! With what a majesty does he close his immortal labour! It -puts one in mind of the so much admired exit of the late famed ITALIAN -SINGER." - -[1] _Berenstadt_; a castrato engaged by _Handel_ in the operas. - - -5. A just View of the _British_ Stage, or three heads better than -one, scene _Newgate_, by _M. D. V--to_.[1] This print represents the -rehearsing a new farce, that will include the two famous entertainments -_Dr. Faustus_ and _Harlequin Shepherd_.[2] To which will be added, -_Scaramouch Jack Hall_ the Chimney-sweeper's Escape from _Newgate_ -through the Privy, with the comical Humours of _Ben Johnson's Ghost_, -concluding with the Play Dance, performed in the air by the figures -A. B. C. [_Wilks, Booth,_ and _Cibber_] assisted by ropes from the -Muses. Note, there are no Conjurors concerned in it, as the Ignorant -imagine. The Bricks, Rubbish, &c. will be real; but the Excrements upon -_Jack Hall_ will be made of chewed Gingerbread, to prevent Offence. -_Vivat Rex. Price Sixpence._ Such is the inscription on the plate; -but I may add, that the _ropes_ already mentioned are no other than -_halters_, suspended over the heads of the three managers;[3] and -that labels issuing from their respective mouths have the following -characteristic words. The airy _Wilks_, who dangles the effigy of -_Punch_, is made to exclaim--"Poor _R-ch_! faith I pitty him." The -laureat _Cibber_, with _Harlequin_ for his playfellow, invokes the -Muses painted on the cieling--"Assist, ye sacred Nine;" while the -solemn _Booth_, letting down the image of _Jack Hall_ into the forica, -is most tragically blaspheming--"Ha! this will do, G-d d-m me." On a -table before these gentlemen lies a pamphlet, exhibiting a print of -_Jack Shepherd_, in confinement; and over the forica is suspended a -parcel of waste paper, consisting of leaves torn from _The Way of the -World--Hamlet--Macbeth_, and _Julius Cæsar. Ben Jonson's_ Ghost, in the -mean while, is rising through the stage, and p----g on a pantomimic -statue tumbled from its base. A fidler is also represented hanging -by a cord in the air, and performing, with a scroll before him, that -exhibits--_Music for the What_--[perhaps the _What d' ye call it] -entertainment_. The countenances of Tragedy and Comedy, on each side of -the stage, are hoodwinked by the bills for _Harlequin Dr. Faustus_ and -_Harlequin Shepherd_, &c. &c. There is also a dragon preparing to fly; -a dog thrusting his head out of his kennel; a flask put in motion by -machinery, &c. _Vivetur Ingenio_ is the motto over the curtain. In Mr. -_Walpole's_ catalogue the description of this plate is, "_Booth, Wilks, -and Cibber, contriving a pantomime. A satire on farces. No name._" - -[1] Mr. _Devoto_ was scene-painter to _Drury-Lane_ or _Lincoln's-Inn -Fields_, and also to _Goodman's Fields_ Theatre. There is a mezzotinto -of him with the following title: "_Johannes Devoto_ Historicus -Scenicusque Pictor." _Vincenso Damini_ pinxit. _J. Faber_ fecit, 1736. - -[2] Dr. _Faustus_ and _Harlequin Shepherd_ were pantomimes contrived by -_Thurmond_ the dancing-master, and acted at _Drury-Lane_ in 1725. - -[3]--_Halters_, &c.; The same idea is introduced in the 9th plate of -the apprentices. - - * * * * * - -1726. - - -1. Frontispiece to _Terræ-filius. W. Hogarth fec._ This work was -printed in two volumes 12°, at _Oxford_, and is a satire on the Tory -principles of that University. It was written by _Nicholas Amherst_, -author of _The Craftsman_, and was originally published in one volume. - - -2. Twelve prints for _Hudibras_; the large set. _W. Hogarth inv. -pinx. et sculp._ Under the head of _Butler_: "The basso relievo of -the pedestal represents the general design of Mr. _Butler_, in his -incomparable poem of _Hudibras_; viz. _Butler's_ Genious in a Car -lashing around Mount _Parnassus_, in the persons of _Hudibras_ and -_Ralpho_, Rebellion, Hypocrisy, and Ignorance, the reigning vices of -his time." This set of prints was published by subscription, by _P. -Overton_ and _J. Cooper_. Mr. _S. Ireland_ has seven of the original -drawings; three others are known to be preserved in _Holland_; and two -more were lately existing in this kingdom. The plates, as has been -mentioned already in p. 11, are now the property of Mr. _Sayer_, whose -name, as publisher, is subjoined. The Rev. Mr. _Bowle_, F. A. S. had a -set with the list of the subscribers, which he purchased at the Duke of -_Beaufort's_ sale in _Wiltshire_. The printed title to them is, "Twelve -excellent and most diverting Prints; taken from the celebrated Poem -of _Hudibras_, wrote by Mr. _Samuel Butler_. Exposing the Villany and -Hypocrisy of the Times. Invented and Engraved on Twelve Copper-plates, -by _William Hogarth_, and are humbly dedicated to _William Ward_, Esq. -of _Great Houghton_ in _Northamptonshire_; and Mr. _Allan Ramsay_, of -_Edinburgh_. - - "What excellence can Brass or Marble claim! - These Papers better do secure thy Fame: - Thy Verse all Monuments does far surpass, - No Mausoleum's like thy _Hudibras_. - -"Printed and sold by _Philip Overton_, Print and Map-seller, at the -_Golden Buck_ near _St. Dunstan's Church_ in _Fleet-street_; and _John -Cooper_, in _James-street, Covent Garden_, 1726." - -_Allan Ramsay_ subscribed for 30 sets. The number of subscribers in -all amounts to 192. On the print of _Hudibras_ and the _Lawyer_ is _W. -Hogart delin. et sculp._ a proof that our artist had not yet disused -the original mode in which he spelt his name. In the scene of the -_Committee_, one of the members has his gloves on his head. I am told -this whimsical custom once prevailed among our sanctified fraternity; -but it is in vain, I suppose, to ask the reason why. In plate XI. -(earliest impressions) the words "Down with the Rumps" are wanting -on the scroll.--Memorandum. At the top of the proposals for this -set of Prints, is a small one representing _Hudibras_ and _Ralpho_, -engraved by _Pine_. The original drawing for it by _Hogarth_ is in the -possession of Mr. _Betew_, Silversmith, in _Compton-street, Soho_. - - -3. Seventeen small prints for _Hudibras_, with _Butler's_ head. There -certainly must have been some mistake concerning this portrait. It -never could have been designed for the author of _Hudibras_; but more -strongly resembles _John Baptist Monnoyer_, the flower-painter. There -is a print of him by _White_, from a picture of Sir _Godfrey Kneller_. -This I suppose to have been the original of _Hogarth's_ small _Butler_. - -The same designs engraved on a larger scale, and with some slight -variations, by _J. Mynde_, for _Grey's_ edition of _Hudibras_, -published in 1744. - -Previous, however, to both, appeared another set of plates, eighteen in -number, for an edition in _eighteens_ of this celebrated poem. To these -it is manifest that _Hogarth_ was indebted for his ideas of several of -the scenes and personages both in his larger and smaller performances -on the same subject. That the collector may know the book when he meets -with it, the following is a transcript of the title-page. "_Hudibras._ -In three Parts. Written in the time of the late Wars. Corrected and -amended, with Additions. To which is added, Annotations to the third -Part, with an exact Index to the whole; never before printed. Adorned -with cuts. London. Printed for _R. Chiswel, J. Tonson, T. Horne,_ and -_R. Willington_, 1710." - -Copies from the smaller plates are likewise inserted in _Townly's_ -translation of _Hudibras_ into _French_, with the _English_ on the -opposite page. He was, I believe, an officer in the _Irish_ brigade. -The following is the title-page to his work. "_Hudibras_, Poeme -ecrit dans les tems des troubles d'_Angleterre_; et traduit en -vers _François_, avec des remarques et des figures. 3 tom. 12mo. A -_Londres_, 1757." It seems rather to have been printed at _Paris_. The -plates have no name subscribed to them. - - -4. _Cunicularii_, or the Wise Men of _Godliman_ in Consultation. - - "They held their talents most adroit - For any mystical exploit." HUDIB. - -This print was published in the year 1726, i. e. about the same time -that Lord _Onslow_ wrote the following letter: - - "To the Honble. Sir _Hans Sloane_. To be left at the _Grecian_ - Coffe House, in _Devereux Court_ near _Temple Bar London_. - - "Sir, The report of a woman's breeding of rabbits has almost alarmed - _England_, and in a manner persuaded several people of sound judgt - of that truth. I have been at some pains to discover the affair, and - think I have conquerd my poynt, as you will se by the Depotition taken - before me, which shall be published in a day or two. I am - - "Yr humble Servant, - - "ONSLOW. - - "_Clandon, Dec._ 4_th_, 1726." - -Soon after, Mr. _St. André_ also addressed this note to Sir _Hans -Sloane_: - - "Sir, I have brought the woman from _Guilford_ to ye Bagnio in - _Leicester-fields_, where you may if you please have the opportunity - of seeing her deliver'd. I am Sr Your Hum Servt - - "ST. ANDRÉ.[1] - - "To Sir _Hans Sloane_ in _Bloomsbury Square_." - -In the plate already mentioned, figure A represents _St. André_. -[He has a kitt under his arm, having been at first designed by his -family for a fencing and dancing-master, though he afterwards attached -himself to music of a higher order than that necessary for one of the -professions already mentioned.] B is Sir _Richard Manningham_, C Mr. -_Sainthill_ a celebrated surgeon here in _London_, D is _Howard_ the -surgeon at _Guildford_, who was supposed to have had a chief hand in -the imposture. The rest of the characters explain themselves. - -Perhaps my readers may excuse me, if I add a short account of another -design for a print on the same subject; especially as some collectors -have been willing to receive it as a work of _Hogarth_. - -In _Mist's Weekly Journal, Saturday, Jan._ 11th, 1726-7, was the -following advertisement: - -"The Rabbit affair made clear in a full account of the whole matter; -with the pictures engraved of the pretended Rabbit-breeder herself, -_Mary Tofts_, and of the Rabbits, and of the persons who attended her -during her pretended deliveries, shewing who were and who were not -imposed on by her. 'Tis given gratis no where, but only up one pair of -stairs at the sign of the celebrated Anodyne Necklace recommended by -Doctor _Chamberlen_ for Children's teeth, &c." - -The original drawing from which the plate promised in _Mist's_ Journal -was taken, remained in the possession of Mr. _James Vertue_, and was -probably designed by his brother _George_. It was sold in 1781 in the -collection of _George Scott_, Esq. of _Chigwell_ in _Essex_, together -with eight tracts relative to the same imposture, for three guineas, -and is now in the collection of Mr. _Gough_. - -_St. André's Miscarriage_, a ballad, published in 1727, has the -following stanza on this subject: - - "He dissected, compar'd, and distinguish'd likewise - The make of these rabbits, their growth and their size. - He preserv'd them in spirits, and--a little too late - Preserv'd (_Vertue sculpsit_) a neat copper plate." - -There is also a copper-plate, consisting of twelve compartments, on the -same story. It exhibits every stage throughout this celebrated fraud. -_St. André_ appears in the habit of a _Merry-Andrew_. The general title -of it is, "The Doctors in Labour; or a new Whim-wham from _Guilford_. -Being a representation of the frauds by which the _Godliman_ woman -carried on her pretended Rabbit breeding; also of the simplicity of our -Doctors, by which they assisted to carry on that imposture, discovered -their skill, and contributed to the mirth of his Majesty's liege -subjects." - -In _Mist's_ Journal for _Saturday, Dec._ 17, 1726, is also the -following paragraph, which shews that the playhouse joined in the -general ridicule of _St. André_. "Last week the entertainment called -_The Necromancer_ was performed at the Theatre in _Lincoln's-Inn -Fields_, wherein a new _Rabbit-scene_ was introduced by way of episode; -by which the Public may understand as much of that affair, as by -the present controversy among the Gentlemen of the faculty, who are -flinging their bitter pills at one another, to convince the world that -none of them understand any thing of the matter." I am told by one -of the spectators still alive, that in this new scene, _Harlequin_, -being converted into a woman, pretended to be in labour, and was first -delivered of a large pig, then of a sooterkin, &c. &c. - -From the same paper of _Saturday, Jan._ 21, 1727, we learn, that "The -pretended Rabbit-breeder, in order to perpetuate her fame, has had her -picture done in a curious mezzotinto print by an able hand." It was -painted by _Laguerre_, and scraped by _Faber_. She has a rabbit on her -lap, and displays a countenance expressive of the utmost vulgarity. In -_Hogarth's_ comic representation, the remarkable turn-up of the nose -is preserved. This, perhaps, was the only feature in her face that -could not be altered by the convulsions of her pretended agony, or our -artist would have given her resemblance with greater exactness. - -Mr. _Dillingham_, an apothecary in _Red-Lion-Square_, laid a wager of -ten guineas with _St. André_, that in a limited time the cheat would -be detected. The money was paid him, and he expended it on a piece of -plate, with three rabbits engraved by way of arms. - -I learn from _The Weekly Miscellany_, for _April_ 19, 1740, that a few -days before, "The celebrated Rabbit-woman of _Godalmin_ in _Surry_ was -committed to _Guildford Gaol_, for receiving stolen goods." - -In _The Gazetteer, or Daily London Advertiser, Jan._ 21, 1763, was this -paragraph, which closes the story of our heroine: "Last week died at -_Godalming_ in _Surry, Mary Tofts,_ formerly noted for an imposition of -breeding Rabbits." - -[1] Both these letters are in _The British Museum_. See MS. Sloan. -3312. XXVI. G. and MS. Sloan. 3316. XXVI. G. - - * * * * * - -1727. - - -1. Music introduced to _Apollo_ by _Minerva. Hogarth fecit. -"Frontispiece to some book of music, or ticket for a concert."_ I can -venture to affirm, on unquestionable authority, that this print is a -mere copy from the frontispiece to a more ancient book of music. The -composer's name has escaped my memory. - - -2. Masquerade Ticket. A. a sacrifice to _Priapus_. B. a pair of -Lecherometers shewing the companys inclinations as they approach em. -Invented for the use of ladies and gentlemen, by the ingenious Mr. -_H----r [Heidegger]._ Price One Shilling. "_There is much wit in -this print._" The attentive observer will find, that _Hogarth_ has -transplanted several circumstances from hence into the first plate to -the _Analysis of Beauty_, as well as into his Satire on the Methodists. -See the ornaments of an altar composed of a concatenation of different -periwigs, and the barometers expressing the different degrees of animal -heat. At the corners of the dial on the top of this print is the date -of the year (1727), and the face of _Heidegger_ appears under the -figure XII. In the earliest impressions, the word Provocatives has, -instead of V the open vowel U. This incorrectness in spelling was -afterwards amended, though in a bungling manner, the round bottoms of -the original letters being still visible.[1] - -Concerning _John James Heidegger_, whose face has been more than once -introduced by our artist, the reader may express some curiosity. The -following account of him is therefore appended to the foregoing article. - -"This extraordinary man, the son of a clergyman, was a native of -_Zurich_ in _Switzerland_, where he married, but left his country in -consequence of an intrigue. Having had an opportunity of visiting -the principal cities of _Europe_, he acquired a taste for elegant -and refined pleasures, which, united to a strong inclination for -voluptuousness, by degrees qualified him for the management of -public amusements. In 1708, when he was near 50 years old, he came -to _England_ on a negotiation from the _Swiss_ at _Zurich_; but, -failing in his embassy, he entered as a private soldier in the guards -for protection.[2] By his sprightly, engaging conversation, and -insinuating address, he soon worked himself into the good graces of -our young people of fashion; from whom he obtained the appellation of -'the _Swiss_ Count.'[3] He had the address to procure a subscription, -with which in 1709 he was enabled to furnish out the opera of -'_Thomyris_,'[4] which was written in _English_, and performed at the -Queen's theatre in the _Haymarket_. The music, however, was _Italian_; -that is to say, airs selected from sundry of the foreign operas by -_Bononcini, Scarlatti, Stefani, Gasparini,_ and _Albinoni_. Most of the -songs in '_Thomyris_' were excellent, those by _Bononcini_ especially: -_Valentini, Margarita,_ and Mrs. _Tofts_ sung in it; and _Heidegger_ by -this performance alone was a gainer of 500 guineas.[5] The judicious -remarks he made on several defects in the conduct of our operas in -general, and the hints he threw out for improving the entertainments -of the royal theatre, soon established his character as a good critic. -Appeals were made to his judgement; and some very magnificent and -elegant decorations, introduced upon the stage in consequence of his -advice, gave such satisfaction to _George_ II. who was fond of operas, -that, upon being informed to whose genius he was indebted for these -improvements, his majesty was pleased from that time to countenance -him, and he soon obtained the chief management of the Opera-house -in _The Haymarket_. He then set about improving another species of -diversion, not less agreeable to the king, which was the masquerades, -and over these he always presided at the king's theatre. He was -likewise appointed master of the revels. The nobility now caressed him -so much, and had such an opinion of his taste, that all splendid and -elegant entertainments given by them upon particular occasions, and all -private assemblies by subscription, were submitted to his direction.[6] - -"From the emoluments of these several employments, he gained a regular -considerable income, amounting, it is said, in some years, to 5000 _l._ -which he spent with much liberality: particularly in the maintenance -of perhaps a somewhat too luxurious table; so that it may be said, he -raised an income, but never a fortune. His foibles, however, if they -deserve so harsh a name, were completely 'covered' by his 'charity,' -which was boundless.[7] - -"That he was a good judge of music, appears from his opera: but this -is all that is known of his mental abilities;[8] unless we add, what -we have good authority for saying in honour to his _memory_, that he -walked from _Charing-Cross_ to _Temple-bar_, and back again; and when -he came home, wrote down every sign on each side the _Strand_. - -"As to his person, though he was tall and well made, it was not very -pleasing, from an unusual hardness of features.[9] But he was the first -to joke upon his own ugliness; and he once laid a wager with the earl -of _Chesterfield_, that, within a certain given time, his lordship -would not be able to produce so hideous a face in all _London_. After -strict search, a woman was found, whose features were at first sight -thought stronger than _Heidegger's_; but, upon clapping her head-dress -upon himself, he was universally allowed to have won the wager. -_Jolly_, a well-known taylor, carrying his bill to a noble duke, his -grace, for evasion said, 'Damn your ugly face, I never will pay you -till you bring me an uglier fellow than yourself!' _Jolly_ bowed and -retired, wrote a letter, and sent it by a servant to _Heidegger_; saying, -'his grace wished to see him the next morning on particular business.' -_Heidegger_ attended, and _Jolly_ was there to meet him; and in -consequence, as soon as _Heidegger's_ visit was over, _Jolly_ received -the cash. - -"The late facetious duke of _Montagu_ (the memorable author of -the bottle-conjuror at the theatre in _The Haymarket_) gave an -entertainment at _The Devil-tavern, Temple-bar_, to several of -the nobility and gentry, selecting the most convivial, and a few -hard-drinkers, who were all in the plot. _Heidegger_ was invited, -and in a few hours after dinner was made so dead drunk that he was -carried out of the room, and laid insensible upon a bed. A profound -sleep ensued; when the late Mrs. _Salmon's_ daughter was introduced, -who took a mould from his face in plaster of Paris. From this a mask -was made, and a few days before the next masquerade (at which the -king promised to be present, with the countess of _Yarmouth_), the -duke made application to _Heidegger's_ valet de chambre, to know what -suit of cloaths he was likely to wear; and then procuring a similar -dress, and a person of the same stature, he gave him his instructions. -On the evening of the masquerade, as soon as his majesty was seated -(who was always known by the conductor of the entertainment and the -officers of the court, though concealed by his dress from the company), -_Heidegger_, as usual, ordered the music to play 'God save the King;' -but his back was no sooner turned, than the false _Heidegger_ ordered -them to strike up '_Charly_ over the Water.' The whole company were -instantly thunderstruck, and all the courtiers, not in the plot, -were thrown into a stupid consternation. _Heidegger_ flew to the -music-gallery, swore, stamped, and raved, accused the musicians of -drunkenness, or of being set on by some secret enemy to ruin him. The -king and the countess laughed so immoderately, that they hazarded a -discovery. While _Heidegger_ stayed in the gallery, 'God save the -King' was the tune; but when, after setting matters to rights, he -retired to one of the dancing-rooms, to observe if decorum was kept -by the company, the counterfeit stepping forward, and placing himself -upon the floor of the theatre, just in front of the music-gallery, -called out in a most audible voice, imitating _Heidegger_, damned -them for blockheads, had he not just told them to play '_Charly_ over -the Water.' A pause ensued; the musicians, who knew his character, -in their turn thought him either drunk or mad; but, as he continued -his vociferation, '_Charly_' was played again. At this repetition of -the supposed affront, some of the officers of the guards, who always -attended upon these occasions, were for ascending the gallery, and -kicking the musicians out; but the late duke of _Cumberland_, who could -hardly contain himself, interposed. The company were thrown into great -confusion. 'Shame! Shame!' resounded from all parts, and _Heidegger_ -once more flew in a violent rage to that part of the theatre facing the -gallery. Here the duke of _Montagu_, artfully addressing himself to -him, told him, 'the king was in a violent passion; that his best way -was to go instantly and make an apology, for certainly the music were -mad, and afterwards to discharge them.' Almost at the same instant, -he ordered the false _Heidegger_ to do the same. The scene now became -truly comic in the circle before the king. _Heidegger_ had no sooner -made a genteel apology for the insolence of his musicians, but the -false _Heidegger_ advanced, and, in a plaintive tone, cried out, -'Indeed, Sire, it was not my fault, but that devil's in my likeness.' -Poor _Heidegger_ turned round, stared, staggered, grew pale, and could -not utter a word. The duke then humanely whispered in his ear the sum -of his plot, and the counterfeit was ordered to take off his mask. Here -ended the frolick; but _Heidegger_ swore he would never attend any -public amusement, if that witch the wax-work woman did not break the -mould, and melt down the mask before his face.[10] - -"Being once at supper with a large company, when a question was -debated, which nationalist of _Europe_, had the greatest ingenuity; to -the surprise of all present, he claimed that character for the _Swiss_, -and appealed to himself for the truth of it. 'I was born a _Swiss_, -said he, 'and came to _England_ without a farthing, where I have found -means to gain 5000 _l._ a year, and to spend it. Now I defy the most -able _Englishman_ to go to _Switzerland_, and either to gain that -income, or to spend it there.' He died _Sept._ 4, 1749, at the advanced -age of 96 years, at his house at _Richmond_ in _Surrey_, where he was -buried. He left behind him one natural daughter, Miss _Pappet_, who was -married _Sept._ 2, 1750, to Captain (afterwards Sir _Peter) Denis_.[11] -Part of this lady's fortune was a house at the north west corner of -_Queen-square, Ormond-street_, which Sir _Peter_ afterwards sold to -the late Dr. _Campbell_, and purchased a seat in _Kent_, pleasantly -situated near _Westram_, then called _Valence_, but now (by its present -proprietor, the earl of _Hillsborough_) _Hill Park_." - -[1] In this print our artist has likewise imitated the manner of -_Callot_. - -[2] See N° 48, among the prints of uncertain date. - -[3] See Sir _John Hawkins's_ History of Music, Vol. V. p. 142. He is -twice noticed under this title in the "Tatler," Nos. 12. and 18.; and -in Mr. _Duncombe's_ "Collection of Letters of several eminent Persons -deceased," is a humourous dedication of Mr. _Hughes's_ "Vision of -_Chaucer_," to "the _Swiss_ Count." - -[4] There was another opera of the same name, by _Peter Motteux_, in -1719. - -[5] "_Thomyris_" and "_Camilla_" were both revived in 1726; but neither -of them then succeeded. - -[6] _J. N._ has been favoured with the sight of an amethyst snuff-box -set in gold, presented to _Heidegger_ in 1731, by the duke of -_Lorrain_, afterwards emperor of _Germany_, which _Heidegger_ very -highly valued, and bequeathed to his executor _Lewis Way_, esq. of -_Richmond_, and which is now (1785) in the possession of his son -_Benjamin Way_, esq. - -[7] After a successful masquerade, he has been known to give away -several hundred pounds at a time. "You know poor objects of distress -better than I do," he would frequently observe to Mr. _Way_, "Be so -kind as to give away this money for me." This well-known liberality, -perhaps, contributed much to his carrying on that diversion with so -little opposition as he met with. - -[8] _Pope_ (Dunciad, I. 289.) calls the bird which attended on the -goddess - - "--------------a monster of a fowl, - Something betwixt a _Heidegger_ and owl." - -and explains _Heidegger_ to mean "a strange bird from _Switzerland_, -and not (as some have supposed) the name of an eminent person, who was -a man of parts, and, as was said of _Petronius_, Arbiter Elegantiarum." - -The author of _The Scandalizade_ has also put the following description -of our hero into the mouth of _Handel_: - - "Thou perfection, as far as e'er nature could run, - Of the ugly, quoth _H--d-l_, in th' ugliest baboon, - Human nature's, and even thy Maker's disgrace, - So frightful thy looks, so grotesque is thy face! - With a hundred deep wrinkles impress'd on thy front, - Like a map with a great many rivers upon't; - Thy lascivious ridottos, obscene masquerades, - Have unmaided whole scores ev'ry season of maids." - -_Fielding_ also has introduced him in the Puppet-show, with which the -_Author's Farce_ (acted at the _Haymarket_ 1729), concludes, under the -title of _Count Ugly_. - - "_Nonsense._ Too late, O mighty Count, you came. - _Count._ I ask not for myself, for I disdain - O'er the poor ragged tribe of bards to reign. - Me did my stars to happier fates prefer, - Sur-intendant des plaisirs d'_Angleterre_. - If masquerades you have, let those be mine, - But on the Signor let the laurel shine. - _Tragedy_. What is thy plea? Half written? - _Count_. No nor read. - Put it from dulness any may succeed, - To that and nonsense I good title plead, - Nought else was ever in my masquerade." - -[9] In a Dedication to "The Masquerade, a Poem, inscribed to Count -_Heidegger_," (which is the production of Mr. _Fielding_, though -foisted into the works of Dr. _Arbuthnot_,) the facetious writer says, -"I cannot help congratulating you on that gift of Nature, by which you -seem so adapted to the post you enjoy. I mean that natural masque, -which is too visible a perfection to be here insisted on----and, I -am sure, never fails of making an impression on the most indifferent -beholder. Another gift of Nature, which you seem to enjoy in no small -degree, is that modest confidence supporting you in every act of your -life. Certainly, a great blessing! For I always have observed, that -brass in the forehead draws gold into the pocket. As for what mankind -calls virtues, I shall not compliment you on them: since you are so -wise as to keep them secret from the world, far be it from me to -publish them; especially since they are things which lie out of the -way of your calling. Smile then (if you can smile) on my endeavours, -and this little poem, with candour----for which the author desires no -more gratuity than a ticket for your next ball." There is a mezzotinto -of _Heidegger_ by _J. Faber_, 1742, (other copies dated 1749) from a -painting by _Vanloo_, a striking likeness, now (1785) in the possession -of _Peter Crawford_, esq. of _Cold Bath Fields_. - -[10] To this occurrence the following imperfect stanzas, transcribed -from the hand-writing of _Pope_, are supposed to relate. They were -found on the back of a page containing some part of his translation, -either of the "Iliad" or "Odyssey," in the _British Museum_. - - XIII. - "Then he went to the side-board, and call'd for much liquor, - And glass after glass he drank quicker and quicker; - So that _Heidegger_ quoth, - Nay, faith on his oath, - Of two hogsheads of Burgundy, _Satan_ drank both. - Then all like a ---- the Devil appear'd, - And strait the whole tables of dishes he clear'd; - Then a friar, then a nun, - And then he put on - A face all the company took for his own. - Even thine, O false _Heidegger!_ who wert so wicked - To let in the Devil----" - -[11] Who died _June_ 12, 1778, being then vice-admiral of the red. See -Memoirs of him in Gent. Mag. 1780, p. 268. - - -3. Frontispiece to a Collection of Songs, with the Music by Mr. -_Leveridge_, in two vols. 8vo. _London_, engraved and printed for -the author, in _Tavistock-street, Covent-Garden_, 1727. This design -consists of a _Bacchus_ and a _Venus_ in the Clouds, and a figure with -musical instruments, &c. on the earth, soliciting their attention, -&c. The ornaments round the engraved title-page seem likewise to be -_Hogarth's_. - - * * * * * - -1728. - - -1. Head of _Hesiod_, from the bust at _Wilton_. The frontispiece to -_Cook's_ translation of _Hesiod_, in 2 vols. 4to. printed by _N. -Blandford_ for _T. Green_. - - -2. _Rich's_ Glory, or his Triumphant Entry into _Covent Garden. W. H. -I. Et. SULP. Price Sixpence._ - -The date of the print before us has been conjectured from its reference -to the _Beggar's Opera_, and _Perseus_ and _Andromeda_,[1] both of -which were acted in the year already mentioned. - -This plate represents the removal of _Rich_ and his scenery, authors, -actors, &c. from _Lincoln's-Inn Fields_ to the _New House_; and -might therefore be as probably referred to the year 1733, when that -event happened. The scene is the area of _Covent Garden_, across -which, leading toward the door of the Theatre, is a long procession, -consisting of a cart loaded with thunder and lightning; performers, -&c. and at the head of them Mr. _Rich_ (invested with the skin of the -famous dog in _Perseus_ and _Andromeda_) riding with his mistress in a -chariot driven by _Harlequin_, and drawn by Satyrs. But let the verses -at bottom explain our artist's meaning: - - Not with more glory through the streets of _Rome_, - Return'd great conquerors in triumph home, - Than, proudly drawn with Beauty by his side, - We see gay _R---_[2] in gilded chariot ride. - He comes, attended by a num'rous throng, - Who, with loud shouts, huzza the Chief along. - Behold two bards, obsequious, at his wheels, - Confess the joy each raptur'd bosom feels; - Conscious that wit by him will be receiv'd, - And on his stage true humour be retriev'd. - No _sensible_ and _pretty_ play will fall[3] - Condemn'd by him as not theatrical. - The players follow, as they here are nam'd, - Dress'd in each character for which they're fam'd. - _Quin_ th' _Old Bachelour_, a _Hero Ryan_ shows, - Who _stares_ and stalks majestick as he goes. - _Walker_,[4] in his lov'd character we see - A Prince, tho' once a fisherman was he, - And _Massanelo_ nam'd; in this he prides, - Tho' fam'd for many other parts besides. - Then _Hall_,[5] who tells the bubbled countrymen - That _Carolus_ is _Latin_ for _Queen Anne_. - Did ever mortal know so clean a bite? - Who else, like him, can copy _Serjeant Kite!_ - To the _Piazza_ let us turn our eyes, - See _Johnny Gay_ on porters shoulders rise, - Whilst a bright Man of Tast his works despise.[6] - Another author wheels his works with care, - In hopes to get a market at this fair; - For such a day he sees not ev'ry year. - -By the _Man of Taste_, Mr. _Pope_ was apparently designed. He is -represented, in his tye-wig, at one corner of the _Piazza_, wiping his -posteriors with the _Beggar's Opera_. The letter P is over his head. -His little sword is significantly placed, and the peculiarity of his -figure well preserved. - -The reason why our artist has assigned such an employment to him, -we can only guess. It seems, indeed, from Dr. _Johnson's_ Life of -_Gay_, that _Pope_ did not _think_ the _Beggar's Opera_ would succeed. -_Swift_, however, was of the same opinion; and yet the former supported -the piece on the first night of exhibition, and the latter defended it -in his _Intelligencer_ against the attacks of Dr. _Herring_,[7] then -preacher to the Society of _Lincoln's-Inn_, afterwards archbishop of -_Canterbury. Hogarth_ might be wanton in his satire; might have founded -it on idle report; or might have sacrificed truth to the prejudices -of Sir _James Thornhill_, whose quarrel, on another occasion, he is -supposed to have taken up, when he ridiculed _The Translator of Homer_ -in a view of "The Gate of _Burlington-house_." - -There are besides some allusions in the verses already quoted, as -well as in the piece they refer to, which I confess my inability -to illustrate. Those who are best acquainted with the theatric and -poetical history of the years 1728, &c. would prove the most successful -commentators on the present occasion; but not many can possibly be now -alive who were at that period competent judges of such matters. - -This print, however, was not only unpublished, but in several places is -unfinished. It was probably suppressed by the influence of some of the -characters represented in it. The style of composition, and manner of -engraving, &c. &c. would have sufficiently proved it to be the work of -_Hogarth_, if the initials of his name had been wanting at the bottom -of the plate. - -[1] The _Perseus_ and _Andromeda_, for which _Hogarth_ engraved the -plates mentioned in p. 170, was not published till 1730; but there was -one under the same title at _Drury-Lane_ in 1728. As both houses took -each other's plans at that time, perhaps the _Lincoln's-Inn Fields -Perseus_ might have been acted before it was printed. - -[2] _Rich._ - -[3] No _sensible_ and _pretty_ play, &c. This refers to _Cibber's_ -decision on the merits of some piece offered for representation, and, -we may suppose, rejected. In a copy of verses addressed to _Rich_ on -the building of _Covent Garden_ Theatre, are the following lines, which -seem to allude to the rejection already mentioned: - - "Poets no longer shall submit their plays - To learned _Cibber's_ gilded withered bays; - To such a judge the labour'd scene present, - Whom _sensible_ and _pretty_ won't content: - But to thy theatre with pleasure bear - The comic laughter and the tragic tear." - -[4] The original _Macheath_. He used, however, to perform the -heroes, particularly _Alexander_. From these lines it appears that -_Massanello_, was a favourite part with him. From _Chetwood's_ History -of the Stage, p. 141, I learn that _Walker_ had contracted the two -parts of _Durfey's Massanello_ into one piece, which was acted with -success at _Lincoln's-Inn Fields_. - -[5] The original _Lockit_, who was also celebrated for his performance -of Serjeant _Kite_. - -[6] The grammar and spelling of this line are truly _Hogarthian_. - -[7] "A noted preacher near _Lincoln's-Inn_ playhouse has taken notice -of the _Beggar's Opera_ in the pulpit, and inveighed against it as a -thing of very evil tendency." _Mist's Weekly Journal, March_ 30, 1728. - - -3. The Beggar's Opera. The title over it is in capitals uncommonly -large. - - _Brittons_ attend--view this harmonious stage, - And listen to those notes which charm the age. - Thus shall your tastes in _sounds_ and _sense_ be shown, - And _Beggar's Op'ras_ ever be your own. - -No painter or engraver's name. The plate seems at once to represent -the exhibition of _The Beggar's Opera_, and the rehearsal of an -_Italian_ one. In the _former_, all the characters are drawn with the -heads of different animals; as _Polly_, with a Cat's; _Lucy_, with a -Sow's; _Macheath_, with an Ass's; _Lockit_, and Mr. and Mrs. _Peachum_, -with those of an Ox, a Dog, and an Owl. In the _latter_, several -noblemen appear conducting the chief female singer forward on the -stage, and perhaps are offering her money, or protection from a figure -that is rushing towards her with a drawn sword. Harmony, flying in the -air, turns her back on the _English_ playhouse, and hastens toward the -rival theatre. Musicians stand in front of the former, playing on the -Jew's-harp, the salt-box, the bladder and string, bagpipes, &c. On -one side are people of distinction, some of whom kneel as if making -an offer to _Polly_, or paying their adorations to her. To these are -opposed a butcher, &c. expressing similar applause. _Apollo_, and -one of the Muses, are fast asleep beneath the stage. A man is easing -nature under a wall hung with ballads, and shewing his contempt of such -compositions, by the use he makes of one of them. A sign of the star, a -gibbet, and some other circumstances less intelligible, appear in the -back ground. - - -4. The same. The lines under it are engraved in a different manner from -those on the preceding plate. Sold at the Print-Shop in _The Strand_, -near _Catherine Street_. - - -5. A copy of the same, under the following title, &c. - - The Opera House, or the _Italian_ Eunuch's Glory. Humbly inscribed to - those Generous Encouragers of Foreigners, and Ruiners of _England_. - - From _France_, from _Rome_ we come, - To help Old _England_ to _to_ b' undone. - -Under the division of the print that represents the _Italian Opera_, -the words--_Stage Mutiny_--are perhaps improperly added. - -On the two sides of this print are scrolls, containing a list of the -presents made to _Farinelli_. The words are copied from the same -enumeration in the second plate of the Rake's Progress.[1] - -At the bottom are the following lines: - - "_Brittains_ attend--view this harmonious stage, - And listen to those notes which charm the age. - How sweet the sound where cats and bears - With brutish noise offend our ears! - Just so the foreign singers move - Rather contempt than gain our love. - Were such discourag'd, we should find - Musick at home to charm the mind! - Our home-spun authors must forsake the field, - And _Shakespear_ to the _Italian Eunuchs_ yield."[2] - -Perhaps the original print was the work of _Gravelot, Vandergucht,_ -or some person unknown.[3] The idea of it is borrowed from a _French_ -book, called _Les Chats_, printed at _Amsterdam_ in 1728. In this work, -facing p. 117, is represented an opera performed by cats, superbly -habited. The design is by _Coypel_; the engraving by _T. Otten_. At the -end of the treatise, the opera itself is published. It is improbable -that _Hogarth_ should have met with this _jeu d'esprit_; and, if he -did, he could not have read the explanation to it. - -[1] The following paragraph appeared in the _Grub-street Journal_ for -_April_ 10, 1735; and to this perhaps _Hogarth_ alluded in the list of -donations already mentioned: "His Royal Highness the Prince hath been -pleased to make a present of a fine wrought gold snuff-box, richly set -with brilliants and rubies, in which was inclosed a pair of brilliant -diamond knee buckles, as also a purse of 100 guineas, to the famous -Signor _Farinelli_, &c." - -[2] These two last lines make part of _Addison's_ Prologue to _Phædra_ -and _Hippolytus_, reading only "the soft _Scarlatti_," instead of -_Italian Eunuchs_. - -[3] At the back of an old impression of it, in the collection of -the late Mr. _Rogers_, I meet with the name of _Echerlan_, but am -unacquainted with any such designer or engraver.----I have since -been told he came over to _England_ to dispose of a number of -foreign prints, and was himself no mean caricaturist. Having drawn -an aggravated likeness of an _English_ nobleman, whose figure was -peculiarly unhappy, he was forced to fly in consequence of a resentment -which threatened little short of assassination. - - * * * * * - -1729. - - -1. King _Henry_ the Eighth, and _Anna Bullen_. "_Very indifferent._" -This plate has very idly been imagined to contain the portraits of -_Frederick_ Prince of _Wales_ and Miss _Vane_;[1] but the stature and -faces, both of the lady and _Percy_, are totally unlike their supposed -originals. Underneath are the following verses by _Allan Ramsay_: - - Here struts old pious _Harry_, once the great - Reformer of the _English_ church and state: - 'Twas thus he stood, when _Anna Bullen's_ charms - Allur'd the amorous monarch to her arms; - With his right hand he leads her as his own, - To place this matchless beauty on his throne; - Whilst _Kate_ and _Piercy_ mourn their wretched fate, - And view the royal pair with equal hate, - Reflecting on the pomp of glittering crowns, - And arbitrary power that knows no bounds. - Whilst _Wolsey_, leaning on his throne of state, - Through this unhappy change foresees his fate, - Contemplates wisely upon worldly things, - The cheat of grandeur, and the faith of kings. - -Mr. _Charlton_, of _Canterbury_, has a copy of this print, with the -following title and verses: "King _Henry_ VIII. bringing to court _Anne -Bullen_, who was afterwards his royal consort." _Hogarth design. &. -sculp._ - - See here the great, the daring _Harry_ stands, - Peace, Plenty, Freedom, shining in his face, - With lovely _Anna Bullen_ joining hands, - Her looks bespeaking ev'ry heav'nly grace. - - See _Wolsey_ frowning, discontent and sour, - Feeling the superstitious _structure_ shake: - While _Henry's_ driving off the _Roman_ whore, - For _Britain's_ weal, and his _Lutherian's_ sake. - - Like _Britain's_ Genius our brave King appears, - Despising Priestcraft, Avarice, and Pride; - Nor the loud roar of _Babel's_ bulls he fears, - The Dagon falls before his beauteous bride. - - Like _England's_ Church, all sweetness and resign'd, - The comely queen her lord with calmness eyes; - As if she said, If goodness guard your mind, - You ghostly tricks and trump'ry may despise. - -[1] To the fate of this lady Dr. _Johnson_ has a beautiful allusion in -his _Vanity of Human Wishes_: - - "Yet _Vane_ could tell what ills from beauty spring, - And _Sedley_ curs'd the form that _pleas'd a king_." - -Perhaps the thought, that suggested this couplet, is found in -_Loveling's_ Poems, a work already quoted: - - -------nec _Gwynnam_ valebat - _Angliaco placuisse regi_. - - Mersa est acerbo funere sanguinis - _Vanella_ clari: nec grave spiculum - Averteret fati _Machaon_, - Nec madido _Fredericus_ ore. - - -2. The same plate without any verses, but with an inscription added -in their room. _Ramsay_ seems to have been particularly attached to -_Hogarth_. He subscribed, as I have already observed, for thirty copies -of the large _Hudibras_. - -The original picture was at _Vauxhall_, in the portico of the old great -room on the right-hand of the entry into the garden. See p. 29. - - -3. Frontispiece to the "Humours of _Oxford_," a comedy by _James -Miller_; acted at _Drury-Lane_, and published in 8vo, 1729.[1] _W. -Hogarth inv. G. Vandergucht sc._ The Vice-chancellor, attended by -his beadle, surprizing two Fellows of a College, one of them much -intoxicated, at a tavern. - -[1] It met with but moderate success in the theatre; but drew on -Mr. _Miller_ the resentment of some of the heads of the colleges in -_Oxford_, who looked on themselves as satirized in it. - - * * * * * - -1730. - - -1. _Perseus_, and _Medusa_ dead, and _Pegasus_. Frontispiece to -_Perseus_ and _Andromeda. W. H. fec._ - - -2. Another print to the same piece, of _Perseus_ descending. Mr. -_Walpole_ mentions only one. - - -3. A half-starved boy. (The same as is represented in the print of -_Morning_.) _W. H. pinx. F. Sykes sc. Sykes_ was a pupil of _Thornhill_ -or _Hogarth_. This print bears the date of 1730; but I suspect the -0 was designed for an 8, and that the upper part of it is wanting, -because the aqua fortis failed; or, that the pupil copied the figure -from a sketch of his master, which at that time was unappropriated. No -one will easily suspect _Hogarth_ of such plagiarism as he might justly -be charged with, could he afterwards have adopted this complete design -as his own; neither is it probable that any youth could have produced -a figure so characteristic as this; or, if he could, that he should -have published it without any concomitant circumstances to explain its -meaning. The above title, which some collector has bestowed on this -etching, is not of a discriminative kind. Who can tell from it whether -he is to look for a boy emaciated by hunger, or shivering with cold? -It is mentioned here, only that it may be reprobated. If every young -practitioner's imitation of a single figure by _Hogarth_ were to be -admitted among his works, they would never be complete. - - -4. _Gulliver_ presented to the Queen of _Babilary. W. Hogarth inv. -Ger. Vandergucht sc. "It is the frontispiece to the Travels of Mr._ -John Gulliver," son of Capt. _Lemuel Gulliver_, a translation from the -_French_ by Mr. _Lockman_. There is as much merit in this print as in -the work to which it belongs. - - * * * * * - -1731. - - -1. Two frontispieces to a translation of two of _Moliere's_ plays, -viz. _L'Avare_[1] and _Le Cocû imaginaire_. These are part of a select -collection of _Moliere's_ Comedies in _French_ and _English_. They were -advertised in _The Grub-street Journal_, with designs by "Monsieur -_Coypel_, Mr. _Hogarth_, Mr. _Dandridge_, Mr. _Hamilton_," &c. in eight -pocket volumes. - -[1] Of this one, Mr. _S. Ireland_ has the original drawing. - - -2. Frontispiece to "The Tragedy of Tragedies, or the Life and Death of -_Tom Thumb_," in three acts;[1] by _Henry Fielding. W. Hogarth inv. -Ger. Vandergucht sc. "There is some humour in this print."_ - -[1] This piece had before made its appearance in 1730 in one act only. - - -3. Frontispiece to the Opera of _The Highland Fair, or the Union of the -Clans_, by _Joseph Mitchell. W. Hogarth inv. Ger Vandergucht sculp._ - - "Forsan et hæc olim meminisse juvabit." VIRG. - -The date of this piece is confirmed by the following paragraph in _The -Grub-street journal, March_ 4, 1731: "We hear from the Theatre-Royal -in _Drury-lane_, that there is now in rehearsal, and to be performed -on _Tuesday, March_ 16, a new _Scots_ Opera, called _The Highland -Fair, or Union of the Clans,_ &c." The subject being too local for the -_English_ stage, it met with little or no success. - - * * * * * - -1732. - - -1. _Sarah Malcolm_,[1] executed _March_ 7, 1732, for murdering Mrs. -_Lydia Duncombe_ her mistress, _Elizabeth Harrison_, and _Anne Price_; -drawn in _Newgate. W. Hogarth (ad vivum) pinxit & sculpsit._[2] Some -copies are dated 1733, and have only _Hogarth pinx_. She was about -twenty-five years of age.[3] "_This woman put on red to sit to him for -her picture two days before her execution._"[4] Mr. _Walpole_ paid -_Hogarth_ five guineas for the original. Professor _Martyn_ dissected -this notorious murderess, and afterwards presented her skeleton, in -a glass case, to the Botanic Garden at _Cambridge_, where it still -remains. - -[1] On _Sunday_ morning, the 4th of _February_, Mrs. _Lydia Duncombe_, -aged 80, _Elizabeth Harrison_, her companion, aged 60, were found -strangled, and _Ann Price_, her maid, aged 17, with her throat -cut, in their beds, at the said Mrs. _Duncombe's_ apartments in -_Tanfield-Court_ in _The Temple. Sarah Malcolm_, a chare-woman, was -apprehended the same evening on the information of Mr. _Kerrol_, who -had chambers on the same stair-case, and had found some bloody linen -under his bed, and a silver tankard in his close-stool, which she -had hid there. She made a pretended confession, and gave information -against _Thomas Alexander, James Alexander,_ and _Mary Tracey,_ that -they committed the murder and robbery, and she only stood on the stairs -as a watch; that they took away three hundred pounds and some valuable -goods, of which she had not more than her share; but the coroner's -inquest gave their verdict _Wilful Murder_ against _Malcolm_ only.--On -the 23d her trial came on at _The Old Bailey_: when it appeared that -Mrs. _Duncombe_ had but 54 _l._ in her box, and 53 _l._ 11 _s._ 6 _d._ -of it were found upon _Malcolm_ betwixt her cap and hair. She owned her -being concerned in the robbery, but denied she knew any thing of the -murder till she went in with other company to see the deceased. The -jury found her guilty of both. She was strongly suspected to have been -concerned in the murder of Mr. _Nesbit_ in 1729, near _Drury-lane_, -for which one _Kelly_, alias _Owen_, was hanged; the grounds for his -conviction being only a bloody razor found under the murdered man's -head that was known to be his. But he denied to the last his being -concerned in the murder; and said, in his defence, he lent the razor -to a woman he did not know.--On _Wednesday, March_ 7, she was executed -on a gibbet opposite _Mitre-court, Fleet-street_, where the crowd -was so great, that a Mrs. _Strangways_, who lived in _Fleet-street_, -near _Serjeant's-Inn_, crossed the street, from her own house to Mrs. -_Coulthurst's_ on the opposite side of the way, over the heads and -shoulders of the mob. She went to execution neatly dressed in a crape -mourning gown, holding up her head in the cart with an air, and looking -as if she was painted, which some did not scruple to affirm. Her corpse -was carried to an undertaker's upon _Snow-hill_, where multitudes of -people resorted, and gave money to see it: among the rest a gentleman -in deep mourning, who kissed her, and gave the people half a crown. She -was attended by the Rev. Mr. _Pedington_, lecturer of _St. Bartholomew_ -the Great, seemed penitent, and desired to see her master _Kerrol_; -but, as she did not, protested all accusations against him were false. -During her imprisonment she received a letter from her father at -_Dublin_, who was in too bad circumstances to send her such a sum as 17 -_l._ which she pretended he did. The night before her execution, she -delivered a paper to Mr. _Pedington_ (the copy of which he sold for 20 -_l._), of which the substance is printed in _The Gentleman's Magazine_, -1733, p. 137. She had given much the same account before, at her trial, -in a long and fluent speech. - -[2] The words "_& sculpsit_" are wanting in the copies. In the three -last of them the figure also is reversed. - -[3] "This woman," said _Hogarth_, after he had drawn _Sarah Malcolm_, -"by her features, is capable of any wickedness." - -[4] "_Monday Sarah Malcolm_ sat for her picture in _Newgate_, which -was taken by the ingenious Mr. _Hogarth_: Sir _James Thornhill_ was -likewise present." _Craftsman, Saturday, March_ 10, 1732-3. - - -2. An engraved copy of ditto. - - -3. Ditto, mezzotinto. - - -4. Ditto, part graven, part mezzotinto. - -The knife with which she committed the murder is lying by her. - - -5. Another copy of this portrait[1] (of which only the first was -engraved by _Hogarth_), with the addition of a clergyman holding a ring -in his hand, and a motto, "No recompence but Love."[2] - -In _The Grub-street Journal_ of _Thursday, March_ 8, 1732, appeared the -following epigram: - - "To _Malcolm Guthrie_[3] cries, confess the murther; - The truth disclose, and trouble me no further. - Think on both worlds; the pain that thou must bear - In that, and what a load of scandal here. - Confess, confess, and you'll avoid it all: - Your body shan't be hack'd at _Surgeons Hall_: - No _Grub-street_ hack shall dare to use your ghost ill, - _Henly_ shall read upon your post a postile; - _Hogarth_ your charms transmit to future times, - And _Curll_ record your life in prose and rhimes. - - "_Sarah_ replies, these arguments might do - From _Hogarth, Curll,_ and _Henly_, drawn by you, - Were I condemn'd at _Padington_ to ride: - But now from _Fleet-street Pedington's_ my guide." - -The office of this _Pedington_[4] may be known from the following -advertisement in _The Weekly Miscellany_, N° 37. _August_ 25, -1733. "This day is published, Price Six-pence, (on occasion of the -Re-commitment of the two _Alexanders_; with a very neat effigies of -_Sarah Malcolm_ and her _Reverend Confessor_, both taken from the -Life) The Friendly Apparition: Being an account of the most surprising -appearance of _Sarah Malcolm's_ Ghost to a great assembly of her -acquaintance at a noted Gin-shop; together with the remarkable speech -she then made to the whole company." - -[1] A copy of it in wood was inserted in _The Gentleman's Magazine_, -1733, p. 153. - -[2] This print was designed as a frontispiece to the pamphlet -advertised in _The Weekly Miscellany_. (See text, above.) - -[3] The Ordinary of _Newgate_. - -[4] Mr. _Pedington_ died September 18, 1734. He is supposed to have -made some amorous overtures to _Sarah_. - - -6. The Man of TASTE. The Gate of _Burlington-house. Pope_ white-washing -it, and bespattering the Duke of _Chandos's_ coach. "_A satire on_ -Pope's _Epistle on Taste. No name._" It has been already observed that -the plate was suppressed; and if this be true, the suppression may be -accounted for from the following inscription, lately met with at the -back of one of the copies. - -"Bot this book of Mr. _Wayte_, at _The Fountain Tavern_, in _The -Strand_, in the presence of Mr. _Draper_, who told me he had it of the -Printer, Mr. _W. Rayner._[1] - -"J. Cosins." - -On this attested memorandum a prosecution seems meant to have been -founded. _Cosins_ was an attorney, and _Pope_ was desirous on all -occasions to make the law the engine of his revenge. - -[1] _Rayner_ was at that time already under prosecution for publishing -a pamphlet called, "_Robin's_ Game, or Seven's the Main." Neglecting to -surrender himself, he was taken by a writ of execution from the crown, -and confined to the _King's Bench_; where he became connected with Lady -_Dinely_, whole character was of equal infamy with his own. - - -7. The same, in a smaller size; prefixed to a pamphlet, intituled, "A -Miscellany of Taste, by Mr. _Pope_," &c. containing his Epistles, with -Notes and other poems. In the former of these Mr. _Pope_ has a tie-wig -on, in the latter a cap. - - -8. The same, in a size still smaller; very coarsely engraved. Only one -of them is noted by Mr. _Walpole_. - -A reader of these Anecdotes observes, "That the total silence of -_Pope_ concerning so great an artist, encourages a suspicion that his -attacks were felt though not resented. The thunders of the poet were -usually pointed at inglorious adversaries; but he might be conscious -of a more equal match in our formidable caricaturist. All ranks of -people have eyes for pencil'd ridicule, but of written satire we have -fewer judges. It may be suspected, that the 'pictured shape' would -never have been complained of, had it been produced only by a bungler -in his art. But from the powers of _Hogarth, Pope_ seems to have -apprehended more lasting inconvenience; and the event has justified -his fear. The frontispiece to _Smedley's Gulliveriana_ has been long -forgotten; but the _Gate of Burlington house_ is an object coveted by -all who assemble prints of humour.--It may be added, that our painter's -reputation was at the height ten years before the death of _Pope_, -who could not therefore have overlooked his merit, though, for some -reason or other, he has forborne to introduce the slightest allusion -to him or his performances. Yet these, or copies from them, were to -be met with in almost every public and private house throughout the -kingdom; nor was it easy for the bard of _Twickenham_ to have mixed in -the conversation of the times, without being obliged to hear repeated -praises of the author of _The Harlot's Progress_." - -The sheet containing this page having been shewn to a friend, produced -from him the following remark: "That _Pope_ was silent on the merits -of _Hogarth_ (as one of your readers has observed) should excite -little astonishment, as our artist's print on the _South Sea_ exhibits -the translator of _Homer_ in no very flattering point of view. He is -represented with one of his hands in the pocket of a fat personage, -who wears a hornbook at his girdle. For whom this figure was designed, -is doubtful. Perhaps it was meant for _Gay_, who was a fat man, and -a loser in the same scheme."--"_Gay_," says Dr. _Johnson_, "in that -disastrous year had a present from young _Craggs_ of some _South-sea_ -stock, and once supposed himself to be master of twenty-thousand -pounds. His friends persuaded him to sell his share; but he dreamed -of dignity and splendour, and could not bear to obstruct his own -fortune. He was then importuned to sell as much as would purchase an -hundred a year for life, which, says _Fenton_, will make you sure of -a clean shirt and a shoulder of mutton every day. This counsel was -rejected; the profit and principal were lost, and _Gay_ sunk under the -calamity so low that his life became in danger.--The Hornbook appended -to his girdle, perhaps, refers to the Fables he wrote for the Duke of -_Cumberland_. Some of your ingenious correspondents, or Mr. _Walpole_, -who is _instar omnium_, may be able to give a further illustration. -The conclusion to the inscription under this plate--_Guess at the -rest, you'll find out more_--seems also to imply a consciousness of -such personal satire as it was not prudent to explain. I may add, -that the print before us exhibits more than one figure copied from -_Callot_. Among the people going along the gallery to raffle for -husbands, the curious observer will recognize the _Old Maid_ with -lappets flying, &c. afterwards introduced into the scene of _Morning_. -Dr. _Johnson_, however, bears witness to the propriety of our great -poet's introduction into a satire on the 'disastrous year of national -infatuation, when more riches than _Peru_ can boast were expected from -the _South Sea_; when the contagion of avarice tainted every mind; and -_Pope_, being seized with the universal passion, ventured some of his -money. The stock rose in its price; and he for a while thought himself -_The Lord of Thousands_. But this dream of happiness did not last long: -and he seems to have waked soon enough to get clear with the loss only -of what he once thought himself to have won, and perhaps not wholly -that.'" - -It appears from _Pope's_ correspondence with _Atterbury_, that the -stock he had was at one time valued at between twenty and thirty -thousand pounds; and that he was one of the lucky few who had "the good -fortune to remain with half of what they imagined they had."--"Had you -got all you have lost beyond what you ventured," said the good Bishop -in reply, "consider that your superfluous gains would have sprung from -the ruin of several families that now want necessaries."[1] - -[1] Letters to and from Bishop _Atterbury_, 1782, vol. I. p. 71. - - * * * * * - -1733. - - -1. The Laughing Audience. "1733. Recd. _Decbr._ 18 _of the Right -Honnble. Lord Biron_ Half a Guinea being the first Payment for nine -Prints 8 of which Represent a Rakes Progress and the 9th a Fair, -Which I promise to Deliver at Michaelmass Next on Receiving one Guinea -more. Note the Fair will be Deliver'd next Christmass at Sight of this -receipt the Prints of the Rakes. Progress alone will be 2 Guineas -each set after the Subscription is over." - -The words printed in _Italicks_ are in the hand-writing of _Hogarth_. - - -2. The _Fair_[1] [at _Southwark_]. _Invented, painted, and engraved by -W. Hogarth._. The show-cloth, representing the Stage Mutiny, is taken -from a large etching by _John Laguerre_ (son of _Louis Laguerre_, -the historical painter), who sung at _Lincoln's-Inn Fields_ and -_Covent-Garden_ Theatres, painted some of their scenes, and died in -1748. _The Stage-Mutineers_, or _A Playhouse to be let_, a tragi-comi -farcical-ballad-opera, which was published in 1733, will throw some -light on the figures here represented by _Hogarth_. See also the -_Supplement_ to _Dodsley's_ Preface to his Collection of Old Plays, and -the "Biographia Dramatica, 1782." - -It is remarkable that, in our artist's copy of this etching, he has -added a paint-pot and brushes at the feet of the athletic figure _with -a cudgel in his hand_, who appears on the side of _Highmore_.[2] From -these circumstances it is evident that _John Ellis_ the painter (a -pupil of Sir _James Thornhill_, a great frequenter of _Broughton's_ -gymnasium, the stages of other prize-fighters, &c.) was the person -designed. _Ellis_ was deputy-manager for Mrs. _Wilks_, and _took up -the cudgels_ also for the new patentee. Mr. _Walpole_ observes that -_Rysbrack_, when he produced that "exquisite summary of his skill, -knowledge, and judgment," the _Hercules_ now in Mr. _Hoare's_ Temple at -_Stourhead_, modelled the legs of the God from those of _Ellis_. This -statue was compiled from the various limbs and parts of seven or eight -of the strongest and best-made men in _London_, chiefly the bruisers, -&c. of the then famous amphitheatre in _Tottenham Court road_. - -In _Banks's_ Works, vol. I. p. 97. is a Poetical Epistle on this print, -which alludes to the disputes between the managers of _Drury-Lane_, -and such of the actors as were spirited up to rebellion by _Theophilus -Cibber_, and seceded to _The Haymarket_ in 1733. _Cibber_ is -represented under the character of _Pistol_;[3] _Harper_ under that of -_Falstaff_. The figure in the corner was designed for _Colley Cibber_ -the Laureat, who had just sold his share in the play-house to Mr. -_Highmore_, who is represented holding a scroll, on which is written -"it cost £.6000." A monkey is exhibited sitting astride the iron that -supports the sign of _The Rose_, a well-known tavern. A label issuing -from his mouth contains the words: "_I am a gentleman._"[4] _The Siege -of Troy_, upon another show-cloth, was a celebrated droll, composed -by _Elkanah Settle_, and printed in 1707; it was a great favourite at -fairs. A booth was built in _Smithfield_ this year for the use of _T. -Cibber, Griffin, Bullock,_ and _H. Hallam_; at which the Tragedy of -_Tamerlane_, with _The Fall of Bajazet_, intermixed with the Comedy -of _The Miser_, was actually represented. The figure vaulting on the -rope was designed for Signor _Violante_, who signalized himself in the -reign of _Geo._ I.; and the tall man exhibited on a show-cloth, was -_Maximilian_, a giant from _Upper Saxony_. The man flying from the -steeple was one _Cadman_, who, within the recollection of some persons -now living, descended in the manner here described from the steeple of -_St. Martin's_ into _The Mews_. He broke his neck soon after, in an -experiment of the like kind, at _Shrewsbury_, and lies buried there in -the churchyard of _St. Mary Friars_, with the following inscription on -a little tablet inserted in the church-wall just over his grave.[5] -The lines are contemptible, but yet serve to particularize the accident -that occasioned his death. - - Let this small monument record the name - Of _Cadman_, and to future times proclaim - How, by an attempt to fly from this high spire - Across the _Sabrine_ stream, he did acquire - His fatal end. 'Twas not for want of skill, - Or courage, to perform the task, he fell: - No, no,--a faulty cord, being drawn too tight, - Hurry'd his soul on high to take her flight, - Which bid the body here beneath, good night. - -A prelate being asked permission for a line to be fixed to the steeple -of a cathedral church, for this daring adventurer, replied, the man -might fix _to_ the church whenever he pleased, but he should never -give his consent to any one's flying _from_ it. It seems that some -exhibitor of the same kind met with a similar inhibition here in -_London_. I learn from _Mist's_ Journal for _July_ 8, 1727, that a -sixpenny pamphlet, intituled, "The Devil to pay at _St. James's_, -&c."[6] was published on this occasion, Again, in _The Weekly -Miscellany_ for _April_ 17, 1736. "_Thomas Kidman_, the famous Flyer, -who has flown from several of the highest precipices in _England_, and -was the person that flew off _Bromham_ steeple in _Wiltshire_ when it -fell down, flew, on _Monday_ last, from the highest of the rocks near -_The Hot-well_ at _Bristol_, with fire-works and pistols; after which -he went up the rope, and performed several surprising dexterities on -it, in sight of thousands of spectators, both from _Somersetshire_ -and _Gloucestershire_." In this print also is a portrait which has -been taken for that of Dr. _Rock_, but was more probably meant for -another Quack, who used to draw a crowd round him by seeming to eat -fire, which, having his checks puffed up with tow, he blew out of his -mouth.[7] Some other particulars are explained in the notes to the -poetical epistle already mentioned. - -[1] In the Craftsman, 1733, was this advertisment; "Mr. _Hogarth_ being -now engraving nine copper-plates from pictures of his own painting, -one of which represents the Humours of a Fair, the other eight the -Progress of a Rake, intends to publish the prints by subscription, on -the following terms: each subscription to be one guinea and a half: -half-a-guinea to be paid at the time of subscribing, for which a -receipt will be given on a new-etched print, and the other payment of -one guinea on delivery of all the prints when finished, which will be -with all convenient speed, and the time publicly advertised. The Fair, -being already finished, will be delivered at the time of subscribing. -Subscriptions will be taken in at Mr. _Hogarth's_, the _Golden Head_, -in _Leicester Fields_, where the pictures are to be seen." - -[2] _Highmore_ was originally a man of fortune; but _White's_ -gaming-house, and the patent of _Drury-Lane_ theatre, completely -exhausted his finances. Having proved himself an unsuccessful actor as -well as manager, in 1743 he published _Dettingen_, a poem which would -have disgraced a Bell-man. In 1744 he appeared again in the character -of _Lothario_, for the benefit of Mrs. _Horten_. From this period his -history is unknown. If _Hogarth's_ representation of him, in the print -entitled _The Discovery_, was a just one, he had no external requisites -for the stage. - -[3] In a two-shilling pamphlet, printed for _J. Mechell_ at _The King's -Arms_ in _Fleet street_, 1740, entitled "An Apology for the life of -Mr. _T---- C----_, comedian; being a proper sequel to the apology for -the life of Mr. _Colley Cibber_, comedian; with a historical view of -the stage to the present year; supposed to be written by himself in -the stile and manner of the Poet Laureat," but in reality the work of -_Harry Fielding_; the following passages, illustrative of our subject, -occur. "In that year when the stage fell into great commotions, and -the _Drury Lane_ company, asserting the glorious cause of liberty and -property, made a stand against the oppressions in the patentees--in -that memorable year when the Theatric Dominions fell in labour of a -revolution under the conduct of _myself_, that revolt gave occasion -to several pieces of wit and satirical flirts at the conductor of the -enterprize. I was attacked, as my father had been before me, in the -public papers and journals; and the burlesque character of _Pistol_ -was attributed to me as a real one. Out came a _Print_ of _Jack -Laguerre's_, representing, in most vile designing, this expedition of -ours, under the name of _The Stage Mutiny_, in which, gentle reader, -_your humble servant_, in the _Pistol_ character, was the principal -figure. This I laughed at, knowing it only a proper embellishment for -one of those necessary structures to which persons out of necessity -repair." p. 16, &c.--Again, p. 88.--"At the Fair of _Bartholomew_, we -gained some recruits; but, besides those advantages over the enemy, I -myself went there in person, and publickly _exposed_ myself. This was -done to fling defiance in the Patentee's teeth; for, on the booth where -I exhibited, I hung out _The Stage Mutiny_, with _Pistol_ at the head -of his troop, our standard bearing this motto,--_We eat._"--Whether -this account which _Cibber_ is made to give of his own conduct is -entirely jocular, or contains a mixture of truth in it, cannot now be -ascertained. _Hogarth_ might have transplanted a circumstance from -_Bartholomew_ to _Southwark_ Fair; or _Fielding_, by design, may have -misrepresented the matter, alluding at the same time to _Hogarth's_ -print. - -[4] Mr. _Victor_, speaking of this transaction, observes, that "the -general observation was, what business had _a gentleman_ to make the -purchase?" - -[5] In _The Gentleman's Magazine_ for 1740, p. 89, is no bad copy -of verses "on the death of the famous _Flyer_ on the Rope at -_Shrewsbury_". It is therefore here inserted. - - _-----------Magnis tamen excidit ausis._ - Fond _Icarus_ of old, with rash essay, - In air attempted a forbidden way; - Too thin the medium for so cumb'rous freight, - Too weak the plumage to support the weight. - Yet less he dar'd who soar'd on waxen wing, - Than he who mounts to æther on a string. - Just as _Arachne_, when the buzzing prey - Entangled flutter, and would wing away, - From watchful ambuscade insidious springs, - And to a slender twine, ascending, clings. - So on his rope, th' advent'rer climbs on high, - Bounds o'er cathedral heights, and seeks the sky; - Fix but his cable, and he'll tell you soon, - What sort of natives cultivate the moon. - An army of such wights to cross the main, - Sooner than _Haddock's_ fleet, shou'd humble _Spain_. - As warring cranes on pigmies thund'ring fall, - And, without scaling ladders, mount the wall, - The proudest spire in _Salop's_ lofty town - Safely he gains, and glides as safely down; - Then soars again aloft, and downward springs, - Swift as an eagle, without aid of wings; - Shews anticks, hangs suspended by his toe; - Undazzled, views th' inverted chasm below. - Invites with beat of drum brave voluntiers, - Defies _Jack Spaniard_, nor invasion fears, - Land when they will, they ne'er cou'd hurt _his ears_. - Methink I see as yet his flowing hair - And body, darting like a falling star: - Swifter than what "with fins or feathers fly - Thro' the ærial or the wat'ry sky." - Once more he dares to brave the pathless way, - Fate now pursuing, like a bird of prey; - And, comet-like, he makes his latest tour, - In air excentric (oh! ill-omen'd hour!) - Bar'd in his shirt to please the gazing crowd, - He little dreamt, poor soul! of winding shroud! - Nothing could aught avail but limbs of brass, - When ground was iron, and the _Severn_ glass. - As quick as lightning down his line he skims, - Secure in equal poize of agile limbs. - But see the trusted cordage faithless prove! - Headlong he falls, and leaves his soul above: - The gazing town was shock'd at the rebound - Of shatter'd bones, that rattled on the ground; - The broken cord rolls on in various turns, - Smokes in the whirl, and as it runs it burns. - So when the wriggling snake is snatch'd on high - In eagle's claws, and hisses in the sky, - Around the foe his twirling tail he flings, - And twists her legs, and writhes about her wings. - _Cadman_ laid low, ye rash, behold and fear, - Man is a reptile, and the ground his sphere. - Unhappy man! thy end lamented be; - Nought but thy own ill fate so swift as thee, - Were metamorphoses permitted now, - And tuneful _Ovid_ liv'd to tell us how; - His apter Muse shou'd turn thee to a daw, - Nigh to the fatal steeple still to kaw; - Perch on the cock, and nestle on the ball, - In ropes no more confide, and never fall. _J. A._ - -[6] Supposed to have been written by Dr. _Arbuthnot_, and as such -preserved in the Collection of his Works. The full title is, "The -Devil to pay at _St. James's_: or, a full and true Account of a most -horrid and bloody Battle between Madam _Faustina_ and Madam _Cuzzoni_. -Also of a hot Skirmish between Signor _Boschi_ and Signor _Palmerini_. -Moreover, how _Senesino_ has taken Snuff, is going to leave the Opera, -and sings Psalms at _Henley's Oratory_. Also about the Flying Man, -and how the Doctor of _St. Martin's_ has very unkindly taken down the -Scaffold, and disappointed a World of good Company. As also how a -certain Great Lady is gone mad for the Love of _William Gibson_, the -Quaker. And how the _Wild Boy_ is come to Life again, and has got a -Dairy Maid with Child. Also about the great Mourning, and the Fashions, -and the Alterations, and what not. With other material Occurrences, too -many to insert." - -In this pamphlet our artist is incidentally mentioned, but in such a -manner as shews that he had attained some celebrity so early as 1727. -Speaking of some _Lilliputian_ swine, supposed to be in the possession -of Dean _Swift_, Dr. _Arbuthnot_ adds, "But _Hogarth_ the Engraver is -making a print after them, which will give a juster idea of them than I -can." - -[7] Perhaps he was only a fire-eater. - - -3. _Judith_ and _Holofernes_. "Per vulnera servor, morte tuâ vivens." -_W. Hogarth inv. Ger. Vandergucht sc._ A frontispiece to the Oratorio -of _Judith._--Our heroine, instead of holding the sword by its handle, -grasps it by its edge, in such a manner as should seem to have -endangered her fingers. (_Judith_ was an Oratorio by _William Huggins_, -Esq. set to musick by _William De Fesch_[1] late Chapel-master of the -cathedral church of _Antwerp_. This piece was performed with scenes and -other decorations, but met with no success. It was published in 8vo, -1733.)--The original plate of the frontispiece is in the possession -of Dr. _Monkhouse_. This design has little of _Hogarth_; yet if he -furnished other engravers with such slight undetermined sketches as he -himself is sometimes known to have worked from, we cannot wonder if -on many occasions his usual characteristics should escape our notice. -Whoever undertakes to perfect several of his unpublished drawings, will -be reduced to the necessity of inventing more than presents itself for -imitation. - -[1] _William Defesch_, a _German_, and some time chapel-master at -_Antwerp_, was in his time a respectable professor on the violin, and -leader of the band for several seasons at _Marybone-gardens_. His head -was engraved as a frontispiece to some musical compositions published -by him; and his name is to be found on many songs and ballads to which -he set the tunes for _Vauxhall_ and _Marybone-gardens_. He died, soon -after the year 1750, at the age of 70. - -The following lines were written under a picture of _Defesch_, painted -by _Soldi_, 1751. - - Thou honor'st verse, and verse must lend her wing, - To honor thee, the priest of _Phœbus'_ quire, - That _tun'st_ her happiest lines in hymn or song. MILTON. - -_Defesch_ was the patriotic Mr. _Hollis's_ music-master. - - -4. Boys peeping at Nature. "_The subscription-ticket to the Harlot's -Progress._" A copy in aqua-tinta from this receipt was made by _R. -Livesay_ in 1781, and is to be had at Mrs. _Hogarth's_ house in -_Leicester-square_. - - * * * * * - -1733 and 1734. - - -1.[1] The Harlot's Progress,[2] in six plates. In the first is a -portrait of Colonel _Chartres_. "Cette figure de viellard (says -_Rouquet_) est d'aprés nature; c'est le portrait d'un officier très -riche, fameux dans ce tems-là pour de pareilles expéditions, grand -séducteur de campagnardes, et qui avoit toujours à ses gages des femmes -de la profession de celle qui cajole ici la nouvelle débarquée." Behind -him is _John Gourlay_ a Pimp, whom he always kept about his person. The -next figure that attracts our notice, is that of Mother _Needham_. To -prove this woman was sufficiently notorious to have deserved the satire -of _Hogarth_, the following paragraphs in _The Grub-street Journal_ are -sufficient. - -_March_ 25, 1731. "The noted Mother _Needham_ was yesterday committed -to _The Gatehouse_ by Justice _Railton_." - -Ibid. "Yesterday, at the quarter-sessions for the city and liberties of -_Westminster_, the infamous Mother _Needham_, who has been reported to -have been dead for some time, to screen her from several prosecutions, -was brought from _The Gatehouse_, and pleaded not guilty to an -indictment found against her for keeping a lewd and disorderly house; -but, for want of sureties, was remanded back to prison." - -Ibid. _April_ 29, 1731. "Oh _Saturday_ ended the quarter-sessions for -_Westminster_, &c. The noted Mother _Needham_, convicted for keeping a -disorderly house in _Park Place, St. James's,_ was fined One Shilling, -to stand twice in the pillory, and find sureties for her good behaviour -for three years." - -Ibid. _May_ 6, 1731. "Yesterday the noted Mother _Needham_ stood in the -pillory in _Park Place_, near _St. James's-street_, and was roughly -handled by the populace. She was so very ill that she lay along, -notwithstanding which she was so severely &c. that it is thought she -will die in a day or two."--Another account says--"she lay along on -her face in the pillory, and so evaded the law which requires that her -face should be exposed."--"Yesterday morning died Mother _Needham_. -She declared in her last words,[3] that what most affected her was -the terror of standing in the pillory to-morrow in _New Palace-yard_, -having been so ungratefully used by the populace on _Wednesday_." - -The memory of this woman is thus perpetuated in _The Dunciad_, I. 323. - - "To _Needham's_ quick the voice triumphal rode, - But pious _Needham_ dropt the name of God." - -The note on this passage says, she was "a matron of great fame, and -very religious in her way; whose constant prayer it was, that she might -'get enough by her profession to leave it off in time, and make her -peace with God.'[4] But her fate was not so happy; for being convicted, -and set in the pillory, she was (to the lasting shame of all her great -Friends and Votaries) so ill used by the populace, that it put an end -to her days." - -_Rouquet_ has a whimsical remark relative to the clergyman just arrived -in _London_. "Cet ecclesiastique monté sur un cheval blanc, _comme ils -affectent ici de l'être_."--The variations in this plate are; shade -thrown by one house upon another; _London_ added on the letter the -parson is reading; change in one corner of the fore-ground; the face of -the Bawd much altered for the worse, and her foot introduced. - -Plate II. _Quin_ compared _Garrick_ in _Othello_ to the black boy -with the tea-kettle,[5] a circumstance that by no means encouraged -our _Roscius_ to continue acting the part. Indeed, when his face was -obscured, his chief power of expression was lost; and then, and not -till then, was he reduced to a level with several other performers. In -a copy of this set of plates, one of the two small portraits hanging -up in the _Jew's_ bedchamber, is superscribed, _Clarke_; but without -authority from _Hogarth. Woolston_ would likewise have been out of -his place, as he had written against the _Jewish_ tenets. Of this -circumstance, _Hogarth_ was probably told by some friend, and therefore -effaced a name he had once ignorantly inserted. - -In Plate III.[6] (as already observed) is the portrait of Sir _John -Gonson_. That Sir _John Gonson_ was the person intended in this print, -is evident from a circumstance in the next, where, on a door in -_Bridewell_, a figure hanging is drawn in chalk, with an inscription -over it, "Sir _J. G._" as well as from the following explanation by -_Rouquet_: "La figure, qui paroit entrer sans bruit avec une partie de -guet, est un commissaire qui se distinguoit extrêmement par son zèle -pour la persecution des filles de joye." - -Respecting another circumstance, however, in the third plate, _Rouquet_ -appears to have met with some particular information that has escaped -me. "L'auteur a saisi l'occasion d'un morceau de beurre qui fait -partie du déjeuné, pour l'enveloper plaisamment dans le titre de la -lettre pastorale qu'un grand prelat[7] addressa dans ce tems-là à son -diocese, & dont plusieurs exemplaires eurent le malheur d'être renvoyés -à l'epicier."--The sleeve of the maid-servant's gown in this plate is -enlarged, and the neck of a bottle on the table is lengthened. - -For variations in Plate IV. see the roof of the room. Shadow on the -principal woman's petticoat, and from the hoop-petticoat hanging up in -the back ground. The dog made darker. The woman next the overseer has a -high cap, which in the modern impressions is lowered. - -In Plate V. Roof of the room. Back of the chair. Table. Dr. -_Misaubin's_ waistcoat. Name of Dr. _Rock_ on the paper lying on the -close-stool. Dish at the fire. - -In a despicable poem published in 1732, under the fictitious name of -_Joseph Gay_, and intituled "_The Harlot's Progress_, which is a key -to the six prints lately published by Mr. _Hogarth_," the two quacks -in attendance on the dying woman are called _Tan--r_ and _G--m_. It -is evident from several circumstances, that this Mr. _J. Gay_ became -acquainted with our author's work through the medium of a copy. - -In Plate VI. the woman seated next the clergyman was designed for -_Elizabeth Adams_, who, at the age of 30, was afterwards executed for -a robbery, _September_ 10, 1737. The common print of her will justify -this assertion. - -If we may trust the wretched metrical performance just quoted, the Bawd -in this sixth plate was designed for Mother _Bentley_. - -The portrait hanging up in the _Jew's_ apartment was originally -subscribed "Mr. _Woolston_." There was a scriptural motto to one of the -other pictures; and on the cieling of the room in which the girl is -dying, a certain obscene word was more visible than it is at present. -The former inscription on the paper now inscribed Dr. _Rock_, was also -a gross one. I should in justice add, that before these plates were -delivered to the subscribers, the offensive particulars here mentioned -were omitted. - -The following paragraph in _The Grub-street Journal_ for _September_ -24, 1730, will sufficiently justify the splendid appearance the Harlot -makes in _Bridewell_. See Plate IV. Such well-dressed females are -rarely met with in our present houses of correction. - -"One _Mary Muffet_, a woman of great note in the hundreds of -_Drury_, who, about a fortnight ago, was committed to hard labour in -_Tothill-fields Bridewell_, by nine justices, brought his Majesty's -writ of _Habeas Corpus_, and was carried before the right honourable -the lord chief justice _Raymond_, expecting to have been either -bailed or discharged; but her commitment appearing to be legal, his -lordship thought fit to remand her back again to her former place of -confinement, where _she is now beating hemp in a gown very richly laced -with silver_." - -_Rouquet_ concludes his illustration of the fifth plate by observing, -that the story might have been concluded here. "L'auteur semble avoir -rempli son dessein. Il a suivi son heroine jusques au dernier soupir. -Il l'a conduite de l'infamie à la pauvreté, par les voies séduisantes -du libertinage. Son intention de tâcher de retenir, ou de corriger -celles qui leur foiblesse, ou leur ignorance exposent tous les jours à -de semblables infortunes, est suffisament executée; on peut donc dire -que la tragedie finit à cette planche, et que la suivante est comme le -petite piece. C'est une farce done la defunte est plustôt l'occasion -que le sujet."--Such is the criticism of _Rouquet_; but I cannot -absolutely concur in the justness of it. _Hogarth_ found an opportunity -to convey admonition, and enforce his moral, even in this last plate. -It is true that the exploits of our heroine are concluded, and that she -is no longer an agent in her own story. Yet as a wish prevails, even -among those who are most humbled by their own indiscretions, that some -respect should be paid to their remains, that they should be conducted -by decent friends to the grave, and interred by a priest who feels for -the dead that hope expressed in our Liturgy, let us ask whether the -memory of our Harlot meets with any such marks of social attention, or -pious benevolence. Are not the preparations for her funeral licentious, -like the course of her life, as if the contagion of her example had -reached all the company in the room? Her sisters in iniquity alone -surround her coffin. One of them is engaged in the double trade of -seduction and thievery. A second is admiring herself in a mirror. A -third gazes with unconcern on the corpse. If any of the number appear -mournful, they express at best but a maudlin sorrow, having glasses -of strong liquor in their hands. The very minister, forgetful of -his office and character, is shamefully employed; nor does a single -circumstance occur, throughout the whole scene, that a reflecting -female would not wish should be alienated from her own interment.--Such -is the plate which our illustrator, with too much levity, has styled a -farce appended to a tragic representation. - -He might, however, have exercised his critical abilities with more -success on _Hogarth's_ neglect of propriety, though it affords him -occasion to display his wit. At the burial of a wanton, who expired in -a garret, no escutcheons were ever hung up, or rings given away; and I -much question if any bawd ever chose to avow that character before a -clergyman, or any infant was ever habited as chief mourner to attend a -parent to the grave.--I may add, that when these pictures were painted -(a time, if news-papers are to be credited, when, having no established -police, every act of violence and licentiousness was practised -with impunity in our streets, and women of pleasure were brutally -persecuted in every quarter of the town), a funeral attended by such -a sisterhood would scarcely have been permitted to reach the place of -interment. Much however must be forgiven to the morality of _Hogarth's_ -design, and the powers with which it is executed. It may also, on the -present occasion, be observed, that in no other scene, out of the many -he has painted, has he so widely deviated from _vraisemblance_. - -The following verses, however wretched, being explanatory of the set -of plates already spoken of, are here re-printed. They made their -appearance under the earliest and best of the pirated copies published -by _Bowles. Hogarth_, finding that such a metrical description had its -effect, resolved that his next series of prints should receive the same -advantage from an abler hand. - - PLATE I. - See there, but just arriv'd in town, - The _Country Girl_ in home-spun gown, - Tho' plain her dress appears, how neat! - Her looks how innocent and sweet! - Does not your indignation rise, - When on the bawd you cast your eyes? - Fraught with devices to betray; - She's hither come in quest of prey; - Screens her designs with godly airs, - And talks of homilies and pray'rs, - Till, by her arts, the wretched Maid - To vile _Francisco_ is betray'd. - And see, the lewd old rogue appears, - How at the fresh young thing thing he leers! - In lines too strong, too well exprest - The lustful satyr stands confest. - - On batter'd jade, in thread-bare gown, - The _Rural Priest_ is come to town-- - Think what his humble thought engages; - Why--lesser work and greater wages. - - PLATE II. - Debauch'd, and then kick'd out of doors, - The fate of all _Francisco's_ whores, - Poor _Polly's_ forc'd to walk the streets, - Till with a wealthy _Jew_ she meets. - Quickly the man of circumcision - For her reception makes provision. - You see her now in all her splendour, - A Monkey and a Black t' attend her. - How great a sot's a keeping cully, - Who thinks t' enjoy a woman solely! - Tho' he support her grandeur, Miss - Will by the bye with others kiss. - Thus Polly play'd her part; she had - A _Beau_ admitted to her bed; - But th' _Hebrew_ coming unexpected, - Puts her in fear to be detected. - This to prevent, she at breakfast picks - A quarrel, and insulting kicks - The table down: while by her _Maid_ - The _Beau_ is to the door convey'd. - - PLATE III. - _Molly_ discarded once again, - Takes lodgings next in _Drury-lane_; - Sets up the business on her own - Account, and deals with all the town. - At breakfast here in deshabille, - While _Margery_ does the tea-pot fill, - Miss holds a watch up, which, by slight - Of hand, was made a prize last night. - From chandler's shop a dab of butter, - Brought on his lordship's _Pastoral Letter_, - A cup, a saucer, knife, and roll, - Are plac'd before her on a stool. - A chair behind her holds a cloak, - A candle in a bottle stuck, - And by't a bason--but indecent - T'would be in me to say what is in't. - At yonder door, see there Sir _John's_ - Just ent'ring with his _Myrmidons_, - To _Bridewell_ to convey Miss _Molly_, - And _Margery_ with her to Mill Dolly.[8] - - PLATE IV. - See _Polly_ now in _Bridewell_ stands, - A galling mallet in her hands, - Hemp beating with a heavy heart, - And not a soul to take her part. - The _Keeper_, with a look that's sourer - Than _Turk_ or Devil, standing o'er her: - And if her time she idles, thwack - Comes his rattan across her back. - A dirty, ragged, saucy Jade, - Who sees her here in rich brocade - And _Mechlin_ lace, thumping a punny, - Lolls out her tongue, and winks with one eye. - That other _Maux_ with half a nose, - Who's holding up her tatter'd cloaths, - Laughs too at Madam's working-dress, - And her grim Tyrant's threat'ning face, - A _Gamester_ hard by _Poll_ you see, - In coat be-lac'd and smart toupee. - _Kate_ vermin kills--chalk'd out upon - A window-shutter, hangs _Sir John_. - - PLATE V. - Released from _Bridewell, Poll_ again - Drives on her former trade amain; - But who e'er heard of trading wenches - That long escap'd disease that _French_ is? - Our _Polly_ did not--Ills on ills, - Elixirs, boluses and pills, - Catharticks and emeticks dreary, - Had made her of her life quite weary; - At last thrown into salivation - She sinks beneath the operation. - A snuffling whore in waiting by her - Screams out to see the wretch expire. - The _Doctors_ blame each other; _Meagre_, - With wrath transported, hot and eager, - Starts up, throws down the chair and stool, - And calls her brother _Squab_ a fool. - Your pills, quoth _Squab_, with cool disdain, - Not my elixir, prov'd her bane. - While they contend, a muffled Punk - Is rummaging poor _Polly's_ trunk. - - PLATE VI. - The sisterhood of _Drury-lane_ - Are met to form the funeral train. - _Priss_ turns aside the coffin lid, - To take her farewell of the dead. - _Kate_ drinks dejected; _Peggy_ stands - With dismal look, and wrings her hands. - _Beck_ wipes her eyes; and at the glass - In order _Jenny_ sets her face. - The ruin'd _Bawd_ roars out her grief; - Her bottle scarcely gives relief. - _Madge_ fills the wine; his castle-top - With unconcern the _Boy_ winds up. - The _Undertaker_ rolls his eyes - On _Sukey_, as her glove he tries: - His leering she observes, and while he - Stands thus, she picks his pocket slily. - The _Parson_ sits with look demure - By _Fanny's_ side, but leaning to her. - His left hand spills the wine; his right-- - I blush to add--is out of sight. - -Over the figure of the _Parson_ is the letter A, which conducts to -the following explanation underneath the plate. "A. The famous -_Couple-Beggar_ in _The Fleet_, a wretch who there screens himself from -the justice due to his _villainies_, and daily repeats them." - -All but the first impressions of this set of plates are marked thus -†. None were originally printed off except for the 1200 subscribers. -Immediately after they were served, the plates were retouched, and some -of the variations introduced. - -[1] In _The Craftsman_ of _Nov._ 25, 1732, we read, "This day is -published, six prints in chiaro oscuro, of _The Harlot's Progress_, -from the designs of Mr. _Hogarth_, in a beautiful green tint, by Mr. -_E. Kirkall_, with proper explanations under each print. Printed and -sold by _E. Kirkall_, in _Dockwell-court, White-Fryars; Phil. Overton_, -in _Fleet-street; H. Overton_ and _J. Hoole_, without _Newgate; J. -King_, in the _Poultry_; and _T. Glass_, under the _Royal Exchange_." - -Lest any of our readers should from hence suppose we have been guilty -of an innacuracy in appropriating this set of prints to the year 1733, -&c. it is necessary to observe, that the plates advertised as above, -were only a pirated copy of _Hogarth's_ work, and were published before -their original. - -[2] In _The Grub-street Journal_ for _December_ 6, 1733, appeared the -following advertisement: "Lately published, (illustrated with six -prints, neatly engraven from Mr. _Hogarth's_ Designs,) _The Lure of -Venus_; or a Harlot's Progress. An heroi-comical Poem, in six Cantos, -by Mr. _Joseph_ Gay. - - "To Mr. _Joseph_ Gay. - - "Sir, - - "It has been well observed, that a great and just objection to the - Genius of Painters is their want of invention; from whence proceeds so - many different designs or draughts on the same history or fable. Few - have ventured to touch upon a new story; but still fewer have invented - both the story and the execution, as the ingenious Mr. _Hogarth_ - has done, in his six prints of a _Harlot's Progress_; and, without - a compliment, Sir, your admirable Cantos are a true key and lively - explanation of the painter's hieroglyphicks. - - "I am, Sir, yours, &c. - - "A. PHILLIPS." - -This letter, ascribed to _Ambrose Phillips_, was in all probability a -forgery, like the name of _Joseph Gay_. - -[3] "Mother _Needham's_ Lamentation," was published in _May_ 1731, -price 6d. - -[4] It seems agreed on by our comic-writers, not to finish the -character of a Bawd without giving her some pretence to Religion. In -_Dryden's_ Wild Gallant, _Mother du Lake_, being about to drink a -dram, is made to exclaim, "'Tis a great way to the bottom; but heaven -is all-sufficient to give me strength for it." The scene in which -this speech occurs, was of use to _Richardson_ in his _Clarissa_, and -perhaps to _Foote_, or _Foote's_ original of the character of Mother -_Cole_. - -[5] So in _Hill's Actor_, pp. 69, 70. "If there be any thing that -comes in competition with the unluckiness of this excellent player's -figure in this character, it is the appearance he made in his new habit -for _Othello_. We are used to see the greatest majesty imaginable -expressed throughout that whole part; and though the joke was somewhat -prematurely delivered to the publick, we must acknowledge, that -his appearance in that tramontane dress made us rather expect to -see a tea-kettle in his hand, than to hear the thundering speeches -_Shakspeare_ has thrown into that character, come out of his mouth." - -[6] See the back ground of this plate, for a circumstance of such -unpardonable grossness as admits of no verbal interpretation. - -[7] Bishop _Gibson_. - -[8] Beat hemp. - - -2. Rehearsal of the Oratorio of _Judith_. Singing men and boys. Ticket -for "A Modern Midnight Conversation." This Oratorio of _Judith_, which -was performed in character, was written by Mr. _Huggins_, as has been -already observed in p. 187; and the line taken from it, - - "The world shall bow to the _Assyrian_ throne," - -inscribed on the book, is a satire on its want of success.--The corner -figure looking over the notes, was designed for Mr. _Tothall_. - - -3. A Midnight Modern Conversation. _W. Hogarth inv. pinx. & sculp. -Hogarth_ soon discovered that this engraving was too faintly executed; -and therefore, after taking off a few impressions in red as well as -black, he retouched and strengthened the plate. Under this print are -the following verses: - - Think not to find one meant resemblance here, - We lash the Vices, but the Persons spare. - Prints should be priz'd, as Authors should be read, - Who sharply smile prevailing Folly dead. - So _Rabilaes_ laught, and so _Cervantes_ thought, - So Nature dictated what Art has taught. - -Most of the figures, however, are supposed to be real portraits. The -Divine and the Lawyer,[1] in particular, are well known to be so. - -A pamphlet was published about the same time, under the same title as -this plate. In _Banks's_ Poems, vol. I. p. 87. the print is copied as -a head-piece to an Epistle to Mr. _Hogarth_, on this performance. In -a note, it is said to have appeared after _The Harlot's Progress_; -and that in the original, and all the larger copies, on the papers -that hang out of the politician's pocket at the end of the table, was -written _The Craftsman_, and _The London Journal_. - -Of this print a good, but contracted copy, was published (perhaps with -_Hogarth's_ permission), and the following copy of verses engraved -under it. - - The Bacchanalians; or a Midnight Modern Conversation. A Poem - addressed to the Ingenious Mr. _Hogarth_. - - Sacred to thee, permit this lay - Thy labour, _Hogarth_, to display! - Patron and theme in one to be! - 'Tis great, but not too great for thee; - For thee, the Poet's constant friend, - Whose vein of humour knows no end. - This verse which, honest to thy fame, - Has added to thy praise thy name! - Who can be dull when to his eyes - Such various scenes of humour rise? - Now we behold in what unite - The Priest, the Beau, the Cit, the Bite; - Where Law and Physick join the Sword, - And Justice deigns to crown the board: - How _Midnight Modern Conversations_ - Mingle all faculties and stations! - - Full to the sight, and next the bowl, - Sits the physician of the soul; - No loftier themes his thought pursues - Than Punch, good Company, and Dues: - Easy and careless what may fall, - He hears, consents, and fills to all; - Proving it plainly by his face - That cassocks are no signs of grace. - - Near him a son of _Belial_ see; - (That Heav'n and _Satan_ should agree!) - Warm'd and wound up to proper height - He vows to still maintain the fight, - The brave surviving Priest assails, - And fairly damns the first that fails; - Fills up a bumper to the Best - In Christendom, for that's his taste: - The parson simpers at the jest, - And puts it forward to the rest. - - What hand but thine so well could draw - A formal Barrister at Law? - _Fitzherbert, Littleton,_ and _Coke,_ - Are all united in his look. - His spacious wig conceals his ears, - Yet the dull plodding beast appears. - His muscles seem exact to fit - Much noise, much pride, and not much wit. - - Who then is he with solemn phiz, - Upon his elbows pois'd with ease? - Freely to speak the Muse is loth-- - Justice or knave--he may be both-- - Justice or knave--'tis much the same: - To boast of crimes, or tell the shame, - Of raking talk or reformation, - 'Tis all good _Modern Conversation_. - - What mighty _Machiavel_ art thou, - With patriot cares upon thy brow? - Alas, that punch should have the fate - To drown the pilot of the state! - That while both sides thy pocket holds, - Nor _D'Anvers_ grieves, nor _Osborne_ scolds, - Thou sink'st the business of the nation - In _Midnight Modern Conversation_! - - The Tradesman tells with wat'ry eyes - How Credit sinks, how Taxes rise; - At Parliaments and Great Men pets, - Counts all his losses and his debts. - - The puny Fop, mankind's disgrace, - The ladies' jest and looking-glass; - This he-she thing the mode pursues, - And drinks in order--till he sp--s. - - See where the Relict of the Wars, - Deep mark'd with honorary scars, - A mightier foe has caus'd to yield - Than ever _Marlbro'_ met in field! - See prostrate on the earth he lies; - And learn, ye soldiers, to be wise. - - Flush'd with the fumes of gen'rous wine - The Doctor's face begins to shine: - With eyes half clos'd, in stamm'ring strain, - He speaks the praise of rich champaign. - 'Tis dull in verse, what from thy hand - Might even a _Cato's_ smile command. - Th' expiring snuffs, the bottles broke, - And the full bowl at four o'clock. - -_March_ 22, 1742, was acted at _Covent-Garden_, a new scene, called _A -Modern Midnight Conversation_, taken from _Hogarth's_ celebrated print; -in which was introduced, _Hippisley's Drunken Man_, with a comic tale -of what really passed between himself and his old aunt, at her house on -_Mendip-Hills_, in _Somersetshire_. For Mr. _Hippisley's_ benefit. - -[1] These, in my first edition, I had ventured, on popular report, to -say were parson _Ford_, and the first Lord _Northington_, when young. -But I am now enabled to identify their persons, on the authority of -Sir _John Hawkins_: "When the Midnight Modern Conversation came out, -the general opinion was, that the Divine was the portrait of Orator -_Henley_; and the Lawyer of _Kettleby_, a vociferous bar orator, -remarkable, though an utter barrister, for wearing a full-bottom'd wig, -which he is here drawn with, as also for a horrible squint." - -In that once popular satire, _The Causidicade_, are the following lines -on this lawyer: - - "Up _Kettleby_ starts with a _horrible stare!_ - 'Behold, my good Lord, your old friend at the bar, - Or rather old foe, for foes we have been, - As treason fell out, and poor traitors fell in. - Strong opposites e'er, and not once of a side, - Attornies will always great counsel divide. - You _for_ persecutions, I always _against_, - How oft with a joke 'gainst your law have I fenc'd? - How oft in your pleadings I've pick'd out a hole, - Thro' which from your pounces my culprit I've stole; - I've puzzled against you now eight years or nine, - You, my Lord, for your King, I a ----l for mine. - But what is all this? Now your Lordship will say, - To get at the office this is not the way. - I own it is not, so I make no request - For myself, still firm to my party and test: - But if 'tis your pleasure to give it my son, - He shall take off his coif t'accept of the boon; - That coif I, refusing, transferr'd upon him, - For who'd be a serjeant where _P----r_ was Prime? - That my son is a lawyer no one can gainsay, - As witness his getting off _W----te_ t'other day.' - Quo' my Lord, 'My friend _Abel_, I needs must allow - You have puzzled me oft, as indeed you do now; - Nay, have puzzled yourself, the court and the law, - And chuckled most wittily over a flaw; - For your nostrums, enigmas, conundrums, and puns, - Are above comprehension, save that of your son's. - To fling off the coif! Oh fye, my friend _Abel_, - 'Twould be acting the part of the Cock in the Fable! - 'Tis a badge of distinction! and some people buy it; - Can you doubt on't, when _Skinner_ and _Hayward_ enjoy it? - Tho' I own you have spoil'd (but I will not enlarge on't) - A good Chancery draftsman to make a bad Serjeant.'" - -Lord _Northington_ did not come into notice till many years after the -publication of this print. - - * * * * * - -1735. - - -1. The Rake's Progress, in eight plates. - -Extract from the _London Daily Post, May_ 14, 1735: - -"The nine prints from the paintings of Mr. _Hogarth_, one representing -a Fair, and the others a Rake's Progress, are now printing off, and -will be ready to be delivered on the 25th of _June_ next. - -"Subscriptions will be taken at Mr. _Hogarth's_, the _Golden-Head_, in -_Leicester-fields_, till the 23d of _June_, and no longer, at half a -guinea to be paid on subscribing, and half a guinea more on delivery of -the prints at the price above-mentioned, after which the price will be -two guineas. - -"N. B. Mr. _Hogarth_ was, and is, obliged to defer the publication -and delivery of the abovesaid prints till the 25th of _June_ next, in -order to secure his property, pursuant to an act lately passed both -houses of parliament, now waiting for the royal assent, to secure all -new invented prints that shall be published after the 24th of _June_ -next, from being copied without consent of the proprietor, and thereby -preventing a scandalous and unjust custom (hitherto practised with -impunity) of making and vending base copies of original prints, to the -manifest injury of the author, and the great discouragement of the arts -of painting and engraving." - -In _The Craftsman_, soon afterwards, appeared the following -advertisement: - -"Pursuant to an agreement with the subscribers to the Rake's Progress, -not to sell them for less than two guineas each set after publication -thereof, the said original prints are to be had at Mr. _Hogarth's_, -the _Golden-Head_, in _Leicester-fields_; and at _Tho. Bakewell's_, -print-seller, next _Johnson's Court_, in _Fleet-street_, where all -other print-sellers may be supplied. - -"In four days will be published, copies from the said prints, with the -consent of Mr. _Hogarth_, according to the act of parliament, which -will be sold at 2 _s._ 6 _d._ each set, with the usual allowance to -all dealers in town and country; and, that the the publick may not be -imposed on, at the bottom of each print will be inserted these words, -_viz._ 'Published with the consent of Mr. _William Hogarth_, by _Tho. -Bakewell_, according to act of parliament.' - -"N. B. Any person that shall sell any other copies, or imitations -of the said prints, will incur the penalties in the late act of -parliament, and be prosecuted for the same." - -This series of plates, however, as Mr. _Walpole_ observes, was pirated -by _Boitard_ on one very large sheet of paper, containing the several -scenes represented by _Hogarth_. It came out a fortnight before the -genuine set, but was soon forgotten. The principal variations in these -prints are the following: - -Plate I. The girl's face who holds the ring is erased, and a worse is -put in.[1] The mother's head, &c. is lessened. The shoe-sole, cut from -the cover of an ancient family Bible, together with a chest, is added; -the memorandum-book removed into another place; the woollen-draper's -shop bill,[2] appended to a roll of black cloth, omitted; the contents -of the closet thrown more into shade. - -In Plate II. are portraits of _Figg_, the prize-fighter;[3] -_Bridgeman_, a noted gardener; and _Dubois_, a master of defence, -who was killed in a duel by one of the same name, as the following -paragraphs in _The Grub-street Journal_ for _May_ 16, 1734, &c. will -testify: "Yesterday (_May_ 11) between two and three in the afternoon, -a duel was fought in _Mary-le-bone Fields_, between Mr. _Dubois_ a -_Frenchman_, and Mr. _Dubois_ an _Irishman_, both fencing-masters, the -former of whom was run through the body, but walked a considerable way -from the place, and is now under the hands of an able surgeon, who has -great hopes of his recovery." - -_May_ 23, 1734, "Yesterday morning died Mr. _Dubois_, of a wound he -received in a duel." - -The portrait of _Handel_ has been supposed to be represented in the -plate before us; but "this," as Sir _John Hawkins_ observes to me, "is -too much to say. Mr. _Handel_ had a higher sense of his own merit than -ever to put himself in such a situation; and, if so, the painter would -hardly have thought of doing it. The musician must mean in general -any composer of operas." On the floor lies a picture representing -_Farinelli_, seated on a pedestal, with an altar before him, on which -are several flaming hearts, near which stand a number of people with -their arms extended, offering him presents: at the foot of the altar -is one female kneeling, tendering her heart. From her mouth a label -issues, inscribed, "One God, one _Farinelli_;" alluding to a lady of -distinction, who, being charmed with a particular passage in one of -his songs, uttered aloud from the boxes that impious exclamation. On -the figure of the captain, _Rouquet_ has the following remark: "Ce -caractere ne paroit plus _Italien_ qu'_Anglois_." I am not sufficiently -versed in _Alsatian_ annals to decide on the question; but believe that -the bully by profession (not assassin, as _Rouquet_ seems to interpret -the character) was to be found during the youth of our artist. More -have heard and been afraid of these vulgar heroes, than ever met -with them. This set of prints was engraved by _Scotin_ chiefly; but -several of the faces were touched upon by _Hogarth_. In the second -plate the countenance of the man with the quarter-staves was wholly -engraved by _Hogarth_. In some early proofs of the print, there is -not a single feature on this man's face; there is no writing either -in the musician's book, or on the label; nor is there the horse-race -cup, the letter, or the poem that lies at the end of the label, that -being entirely blank. I mention these circumstances to shew that our -artist would not entrust particular parts of his work to any hand but -his own; or perhaps he had neither determined on the countenance or the -inscription he meant to introduce, till the plate was far advanced. -With unfinished proofs, on any other account, this catalogue has -nothing to do. As the rudiments of plates, they may afford instruction -to young engravers; or add a fancied value to the collections of -connoisseurs. - -In the third plate is _Leather-coat_,[4] a noted porter belonging to -_The Rose_ Tavern, with a large pewter dish in his hand, which for -many years served as a sign to the shop of a pewterer on _Snow-Hill_. -In this utensil the posture-woman, who is undressing, used to whirl -herself round, and display other feats of indecent activity: "II -suffit" (I transcribe from _Rouquet_, who is more circumstantial) "de -vous laisser à deviner la destination de la chandelle. Ce grand plat -va servir a cette femme comme à une poularde. Il sera mis au milieu -de la table; elle s'y placera sur le dos; et l'ivresse et l'esprit -de débauche feront trouver plaisant un jeu, qui de sang-froid ne le -paroit guères." _Rouquet_, in his description of an _English_ tavern, -such as that in which our scene lies, mentions the following as -extraordinary conveniencies and articles of magnificence: "Du linge -toujours blanc[5]--de tables de bois qu'on appelle ici mahogani--grand -feu et gratis." Variations: _Pontac's_ head is added in the room of -a mutilated _Cæsar_. Principal woman has a man's hat on. Rake's head -altered. Undrest woman's head altered. Woman who spirts the wine, and -she who threatens her with a drawn knife, have lower caps, &c. - -So entirely do our manners differ from those of fifty years ago, that -I much question if at present, in all the taverns of _London_, any -thing resembling the scene here exhibited by _Hogarth_ could be found. -That we are less sensual than our predecessors, I do not affirm; -but may with truth observe, we are more delicate in pursuit of our -gratifications.--No young man, of our hero's fortune and education, -would now think of entertaining half a score of prostitutes at a -tavern, after having routed a set of feeble wretches, who are idly -called our Guardians of the Night. - -Plate IV. _Rakewell_ is going to court on the first of _March_, -which was Queen _Caroline's_ birth-day, as well as the anniversary -of _St. David_. In the early impressions a shoe-black steals the -Rake's cane. In the modern ones, a large group of blackguards[6] [the -chimney-sweeper peeping over the poll boy's cards, and discovering that -he has two honours, by holding up two fingers, is among the luckiest -of _Hogarth's_ traits] are introduced gambling on the pavement; near -them a stone inscribed BLACK'S, a contrast to _White's_ gaming-house, -against which a flash of lightning is pointed. The curtain in the -window of the sedan chair is thrown back. This plate is likewise found -in an intermediate state;[7] the sky being made unnaturally obscure, -with an attempt to introduce a shower of rain, and lightning very -aukwardly represented. It is supposed to be a first proof after the -insertion of the group of black-guard gamesters; the window of the -chair being only marked for an alteration that was afterwards made -in it. _Hogarth_ appears to have so far spoiled the sky, that he was -obliged to obliterate it, and cause it to be engraved over again by -another hand.[8] Not foreseeing, however, the immense demand for his -prints, many of them were so slightly executed, as very early to stand -in need of retouching. The seventh in particular was so much more -slightly executed than the rest, that it sooner wanted renovation, and -is therefore to be found in three different states. The rest appear -only in two. - -In Plate V. is his favourite dog _Trump_. In this, also the head of the -maid-servant is greatly altered, and the leg and foot of the bridegroom -omitted. - -From the antiquated bride, and the young female adjusting the folds -of her gown, in this plate, is taken a _French_ print of a wrinkled -harridan of fashion at her toilet, attended by a blooming coëffeuse. -It was engraved by _L. Surugue_ in 1745, from a picture in crayons by -_Coypel_, and is entitled, _La Folie pare la Decrepitude des ajustemens -de la Jeunesse_. From the _Frenchman_, however, the _Devonshire-square_ -dowager of our artist has received so high a polish, that she might be -mistaken for a queen mother of _France_. - -Mr. _Gilpin_, in his remarks on this plate, appears not to have fully -comprehended the extent of the satire designed in it. Speaking of the -church, he observes, that "the wooden post, which seems to have no use, -divides the picture disagreeably." _Hogarth_, however, meant to expose -the insufficiency of such ecclesiastical repairs as are confided to -the superintendance of parish-officers. We learn, from an inscription -on the front of a pew, that "This church was beautified in the Year -1725. _Tho. Sice, Tho. Horn,_ Churchwardens."[9] The print before us -came out in 1735 (i. e. only ten years afterwards), and by that time -the building might have been found in the condition here exhibited, and -have required a prop to prevent part of its roof from falling in.--As -a proof that this edifice was really in a ruinous state, it was pulled -down and rebuilt in the year 1741. - -Fifty years ago, _Marybone_ church was considered at such a distance -from _London_, as to become the usual resort of those who, like our -hero, wished to be privately married. - -In Plate VI. the fire breaking out, alludes to the same accident which -happened at _White's, May_ 3, 1733. I learn from a very indifferent -poem descriptive of this set of plates (the title is unfortunately -wanting), that some of the characters in the scene before us were real -ones: - - "But see the careful plain old man, - _M----_[10], well-known youth to trepan, - To _C------sh_[11] lend the dear bought pence, - _C------sh_ quite void of common sense, - Whose face, unto his soul a sign, - Looks stupid, as does that within. - A quarrel from behind ensues, - The sure retreat of those that lose. - An honest _'Squire_ smells the cheat, - And swears the villain shall be beat: - But _G----dd_ wisely interferes, - And dissipates the wretch's fears." - -The original sketch in oil for this scene is at Mrs. _Hogarth's_ house -in _Leicester-fields_. The principal character was then sitting, -and not, as he is at present, thrown upon his knees in the act of -execration. - -The thought of the losing gamester pulling his hat over his brows is -adopted from a similar character to be found among the figures of the -principal personages in the court of _Louis_ XIV. folio. This work has -no engraver's name, but was probably executed about the year 1700. - -Plate VII. The celebrated _Beccaria_, in his "Essay on Public -Happiness," vol. II. p. 172, observes, "I am sensible there are -persons whom it will be difficult for me to persuade: I mean those -profound contemplators, who, secluding themselves from their -fellow-creatures, are assiduously employed in framing laws for them, -and who frequently neglect the care of their domestic and private -concerns, to prescribe to empires that form of government, to which -they imagine that they ought to submit. The celebrated _Hogarth_ hath -represented, in one of his moral engravings, a young man who, after -having squandered away his fortune, is, by his creditors, lodged in a -gaol. There he sits, melancholy and disconcerted, near a table, whilst -a scroll lies under his feet, and bears the following title: 'being a -new scheme for paying the debt of the nation. By _T. L._ now a prisoner -in _The Fleet_.'" - -The Author of the poem already quoted, intimates that the personage in -the night-gown was meant for some real character: - - "His wig was full as old as he, - In which one curl you could not see. - His neckcloth loose, his beard full grown, - An old torn night-gown not his own. - _L------_, great schemist, that can pay, - The nation's debt an easy way." - -In Plate VIII. (which appears in three different states) is a -half-penny reversed (struck in the year 1763) and fixed against -the wall, intimating, that _Britannia_ herself was fit only for a -mad-house. This was a circumstance inserted by our artist (as he -advertises) about a year before his death. I may add, that the man -drawing lines against the wall just over the half-penny, alludes to -_Whiston's_ proposed method of discovering the Longitude by the firing -of bombs, as here represented. The idea of the two figures at each -corner of the print appears to have been taken from _Cibber's_ statues -at _Bedlam_. The faces of the two females are also changed. That of the -woman with a fan, is entirely altered; she has now a cap on, instead of -a hood, and is turned, as if speaking to the other. - -Mr. _Gilpin's_ opinion concerning this set of prints is too valuable -to be omitted, and is therefore transcribed below.[12] The plates were -thus admirably illustrated by Dr. _John Hoadly_. - - PLATE I. - O Vanity of _Age_, untoward, - Ever spleeny, ever froward! - Why these Bolts, and massy chains, - Squint suspicions, jealous Pains? - Why, thy toilsome Journey o'er, - Lay'st thou in an useless store? - _Hope_ along with _Time_ is flown, - Nor canst thou reap the field thou'st sown. - - Hast thou a son? in time be wise--. - He views thy toil with other eyes. - Needs must thy kind, paternal care, - Lock'd in thy chests be buried there? - Whence then shall flow that friendly ease, - That social converse, home-felt peace, - Familiar duty without dread, - Instruction from example bred, - Which youthful minds with freedom mend, - And with the _father_ mix the _friend_? - - Uncircumscrib'd by prudent rules, - Or precepts of expensive schools - Abus'd at home, abroad despis'd, - Unbred, unletter'd, unadvis'd; - The headstrong course of youth begun, - What comfort from this darling son? - - PLATE II. - _Prosperity_ (with harlot's smiles, - Most pleasing when she most beguiles) - How soon, sweet foe, can all thy train - Of false, gay, frantic, loud, and vain, - Enter the unprovided mind, - And Memory in fetters bind; - Load _Faith_ and _Love_ with golden chain, - And sprinkle _Lethe_ o'er the brain! - - _Pleasure_, in her silver throne, - Smiling comes, nor comes alone; - _Venus_ comes with her along, - And smooth _Lyæus_ ever young; - And in their train, to fill the press, - Come apish _Dance_, and swol'n _Excess_, - Mechanic _Honour_, vicious _Taste_, - And _Fashion_ in her changing vest. - - PLATE III. - O vanity of youthful blood, - So by misuse to poison _good! - Woman_, fram'd for social love, - Fairest gift of powers above; - Source of every houshold blessing, - All charms in innocence possessing-- - But turn'd to Vice, all plagues above, - Foe to thy Being, foe to Love! - Guest divine to outward viewing, - Ablest Minister of Ruin! - - And thou, no less of gift divine, - "Sweet poison of misused wine!" - With freedom led to every part, - And secret chamber of the heart; - Dost thou thy friendly host betray, - And show thy riotous gang the way - To enter in with covert treason, - O'erthrow the drowsy guard of reason, - To ransack the abandon'd place, - And revel there in wild excess? - - PLATE IV. - O vanity of youthful blood, - So by misuse to poison _good!_ - Reason awakes, and views unbarr'd - The sacred gates he watch'd to guard; - Approaching sees the harpy, _Law_, - And _Poverty_, with icy paw, - Ready to seize the poor remains-- - That Vice has left of all his gains. - Cold _Penitence_, lame _After-thought_, - With fears, despair, and horrors fraught, - Call back his guilty pleasures dead, - Whom he hath wrong'd, and whom betray'd. - - PLATE V. - New to the School of hard _Mishap_, - Driven from the ease of Fortune's lap, - What schemes will Nature not embrace - T' avoid less shame of drear distress! - _Gold_ can the charms of youth bestow, - And mask deformity with show: - Gold can avert the sting of _Shame_, - In winter's arms create a flame; - Can couple youth with hoary age, - And make antipathies engage. - - PLATE VI. - _Gold_, thou bright son of _Phœbus_, source - Of universal intercourse; - Of weeping Virtue soft redress, - And blessing those who live to bless! - Yet oft behold this sacred truth, - The tool of avaricious Lust: - No longer bond of human kind, - But bane of every virtuous mind. - - What chaos such misuse attends! - Friendship stoops to prey on friends; - Health, that gives relish to delight, - Is wasted with the wasting night; - Doubt and mistrust is thrown on _Heaven_, - And all its power to _Chance_ is given. - Sad purchase of repentant tears, - Of needless quarrels, endless fears, - Of hopes of moments, pangs of years! - Sad purchase of a _tortur'd mind_ - To an _imprison'd body_ join'd! - - PLATE VII. - Happy the man, whose constant thought - (Though in the school of hardship taught) - Can send _Remembrance_ back to fetch - Treasures from life's earliest stretch; - Who, self-approving, can review - Scenes of past virtues, which shine through - The gloom of age, and cast a ray - To gild the evening of his day! - - Not so the guilty wretch confin'd: - No pleasures meet his conscious mind; - No blessings brought from early youth, - But broken faith and wrested truth, - Talents idle and unus'd, - And every trust of Heaven abus'd. - - In seas of sad reflection lost, - From horrors still to horrors toss'd, - _Reason_ the vessel leaves to steer, - And gives the helm to mad _despair_. - - PLATE VIII. - _Madness!_ thou chaos of the brain; - What art, that pleasure giv'st and pain? - Tyranny of Fancy's reign! - Mechanic _Fancy!_ that can build - Vast labyrinths and mazes wild, - With rule disjointed, shapeless measure, - Fill'd with _horror_, fill'd with _pleasure!_ - Shapes of _horror_, that would even - Cast doubt of mercy upon Heaven! - Shapes of _pleasure_, that but seen - Would split the shaking sides of _spleen_. - - O vanity of age! here see - The stamp of Heaven effac'd by thee! - The headstrong course of youth thus run, - What comfort from this darling son? - His rattling chains with terror hear; - Behold Death grappling with despair; - See him by thee to ruin sold, - And curse _Thyself_, and curse thy _Gold_. - -On this occasion also appeared an 8vo pamphlet, intituled, "The Rake's -Progress, or the Humours of _Drury-Lane_, a poem in eight canto's, in -_Hudibrastick_ verse, being the ramble of a modern _Oxonian_, which is -a compleat key to the eight prints lately published by the celebrated -Mr. _Hogarth_." The second edition with additions, particularly an -"epistle to Mr. _Hogarth_" was "printed for _J. Chetwood_, and sold at -_Inigo Jones's-Head_ against _Exeter Change_ in _The Strand_, 1735." -This is a most contemptible and indecent performance. Eight prints -are inserted in some copies of it; but they are only the designs of -_Hogarth_ murdered, and perhaps were not originally intended for the -decoration of the work already described. - -The original paintings, both of the Rake's and Harlot's Progress, were -at _Fonthill_, in _Wiltshire_, the seat of Mr. _Beckford_,[13] where -the latter were destroyed by a fire, in the year 1755; the former set -was happily preserved. Mr. _Barnes_, of _Rippon_, in _Yorkshire_, -has the Harlot's Progress in oil. It must, however, be a copy. Mr. -_Beckford_ has also twenty-five heads from the Cartoons by _Hogarth_, -for which he paid twenty-five guineas. - -There is reason to believe that _Hogarth_ once designed to have -introduced the ceremony of a _Marriage Contract_ into the Rake's -Progress, instead of the _Levee_. An unfinished painting of this scene -is still preserved. We have here the Rake's apartment as now exhibited -in Plate II. In the anti-room, among other figures, we recognize that -of the poet who at present congratulates our hero on his accession to -wealth and pleasure. The bard is here waiting with an epithalamium -in his hand. The Rake has added connoisseurship to the rest of his -expensive follies. One of his purchases is a canvas containing only the -representation of a human foot. [Perhaps this circumstance might allude -to the dissection of _Arlaud's Leda_. See Mr. _Walpole's_ Anecdotes, -&c. vol. IV. p. 39.] A second is so obscure, that no objects in it -are discernible. [A performance of the same description is introduced -in our artist's _Piquet, or Virtue in Danger_.] A third presents us -with a _Madona_ looking down with fondness on the infant she holds -in her arms. [This seems intended as a contrast to the grey headed -bride who sits under it, and is apparently past child-bearing.] The -fourth is emblematical, and displays perhaps too licentious a satire -on transubstantiation. The Blessed Virgin is thrusting her Son down -the hopper of a mill, in which he is ground by priests till he issues -out in the shape of the consecrated _wafer_, supposed by Catholicks -to contain the _real presence_. At a table sits a toothless decrepit -father, guardian, or match-maker, joining the hand of the rake with -that of the antiquated female, whose face is highly expressive of -eagerness, while that of her intended husband is directed a contrary -way, toward a groom who is bringing in a piece of plate won at a -horse-race.[14] On the floor in front lie a heap of mutilated busts, -&c. which our spendthrift is supposed to have recently purchased at -an auction. The black boy, who is afterwards met with in Plate IV. -of Marriage Alamode, was transplanted from this canvas. He is here -introduced supporting such a picture of _Ganymede_ as hangs against the -wall of the lady's dressing-room in the same plate of the same work. - -[1] The face of this female has likewise been changed on the last -plate. In the intermediate ones it remains as originally designed. To -give the same character two different casts of countenance, was surely -an incongruity without excuse. - -[2] The inscription on this bill is--"_London_, bought of _William -Tothall_, Woollen-draper in _Covent-Garden_." See the corner figure -looking over the music in the _Rehearsal of the Oratorio of Judith_; -and note, p. 116. - -[3] Of whom a separate portrait, by _Ellis_, had been published by -_Overton. Figg_ died in the year 1734. As the taste of the publick is -much changed about the importance of the _noble_ Science of Defence, -as it was called, and as probably it will never again revive, it may -afford some entertainment to my readers, to see the terms in which this -celebrated prize-fighter is spoken of by a professor of the art. "FIGG -was the _Atlas_ of the Sword; and may he remain the gladiating statue! -In him strength, resolution, and unparalleled judgement, conspired to -form a matchless master. There was a majesty shone in his countenance, -and blazed in all his actions, beyond all I ever saw. His right leg -bold and firm, and his left, which could hardly ever be disturbed, gave -him the surprising advantage already proved, and struck his adversary -with despair and panic. He had that peculiar way of stepping in I spoke -of, in a parry; he knew his arm, and its just time of moving; put a -firm faith in that, and never let his adversary escape his parry. He -was just as much a greater master than any other I ever saw, as he was -a greater judge of time and measure." _Captain John Godfrey's Treatise -upon the Useful Science of Defence_, 4to, 1747, p. 41. "Mr. _Figg_," -says _Chetwood_, History of the Stage, p. 60, "informed me once, that -he had not bought a shirt for more than twenty years, but had sold some -dozens. It was his method, when he fought in his amphitheatre (his -stage bearing that superb title), to send round to a select number of -his scholars, to borrow a shirt for the ensuing combat, and seldom -failed of half a dozen of superfine Holland from his prime pupils (most -of the young nobility and gentry made it a part of their education to -march under his warlike banner). This champion was generally conqueror, -though his shirt seldom failed of gaining a cut from his enemy, and -sometimes his flesh, though I think he never received any dangerous -wound. Most of his scholars were at every battle, and were sure to -exult at their great master's victories, every person supposing he -saw the wounds his shirt received. Mr. _Figg_ took his opportunity -to inform his lenders of linen of the chasms their shirts received, -with a promise to send them home. But, said the ingenious courageous -_Figg_, I seldom received any other answer than D-mn you, keep it!" A -Poem by Dr. _Byrom_, on a battle between _Figg_ and _Sutton_, another -prize-fighter, is in the 6th Volume of _Dodsley's_ Collection of Poems. - -[4] _Fielding_ has introduced this porter, under the name of -_Leathersides_, into _The Covent-Garden Tragedy_, acted in 1732. - - _Leath._ - Two whores, great Madam, must be straight prepar'd, - A fat one for the Squire, and for my Lord a lean. - - _Mother._ - Thou, _Leathersides_, best know'st such nymphs to find, - To thee their lodgings they communicate. - Go thou procure the girl. - -[5] The cleanliness of the _English_ seems to have made a similar -impression on the mind of M. _De Grosley_, who, in his "Tour to -_London_," observes, that "The plate, hearth-stones, moveables, -apartments, doors, stairs, the very street-doors, their locks, and -the large brass knockers, are every day washed, scowered, or rubbed. -Even in lodging-houses, the middle of the stairs is often covered with -carpeting, to prevent them from being soiled. All the apartments in the -house have mats or carpets; and the use of them has been adopted some -years since by the _French_;" and that "The towns and villages upon -the road have excellent inns, but somewhat dear; at these an _English_ -lord is as well served as at his own house, and with a cleanliness -much to be wished for in most of the best houses of _France_. The -innkeeper makes his appearance only to do the honours of his table to -the greatest personages, who often invite him to dine with them." - -[6] The chief of these, who wears something that seems to have been -a tie-wig, was painted from a _French_ boy, who cleaned shoes at the -corner of _Hog-Lane_. - -[7] In the collection of Mr. _Steevens_ only. - -[8] He had meditated, however, some additional improvements in the -same plate. When he had inserted the storm, he began to consider the -impropriety of turning the girl out in the midst of it with her head -uncovered; and therefore, on a proof of this print, from which he -designed to have worked, he sketched her hat in with _Indian_ ink. - -[9] It appears, on examination of the Registers, &c. that _Tho. Sice_ -and _Tho. Horn_ are not fictitious names. Such people were really -churchwardens when the repairs in 1725 were made. The following -inscription on the pew, denoting a vault beneath, is also genuine, and, -as far as can be known at present, was faithfully copied in regard to -its obsolete spelling. - - THESE PEWES VNSCRVD AND TANE IN SVNDER - IN STONE THERS GRAVEN WHAT IS VNDER - TO WIT A VALT FOR BURIAL THERE IS - WHICH EDWARD FORSET MADE FOR HIM AND HIS. - -Part of these words, in raised letters, at present form a pannel in the -wainscot at the end of the right-hand gallery, as the church is entered -from the street.--No heir of the _Forset_ family appearing, their vault -has been claimed and used by his Grace the Duke of _Portland_, as lord -of the manor. The mural monument of the _Taylors_, composed of lead -gilt over, is likewise preserved. It is seen, in _Hogarth's_ print, -just under the window. The bishop of the diocese, when the new church -was built, gave orders that all the ancient tablets should be placed, -as nearly as possible, in their former situations. - -[10] Old _Manners_, brother to the late _Duke of Rutland_. - -[11] The old Duke of _Devonshire_ lost the great estate of _Leicester_ -abbey to him at the gaming-table. _Manners_ was the only person of his -time who had amassed a considerable fortune by the profession of a -gamester. - -[12] "The first print of this capital work is an excellent -representation of a young heir, taking possession of a miser's effects. -The passion of avarice, which hoards every thing, without distinction, -what is and what is not valuable, is admirably described.--The -_composition_, though not excellent, is not unpleasing. The principal -group, consisting of the young gentleman, the taylor, the appraiser, -the papers, and chest, is well shaped: but the eye is hurt by the -disagreeable regularity of three heads nearly in a line, and at equal -distances.--The _light_ is not ill disposed. It falls on the principal -figures: but the effect might have been improved. If the extreme parts -of the mass (the white apron on one side, and the memorandum-book on -the other) had been in shade, the _repose_ had been less injured. -The detached parts of a group should rarely catch a strong body of -light.--We have no striking instances of _expression_ in this print. -The principal figure is unmeaning. The only one, which displays the -true _vis comica_ of _Hogarth_, is the appraiser fingering the gold. -You enter at once into his character.--The young woman might have -furnished the artist with an opportunity of presenting a graceful -figure; which would have been more pleasing. The figure he _has_ -introduced, is by no means an object of allurement.--The _perspective_ -is accurate, but affected. So many windows, and open doors, may shew -the author's learning; but they break the back ground, and injure the -simplicity of it. - -"The second print introduces our hero into all the dissipation of -modish life. We became first acquainted with him, when a boy of -eighteen. He is now of age; has entirely thrown off the clownish -school-boy; and assumes the man of fashion. Instead of the country -taylor, who took measure of him for his father's mourning, he is now -attended by _French_ barbers, _French_ taylors, poets, milleners, -jockies, bullies, and the whole retinue of a fine gentleman.--The -_expression_, in this print, is wonderfully great. The dauntless front -of the bully; the keen eye, and elasticity of the fencing-master; -and the simpering importance of the dancing-master, are admirably -expressed. The last is perhaps a little _outré_. The architect[A] is -a strong copy from nature.--The _composition_ seems to be entirely -subservient to the expression. It appears, as if _Hogarth_ had -sketched, in his memorandum-book, all the characters which he has here -introduced; but was at a loss how to group them; and chose rather to -introduce them in detached figures, as he had sketched them, than to -lose any part of the expression by combining them.--The _light_ is ill -distributed. It is spread indiscriminately over the print; and destroys -the _whole_--We have no instance of _grace_ in any of the figures. -The principal figure is very deficient. There is no contrast in the -limbs; which is always attended with a degree of ungracefulness.--The -_execution_ is very good. It is elaborate, and yet free.--The satire on -operas, though it may be well directed, is forced and unnatural. - -"The third plate carries us still deeper into the history. We meet -our hero engaged in one of his evening amusements. This print, on -the whole, is no very extraordinary effort of genius.--The _design_ -is good; and may be a very exact description of the humours of a -brothel.--The _composition_ too is not amiss. But we have few of -those masterly strokes which distinguish the works of _Hogarth_. The -whole is plain history. The lady setting the world on fire is the -best thought: and there is some humour in furnishing the room with -a set of _Cæsars_; and not placing them in order.--The _light_ is -ill managed. By a few alterations, which are obvious, particularly -by throwing the lady dressing into the shade, the disposition of it -might have been tolerable. But still we should have had an absurdity -to answer, whence comes it? Here is light in abundance; but no visible -source.--_Expression_ we have a little through the whole print. That -of the principal figure is the best. The ladies have all the air of -their profession; but no variety of character. _Hogarth's_ women are, -in general, very inferior to his men. For which reason I prefer the -_Rake's Progress_ to the _Harlot's_. The female face indeed has seldom -strength of feature enough to admit the strong markings of expression. - -"Very disagreeable accidents often befall gentlemen of pleasure. An -event of this kind is recorded in the fourth print; which is now -before us. Our hero going, in full dress, to pay his compliments at -court on St. _David's_ day, was accosted in the rude manner which is -here represented.--The _composition_ is good. The form of the group, -made up of the figures in action, the chair, and the lamp-lighter, is -pleasing. Only, here we have an opportunity of remarking, that a group -is disgusting when the extremities of it are heavy. A group in some -respect should resemble a tree. The heavier part of the foliage (the -_cup_ as the landscape painter calls it) is always near the middle; -the outside branches, which are relieved by the sky, are light and -airy. An inattention to this rule has given a heaviness to the group -before us. The two bailiffs, the woman, and the chairman, are all -huddled together in that part of the group which should have been the -lightest; while the middle part, where the hand holds the door, wants -strength and consistence. It may be added too, that the four heads, in -the form of a diamond, make an unpleasing shape. All regular figures -should be studiously avoided.--The _light_ had been well distributed, -if the bailiff holding the arrest, and the chairman, had been a -little lighter, and the woman darker. The glare of the white apron is -disagreeable.--We have, in this print, some beautiful instances of -_expression_. The surprise and terror of the poor gentleman is apparent -in every limb, as far as is consistent with the fear of discomposing -his dress. The insolence of power in one of the bailiffs, and the -unfeeling heart, which can jest with misery, in the other, are strongly -marked. The self-importance too of the honest _Cambrian_ is not ill -portrayed; who is chiefly introduced to settle the chronology of the -story.--In point of _grace_, we have nothing striking. _Hogarth_ -might have introduced a degree of it in the female figure: at least -he might have contrived to vary the heavy and unpleasing form of her -drapery.--The _perspective_ is good, and makes an agreeable shape.--I -cannot leave this print without remarking the _falling band-box_. -Such representations of quick motion are absurd; and every moment the -absurdity grows stronger. You cannot deceive the eye. The falling body -_must_ appear _not_ to fall. Objects of that kind are beyond the power -of representation. - -"Difficulties crowd so fast upon our hero, that at the age of -twenty-five, which he seems to have attained in the fifth plate, we -find him driven to the necessity of marrying a woman, whom he detests, -for her fortune. The _composition_ here is very good; and yet we have a -disagreeable regularity in the climax of the three figures, the maid, -the bride, and the bride-groom.--The _light_ is not ill distributed. -The principal figure too is _graceful_; and there is strong -_expression_ in the seeming tranquillity of his features. He hides his -contempt of the object before him as well as he can; and yet he cannot -do it. She too has as much meaning as can appear thro' the deformity -of her features. The clergyman's face we are all well acquainted with, -and also his wig; tho' we cannot pretend to say, where we have seen -either. The clerk too is an admirable fellow.--The _perspective_ is -well understood; but the church is too small;[B] and the wooden post, -which seems to have no use, divides the picture very disagreeably.--The -creed lost, the commandments broken, and the poor's-box obstructed by a -cobweb, are all excellent strokes of satirical humour. - -"The fortune, which our adventurer has just received, enables him -to make one push more at the gaming-table. He is exhibited, in the -sixth print, venting curses on his folly for having lost his last -stake.--This is upon the whole, perhaps, the best print of the set. -The horrid scene it describes was never more inimitably drawn. The -_composition_ is artful, and natural. If the shape of the whole be -not quite pleasing, the figures are so well grouped, and with so much -ease and variety, that you cannot take offence.--In point of light, -it is more culpable. There is not shade enough among the figures to -balance the glare. If the neck-cloth and weepers of the gentleman in -mourning had been removed, and his hands thrown into shade, even that -alone would have improved the effect.--The _expression_, in almost -every figure, is admirable; and the whole is a strong representation -of the human mind in a storm. Three stages of that species of madness, -which attends gaming, are here described. On the first shock, all is -inward dismay. The ruined gamester is representing leaning against -a wall, with his arms across, lost in an agony of horror. Perhaps -never passion was described with so much force. In a short time this -horrible gloom bursts into a storm of fury: he tears in pieces what -comes next him; and, kneeling down, invokes curses upon himself. He -next attacks others; every one in his turn whom he imagines to have -been instrumental in his ruin.--The eager joy of the winning gamesters, -the attention of the usurer, the vehemence of the watchman, and the -profound reverie of the highwayman, are all admirably marked. There -is great coolness too expressed in the little we see of the fat -gentleman at the end of the table. The figure opposing the mad-man is -bad: it has a drunken appearance; and drunkenness is not the vice of a -gaming table.--The principal figure is _ill-drawn_. The _perspective_ -is formal; and the _execution_ but indifferent: in heightening his -expression, _Hogarth_ has lost his spirit. - -"The seventh plate, which gives us the view of a jail, has very little -in it. Many of the circumstances, which may well be supposed to -increase the misery of a confined debtor, are well contrived; but the -fruitful genius of _Hogarth_, I should think, might have treated the -subject in a more copious manner. The episode of the fainting woman -might have given way to many circumstances more proper to the occasion. -This is the same woman, whom the rake discards in the first print; by -whom he is rescued in the fourth; who is present at his marriage; who -follows him into jail; and, lastly, to _Bedlam_. The thought is rather -unnatural, and the moral certainly culpable.--The _composition_ is bad. -The group of the woman fainting is a round heavy mass: and the other -group is very ill-shaped. The _light_ could not be worse managed, and, -as the groups are contrived, can hardly be improved.--In the principal -figure there is great _expression_; and the fainting scene is well -described. A scheme to pay off the national debt, by a man who cannot -pay his own; and the attempt of a silly rake, to retrieve his affairs -by a work of genius; are admirable strokes of humour. - -"The eighth plate brings the fortune of our hero to a conclusion. It -is a very expressive representation of the most horrid scene which -human nature can exhibit.--The _composition_ is not bad. The group, -in which the lunatic is chained, is well managed; and if it had been -carried a little further towards the middle of the picture, and the -two women (who seem very oddly introduced) had been removed, both -the composition, and the distribution of light, had been good.--The -_drawing_ of the principal figure is a more accurate piece of anatomy -than we commonly find in the works of this master. The _expression_ -of the figure is rather unmeaning; and very inferior to the strong -characters of all the other lunatics. The fertile genius of the artist -has introduced as many of the causes of madness, as he could well have -collected; but there is some tautology. There are two religionists, and -two astronomers. Yet there is variety in each; and strong _expression_ -in all the characters. The self-satisfaction, and conviction, of him -who has discovered the longitude; the mock majesty of the monarch; the -moody melancholy of the lover; and the superstitious horror of the -popish devotee; are all admirable.--The _perspective_ is simple and -proper. - -"I should add, that these remarks are made upon the first edition of -this work. When the plates were much worn, they were altered in many -parts. They have gained by the alterations, in point of _design_; but -have lost in point of _expression_." - -[A] The _architect_. Mr. _Gilpin_ means--the _gardener_. - -[B] I am authorized to observe, that this is no fault in our artist. -The old church at _Marybone_ was so little, that it would have -stood within the walls of the present one, leaving at the same time -sufficient room for a walk round it. - -[13] Afterwards twice lord mayor of _London_. See p. 44. - -[14] The same as that introduced in Plate II. - - * * * * * - -1736. - - -1. Two prints of Before and After. The two pictures, from which these -prints are taken, were painted at the particular request of a certain -vicious nobleman, whose name deserves no commemoration. The hero of -them is said to have been designed for Chief Justice _Willes. Hogarth_ -repented of having engraved them; and almost every possessor of his -works will wish they had been with-held from the public, as often -as he is obliged to shew the volume that contains them to ladies. -To omit them, is to mutilate the collection; to pin the leaves, on -which they are pasted, together, is a circumstance that tends only to -provoke curiosity; and to display them, would be to set decency at -defiance. The painter who indulges himself, or his employers, in such -representations, will forfeit the general praise he might have gained -by a choice of less offensive subjects. We have an artist of no common -merit, who has frequently disgraced his skill by scenes too luxuriant -to appear in any situation but a brothel; and yet one of the most -meretricious of his performances, but a few years ago, was exhibited -by the Royal Academy. These prints, however, display almost the only -instance in which _Hogarth_ condescended to execute a subject proposed -to him; for I am assured by one who knew him well, that his obstinacy -on these occasions has often proved invincible. Like _Shakspeare's -Tully_, - - "----he would never follow any thing - That other men began." - -In the later impressions from these plates, the scroll-work on the -head-cloth, &c. of the bed, is rendered indistinct, by an injudicious -attempt to strengthen the engraving. Mr. _S. Ireland_ has the first -sketch in oil of "Before."[1] - -[1] The originals of both are at the earl of _Besborough's_ seat at -_Roehampton_. - - -2. The Sleeping Congregation. The preacher was designed as the -representative of Dr. _Desaguliers_. This print was first published in -1736. It was afterwards retouched and _improved_[1] by the author in -1762, and is found in three different states. In the first, _Dieu & Mon -Droit_ is wanting under the King's Arms; the angel with one wing and -two pair of thighs, that supports this motto, is smoking a pipe; and -the lion has not his present magnificent genitals. In the second, the -words already mentioned are added; the angel's pipe is obliterated; -the insignia of the lion's sex rendered ostentatiously conspicuous; -and the lines of the triangle under the angel are doubled. The other -distinctions are chiefly such as a reiteration of engraving would -naturally produce, by adding strength to the fainter parts of the -composition. Changes of this slender kind are numberless in all the -repaired prints of our artist. There is also a pirated copy of this -plate. It is not ill executed, but in size is somewhat shorter than its -predecessor, and has no price annexed. In the original picture, in the -collection of Sir _Edward Walpole_, the clerk's head is admirably well -painted, and with great force; but he is dozing, and not leering at the -young woman near him, as in the print. - -[1] I wish, for the sake of some future edition of the present work, -these _improvements_ could be ascertained. To me they are invisible, -like those in the re-published _March to Finchley_. - - -3. The Distressed Poet.[1] In a back ground, a picture of _Pope_ -threshing _Curll_. Over the head of _Pope_ we read, _Pope's Letters_; -out of his mouth comes _Veni, vidi, vici_; and under _Curll_ lies -a letter, directed--_to Curll_. The distressed bard is composing -_Poverty_, a poem. At the bottom of the plate are the following lines -from _The Dunciad_, I. iii. - - Studious he sate, with all his books around, - Sinking from thought to thought, a vast profund! - Plung'd for his sense, but found no bottom there; - Then writ, and flounder'd on in mere despair. - -In the subsequent impressions, dated _December_ 15, 1740, the triumphs -of _Pope_ are changed to a view of the gold mines of _Peru_; and our -hero of the garret is employed in celebrating the praise of _Riches_. -The lines already quoted are effaced. The original painting is at lord -_Grosvenor's_ house at _Milbank, Westminster_. - -[1] In _The Craftsman, March_ 12, 1736-7, occurs, "This day is -published, price 3s. a print representing a _Distressed Poet_. Also, -five etchings, of different characters of heads in groups, viz. a -Chorus of Singers; a pleased Audience at a Play; Scholars at a Lecture; -and Quacks in Consultation; price 6d. each. To be had either bound -together with all Mr. _Hogarth's_ late engraved works (except the -Harlot's Progress), or singly, at the _Golden Head_, in _Leicester -Fields_; and at Mr _Bakewell's_, printseller, next the _Horn Tavern, -Fleet-street_." And _April_ 2 and 9, 1737, "Just published, price 3s. -A print representing a _Distressed Poet_. Designed and engraved by Mr. -_Hogarth_. Also four etchings, viz. A pleased Audience; a Chorus of -Singers; Scholars at a Lecture; and a Consultation of Quacks, price 6d. -each. To be had at the _Golden Head_, in _Leicester Fields_; and at Mr. -_Bakewell's_, print-seller, next the _Horn Tavern_, in _Fleet-street_. -Where may be had, bound or otherwise, all Mr. _Hogarth's_ late engraved -works, viz. A _Midnight Conversation; Southwark Fair_; the _Rake's -Progress,_ in eight prints; a sleepy Congregation in a Country Church; -Before and After, two prints." - - -4. Right Hon. _Frances_ Lady _Byron_. Whole length, mezzotinto. _W. -Hogarth pinxit. J. Faber fecit._ The most beautiful impressions of this -plate were commonly taken off in a brown colour. - - -5. The same, shortened into a three-quarters length. - - -6. Consultation of Physicians. Arms of the Undertakers. In this plate, -amongst other portraits, is the well-known one of Dr. _Ward_[1] -(who was called _Spot Ward_, from the left side of his face being -marked of a claret colour); and that of the elder _Taylor_,[2] a noted -oculist, with an eye on the head of his cane; Dr. _Pierce Dod_,[3] Dr. -_Bamber_;[4] and other physicians of that time. The figure with a bone -in its hand, between the two demi-doctors (i. e. _Taylor_ and _Ward_), -is said to have been designed for Mrs. _Mapp_, a famous masculine -woman, who was called the bone-setter, or shape-mistress. I am told, -that many of her advertisements may be found in _Mist's Journal_, -and still more accounts of her cures in the periodical publications -of her time. Her maiden name was _Wallin_. Her father was also a -bone-setter at _Hindon, Wilts_; but quarrelling with him, she wandered -about the country, calling herself _crazy Sally_. On her success in -her profession she married, _August_ 11, 1736,[5] one _Hill Mapp_, a -servant to Mr. _Ibbetson_, mercer on _Ludgate-Hill_. In most cases her -success was rather owing to the strength of her arms, and the boldness -of her undertakings, than to any knowledge of anatomy or skill in -chirurgical operations. The following particulars relative to her are -collected from the _The Grub-street Journal_, &c. and serve at least -to shew, that she was a character considerable enough to deserve the -satire of _Hogarth_. - -_August_ 19, 1736, "We hear that the husband of Mrs. _Mapp_, the famous -bone-setter at _Epsom_, ran away from her last week, taking with him -upwards of 100 guineas, and such other portable things as lay next -hand." - -"Several letters from _Epsom_ mention, that the footman, whom the -female bone-setter married the week before, had taken a sudden journey -from thence with what money his wife had earned; and that her concern -at first was very great: but soon as the surprize was over, she grew -gay, and seemed to think the money well disposed of, as it was like to -rid her of a husband. He took just 102 guineas." - -The following verses were addressed to her in _August_ 1736. - - "Of late, without the least pretence to skill, - _Ward's_ grown a fam'd physician by a pill;[6] - Yet he can but a doubtful honour claim, - While envious Death oft blasts his rising fame. - Next travell'd _Taylor_ fill'd us with surprize, - Who pours new light upon the blindest eyes; - Each journal tells his circuit thro' the land; - Each journal tells the blessings of his hand: - And lest some hireling scribbler of the town - Injures his history, he writes his own. - We read the long accounts with wonder o'er; - Had he wrote less, we had believ'd him more. - Let these, O _Mapp!_ thou wonder of the age! - With dubious arts endeavour to engage: - While you, irregularly strict to rules, - Teach dull collegiate pedants they are fools: - By merit, the sure path to fame pursue; - For all who see thy art, must own it true." - -_September_ 2, 1736, "On _Friday_ several persons, who had the -misfortune of lameness, crowded to _The White-hart Inn_, in -_White-chapel_, on hearing Mrs. _Mapp_ the famous bone-setter was -there. Some of them were admitted to her, and were relieved as they -apprehended. But a gentleman, who happened to come by, declared Mrs. -_Mapp_ was at _Epsom_, on which the woman thought proper to move off." - -_September_ 9, 1736. "Advertisement. - -"Whereas it has been industriously (I wish I could say truly) reported, -that I had found great benefit from a certain female bone-setter's -performance, and that it was to a want of resolution to undergo the -operation, that I did not meet with a perfect cure: this is therefore -to give notice, that any persons afflicted with lameness (who are -willing to know what good or harm others may receive, before they -venture on desperate measures themselves) will be welcome any morning -to see the dressing of my leg, which was sound before the operation, -and they will then be able to judge of the performance, and to whom I -owe my present unhappy confinement to my bed and chair. - -"_Thomas Barber_, Tallow-chandler, _Saffron-hill_." - -_September_ 16, 1736. "On _Thursday_, Mrs. _Mapp's_ plate of ten -guineas was run for at _Epsom_. A mare, called 'Mrs. _Mapp_,' won the -first heat; when Mrs. _Mapp_ gave the rider a guinea, and swore if he -won the plate she would give him 100; but the second and third heat was -won by a chestnut mare." - -"We hear that the husband of Mrs. _Mapp_ is returned, and has been -kindly received." - -_September_ 23, 1736. "Mrs. _Mapp_ continues making extraordinary -cures: she has now set up an equipage, and on _Sunday_ waited on her -Majesty." - -_Saturday, October_ 16, 1736. "Mrs. _Mapp_, the bone-setter, with -Dr. _Taylor_, the oculist, was at the play-house, in _Lincoln's-Inn -Fields,_ to see a comedy called 'The Husband's Relief, with the Female -Bone-setter and Worm Doctor;' which occasioned a full house, and the -following epigram: - - "'While _Mapp_ to th'actors shew'd a kind regard, - On one side _Taylor_ sat, on the other _Ward_: - When their mock persons of the Drama came, - Both _Ward_ and _Taylor_ thought it hurt their _fame_; - Wonder'd how _Mapp_ cou'd in good humour be-- - Zoons! cries the manly dame, it hurts not me; - Quacks without art may either blind or kill; - But[7] _demonstration_ shews that mine is _skill_.' - -"And the following was sung upon the stage: - - "'You surgeons of _London_, who puzzle your pates, - To ride in your coaches, and purchase estates, - Give over, for shame, for your pride has a fall, - And the doctress of _Epsom_ has outdone you all. - _Derry down_, &c. - - "'What signifies learning, or going to school, - When a woman can do, without reason or rule, - What puts you to nonplus, and baffles your art? - For petticoat-practice has now got the start. - - "'In physics, as well as in fashions, we find, - The newest has always the run with mankind; - Forgot is the bustle 'bout _Taylor_ and _Ward_; - Now _Mapp's_ all the cry, and her fame's on record. - - "'Dame Nature has given her a doctor's degree, - She gets all the patients, and pockets the fee; - So if you don't instantly prove it a cheat, - She'll loll in her chariot, whilst you walk the street. - _Derry down_, &c.'" - -_October_ 19, 1736, _London Daily Post._ "Mrs. _Mapp_, being present at -the acting of _The Wife's Relief_, concurred in the universal applause -of a crowded audience. This play was advertised by the desire of Mrs. -_Mapp_, the famous bone-setter from _Epsom_." - -_October_ 21, 1736, "On _Saturday_ evening there was such a concourse -of people at the Theatre-royal in _Lincoln's-Inn Fields_, to see the -famous Mrs. _Mapp_, that several gentlemen and ladies were obliged to -return for want of room. The confusion at going out was so great, that -several gentlemen and ladies had their pockets picked, and many of the -latter lost their fans, &c. Yesterday she was elegantly entertained by -Dr. _Ward_, at his house in _Pall-Mall_." - -"On _Saturday_ and yesterday Mrs. _Mapp_ performed several operations -at _The Grecian Coffee-house_, particularly one upon a niece of Sir -_Hans Sloane_, to his great satisfaction and her credit. The patient -had her shoulder-bone out for about nine years." - -"On _Monday_ Mrs. _Mapp_ performed two extraordinary cures; one on a -young lady of _The Temple_, who had several bones out from the knees -to her toes, which she put in their proper places: and the other on -a butcher, whose knee-pans were so misplaced that he walked with his -knees knocking one against another. Yesterday she performed several -other surprizing cures; and about one set out for _Epsom_, and carried -with her several crutches, which she calls trophies of honour." - -_November_ 18, 1736, "Mrs. _Mapp_, the famous bone-setter, has taken -lodgings in _Pall-Mall_, near Mr. _Joshua Ward's_, &c." - -_November_ 25, 1736, - - "In this bright age three wonder-workers rise, - Whose operations puzzle all the wise. - To lame and blind, by dint of manual slight, - _Mapp_ gives the use of limbs, and _Taylor_ sight. - But greater _Ward_, &c." - -_December_ 16, 1736, "On _Thursday, Polly Peachum_ (Miss _Warren_, that -was sister to the famous Mrs. _Mapp_) was tried at _The Old Bailey_ -for marrying Mr. _Nicholas_; her former husband, Mr. _Somers_, being -living, &c." - -_December_ 22, 1737, "Died last week, at her lodgings near _The Seven -Dials_, the much-talked-of Mrs. _Mapp_, the bone-setter, so miserably -poor, that the parish was obliged to bury her." - -The plate is thus illustrated by the engraver: "The Company of -Undertakers beareth Sable, an Urinal proper, between twelve Quack Heads -of the second, and twelve Cane Heads, Or, Consultant. On a Chief,[8] -Nebulæ,[9] Ermine, one compleat Doctor[10] issuant, checkie, sustaining -in his right hand a baton of the second. On his dexter and sinister -sides two _demi-_doctors issuant of the second, and two Cane Heads -issuant of the third; the first having one eye couchant, towards the -dexter side of the escutcheon; the second faced per pale proper and -gules, guardant, with this motto--_Et plurima mortis imago._" - -[1] _Joshua Ward_ was one of the younger sons of an ancient and -respectable family settled at _Guisborough_ in _Yorkshire_, where -he was born some time in the last century. He seems, from every -description of him, to have had small advantages from education, though -he indisputably possessed no mean natural parts. The first account we -have of him is, that he was a associated in partnership with a brother -named _William_, as a dry-salter, in _Thames-street_. After they had -carried on this business some time, a fire broke out in an adjoining -house, which communicated itself to their warehouses, and entirely -destroyed all their property. On this occasion Mr. _Ward_, with a -gentleman from the country who was on a visit to him, escaped over the -tops of the houses in their shirts. In the year 1717 he was returned -member for _Marlborough_; but, by a vote of the House of Commons, dated -_May_ 13, was declared not duly elected. It is imagined that he was in -some measure connected with his brother _John Ward_ (who is stigmatized -by Mr. _Pope_, Dunciad III. 34.) in secreting and protecting illegally -the property of some of the _South Sea_ directors. Be this as it may, -he soon after fled from _England_, resided some years abroad, and -has been frequently supposed to have turned _Roman_ Catholic. While -he remained in exile, he acquired that knowledge of medicine and -chemistry, which afterwards was the means of raising him to a state -of affluence. About the year 1733 he began to practise physic, and -combated, for some time, the united efforts of Wit, Learning, Argument, -Ridicule, Malice, and Jealousy, by all of which he was opposed in -every shape that can be suggested. At length, by some lucky cures, -and particularly one on a relation of Sir _Joseph Jekyl_ Master of -the Rolls, he got the better of his opponents, and was suffered to -practise undisturbed. From this time his reputation was established: -he was exempted, by a vote of the House of Commons, from being visited -by the censors of the college of physicians, and was even called in to -the assistance of King _George_ the Second, whose hand he cured, and -received, as a reward, a commission for his nephew the late General -_Gansel_. It was his custom to distribute his medicines and advice, and -even pecuniary assistance, to the poor, at his house, _gratis_; and -thus he acquired considerable popularity. Indeed, in these particulars -his conduct was entitled to every degree of praise. With a stern -outside, and rough deportment, he was not wanting in benevolence. -After a continued series of success, he died _Dec._ 21, 1761, at -a very advanced age, and left the secret of his medicines to Mr. -_Page_, member for _Chichester_, who bestowed them on two charitable -institutions, which have derived considerable advantages from them. His -will is printed in _The Gentleman's Magazine_, 1762, p. 208. - -[2] I was assured by the late Dr. _Johnson_, that _Ward_ was the -weakest, and _Taylor_ the most ignorant, of the whole empiric tribe. -The latter once asserted, that when he was at _St. Petersburg_, he -travelled as far as _Archangel_ to meet Prince _Herculaneum_. Now -_Archangel_ being the extreme point from _European Asia_, had the -tale been true, the oculist must have marched so far backwards out -of the route of Prince _Heraclius_, whose name he had blundered into -_Herculaneum_. - -The present likeness of our oculist, however, we may suppose to have -been a strong one, as it much resembles a mezzotinto by _Faber_, -from a picture painted at _Rome_ by the Chevalier _Riche_. Under it -is the following inscription: "_Joannes Taylor_, Medicus in Optica -expertissimus multisque in Academiis celeberrimis Socius." Eight -_Latin_ verses follow, which are not worth transcription. _Taylor_ made -presents of this print to his friends. It is now become scarce. - -[3] One of the physicians to _St. Bartholomew's_ Hospital. He died -_August_ 6, 1754. His merits were thus celebrated by Dr. _Theobald_, a -contemporary physician: - - "O raro merito quem juncta scientia dudum - Illustrem sacris medico stellam addidit orbi - Auspiciis, pura nunquam non luce corusce! - Utcunque incolumem virtutum aversa tueri - Gens humana solet, non ni post fata corona - Donandam merita, potitus melioribus astris, - Invidia major, tu præsens alter haberis - _Hippocrates_, pleno jam nunc cumulatus honore. - Te seu, corporea tandem compage soluta, - Accipiet, doctis clarescentem artibus, alta - _Coi_ sphæra senis; seu tu venerabilis aureo - _Romani Celsi_ rite effulgebis in orbe; - O sit adhuc tarda illa dies, sit tarda, precamur, - Illa dies, nostris et multum ferior annis, - Cum tua mens, membris seducta fluentibus, almas - Advolet, angelicis immixta cohortibus, arces! - Hic potius Musas, thematis dulcedine captas, - Delecta, atque audi laudes vel _Apolline_ dignas." - -[4] A celebrated anatomist, physician, and man-midwife, to whose estate -the present _Gascoyne_ family succeeded, and whose surname has been -given as a Christian name to two of them. - -[5] Some indifferent verses on this event were printed in _The -Gentleman's Magazine_, 1736, p. 484. - -[6] General _Churchill_ was "the primary puffer of _Ward's_ pill at -court;" and Lord Chief Baron _Reynolds_ soon after published "its -miraculous effects on a maid servant," as I learn by some doggrel -verses of Sir _William Browne_, addressed to "Dr. _Ward_, a Quack, -of merry memory," under the title of "The Pill-Plot. On _The Daily -Courant's_ miraculous Discovery, upon the ever-memorable 28th day -of _November_ 1734, from the Doctor himself being a Papist, and -distributing his Pills to the poor _gratis_, by the hands of the -Lady _Gage_ also a Papist, that the Pill must be beyond all doubt a -deep-laid Plot, to introduce popery." - -[7] "This alludes to some surprizing cures she performed before Sir -_Hans Sloane_ at _The Grecian Coffee-house_ (where she came once a -week from _Epsom_ in her chariot with four horses): viz. a man of -_Wardour-street_, whose back had been broke nine years, and stuck out -two inches; a niece of Sir _Hans Sloane_ in the like condition; and a -gentleman who went with one shoe heel six inches high, having been lame -twenty years of his hip and knee, whom she set strait, and brought his -leg down even with the other." _Gent. Mag._ 1756, p. 617. - -[8] A chief betokeneth a senator, or honourable personage borrowed from -the _Greeks_, and is a word signifying a head; and as the head is the -chief part of a man, so the chief in the escutcheon should be a reward -of such only whose high merits have procured them chief place, esteem, -or love amongst men. - -[9] The bearing of clouds in armes (saith _Upton_) doth import some -excellencie. - -[10] Originally printed _docter_, but afterwards altered in this print. - - * * * * * - -1737. - - -1. The Lecture. "Datur vacuum." The person reading is well known to -be the late Mr. _Fisher_, of _Jesus College, Oxford_, and Registrar -of that University. This portrait was taken with the free consent of -Mr. _Fisher_; who died _March_ 18, 1761. There are some impressions in -which "Datur vacuum" is not printed, that leaf being entirely blank; -published _January_ 20, 1736-7; the other _March_ 3, 1736. _Hogarth_ -at first marked these words in with a pen and ink. - - -2. _Æneas_ in a Storm. The following advertisement appeared in _The -London Daily Post, January_ 17, 1736-7. - -"This day is published, price sixpence, a hieroglyphical print called -_Æneas in a Storm_. - - "Tanta hæc mulier potuit suadere malorum. - -"Sold by the booksellers and printsellers in town and country. Of -whom may be had, a print called _Tartuff's Banquet_, or _Codex's_ -Entertainment. Price one shilling. - - "--populus me sibilat, at mihi plaudo - Ipse domi." - -The same paper mentions the King's arrival at _Loestoff_ on the 16th of -_January_, and afterwards at _St. James's_ on the 17th. - -The author of this print, whoever he was, did not venture to put his -name to so ludicrous a representation of the tempest which happened -on King _George_ the Second's return from _Hanover_. His Majesty -is supposed to have kicked his hat overboard. This, it seems, was -an action customary to him when he was in a passion. To the same -circumstance _Loveling_ has alluded in his Sapphic Ode ad _Carolum -B----_.[1] - - Concinet majore poeta plectro - _Georgium_,[2] quandoque calens furore - Gestiet circa thalamum ferire - Calce galerum. - -I have been told, that Mr. _Garrick_, when he first appeared in the -character of _Bayes_, taking the same liberty, received instantly such -a message from one of the stage boxes, as prevented him from practising -so insolent a stroke of mimickry a second time. - -In spite of the confidence with which this plate has been attributed -to _Hogarth_, I by no means believe it was his performance. It more -resembles the manner of _Vandergucht_, who was equally inclined to -personal satire, however his talents might be inadequate to his -purposes. Witness several scattered designs of his in the very same -style of engraving. I may add, that he always exerted his talents in -the service of the Tory faction. Besides, there is nothing in the plate -before us which might not have been expected from the hand of any -common artist. The conceit of the blasts issuing from the posteriors of -the _Æolian_ tribe, is borrowed from one of the prints to _Scarron's -Travesty of Virgil_; and the figure of _Britannia_ is altogether -insipid and unworthy of _Hogarth_. Our artist also was too much -accustomed to sailing parties, and too accurate an observer of objects -on _The Thames_, not to have known that our Royal Yachts are vessels -without three masts, &c. - -[1] _Bunbury_. - -[2] The author had here left a blank, which I have ventured to fill up -with the royal name. - - * * * * * - -1738. - - -1. The Four Parts of the Day.[1] _Invented, painted, engraved, and -published by W. Hogarth._ Mr. _Walpole_ observes that these plates, -"except the last, are inferior to few of his works." We have been told -that _Hogarth's_ inclination to satire once cost him a legacy. It -seems that the figure of the Old Maid, in the print of _Morning_, was -taken either from an acquaintance or relation of his. At first she was -well enough satisfied with her resemblance; but some designing people -teaching her to be angry, she struck the painter out of her will, which -had been made considerably in his favour. This story we have heard -often related by those whom, on other occasions, we could readily -believe. In the same print is a portrait of Dr. _Rock_, who formerly -attended _Covent-Garden_ market every morning. - -To the propriety of _Hogarth's_ having introduced a scene of riot -within _King's Coffee-house_, the following quotation from _The Weekly -Miscellany_ for _June_ 9, 1739, bears sufficient testimony: "_Monday_ -Mrs. _Mary King_ of _Covent-Garden_ was brought up to the King's Bench -Bar at _Westminster_, and received the following sentence, for keeping -a disorderly house; viz. to pay a fine of £.200, to suffer three months -imprisonment, to find security for her good behaviour for three years, -and to remain in prison till the fine be paid." As it was impossible -she could carry on her former business, as soon as the time of her -imprisonment was ended, she retired with her savings, built three -houses on _Haverstock_ hill, near _Hampstead_, and died in one of them, -_September_ 1747. Her own mansion was afterwards the last residence -of the celebrated _Nancy Dawson_;[2] and the three together are still -distinguished by the appellation of _Moll King's Row_. Perhaps the -use of the mirror in reversing objects was not yet understood by our -engravers, for in _Hogarth's_ painting the late Mr. _West's_ house (now -_Lowe's_ Hotel) is properly situated on the left of _Covent-garden_ -church. In the print it appears on the contrary side. - -The _Crying Boy_ in _Noon_ was sketched by _Hogarth_ from a picture -by _N. Poussin_ of the Rape of the _Sabines_, at Mr. _Hoare's_ at -_Stourhead_. The school boy's kite lodged on the roof of a building, -was introduced only to break the disagreeable uniformity of a wall. - -Our artist, in the scene of _Evening_, inserted the little girl with -the fan, as an after-thought, some friend having asked him what the -boy cried for. He therefore introduced the girl going to take the -play-thing from her brother. Nothing is more common than to see -children cry without reason. The circumstance, however, shews that -this great Genius did not always think himself above advice, as some -have alledged to have been the case with him. In the early impressions -of this plate, the face and neck of the woman are coloured with red, -to express heat; and the hand of her husband is tinged with blue, to -intimate that he was by trade a _Dyer_. The purchasers of the plate, -intituled _Evening_, are hereby cautioned against imposition. In a -modern copy of it, sold to the late Mr. _Ingham Foster_, the face of -the woman had been washed over with vermilion, that it might pass (as -it chanced to do) for a first impression. In the true ones, and none -but these, the face and bosom were _printed_ off with red, and the -hand with blue ink. Only the traces of the graver, therefore, ought to -be filled by either colour, and not the whole surface of the visage, -&c. as in the smeary counterfeit. I have been told that a few copies -of plate III. were taken off before the fan was inserted, but have -not hitherto met with one of them. In _Night_, the drunken Free-mason -has been supposed to be Sir _Thomas de Veil_; but Sir _John Hawkins_ -assures me, it is not the least like him. The _Salisbury Flying-Coach_ -implies a satire on the right honourable inventor of that species -of carriage. The two first of these pictures were sold to the Duke -of _Ancaster_, for 57 Guineas; the remaining pair to Sir _William -Heathcote_ for 64. - -[1] _Hogarth_ advertises in _The London Daily Post, January_ 20, -1737-8, five copper plates, viz. Morning, Noon, Evening and Night, and -a Company of Strolling Actresses dressing in a barn, for _one guinea_, -half to be paid at the time of subscribing, half on the delivery. After -the subscription, to be raised to five shillings a plate. - -[2] A hornpipe dancer at _Covent Garden_. She was mistress to _Shuter_ -the comedian, &c. &c. &c. - - -2. Strolling Actresses[1] dressing in a Barn. _Invented, painted, -engraved, and published by W. Hogarth_. Mr. _Walpole_ observes that -this piece, "for wit and imagination, without any other end," is the -best of all our artist's works. Mr. _Wood_ of _Littelton_ has the -original, for which he paid only 26 Guineas. - -Dr. _Trusler_, in his explanation of this plate, is of opinion, that -some incestuous commerce among the performers is intimated by the names -of _Oedipus_ and _Jocasta_ appearing above the heads of two figures -among the theatrical lumber at the top of the barn. But surely there -is no cause for so gross a supposition. Painted prodigies of this -description were necessary to the performance of _Lee's Oedipus_. -See Act II. where the following stage direction occurs; "The cloud -draws, that veiled the heads of the figures in the sky, and shews them -crowned, with the names of _Oedipus_ and _Jocasta_ written above, in -great characters of gold." The magazine of dragons, clouds, scenes, -flags, &c. or the woman half naked, was sufficient to attract the -notice of the rustick peeping through the thatch he might be employed -to repair. Neither is the position of the figures at all favourable -to the Doctor's conceit. Incest was also too shocking an idea to have -intruded itself among the comic circumstances that form the present -representation. When this plate was retouched a second time, a variety -of little changes were made in it. In the two earliest impressions the -actress who personates _Flora_, is greasing her hair with a tallow -candle, and preparing to powder herself, after her cap, feathers, &c. -were put on. This solecism in the regular course of dress is removed -in the third copy, the cap and ornaments being there omitted. The -coiffure of the female who holds the cat, is also lowered; and whereas -at first we could read in the play-bill depending from the truckle-bed, -that the part of _Jupiter_ was to be performed by Mr. _Bilk-village_, -an additional shade in the modern copy renders this part of the -inscription illegible. Several holes likewise in the thatch of the barn -are filled up; and the whole plate has lost somewhat of its clearness. -The same censure is due to the reparations of the _Harlot's_ and -_Rake's Progresses_. Had _Hogarth_ lived, he would also have gradually -destroyed much of that history of dress, &c. for which his designs have -been justly praised by Mr. _Walpole_. In the first and last scenes of -the _Rake's Progress_, he began to adorn the heads of his females in -the fashion prevalent at the time he retraced the plates. In short, -the collector, who contents himself with the later impressions of his -work, will not consult our artist's reputation. Those who wish to be -acquainted with the whole extent of his powers, should assemble the -first copies, together with all the varieties of his capital works. - -[1] I know not why this print should have received its title only -from its female agents. Not to dwell on the _Jupiter_ pointing with -_Cupid's_ bow to a pair of stockings, whoever will examine the linen[A] -of the weeping figure receiving a dram-glass from the _Syren_, and look -for the object that attracts her regard, may discover an indication -that the other sex has also a representative in this theatrical -parliament. - -[A] Non sic præcipiti carbasa tensa noto. - - * * * * * - -1739. - - -1. Several children of _The Foundling Hospital_; the boys with -mathematical instruments; the girls with spinning wheels. Over the -door of the house they come out of, are the King's-arms. A porter -is bringing in a child, followed by Capt. _Coram_, whose benevolent -countenance[1] is directed towards a kneeling woman. On the right -hand is a view of a church; near it a woman lifting a child from the -ground; at a little distance another infant exposed near a river. In -the back of the picture, a prospect of ships sailing. _W. Hogarth inv. -F. Morellon la Cave sculp. London._ - -This is prefixed to an engraved Power of Attorney, from the trustees -of _The Foundling Hospital_, to those gentlemen who were appointed to -receive subscriptions towards the building, &c. The whole together is -printed on a half sheet. - -[1] See p. 261. - - * * * * * - -1741. - - -1. The Enraged Musician, _Designed, engraved, and published by W. -Hogarth._ "Mr. _John Festin_,[1] the first hautboy and _German_ flute -of his time, had numerous scholars, to each of whom he devoted an -hour every day. At nine in the morning he attended Mr. _Spencer_, -grandfather to the earl of that name. If he happened to be out of -town on any day, he devoted that hour to another. One morning at that -hour he waited on Mr. _V----n_, afterwards Lord _V----n_. He was not -up. Mr. _Festin_ went into his chamber, and opening the shutter of a -window, sat down in it. The figure with the hautboy was playing under -the window. A man, with a barrow full of onions, came up to the player, -and sat on the edge of his barrow, and said to the man, 'if you will -play the _Black Joke_, I will give you this onion.' The man played it. -When he had so done, the man again desired him to play some other tune, -and then he would give him another onion. 'This,' said _Festin_ to me, -'highly angered me; I cried out, Z----ds, sir, stop here. This fellow -is ridiculing my profession: he is playing on the hautboy for onions.' -Being intimate with Mr. _Hogarth_, he mentioned the circumstance to -him; which, as he said, was the origin of 'The enraged Musician.' -The fact may be depended upon. Mr. _Festin_[2] was himself the -Enraged Performer." The story is here told just as he related it to a -clergyman, in whose words the reader now receives it. - -Of this print[3] it has been quaintly said, that it deafens one to look -at it. Mr. _Walpole_ is of opinion that it "tends to farce." _Rouquet_ -says of it, "Le Musicien est un _Italien_ que les cris de _Londres_ -font enrager." The wretched figure playing on a hautbois, was at that -time well known about the streets. For variations, see the horse's -head, originally white, but now black.--Sleeve of the child with a -rattle, at first smaller, as well as of a lighter hue--the milk-woman's -face, cloak, &c. boy's dragg, cutler's hatchet, dog, &c. &c. more -darkened than in the first impressions. These, however, can scarcely be -termed varieties, as they were occasioned only by retouching the plate, -and adding a few shadows. - -_Hogarth_, however, made several alterations and additions in this -plate when it appeared to be finished. He changed in some measure -all the countenances, and indeed the entire head and limbs of the -chimney-sweeper, who had originally a grenadier's cap on. Miss had -also a _Doll_, significantly placed under the trap composed of bricks, -near which some sprigs from a tree are set in the ground, the whole -contrivance being designed by some boy for the purpose of taking birds; -but when occupied by Miss's Play-thing, became emblematic of the art -of catching men. What relates, however, to this young lady from a -boarding-school, was gross enough without such an amplification. The -play-bill, sow-gelder, cats, dragg, &c. were not introduced, nor the -pewterer's advertisement, nor the steeple in which the ringers are -supposed. It is remarkable that the dustman was without a nose. The -proofs of the plate in this condition are scarce. I have seen only one -of them.[4] Mr. _S. Ireland_ has the original sketch. - -[1] "Mr. _Festin_ has not been dead ten years. He was brother to the -_Festin_ who led the band at _Ranelagh_." - -[2] In the second edition of these anecdotes, I had said "the musician -was undoubtedly _Castrucci_;" though one gentleman assured me it was -_Veracini_. The error is here acknowledged, to shew the danger of -receiving information upon trust. In the first edition, I had fallen -into a less pardonable mistake, by supposing it was _Cervetto_, whom -I described to be then lately dead. But "_Hogarth's_ musician," as -a friend on that occasion suggested to me, "is represented with -a violin; whereas _Cervetto's_ instrument was the violoncello; -but, however that may be, he is now certainly living. He lodges at -_Friburg's_ snuff-shop, in _The Haymarket_, and may be seen every -day at _The Orange Coffeehouse_, although he completed his 101st. -year in _November_ 1781." This extraordinary character in the musical -world came to _England_ in the hard frost, and was then an old man. -He soon after was engaged to play the bass at _Drury-lane_ theatre, -and continued in that employment till a season or two previous to Mr. -_Garrick's_ retiring from the stage. He died _June_ 14, 1783, in his -103d year. One evening when Mr. _Garrick_ was performing the character -of Sir _John Brute_, during the drunkard's muttering and dosing till -he falls fast asleep in the chair (the audience being most profoundly -silent and attentive to this admirable performer), _Cervetto_ (in the -orchestra) uttered a very loud and immoderately-lengthened yawn! The -moment _Garrick_ was off the stage, he sent for the musician, and with -considerable warmth reprimanded him for so ill-timed a symptom of -somnnolency, when the modern _Naso_, with great address, reconciled -_Garrick_ to him in a trice, by saying, with a shrug, "I beg ten -tousand pardon! but I alvays do so ven I am _ver much please_!" Mr. -_Cervetto_ was distinguished among his friends in the galleries by the -name of _Nosey_. See _Gentleman's Magazine_, 1783, p. 95. - -[3] _London Daily Post, November_ 24, 1740. "Shortly will be published, -a new print called _The Provoked Musician_, designed and engraved by -Mr _William Hogarth_; being a companion to a print representing a -_Distressed Poet_, published some time since. To which will be added, a -_Third on Painting_, which will compleat the set; but as this subject -may turn upon an affair depending between the right honourable the L--d -_M---r_ and the author, it may be retarded for some time." - -Query to what affair does _Hogarth_ allude? _Humphrey Parsons_ was then -Lord Mayor. - -[4] In the collection of Mr. _Crickitt_. - - * * * * * - -1742. - - -1. _Martin Folks_, Esq. half length. _W. Hogarth pinxit & sculpsit_. An -engraving. To some impressions of this print, which are not proofs, the -name of _Hogarth_ is wanting. - - -2. The same, half length mezzotinto. _W. Hogarth pinx._ 1741; _J. Faber -fecit._ 1742. The original of both is now in the meeting-room of the -Royal Society, in _Somerset Place_. - - -3. Charmers of the Age.[1] "_A sketch. No name._" It was intended -to ridicule Mons. _Desnoyer_[2] and Signora _Barberini_, the two -best dancers that ever appeared in _London_. This plate exhibits the -internal prospect of a theatre. The openings between the side scenes -are crowded with applauding spectators. The two performers are capering -very high. A sun over head (I suppose the emblem of public favour) is -darting down its rays upon them. The representatives of Tragedy and -Comedy are candle-holders on the occasion. Underneath is the following -inscription: "The prick'd lines show the rising height." There are -also a few letters of direction, so situated as to convey no very -decent innuendo. The whole is but a hasty outline, executed, however, -with spirit, and bitten uncommonly deep by the aqua fortis. I ascribe -it to _Hogarth_ without hesitation. Of this print there is a copy by -_Livesay_. - -All the three pieces of our artist that satirize the stage, &c. are -peculiarly scarce. We may suppose them, therefore, to have been -suppressed by the influence of the managers for the time being, who -were not, like our present ones, become callous through the incessant -attacks of diurnal criticks in the news-papers. - -[1] _Hogarth_ designed to have published this print, with some -explanation at the bottom of it in 1741-2.--See the inscription almost -effaced, a circumstance to which the copier did not attend. - -[2] I learn from _The Grub-street Journal_ for _October_ 17, 1734, -that Monsieur _Desnoyer_ was just arrived from _Poland_, together with -Mademoiselle _Roland_ from _Paris_ (this lady is still alive). Again, -from the same paper, _August_ 19, 1756, that "Monsieur _Desnoyer_, the -famous dancer at _Drury-lane_, is gone to _Paris_, by order of Mr. -_Fleetwood_, to engage Mademoiselle _Sallee_ for the ensuing winter." -In some future expedition, we may suppose, he prevailed on Signora -_Barberini_ to come over for the same purpose. - - -4. Taste in High Life. A beau, a fashionable old lady, a young lady, -a black boy, and a monkey. Painted by Mr. _Hogarth_. It was sold by -Mr. _Jarvis_, in _Bedford-street, Covent-Garden. Published May 24th, -[no year]._ The original picture is in the possession of Mr. _Birch_, -surgeon, _Essex-street_, in _The Strand_. - -It displays (as we learn from an inscription on the pedestal under a -_Venus_ dressed in a hoop-petticoat) the reigning modes of the year -1742. It was painted for the opulent Miss _Edwards_, who paid our -artist sixty guineas for it. Her reason for choosing such a subject -was rather whimsical. By her own singularities having incurred some -ridicule, she was desirous, by the assistance of _Hogarth_, to -recriminate on the publick. As he designed after her ideas, he had -little kindness for his performance, and never would permit a print to -be taken from it. The present one was from a drawing made by connivance -of her servants. The original was purchased by the father of its -present owner, at her sale at _Kensington_. - -The figure of the beau holding the china-saucer is said to have -been that of Lord _Portmore_, dressed as he first appeared at court -after his return from _France_. The young female was designed for a -celebrated courtezan, who was the _Kitty Fisher_ of her time. Her -familiarity with the black boy alludes to a similar weakness in a -noble duchess, who educated two brats of the same colour. One of them -afterwards robbed her, and the other was guilty of some offence equally -unpardonable. The pictures with which the room is adorned, contain many -strokes of temporary satire. See the _Venus_ with stays, a hoop, and -high-heel'd shoes; _Cupid_ burning all these parts of dress, together -with a modish wig, &c.; a second _Cupid_ paring down a plump lady to -the fashionable standard; and [in a framed picture classed with a -number of insects] the figure of _Desnoyer_ the dancing-master in a -grand ballet. The ridicule on the folly of collecting old china, &c. -&c. are alike circumstances happily introduced, and explanatory of the -fashions then in vogue. The colouring is better than that in most of -_Hogarth's_ pictures. The plate is now the property of Mr. _Sayer_. - - * * * * * - -1743. - - -1. _Benjamin Hoadly_, bishop of _Winchester. W. Hogarth pinx. B. Baron -sculp._ The plate belongs to Mrs. _Hoadly_. - - -2. Captain _Thomas Coram_, who obtained the charter[1] for _The -Foundling Hospital_. Mezzotinto; a three-quarters. The first print -published by _M'Ardell_. The original is a whole length. The captain -has the seal of the charter in his hand. Before him is a globe; at -a distance a prospect of the sea. This is perhaps the best of all -_Hogarth's_ portraits, and is thus described in the _Scandalizade_, a -satire published about 1749. - - "Lo! old Captain _Coram_,[2] so round in the face, - And a pair of good chaps plump'd up in good case, - His amiable locks hanging grey on each side - To his double-breast coat o'er his shoulders so wide," &c. - -[1] In which the name of _William Hogarth_ stands enrolled as one of -the earliest governors of the charity. - -[2] Mr. _Coram_ was bred to the sea, and spent the first part of -his life as master of a vessel trading to our colonies. While he -resided in that part of the metropolis which is the common residence -of seafaring people, business often obliging him to come early into -the city and return late; he had frequent occasions of seeing young -children exposed, through the indigence or cruelty of their parents. -This excited his compassion so far, that he projected _The Foundling -Hospital_; in which humane design he laboured 17 years, and at last, by -his sole application, obtained the royal charter for it.[A] He died at -his lodgings near _Leicester-Square, March_ 29, 1751, in his 84th year: -and was interred under the chapel of the _Foundling Hospital_, where -the following inscription perpetuates his memory: - - "Captain THOMAS CORAM, - whose Name will never want a Monument - so long as this Hospital shall subsist, was born about - the year 1668; a Man eminent in that most eminent - Virtue, the Love of Mankind; - little attentive to his private Fortune, and refusing - many Opportunities of encreasing it, his Time and Thoughts - were continually employed in endeavours to promote the - public Happiness, - both in this Kingdom and elsewhere, particularly - in the Colonies of North America; and his Endeavours - were many Times crowned with the desired Success. His - unwearied Solicitation, for above Seventeen Years together, - (which would have battled the Patience and Industry of any - Man less zealous in doing Good) - and his Application to Persons of Distinction of both Sexes, - obtained at Length the Charter of the Incorporation - (bearing Date the 17th of _October_, 1739) - FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND EDUCATION - OF EXPOSED AND DESERTED YOUNG CHILDREN, - by which many Thousands of Lives may be preserved to the - Public, and employed in a frugal and honest Course of - Industry. He died the 29th of _March_, 1731, in the - 84th Year of his Age, poor in worldly Estate, rich in good - Works; was buried, at his own Desire, in the Vault - underneath this Chapel; - (the first here deposited) - at the East End thereof; many of the Governors - and other Gentlemen attending the Funeral, to do - Honour to his Memory. - Reader, thy Actions will shew whether thou art sincere - in the Praises thou may'st bestow on him; and if thou hast - Virtue enough to commend his Virtues, forget not to - add also the Imitation of them." - -[A] For his other charitable projects, see Biog. Dict. 1784, vol. IV. -p. 120. - - -3. The same engraving, for the _London Magazine_. - - -4. Characters and Caricaturas, "_to show that Leonardo da Vinci -exaggerated the latter._" The subscription-ticket to Marriage à la Mode. - - * * * * * - -1745. - - -1. Marriage à la Mode.[1] Six plates. In 1746 was published, "Marriage -à la Mode: an Humourous Tale, in Six Canto's, in Hudibrastic Verse; -being an Explanation of the Six Prints lately published by the -ingenious Mr. _Hogarth. London_: printed for _Weaver Bickerton_, -in _Temple-Exchange Passage_, in _Fleet-Street_, 1746. Price One -Shilling." Of this pamphlet it will be sufficient to extract the -Preface and the arguments of the several Canto's; the poem itself (if -such it may be called) being extended to the length of 59 pages. - -"The prints of Marriage à la Mode, being the latest production of -that celebrated Artist who had before obliged the town with several -entertaining pieces, have, ever since their publication, been very -justly admired; the particular vein of humour, that runs through the -whole of his works, is more especially preserved in this. - -"If the Comic Poet who draws the characters of the age he lives in, by -keeping strictly up to their manners in their speeches and expressions; -if satirizing vice and encouraging virtue in dialogue, to render it -familiar, is always reckoned amongst the liberal arts; and the authors, -when dead, dignified with busts and monuments sacred to their memory; -sure the master of the pencil, whose traits carry, not only a lively -image of the persons and manners, but whose happy genius has found the -secret of so disposing the several parts, as to convey a pleasing and -instructive moral through the history he represents, may claim a rank -in the foremost class, and acquire, if the term is allowable, the -appellation of the Dramatic Painter. - -"The Modish Husband, incapable of relishing the pleasures of true -happiness, is here depicted in his full swing of vice, 'till his -mistaken conduct drives his wife to be false to his bed, and brings him -to a wretched end; killed in revenging the loss of that virtue which he -would never cherish. The Lady is equally represented as a true copy of -all the fine ladies of the age, who, by indulging their passions, run -into all those extravagances, that at last occasion a shameful exit. -If the gentlemen of the long robe, who ought to know the consequences, -are guilty of committing such a breach of hospitality as is here -described, they are properly reprimanded: the penurious Alderman, and -the profligate old Nobleman, are a fine contrast; the Quack Doctor, -the _Italian_ Singer, &c. are proofs of the Inventor's judgement and -distinction, both in high and low life. - -"Though these images are pleasing to the eye, yet many have complained -that they wanted a proper explanation, which we hope will plead an -excuse for publication of the following Canto's, as the desire to -render these pieces more extensive may atone for the many faults -contained in this poem, for which the _Hudibrastic_ style was thought -most proper." - - THE ARGUMENTS. - - CANTO I. - "The joys and plagues that wedlock brings, - The Limner paints, the Poet sings; - How the old dads weigh either scale, - And set their children up to sale; - How, void of thought, the Viscount weds - The nymph, who such a marriage dreads; - And, whilst himself the Fop admires, - _M----y_ with love her soul inspires." - - CANTO II. - "The wedding o'er, the ill-match'd pair - Are left at large, their fate to share; - All public places he frequents, - Whilst she her own delight invents; - And, full of love, bewails her doom, - When drunk i'th' morning he comes home; - The pious stew'rd, in great surprize, - Runs from them with uplifted eyes." - - CANTO III. - "My Lord now keeps a common Miss, - Th' effects describ'd of amorous bliss, - Venereal taints infect their veins, - And fill them full of aches and pains; - Which to an old _French_ Doctor drives 'em, - Who with his pill, a grand p--x gives 'em; - A scene of vengeance next ensues, - With which the Muse her tale pursues." - - CANTO IV. - "Fresh honours on the Lady wait, - A Countess now she shines in state; - The toilette is at large display'd, - Where whilst the morning concert's play'd, - She listens to her lover's call, - Who courts her to the midnight-ball." - - CANTO V. - "The dismal consequence behold, - Of wedding girls of _London_ mould; - The Husband is depriv'd of life, - In striving to detect his Wife; - The Lawyer naked, in surprize, - Out of the Bagnio window flies: - Whilst Madam, leaping from the bed, - Doth on her knee for pardon plead." - - CANTO VI. - "The Lawyer meets his just reward, - Nor from the triple tree is spar'd; - The Father takes my Lady home, - Where, when she hears her Lover's doom, - To desperate attempts she flies, - And with a dose of poison dies." - -In these plates only a single variation is detected. In the very first -impressions of the second of them (perhaps a few only were taken off) -a lock of hair on the forehead of the lady is wanting. It was added by -our artist, after _Baron_ had finished the plate. In the early copies -he inserted it with _Indian_ ink. A passage in the _Analysis_[2] -will perhaps account for this supplemental ornament: "A lock of hair -falling cross the temples, and by that means breaking the regularity of -the oval, has an effect too alluring to be strictly decent." The room -represented in this plate is adorned with a _melange_ of pictures on -wanton and devotional subjects. - -Mr. _Walpole_ has remarked, that the works of _Hogarth_ have little -obscurity. This position is true in general, though _Marriage à la -Mode_ may supply an exception to it; no two persons, perhaps, having -hitherto agreed in their explanation of Plate the third.[3] - -When this set of plates was to be engraved, _Ravenet_, a young artist, -then just coming into employ, was recommended to Mr. _Hogarth_; and -a hard bargain was made. _Ravenet_ went through two of the plates, -but the price proved far inadequate to the labour. He remonstrated, -but could obtain no augmentation. When the _Sigismunda_ was to be -engraved, Mr. _Ravenet_ was in a different sphere of life. The -painter, with many compliments, solicited his assistance as an -engraver, but _Ravenet_ indignantly declined the connexion. - -In the fourth of these plates[4] are the following portraits: Mrs. -_Lane_ (afterwards Lady _Bingley_) adoring _Carestini_; her husband -_Fox Lane_ asleep. _Rouquet_ only calls him "Un gentilhomme campagnard, -fatigué d'une course après quelque renard ou quelque cerf, s'endort." -This idea seems to be countenanced by the whip in his hand. The same -explainer adds, speaking of the two next figures, "Ici on voit en -papillotes un de ces personages qui passent toute leur vie à tâcher -de plaire sans y reüssir; la, un eventail au poing, on reconnoît un -de ces hérétiques en amour, un sectateur d'_Anacreon_." The former of -these has been supposed to represent Monsieur _Michel_, the _Prussian_ -ambassador. _Weideman_ is playing on the _German_ flute.--The pictures -in the room are properly suited to the bed-chamber of a profligate -pair--_Jupiter_ and _Io, Lot_ with his Daughters, _Ganymede_ and the -Eagle, and the Young Lawyer who debauches the Countess. The child's -coral, hanging from the back of the chair she sits in, serves to shew -she was already a mother; a circumstance that renders her conduct -still more unpardonable. Some of her new-made purchases, exposed on -the floor, bear witness to the warmth of her inclinations. These will -soon be gratified at the fatal masquerade, for which her paramour is -offering her a ticket. - -The pompous picture on the right hand of the window in the nobleman's -apartment, Plate I. also deserves attention. It appears to be designed -as a ridicule on the unmeaning flutter of _French_ portraits, some of -which (particularly those of _Louis_ XIV.) are painted in a style of -extravagance equal at least to the present parody by _Hogarth_. This -ancestor of our peer is invested with several foreign orders. At the -top of one corner of the canvas, are two winds blowing across each -other, while the hero's drapery is flying quite contrary directions. -A comet is likewise streaming over his head. In his hand he grasps -the lightning of _Jove_, and reposes on a cannon going off, whose -ball is absurdly rendered an object of sight. A smile, compounded of -self-complacency and pertness, is the characteristic of his face. - -On the cieling of this magnificent saloon is a representation -of _Pharaoh_ and his Host drowned in the Red Sea. The pictures -underneath are not on the most captivating subjects--_David_ -killing _Goliath--Prometheus_ and the Vulture--the Murder of the -_Innocents--Judith_ and _Holofernes_--St. _Sebastian_ shot full of -Arrows--_Cain_ destroying _Abel_--and St. _Laurence_ on the Gridiron. - -Among such little circumstances in this plate as might escape the -notice of a careless spectator, is the Thief in the Candle, emblematic -of the mortgage on his Lordship's estate. - -When engravings on a contracted scale are made from large pictures, a -few parts of them will unavoidably become so small, as almost to want -distinctness. It has fared thus with a number of figures that appear -before the unfinished edifice,[5] seen through a window in the first -plate of this work. _Hogarth_ designed them for the lazy vermin of -his Lordship's hall, who, having nothing to do, are sitting on the -blocks of stone, or staring at the building;[6] for thus _Rouquet_ has -described them, "Une troupe de lacquais oisifs, qui sont dans le cour -de ce batiment, acheve de caracteriser le faste ruineux qui environne -le comte." The same illustrator properly calls the _Citizen_ Echevin -(i. e. sheriff) of _London_, on account of the chain he wears. - -Plate II. From the late Dr. _Ducarel_ I received the following -anecdote; but there must be some mistake in it, as _Herring_ was not -archbishop till several years after the designs for _Marriage à la -Mode_ were made. - -"_Edward Swallow_, butler to Archbishop _Herring_, had an annuity -of ten pounds given to him in his Grace's will. For the honesty and -simplicity of his physiognomy, this old faithful servant was so -remarkable, that _Hogarth_, wanting such a figure in _Marriage à la -Mode_, accompanied the late dean of _Sarum_, Dr. _Thomas Greene_, on -a public day, to _Lambeth_, on purpose to catch the likeness. As they -were coming away, he whispered, 'I have him!' And he may now be seen to -the life preserved in the old steward, in Plate II. with his hands held -up, &c." - -In Plate V. the back ground, which is laboured with uncommon delicacy -(a circumstance that will be remarked by few except artists), was the -work of Mr. _Ravenet's_ wife. _Solomon's_ wise judgement is represented -on the tapestry. When _Ravenet's_ two plates were finished, _Hogarth_ -wanted much to retouch the faces,[7] and many disputes happened between -him and the engraver on this subject. The first impressions, however, -escaped without correction. Those who possess both copies, may discover -evident marks of _Hogarth's_ hand in the second. See particularly the -countenance of the dying nobleman, which is fairly ploughed up by his -heavier burin. - -I have been told that our artist took the portrait of the female, who -is so placed, that the legs of a figure in the tapestry supply the want -of her own, from a coarse picture of a woman called _Moll Flanders_. - -Plate the sixth of this set, affords _Rouquet_ an opportunity of -illustrating the following remark, which he had made at the outset of -his undertaking: "Ce qu'un _Anglois_ lit, pour ainsi dire, en jettant -les yeux sur ces estampes, va exiger de vous la lecture de plusieurs -pages." Speaking of our citizen's parsimony, says he--"Voyez-vous ces -pipes conservées dans le coin d'un armoire? Vous ne devineriez pas, -vous qui n'êtes pas jamais venu en _Angleterre_, qu'elles sont aussi -une marque d'economie; mais il faut vous dire que les pipes sont si -communes ici, qu'on ne fume jamais deux fois dans la même. La païsan, -l'artizan le plus vil prend une pipe gratis dans le premier cabaret où -il arrête: il continue son chemin en achevant de la fumer, et la jette -à ses pieds." - -As _Rouquet_ observes, "Ce qui sert à garnir cet apartement ne -contribue pas à l'orner. Tout y indique une économie basse." The -scarcity of the real dinner--the picture exhibiting plenty of -provision--the starved dog--the departing physician--the infected and -ricketty condition of the child who is brought to take a last kiss of -its dying mother--are circumstances too striking to be overlooked. - -_The Daily Advertiser_ of 1750 affords the following illustration -of our artist's history: "Mr. _Hogarth_ proposes to publish by -subscription two large prints, one representing _Moses_ brought to -_Pharaoh's_ daughter; the other _Paul_ before _Felix_; engraved after -the pictures of his painting which are now hung up in _The Foundling -Hospital_ and _Lincoln's-Inn Hall_. Five Shillings to be paid at the -time of subscribing, and Five Shillings more on the delivery of the -print. On the first payment a receipt will be given, which receipt -will contain a new print (in the true _Dutch_ taste) of _Paul_ before -_Felix_. Note, The above two prints will be Seven Shillings and Six -Pence each after the subscription is over; and the receipt-print -will not be sold at a less price than One Guinea each. Subscriptions -are taken in till the 6th of _June_ next, and no longer, at _The -Golden-Head_ in _Leicester-Fields_, where the drawings may be seen; as -likewise the author's six pictures of _Marriage-à-la-Mode_, which are -to be disposed of in the following manner: That every bidder sign a -note with the sum he intends to give. That such note be deposited in -the drawer of a cabinet, which cabinet shall be constantly kept locked -by the said _William Hogarth_; and in the cabinet, through a glass -door, the sums bid will be seen on the face of the drawer, but the -names of the bidders may be concealed till the time of bidding shall -be expired. That each bidder may, by a fresh note, advance a further -sum if he is outbid, of which notice shall be sent him. That the sum -so advanced shall not be less than Three Guineas. That the time of -bidding shall continue till twelve o'clock the 6th of _June_ next, and -no longer. That no dealer in pictures will be admitted a bidder. - -"As (according to the standard of judgement, so righteously -and laudably established by picture-dealers, picture-cleaners, -picture-frame-makers, and other connoisseurs) the works of a painter -are to be esteemed more or less valuable as they are more or less -scarce, and as the living painter is most of all affected by the -inferences resulting from this and other considerations equally -uncandid and edifying; Mr. _Hogarth_, by way of precaution, not puff, -begs leave to urge, that, probably, this will be the last suit or -series of pictures he may ever exhibit, because of the difficulty of -vending such a number at once to any tolerable advantage, and that the -whole number he has already exhibited of the historical or humourous -kind does not exceed fifty, of which the three sets called _The -Harlot's Progress, The Rake's Progress,_ and that now to be sold, make -twenty; so that whoever has a taste of his own to rely on, not too -squeamish for the production of a Modern, and courage enough to own -it, by daring to give them a place in his collection (till Time, the -supposed finisher, but real designer of paintings, has rendered them -fit for those more sacred repositories where Schools, Names, Heads, -Masters, &c. attain their last stage of preferment), may from hence be -convinced that multiplicity at least of his (Mr. _Hogarth's_) pieces -will be no diminution of their value." - -Mr. _Lane_, of _Hillingdon_ near _Uxbridge_, bought the six original -pictures for 120 guineas, at _Hogarth's_ auction.[8] - -[1] _London Daily Post, April_ 7, 1743. "Mr. _Hogarth_ intends to -publish by subscription Six Prints from copper plates, engraved by the -best masters in _Paris_, after his own paintings (the heads, for the -better preservation of the characters and expressions, to be done by -the author), representing a variety of modern occurrences in high life, -and called _Marriage a-la-mode_. - -"Particular care is taken that the whole work shall not be liable to -exception on account of any _indecency_ or _inelegancy_, and that none -of the characters represented shall be _personal_. The subscription -will be one guinea; half, &c." - -[2] See p. 325. - -[3] In the third plate of this work, the figure of the female -unclasping a penknife, is said to have been designed for the once -celebrated _Betty Careless_. This remark is supposed to be countenanced -by the initials E. C. on her bosom. From being in a state to receive -company, this woman had been long reduced to show it, and, after -repeated confinements in various prisons, was buried from the poor's -house of St. _Paul, Covent Garden, April_ 22, 1752, about seven years -after this set of prints had been published. Such a representation -of her decline from beauty, as may be given in the plate before us, -is justified by various passages in _Loveling's_ poems, _Latin_ and -_English_, written about the year 1738, and published in 1741. Thus in -his ode, "Ad _Sextum_," - - _Carlesis_ turpis macies decentem - Occupat vultum---- - -Again more amply in his Elegiac Epistle, "Ad _Henricum_:" - - Nympha _Coventini_ quæ gloria sulferat Horti, - Cui vix vidisset _Druria_ vestra parem, - Exul, inops, liquit proprios miseranda Penates, - Fortunæ extremas sustinuitque vices, - Nunc trahit infaustam tenebroso in carcere vitam, - Et levat insolito mollia membra toro. - _Carlesis_, ah! quantum, quantum mutaris ab illâ, - _Carlese_, quæ _Veneris_ maxima cura fuit! - Æde tua risêre olim Charitesque Jocique, - Hic fuerant _Paphiæ_ currus & arma Deæ; - Arsèrunt Cives, arsit _Judæus Apella_, - Et te Bellorum deperiêre chori. - Jam sordes, pallensque genas, & flaccida mammas, - Non oculi, quondam qui micuere, micant. - Heu! ubi formosæ referentes lilia malæ! - Labra ubi purpureis quæ rubuére rosis! - Te puer _Idalius_, te fastiditque juventus - Tam marcescentem, dissimilemque tui. - Siccine tam fidam curas _Erycina_ ministram? - Hæccine militiæ praemia digna tuæ? - O _Venus!_ ô nimium, nimiumque oblita tuarum! - _Carlesis_ an meruit sortis acerba pati? - Quæ posthàc arisve tuis imponet honorem, - Ardebit posthàc vel tua castra sequi? - Omnigenas æquo circumspice lumine mœchas - Quas tua pellicibus _Druria_ dives alit, - Quæ cellas habitant, vicos peditesve peragrant, - Aut quæ _Wappinios_ incoluêre lares; - Invenienda fuit nusquam lascivior, artus - Mobilior, sacris vel magis apta tuis. - _Carlesis_ ah nostris & flenda & fleta Camœnis! - Accedat vestris nulla medela malis? - Te vereor miseram fortuna tenaciter anget, - Nec veniet rebus mollior aura tuis. - -Again in his Ode, "Ad _Carolum B......._" - - -----------------relinquent - _Carlesis_ quondam miseræ Penates - _Douglasa & Johnson_, duo pervicacis - Fulmina linguæ. - -Again in a "Copy of Verses on _Betty Close's_ coming to Town, &c." - - _Roberts_ will curse all whores-- - From worn-out _Careless_ to fair _Kitty Walker_. - -Again in an Ode intituled "Meretrices _Britannicæ_." - - Alma scortorum _Druriæque_ custos - Orta _Neptuno!_ tibi cura pulchræ; - _Carlesis_ satis data, tu secundà - _Carlesis_ regnes. - -These lines will serve to enforce the moral of _The Harlot's Progress_, -while they aim at the illustration of a single circumstance in -_Marriage à la Mode_; where if this female is introduced at all, -it seems to be in the character of an opulent procuress, either -threatening the peer for having diseased her favourite girl, or -preparing to revenge herself on the quack whose medicines had failed -to eradicate his lordship's disorder. That heroine must have been -notorious, who could at once engage the pencil of _Hogarth_ and the -pens of _Loveling_ and _Fielding_, who in the sixth chapter of the -first book of _Amelia_ has the following story: "I happened in my youth -to sit behind two ladies in a side-box at a play, where, in the balcony -on the opposite side was placed the inimitable _Betty Careless_, -in company with a young fellow of no very formal, or indeed sober, -appearance. One of the ladies, I remember, said to the other--'Did you -ever see any thing look so modest and so innocent as that girl over -the way? What pity it is such a creature should be in the way of ruin, -as I am afraid she is, by her being alone with that young fellow!' Now -this lady was no bad physiognomist; for it was impossible to conceive -a greater appearance of modesty, innocence, and simplicity, than what -nature had displayed in the countenance of that girl; and yet, all -appearances notwithstanding, I myself (remember, critic, it was in -my youth) had a few mornings before seen that very identical picture -of those engaging qualities in bed with a rake at a bagnio, smoaking -tobacco, drinking punch, talking obscenity, and swearing and cursing -with all the impudence and impiety of the lowest and most abandoned -trull of a soldier." We may add, that one of the mad-men in the last -plate of _The Rake's Progress_ has likewise written "charming _Betty -Careless"_ on the rail of the stairs, and wears her portrait round -his neck. Perhaps between the publication of _The Rake's Progress_ -and _Marriage à la Mode_, she sunk from a wanton into a bawd. Mrs. -_Heywood's Betsey Thoughtless_ was at first entitled _Betsey Careless_, -but the name was afterwards changed for obvious reasons. - -_The London Daily Post, Nov._ 28, 1735, contains the following -advertisement from this notorious female: - -"Mrs. _Careless_, from the _Piazza_ in _Covent-Garden_, not being -able to make an end of her affairs so soon as she expected, intends -on _Monday_ next to open a coffee-house in _Prujean's-Court_, in _The -Old Bailey_, where she hopes her friends will favour her with their -company, notwithstanding the ill situation of the place; since her -misfortunes oblige her still to remain there. - -"N. B. It is the uppermost house in the court, and coaches and chairs -may come up to the door." - -Again in _The London Daily Post, Oct._ 21, 1741, Mrs. _Careless_ -advertises _The Beggar's Opera_, at the theatre in _James-Street, -Haymarket_, for her benefit, _Oct._ 27. At the bottom of the -advertisement she says, "Mrs. _Careless_ takes this benefit because she -finds a small pressing occasion for one: and as she has the happiness -of knowing she has a great many friends, hopes not to find an instance -to the contrary by their being absent the above-mentioned evening; and -as it would be entirely inconvenient, and consequently disagreeable, if -they should, she ventures to believe they won't fail to let her have -the honour of their company." In the bill of the day she says--"N. B. -Mrs. _Careless_ hopes her friends will favour her according to their -promise, to relieve her from terrible fits of the vapours proceeding -from bad dreams, though the comfort is they generally go by the -contraries. - -"Tickets to be had at Mrs. _Careless's_ Coffee-house, the -_Playhouse-Passage, Bridges-Street_." - -Would the public, at this period of refinement, have patiently endured -the familiar address of such a shameless, superannuated, advertising -strumpet? - -The reader will perhaps smile, when, after so much grave ratiocination, -and this long deduction of particulars, he is informed that the letters -are not E. C. but F. C. the initials of _Fanny Cock_, daughter to the -celebrated auctioneer of that name, with whom our artist had had some -casual disagreement. - -The following, somewhat different, explanation has also been -communicated to me by _Charles Rogers_, esq. who says it came from -_Sullivan_, one of _Hogarth's_ engravers: "The nobleman threatens to -cane a quack-doctor for having given pills which proved ineffectual -in curing a girl he had debauched; and brings with him a woman, from -whom he alledges he caught the infection; at which she, in a rage, is -preparing to stab him with her clasp knife. This wretch is one of the -lowest class, as is manifest by the letters of her name marked with -gunpowder on her breast. She, however, is brought to the _French_ -barber-surgeon for his examination and inspection, and for which -purpose he is wiping his spectacles with his coarse muckender." - -The explanation given by _Rouquet_, however, ought not to be -suppressed, as in all probability he received it from _Hogarth_. "Il -falloit indiquer la mauvaise conduite du héros de la piece. L'auteur -pour cet effet l'introduit dans l'appartement d'un empirique, où il ne -peut guères se trouver qu'en consequence de ses débauches; il fait en -même tems rencontrer chez cet empirique une de ces femmes qui perdues -depuis long-tems, font enfin leur métier de la perte des autres. Il -suppose un démêlé entre cette femme et son héros, dont le sujet paroît -être la mauvaise santé d'un petite fille, du commerce de laquelle il ne -s'est pas bien trouvé. La petite fille au reste fait ici contraste par -son âge, sa timidité, sa douceur, avec le caractère de l'autre femme, -qui paroît un composé de rage, de fureur, et de tous les crimes qui -accompagnent d'ordinaire les dernières débauches chez celles de son -sexe. - -"L'empirique et son appartement sont des objets entièrement -épisodiques. Quoique jadis barbier,[A] il est aujourdhui, si l'on -en juge par l'etalage, non seulment chirurgien, mais naturaliste, -chimiste, mechanicien, medecin, apoticaire; et vous remarquerez -qu'il est _François_ pour comble de ridicule. L'auteur pour achever -de le caracteriser suivant son idée, lui fait inventer des machines -extrèmement composées pour les opérations les plus simples, comme -celles de remettre un membre disloqué, ou de déboucher une bouteille. - -"Je ne deciderai pas si l'auteur est aussi heureux dans le choix des -objets de sa satire, quand il les prend parmi nous, que lorsqu'il les -choisit parmi ceux de sa nation; mais il me semble qu'il doit mieux -connoître ceux-ci; et je crois que cette planche vous en paroîtra un -exemple bien marqué. Il tourne ici en ridicule ce que nous avons de -moins mauvais; que deviendroit le reste s'il étoit vrai qu'il nous -connût assez pour nous depeindre?" - -[A] This circumstance seems to be implied by the broken comb, the -pewter bason, and the horn so placed as to resemble a barber's pole, -all which are exhibited either above, or within the glass case, in -which the skeleton appears whispering a man who had been exsiccated -by some mode of embalming at present unknown. About the time of the -publication of this set of prints, a number of bodies thus preserved -were discovered in a vault in _Whitechapel_ church.--Our Quack is -likewise a virtuoso. An ancient spur, a high-crowned hat, old shoes, -&c. together with a model of the gallows, are among his rarities.--On -his table is a skull, rendered carious by the disease he is professing -to cure.--These two last objects are monitory as well as characteristic. - -[4] _Scotin_ engraved the first and sixth; _Baron_ the second and -third; _Ravenet_ the fourth and fifth. - -[5] The blunders in architecture in this unfinished nobleman's seat, on -the same account, are seen to disadvantage. - -[6] This edifice seems at a stand for want of money, no workman -appearing on the scaffolds, or near them. - -[7] In his advertisement for this set of plates, he had engaged to -engrave all the faces with his own hand. See note 1 above. - -[8] The account given in a former edition of this volume concerning the -sale of the original pictures of _Marriage-à-la-mode_, being somewhat -erroneous, I am happy in the present opportunity of acknowledging my -obligations to Mr. _Lane_ abovementioned, who has corrected my mistakes -by a communication of the following particulars relative to the -purchase: - -"Some time after they had been finished, perhaps six or seven years, -during which period Mr. _Hogarth_ had been preparing and publishing -prints from them, in the year 1750 he advertised the sale of the -originals by a kind of auction not carried on by personal bidding, but -by a written ticket on which every one was to put the price he would -give, with his name subscribed to it. These papers were to be received -by Mr. _Hogarth_ for the space of one month; and the highest bidder, at -twelve o'clock on the last day of the month, was to be the purchaser: -and none but those who had in writing made their biddings were to be -admitted on the day that was to determine the sale. This nouvelle -method of proceeding probably disobliged the public; and there seemed -to be at that time a combination against poor _Hogarth_, who perhaps, -from the extraordinary and frequent approbation of his works, might -have imbibed some degree of vanity, which the town in general, friends -and foes, seemed resolved to mortify. If this was the case (and to me -it is very apparent), they fully effected their design; for on the -memorable sixth of _June_ 1750, which was to decide the fate of this -capital work, about eleven o'clock Mr. _Lane_, the fortunate purchaser, -arrived at the _Golden Head_: when, to his great surprize, expecting -(what he had been a witness to in 1745, when _Hogarth_ disposed of -many of his pictures) to have found his painting-room full of noble -and great personages, he only found the painter and his ingenious -friend Dr. _Parsons_, secretary to the Royal Society, talking together, -and expecting a number of spectators at least, if not of buyers. Mr. -_Hogarth_ then produced the highest bidding, from a gentleman well -known, of £120. Nobody coming in, about ten minutes before twelve, by -the decisive clock in the room, Mr. _Lane_ told Mr. _Hogarth_ he would -make the pounds guineas. The clock then struck twelve, and _Hogarth_ -wished Mr. _Lane_ joy of his purchase, hoping it was an agreeable one. -Mr. _Lane_ answered, Perfectly so. Now followed a scene of disturbance -from _Hogarth's_ friend the Doctor, and, what more affected Mr. _Lane_, -a great appearance of disappointment in the painter, and truly with -great reason. The Doctor told him, he had hurt himself greatly by -fixing the determination of the sale at so early an hour, when the -people at that part of the town were hardly up. _Hogarth_, in a tone -and manner that could not escape observation, said, Perhaps it may be -so! Mr. _Lane_, after a short pause, declared himself to be of the -same opinion, adding, that the artist was very poorly rewarded for his -labour, and, if he thought it would be of service to him, would give -him till three o'clock to find a better purchaser. _Hogarth_ warmly -accepted the offer, and expressed his acknowledgements for the kindness -in the strongest terms. The proposal likewise received great encomiums -from the Doctor, who proposed to make it public. This was peremptorily -forbidden by Mr. _Lane_, whose concession in favour of our artist was -remembered by him to the time of his death.--About one o'clock, two -hours sooner than the time appointed by Mr. _Lane, Hogarth_ said he -would no longer trespass on his generosity, but that, if he was pleased -with his purchase, he himself was abundantly so with the purchaser. -He then desired Mr. _Lane_ to promise that he would not dispose of -the pictures without previously acquainting him of his intention, and -that he would never permit any person, under pretence of cleaning, to -meddle with them, as he always desired to take that office on himself. -This promise was readily made by Mr. _Lane_, who has been tempted more -than once by _Hogarth_ to part with his bargain at a price to be named -by himself. When Mr. _Lane_ bought the pictures, they were in Carlo -Marratt frames which cost the painter four guineas apiece." - -The memory of this occurrence ought always to attend the work which -afforded Mr. _Lane_ an opportunity of displaying so much disinterested -generosity. - -Another correspondent begins the same story as follows--A little -time before the auction, _Hogarth_ publickly declared, that no -picture-dealer should be allowed to bid. He also called on his friends, -requesting them not to appear at the sale, as his house was small, and -the room might be over crowded. They obeyed his injunctions. Early in -this mortifying day he dressed himself, put on his tye-wig, strutted -away one hour, and fretted away two more, no bidder appearing, &c. &c. - - -2. A small print of Archbishop _Herring_, at the head of the speech he -made to the clergy of _York, September_ 24, 1745. _William Hogarth -pinx. C. Moseley sculp._ - - -3. The same head cut out of the plate, and printed off without the -speech. - - -4. The Battle of the Pictures. "_Ticket to admit persons to bid for his -works at an auction._" On the plate called _The Battle of the Pictures_ -is written, "The bearer hereof is entitled (if he thinks proper) to be -a bidder for Mr. _Hogarth's_ pictures, which are to be sold on the last -day of this month [_February_, 1744-5.]." - -5. A festoon, with a mask, a roll of paper, a palette, and a laurel. -Subscription ticket for _Garrick_ in _Richard_ the Third. A very -faithful copy from this receipt was made by _R. Livesay_, 1781. It is -to be sold at Mrs. _Hogarth's_ house in _Leicester-square_. - - * * * * * - -1746. - - -1. _Simon_ Lord _Lovat.[1] Drawn from the life, and etched in -aquafortis by William Hogarth.--Hogarth_ said himself, that Lord -_Lovat's_ portrait was taken (at the _White-Hart_, at _St. Alban's_) -in the attitude of relating on his fingers the numbers of the rebel -forces.--"Such a general had so many men, &c." and remarked, that the -muscles of _Lovat's_ neck appeared of unusual strength, more so than -he had ever seen. When the painter entered the room, his lordship, -being under the barber's hands, received his old friend with a salute, -which left much of the lather on his face.--The second impressions are -marked, _Price One Shilling_. When _Hogarth_ had finished this plate, -a printseller offered its weight in gold for it. The impressions could -not be taken off so fast as they were wanted, though the rolling-press -was at work all night for a week together. For several weeks afterwards -he is said to have received at the rate of 12 _l._ per day. - -[1] "This powerful laird, it has been observed, was one of the last -Chieftains that preserved the rude manners and barbarous authority of -the early feudal ages. He resided in a house which would be esteemed -but an indifferent one for a very private, plain country gentleman in -_England_; as it had, properly, only four rooms on a floor, and those -not large. Here, however, he kept a sort of court, and several public -tables; and had a numerous body of retainers always attending. His own -constant residence, and the place where he received company, even at -dinner, was in the very same room where he lodged; and his lady's sole -apartment was her bed-room; and the only provision for the lodging of -the servants, and retainers, was a quantity of straw, which they spread -every night, on the floors of the lower rooms, where the whole inferior -part of the family, consisting of a very great number of persons, took -up their abode." See Mr. _King's_ observations on ancient Castles, in -the _Archæologia_, vol. IV. - -Sir _William Young_, one of the managers appointed by the Commons of -_Great Britain_, for conducting the prosecution against this Nobleman -for High Treason, in the year 1745, makes the following observation: -"Your Lordships have already done national justice on some of the -principal traitors, who appeared in open arms against his Majesty, by -the ordinary course of law; but this noble Lord, who, in the whole -course of his life, has boasted of his superior cunning in wickedness, -and his ability to commit frequent treasons with impunity, vainly -imagined that he might possibly be a traitor in private, and rebel -only in his heart, by sending his son and his followers to join the -Pretender, and remaining at home himself, to endeavour to deceive his -Majesty's faithful subjects; hoping _he_ might be rewarded for his -son's services, if successful; or his _son_ alone be the sufferer -for _his_ offences, if the undertaking failed: diabolical cunning! -monstrous impiety!" See _State Trials_, vol. IX. p. 627. - - -2. Mr. _Garrick_[1] in the character of _Richard_ III. _Painted by -Wm. Hogarth; engraved by Wm. Hogarth and C. Grignion._ The late Mr. -_Duncombe_, of _Duncombe Park_ in _Yorkshire_, gave 200 _l._ for the -original picture, which is now in the possession of his family. The -expression of the countenance is happily hit off, but the figure is -abundantly too large and muscular. This print was afterwards, by -_Hogarth's_ permission, copied for a watch-paper. - -[1] "Mr. _Garrick_ had several of _Hogarth's_ paintings; and the latter -designed for him, as president of the _Shakespeare_ club, a mahogany -chair richly carved, on the back of which hangs a medal of the poet -carved by _Hogarth_ out of the mulberry-tree planted at _Stratford_ -by _Shakespeare_." Anecdotes of Painting, vol. IV. p. 180. edit. 8vo, -1782. - - -3. A stand of various weapons, bag-pipes, &c. and a pair of scissars -cutting out the arms of _Scotland_. A subscription-ticket for the March -to _Finchley_; of which the original price was only 7 _s._ 6 _d._ It -was to be raised to 10 _s._ 6 _d._ on closing the subscription. The -additional three shillings afforded the subscriber a chance for the -original picture. - - * * * * * - -1747. - - -1. Stage-coach. An election procession in the yard. _Designed and -engraved by William Hogarth._ In this plate there is a variation. -The early impressions have a flag behind the wheel of the coach, -inscribed NO OLD BABY, which was the cry used by the opponents of the -honourable _John Child Tylney_ (then Viscount _Castlemain_ and now Earl -_Tylney_[1]) when he stood member for the county of _Essex_, against -Sir _Robert Abdy_ and Mr. _Bramston_. The figure still carries a -horn-book, and a rattle in its hands. At the election, a man was placed -on a bulk with an _infant_ in his arms, and exclaimed, as he whipt the -child, "What, you little _Child_, must you be a member?" The family -name was changed from _Child_ to _Tylney_ by an act of parliament in -1735. In this disputed election, it appeared from the register-book of -the parish where Lord _Castlemain_ was born, that he was but 20 years -of age. Some pains have been taken to ascertain the particular inn-yard -in which the scene is laid, but without success, so many of the -publick-houses between _Whitechapel_ and _Chelmsford_ in _Essex_ having -been altered, or totally rebuilt. - -[1] Since dead.--_Inter Socraticos notissima fossa cinædos_. - - -2. Industry and Idleness, in twelve plates.[1] Mr. _Walpole_ observes, -that "they have more merit in the intention than execution." At first -they were printed off on very thin paper. Plate V. The scene is -_Cuckold's Point_, below _London Bridge_. Plate VI. In a few first -impressions, "_Goodchild_ and _West_" is written under the sign, -instead of "_West_ and _Goodchild_." _Hogarth_ had inadvertently -placed the name of the junior partner first. Some mercantile friend, -however, pointing out the mistake, when as yet only a few copies -were taken off, our artist corrected it, to avoid the criticisms of -_Cheapside_ and _Cornhill_. In this plate is a figure of _Philip -in the Tub_, a well-known beggar and cripple, who was a constant -epithalamist at weddings in _London_, and had visited _Ireland_ and -_The Seven Provinces_. The _French_ clergyman in Plate VIII. was -designed for Mr. _Platell_, curate of _Barnet_. Plate XI. The scene -is in a cellar of a noted house that went by the name of "The Blood -Bowl House," from the various scenes of blood that were there almost -daily exhibited, and where there seldom passed a month without the -commission of a murder. _Blood Bowl-alley_ is down by the fishmonger's, -near _Water-lane, Fleet-street_; and I am assured, that the house and -event, that gave rise to the name, were there. In Plate XI. is _Tiddy -Doll_, the well-known vender of gingerbread. Just behind him, in a -cart, to bring away the body of the criminal, is his mother. Though her -face is concealed, she is distinguished by her excess of sorrow, and -the black hood she has worn throughout the foregoing representations -of her. Plate XII. _Frederick_ Prince of _Wales_, and the Princess -of _Wales_, in the balcony. The standards of the Blacksmiths' and -Stationers' Companies appear in the procession. The flag, at the corner -of one of the stands, belongs to the Pinners and Needlers. The hint -for this series of prints was evidently taken from the old comedy -of _Eastward-hoe_, by _Jonson, Chapman,_ and _Marston_, reprinted -in _Dodsley's_ Collection of Old Plays. "The scenes of _Bedlam_ and -the gaming-house," as Mr. _Walpole_ well observes, "are inimitable -representations of our serious follies, or unavoidable woes; and the -concern shown by the lord-mayor, when the companion of his childhood -is brought before him as a criminal, is a touching picture, and big -with humane admonition and reflection." The late comedian Mr. _James -Love_ (otherwise _Dance_, and brother to the painter of that name) -dramatized this series of prints; and Mr. _King_, now deputy-manager -of _Drury-lane_, performed the character of the Good 'Prentice. - -These Plates were retouched by _Hogarth_; but, as usual, whatever they -gained in respect to force, they lost in the article of clearness. -They offer no variations, except such as are occasioned by his having -thrown a few of the figures into shade, that others might appear more -prominent. Dr. _Ducarel_ informed me, that the passages of Scripture -applicable to the different scenes were selected for Mr. _Hogarth_, by -his friend the Rev. Mr. _Arnold King_. - -In the following year was published, price one shilling (being an -explanation of the moral of twelve celebrated prints lately published, -and designed by the ingenious Mr. _Hogarth_), "The Effects of Industry -and Idleness, illustrated in the Life, Adventures, and various Fortunes -of Two Fellow 'Prentices of the City of _London_: shewing the different -Paths, as well as Rewards of Virtue and Vice; how the good and virtuous -'Prentice, by gradual Steps of Industry, rose to the highest Pitch -of Grandeur; and how, by contrary Pursuits, his Fellow-'Prentice, -by Laziness and Wickedness, came to die an ignominious Death at the -Gallows. ¶ This little book ought to be read by every 'Prentice in -_England_, to imprint in their hearts these two different examples, the -contrary effects each will produce on their young minds being of more -worth than a hundred times the price, _i. e._ an abhorrence of the vice -and wickedness they perceive in the one boy, and, on the contrary, an -endeavour after an imitation of the actions of the other. And is a more -proper present to be given to the Chamber of _London_, at the binding -and enrolling an apprentice, than any other book whatever. Printed by -_Charles Corbett_, at _Addison's_ Head in _Fleet street_." - -[1] The following description of _Hogarth's_ design is copied from his -own hand-writing: "Industry and Idleness exemplified in the conduct -of two Fellow 'Prentices: where the one, by taking good courses, and -pursuing points for which he was put apprentice, becomes a valuable man -and an ornament to his country; the other, by giving way to idleness, -naturally falls into poverty, and ends fatally, as is expressed in the -last print. As the prints were intended more for use than ornament, -they were done in a way that might bring them within the purchase of -whom they might most concern; and, lest any print should be mistaken, -the description of each print is engraved at top." - - -3. _Jacobus Gibbs_, architectus. _W. Hogarth delin. B. Baron sculp._ - - -4. _Jacobus Gibbs_, architectus. _W. Hogarth delin. J. Mc Ardell -fec._ Partly mezzotinto, partly graved. No date. - - -5. To this period may be referred the arms of _The Foundling Hospital_, -printed off on the tops of the indentures; together with - - -6. The same, but smaller; employed as a frontispiece to "Psalms, Hymns, -and Anthems; for the Use of the Children of the Hospital for the -Maintenance and Education of exposed and deserted Young Children." - -They are both classed here, because the original drawing (see under the -year 1781) is dated in 1747. - - * * * * * - -1748. - - -1. A monk leading an ass with a _Scotch_ man and woman on it, &c. -A wooden cut. Head-piece to the "Jacobite's Journal." This was a -news-paper set up and supported by _Henry Fielding_, and carried on for -a few months with some success. The wooden-cut was only prefixed to six -or seven of the papers. Being faintly executed, it was soon worn out, -and has lately been copied in aqua tinta by Mr. _Livesay_. - - -2. Pool of _Bethesda_, from the picture[1] he painted for _St. -Bartholomew's Hospital. Engraved by Ravenet for S. Austen_, as a -frontispiece for _Stackhouse's_ Bible. In this plate, I am assured by -an old acquaintance of Mr. _Hogarth_, is a faithful portrait of _Nell -Robinson_, a celebrated courtezan, with whom, in early life, they had -both been intimately acquainted. - -[1] Of this picture Mr. _S. Ireland_ has a large sketch in oil. - - * * * * * - -1749. - - -1.[1] The Gate of _Calais_.[2] Engraved by C. _Mosley_ and _W. -Hogarth. "His own head sketching the view. He was arrested when he was -making the drawing, but set at liberty when his purpose was known."_ -See above, p. 49. Mr. _Walpole_ also observes, that in this piece, -though it has great merit, "the caricatura is carried to excess." Mr. -_Pine_ the engraver sat for the portrait of the Friar, a circumstance -of which he afterwards repented;[3] for, thereby obtaining the -nick-name of _Friar Pine_, and being much persecuted and laughed at, he -strove to prevail on _Hogarth_ to give his Ghostly father another face. -Indeed, when he sat to our artist, he did not know to what purpose his -similitude would afterwards be applied. The original picture is in the -possession of the Earl of _Charlemont_. Soon after it was finished, -it fell down by accident, and a nail ran through the cross on the top -of the gate. _Hogarth_ strove in vain to mend it with the same colour, -so as to conceal the blemish. He therefore introduced a starved crow, -looking down on the roast-beef, and thus completely covered the defect. - -The figure of the half-starved _French_ centinel has since been copied -at the top of more than one of the printed advertisements for recruits, -where it is opposed to the representation of a well-fed _British_ -soldier. Thus the genius of _Hogarth_ still militates in the cause of -his country. - -A copy of this print was likewise engraved at the top of a Cantata, -intituled, _The Roast Beef of Old England_. As it is probable that the -latter was published under the sanction of our artist, I shall, without -scruple, transcribe it. - - RECITATIVE. - 'Twas at the Gates of _Calais, Hogarth_ tells, - Where sad Despair and Famine always dwells, - A meagre _Frenchman_, Madam _Grandsire's_ cook, - As home he steer'd his carcase, that way took, - Bending beneath the weight of fam'd _Sir-loin_, - On whom he often wish'd in vain to dine. - Good Father _Dominick_ by chance came by, - With rosy gills, round paunch, and greedy eye; - Who, when he first beheld the greasy load, - His benediction on it he bestow'd; - And while the solid fat his finger press'd, - He lick'd his chaps, and thus the knight address'd: - - AIR. - _A lovely Lass to a Friar came_, &c. - O rare _Roast Beef!_ lov'd by all mankind, - If I was doom'd to have thee, - When dress'd and garnish'd to my mind, - And swimming in thy gravy, - Not all thy country's force combin'd - Should from my fury save thee. - - Renown'd _Sir-loin_, oft-times decreed - The theme of _English_ ballad, - E'en kings on thee have deign'd to feed, - Unknown to _Frenchman's_ palate; - Then how much more thy taste exceeds - Soup-meagre, frogs, and sallad. - - RECITATIVE. - A half-starv'd soldier, shirtless, pale and lean, - Who such a sight before had never seen, - Like _Garrick's_ frighted _Hamlet_, gaping stood, - And gaz'd with wonder on the _British_ food. - His morning's mess forsook the friendly bowl, - And in small streams along the pavement stole; - He heav'd a sigh, which gave his heart relief, - And then in plaintive tone declar'd his grief. - - AIR. - Ah, sacre Dieu! vat do I see yonder, - Dat looks so tempting, red and white? - Begar I see it is de _Roast Beef_ from _Londre_, - O grant to me one letel bite. - But to my guts if you give no heeding, - And cruel Fate dis boon denies, - In kind compassion to my pleading, - Return, and let me feast my eyes. - - RECITATIVE. - His fellow guard, of right _Hibernian_ clay, - Whose brazen front his country did betray, - From _Tyburn's_ fatal tree had hither fled, - By honest means to get his daily bread; - Soon as the well-known prospect he espy'd, - In blubbering accents dolefully he cried: - - AIR. - _Ellen a Roon_, &c. - Sweet _Beef_, that now causes my stomach to rise. - Sweet _Beef_, that now causes my stomach to rise, - So taking thy sight is, - My joy that so light is, - To view thee, by pailfuls runs out at my eyes. - - While here I remain, my life's not worth a farthing, - While here I remain, my life's not worth a farthing, - Ah! hard-hearted _Lewy_, - Why did I come to ye? - The gallows, more kind, would have sav'd me from starving. - - RECITATIVE. - Upon the ground hard by poor _Sawney_ sate, - Who fed his nose, and scratch'd his ruddy pate; - But when _Old England's_ bulwark he descry'd, - His dear-lov'd mull, alas! was thrown aside. - With lifted hands he bless'd his native place, - Then scrub'd himself, and thus bewail'd his case: - - AIR. - _The Broom of Cowdenknows_, &c. - How hard, O _Sawney!_ is thy lot, - Who was so blyth of late, - To see such meat as can't be got, - When hunger is so great! - _O the Beef, the bonny bonny Beef! - When roasted nice and brown, - I wish I had a slice of thee, - How sweet it would gang down._ - Ah, _Charley!_ hadst thou not been seen, - This ne'er had hapt to me: - I would the De'el had pickt mine eyne - Ere I had gang'd with thee. - _O the Beef_, &c. - - RECITATIVE. - But see! my Muse to _England_ takes her flight, - Where _Health_ and _Plenty_ chearfully unite. - Where smiling _Freedom_ guards great _George's_ throne, - And chains, and racks, and tortures are not known; - Whose _Fame_ superior bards have often wrote.-- - An ancient fable give me leave to quote. - - AIR. - _The Roast Beef of Old England._ - As once on a time a young _Frog_, pert and vain, - Beheld a large _Ox_ grazing on the wide plain, - He boasted his size he could quickly attain. - _Oh! the Roast Beef,_ &c. - - Then eagerly stretching his weak little frame, - Mamma, who stood by, like a knowing old dame, - Cried, "Son, to attempt it you're greatly to blame." - _Oh! the Roast Beef,_ &c. - - But, deaf to advice, he for glory did thirst, - An effort he ventured, more strong than the first, - Till swelling and straining too hard, made him burst. - _Oh! the Roast Beef,_ &c. - - Then, _Britons_, be valiant; the moral is clear: - The _Ox_ is _Old England_, the _Frog_ is _Monsieur_, - Whose puffs and bravadoes we need never fear. - _Oh! the Roast Beef,_ &c. - - For while by our commerce and arts we are able - To see the brave _Ox_ smoaking hot on our table, - The _French_ must e'en croak, like the _Frog_ in the fable. - _Oh! the Roast Beef,_ &c. - -Printed for _R. Sayer_, at the _Golden Buck_ in _Fleet-street_; and _J. -Smith_, at _Hogarth's Head_ in _Cheapside_. - -At the end of a pamphlet which I shall have occasion to mention under -the year 1755, was announced, as speedily to be published under the -auspices of our artist, "A Poetical Description of Mr. _Hogarth's_ -celebrated print, _The Roast Beef of Old England_, or the _French_ -surprized at the Gate of _Calais_." - -[1] In _The General Advertiser, March_ 9, 1748-9, appeared the -following: - -"This day is published, price 5_s._ A Print, designed and engraved by -Mr. _Hogarth_, representing a PRODIGY which lately appeared before the -Gate of _Calais_. - -"O the Roast Beef of _Old England!_ - -"To be had at the _Golden-Head_, in _Leicester-Square_, and at the -Print Shops." - -[2] The following lines were written by the Rev. Mr. _Townley_, Master -of _Merchant Taylors' School_, and spoken by one of the Scholars, -_October_ 22, 1767, - - ASSA BUBULA. - - Littore in opposito, quâ turrim _Dubris_ in altum - Ostentans, undas imperiosa regit, - Ferrea stat, multo cum milite, porta _Calesi_: - (Ingenium pinxit talia, _Hogarthe_, tuum). - Eo! sudans carnis portat latus ille bovile, - Quem, trepidis genibus, grande fatigat onus; - Obstupet hic fixis oculis atque ore patenti, - Et tenue, invitus, jus cito mittit humi: - Accedit monachus, digito tangente rubentem - Carnem, divinum prodigiumque colit. - Omnia visa placent animum; non pascis inani - Picturâ, pariter quæ placet atque docet. - Egregius patriæ proprios dat pictor honores; - Et palmam jussa est ferre bovina caro. - -[3] Mr. _Walpole's_ new edition of his "Anecdotes of Painting" having -been published whilst the present page was preparing for the second -edition, I took the earliest opportunity of letting that admirable -writer speak for himself, in answer to a particular in which I had -presumed to differ from him. "If _Hogarth_ indulged his spirit of -ridicule in personalities," (I now use the words of Mr. _Walpole_) -"it never proceeded beyond sketches and drawings; his prints touched -the folly, but spared the person. Early he drew a noted miser, one of -the sheriffs, trying a mastiff that had robbed his kitchen, but the -magistrate's son went to his house and cut the picture in pieces.[A] -I have been reproved for this assertion," continues our agreeable -Biographer, "and instances have been pointed out that contradict me. -I am far from persevering in an error, and do allow that my position -was too positive. Still some of the instances adduced were by no means -caricaturas. Sir _John Gonson_ and Dr. _Misaubin_ in the _Harlot's -Progress_ were rather examples identified than satires. Others, as Mr. -_Pine's_, were mere portraits, introduced by their own desire, or with -their consent." - -[A] See above, p. 69. - - -2. Portrait of _John Palmer_, esq. lord of the manor of _Cogenhoe_ or -_Cooknoe_, and patron of the church, of _Ecton_ in _Northamptonshire. -W. Hogarth pinx. B. Baron sculp._ This small head is inserted under a -view of _Ecton_ Church. - - -3. His own head in a cap, a pug-dog, and a palette with the line of -beauty, &c. inscribed _Gulielmus Hogarth. Seipse pinxit & sculpsit._ -Very scarce, because _Hogarth_ erased his own portrait, and introduced -that of Mr. _Churchill_, under the character of a bear, in its room. -See under the year 1763. - -On this print, in its original state, the _Scandalizade_, a satire -published about 1749, has the following lines. The author represents -himself as standing before the window of a print-shop. - - "There elbowing in 'mong the crowd with a jog, - Lo! good father _Tobit_, said I, with his dog! - But the artist is wrong; for the dog should be drawn - At the heels of his master in trot o'er the lawn,-- - To your idle remarks I take leave to demur, - 'Tis not _Tobit_, nor yet his canonical cur, - (Quoth a sage in the crowd) for I'd have you to know, Sir, - 'Tis _Hogarth_ himself and his honest friend _Towser_, - Inseparate companions! and therefore you see - Cheek by jowl they are drawn in familiar degree; - Both striking the eye with an equal eclat, - The biped _This_ here, and the quadruped _That_-- - You mean--the great dog and the man, I suppose, - Or the man and the dog--be't just as you chuse.-- - You correct yourself rightly--when much to be blam'd, - For the worthiest person you first should have nam'd, - Great dog! why great man I methinks you should say. - Split the difference, my friend, they're both great in their way. - Is't he then so famous for drawing a punk, - A harlot, a rake, and a parson so drunk, - Whom _Trotplaid_[1] delivers to praise as his friend? - Thus a jacknapes a lion would fain recommend.-- - The very self same--how boldly they strike, - And I can't forbear thinking they're somewhat alike.-- - Oh fie! to a dog would you _Hogarth_ compare?-- - Not so--I say only they're alike as it were, - A respectable pair! all spectators allow, - And that they deserve a description below - In capital letters, _Behold we are Two_." - -[1] The name under which _Fielding_ wrote a news-paper called _The -Jacobite's Journal_, the frontispiece by _Hogarth_. - - -4. Portrait of _Hogarth_, small circle. Mr. _Basire_ (to whom this -plate has been ascribed) says it is much in our artist's manner. -On enquiry, however, it appears to be no other than a watch-paper -"Published according to Act of Parliament by _R. Sayer_, opposite -_Fetter-lane, Sept._ 29, 1749," and certainly copied from the small -portrait of our artist introduced in _The Roast Beef of Old England_. -Another head of him, with a fur cap on, was also edited by the same -printseller, at the same time. There is likewise a third head of -_Hogarth_, in an oval, prefixed as a frontispiece to "A Dissertation" -on his six prints, &c. _Gin Lane_, &c. which appeared in 1751. - - * * * * * - -1750. - - -1. _Thomas Herring_, Archbishop of _Canterbury. W. Hogarth p. B. Baron -sculp._ Of this picture (which is preserved in _Lambeth-Palace_) the -Archbishop, in a letter to Mr. _Duncombe_, says, "None of my friends -can bear _Hogarth's_ picture;" and Mr. _Duncombe_, the son, in a note -to this epistle, observes, that "this picture (as appears by the print -engraved by _Baron_ in 1750) exhibits rather a caricature than a -likeness, the figure being gigantic, the features all aggravated and -_outrés_, and, on the whole, so far from conveying an idea of that -_os placidum, moresque benigni_, as Dr. _Jortin_ expresses it, that -engaging sweetness and benevolence, which were characteristic of this -prelate, that they seem rather expressive of a _Bonner_, who could burn -a heretic. - - "_Lovat's_ hard features _Hogarth_ might command; - A _Herring's_ sweetness asks a _Reynolds'_ hand." - -_Hogarth_ however made the following observation while the Archbishop -was sitting to him: "Your Grace, perhaps, does not know that some of -our chief dignitaries in the church have had the best luck in their -portraits. The most excellent heads painted by _Vandyck_ and _Kneller_, -were those of _Laud_ and _Tillotson_. The crown of my works will be the -representation of your Grace." - - -2. _Jacobus Gibbs_, Architectus, A. M. and F. R. S. _Hogarth delin. -Baron sculp._ The same face as that in 1747, but in an octagon frame, -which admits more of the body to be shewn, as well as some architecture -in the back ground. There is also a smaller head of _Gibbs_, in -a circle, &c. but whether engraved by _Baron_ from a picture by -_Hogarth_, or any other hand, is uncertain. Perhaps it was designed as -a vignette for some splendid edition of _Gibbs's_ works. - - -3. The March to _Finchley_,[1] dedicated to the King of _Prussia_[2][as -"an Encourager of the Arts,"] "_in resentment for the late king's -sending for the picture to St. James's, and returning it without -any other notice._" This print is _engraved by Luke Sullivan_ but -afterwards, as we learn from a note at the bottom of it, was "Retouched -and _improved_ by _Wm. Hogarth_, and republished _June_ 12, 1761." The -_improvements_ in it, however, remain to be discovered by better eyes -than mine. - -I am authorized to add, that soon after the lottery described in a note -at the beginning of this article, our artist waited on the treasurer -to the _Foundling Hospital_, acquainting him that the trustees were at -liberty to dispose of the picture by auction. Scarce, however, was the -message delivered, before he changed his mind, and never afterwards -would consent to the measure he had originally proposed. The late Duke -of _Ancaster_ offered the hospital 300 _l._ for it. The following -complete explanation of it is in _The Student_, vol. II. p. 16. It is -supposed to have been written by the ingenious Mr. _Bonnel Thornton_. - -"The scene of this representation is laid at _Tottenham Court -Turnpike_; the _King's-Head, Adam_ and _Eve_, and the _Turnpike-house_, -in full view; beyond which are discovered parties of the guards, -baggage, &c. marching towards _Highgate_, and a beautiful distant -prospect of the country; the sky finely painted. The picture, -considered together, affords a view of a military march, and the -humours and disorders consequent thereupon. - -"Near the center of the picture, the painter has exhibited his -principal figure, which is a handsome young grenadier, in whose face is -strongly depicted repentance mixed with pity and concern; the occasion -of which is disclosed by two females putting in their claim for his -person, one of whom has hold of his right arm, and the other has -_seized_ his left. The figure upon his right hand, and perhaps placed -there by the painter by way of preference (as the object of love is -more desirable than that of duty), is a fine young girl in her person, -debauched, with child, and reduced to the miserable employ of selling -ballads, and who, with a look full of love, tenderness, and distress, -casts up her eyes upon her undoer, and with tears descending down her -cheeks, seems to say----_sure you cannot----will not leave me_! The -person and deportment of this figure well justifies the painter's -turning the body of the youth towards her. The woman upon the left -is a strong contrast to this girl; for rage and jealousy have thrown -the human countenance into no amiable or desirable form. This is the -wife of the youth, who, finding him engaged with such an _ugly slut_, -assaults him with a violence natural to a woman whose person and beauty -is neglected. To the fury of her countenance, and the dreadful weapon -her tongue, another terror appears in her hand, equally formidable, -which is a roll of papers, whereon is wrote, _The Remembrancer_; a -word of dire and triple import; for while it shews the occupation the -_amiable bearer_ is engaged in, it reminds the youth of an unfortunate -circumstance he would gladly forget: and the same word is also a -cant expression, to signify the blow she is meditating. And here, I -value myself upon hitting the true meaning, and entering into the -spirit of the great author of that celebrated _Journal_ called _The -Remembrancer_, or, _A weekly slap on the face for the Ministry_. - -"It is easily discernible that the two females are of different -parties. The ballad of _God save our noble King_, and a print of the -_Duke of Cumberland_, in the basket of the girl, and the cross upon the -back of the wife, with the implements of her occupation, sufficiently -denote the painter's intention: and, what is truly beautiful, these -incidents are applicable to the march. - -"The hard-favoured serjeant directly behind, who enjoys the foregoing -scene, is not only a good contrast to the youth, but also, with other -helps, throws forward the principal figure. - -"Upon the right of the grenadier is a drummer, who also has his _two -Remembrancers_, a woman and a boy, the produce of their kinder hours; -and who have laid their claim by a violent seizure upon his person. The -figure of the woman is that of a complainant, who reminds him of her -great applications, as well in sending him clean to guard, as other -kind offices done, and his promises to make her an honest woman, -which he, base and ungrateful, has forgot, and pays her affection with -neglect. The craning of her neck shews her remonstrances to be of the -shrill kind, in which she is aided by the howling of her boy. The -drummer, who has a mixture of fun and wickedness in his face, having -heard as many reproaches as suit his present inclinations, with a bite -of his lip, and a leering eye, applies to the instrument of noise in -his profession, and endeavours to drown the united clamour; in which he -is luckily aided by the _ear-piercing fife_ near him. - -"Between the figures before described, but more back in the picture, -appears the important but meagre phiz of a _Frenchman_, in close -whisper with an _Independent_. The first I suppose a spy upon the -motion of the army, the other probably drawn into the croud, in order -to give intelligence to his brethren, at their next meeting, to -commemorate their noble struggle in support of _Independency_. The -_Frenchman_ exhibits a letter, which he assures him contains positive -intelligence, that 10000 of his countrymen are landed in _England_, in -support of _liberty_ and _independency_. The joy with which his friend -receives these glorious tidings, causes him to forget the wounds upon -his head, which he has unluckily received by a too free and premature -declaration of his principles. - -"There is a fine contrast in the smile of innocency in the child at the -woman's back, compared with the grim joy of a gentleman by it; while -the hard countenance of its mother gives a delicacy to the grenadier's -girl. - -"Directly behind the drummer's quondam spouse, appears a soldier -pissing against a shed; and some distortions in his countenance -indicate a malady too indelicate to describe; this conjecture is aided -by a bill of Dr. _Rock's_ for relief in like cases. Directly over him -appears a wench at a wicket, probably drawn there to have a view of the -march; but is diverted from her first intention by the appearance of -another object directly under her eye, which seems to ingross her whole -attention. - -"Behind the drummer under the sign of the _Adam_ and _Eve_ are a -group of figures; two of which are engaged in the fashionable art of -bruising: their equal dexterity is shewn, by _sewed-up peepers_ on one -side, and _a pate well-sconced_ on the other. And here the painter -has shewn his impartiality to the merit of our _noble youths_, (whose -minds, inflamed with love of glory, appear, not only encouragers -of this truly laudable science, but many of them are also great -proficients in the art itself,) by introducing a youth of quality, -whose face is expressive of those boisterous passions necessary for -forming a hero of this kind; and who, entering deep into the scene, -endeavours to inspire the combatants with a noble contempt of bruises -and broken bones. An old woman, moved by a foolish compassion, -endeavours to force through the croud and part the fray, in which -design she is stopped by a fellow, who prefers fun and mischief to -humanity. Above their heads appears a little man[3] of meagre frame, -but full of spirits, who enjoys the combat, and with fists clenched, in -imagination deals blow for blow with the heroes. This figure is finely -contrasted, by a heavy sluggish fellow just behind. The painter, with a -stroke of humour peculiar to himself, has exhibited a figure shrinking -under the load of a heavy box upon his back, who, preferring curiosity -to ease, is a spectator, and waits in this uneasy state the issue of -the combat. Upon a board next the sign, where roots, flowers, &c. were -said to be sold, the painter has humorously altered the words, and -wrote thereon, _Tottenham-Court Nursery_; alluding to a bruising-booth -in this place, and the group of figures underneath. - -"Passing through the turnpike, appears a carriage laden with the -implements of war, as drums, halberts, tent-poles, and hoop-petticoats. -Upon the carriage are two old women-campaigners, funking their pipes, -and holding a conversation, as usual, in fire and smoke. These -grotesque figures afford a fine contrast to a delicate woman upon the -same carriage, who is suckling a child. This excellent figure evidently -proves, that the painter is as capable of succeeding in the graceful -style as in the humorous. A little boy laes at the feet of this -figure; and the painter, to shew him of martial breed, has placed a -small trumpet in his mouth. - -"The serious group of the principal figures, in the center, is finely -relieved by a scene of humour on the left. Here an officer has seized -a milk-wench, and is kissing her in a manner excessively lewd, yet -not unpleasing to the girl, if her eye is a proper interpreter of her -affections: while the officer's ruffles suffer in this action, the girl -pays her price, by an arch soldier, who in her absence of attention -to her pails, is filling his hat with milk, and, by his waggish eye, -seems also to partake of the kissing scene. A chimney-sweeper's boy -with glee puts in a request to the soldier, to supply him with a -cap full, when his own turn is served; while another soldier points -out the fun to a fellow selling pyes, who, with an inimitable face -of simple joy, neglects the care of his goods, which the soldier -dexterously removes with his other hand. In the figure of the pye-man, -the pencil has exceeded description----here the sounding epithets of -_prodigious--excellent--wonderful_--and all the other terms used by -Connoisseurs (when speaking of the beauties of an old picture, where -the objects must have lain in eternal obscurity, if not conjured out -to the apprehension of the spectator, by the magic of unintelligible -description) are too faint to point out its real merit. - -"The old soldier divested of one spatter-dash, and near losing the -other, and knocked down by all-potent gin, upon calling for t'other -cogue, his waggish comrade, supporting him with one hand, endeavours -to pour water into his mouth with the other, which the experienced -old one rejects with disdain, puts up his hand to his wife who bears -the arms and gin-bottle, and who, well acquainted with his taste, is -filling a quartern. And here the painter exhibits a sermon upon the -excessive use of spirituous liquors, and the destructive consequences -attending it: for the soldier is not only rendered incapable of his -duty, but (what is shocking to behold) a child begot and conceived in -gin, with a countenance emaciated, extends its little arms with great -earnestness, and wishes for that liquor, which it seems well acquainted -with the taste of. And here, not to dwell wholly upon the beauties -of this print, I must mention an absurdity discovered by a professed -connoisseur in painting--'Can there,' says he, 'be a greater absurdity -than the introducing a couple of chickens so near such a croud--and not -only so--but see--their direction is to go to objects it is natural -for 'em to shun--is this is knowledge of nature?--absurd to the last -degree!'----And here, with an air of triumph, ended our judicious -critic. But how great was his surprize, when it was discovered to him, -that the said chickens were in pursuit of the hen, which had made her -escape into the pocket of a sailor. - -"Next the sign-post is an honest tar throwing up his hat, crying 'God -bless King _George_.' Before him is an image of drunken loyalty; who, -with his shirt out of his breeches, and bayonet in his hand, vows -destruction on the heads of the rebels. A fine figure of a speaking -old woman, with a basket upon her head, will upon view tell you what -she sells. A humane soldier perceiving a fellow hard-loaded with a -barrel of gin upon his back, and stopped by the croud, with a gimblet -bores a hole in the head of the cask, and is kindly easing him of a -part of his burthen. Near him, is the figure of a fine gentleman in the -army. As I suppose the painter designed him without character, I shall -therefore only observe, that he is a very pretty fellow, and happily -the contemplation of his own dear person guards him from the attempts -of the wicked women on his right hand. Upon the right hand of this -_petit maitre_ is a licentious soldier rude with a girl, who screams -and wreaks her little vengeance upon his face, whilst his comrade is -removing off some linen which hangs in his way. - -"You will pardon the invention of a new term--I shall include the whole -_King's Head_ in the word _Cattery_, the principal figure of which is -a noted fat _Covent Garden_ lady,[4] who, with pious eyes cast up to -heaven, prays for the army's success, and the safe return of many of -her babes of grace. An officer offers a letter to one of this lady's -children, who rejects it; possibly not liking the cause her spark is -engaged in, or, what is more probable, his not having paid for her -last favour. Above her, a charitable girl is throwing a shilling to a -cripple, while another kindly administers a cordial to her companion, -as a sure relief against reflection. The rest of the windows are full -of the like cattle; and upon the house-top appear three cats, just -emblems of the creatures below, but more harmless in their amorous -encounters." - -There is likewise another explanation in _The Old Woman's Magazine_, -vol. I. p. 182. To elucidate a circumstance, however, in this justly -celebrated performance, it is necessary to observe, that near -_Tottenham Court Nursery_ was the place where the famous _Broughton's_ -amphitheatre for boxing was erected. It has been since taken down, -having been rendered useless by the justices not permitting such kind -of diversions. This will account for the appearance of the Bruisers -at the left hand corner of the print. One of _Hogarth's_ ideas in -this performance also needs the assistance of colouring, to render -it intelligible. The person to whom the _Frenchman_ is delivering a -letter, was meant for an old _Highlander_ in disguise, as appears from -the plaid seen through an opening in his grey coat; a circumstance -in the print that escaped me, till after I had seen the picture, and -perused _Rouquet's_ explanation of this particular circumstance, -which I shall add in his own words, with his reflections at the end -of it. "A droite du principal group paroit une figure de _François_, -qu'on a voulu representer comme un homme de quelque importance, afin -de lui donner plus de ridicule; il parle à un homme dont la nation est -indiquée par l'etoffe de sa veste, qui est celle dont s'habillent les -habitans des montagnes _d'Ecosse_: le _François_ semble communiquer -à l'_Ecossois_ des lettres qu'il vient de reçevoir, & qui ont -rapport à l'evenement qui donne lieu à cette marche. Les _Anglois_ -ne se réjouissent jamais bien sans qu'il en coute quelque chose aux -_François_; leur theatre, leur conversation, leurs tableaux, et sur -tout ceux de notre peintre, portent toujours cette glorieuse marque -de l'amour de la patrie; les romans même sont ornés de traits amusans -sur cet ancien sujet; l'excellent auteur de _Tom Jones_ a voulu aussi -lâcher les siens. Mais le pretendu mépris pour les _François_ dont le -peuple de ce pais-ci fait profession, s'explique selon moi d'une façon -fort équivoque. Le mépris suppose l'oubli; mais un objet dont on médit -perpetuèllement est un objet dont on est perpetuèllement occupé: la -satire constitue une attention qui me feroit soupconner qu'on fait aux -_François_ l'honneur de les haïr un peu." - -All the off tracts from the faces in the original picture of the March -to _Finchley_, in red chalk on oiled paper, are still preserved. - -This representation may be said to contain three portraits, all of -which were acknowledged by the artist: a noted _French_ pye-man; one of -the young fifers then recently introduced into the army by the Duke of -_Cumberland_; and a chimney-sweeper with an aspect peculiarly roguish. -The two latter were hired by _Hogarth_, who gave each of them half a -crown, for his patience in sitting while his likeness was taken. Among -the portraits in the _March to Finchley_ (says a correspondent) that of -_Jacob Henriques_ may also be discovered. I wish it had been pointed -out. - -With this plate (of which the very few proofs in aqua-fortis, as well -as the finished ones, are highly valuable) no unfair stratagems have -been practised, that a number of the various impressions, taken off -at different times, might be mistaken for the earliest. On copper -nothing is more easy than to cover, alter, efface, or re-engrave an -inscription, as often as temporary convenience may require a change in -it.[5] Witness, the several copies of _The Lottery_, three of which -exhibit the names of three different publishers: the fourth has none at -all. - -The possessors of this March to _Finchley_ need not vehemently lament -their want of the original. The spirit of it is most faithfully -transfused on the copper. As to the colouring, it will hardly delight -such eyes are are accustomed to the pictures of _Steen_ or _Teniers_. -To me the painting of the _March to Finchley_ appears hard and heavy, -and has much the air of a coloured print. - -I should not, on this occasion, omit to add, that Mr. _Strange_, in his -_Inquiry into the Rise and Establishment of the Royal Academy of Arts -in London_, observes, that "the donations in painting which several -artists presented to _The Foundling Hospital_," first led to the idea -of those Exhibitions which are at present so lucrative to our Royal -Academy, and so entertaining to the publick. _Hogarth_ must certainly -be considered as a chief among these benefactors. - -[1] _General Advertiser, April_ 14, 1750. Mr _Hogarth_ is publishing, -by subscription, a print representing the march to _Finchley_ in the -year 1746, engraved on a copper-plate, 22 inches by 17. The price 7 -_s._ 6 _d._ - -Subscriptions are taken in at _The Golden Head_ in _Leicester-Fields_, -till the 30th of this instant, and not longer, to the end that the -engraving may not be retarded. - -Note. Each print will be half a Guinea after the Subscription is over. - -In the Subscription-book, are the particulars of a proposal whereby -each subscriber of three shillings, over and above the said seven -shillings and sixpence for the print, will, in consideration thereof, -be entitled to a chance of having the original picture, which shall -be delivered to the winning subscriber as soon as the engraving is -finished. - -_General Advertiser, May_ 1, 1750. - -Yesterday Mr. _Hogarth's_ subscription was closed. 1843 chances being -subscribed for, Mr. _Hogarth_ gave the remaining 157 chances to _The -Foundling Hospital_. At two o'clock the box was opened, and the -fortunate chance was N° 1941, which belongs to the said Hospital; and -the same night Mr. _Hogarth_ delivered the picture to the Governors. - -[2] PRUSIA, in the earliest impressions. I have been assured that -only twenty-five were worked off with this literal imperfection, as -_Hogarth_ grew tired of adding the mark ~ with a pen over one S, to -supply the want of the other. He therefore ordered the inscription -to be corrected before any greater number of impressions were taken. -Though this circumstance was mentioned by Mr. _Thane_, to whose -experience in such matters some attention is due, it is difficult to -suppose that _Hogarth_ was fatigued with correcting his own mistake in -so small a number of the first Impressions. I may venture to add, that -I have seen, at least, five and twenty marked in the manner already -described: and it is scarce possible, considering the multitudes of -these plates dispersed in the world, that I should have met with all -that were so distinguished. - -[3] The real or nick name of this man, who was by trade a cobler, is -said to have been _Jockey James_. - -[4] This figure is repeated in the last print but one of _Industry_. -and _Idleness_, and was designed for Mother _Douglas_ of the Piazza. - -[5] _Proofs_ were anciently a few impressions taken off in the course -of an engraver's process. He _proved_ a plate in different states, that -he might ascertain how far his labours had been successful, and when -they were complete. The excellence of such early impressions, worked -with care, and under the artist's eye, occasioning them to be greedily -sought after, and liberally paid for, it has been customary among our -modern printsellers to take off a number of them, amounting, perhaps, -to hundreds, from every plate of considerable value; and yet their -want of rareness has by no means abated their price. On retouching a -plate, it has been also usual, among the same conscientious fraternity, -to cover the inscription, which was immediately added after the first -proofs were obtained, with slips of paper, that a number of secondary -proofs might also be created. This device is notorious, and too often -practised, without discovery, on the unskilful purchaser. A new print, -in short, is of the same use to a crafty dealer, as a fresh girl to a -politic bawd. In both instances _le fausse pucelage_ is disposed of -many times over. - - * * * * * - -1751. - - -1. _Beer-street_;[1] two of them, with variations, (the former price -1 _s._ the latter 1 _s._ 6 _d._), and _Gin Lane_. The following verses -under these two prints are by the Rev. Mr. _James Townley_, Master of -_Merchant Taylors School_: - - - BEER-STREET. - Beer, happy product of our isle, - Can sinewy strength impart, - And, wearied with fatigue and toil, - Can chear each manly heart. - - Labour and Art, upheld by thee, - Successfully advance; - We quaff thy balmy juice with glee, - And water leave to _France_. - - Genius of Health, thy grateful taste - Rivals the cup of _Jove_, - And warms each _English_ generous breast - With Liberty and Love. - - GIN-LANE. - Gin, cursed fiend! with fury fraught, - Makes human race a prey; - It enters by a deadly draught, - And steals our life away. - - Virtue and Truth, driven to despair, - Its rage compels to fly, - But cherishes, with hellish care, - Theft, Murder, Perjury. - - Damn'd cup! that on the vitals preys, - That liquid fire contains, - Which madness to the heart conveys, - And rolls it thro' the veins. - -Mr. _Walpole_ observes, that the variation of the butcher lifting -the _Frenchman_ in his hand, was an after-thought;[2] but he is -mistaken. This _butcher_ is in reality a _blacksmith_; and the violent -hyperbole is found in the original drawing, as well as in the earliest -impressions of the plate. The first copies of _Beer-street, Gin Lane,_ -and _The Stages of Cruelty,_ were taken off on very thin paper; but -this being objected to, they were afterwards printed on thicker. The -painter, who in the former of these scenes is copying a bottle from one -hanging by him as a pattern, has been regarded as a stroke of satire on -_John Stephen Liotard_, who (as Mr. _Walpole_ observes) "could render -nothing but what he saw before his eyes."[3] - -It is probable that _Hogarth_ received the first idea for these two -prints from a pair of others by _Peter Breugel_ (commonly called -_Breugel d'enfer_, or _Hellish Breugel_), which exhibit a contrast -of a similar kind. The one is entitled _La grasse_, the other _La -maigre Cuisine_. In the first, all the personages are well-fed and -plump; in the second, they are starved and slender. The latter of them -also exhibits the figures of an emaciated mother and child, sitting -on a straw-mat upon the ground, whom I never saw without thinking on -the female, &c. in _Gin Lane_.[4] In _Hogarth_, the fat _English_ -blacksmith is insulting the gaunt _Frenchman_; and in _Breugel_, the -plump cook is kicking the lean one out of doors. Our artist was not -unacquainted with the works of this master, as will appear by an -observation on the _Lilliputians_ giving _Gulliver_ a clyster. - -On the subject of these two plates, and the four following ones, -was published a stupid pamphlet, intituled, "A Dissertation on Mr. -_Hogarth's_ Six Prints lately published, viz. _Gin-Lane, Beer-street,_ -and _The Four Stages of Cruelty_, Containing, I. A genuine narrative -of the horrible deeds perpetrated by that fiery dragon, _Gin_; the -wretched and deplorable condition of its votaries and admirers; the -dreadful havock and devaluation it has made amongst the human species; -its pernicious effects on the soldiers, sailors, and mechanicks of -this kingdom; and its poisonous and pestilent qualities in destroying -the health, and corrupting the morals of the people. II. Useful -observations on wanton and inhuman cruelty, severely satirizing the -practice of the common people in sporting with the lives of animals. -Being a proper key for the right apprehension of the author's meaning -in those designs. Humbly inscribed to the Right Honourable _Francis -Cockayne_, Esq; Lord Mayor of the City of _London_, and the worshipful -Court of Aldermen, who have so worthily distinguished themselves in the -measures they have taken to suppress the excessive use of spirituous -liquors. _London_: Printed for _B. Dickinson_ on _Ludgate-Hill_. 1751. -Price one shilling;" and eleven pence three farthings too dear, being -compiled out of _Reynolds's_ "God's Revenge against Murder," &c. - -[1] _General Advertiser, February_ 13, 1750-51. - -On _Friday_ next will be published, price one shilling each. - -Two large Prints designed and etched by Mr. _Hogarth_, called -_Beer-street_ and _Gin-lane_. - -A number will be printed in a better manner for the Curious at 1 _s._ 6 -_d_. each. - -And on _Thursday_ following will be published, - -Four Prints on the subject of Cruelty. Price and size the same. - -_N. B._ As the subjects of these Prints are calculated to reform some -reigning vices peculiar to the lower class of people, in hopes to -render them of more extensive use, the author has published them in the -cheapest manner possible. - -To be had at the _Golden Head_ in _Leicester Fields_, where may be had -all his other works. - -[2] I am sorry to perceive that this observation remains in the octavo -edition of the "Anecdotes of Painting," vol. IV. p. 147. - -[3] The opinion which _Hogarth_ entertained of the writings of -Dr. _Hill_ may be discovered in his _Beer-Street_, where _Hill's_ -critique upon the Royal Society is put into a basket directed to the -Trunk-Maker, in _St. Paul's Church-Yard_. - -[4] This emaciated figure, who appears drunk and asleep at the corner -of this print, was painted from nature. - - -2. The Stages of Cruelty, in four prints. _Designed by Wm. Hogarth, -price_ 4 _s._ Of the two latter of these there are wooden plates[1] on -a large scale, _Invd. and published by Wm. Hogarth, Jan._ 1, 1750. -_J. Bell sculp._ They were done by order of our artist, who wished -to diffuse the salutary example they contain, as far as possible, by -putting them within the reach of the meanest purchaser; but finding -this mode of executing his design was expensive beyond expectation, he -proceeded no further in it, and was content to engrave them in his own -coarse, but spirited manner. Impressions from the wooden blocks are -to be had at Mrs. _Hogarth's_ house in _Leicester-fields_. This set of -prints, however, is illustrated with the following verses: - - FIRST STAGE OF CRUELTY. - While various scenes of sportive woe - The infant race employ, - And tortur'd Victims bleeding shew - The tyrant in the boy; - Behold! a _youth_ of gentler heart, - To spare the Creature's pain,[2] - O take, he cries--take all my tart, - But tears and tart are vain. - Learn from this fair example--you, - Whom savage sports delight, - How Cruelty disgusts the view, - While pity charms the sight. - - SECOND STAGE OF CRUELTY. - The generous _steed_, in hoary age, - Subdu'd by labour lies; - And mourns a cruel master's rage, - While _Nature_ strength denies. - The tender _Lamb_, o'erdrove and faint, - Amidst expiring throes, - Bleats forth it's innocent complaint, - And dies beneath the blows. - Inhuman wretch! say whence proceeds - This coward Cruelty? - What int'rest springs from barb'rous deeds - What joy from misery? - - III. CRUELTY IN PERFECTION. - To lawless _Love_ when once betray'd, - Soon crime to crime succeeds; - At length beguil'd to _Theft_, the _maid_ - By her _beguiler_ bleeds. - Yet learn, seducing man, not night - With all its sable cloud, - Can skreen the guilty _deed_ from sight: - Foul Murder cries aloud. - The gaping wounds, the blood-stain'd steel, - Now shock his trembling _soul_: - But oh! what pangs his breast must feel, - When Death his knell shall toll. - - IV. THE REWARD OF CRUELTY. - Behold, the _Villain's_ dire disgrace - Not death itself can end: - He finds no peaceful _burial-place_; - His breathless corse, no friend, - Torn from the root, that wicked _Tongue_, - Which daily swore and curst! - Those eye-balls, from their sockets wrung, - That glow'd with lawless lust. - His heart, exposed to prying eyes, - To pity has no claim; - But, dreadful! from his bones shall rise - His monument of shame.[3] - -[1] N. B. The first of these wooden cuts differs in many circumstances -from the engraving. In the former, the right hand of the murderer is -visible; in the latter it is pinioned behind him. Comparison will -detect several other variations in this plate and its fellow. - -[2] The thrusting an arrow up the fundament of a dog, is not an idea of -_English_ growth. No man ever beheld the same act of cruelty practised -on any animal in _London. Hogarth_, however, met with this circumstance -in _Callot's Temptation of St. Antony_, and transplanted it, without -the least propriety, into its present situation. - -[3] In the last of these plates, "how delicate and superior," as Mr. -_Walpole_ observes, "is _Hogarth's_ satire, when he intimates, in -the College of Physicians and Surgeons that preside at a dissection, -how the legal habitude of viewing shocking scenes hardens the human -mind, and renders it unfeeling. The president maintains the dignity -of insensibility over an executed corpse, and considers it but as the -object of a lecture. In the print of the Sleeping Judges, this habitual -indifference only excites our laughter." To render his spectacle, -however, more shocking, our artist has perhaps deviated from nature, -against whose laws he so rarely offends. He has impressed marks of -agony on the face of the criminal under dissection; whereas it is -well known, that, the most violent death once past, the tumult of the -features subsides for ever. But, in _Hogarth's_ print, the wretch who -has been executed, seems to feel the subsequent operation. Of this -plate Mr. _S. Ireland_ has the original drawing. - - -3. Boys peeping at Nature, with Variations. - -Receipt for _Moses brought to Pharaoh's Daughter_, and St. _Paul before -Felix_. - -The burlesque _Paul_, &c. being the current receipt for these two -prints, I know not why our artist should have altered and vamped up his -_Boys peeping at Nature_ (see p. 188.) for the same purpose. This plate -was lately found at Mrs. _Hogarth's_, but no former impressions from -it appear to have been circulated. It might have been a first thought, -before the idea of its ludicrous successor occurred. _Hogarth_, -however, with propriety, effaced all the wit in his original design, -before he meant to offer it as a prologue to his uninteresting serious -productions. - - -4. _Paul_ before _Felix_, designed and scratched in the true _Dutch_ -taste, by _W. Hogarth_. This was the receipt for _Pharaoh's_ daughter, -and for the serious _Paul_ and _Felix_; and is a satire on _Dutch_ -pictures. It also contains, in the character of a serjeant tearing his -brief, a portrait of _Hume Campbell_, who was not over-delicate in the -language he used at the bar to his adversaries and antagonists. This, -however, is said by others to be the portrait of _William King_,[1] -LL. D. Principal of _St. Mary Hall, Oxford_. In a variation of this -print, the Devil is introduced sawing off a leg of the stool on which -_Paul_ stands. In the _third_ impression, as is noted in the collection -sold last at _Christie's_, "_Hogarth_ has again taken out the Devil. -By these variations of _Devil and no Devil_, he glances at Collectors, -who give great prices for such rarities; and perhaps he had in his -eye the famous print of the Shepherd's Offering by _Poilly_, after -_Guido_, which sells very dear, without the Angels." This, however, is -erroneous. After the dæmon was once admitted, he was never discarded. -The plate in Mrs. _Hogarth's_ keeping confirms my assertion. In the -first proof of _Poilly's Shepherd's Offering_, the angels are lightly -sketched in; in the finished proof they are totally omitted; but were -afterwards inserted. There are similar variations relative to the arms -at the bottom of it. - -Of this burlesque _Paul_, &c. none were originally intended for sale; -but our artist gave them away to such of his acquaintance, &c. as -begged for them. The number of these petitioners, however, increasing -every day, he resolved at last to part with no copies of it at a less -price than five shillings.[2] All the early proofs were stained by -himself, to give them that tint of age which is generally found on -the works of _Rembrandt_. Of this plate, however, there are _two_ -impressions. The inscription under the _first_ is "_Paul_ before -_Felix_. Design'd and scratch'd in the true _Dutch_ taste by &c." -Under the _second_, "Designed and etch'd in the ridiculous manner of -_Rembrant_, &c." From the former of these _Hogarth_ took off a few -reverses. He must have been severely mortified when he found his -ludicrous representation of _Paul_ before _Felix_ was more coveted and -admired than his serious painting on the same subject. - -[1] Of Dr. _King_, who was "a tall, lean, well-looking man," there is -a striking likeness in _Worlidge's_ View of the Installation of Lord -_Westmoreland_ as chancellor of _Oxford_ in 1761. Some particulars of -his life and writings may be seen in the "Anecdotes of Mr. _Bowyer_," -p. 594. - -[2] Mr. _Walpole_ has honoured a passage in the first edition of this -hasty work, with the following stricture: (see Anecdotes of Painting, -vol. IV. p. 149). - -"I have been blamed for censuring the indelicacies of _Flemish_ and -_Dutch_ painters, by comparing them with the _purity_ of _Hogarth_, -against whom are produced many instances of indelicacy, and some -repetitions of the same indelicacy. I will not defend myself by -pleading that these instances are thinly scattered through a great -number of his works, and that there is at least humour in most of the -incidents quoted, and that they insinuate some reflection, which is -never the case of the foreigners--but can I chuse but smile when one of -the nastiest examples specified is from the burlesque of _Paul_ before -_Felix_, professedly in ridicule of the gross images of the _Dutch_?" - -In consequence of private remarks from Mr. _W._ this questionable -position, as well as a few others, had been obviated in my second -impression of the trifling performance now offered to the public: but -as our author cannot _chuse but smile_, when the occasion of his mirth -was no longer meant to be in his way, I would ask, in defence of my -former observation, if moralists usually attempt to reform profligates -by writing treatises of profligacy? or, if painters have a right to -chastise indelicacy, by exhibiting gross examples of it in their own -performances? To become indecent ourselves, is an unwarrantable recipe -for curing indecency in others. The obscenities of _Juvenal_ have -hitherto met with no very successful vindication: "Few are the converts -_Aretine_ has made." According to our critic's mode of reasoning, a -homicide might urge that the crime of which he stands accused was -committed only as a salutary example of the guilt of murder; nay, -thus indeed every human offence might be allowed to bring with it its -own apology.--I forbear to proceed in this argument, or might observe -in behalf of our "foreigners," that their incidents insinuate some -reflections as well as _Hogarth's_. The evacuations introduced in -_Dutch_ pictures, most certainly inculcate the necessity of temperance, -for those only who eat and drink too much at fairs, or in ale-houses, -are liable to such public and unseemly accidents as _Heemskirk, -Ostade,_ and _Teniers,_ have occasionally represented. If we are to -look for "Sermons in stones, and good in everything," this inference -is as fair as many which Mr. _W._ seems inclined to produce in honour -of poor _Hogarth_, who, like _Shakspeare_, often sought to entertain, -without keeping any moral purpose in view. But was there either wit or -morality in _Hogarth's_ own evacuation against the door of a church, -a circumstance recorded by Mr. _Forrest_ in his MS. tour, though -prudently suppressed in his printed copy of it? Perhaps, following -Uncle _Toby's_ advice, he had better have wiped the whole up, and said -nothing about the matter. Our worthy Tour-writer, however, was by no -means qualified to be the author of a Sentimental Journey. He rather -(and purposely, as we are told) resembles _Ben Jonson's_ communicative -traveller, who says to his companion, - - ----I went and paid a moccinigo - For mending my silk stockings; by the way - I cheapen'd sprats, and at _St. Mark's_ I urin'd. - Faith, these are politic notes! - - * * * * * - -1752. - - -1. _Paul_ before _Felix_, from the original painting in _Lincoln's-Inn -Hall_, painted by _W. Hogarth._ "_There is much less Dignity in this, -than Wit in the preceding._" Under the inscription to the first -impressions of this plate is "Published _Feb._ 5, 1752. Engraved by -_Luke Sullivan._" To the second state of it was added the quotation -which, in p. 64, I have printed from Dr. _Joseph Warton's_ Essay on the -Genius of _Pope_. It was covered with paper in the third impression, -and entirely effaced in the fourth. - - -2. The same, "_as first designed, but the wife of_ Felix _was -afterwards omitted, because St_. Paul's _hand was very improperly -placed before her._" I have seen a copy of it, on which _Hogarth_ had -written, "A print off the plate that was set aside as insufficient. -Engraved by _W. H._" On the appearance of Dr. _Warton's_ criticism on -this plate, _Hogarth_ caused the whole of it to be engraved under both -this and the next mentioned print, without any comment. - - -3. _Moses_ brought to _Pharaoh's_ daughter, from a picture at _The -Foundling Hospital. Engraved by W. Hogarth and Luke Sullivan._ - -In the early impressions from this plate (exclusive of its necessary -and usual inscription) the words "Published _February_ 5, 1752, -according to Act of Parliament," and "_W. Hogarth pinxit_," are found. -In subsequent copies they are obliterated; and we have only "Published -as the Act directs" in their room. These were left out, however, -only to make room for the quotation from Dr. _Warton's_ book already -mentioned.[1] - -[1] It should here be remarked, that the heads of several of the -figures in the original, differ widely from those in the engraving. -The daughter of the _Egyptian_ Monarch appears to more advantage -in the print than on the canvas, for there she resembles a wanton -under-actress, who, half-undrest, and waiting for her keeper, employs -the interval of time in settling accounts with a washerwoman, who has -her bastard at nurse, and has just brought him home to convince her -that young _Curl-pated Hugh_ has no shoes to his feet. The colouring -of this piece is beneath criticism. I have just been told the head -of _Pharaoh's_ daughter was copied from one _Seaton_, a smock-faced -youth of our artist's acquaintance: a proper model, no doubt, for an -_Eastern_ Princess! _Hogarth_ could not, like _Guido_, draw a _Venus_ -from a common porter. - - * * * * * - -1753. - - -1. _Columbus_ breaking the egg. "_The subscription-ticket to his -Analysis._" First payment 5 _s. Hogarth_ published this print as a -sarcasm on those artists who had been inclined to laugh at his boasted -line of beauty, as a discovery which every one might have made. - - -2. Analysis of Beauty. Two plates. Mr. _Walpole_ observes, that -_Hogarth's_ "samples of grace in a young lord and lady are strikingly -stiff and affected. They are a _Bath_ beau and a county beauty." The -print is found in three different states. "In the original plate -the principal figure represented the present king, then prince, but -_Hogarth_ was desired to alter it. The present figure was taken from -the last duke of _Kingston_; yet, though like him, is stiff, and far -from graceful."[1] In Plate I. Fig. 19. the fat personage drest in a -_Roman_ habit, and elevated on a pedestal, was designed, as _Hogarth_ -himself acknowledged, for a ridicule on _Quin_ in the character of -_Coriolanus. Essex_ the dancing-master is also represented in the act -of endeavouring to reduce the graceful attitude of _Antinous_ to modern -stiffness. Fig. 20. was likewise meant for the celebrated _Desnoyer_, -dancing in a grand ballet. - -Dr. _Beattie_, speaking of the modes of combination, by which -incongruous qualities may be presented to the eye, or the fancy, so -as to provoke laughter, observes "A country dance of men and women, -like those exhibited by _Hogarth_ in his Analysis of Beauty, could -hardly fail to make a beholder merry, whether he believed their union -to be the effect of design or accident. Most of those persons have -incongruities of their own in their shape, dress, or attitude, and -all of them are incongruous in respect of one another; thus far the -assemblage displays contrariety or want of relation: and they are -all united in the same dance; and thus far they are mutually related. -And if we suppose the two elegant figures removed, which might be -done without lessening the ridicule, we should not easily discern any -contrast of dignity and meanness in the group that remains. - -"Almost the same remarks might be made on _The Enraged Musician_, -another piece of the same great master, of which a witty author -quaintly says, that it deafens one to look at it. This extraordinary -group forms a very comical mixture of incongruity and relation; of -incongruity, owing to the dissimilar employment and appearances of the -several persons, and to the variety and dissonance of their respective -noises; and of relation, owing to their being all united in the same -place, and for the same purpose of tormenting the poor fidler. From -the various sounds co-operating to this one end, the piece becomes -more laughable, than if their meeting were conceived to be without any -particular destination; for the greater number of relations, as well as -of contrarieties, that take place in any ludicrous assembly, the more -ludicrous it will generally appear. Yet, though this group comprehends -not any mixture of meanness and dignity, it would, I think, be allowed -to be laughable to a certain degree, merely from the juxta-position of -the objects, even though it were supposed to be accidental." Essay on -Laughter and Ludicrous Composition, 4to Edit. 608. - -"I have no new books, alas! to amuse myself or you; so can only return -yours of _Hogarth's_ with thanks. It surprized me agreeably; for I had -conceived the performance to be a set of prints only, whereas I found -a book which I did not imagine _Hogarth_ capable of writing; for in -his pencil I always confided, but never imagined his pen would have -afforded me so much pleasure. As to his not fixing _the precise degree -of obliquity_, which constitutes beauty, I forgive him, because I think -the task too hard to be performed literally: but yet he conveys an idea -between his pencil and his pen, which makes one conceive his meaning -pretty well." Lady _Luxborough's_ Letters, p. 380. - -I shall here transcribe as much from the _Analysis_ as is necessary to -communicate our artist's design relative to the various figures that -compose the country-dance in the second plate. The reader who neither -possesses the book, nor wishes to accompany the author throughout his -technical explanations, may desire some intelligence concerning the -present subject. - - "CHAP. XIV. - - "OF ATTITUDE. - - - "--As two or three lines at first are sufficient to shew the intention - of an attitude, I will take this opportunity of presenting my reader - with the sketch of a country-dance, in the manner I began to set out - the design; in order to shew how few lines are necessary to express - the first thoughts as to different attitudes [see fig. 71. T. p. 2.], - which describe, in some measure, the several figures and actions, - mostly of the ridiculous kind, that are represented in the chief part - of plate II. - - "The most amiable person may deform his general appearance by throwing - his body and limbs into plain lines; but such lines appear still in - a more disagreeable light in people of a particular make; I have - therefore chose such figures as I thought would agree best with my - first score of lines, fig. 71. - - "The two parts of curves next to 71, served for the old woman and her - partner at the farther end of the room. The curve and two strait lines - at right angles gave the hint for the fat man's sprawling posture. I - next resolved to keep a figure within the bounds of a circle, which - produced the upper part of the fat woman between the fat man and the - aukward one in a bag-wig, for whom I had made a sort of an X. The - prim lady, his partner, in the riding habit, by pecking back her - elbows, as they call it, from the waist upwards, made a tolerable D, - with a straight line under it, to signify the scanty stiffness of her - petticoat; and a Z stood for the singular position the body makes with - the legs and thighs of the affected fellow in the tye-wig; the upper - part of his plump partner was confined to an O, and this, changed into - a P, served as a hint for the straight lines behind.[2] The uniform - diamond of a card was filled by the flying dress, &c. of the little - capering fellow in the Spencer wig; whilst a double L marked the - parallel position of his poking partner's hands and arms [_N. B. This - figure was copied from that of an uncouth young female whom_ Hogarth - _met with at_ Isleworth _assembly_]: and, lastly, the two waving lines - were drawn for the more genteel turns of the two figures at the hither - end. - - "The drawing-room is also ornamented purposely with such statues - and pictures as may serve to a farther illustration. _Henry_ VIII. - [Fig. 72. P. 2] makes a perfect X with his legs and arms; and the - position of _Charles_ [Fig. 51. P. 2.] is composed of less-varied - lines than the statue of _Edward_ VI. [Fig. 73. P. 2.]; and the - medal over his head is in the like kind of lines; but that over Q. - _Elizabeth_, as well as her figure, is in the contrary; so are also - the two other wooden figures at the end. Likewise the comical posture - of astonishment expressed by following the direction of one plain - curve, as the dotted line in a _French_ print of _Sancho_, where Don - _Quixote_ demolishes the puppet-show [Fig. 75. R. P. 2], is a good - contrast to the effect of the serpentine lines in the fine turn of - the _Samaritan_ woman [Fig. 75. L. p. 2.] taken from one of the best - pictures _Annibal Carache_ ever painted." - -Respecting the plate numbered I. there are no variations. In its -companion the changes repeatedly made as to the two principal figures -are more numerous than I had at first observed. It may, however, be -sufficient for me to point out some single circumstance in each, that -may serve as a mark of distinction. In the first, the principal female -has scarce any string to her necklace; in the second it is lengthened; -and still more considerably increased in the third. In the first and -second editions also of this plate, between the young lord and his -partner (and just under the figure of the man who is pointing out the -stateliness of some of K. _Henry_ VIIIth's proportions to a lady), is -a vacant easy chair. In the third impression this chair is occupied by -a person asleep. I have lately been assured that this country-dance -was originally meant to have formed one of the scenes in the _Happy -Marriage_. The old gentleman hastening away his daughter, while the -servant is putting on his spatter-dashes, seems to countenance the -supposition; and having since examined the original sketch in oil, -which is in Mr. _Ireland's_ possession, I observe that the dancing-room -is terminated by a large old-fashioned bow-window, a circumstance -perfectly consistent with the scenery of the wedding described in p. -46, &c. - -I may add, that in this picture, the couple designed for specimens of -grace, appear, not where they stand in the print, but at the upper end -of the room: and so little versed was our painter in the etiquette -of a wedding-ball, that he has represented the bride dancing with the -bridegroom.[3] - -When _Hogarth_ shewed the original painting, from which this dance has -been engraved, to my informant, he desired him to observe a pile of -hats in the corner, all so characteristic of their respective owners, -that they might with ease be picked out, and given to the parties for -whom they were designed. - -[1] Anecdotes of Painting, 8vo. vol. IV. p. 166. - -[2] The idea of making human figures conform to the shape of capital -letters, is by no means new. Several alphabets of this kind were -engraved above 150 years ago. - -[3] As different fashions, however, prevail at different times, this -observation may be wrong. - - -3. The Political Clyster. _Nahtanoi Tfiws.[1] Dr. O'Gearth sculp. Nll -Mrrg. Cht Nf. ndw Lps ec ple &c. &c. shd b. Prgd. See Gulliver's Speech -to the Honble. House of Vulgaria in Lilliput._ - -This was originally published about 1727, or 1728, under the title -of "The punishment inflicted on _Lemuel Gulliver_, by applying a -_Lilypucian_ Fire Engine to his posteriors for his urinal profanation -of the Royal Pallace at _Mildendo_; which was intended as a -Frontispiece to his first volume, but omitted. _HogEarth sculp._" The -superiority of the impressions thus inscribed is considerable.[2] - -More than the general idea of this print is stolen from another by -_Hellish Breugel_, whom I have already mentioned in a remark on -_Beer-street_, and _Gin-lane_. The _Dutchman_ has represented a number -of pigmies delivering a huge giant from a load of fæces. His postern -is thrust out, like that of _Gulliver_, to favour their operations. -_Breugel_ has no less than three prints on this subject, with -considerable variations from each other. - -"When _Hogarth's_ topics were harmless," says Mr. _Walpole_, "all his -touches were marked with pleasantry and fun. He never laughed, like -_Rabelais_, at nonsense that he imposed for wit; but, like _Swift_, -combined incidents that divert one from their unexpected encounter, and -illustrate the tale he means to tell. Such are the hens roosting on the -upright waves in the scene of the Strollers, and the devils drinking -porter on the altar." The print now before us is, however, no very -happy exemplification of our critick's remark. - -[1] Originally mistaken by Mr. _Walpole_ for the name of a _Lilliputian_ -painter, but put right in his new edition. - -[2] The present unmeaning title of this plate, was bestowed on it by -its owner, Mr. _Sayer_. - - * * * * * - -1754. - - -1. Crowns, mitres, maces, &c. A subscription-ticket for the Election -entertainment. This print has been already described. See p. 39. The -engraved forms of a receipt annexed to it do not always agree. In one -copy (which I suppose to be the eldest) it contains an acknowledgement -for "Five Shillings, being the first payment for a print representing -an Election Entertainment, which I promise to deliver, when finished, -on the receipt of five shillings and sixpence more." The second is for -"one guinea, being the first payment for four prints of an Election, -which I promise, &c. on the receipt of one guinea more." The third for -"fifteen shillings, being the first, &c. for three prints, &c. on the -payment of sixteen shillings and sixpence more." - - -2. Frontispiece to _Kirby's_ Perspective.[1] Engraved by _Sullivan_. -Satire on false perspective. Motto, "Whoever maketh a design without -the knowledge of Perspective, will be liable to such absurdities as are -shewn in this frontispiece." The occasion of engraving the plate arose -from the mistakes of Sir E. _Walpole_, who was learning to draw without -being taught perspective. To point out in a strong light the errors -which would be likely to happen from the want of acquaintance with -those principles, this design was produced. It was afterwards given to -_Kirby_, who dedicated Dr. _Brook Taylor's_ Method of Perspective to -Mr. _Hogarth_. The above anecdote is recorded on the authority of the -gentleman already mentioned. The plate, after the first quantity of -impressions had been taken from it, was retouched, but very little to -its advantage. Mr. _S. Ireland_ has the original sketch. - -[1] "This work is in quarto, containing 172 pages, and 51 plates, in -the whole; with a frontispiece designed and drawn by Mr. _Hogarth_. -'Tis a humourous piece, shewing the absurdities a person may be liable -to, who attempts to draw without having some knowledge in perspective. -As the production of that great genius, it is entertaining; and, though -abounding with the grossest absurdities possible, may pass and please; -otherwise I think it is a palpable insult offered to common sense, -and tacitly calling the artists a parcel of egregious blockheads. -There is not a finished piece in the book, but the mason's yard and -the landscapes; so that I question if the whole of the plates were -forty pounds expence. It was first printed for himself at _Ipswich_, -dedicated to Mr. _Hogarth_, and published in the year 1754." - -_Malton_, Appendix to Treatise on Perspective, p. 106. - - * * * * * - -1755. - - -1. Four prints of an Election.[1] These, by _Hogarth_, came out at -different times, _viz._ Plate I. _Feb._ 24, 1755 (inscribed to the -Right Hon. _Henry Fox_); Plate II. _Feb._ 20, 1757, (to his Excellency -Sir _Charles Hanbury Williams_, Ambassador to the Court of _Russia_); -Plate III. _Feb._ 20, 1758, (to the Hon. Sir _Edward Walpole_, Knight -of the Bath); Plate IV. _Jan._ 1, 1758, (to the Hon. _George Hay_,[2] -one of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty). The original -pictures are now in the possession of Mrs. _Garrick_, at _Hampton_. -The inscription on the banner, "Give us our eleven days," alludes -to the alteration of the Style in 1752; in which year, from the 2d -to the 14th of _September_, eleven days were not reckoned by act of -parliament. In the election-dinner, Mr. _Hogarth_ assured the writer -of this paragraph, that there is but one at table intended for a real -portrait and that is the _Irish_ gentleman [the present Sir _John -Parnell_, nephew to the poet, and remarkable for a very flat nose], who -is diverting the company by a face drawn with a burnt cork upon the -back of his hand, while he is supposed to be singing--_An old woman -cloathed in grey_. This gentleman (then an eminent attorney) begged it -as a favour; declaring, at the same time, he was so generally known, -that the introduction of his face would be of service to our artist -in the sale of his prints at _Dublin_. Notwithstanding _Hogarth's_ -assertion, the handsome candidate is pronounced to be the late _Thomas -Potter_, esq. and the effigy, seen through the window, with the -words "_No Jews_" about its neck, to be meant for the late Duke of -_Newcastle_. Of yet another real personage we receive notice, from -a pamphlet intituled "The last Blow, or an unanswerable vindication -of the Society of _Exeter College_, in reply to the Vice-chancellor -Dr. _King_, and the writers of _The London Evening Post_." 4to. 1755. -p. 21.--"The next character, to whose merits we would do justice, is -the Rev. Dr. _C--ff--t (Cofferat)_. But as it is very difficult to -delineate this fellow in colours sufficiently strong and lively, it is -fortunate for us and the Doctor, that _Hogarth_ has undertaken that -task. In the print of an Election Entertainment, the publick will see -the Doctor represented sitting among the freeholders, and zealously -eating and drinking for the sake of the New Interest. His venerable -and humane aspect will at once bespeak the dignity and benevolence -of his heart. Never did alderman at _Guildhall_ devour custard with -half such an appearance of love to his country, or swallow ale with -so much the air of a patriot. These circumstances the pencil of -Mr. _Hogarth_ will undoubtedly make manifest; but it is much to be -lamented, that his words also cannot appear in this print, and that -the artist cannot delineate that persuasive flow of eloquence which -could prevail upon Copyholders to abjure their base tenures, and -swear themselves Freeholders. But this oratory (far different from -the balderdash of _Tully_ and Dr. _King_, concerning liberty and our -country) as the genius of mild ale alone could inspire, this fellow -alone could deliver."--The very paper of tobacco, inscribed "_Kirton's_ -Best," has its peculiar significance. This man was a tobacconist -by St. _Dunstan's_ Church in _Fleet-street_, and ruined his health -and constitution, as well as impaired his circumstances, by being -busy in the _Oxfordshire_ election of 1754. Plate II. In the painted -cloth depending from the sign-post, the height of _The Treasury_ is -contrasted with the squat solidity of _The Horse-Guards_, where the -arch is so low, that the state-coachman cannot pass through it with -his head on; and the turret on the top is so drawn as to resemble -a beer-barrel. _Ware_ the architect very gravely remarked, on this -occasion, that the chief defect would have been sufficiently pointed -out by making the coachman only stoop. He was hurt by _Hogarth's_ -stroke of satire. Money is likewise thrown from _The Treasury_ windows, -to be put into a waggon, and carried into the country. _George -Alexander Stevens_, in his celebrated "Lecture on Heads," exhibited -the man with a pot of beer, explaining, with pieces of a tobacco-pipe, -how _Porto Bello_ was taken with six ships only. In Plate III. Dr. -_Shebbeare_, with fetters on, is prompting the idiot; and in Plate IV. -the old Duke of _Newcastle_ appears at a window. A happy parody in the -last of these plates may, perhaps, have escaped the notice of common -observers. _Le Brun_, in his battle of the _Granicus_, has represented -an eagle hovering above the laurel'd helmet of _Alexander. Hogarth_ -has painted a goose flying over the periwig'd head of the successful -candidate. During the contested _Oxfordshire_ election in 1754, an -outrageous mob in the Old Interest had surrounded a post-chaise, -and was about to throw it into the river; when Captain _T----_, -within-side, shot a chimney-sweeper who was most active in the assault. -The captain was tried and acquitted. To this fact _Hogarth_ is supposed -to allude in the Monkey riding on the Bear, with a cockade in his hat, -and a carbine by his side, which goes off and kills the little sweep, -who has clambered up on the wall. The member chaired is said to bear -more than an accidental resemblance to Mr. _Dodington_, afterwards Lord -_Melcombe_. - -In 1759 appeared "A Poetical Description of Mr. _Hogarth's_ Election -Prints,[3] in four Cantos. Written under Mr. _Hogarth's_ sanction and -inspection," which I shall with the less scruple transcribe at large -below,[4] as it was originally introduced by the following remarkable -advertisement, dated _Cheapside, March_ 1, 1759. "For the satisfaction -of the reader, and in justice to the concealed author, I take the -liberty, with the permission of Mr. _Hogarth_, to insert in this manner -that gentleman's opinion of the following Cantos, which is, 'That the -thoughts entirely coincide with his own; that there is a well-adapted -vein of humour preserved through the whole; and that, though some of -his works have been formerly explained by other hands, yet none ever -gave him so much satisfaction as the present performance.' JOHN SMITH." - -In the second state of the first of these plates few variations are -discoverable. The perspective in the oval over the stag's horns is -improved. A shadow on the wainscot, proceeding from a supposed window -on the left side, is effaced; the hand of the beldam kissing the young -candidate, is removed from under her apron, and now dangles by her -side: a saltseller is likewise missing from the table. In the first -impression also, the butcher who is pouring gin on the broken head of -another man, has _For our Country_ on his cockade; in the second we -find _Pro Patria_ in its stead. The lemons and oranges that once lay -on a paper, by the tub in which the boy is making punch, are taken -away; because _Hogarth_, in all probability, had been informed that -vitriol, or cream of tartar, is commonly used, instead of vegetable -acids, when a great quantity of such liquor is prepared at public -houses on public occasions. In the third impression a hat is added to -those before on the ground, and another on the bench. The whole plate -has also lost much of its former clearness. The original inscription -at one corner of it was--"Painted, and _the whole_ engraved by _Wm. -Hogarth_."[5] The two Words in _Italicks_ were afterwards effaced. - -I may here observe, that this performance, in its original state, is -by far the most finished and laborious of all _Hogarth's_ engravings. -Having been two years on sale (from 1755 to 1757) it was considerably -worn before the publication of Plate the second; and was afterwards -touched and retouched till almost all the original and finer traces -of the burin were either obliterated or covered by succeeding ones. -In short, there is the same difference between the earliest and latest -impressions, as there was between the first and second state of Sir -_John Cutler's_ stockings, which, by frequent mending, from silk -degenerated into worsted. - -I learn also, on the best authority, that our artist, who was always -fond of trying to do what no man had ventured to do before him, -resolved to finish this plate without taking a single proof from it as -he proceeded in his operation. The consequence of his temerity was, -that he almost spoiled his performance. When he discovered his folly, -he raved, stamped, and swore he was ruined, nor could be prevailed on -to think otherwise, till his passion subsided, and a brother artist -assisted him in his efforts to remedy the general defect occasioned by -such an attempt to perform an impossibility. - -In Plate II. we meet with a fresh proof of our artist's inattention -to orthography; _Party-tool_ (used as a proper name) being here spelt -parti-tool. This plate was engraved by _C. Grignion_, and has been -retouched, as the upper-row of the lion's teeth are quite obliterated -in the second impression. - -Plate III. The militia (or, as _Hogarth_ spells it, milicia) bill -appearing out of the pocket of the maimed voter, is only found in -the second impression. This print was engraved by _Hogarth_ and _Le -Cave_.[6] - -The dead man, whom they are bringing up as a voter, alludes to an -event of the same kind that happened during the contested election -between _Bosworth_ and _Selwyn_. "Why," says one of the clerks, "you -have brought us here a dead man."--"Dead!" cries the bringer; "dead as -you suppose him, you shall soon hear him vote for _Bosworth_." On this, -a thump was given to the body, which, being full of wind, emitted a -sound that was immediately affirmed to be a distinct, audible, and good -vote for the candidate already mentioned.--This circumstance, however, -might have reference to the behaviour of the late Dr. _Barrowby_, who -persuaded a dying patient he was so much better, that he might venture -with him in his chariot to go and poll for Sir _George Vandeput_ in -_Covent-Garden_. The unhappy voter took his physician's advice, but -expired in an hour after his return from the hustings. "If _Hogarth_," -says Mr. _Walpole_, "had an emblematic thought, he expressed it with -wit, rather than by a symbol. Such is that of the whore setting fire to -the world in _The Rake's Progress_. Once indeed he descended to use an -allegoric personage, and was not happy in it. In one of his Election -prints [plate III.] _Britannia's_ chariot breaks down, while the -coachman and footman are playing at cards on the box." - -In the second impressions of Plate IV.[7] (which was engraved by _W. -Hogarth_ and _F. Aviline_) the shadow on the sun-dial, denoting the -hour, and the word indintur (commonly spelt indenture) on the scroll -hanging out at the attorney's window, are both added. The fire from -the gun is also continued farther; the bars of the church-gate are -darkened; and the upper sprigs of a tree, which were bare at first, are -covered with leaves. - -By these marks, the unskilful purchaser may distinguish the early from -the later impressions. I forbear therefore to dwell on more minute -variations. The ruined house adjoining to the attorney's, intimating -that nothing can thrive in the neighbourhood of such vermin, is a -stroke of satire that should not be overlooked. - -The publick were so impatient for this set of prints, that _Hogarth_ -was perpetually hastening his coadjutors, changing some, and -quarrelling with others. Three of the plates therefore were slightly -executed, and soon needed the reparations they have since received. - -The following curious address appeared in the _Public Advertiser_ of -_Feb._ 28, 1757. - -"Mr. _Hogarth_ is obliged to inform the subscribers to his Election -Prints, that the three last cannot be published till about _Christmas_ -next, which delay is entirely owing to the difficulties he has met with -to procure able hands to engrave the plates; but that he neither may -have any more apologies to make on such an account, nor trespass any -further on the indulgence of the public by encreasing a collection -already sufficiently large, he intends to employ the rest of his time -in portrait-painting; chiefly this notice seems more necessary, as -several spurious and scandalous prints[8] have lately been published in -his name. - -"All Mr. _Hogarth's_ engraved works are to be had at his house in -_Leicester-fields_, separate or together; as also his Analysis of -Beauty, in 4to. with two explanatory prints, price 15_s._ With which -will be delivered gratis, an eighteen-penny pamphlet published by -_A. Miller_, called _The Investigator_, written in opposition to the -principles laid down in the above Analysis of Beauty, by _A. R._,[9] a -friend to Mr. _Hogarth_, an eminent portrait-painter now of _Rome_." - -The foregoing advertisement appears to have been written during the -influence of a fit of spleen or disappointment, for nothing else could -have dictated to our artist so absurd a resolution as that of quitting -a walk he had trod without a rival, to re-enter another in which he had -by no means distinguished himself from the herd of common painters. - -[1] I learn from _The Grub-street Journal_ for _June_ 13, 1734, that -the same subject had been attempted by an earlier hand, under the title -of _The Humours of a Country Election_. The description of some of the -compartments of this work (which I have not seen) bears particular -resemblance to the scenes represented by _Hogarth_. "The candidates -very complaisant to a _Country Clown_, &c."--"The candidates making an -entertainment for the electors and their wives.--At the upper end of -the table the _Parson_ of the Parish, &c." - -[2] The intimate friend of _Hogarth_, at that time a Commissioner -of the Admiralty; afterwards Sir _George Hay_, knight, Dean of the -Arches, Judge of the Prerogative Court, and also of the High Court of -Admiralty, who died _October_ 6, 1778, aged 63. He was possessed of -several of _Hogarth's_ paintings, which are now the property of Mr. -_Edwards_, and have been mentioned in p. 98. Our honourable Judge has -the following character in a work of great authority. - -On the trial of her Grace the Duchess of _Kingston_, for bigamy, before -the House of Lords, in _April_ 1776, the present Lord Chancellor -_Thurlow_ (then Attorney-General) thus speaks of Sir _George_ as a -judge:--"The most loose and unconsidered notion, escaping in any manner -from that able and excellent judge, should be received with respect, -and certainly will; if the question were my own, with the choice of my -court, I should refer it to his decision." State Trials, XI. 221. - -[3] "Things unattempted yet in prose or rhime." MILTON. - -[4] - - CANTO I. - _The_ HUMOURS _of an_ ELECTION ENTERTAINMENT. - Oh, born our wonder to engage! - HOGARTH, thou mirror of the age! - Permit a Bard, though screen'd his name, - To court the sanction of your fame; - Pursue your genius, taste, and art, - And knowledge of the human heart: - Just as your pencil, could my pen - But trace the various ways of men; - Express the tokens of the mind, - The humours, follies, of mankind; - Then might Thyself this verse regard, - Nor deem beneath the task the bard: - Yet, though unfit, perhaps unknown, - I supplicate thy aid alone: - Let others all the Nine inspire, - Do Thou, O _Hogarth_, tune my lyre! - Let o'er my thoughts thy spirit shine, - And thy vast fancy waken mine: - I feel the genuine influence now! - It glows!--my great _Apollo_ Thou! - - The Writs are issued:--to the Town - The future Members hasten down; - The merry bells their welcome sound, - And mirth and jollity abound, - The gay retinue now comes in, - The crouds, with emulative din, - Proclaim th' arrival, rend the sky, - And _Court_ and _Country's_ all the cry. - Each joyous house, of free access, - For patriot plebeians, more or less, - Is now reveal'd, in printed bills; - So quacks contrive to vend their pills. - So _Bayes_ makes Earth, and Sun, and Moon, - Discourse melodiously in tune; - And, full of wit and complaisance, - Cry, "First of all we'll have a dance!" - So at Elections 'tis discreet - Still first of all to have a treat; - The pulse of every man to try, - And learn what votes they needs must _buy_; - No freeman well can tell his side, - Unless his belly's satisfied. - - Behold the festive tables set, - The Candidates, the Voters met! - And lo, against the wainscot plac'd, - Th' escutcheon, with three guineas grac'd, - The motto and the crest explain, - Which way the gilded bait to gain. - There _William's_ mangled portrait tells - What rage in party bosoms dwells; - And here the banner speaks the cry - For "Liberty and Loyalty." - While scratches dignify his face, - The tipsy Barber tells his case; - How well he for his Honour fought! - How many devilish knocks he got! - While, forc'd to carry on the joke, - The 'Squire's just blinded with the smoke; - And gives his hand (for all are free) - To one that's cunninger than he: - With smart cockade, and waggish laugh, - He thinks himself more wise by half. - See _Crispin_, and his blouzy _Kate_, - Attack the other Candidate! - What joy he feels her head to lug! - "Well done, my _Katy!_ coaxing pug!" - But who is this pray?--_Abel Squatt_-- - What has the honest Quaker got? - Why, presents for each voter's lady, - To make their interest sure and steady: - For right and well their Honours know - What things the Petticoat can do. - Discordant sounds now grate the ear, - For music's hir'd to raise the cheer; - And fiddling _Nan_ brisk scrapes her strings, - While _Thrumbo's_ bass loud echoing rings, - And _Sawney's_ bagpipes squeaking trill - "God save the King," or what you will. - Music can charm the savage breast, - And lull the fiercest rage to rest; - But _Sawney's_ face bespeaks it plain, - That vermin don't regard the strain; - A creature, well to _Scotchmen_ known, - Now nips him by the collar-bone: - Ah, luckless louse! in ambush lie, - Or, by St. _Andrew_, you must die! - - Ye vers'd in men and manners! tell - Why Parsons always eat so well! - Catch they the spirit from the Gown, - To cram so many plate-fulls down? - The feast is o'er with all the rest, - But Mayor and Parson still contest: - I'll hold a thousand!--Lay the bett-- - The odds are on the Parson yet: - Huzza! the Black-gown wins the day!-- - The Mayor with oysters dies away!--[A] - But softly, don't exult so fast, - His spirit's noble to the last; - His mouth still waters at the dish; - His hand still holds his favourite fish: - Bleed him the Barber-surgeon wou'd; - He breathes a vein, but where's the blood? - No more it flows its wonted pace, - And chilly dews spread o'er his face: - The Parson sweats; but be it told, - The sweat is more from heat than cold: - "Bring me the chafing-dish!" he cries; - 'Tis brought; the savoury fumes arise: - "My last tit-bit's delicious so; - Can oysters vie with venison?"--No. - - Behold, through sympathy of face, - (In life a very common case) - His Lordship gives the fidler wine! - "Come, brother _Chinny!_ yours and mine:" - And o'er a pretty girl confest, - The Alderman, see! toasts "the best." - Ye hearty cocks! who feel the gout, - Yet briskly push the glass about, - Observe, with crutch behind his chair, - Your honest brother _Chalkstone_ there! - His phiz declares he seems to strain; - Perhaps the gravel gives him pain: - But be it either that or this, - One thing is certain--he's at * * * *, - A wag, the merriest in the town, - Whose face was never meant to frown, - See, at his straining makes a scoff! - And, singing, takes his features off; - While clowns, with joy and wonder, stare, - "Gad-zookers! _Roger_, look ye there!" - The busy Clerk the Taylor plies, - "Vote for his Honour, and be wise: - These yellow-boys are all your own!" - But he, with puritanic tone, - Cries, "_Satan!_ take thy bribes from me; - Why this were downright perjury!" - His wife, with all-sufficient tongue, - For rage and scandal glibly hung, - Replies, "Thou blockhead! gold refuse, - When here's your child in want of shoes!" - - But hark! what uproar strikes the ear! - Th' opposing mob, incens'd, draw near: - Their waving tatter'd ensigns see! - Here "Liberty and Property:" - A label'd _Jew_ up-lifted high; - There "Marry all, and multiply." - These, these, are patrotic scenes! - But not a man knows what he means. - The jordan drives their zeal to cool, - With added weight of three-legg'd stool; - But all in vain; and who can't eat, - Now sally out the foe to beat; - For glory be the battle try'd; - Huzza! my boys, the _yellow_ side. - Observe the loyal work begin, - And stones and brick-bats enter in! - That knocks a rustic veteran down; - This cracks the Secretary's crown; - His minute-book, of special note, - For every sure, and doubtful vote, - Now tumbles; ink the table dyes, - And backward poor Pill-Garlick lies. - The Butcher, one who ne'er knew dread, - A Surgeon turns for t'other's head; - His own already broke and bound, - Yet with _pro patria_ decked around. - Behold what wonders gin can do, - External and internal too! - He thinks a plaster but a jest; - All cure with what they like the best: - Pour'd on, it sooths the patient's pain; - Pour'd in, it makes him fight again. - His toes perchance pop out his shoe, - Yet he's a patriot through and through; - His lungs can for his party roar, - As loud as twenty men, or more. - Ye courtiers! give your _Broughton_ praise; - The hero of your eleven days, - 'Tis his to trim th'opposers round, - And bring their standard to the ground. - The waiting-boy, astonish'd, eyes - What gin the new-turn'd quack applies; - And fills a tub, that glorious punch - May make amends for blow and hunch. - But stop, my lad, put in no more, - For t'other side are near the door; - Nor will their conscience deem it sin, - To guzzle all, if once they're in. - - Reader, perhaps thy peaceful mind - Is not to noise or blood inclin'd; - Then, lest some hurt should happen quick, - For see a sword! and many a stick! - We'll leave this inn, with all my heart, - And hasten to the second part. - - CANTO II. - CANVASSING _for_ VOTES. - Free'd from the madness of the throng, - Now, gentle Reader, come along; - A broken head's no clever joke-- - Sir, welcome to _The Royal Oak_; - Together let us look about---- - We'll find that Show-cloth's meaning out. - - Satire! 'tis thine, with keenest dart, - To shoot the follies of the heart; - And, issuing from the press or stage, - Reclaim the vain, the culprit age! - From _Rich's_ dome, of grand renown, - To thatch-torn barn, in country town; - From _Garrick_, monarch of his art, - To _Punch_, so comical and smart; - Satire delights, in every sphere, - To make men laugh at what they _are_: - "Walk in, the only show in town; - _Punch_ candidate for _Guzzle-down_!" - There see the pile, in modern taste, - On top with tub-like turret grac'd! - Where the cramp'd entrance, like some shed, - Knocks off the royal driver's head; - Lives there a Wit but what will cry, - "An arch so _low_ is mighty _high_!" - See from the Treasury flows the gold, - To shew that those who're _bought_ are _sold_! - Come, Perjury, meet it on the road, - 'Tis all your own; a waggon-load. - Ye party-tools, ye courtier-tribe, - Who gain no vote without a bribe, - Lavishly kind, yet insincere, - Behold in _Punch_ yourselves appear! - And you, ye fools, who poll for pay, - Ye little great men of a day; - For whom your favourite will not care, - Observe how much bewitch'd you are! - - Yet hush!--for see his Honour near;-- - Truly, a pretty amorous leer: - The ladies both look pleasant too; - "Purchase some trinkets of the _Jew_." - One points to what she'd have him buy; - The other casts a longing eye; - And _Shylock_, money-loving soul, - Impatient waits to touch the cole: - But here's a Porter; what's the news?-- - Ha, ha, a load of billet-doux! - Humbly to sue th' Electors' favour, - With vows of _Cato_-like behaviour; - And how the Borough he'll espouse, - When once a Member of the House: - Though wiser folks will lay a bet, - His promises he'll then forget. - But pray your Honour condescend - An eye on kneeling _Will_ to lend; - Grant to the fair the toys they chuse, - And what the letter says, peruse: - "To _Timothy Parti-tool_, Esquire."-- - Your title may in time be higher. - - Ha, who stands here?--'Tis Farmer _Rye_, - A man of cunning, by the bye; - In times like this a mighty stirrer,-- - Of some small interest in the Borough. - Which side? you ask--the question's well, - But more, as yet, than he can tell. - The _hosts_ of either party try; - To both he casts a _knowing_ eye. - "Sir, I'm commission'd by the 'Squire-- - Your company they all desire: - My house contains near half the town-- - 'Tis just at hand, Sir;--'tis _The Crown._" - Then t'other cries, "Sure I first spoke-- - This inn is mine!--_The Royal Oak_-- - Sir, here's his Honour's invitation; - The greatest Patriot in the nation." - - Which party shall the voter take, - Since both the same pretentions make? - The same?--sure not--for see each hand! - Aye, now he seems to understand: - _The Crown_ Host fees him o'er his arm; - But t'other tips the stronger charm. - One, two, three, four--the jobb is done-- - Troth, cunning _Fatty_, you have won; - Success in that sly glance is shown; - The honest Farmer's all your own: - But don't exult; for, being loth - To disoblige, he takes from both. - - Oh, _Britain_! favourite Isle of Heaven, - When to thy Sons shall Peace be given? - The treachery of the _Gallic_ shore - Makes even thy wooden lions roar. - That royal beast, who many a league - At sea hath sail'd with vengeance big! - And oft has scar'd the hostile coast, - Tho' fix'd in _Inn-Yard_, like a post, - Still keeps his furious power in use; - Devouring of the _Flower-de-luce_. - How certain those expanded paws! - How dreadful those extended jaws! - Behind him sits the Hostess fair, - Counting her cash with earned care; - While at the door the Grenadier - Inspects her with a cunning leer; - As who should say, "When we're alone, - Some part of that will be my own!" - - But who are those two in the Bar? - Guttlers I fancy--that they are; - The fowl to Him's a noble feast; - He sure makes mouths, to mock the beast; - And t'other hopes to find relief, - By eating half the round of beef. - - From _George_, who wears the _British_ crown, - To the remotest country clown, - The love of politics extends, - And oft makes foes of nearest friends. - The Cobler and the Barber there, - That born to frown, and this to stare, - Both positive, you need not doubt, - Will argue till they both fall out. - - "Well," says the Tonsor, "now we'll try, - Who's in the right, yourself or I: - One moment let your tongue be still, - Or else be judg'd by _Johnny Hill: - Vernon_ he thought a glorious fellow, - Which made him put up _Porto Bello_. - I'll teach you reason, if I can-- - I should though shave the Gentleman; - But never mind it, let him wait;-- - These bits of pipe the case shall state"-- - - "Drink," cries the Cobler, "I'm adry; - Pshaw, damn your nonsense, what care I? - I told you first, and all along, - I'll lay this cole you're in the wrong; - I hope his worship will excuse, - I should, though, carry home his shoes." - - "Well, well," the Barber makes reply, - "Election-time puts business by: - Only six ships our Admiral had; - A very slender force, egad; - What then? our dumplings gave them sport:-- - Here stood one castle; there the fort."-- - - "'Sblood," cries the Cobler, "go to school, - You half-learn'd, half-starv'd, silly fool! - I tell you, Barber, 'tis not true; - Sure I can see as much as you." - - But hark, what noise our ears assails! - A distant, loud huzza, prevails; - Ha, ha, they're at their wonted sport; - That was a gun, by the report: - Behold the rabble at _The Crown_! - "Damn, damn, th' Excise; we'll have it down." - And all the while, poor simple elves, - They little think 'twill crush themselves. - Danger again may wait our stay, - So, courteous Reader, come away. - - CANTO III. - POLLING _at the_ HUSTINGS. - _Swift_, reverend wag, _Ierne's_ pride, - Who lov'd the comic rein to guide, - Has told us, "Gaolers, when they please, - Let out their flock, to rob for fees." - From this sage hint, in needful cases, - The wights, who govern other places, - Let out their crew, for private ends, - _Ergo_, to serve themselves and friends. - Behold, here gloriously inclin'd, - The Sick, and Lame, the Halt, and Blind! - From Workhouse, Gaol, and Hospital, - Submiss they come, true Patriots all! - - But let's get nearer, while we stay,-- - Good Master Constable, make way! - "Hoi! keep the passage clear and fair;-- - I'll break your shins!--stand backward there; - What! won't you let the Pollers come:"-- - Reader, they think us so--but _mum_. - - Now praise and prejudice expand, - In printed bills, from hand to hand; - One tells, the 'Squire's a man of worth; - Generous and noble from his birth: - Another plainly makes appear, - "Some circumstance, in such a year." - The voice of Scandal's sure to wait, - Or true, or false, each Candidate. - Observe the waving flags applied, - To let Free-holders know their side! - Hark, at each vote exult the crew! - "_Yellow!_ Huzza!--Huzza! the _Blue!_" - - Whoe'er has walk'd through _Chelsea_ town, - Which Buns and Charity renown, - Has many a College Veteran seen, - With scar-seam'd face, and batter'd mien, - But here's a theme for future story! - Survey that Son of _Mars_ before ye! - Was ever Pensioner like him?-- - What, almost robb'd of every limb! - Only one arm, one leg, one thigh; - Gods! was that man design'd to die? - Inspect his ancient, war-like face! - See, with what surly, manly grace, - He gives the Clerk to understand - His meaning, with his wooden hand! - Perhaps in _Anna's_ glorious days, - His courage gain'd immortal praise: - _Britons_, a people brave and rough, - That time lov'd fighting well enough; - And, glad their native land to aid, - Leg-making was a thriving trade; - But now we from ourselves depart, - And war's conducted with new art; - Our Admirals, Generals, learn to run, - And Leg-makers are all undone. - Still he's an open, hearty blade, - Pleas'd with his sword, and gay cockade: - Unbrib'd he votes; and 'tis his pride; - He always chose the honest side. - You think he seems of man but half, - But, witty Clerk, suppress your laugh; - His heart is in its usual place, - And that same hook may claw your face. - How learnedly that Lawyer pleads! - "A vote like this, Sir, ne'er succeeds; - The naked hand should touch the book; - Observe h'as only got a hook." - "Sir," cries the other, "that's his hand;" - (Quibbles, like you, I understand) - "And be it either flesh or wood, - By Heavens! his vote is very good." - Wise Counsellor! you reason right, - You'll gain undoubted credit by't; - But please to turn your head about, - And find that Idiot's meaning out; - Dismiss the Whisperer from his chair, - 'Tis quite illegal, quite unfair; - Though shackles on his legs are hung, - Those shackles can't confine his tongue; - Methinks I hear him tell the Nisey, - "Be sure to vote as I advise ye; - My writings shew I'm always right; - The nation sinks; we're ruin'd quite - _America's_ entirely lost; - The _French_ invade our native coast; - Our Ministers won't keep us free;--- - You know all this as well as me. - All men of parts are out of place; - 'Tis mine, 'tis many a wise man's case; - And though so _Cato_-like I write, - I ne'er shall get a farthing by't." - Good Clerk, dispatch them quick, I pray: - How easy fools are led astray! - He thinks th' insinuation's true, - As all the race of Idiots do. - But who comes here? Ha, one just dead, - Ravish'd from out th' infirmary's bed; - Through racking follies sad and sick, - Yet to the cause he'll ever stick; - Tie the groat favour on his cap, - And die True Blue, whate'er may hap. - - Oh, Vice! through life extends thy reign: - When Custom fixes thy domain, - Not _Wesley's_ cant, nor _Whitfield's_ art, - Can chace thee from th' envelop'd heart! - Behold that wretch! whom _Venus_ knows - Has in her revels lost his nose; - Still with that season'd Nurse he toys; - As erst indulges sensual joys; - Can drink, and crack a bawdy joke, - And still can quid, as well as smoke. - But, Nurse, don't smile so in his face; - Sure this is not a proper place; - Take from your duggs his hand away, - And mind your sick-charge better, pray; - Consider, if his faithful side - Should hear that in their cause he died, - They'd be so much enrag'd, I vow, - They'd punish you!--the Lord knows how. - Beside, you take up too much room, - That boy-led Blind-man wants to come; - And 'scap'd from wars, and foreign clutches, - An Invalid's behind on crutches. - - The man whose fortune suits his wish, - A glutton at each favourite dish; - Who, when o'er venison, ne'er will spare it, - And washes down some rounds with claret; - That man will have a portly belly, - And be of consequence, they tell ye; - Grandeur shall 'tend his air and gait, - And make him like--that Candidate: - Observe him on the hustings sit! - Fatigu'd, he sweats, or seems to sweat; - Scratching his pate, with shook-back wig, - And puffs, and blows, extremely big: - Perhaps that paper hints about - Votes, whose legality's a doubt; - And will by scrutiny be try'd, - Unless they're on the proper side. - Stiff as if _Rackstraw_,[B] fam'd for skill, - For genius, taste, or what you will, - With temper'd plaister, stood in haste, - From his set face to form the cast; - Resting on oak-stick stedfastly, - The other would-be Member see! - Struck with his look, so fix'd and stout, - That Wag resolves to sketch it out; - Laughing, they view the pencil'd phiz.-- - "'Tis very like him--that it is." - Hark to yon hawker with her songs! - "The Gallows shall redress our wrongs!" - I warrant, wrote in humourous style; - The hearers laugh; the readers smile. - And lo, although so thick the rout, - They've room to push the glass about! - Variety her province keeps; - One Beadle watches; t'other sleeps. - - But see that chariot! who rides there? - _Britannia_, Sir, a lady fair: - To her celestial charms are given; - Ador'd on earth, beloved in heaven; - Her frown makes nations dread a fall; - Her smile gives joy and life to all. - Too generous, merciful, and kind; - Her Servants won't their duty mind; - Neither their Mistress' call regards; - Their study's how to cheat at cards; - The reins of power, oh, indiscreet! - They trample, careless, under feet; - Th' unguided coursers neigh and spurn, - And ah, the car must overturn! - Just gods, forbid!--there's comfort yet! - For, lo, how near that saving PITT! - Sure Heaven design'd her that resource, - To stop her venal servants course; - Her peace and safety to restore, - And keep from dangers evermore. - - Ha! see, yon distant cavalcade! - Exulting crowds, and flags display'd! - Let's to the bridge our foot-steps bend-- - So cheek by jole, along, my friend. - - CANTO IV. - CHAIRING _the_ MEMBERS. - "Huzza! the Country! not the Court!"--. - Your Honour can't have better sport; - In old arm-chair aloft you soar-- - No Candidate can wish for more. - Th' election's got, the day's your own, - And be to all their member known! - - Ye Moths of an exalted size! - Ye sage Historians, learn'd and wise! - Who pore on leaves of old tradition; - Vers'd in each prætor exhibition; - Tell me if, 'midst the spoils of age, - And relicks of the moulder'd page, - You e'er found why this aukward state - Must 'tend the man who'd fain be great! - When _Alexander_, Glory's son, - Enter'd in triumph _Babylon_, - Hear ancient annals make confession, - How aggrandiz'd was his procession! - But this is _Skymington_, I trow!---- - Yet Time proclaims _We must_[C] do so. - It sure was meant to make folks stare, - "Like cloths hung out at country fair: - Where painted monsters rage and grin, - To draw the gaping bumpkins in."[D] - _Minerva's_ sacred bird's an owl; - Our candidate's, behold, a fowl! - From which we readily suppose - (As now his generous Honour's chose) - His voice he'll in the Senate use; - And cackle, cackle, like--a goose. - - But, hark ye! you who bear this load - Of patriot worth along the road, - Methinks you make his Honour lean; - Be careful, Sirs!--Zounds! what d' ye mean? - Off flies his hat, back leans his chair, - And dread of falling makes him stare. - His Lady, fond to see him ride, - With Nurse and _Black-moor_ at her side, - In church-yard stands to view the sight, - And at his danger's in a fright. - "Alack, alack, she faints away!" - "The hartshorn, _Ora_--quick, I say!" - See, at yon house th' opposing party - Enjoy the joke, with laughter hearty! - "Well done, my boys--now let him fall; - Here's gin and porter for you all!" - - But let's find whence this came about: - Ha, lo, that Thresher bold and stout! - How, like a hero, void of dread, - He aims to crack that sailor's head! - While, with the purchase of the stroke, - Behind, the bearer's pate is broke: - The sailor too resolves to drub, - Wrathful he sways the ponderous club; - Who to stir up his rage shall dare? - He'll fight for ever--for his Bear. - - Sir _Hudibras_ agreed, Bear-baiting - Was carnal, and of man's creating; - But, had he like that Thresher done, - I'll hold a wager, ten to one, - His knighthood had not kept him safe; - That Tar had trimm'd both him and _Ralph_. - - In fighting _George's_ glorious battles, - To save our liberties and chattels; - Commanded by some former _Howe_, - Ordain'd to make proud _Gallia_ bow, - A cannon-ball took off his leg: - What then? he scorns, like some, to beg; - That muzzled beast is taught to dance, - That Ape to ape the beaux of _France_; - The countryfolks admire the sport, - And small collections pay him for't. - Sailors and Soldiers ne'er agree;-- - There's difference twixt the Land and Sea; - He, willing not a jest shall 'scape, - In uniform riggs out his Ape:-- - From which we reasonably infer - An Ape may be an Officer. - But, hey-day! more disasters still? - Turn quick thy head, bold sailor _Will_. - In vain that fellow, on his Ass, - Attempts to Hogs at home to pass, - The hungry Bear, who thinks no crime - To feast on guts at any time, - Arrests the garbage in the tub, - And with his snout begins to grub. - Pray is it friendly, honest brother, - That one Ass thus should ride another? - The beast seems wearied with his toil, - And, like the bear, would munch a while. - The good wife thought that every pig - Should in the wash, then coming, swig; - And went industriously to find - Her family of the hoggish kind; - But, oh, unhappy fate to tell! - Behind the Thresher down she fell: - Indeed the wonder were no more, - Had she, by chance, fall'n down before: - Away the sow affrighted runs, - Attended by her little ones: - Those gruntings to each other sounding; - This squeaking shrill, through fear of drowning. - - "The lamb thou doom'st to bleed to-day, - Had he thy reason, wou'd he play?"[E] - And did that Bear know he'd be beat, - Would he from out that firkin eat? - The Ass's rider lifts his stick; - Take out your nose, old _Bruin_, quick; - A grin of vengeance arms his face, - Presaging torture, and disgrace. - The Ape, who dearly loves to ride - On _Bruin's_ back, in martial pride, - Dejected at the sad occasion, - Looks up, with soft commiseration; - As if to speak, "Oh, spare my friend! - Avert that blow you now intend!" - 'Tis complaisant, good-natur'd too;-- - Much more than many Apes would do. - - Observe the chimney-sweepers, there! - On gate-post, how they laugh and stare; - Those bones, and emblematic skull, - Have no effect to make them dull; - Pleas'd they adorn the death-like head - With spectacles of gingerbread. - - When _London_ city's bold train-band[F] - March, to preserve their track of land, - Each val'rous heart the _French_ defying, - While drums are beating, colours flying, - How many accidents resound - From _Tower-hill_ to th' _Artillery-ground!_ - Perhaps some hog, in frisky pranks, - Unluckily breaks through their ranks, - And makes the captain storm and swear, - To _form_ their soldiers, _as they were_: - Or else the wadding, which they ram, - Pop into some one's ear they jam; - Or not alert at gun and sword, - When their commander gives the word - To fire, amidst the dust and clamour, - Forget to draw their desperate rammer; - And one or two brave comrades hit, - As cooks fix larks upon a spit. - That Monkey's sure not of the reg'ment, - Yet still his arms should have abridgement; - The little, aukward, martial figure, - Will wriggle till he pulls the trigger: - 'Tis done--and see the bullet fly!-- - Pop down, you rogue! or else you'll die. - - Survey, as merry as a grig, - The Fiddler dancing to his jig! - No goat, by good St. _David_ rear'd, - Could ever boast more length of beard: - 'Tis his to wait on Master _Bruin_, - And tune away to all he's doing; - You think this strange, but 'tis no more, - Than _Orpheus_ did in days of yore; - With modern fiddlers so it fares; - They often scratch to dancing-bears. - He took to scraping in his prime, - And plays in tune, as well as time; - Elections cheer his merry heart; - Sure always then to _play_ his _part_: - In toping healths as great a soaker - As executing _Ally Croaker_. - Tho' some Musicians scarce can touch - The strings, if drunk a glass too much; - Yet he'll tope ale, or stout _October_, - And scrape as well when drunk, as sober. - - Lo, on yon stone which shows the way. - That travellers mayn't go astray; - And tells how many miles they lag on, - From _London_, in the drawling waggon, - A Soldier sits, in naked buff! - In troth, Sir, this is odd enough! - His head bound up, his sword-blade broken, - And flesh with many a bloody token, - Declare he fought extremely well; - But which had best on't, who can tell? - If he were victor, 'tis confest, - To be so maul'd makes bad the best: - What though he smart, he likes the jobb; - 'Tis _great_ to head a party-mob. - But what reward for all he did?-- - Oh, Sir, he'll never want a--_quid_. - - There's somewhat savory in the wind-- - Those Courtiers, Friend, have not yet din'd: - Their true ally, grave _Puzzle-cause_, - A man right learned in the laws, - (Whose meagre clerk below can't venture, - And wishes damn'd the long indenture), - As custom bids, prepares the dinner, - For, though they've lost, yet he's the winner. - See, the domestic train appear! - Old _England_ bringing up the rear! - Curse on their stomachs, who can't brook - Good _English_ fare, from _English_ cook! - Observe lank Monsieur, in amaze, - Upon the valiant soldier gaze! - "Morbleu! you love de fight, ve see, - But dat is no de dish for ve." - Behold, above, that azure garter-- - Look, now he whispers, like a tartar; - By button fast he holds the other, - The lost election makes a pother. - "All this parade is idle stuff-- - We know our interest well enough-- - We still support what we espouse; - We'll bring the matter in the _House_." - - Of some wise man, perhaps philosopher, - (If not, it flings the vice a gloss over) - I've read, who, Maudlin-like, would cry - Soon as he 'ad drunk his barrel dry: - Yon fellow, certain as a gun, - Of that Philosopher's a Son: - Long as the pot the beer could scoop, - He scorn'd, like swine, to trough to stoop; - But, now 'tis shallow, kneels devout, - Eager to suck the last drop out. - Vociferous Loyalty's a-dry, - And, lo, they bear a fresh supply! - That all the mob may roar applause, - And know they'll never starve the cause. - - When grey-mare proves the better horse, - The man is mis'rable of course; - That Taylor leads a precious life-- - Look at the termagant his wife, - She pays him sweetly o'er the head;-- - "Get home, you dog, and get your bread; - Shall I have nothing to appear in, - While you get drunk electioneering?" - - See from the Town-hall press the crowd, - While rustic Butchers ring aloud! - There, lo, their cap of liberty! - Here t'other side in effigy! - A notable device, to call - The Courtier party blockheads all: - Aloft True-Blue, their ensign, flies, - And acclamations rend the skies. - Reflect, my friend, and judge from thence. - How idle this extreme expence; - What mighty sums are thrown away, - To be the pageant of the day! - In vain Desert implores protections; - The Rich are fonder of Elections. - Th' ambitious Peer, the Knight, the 'Squire, - Can buy the Borough they desire; - Yet see, with unassisting eye, - Arts fade away, and Genius die. - Tir'd with the applauding, and the sneering, - And all that's styl'd Electioneering, - I think to take a little tour, - And likely tow'rd the _Gallic_ shore; - The Muse, to whom we bear no malice, - Invites me to the Gate of _Calais_.[G] - That gate to which a knight of worth, - 'Yclep'd _Sir Loin_, of _British_ birth, - Advanc'd, though not in hostile plight, - And put their army in a fright. - But more it fits not, here to tell, - So, courteous Reader, fare thee well. - -[A] In _The European Magazine_ for the month of _Oct._ 1784, appears a -letter on the subject of Painting, signed C. I. F. which contains the -following extraordinary criticism on the circumstance here described. - -"Our own inimitable _Hogarth_ has, in some of his latter pieces, -grossly violated this rule; and, for the sake of crowding his piece -with incidents, has represented what could not happen at all. - -"In his representation of an Election Feast, he has placed a man at -the end of the table with an oyster still upon his fork, and his fork -in his hand, though his coat must have been stripped up from his arm -after he took it up, by the surgeon, who has made an ineffectual -attempt to let him blood. Supposing gluttony to have so far absorbed -all the persons present, even at the end of a feast, as that none of -them should pay the least attention to this incident, which is, if not -impossible, improbable in the highest degree, they must necessarily -have been alarmed at another incident that is represented as taking -place at the same moment: a great stone has just broke through the -window, and knocked down one of the company, who is exhibited in the -act of falling; yet every one is represented as pursuing his purpose -with the utmost tranquillity." - -I must entreat my reader to examine the print, before I can expect -belief, when I assure him, that for this criticism there is not the -slightest foundation.--The magistrate is bled in the right arm, which -is bared for that purpose, by stripping the coat-sleeve from it.--It -is in his left hand that he holds the fork with the oyster on it, his -coat-sleeve being all the while on his left arm.--As to the attention -of the company, it is earnestly engaged by different objects; and -_Hogarth_ perhaps designed to insinuate that accidents, arising from -repletion or indigestion, are too common at election dinners to attract -notice or excite solicitude.--The brickbat has not noisily forced -its way through a window, but was thrown in at a casement already -open; and a moment must have elapsed before an event so instantaneous -could be perceived in an assembly, every individual of which had his -distinct avocation. Of this moment our artist has availed himself. -Till, therefore, the accident was discovered, he has, with the utmost -propriety, left every person present to pursue his former train of -thought or amusement. - -[B] The ingenious artist in _Fleet-street_, well known to the learned -and ingenious, by his excellence in taking Busts from the Life, and -casts from Anatomical Dissections. - -[C] See the Dial in Plate IV. - -[D] See the Prologue to a farce called "The Male Coquette." - -[E] See _Pope's_ Essay on Man. - -[F] This passage will, perhaps, be better illustrated by the following -paragraph, printed in a daily paper called "The Citizen:"--"_Saturday_ -last, being the first day of _August_ Old Stile, the Artillery Company -marched according to custom once in three years (called _Barnes's -March_, by which they hold an estate): they went to Sir _George -Whitmore's_, and took a dunghill. As they were marching through -_Bunhill-Row_, a large hog ran between a woman's legs and threw her -down, by which accident the ranks were broke, which put the army in the -utmost confusion before they could recover." - -[G] See above, p. 295. - -[5] The _earliest impressions_ of this plate in its second state, have -the same inscription. - -[6] _Morellon Le Cave_. Mr. _Walpole_, in his catalogue of _English_ -engravers, (octavo edit.) professes to know no more of this artist than -that he was "a scholar of _Picart_" and "did a head of Dr. _Pococke_ -before _Twells's_ edition of the Doctor's works." In the year 1739, -however, he engraved _Captain Coram_, &c. at the head of the Power of -Attorney, &c. (a description of which see p. 254. of the present work) -and afterwards was _Hogarth's_ coadjutor in this third of his Election -plates. At the bottom of it he is only styled _Le Cave_. - -[7] Some of these scenes having been reversed by the engraver, the -figures in them are represented as using their left hands instead of -their right. - -[8] Query, what were the scandalous prints to which he alludes? - -[9] This _A. R._ was _Allan Ramsay_, but having never met with his -performance, I can give no account of it. - - * * * * * - -1756. - - -1. _France_ and _England_, two plates; both etched by himself. Under -them are the following verses, by Mr. _Garrick_: - - PLATE I. FRANCE. - With lanthern jaws, and croaking gut, - See how the half-starv'd _Frenchmen_ strut, - And call us _English_ dogs! - But soon we'll teach these bragging foes, - That beef and beer give heavier blows - Than soup and roasted frogs. - - The priests, inflam'd with righteous hopes, - Prepare their axes, wheels, and ropes, - To bend the stiff-neck'd sinner; - But, should they sink in coming over, - _Old Nick_ may fish 'twixt _France_ and _Dover_, - And catch a glorious dinner. - - PLATE II. ENGLAND. - See _John_ the Soldier, _Jack_ the Tar, - With sword and pistol arm'd for war, - Should Mounseer dare come here! - The hungry slaves have smelt our food, - They long to taste our flesh and blood, - Old _England's_ beef and beer! - - _Britons_, to arms! and let 'em come, - Be you but _Britons_ still, Strike home, - And lion-like attack 'em; - No power can stand the deadly stroke - That's given from hands and hearts of oak, - With Liberty to back 'em. - - -2. The Search Night, a copy. _J. Fielding sculp._ 21_st March_, -1756.[1] "_A very bad print, and I believe an imposition_." On this -plate are sixteen stupid verses, not worth transcribing. It was -afterwards copied again in two different sizes in miniature, and -printed off on cards, by _Darly_, in 1766. The original, in a small -oval, was an impression taken from the top of a silver tobacco-box; -engraved by _Hogarth_ for one Captain _Johnson_, and never meant for -publication. - -[1] There is also a copy of this print, engraved likewise by -_Fielding_, and dated _August_ 11, 1746. - - * * * * * - -1758. - - -1. His own portrait,[1] sitting, and painting the Muse of Comedy; Head -profile, in a cap. The Analysis of Beauty on the floor. _W. Hogarth, -serjeant-painter to his Majesty._ The face engraved by _W. Hogarth_. - -I should observe, that when this plate was left with the person -employed to furnish the inscription, he, taking the whole for the -production of our artist, wrote "Engraved by _W. Hogarth_" under it. -_Hogarth_, being conscious that the face only had been touched by -himself, added, with his own hand, "_The Face_" Engraved, &c. - -In the second impression "The Face Engraved by _W. Hogarth_" is totally -omitted. - -In the third impression "Serjeant-painter, &c." is scratched over by -the burin, but remains still sufficiently legible. - -The fourth impression has "_the face retouched, but not so like as the -preceding.[2] Comedy also has the face and mask marked with black,[3] -and inscribed,_ COMEDY, 1764. _No other inscription but his name,_ -William Hogarth, 1764." - -The original from which this plate is taken, is in Mrs. _Hogarth's_ -possession at _Chiswick_. A whole-length of herself, in the same size, -is its companion. They are both small pictures. - -[1] Among the prints bequeathed by the late Mr. _Forrest_ to his -executor Mr. _Coxe_, is this head cut out of a proof, and touched up -with _Indian_ ink by _Hogarth_. Mr. _Forrest_, in an inscription on the -back of the paper to which it is affixed, observes it was a present to -him from Mrs. _Hogarth_. - -With these prints are likewise several early impressions from other -plates by our artist; and in particular a March to _Finchley_ -uncommonly fine, and with the original spelling of PRUSIA uncorrected -even by a pen. I am told that both the head and this, with other -engravings in the collection of the late Mr. _Forrest_, will be sold by -auction in the course of the Winter 1786. - -[2] i. e. the two first. - -[3] So in both the third and fourth impressions. - - -2. The Bench. Over the top of this plate is written in -capitals--CHARACTER. Under it "of the different meaning of the words -_Character, Caracatura,_ and _Outrè_, in painting and drawing," Then -follows a long inscription on this subject. The original painting is in -the collection of Mr. _Edwards_. - - * * * * * - -1759. - - -1. The Cockpit. _Designed and engraved by W. Hogarth._ In this plate -is a portrait of _Nan Rawlins_, a very ugly old woman (commonly called -_Deptford Nan_, sometimes the _Duchess of Deptford_), and well -remembered at _Newmarket_. She was a famous cock-feeder, and did -the honours of the _gentlemen's_ ordinary at _Northampton_; while, -in return, a single gentleman was deputed to preside at the table -appropriated to the _ladies_. The figure with a hump-back, was designed -for one _Jackson_, a once noted jockey at _Newmarket_. The blind -president is Lord _Albemarle Bertie_, who was a constant attender of -this diversion. His portrait was before discoverable in the crowd round -the bruisers in the March to _Finchley_. - -By the cockpit laws, any person who cannot, or will not pay his debts -of honour, is drawn up in a basket to the roof of the building. Without -a knowledge of this circumstance, the shadow of the man who is offering -his watch would be unintelligible. - -The subject of The Cockpit had been recommended to _Hogarth_ so long -ago as 1747, in the following lines, first printed in _The Gentleman's -Magazine_ of that year, p. 292. - - "Where _Dudston's_[1] walks with vary'd beauties shine, - And some are pleas'd with bowling, some with wine, - Behold a generous train of Cocks repair, - To vie for glory in the toils of war; - Each hero burns to conquer or to die: - What mighty hearts in little bosoms lie! - - "Come, _Hogarth_, thou whose art can best declare - What forms, what features, human passions wear, - Come, with a painter's philosophic sight, - Survey the circling judges of the fight. - Touch'd with the sport of death, while every heart - Springs to the changing face, exert thy art; - Mix with the smiles of Cruelty at pain - Whate'er looks anxious in the lust of gain; - And say, can aught that's generous, just, or kind, - Beneath this aspect, lurk within the mind? - Is lust of blood or treasure vice in all, - Abhorr'd alike on whomsoe'er it fall? - Are mighty states and gamblers still the same? - And war itself a cock-fight, and a game? - Are sieges, battles, triumphs, little things; - And armies only the game-cocks of kings? - Which fight, in Freedom's cause, still blindly bold, - Bye-battles only, and the main for gold? - - "The crested bird, whose voice awakes the morn, - Whose plumage streaks of radiant gold adorn, - Proud of his birth, on fair _Salopia's_ plain, - Stalks round, and scowls defiance and disdain. - Not fiercer looks the proud _Helvetians_ wear, - Though thunder slumbers in the arms they bear: - Nor _Thracia's_ fiercer sons, a warlike race! - Display more prowess, or more martial grace. - But, lo! another comes, renown'd for might, - Renown'd for courage, and provokes the fight. - Yet what, alas! avails his furious mien, - His ruddy neck, and breast of varied green? - Soon thro' his brain the foe's bright weapon flies, - Eternal darkness shades his swimming eyes; - Prostrate he falls, and quivering spurns the ground, - While life indignant issues from the wound. - Unhappy hero, had thy humbler life - Deny'd thee fame by deeds of martial strife, - Still hadst thou crow'd, for future pleasures spar'd, - Th' exulting monarch of a farmer's yard. - - "Like fate, alas! too soon th' illustrious prove, - The great by hatred fall, the fair by love; - The wise, the good, can scarce preserve a name, - Expung'd by envy from the rolls of fame. - Peace and oblivion still through life secure, - In friendly glooms, the simple, homely, poor. - And who would wish to bask in glory's ray, - To buy with peace the laurel or the bay? - What tho' the wreath defy the lightning's fire, - The bard and hero in the storm expire. - Be rest and innocence my humbler lot, - Scarce known through life, and after death forgot!" - -[1] A gentleman's seat, about a mile from _Birmingham_, fitted up for -the reception of company, in imitation of _Vaux-hall Gardens_. - - -2. A small oval of Bishop _Hoadly_, ætat. 83. _Hogarth pinx. Sherlock -sculp._ - - * * * * * - -1760. - - -1. Frontispiece to _Tristram Shandy_. Of this plate there are two -copies; in the first of which the hat and clock are omitted. _S. -Ravenet sculp._ In this plate is the portrait of Dr. _Burton_, of -_York_, the Jacobite physician and antiquary, in the character of Dr. -_Slop_. - -_Sterne_ probably was indebted for these plates (especially the -first of them) to the following compliment he had paid our author in -the first volume of _Tristram Shandy_. "Such were the outlines of -Dr. _Slop's_ figure, which, if you have read _Hogarth's Analysis of -Beauty_, and, if you have not, I wish you would, you must know, may as -certainly be caracatured, and conveyed to the mind by three strokes as -three hundred." - - -2. Frontispiece to _Brook Taylor's_ Perspective of Architecture.[1] -With an attempt at a new order. _W. Hogarth, July_ 1760. _W. Woollet -sculp._ Lest any reader should suppose that this idea of forming a -new capital out of the Star of St. _George_, the Prince of _Wales's_ -Feather,[2] and a regal Coronet, was hatched in the mind of _Hogarth_ -after he had been appointed Serjeant Painter, the following passage -in the _Analysis_ will prove that many years before he had conceived -the practicability of such an attempt: see p. 40. "I am thoroughly -convinced in myself, however it may startle some, that a completely -new and harmonious order of architecture in all its parts might be -produced, &c." Again, p. 46. "Even a capital, composed of the aukward -and confined forms of hats and perriwigs, as Fig. 48. Plate I. in a -skilful hand might be made to have some beauty." Mr. _S. Ireland_ has -the original sketch. - -[1] Published in two volumes, folio, 1761, by _Joshua Kirby_, Designer -in Perspective to his Majesty.--"Here is a curious frontispiece, -designed by Mr. _Hogarth_; but not in the same ludicrous style as the -former (see p. 333): it were to be wished that he had explained its -meaning; for, being symbolical, the meaning of it is not so obvious -as the other. To me it conveys the idea, which _Milton_ so poetically -describes, of the angel _Uriel_ gliding down to Paradise on a sun-beam; -but the young gentleman has dropped off before he had arrived at his -journey's end, with _Palladio's_ book of architecture on his knees. -A ray of light from the sun, rising over a distant mountain, is -directed to a scroll on the ground, on which are two or three scraps -of perspective; over which, supported by a large block of stone, is -the upper part of a sceptre, broke off; the shaft very obliquely and -absurdly inclined, somewhat resembling the _Roman_ fasces, and girt -above with the Prince of _Wales's_ coronet, as an astragal, through -which the fasces rise, and swell into a crown, adorned with embroidered -stars; this is the principal object, but most vilely drawn. The ray -passes through a round temple, at a considerable distance, which is -also falsly represented, the curves being for the distance too round, -and consequently the diminution of the columns is too great. It appears -to pass over a piece of water; on this side the ground is fertile and -luxuriant with vegetation, abounding with trees and shrubs; on the -other side it is rocky and barren.[A] What is indicated by this seems -to be, that, where the arts are encouraged by the rays of royal favour, -they will thrive and flourish; but where they are neglected, and do not -find encouragement, they will droop and languish." _Malton's_ Appendix -to his Treatise on Perspective. - -[A] The idea of this contrast between fertility and barrenness is an -old one. _Hogarth_ probably took it from the engraving known by the -name of _Raffaelle's Dream_. - -[2] Mr. _H. Emlyn_ has lately realised this plan, by his Proposals for -a new order of architecture, 1781. - - -3. Mr. _Huggins_. A small circular plate. _Hogarth pinx. Major sculp._ -On the left, a bust, inscribed, "IL DIVINO ARIOSTO." "DANTE L'INFERNO, -IL PURGATORIO, IL PARADISO." Mr. _Huggins_ (of whom see p. 19.) had -this portrait engraven, to prefix to his translation of _Dante_, of -which no more than a specimen was ever published. - -The bust of _Ariosto_ was inserted by the positive order of Mr. -_Huggins_ (after the plate was finished), though much against the -judgement of the engraver, who was convinced that a still ground would -have shewn the countenance of the person represented to much greater -advantage. Mr. _Major's_ charge was only three guineas, and yet eleven -years elapsed before he received even this trifling acknowledgement for -his labour. Dr. _Monkhouse_ has the plate. - - * * * * * - -1761. - - -1. Frontispiece and tail-piece to the catalogue of pictures exhibited -at _Spring Gardens. W. Hogarth inv. C. Grignion sculp._ There is a -variation of this print; a _Latin_ motto under each in the second -edition. In the earliest impressions _obit_, corrected afterwards to -_obiit_. The same mark of ignorance, however, remains unamended over -the monument of the Judge in the first plate of the _Analysis_. - - -2. _Time_ blackening a picture. Subscription-ticket for his -_Sigismunda_. "_This, and the preceding tail-piece, are satires on -Connoisseurs._" - - -3. The Five Orders of Perriwigs at the Coronation of _George_ -III.[1] Many of the heads, as well as wigs, were known at the time. -The first head of the second row was designed to represent Lord -_Melcombe_; and those of Bishops _Warburton, Mawson,_ and _Squire,_ -are found in the groupe. The advertisement annexed, as well as the -whole print, is said to have been a ridicule on Mr. _Stewart's_ -Antiquities of _Athens_, in which, with minute accuracy, are given -the measurements of all the members of the _Greek_ Architecture. -The inscription under the print affords a plentiful crop of false -spellings--volumns--advertisment--baso--&c. The second _e_ in -advertisement was afterwards added on the neck of the female figure -just over it. The first and subsequent impressions will be known by -this distinction. - -[1] A Dissertation on Mr. _Hogarth's_ print of the Order of Perriwigs, -viz. the Episcopal, Aldermanic, and Lexonic, is printed in _The -Beauties of all the Magazines_, 1761, p. 52. - - -4. Frontispiece to the Farmer's Return from _London_, an Interlude by -Mr. _Garrick_,[1] acted at _Drury Lane. W. Hogarth delin. J. Basire -sculp._ In Mr. _Foster's_ collection is a bad copy of this plate, no -name, the figures reversed. The original drawing was given to Mr. -_Garrick_, and is supposed to be in the possession of his widow at -_Hampton_. Mr. _S. Ireland_ has a sketch of it. An excellent copy of -this plate is sometimes sold as the original. - -[1] Mr. _Garrick'_ publication was thus prefaced: "The following -interlude was prepared for the stage, merely with a view of assisting -Mrs. _Pritchard_ at her benefit; and the desire of serving so good -an actress is a better excuse for its defects, than the few days in -which it was written and represented. Notwithstanding the favourable -reception it has met with, the author would not have printed it, -had not his friend, Mr. _Hogarth_, flattered him most agreeably, by -thinking _the Farmer and his Family_ not unworthy of a sketch of his -pencil. To him, therefore, this trifle, which he has so much honoured, -is inscribed, as a faint testimony of the sincere esteem which the -writer bears him, both as a man and an artist." - - -5. Another frontispiece to _Tristram Shandy_ (for the second volume). -His christening. _F. Ravenet sculp._ - - -6. The same engraved by _Ryland_. This, as I am informed, was the -first, but was too coarsely executed to suit that prepared for the -first volume of the same work. - - * * * * * - -1762. - - -1. Credulity, Superstition, and Fanaticism. "_Satire on Methodists._" -"For deep and useful satire," says Mr. _Walpole_, "the most sublime of -all his works." - -This print, however, contains somewhat more than a satire on Methodism. -_Credulity_ is illustrated by the figure of the Rabbit-breeder of -_Godalming_, with her supposed progeny galloping from under her -petticoats. _St. André's_ folly furnished _Hogarth_ with matter for one -of his latest, as well as one of his earliest performances. - - _Primâ dicte mihi, summâ dicende Camænâ._ - - -2. The Times. Plate I. In one copy of this print _Henry_ VIII. is -blowing the flames; in another Mr. _Pitt_ has the same employment: As -this design is not illustrated in _Trusler's_ Account of _Hogarth's_ -Works, I shall attempt its explanation, and subjoin, by way of note, -a humourous description of it, which was printed in a news-paper -immediately after it's first appearance in the world.[1] - -_Europe_ on fire; _France, Germany, Spain,_ in flames, which are -extending to _Great Britain_. This desolation continued and assisted -by Mr. _Pitt_, under the figure of King _Henry_ VIII. with bellows -increasing the mischief which others are striving to abate. He is -mounted on the stilts of the populace. A _Cheshire_ cheese depends -from his neck, with 3000 _l._ on it. This alludes to what he had said -in Parliament--that he would sooner live on a _Cheshire_ cheese and a -shoulder of mutton, than submit to the enemies of _Great Britain_. Lord -_Bute_, attended by _English_ soldiers, sailors, and _Highlanders_, -manages an engine for extinguishing the flames, but is impeded by the -Duke of _Newcastle_, with a wheel-barrow full of _Monitors_ and _North -Britons_, for the purpose of feeding the blaze. The respectable body -under Mr. _Pitt_ are the aldermen of _London_, worshiping the idol -they had set up; whilst the musical King of _Prussia_, who alone is -sure to gain by the war, is amusing himself with a violin amongst his -miserable countrywomen. The picture of the _Indian_ alludes to the -advocates for retaining our _West Indian_ conquests, which, it was -said, would only increase excess and debauchery. The breaking down of -the _Newcastle_-arms, and the drawing up the patriotic ones, refer -to the resignation of that noble Duke, and the appointment of his -successor. The _Dutchman_ smoking his pipe, and a _Fox_ peeping out -behind him, and waiting the issue; the Waggon, with the treasures of -the _Hermione_; the unnecessary marching of the _Militia_, signified by -the _Norfolk_ jig; the Dove with the olive-branch, and the miseries of -war; are all obvious, and perhaps need no explication. - -To those already given, however, may be added the following doggrel -verses: - - Devouring flames with fury roll - Their curling spires from Pole to Pole, - Wide-spreading devastation dire, - Three kingdoms ready to expire; - Here realms convulsive pant for breath, - And quiver in the arms of death. - Ill-fated isle! _Britannia_ bleeds; - The flames her trait'rous offspring feeds: - Now, now, they seize her vital parts-- - O save her from his murd'rous arts! - - In air exalted high, behold! - Fierce, noisy, boisterous, and bold, - Swol'n, like the king of frogs, that fed - On mangled limbs of victims dead, - With larger bellows in his hand, - Than e'er a blacksmith's in the land, - The flames that waste the world to blow, - He points unto the mob below: - 'Look, _Britons_, what a bonfire there! - Halloo, be d----'d, and rend the air.' - Aldermen, marrow-bones and cleavers, - Brokers, stock-jobbers, and coal-heavers, - _Templars_, and knaves of ev'ry station, - The dregs of _London_, and the nation; - Contractors, agents, clerks, and all - Who share the plunder, great and small, - Join in the halloo at his call. - Higher they raise the stilts that bore - The shapeless idol they adore: - He, to increase his weight, had slung - A _Mill-stone_ round his neck, which hung - With bulk enormous to the ground, - And adds thereto _Three Thousand Pound_; - That none may dare to say henceforth, - He wanted either weight or worth. - He blows,--the flames triumphant rise, - Devour the earth, and threat the skies. - - When lo! in peaceful mien appears, - In bloom of life, and youthful years, - GEORGE, Prince of Men; a smile benign - That goodness looks, prognostic sign - Of soul etherial, seems to bode, - A world's deliv'rer sent from God. - Array'd in Majesty serene, - Like heav'nly spirits when they deign, - In pity to mankind, to come, - And stop avenging judgement's doom; - Behold, and bless! just not too late - T' avert a sinking nation's fate, - He comes, with friendly care to stay - Those flames that made the world their prey. - Born to reform and bless the age, - Fearless of _faction's_ madd'ning rage, - Which, with united malice, throngs, - To reap the harvest of our wrongs, - He labours to defeat our foes, - Secure our peace, and ease our woes. - Before him _Faction_ dare not shew - Her ghastly face and livid hue, - But back retires to _Temple-Bar_, - Where the spectator sees from far - Many a traitor's head erect, - To shew what traitors must expect. - Upon that _barefac'd_ figure look, - With empty scull and full peruke; - For man or statue it might pass; - _Cæsar_ would call't a golden ass. - Behold the vain malicious thing, - Squirting his poison at his king, - And pointing, with infernal art, - Th' envenom'd rancour of his heart. - - Higher in parts and place appears - His venal race of Garretteers; - A starving, mercenary tribe, - That sell, for every bidder's bribe, - Their scantling wits to purchase bread - And always drive the briskest trade, - When _Faction_ sounds with loudest din, - To bring some new Pretender in. - This tribe from their ærial station, - Deluge with scandal all the nation: - Below contempt, secure from shame, - Sure not to forfeit any fame, - Indifferent what part to choose, - With nothing but their ears to lose. - Not Virtue on a throne can be - From tongues below resentment free. - Of human things such the distraction, - With Liberty we must have Faction. - - But look behind the _Temple-gate_, - Near the thick, clumsy, stinking seat, - Where _London's_ pageant sits in state; - What wild, ferocious shape is there, - With raging looks and savage air? - Is that the monster without name, - Whom human art could never tame, - From _Indian_ wilds of late brought o'er, - Such as no _Briton_ saw before? - I mean the monster _P_* * * presented - To the late King, who quickly sent it, - Among his other beasts of prey, - Safe in a cage with lock and key. - Some said he was of _British_ blood, - Though taken in an _Indian_ wood. - If he should thus at large remain, - Without a keeper, cage, or chain, - Raging and roaming up and down, - He may set fire to half the town. - Has he not robb'd the _Bank?_--Behold, - In either hand, what bags of gold! - Monsters are dangerous things let loose: - Old _Cambrian_, guard thy mansion-house. - - But here, what comes? A loaded car, - Stuff'd, and high pil'd, from _Temple-Bar_. - The labouring wretches hardly move - The load that totters from above. - By their wry faces, and high strains, - The cart some lumpish weight contains. - '_North Britons_--Gentlemen--come, buy, - There's no man sells so cheap as I. - Of the _North Briton_ just a score, - And twenty _Monitors_ or more, - For just one penny---- - _North Britons--Monitors_--come, buy, - There's no man sells so cheap as I.' - '_North Britons! Monitors!_ be d----'d! - Is that the luggage you have cramm'd - Into your stinking cart? Be gone, - Or else I'll burn them every one.' - 'Good Sir, I'm sure they are not dear, - The paper's excellent, I swear-- - You can't have better any where. - Come, feel this sheet, Sir--please to choose-- - They're very soft, and fit for use. - All very good, Sir, take my word-- - As cheap as any can afford. - The Curate, Sir, Lord! how he'll foam! - He cannot dine 'till we get home. - The Colonel too, altho' he be - So big, so loud, so proud, d'ye see, - Will have his share as well as he.' - - While on a swelling sack of cheese - The frugal _Dutchman_ sits at ease, - And smokes his pipe, and sees with joy - The flames, that all the world destroy, - Keep at a distance from his bales, - And sure thereby to raise the sales; - Good Mr. _Reynard_, wiser still, - Displays you his superior skill: - Behind the selfish miser's back, - He cuts a hole into the sack, - His paunch well cramm'd, he snugly lies, - And with himself the place supplies; - And now and then his head pops out, - To see how things go round about; - Prepar'd to run, or stand the fire, - Just as occasion may require, - But willing in the sack to stay, - And cram his belly while he may, - Regardless of the babbling town, - And every interest but his own. - - On yonder plain behold a riddle, - That mighty warrior with his fiddle, - With sneering nose, and brow so arch, - A-scraping out the _German_ march; - _Bellona_ leading up the dance, - With flaming torch, and pointed lance, - And all the _Furies_ in her train, - Exulting at the martial strain; - Pale _Famine_ bringing up the rear, - To crown with woe the wasteful year. - There's nought but scenes of wretchedness. - Horror and death, and dire distress, - To mark their footsteps o'er the plains, - And teach the world what mighty gains - From _German_ victories accrue - To th' vanquish'd and the victors too. - The fidler, at his ease reclin'd, - Enjoys the woes of human kind; - Pursues his trade, destroys by rules, - And reaps the spoils of Knaves and Fools. - * * * * _Multa desunt._ - -The first impressions of this print may be known by the following -distinction. The smoke just over the Dove is left white; and the whole -of the composition has a brilliancy and clearness not to be found in -the copies worked off after the plate was retouched. - -I am told that _Hogarth_ did not undertake this political print merely -_ex officio_, but through a hope the salary of his appointment as -Serjeant Painter would be increased by such a show of zeal for the -reigning Ministry. - -He left behind him a second part, on the same subject; but hitherto -it has been withheld from the public. The finished Plate is in the -possession of Mrs. _Hogarth_. - -There seems, however, no reason why this design should be suppressed. -The widow of our artist is happily independent of a court; nor can -aught relative to the politics of the year 1762 be of consequence to -any party now existing. Our Monarch also, as the patron of arts, would -rather encourage than prevent the publication of a work by _Hogarth_, -even though it should recall the disagreeable ideas of faction -triumphant, and a favourite in disgrace. - -[1] The principal figure in the character of _Henry_ VIII. appears to -be not Mr. _P._ but another person whose power is signified by his -bulk of carcase, treading on Mr. _P._ represented by 3000 _l._ The -bellows may signify his well-meaning, though ineffectual, endeavours -to extinguish the fire by wind, which, though it will put out a small -flame, will cherish a large one. The guider of the engine-pipe, I -should think, can only mean his M------, who unweariedly tries, by a -more proper method, to stop the flames of war, in which he is assisted -by all his good subjects, both by sea and land, notwithstanding any -interruption from _Auditors_ or _Britons, Monitors_ or _North Britons_. -The respectable body at the bottom can never mean the magistrates of -_London_; Mr. _H._ has more sense than to abuse so respectable a body; -much less can it mean the judges. I think it may as likely be the Court -of Session in _Scotland_, either in the attitude of adoration, or with -outspread arms intending to catch their patron, should his stilts give -way. The _Frenchman_ may very well sit at his ease among his miserable -countrywomen, as he is not unacquainted that _France_ has always -gained by negociating what she lost in fighting. The fine gentleman -at the window with his garretteers, and the barrow of periodical -papers, refer to the present contending parties of every denomination. -The breaking of the _Newcastle_ arms alludes to the resignation of a -great personage; and the replacing of them, by the sign of the four -clenched fists, may be thought emblematical of the great œconomy of -his successor. The _Norfolk_ jig signifies, in a lively manner, the -alacrity of all his Majesty's forces during the war; and _G. T. [George -Townshend] fecit_, is an opportune compliment paid to Lord _Townshend_, -who, in conjunction with Mr. _Windham_, published "A Plan of Discipline -for the Use of the _Norfolk_ Militia," 4to. and had been the greatest -advocate for the establishment of our present militia. The picture of -the _Indian_ alive from _America_ is a satire on our late uncivilized -behaviour to the three chiefs of the _Cherokee_ nation, who were lately -in this kingdom; and the bags of money set this in a still clearer -point of view, signifying the sums gained by shewing them at our public -gardens. The sly _Dutchman_, with his pipe, seems pleased with the -combustion, from which he thinks he shall be a gainer. And the Duke of -_Nivernois_, under the figure of a dove, is coming from _France_ to -give a cessation of hostilities to _Europe_. - - -3. _T. Morell_, S. T. P., S. S. A. _W. Hogarth delin. James Basire -sculp._ From a drawing returned to Mr. _Hogarth_. Of this plate there -is an admirable copy, though it has not yet been extensively circulated. - - -4. _Henry Fielding_, ætatis 48. _W. Hogarth delin. James Basire sculp._ -From a drawing with a pen made after the death of Mr. _Fielding_. -"That gentleman," says Mr. _Murphy_, "had often promised to sit to -his friend _Hogarth_, for whose good qualities and excellent genius -he always entertained so high an esteem, that he has left us in his -writings many beautiful memorials of his affection. Unluckily, however, -it so fell out that no picture of him was ever drawn; but yet, as -if it was intended that some traces of his countenance should be -perpetuated, and that too by the very artist whom our author preferred -to all others, after Mr. _Hogarth_ had long laboured to try if he -could bring out any likeness of him from images existing in his own -fancy, and just as he was despairing of success, for want of some -rules to go by in the dimensions and outlines of the face, Fortune -threw the grand _desideratum_ in the way. A lady, with a pair of -scissars, had cut a profile, which gave the distances and proportions -of his face sufficiently to restore his lost ideas of him. Glad of -an opportunity of paying his last tribute to the memory of an author -whom he admired, Mr. _Hogarth_ caught at this outline with pleasure, -and worked, with all the attachment of friendship, till he finished -that excellent drawing which stands at the head of this work, and -recalls to all, who have seen the original, a corresponding image of -the man." Notwithstanding this authentic relation of Mr. _Murphy_, a -different account of the portrait has been lately given in one of the -news-papers. Mr. _Garrick_, it is there said, dressed himself in a -suit of his old friend's cloaths, and presented himself to the painter -in the attitude, and with the features, of _Fielding_. Our _Roscius_, -however, I can assert, interfered no farther in this business than by -urging _Hogarth_ to attempt the likeness, as a necessary adjunct to the -edition of _Fielding's_ works. I am assured that our artist began and -finished the head in the presence of his wife and another lady. He had -no assistance but from his own memory, which, on such occasions, was -remarkably tenacious.[1] - -[1] To this sketch so great justice was done by the engraver, that Mr. -_Hogarth_ declared he did not know his own drawing from a proof of -the plate before the ornaments were added. This proof is now in the -collection of Mr. _Steevens_. - - * * * * * - -1763. - - -1. _John Wilkes_, Esq. _Drawn from the life, and etched in aquafortis -by Wm. Hogarth._ Price 1_s_. It was published with the following -oblique note. This is "a direct contrast to a print of SIMON LORD -LOVAT."[1] - -Mr. _Wilkes_, with his usual good humour, has been heard to observe, -that he is every day growing more and more like his portrait by -_Hogarth_. - -In the second impressions of this plate there are a few slight -variations, sufficient at least to shew that the face of the person -represented had been retouched. I have been told, by a copper-plate -printer, that near 4000 copies of this caricature were worked off on -its first publication. Being kept up for two or three following nights -on the occasion, he has reason to remember it. - -[1] The original drawing, which was thrown by _Hogarth_ into the fire, -was snatched out of it by Mrs. _Lewis_, and is now in the possession of -Mr. _S. Ireland_. - - -2. The Bruiser _C. Churchill_,[1] in the character of a _Russian -Hercules_, &c. The _Russian Hercules_ was thus explained, in _August_, -1763, by an admirer of _Hogarth_: "The principal figure is a _Russian -Bear_ (i. e. Mr. _Churchill_) with a club in his left paw, which he -hugs to his side, and which is intended to denote his friendship to -Mr. _Wilkes_: on the notches of the club are wrote, _Lye_ 1, _Lye_ 2, -&c. signifying the falsities in _The North Briton_: in his other paw -is a gallon pot of porter, of which (being very hot) he seems going -to drink: round his neck is a clergyman's band, which is torn, and -seems intended to denote the bruiser. The other figure is a _Pug-dog_, -which is supposed to mean Mr. _Hogarth_ himself, pissing with the -greatest contempt on the epistle wrote to him by _C. Churchill_. In -the centre is a prison begging-box, standing on a folio, the title of -which is, _Great George-Street. A list of the Subscribers to the_ North -Briton: underneath is another book, the title of which is, _A New Way -to pay Old Debts, a Comedy, by_ Massinger. All of which allude to Mr. -_Wilkes's_ debts, to be defrayed by the subscriptions to _The North -Briton_." - -The same design is thus illustrated by a person who thought somewhat -differently of our artist: "The _Bear_, with the shattered band, -represents the former strength and abilities of Mr. _Hogarth_: the full -pot of beer likewise shews that he was in a land of plenty. The stump -of a headless tree with the notches, and on them wrote _Lye_, Signifies -Mr. _Hogarth's_ former art, and the many productions thereof, wherein -he has excelled even Nature itself, and which of course must be but -lies, flattery, and fallacy, the _Painter's Prerogative_; and the stump -of the tree only being left, shews that there can be no more fruit -expected from thence, but that it only stands as a record of his former -services. The _Butcher's Dog_ pissing upon Mr. _Churchill's_ epistle, -alludes to the present state of Mr. _Hogarth_; that he is arrived at -such an age to be reduced so low, as, from the strength of a _Bear_, -to a blind _Butcher's Dog_, not able to distinguish, but pissing upon -his best friend; or, perhaps, giving the public a hint to read that -Epistle, where his case is more fully laid before them. The next matter -to be explained is the subscription-box, and under it is a book said -to contain _a list of the Subscribers to the_ North Briton, as well -as one of _a New Way to pay Old Debts_. Mr. _Hogarth_ mentioned _The -North Briton_, to avoid the censure of the rabble in the street, who, -he knew, would neither pity nor relieve him; and as Mr. _Churchill_ -was reputed to be the writer of that paper, it would seem to give a -colour in their eyes of its being intended against Mr. _Churchill_. Mr. -_Hogarth_ meant only to shew his necessity, and that a book, entitled -_A List of the Subscribers to the_ North Briton, contained, in fact, a -list of those who should contribute to the support of Mr. _Hogarth_ in -old age. By the book entitled _A New Way to pay Old Debts_, he can only -mean this, that when a man is become disabled to get his livelihood, -and much in debt, the only shift he has left is, to go a-begging to his -creditors. - -"There are likewise some of his old tools in this print, without any -hand to use them." - -On the same occasion were published the following verses, "on Mr. -_Hogarth's_ last delicate performance:" - - "What Merit could from native Genius boast, - To civilize the age, and please us most, - In lasting images each scene to grace, - And all the soul to gather in the face, - In one small sheet a volume to conceal, - Yet all the story finely to reveal, - Was once the glory of our _Hogarth's_ name; - But see, the short-liv'd eminence of fame - Now dwindles like the exit of a flame, - From which when once the unctuous juice is fled, - A stinking vapour rises in its stead: - So drops our Painter in his later day, - His former virtue worn, alas! away, - What busy dæmon, for thy cursed design'd, - Could thus induce the rancour of thy mind - To strike so boldly, with an impious hand, - Against the blessings of thy native land? - Open and unabash'd thy fury flies, - And all regard for liberty denies. - - "When _Catiline_, with more than human hate, - Resolv'd the ruin of the _Roman_ state, - In secret he pursu'd the hellish plan, - Nor did his wickedness survive the man. - His cruel arts are all by others shown, - And thou the brave assertor of thy own: - Nay, thy grim sheets thy principles will show, - When _Charon_ wafts thee to the realms below, - Where all like thee shall unlamented go." - -And also what the writer called, - - "_A_ SLAP _at_ BOTH SIDES." - - "Whilst _Bruin_ and _Pug_ contend for the prize - Of merit in scandal, would parties be wise, - And with honest derision contemn the dispute, - The _Bear_ would not roar, and the _Dog_ would be mute: - For they equally both their patrons betray, - No sense of Conviction their reasons convey; - So neither may hope one convert to gain, - For the Rhime makes me sick, and the Print gives me pain."[2] - -This plate, however, originally contained our artist's own portrait -(see p. 295). To shew the contempt in which he held the "Poetical -Epistle to _Hogarth_",[3] he makes the pug-dog water on it, but in -a manner by no means natural to his species. Perhaps there is the -same error relative to the Monkey in the print of the _Strollers_. -This kind of _evacuation_, however, appears to have been regarded by -_Hogarth_ as a never-failing _joke_. On the palette he exhibits the -_North Britons_, and a begging-box to collect subscriptions for them. -_Designed and engraved by W. Hogarth._ - -In the first impression of this print three of the upper knots on the -club or ragged staff (viz. 1. 3. 5.) are left white. In the second -impression they are completely shaded; the ruffle on the hand that -clasps the pot of porter is likewise hatched over, and the shoulder of -the animal made rounder. Minute differences occur in the other knots, -&c. The inscription, instead of _Russian_, reads _Modern_ Hercules. - -[1] In a letter written to his friend Mr. _Wilkes_, dated _Aug._ 3, -1763, _Churchill_ says: "I take it for granted you have seen _Hogarth's -Print_ against me. Was ever any thing so contemptible? I think he -is fairly _felo de se_--I think not to let him off in that manner, -although I might safely leave him to your NOTES. He has broke into -my pale of private life, and set that example of illiberality which -I wished--of that kind of attack which is ungenerous in the first -instance, but justice in return. I intend an Elegy on him, supposing -him dead; but * * tells me with a kiss, he will be really dead before -it comes out: that I have already killed him, &c. How sweet is -flattery from the woman we love! and how weak is our boasted strength -when opposed to beauty and good sense with good nature!"--In Mr. -_Churchill's_ will is the following passage: "I desire my dear friend, -_John Wilkes_, Esq. to collect and publish my Works, with the Remarks -and Explanations he has prepared, and any others he thinks proper to -make." - -[2] In a few days after, the following Advertisement, for a satirical -Print on _Hogarth_, was published: - - _Tara, Tan, Tara! Tara, Tan, Tara!_ - - This Day made its appearance at the noted SUMPTER's Political Booth, - next door to _The Brazen Head_, near _Shoe-Lane, Fleet-street_, which - began precisely at twelve at noon, a new humourous performance, - entitled, The BRUISER TRIUMPHANT: or, The Whole Farce of the - _Leicester-fields_ Pannel Painter. The principal parts by Mr. - _H[ogarth]_, Mr. _W[ilkes]_, Mr. _C[hurchill]_, &c. &c. &c. Walk in, - Gentlemen, walk in! No more than 6 _d._ a-piece! - -[3] The reader shall judge for himself of this Epistle's "power to -hurt." - - "Amongst the sons of men, how few are known - Who dare be just to merit not their own! - Superior virtue, and superior sense, - To knaves and fools will always give offence; - Nay, men of real worth can scarcely bear, - So nice is Jealousy, a rival there. - - "Be wicked as thou wilt, do all that's base, - Proclaim thyself the monster of thy race; - Let Vice and Folly thy Black Soul divide, - Be proud with meanness, and be mean with pride! - Deaf to the voice of Faith and Honour, fall - From side to side, yet be of none at all; - Spurn all those charities, those sacred ties, - Which Nature in her bounty, good as wise, - To work our safety, and ensure her plan, - Contriv'd to bind, and rivet man to man; - Lift against Virtue Power's oppressive rod, - Betray thy Country, and deny thy God; - And, in one general comprehensive line, - To group, which volumes scarcely could define, - Whate'er of Sin and Dulness can be said. - Join to a _F----'s_ heart a _D----'s_ head. - Yet mayst thou pass unnotic'd in the throng, - And, free from Envy, safely sneak along. - The rigid Saint, by whom no mercy's shewn - To Saints whose lives are better than his own, - Shall spare thy crimes; and WIT, who never once - Forgave a Brother, shall forgive a Dunce." - -After this nervous introduction, our satirist proceeds: - - "HOGARTH--I take thee, CANDOUR, at thy word, - Accept thy proffer'd terms, and will be heard; - Thee have I heard with virulence declaim, - Nothing retain'd of Candour but the name; - By thee have I been charg'd in angry strains - With that mean falshood which my soul disdains-- - HOGARTH, stand forth--Nay hang not thus aloof-- - Now, CANDOUR, now Thou shalt receive such proof-- - Such damning proof, that henceforth Thou shalt fear - To tax my wrath, and own my conduct clear-- - HOGARTH stand forth--I dare thee to be tried - In that great Court, where Conscience must preside; - At that most solemn bar hold up thy hand; - Think before whom, on what account you stand--- - Speak, but consider well--from first to last - Review thy life, weigh every action past-- - Nay, you shall have no reason to complain-- - Take longer time, and view them o'er again-- - Canst Thou remember from thy earliest youth, - And as thy God must judge Thee, speak the truth, - A single instance where, _Self_ laid aside, - And Justice taking place of fear and pride, - Thou with an equal eye didst GENIUS view, - And give to Merit what was Merit's due? - Genius and Merit are a sure offence, - And thy soul sickens at the name of Sense. - Is any one so foolish to succeed? - On ENVY'S altar he is doom'd to bleed. - HOGARTH, a guilty pleasure in his eyes, - The place of Executioner supplies. - See how he glotes, enjoys the sacred feast, - And proves himself by cruelty a priest. - - "Whilst the weak Artist, to thy whims a slave, - Would bury all those powers which Nature gave, - Would suffer blank concealment to obscure - Those rays, thy Jealousy could not endure; - To feed thy vanity would rust unknown, - And to secure thy credit blast his own, - In HOGARTH he was sure to find a friend; - He could not fear, and therefore might commend. - But when his Spirit, rous'd by honest Shame, - Shook off that Lethargy, and soar'd to Fame, - When, with the pride of Man, resolv'd and strong, - He scorn'd those fears which did his Honour wrong, - And, on himself determin'd to rely, - Brought forth his labours to the public eye, - No Friend in Thee, could such a Rebel know; - He had desert, and HOGARTH was his foe. - - "Souls of a timorous cast, of petty name - In ENVY'S court, not yet quite dead to shame, - May some Remorse, some qualms of Conscience feel, - And suffer Honour to abate their Zeal: - But the Man, truly and compleatly great, - Allows no rule of action but his hate; - Through every bar he bravely breaks his way, - Passion his Principle, and Parts his prey. - Mediums in Vice and Virtue speak a mind - Within the pale of Temperance confin'd; - The daring Spirit scorns her narrow schemes, - And, good or bad, is always in extremes. - - "Man's practice duly weigh'd, through every age - On the same plan hath ENVY form'd her rage. - 'Gainst those whom Fortune hath our rivals made - In way of Science, and in way of Trade, - Stung with mean Jealousy she arms her spite, - First works, then views their ruin with delight. - Our HOGARTH here a grand improver shines, - And nobly on the general plan refines; - He like himself o'erleaps the servile bound; - Worth is his mark, wherever Worth is found. - Should Painters only his vast wrath suffice? - Genius in every walk is Lawful Prize. - 'Tis a gross insult to his o'ergrown state: - His love to merit is to feel his hate. - - "When WILKES, our Countryman, our common friend, - Arose, his King, his Country to defend, - When tools of power he bar'd to public view, - And from their holes the sneaking cowards drew; - When Rancour found it far beyond her reach - To soil his honour, and his truth impeach, - What could induce Thee, at a time and place, - Where manly Foes had blush'd to shew their face, - To make that effort, which must damn thy name, - And sink Thee deep, deep in thy grave with shame? - Did Virtue move Thee? no, 'twas Pride, rank Pride, - And if thou hadst not done it, Thou hadst dy'd. - MALICE (who, disappointed of her end, - Whether to work the bane of Foe or Friend, - Preys on herself, and, driven to the Stake, - Gives Virtue that revenge she scorns to take) - Had kill'd Thee, tottering on life's utmost verge, - Had WILKES and LIBERTY escap'd thy scourge. - - "When that GREAT CHARTER, which our Fathers bought - With their best blood, was into question brought; - When, big with ruin, o'er each English head - Vile Slavery hung suspended by a thread; - When LIBERTY, all trembling and aghast, - Fear'd for the future, knowing what was past: - When every breast was chill'd with deep despair, - Till Reason pointed out that PRATT was there; - Lurking, most Ruffian-like, behind a screen, - So plac'd all things to see, himself unseen, - VIRTUE, with due contempt, saw HOGARTH stand, - The murderous pencil in his palsied hand. - What was the cause of Liberty to him, - Or what was Honour? Let them sink or swim, - So he may gratify, without controul, - The mean resentments of his selfish soul. - Let Freedom perish, if, to Freedom true, - In the same ruin WILKES may perish too. - - "With all the symptoms of assur'd decay, - With age and sickness pinch'd, and worn away, - Pale quivering lips, lank cheeks, and faultering tongue, - The spirits out of tune, the nerves unstrung, - The body shrivel'd up, the dim eyes sunk - Within their sockets deep, the weak hams shrunk - The body's weight unable to sustain, - The stream of life scarce trembling through the vein, - More than half-kill'd by honest truths, which fell, - Through thy own fault, from men who wish'd thee well; - Canst thou, e'en thus, thy thoughts to vengeance give, - And, dead to all things else, to Malice live? - Hence, Dotard, to thy closet, shut thee in, - By deep repentance wash away thy sin, - From haunts of men to shame and sorrow fly, - And, on the verge of death, learn how to die. - - "Vain exhortation! wash the Ethiop white, - Discharge the leopard's spots, turn day to night, - Controul the course of Nature, bid the deep - Hush at thy Pygmy voice her waves to sleep, - Perform things passing strange, yet own thy art - Too weak to work a change in such a heart. - _That_ ENVY, which was woven in thy frame - At first, will to the last remain the same. - Reason may droop, may die; but Envy's rage - Improves by time, and gathers strength from age, - Some, and not few, vain triflers with the pen, - Unread, unpractis'd in the ways of men, - Tell us that ENVY, who with giant stride - Stalks through the vale of life by Virtue's side, - Retreats when she hath drawn her latest breath, - And calmly hears her praises after death. - To such observers HOGARTH gives the lie; - Worth may be hears'd, but Envy cannot die; - Within the mansion of his gloomy breast, - A mansion suited well to such a guest, - Immortal, unimpair'd, she rears her head, - And damns alike the living and the dead. - - "Oft have I known Thee, HOGARTH, weak and vain, - Thyself the idol of thy aukward strain, - Through the dull measure of a summer's day, - In phrase most vile, prate long, long hours away, - Whilst Friends with Friends, all gaping sit, and gaze - To hear a HOGARTH babble HOGARTH'S praise. - But if athwart thee Interruption came, - And mention'd with respect some Ancient's name, - Some Ancient's name, who in the days of yore - The crown of Art with greatest honour wore, - How have I seen thy coward cheek turn pale, - And blank confusion seize thy mangled tale! - How hath thy Jealousy to madness grown, - And deem'd his praise injurious to thy own! - Then without mercy did thy wrath make way, - And Arts and Artists all became thy prey; - Then didst Thou trample on establish'd rules, - And proudly level'd all the ancient schools; - Condemn'd those works, with praise through ages grac'd, - Which you had never seen, or could not taste. - 'But would mankind have true Perfection shewn, - It must be found in labours of my own. - I dare to challenge in one single piece, - Th' united force of ITALY and GREECE.' - Thy eager hand the curtain then undrew, - And brought the boasted Master-piece to view. - Spare thy remarks--say not a single word-- - The Picture seen, why is the Painter heard? - Call not up Shame and Anger in our cheeks: - Without a Comment SIGISMUNDA speaks. - - "Poor SIGISMUNDA! what a Fate is thine! - DRYDEN, the great High-Priest of all the Nine, - Reviv'd thy name, gave what a Muse could give, - And in his Numbers bade thy Memory live; - Gave thee those soft sensations, which might move - And warm the coldest Anchorite to Love; - Gave thee that Virtue, which could curb desire, - Refine and consecrate Love's headstrong fire; - Gave thee those griefs, which made the Stoic feel, - And call'd compassion forth from hearts of steel; - Gave thee that firmness, which our Sex may shame, - And make Man bow to Woman's juster claim, - So that our tears, which from compassion flow, - Seem to debase thy dignity of woe! - But O, how much unlike! how fall'n! how chang'd! - How much from Nature and herself estrang'd! - How totally depriv'd of all the powers - To shew her feelings, and awaken ours, - Doth SIGISMUNDA now devoted stand, - The helpless victim of a Dauber's hand! - - "But why, _my_ HOGARTH, such a progress made, - So rare a Pattern for the sign-post trade, - In the full force and whirlwind of thy pride, - Why was _Heroic_ Painting laid aside? - Why is It not resum'd? Thy Friends at Court, - Men all in place and power, crave thy support; - Be grateful then for once, and, through the field - Of Politics, thy _Epic_ Pencil wield; - Maintain the cause, which they, good lack! avow, - And would maintain too, but they know not how. - - "Through ev'ry _Pannel_ let thy Virtue tell - How BUTE prevail'd, how PITT and TEMPLE fell! - How ENGLAND'S sons (whom they conspir'd to bless - Against our Will, with insolent success) - Approve their fall, and with addresses run, - How got, God knows, to hail the SCOTTISH Sun! - Point out our fame in war, when Vengeance, hurl'd - From the strong arm of Justice, shook the world; - Thine, and thy Country's honour to increase, - Point out the honours of succeeding Peace; - Our _Moderation_, Christian-like, display, - Shew, what we got, and what we gave away. - In Colours, dull and heavy as the tale, - Let a _State_-Chaos through the whole prevail. - - "But, of events regardless, whilst the Muse, - Perhaps with too much heat, her theme pursues; - Whilst her quick Spirits rouze at FREEDOM'S call, - And every drop of blood is turn'd to gall, - Whilst a dear Country, and an injur'd Friend, - Urge my strong anger to the bitterest end, - Whilst honest trophies to Revenge are rais'd, - Let not One real Virtue pass unprais'd. - Justice with equal course bids Satire flow, - And loves the Virtue of her greatest foe. - - "O! that I here could that rare Virtue mean, - Which scorns the rule of Envy, Pride and Spleen, - Which springs not from the labour'd Works of Art, - But hath its rise from Nature in the heart, - Which in itself with happiness is crown'd, - And spreads with joy the blessing all around! - But truth forbids, and in these simple lays - Contented with a different kind of Praise, - Must HOGARTH stand; that Praise which GENIUS gives; - In Which to latest time the _Artist_ lives, - But not the _Man_; which, rightly understood, - May make us great, but cannot make us good, - That Praise be HOGARTH'S; freely let him wear - The Wreath which GENIUS wove, and planted there. - Foe as I am, should Envy tear it down, - Myself would labour to replace the Crown. - - "In walks of Humour, in that cast of Style, - Which, probing to the quick, yet makes us smile; - In Comedy, his nat'ral road to fame, - Nor let me call it by a meaner name, - Where a beginning, middle, and an end, - Are aptly join'd; where parts on parts depend, - Each made for each, as bodies for their soul, - So as to form one true and perfect whole, - Where a plain Story to the eye is told, - Which we conceive the moment we behold, - HOGARTH unrival'd stands, and shall engage - Unrival'd praise to the most distant age. - - "How could'st Thou then to shame perversely run, - And tread that path which Nature bade Thee shun? - Why did Ambition overleap her rules, - And thy vast parts become the Sport of Fools? - By different methods different Men excell, - But where is He who can do all things well? - Humour thy Province, for some monstrous crime - Pride struck Thee with the frenzy of _Sublime_. - But, when the work was finish'd, could thy mind - So partial be, and to herself so blind, - What with Contempt All view'd, to view with awe, - Nor see those faults which every Blockhead saw? - Blush, Thou vain Man, and if desire of Fame, - Founded on real Art, thy thoughts inflame, - To quick destruction SIGISMUNDA give, - And let her memory die, that thine may live. - - "But should fond Candour, for her Mercy's sake, - With pity view, and pardon this mistake; - Or should Oblivion, to thy wish most kind, - Wipe off that stain, nor leave one trace behind; - Of ARTS _despis'd_, of ARTISTS by thy frown - _Aw'd from just hopes_, of _rising worth kept down_, - Of all thy meanness through this mortal race, - Canst Thou the living memory erase? - Or shall not Vengeance follow to the grave, - And give back just that measure which You gave? - With so much merit, and so much success, - With so much power to curse, so much to bless, - Would He have been Man's friend, instead of foe, - HOGARTH had been a little God below. - Why then, like savage Giants, fam'd of old, - Of whom in Scripture Story we are told, - Dost Thou in cruelty that strength employ, - Which Nature meant to save, not to destroy? - Why dost Thou, all in horrid pomp array'd, - Sit grinning o'er the ruins Thou hast made? - Most rank ill-nature must applaud thy art; - But even Candour must condemn thy heart. - - "For Me, who, warm and zealous for my Friend, - In spite of railing thousands, will commend, - And, no less warm and zealous 'gainst my foes, - Spite of commending thousands, will oppose, - I dare thy worst, with scorn behold thy rage, - But with an eye of Pity view thy Age; - Thy feeble Age, in which, as in a glass, - We see how men to dissolution pass. - Thou _wretched Being_, whom, on Reason's plan, - So chang'd, so lost, I cannot call a Man, - What could persuade Thee, at this time of life, - To launch afresh into the Sea of Strife? - Better for Thee, scarce crawling on the earth, - Almost as much a child as at thy birth, - To have resign'd in peace thy parting breath, - And sunk unnotic'd in the arms of Death. - Why would thy grey, grey hairs, resentment brave, - Thus to go down with sorrow to the grave? - Now, by my Soul, it makes me blush to know - My Spirits could descend to such a foe. - Whatever cause the vengeance might provoke, - It seems rank Cowardice to give the stroke. - - "Sure 'tis a curse which angry Fates impose, - To fortify man's arrogance, that those, - Who're fashion'd of some better sort of clay, - Much sooner than the common herd decay. - What bitter pangs must humbled GENIUS feel! - In their last hours, to view a SWIFT and STEELE! - How much ill-boding horrors fill her breast - When She beholds Men, mark'd above the rest - For qualities most dear, plung'd from that height, - And sunk, deep sunk, in second Childhood's night! - Are Men, indeed, such things, and are the best - More subject to this evil than the rest, - To drivel out whole years of Ideot Breath, - And sit the Monuments of living Death? - O, galling circumstance to human pride! - Abasing Thought, but not to be denied! - With curious Art the Brain, too finely wrought; - Preys on herself, and is destroy'd by Thought. - Constant Attention wears the active mind, - Blots out her powers, and leaves a blank behind. - But let not Youth, to insolence allied, - In heat of blood, in full career of pride, - Possess'd of GENIUS, with unhallow'd rage, - Mock the infirmities of reverend age. - The greatest GENIUS to this Fate may bow, - REYNOLDS, in time, may be like HOGARTH now." - - -3. The same; but on the palette is introduced the political print -described in p. 91. In the second impressions of the plate thus -altered,[1] we find the letters N B added on the club, as well as the -epithet _infamous_ prefixed to the word _Fallacy_. The shadows on the -political print are likewise changed, and deepened; and the words -"Dragon of _Wantley_" are added at the end of "I warrant ye." - -[1] The first was price 1_s._; the second price 1_s._ 6_d._ - - -4. Print Of the Weighing-house to "_Clubbe's_ Physiognomy;" a humourous -pamphlet in quarto, published in 1763, by Mr. _Clubbe_[1] (editor -of the History and Antiquities of _Wheatfield_ in _Suffolk_), and -dedicated to _Hogarth. W. Hogarth del. L. Sullivan sculp._ It was -likewise printed in a collection of this author's works, published at -_Ipswich_, 2 vols. 12mo. no date, with a new engraving of the plate. -There is also a third engraving of the same design, perhaps executed in -the country, for some octavo edition of Mr. _Clubbe's_ pamphlet. - -[1] I had said in my first edition, that Mr. _Clubbe_ was drowned in -the moat that surrounded his house at _Wheatfield_; but readily retract -that assertion, having been since informed, that he died a natural -death, of old age and infirmities. - - -5. _Frontispiece to a pamphlet_ written by Dr. _Gregory Sharpe_, Master -of _The Temple_, against the _Hutchinsonians, but never published._ -"_It represents a witch sitting on the moon, and watering on a -mountain, whence issue mice, who are devouring Sir Isaac Newton's -Optics; one mouse lies dead on Hutchinson's works, probably to imply -being choaked. The conundrum signifies, Front-is-piss._" The few -impressions from this plate that have strayed into the hands of -dealers, were originally presents from Dr. _Sharpe_ to his friends. - - * * * * * - -1764. - - -1. FINIS, or the Tail-piece. The Bathos, or manner of sinking in -sublime painting, inscribed to the dealers in dark pictures.[1] TIME -breathing out his _last_, a ruinous tower, and many other allegorical -devices; among the rest, he has introduced his own "Times."[2] - -[1] On this print, which he called _Finis_, and represents the -destruction of all things, the following epigram, ascribed to _Charles -Churchill_ the poet, and said to have been written by him when at Mr. -_Dell's_, in _Kew-foot-lane, April_ 18, 1764, is printed from _The -Muse's Mirrour_, vol. I. p. 8. - - On _Hogarth's_ print of the _Bathos_, or the Art of Sinking in - Painting. - - All must old _Hogarth's_ gratitude declare, - Since he has nam'd old _Chaos_ for his heir; - And while his works hang round that _Anarch's_ throne, - The connoisseurs will take them for his own. - -Mr. _Walpole's_ Anecdotes, 8vo. vol, IV. p. 191. - -[2] A few months before this ingenious artist was seized with the -malady which deprived society of one of its greatest ornaments, -he proposed to his matchless pencil the work he has intituled a -_tail-piece_; the first idea of which is said to have been started -in company, while the convivial glass was circulating round his own -table. "My next undertaking," says _Hogarth_, "shall be the _End of -all Things_." "If that is the case," replied one of his friends, -"your _business will be finished_; for there will be _an end of the -painter_." "There _will_ so," answered _Hogarth_, sighing heavily; -"and, therefore, the sooner my _work is done_, the better." Accordingly -he began the next day, and continued his design with a diligence which -seemed to indicate an apprehension (as the report goes) that he should -not live till he had completed it. This, however, he did in the most -ingenious manner, by grouping every thing which could denote the _end -of all things_--a broken bottle--an old broom worn to the stump--the -butt-end of an old musket--a cracked bell--bow unstrung--a crown -tumbled in pieces--towers in ruins--the _sign-post_ of a tavern, called -_The World's End_, tumbling--the moon in her wane--the map of the globe -burning--a gibbet falling, the body gone, and the chain which held it -dropping down--_Phœbus_ and his horses dead in the clouds--a vessel -wrecked--Time, with his hour-glass and scythe broken; a tobacco-pipe in -his mouth, the last whiff of smoke going out--a play-book opened, with -_Exeunt omnes_ stamped in the corner--an empty purse--and a statute -of bankruptcy taken out against Nature.--"So far, so good," cried -_Hogarth_; "nothing remains but this,"--taking his pencil in a sort of -prophetic fury, and dashing off the similitude of a _painter's pallet -broken_--"_Finis_," exclaimed _Hogarth_, "_the deed is done--all is -over._"--It is remarkable, that he died in about a month after this -tail-piece. It is also well known he never again took the pencil in -hand. - - -2. The Bench.[1] The same described under the year 1758; but with -additions. The plate thus varied occurs in two states. In the first -of these we have only "This plate could have been better explained, -had the author lived a week longer." In the second impression of it we -are told, that "The unfinished group of heads, in the upper part of -this print, was added by the author in _October_ 1764; and was intended -as a farther illustration of what is here said concerning _Character, -Caracatura,_ and _Outrè_. He worked upon it a day before his death, -which happened the 26th of that month." This plate exhibits the inside -of the _Common Pleas_, with portraits of the following judges then -belonging to that court: - - Hon. _Wm. Sir _Edw. Sir _John Hon. Mr. Justice - Noel_. Clive_. Willes_, Ld. (now Earl) - Ch. Justice. _Bathurst_. - -Mr. _Edwards's_ picture on this subject (see p. 367.) differs from both -the plates. - -[1] A term peculiarly appropriated to the Court of _Common Pleas_. - - -3. Hell-Gate, Satan, Sin, and Death. _Milton's Paradise Lost._ Book -II. A large print. Engraved by _C. Townley_, and intended to have -been published _April_ 15, 1767. It was dedicated to the late Mr. -_Garrick_, who possessed the original (unfinished) picture painted by -_Hogarth_. The plate was destroyed, and only a few of the prints are -now remaining. The original is in the possession of Mrs. _Garrick_. - -It is impossible to conclude my account of it without observing, -that the united labours of _Teniers, Heemskirk,_ and _Callot,_ could -not have furnished a more absolute burlesque of this noble subject, -than _Hogarth_, who went seriously to work on it, has here produced. -"How art thou fallen, O _Lucifer_, thou son of the Morning!" will -be the exclamation of every observer, on seeing this unaccountable -performance, in which _Satan_ and _Death_ have lost their terrors, and -_Sin_ herself is divested of all the powers of temptation. - - * * * * * - -1772. - - -1. The Good Samaritan; by _Ravenet_ and _Delatre_. - -In _The Grub-Street Journal_ for _July_ 14, 1737, appeared the -following paragraph: "Yesterday the scaffolding was taken down -from before the picture of _The Good Samaritan_,[1] painted by Mr. -_Hogarth_, on the Stair Case in _St. Bartholomew's_ Hospital, which is -esteemed a very curious piece." _Hogarth_ paid his friend _Lambert_ -for painting the landscape in this picture, and afterwards cleaned the -whole at his own expence. To the imaginary merits of his coadjutor, -the Analysis, p. 26, bears the following testimony: "The sky always -gradates one way or other, and the rising or setting sun exhibits it -in great perfection; the imitating of which was _Claud de Lorain's_ -peculiar excellence, and is now Mr. _Lambert's_." - -[1] Of this picture Mr. _S. Ireland_ has a sketch in oil. - - -2. _The Pool of Bethesda_; large, by _Ravenet_ and _Picot_. A -small one, by _Ravenet_, has been mentioned under 1748. Both very -indifferent. Mr. _Walpole_ justly observes, that "the burlesque turn of -our artist's mind mixed itself with his most serious compositions; and -that, in _The Pool of Bethesda_, a servant of a rich ulcerated lady, -beats back a poor man [perhaps woman] who sought the same celestial -remedy." To this remark I may add, that the figure of the priest, -in _The Good Samaritan_, is supremely comic, and rather resembles -some purse-proud burgomaster, than the character it was designed to -represent. - -On the top of the staircase at St. _Bartholomew's_ Hospital, and just -under the cornice, is the following inscription, "The historical -paintings of this staircase were painted and given by Mr. _William -Hogarth_, and the ornamental paintings at his expence, A. D. 1736." -Both pictures, which appear of an oblong square in the engravings, -in the originals are surrounded with scroll-work which cuts off the -corners of them, &c. All these ornaments, together with compartments -carved at the bottom, were the work of Mr. _Richards_. Mr. _Boydell_ -had the latter engraved on separate plates, appended to those above -them, on which sufficient space had not been left.--_Hogarth_ requested -that these pictures might never be varnished. They appear therefore to -disadvantage, the decorations about them having, within these few years -past, been highly glazed. _The Pool of Bethesda_ has suffered much from -the sun; and _The Good Samaritan_, when lately cleaned, was pressed so -hard against the straining frame, that several creases have been made -in the canvas. - - * * * * * - -1775. - - -1. The Politician [Mr. _Tibson_, lately a laceman in _The Strand_], -from a sketch in oil, by _Hogarth_. Etched by _J. K. Sherwin_. -Published _Oct._ 31, 1775. - - * * * * * - -1781. - - -1. Portrait of _Solfull_,[1] a maker of punches for engravers. _W. -Hogarth del. S. J. fecit aqua fort._ Mr. _S. Ireland_ has the original -sketch. This portrait is mentioned by Mr. _Walpole_ under the title -of "_Two small heads of men in profile in one plate, etched by Mr. -Ireland, from a sketch in his own collection._" - -[1] This was etched a second time, Mr. _Ireland_ having accidentally -lost his first plate. - - -2. _Thomas Pellet_, M. D. President of the College of Physicians. _W. -Hogarth pinxit. C. Hall sculpsit._ - - -3. _William Bullock_ the Comedian. _W. Hogarth pinxit. C. Hall -sculpsit._ It is by no means certain that these two last portraits were -painted by _Hogarth_. - - -4. North and South of _Great Britain. W. Hogarth delin. F. B._ [i. -e. _Francis Bartolozzi_] _sculp._ This little print represents a -_Scotchman_ scrubbing against a sign-post; no sign on it; with -_Edenborough_ castle in the back ground:--and an _Englishman_ reposing -on a post, with a pot of _London_ porter in his hand; the sign of an -Ox, with _roast and boild_, by way of inscription, over his head; and -a view of St. _Paul's_ at a distance. I do not believe it was designed -by our artist, whose satire was usually of a more exalted kind: neither -are the figures at all in his manner. - -A sketch imputed to _Hogarth_, and engraved by this matchless -_Italian_, however, carries a double temptation with it, as it unites -with the works of both artists, which are so much the present objects -of pursuit. No man can entertain too high an idea of _Barlolozzi's_ -talents; but yet, being sometimes apt to sacrifice similitude to grace, - - _Emollit mores, nec finit esset feros._ - -He therefore is the last person from whom justice to the strong marked -characters of _Hogarth_ could be expected. - -Since the above observations were communicated, a new impression of -this plate has appeared with the name of _Sandby_ annexed to it. -The history of so extraordinary a change deserves notoriety. The -publisher was at first assured that the sketch, from which he designed -the engraving, was not the production of _Hogarth_. He, however, on -his own judgement, pretended to affirm the contrary, being at least -convinced that, during the late rage for collecting the works of our -artist, no name was so likely as his to draw in purchasers. Having -disposed of as many copies as he could in consequence of hanging out -such false colours, he now sets sail again under those of _Sandby_, -and would probably make a third voyage with Mr. _Bunbury's_ flag at -his mast head, were not our second _Hogarth_ at hand, to detect the -imposture.--The price of this etching, originally 2 _s._ 6 _d._ is now -sold at 1 _s._ though the proprietor has incurred the fresh expence of -decorating it in _aqua tinta_. Should it henceforward fail to meet with -buyers, I shall not be ready to exclaim, with _Ovid_, - - _Flebam successu posse carere dolo._ - -The three last published by _John Thane, Rupert-street, Haymarket_. - - -5. First sketch of arms for _The Foundling Hospital. Wm. -Hogarth inv._ 1747. Over the Crest and Supporters is written--A -Lamb--Nature--_Britannia_. In the shield is a naked Infant: the Motto -HELP. - -This is an accurate fac simile from a drawing with a pen and ink -by _Hogarth_. Published as the Act directs _July_ 31, 1781, by _R. -Livesay_, at Mrs. _Hogarth's, Leicester Fields_. The original is in the -collection of the Earl of _Exeter_. - - -6. Two Figures, &c. _Hogarth inv. F. B._ [i. e. _Francis Bartolozzi_] -_sculp._ These figures were designed for Lord _Melcombe_ and Lord -_Winchelsea_. From a drawing with a pen and ink by _Hogarth_. -Published as the Act directs, 31 _July_, 1781, by _R. Livesay_ at -Mrs. _Hogarth's, Leicester-fields_. I am informed, however, that this -drawing was certainly the work of Lord _Townshend_. The original is in -the collection of the Earl of _Exeter_. - -7. A mezzotinto portrait of _Hogarth_ with his hat on, in a large oval, -"from an original begun by _Wheltdon_, and finished by himself, late -in the possession of the Rev. Mr. _Townley. Charles Townley fec._" The -family of _Hogarth_ affect to know nothing of this painting; and say, -if there is such a thing, it was only slightly touched over by him. -It must be confessed that it bears little, if any, resemblance to the -representations of our artist edited by himself. The original is now -in the possession of Mr. _James Townley_, as has been mentioned in p. -98. - - * * * * * - -1782. - -1. The Staymaker. - -2. Debates on Palmistry. - -The humour in the first of the two preceding prints is not very strong, -and in the second it is scarce intelligible. The Male _Staymaker_ -seems to be taking professional liberties with a female in the very -room where her husband sits, who is playing with one of his children -presented to him by a nurse, perhaps with a view to call off his -attention from what is going forward. The hag shews her pretended -love for the infant, by kissing its posteriors. A maid-servant holds -a looking-glass for the lady, and peeps significantly at the operator -from behind it. A boy with a cockade on, and a little sword by his -side, appears to observe the familiarities already mentioned, and is -strutting up fiercely towards the Staymaker, while a girl is spilling -some liquor in his hat. - -The figures employed in the study of _Palmistry_ seem to be designed -for Physicians and Surgeons of an Hospital, who are debating on -the most commodious method of receiving a fee, unattentive to the -complaints of a lame female who solicits assistance. A spectre, -resembling the _Royal Dane_, comes out behind, perhaps to intimate -that physick and poison will occasionally produce similar effects. A -glass case, containing skeletons, is open; a crocodile hangs overhead; -and an owl, emblematic of this sapient consistory, is perched on an -high stand. I suspect these two to have been discarded sketches--the -first of them too barren in its subject to deserve finishing, and the -second a repented effort of hasty spleen against the officers of _St. -Bartholomew's_, who might not have treated some recommendation of a -patient from our artist with all the respect and attention to which he -thought it was entitled. But this is mere supposition. - - -3. Portrait of _Henry Fox_ Lord _Holland_. - - -4. Portrait of _James Caulfield_ Earl of _Charlemont_. - - -The above four articles are all etched by _S. Haynes_, pupil to the -late Mr. _Mortimer_, from original drawings in the possession of Mr. -_S. Ireland_. - -The six prints which follow, were published by subscription by -Mrs. _Hogarth_ in _April_ 1782; of these No. 5. was engraved by -_Bartolozzi_, and the rest by _R. Livesay_. - - -5. The Shrimp Girl, a head, from an original sketch in oil, in the -possession of Mrs. _Hogarth_. - -This plate, which is executed in the dotted manner so much at present -in fashion, should have been etched or engraved like those excellent -performances by _Bartolozzi_ after the drawings of _Guercino_. Spirit, -rather than delicacy, is the characteristic of our artist's _Shrimp -Girl_. - - -6. 7. Portraits of _Gabriel Hunt_ and _Benjamin Read_, in _aqua tinta_, -from the original drawings in the possession of the late Mr. _Forrest_. -The drawing of Mr. _Hunt_ was taken in 1733, a period when, from the -number of street-robberies, it was usual to go armed. _Hunt's_ couteau -is stuck in one of his button-holes. - -The figure of _Ben Read_ was taken in 1757. Coming one night to the -club after having taken a long journey, he fell asleep there. _Hogarth_ -had got on his roquelaure, and was about to leave the room; but, struck -with the drollery of his friend's appearance, he exclaimed, "Heavens! -what a character!" and, calling for pen and ink, took the drawing -immediately, without sitting down. - -To be recorded only as votaries of the bottle and pipe, is no very -flattering mark of distinction to these members of our artist's club. -There is scarce a meaner avenue to the Temple of Fame. - - -8. Three plates, from the original sketches of _Hogarth_, designed -for the epitaph and monument of _George Taylor_. The drawings are the -property of Mr. _Morrison_. - -_George Taylor_ was a famous boxer, who died _February_ 21, 1750. A -writer already quoted speaks of him in these terms: "_George Taylor_, -known by the name of _George the Barber_, sprang up surprisingly. -He has beat all the chief boxers but _Broughton_. He, I think, -injudiciously fought him one of the first, and was obliged very soon -to give out. Doubtless it was a wrong step in him to commence a -boxer by fighting the standing champion: for _George_ was not then -twenty, and _Broughton_ was in the zenith of his age and art. Since -that he has greatly distinguished himself with others; but has never -engaged _Broughton_ more. He is a strong able boxer, who, with a skill -extraordinary, aided by his knowledge of the small and back swords, -and a remarkable judgement in the cross-buttock fall, may contest with -any. But, please or displease, I am resolved to be ingenuous in my -characters. Therefore I am of opinion, that he is not overstocked with -that necessary ingredient of a boxer, called a _bottom_; and am apt to -suspect that blows of equal strength with his too much affect him and -disconcert his conduct." _Godfrey on the Science of Defence_, p. 61. - -On _Taylor's_ tombstone in _Deptford_ church-yard is the following -epitaph: - - Farewell ye honours of my brow! - Victorious wreaths farewell! - One trip from Death has laid me low, - By whom such numbers fell. - Yet bravely I'll dispute the prize, - Nor yield, though out of breath: - 'Tis but a fall--I yet shall rise, - And conquer--even DEATH. - -The idea, however, is all that can merit praise in these rough outlines -by _Hogarth_. Some graver critics, indeed, may think our artist has -treated the most solemn of all events with too great a degree of levity. - - -9. Nine prints of _Hogarth's_ Tour from drawings by _Hogarth_, &c. -accompanied with nine pages of letter press. The frontispiece of this -work (Mr. _Somebody_) was designed by _Hogarth_, as emblematical of -their journey, _viz._ that it was a short Tour by land and water, -backwards and forwards, without head or tail. The 9th is the tail-piece -(Mr. _Nobody_) of the same whimsical nature with the first; the whole -being intended as a burlesque on historical writers recording a series -of insignificant events intirely uninteresting to the reader. "Some -few copies of the Tour," says Mr. _Walpole_,[1] "were printed by Mr. -_Nichols_ in the preceding year. It was a party of pleasure down the -river into _Kent_, undertaken by Mr. _Hogarth_, Mr. _Scott_, and three -of their friends, in which they intended to have more humour than they -accomplished, as is commonly the case in such meditated attempts. The -Tour was described in verse by one of the company, and the drawings -executed by the painters, but with little merit, except the views taken -by Mr. _Scott_." - -I have transcribed this paragraph lest the readers of the truly -valuable work whence it is taken should imagine the Tour printed by -_J. N._ in 1781, was the same with that published by Mr. _Livesay_ in -1782. The former was the production of the ingenious Mr. _Gostling_ of -_Canterbury_; the latter was written by one of the company, and, with -the omission of a single glaring indelicacy, and many false spellings, -has been faithfully edited by Mr. _Livesay_. - -[1] Vol. IV. 8vo. p. 192. - - -10. _Hogarth's_ Crest, exhibiting the Line of Beauty. _Cyprus_ and -_Variety_ subjoined by way of mottoes; but my readers will anticipate -me when I observe that the universe contains no place in which -_Hogarth_ had so little interest as in the _Cyprian_ isle, where -_Venus_ was attended by the Graces. _Hogarth's_ original sketch, which -he delivered to Mr. _Catton_ the coach-painter for the purpose of -having it transferred on his carriage, is now in the possession of Mr. -_Livesay_. - - -11. The card of invitation mentioned in p. 63. is introduced in the -title-page of the present publication. It is engraved by _J. Cary_, -a young artist, whose abilities, more particularly in the line of -map-engraving, will soon raise him into notice. - - -12. An Old Man's Head with a band. In the dotted stile. Published by -_Livesay_. - - * * * * * - -1785. - - -1. Orator _Henley_ Christening a Child. Etched by _Saml Ireland_ -from an original sketch in oil--in his possession--by _Hogarth_.--To -_Francis Grose_, Esq; F. A. S. an encourager and promoter of the arts, -this etching, from his favourite _Hogarth_, is inscribed by his obliged -friend and servant, SAML IRELAND. - - -2. A Landscape. Etch'd by _Saml Ireland_, from an original picture -in his possession, said to be the only landscape ever painted by -_Hogarth_.--To the Right Honourable the Earl of _Exeter_, an admirer of -_Hogarth_, and encourager of the arts, this etching is inscribed by his -Lordship's most obliged and obedient servant. S. IRELAND. - -The very considerable degree of skill and fidelity, displayed in -the execution of these two plates, entitles the gentleman who -etched them to the warmest thanks of every collector of the works of -_Hogarth_.--May a hope be added, that he will favour us with yet other -unpublished designs of the same master? - - * * * * * - -PRINTS _of uncertain Date_. - - -Before Mr. _Walpole's_ enumeration of the following shop-bills, coats -of arms, &c. made its appearance, perhaps few of them were known to our -collectors. Concerning the genuineness of some of these unimportant -engravings, no doubt can be entertained; but whence is it inferred that -_all_ of them were his productions? Do we receive them merely on the -faith of Mr. _Pond_? or are they imputed to our artist for any other -reason, or on the strength of any other testimony? I am assured, by a -gentleman who possesses the chief of them, and is well acquainted with -_Hogarth's_ manner, that from mere external evidence several of these -could not have been authenticated. - -It is natural, however, to suppose that most of them (if _Hogarth's_) -were the fruits of his apprenticeship.[1] As such, therefore, they -should be placed at the beginning of every collection. - -[1] Let it be remembered likewise, that being bound apprentice to the -single branch of engraving arms and cyphers, the majority of his works, -whether on base metal or silver, must have been long since melted down. -During the minority of _Hogarth_, the forms in which plate was made, -could contribute little to its chance of preservation. Pot-bellied -tankards, and salvers scalloped like old-fashioned minced-pies, were -the highest efforts of that period. - - * * * * * - -1. People in a shop under the King's arms: _Mary_ and _Ann Hogarth_. -"_A shop-bill_" for his two sisters, who for many years kept a -linen-draper's, or rather what is called a slop-shop. - - _Mary_ and _Ann Hogarth_. - - from the Old Frock-shop near the corner of _The - Long Walk_, facing _The Cloysters_, Removed to ye - _Kings Arms_ joyning to ye _Little Britain-gate_, near - _Long Walk_. Sells ye best and most Fashionable - Ready Made Frocks, sutes of Fustian, Ticken and - Holland, stript Dimmity and Flañel Wastcoats, blue - and canvas Frocks, and bluecoat Boys Drars. - - Likewise Fustians, Tickens, Hollands, white stript - Dĩ̃mitys, white and stript Flañels in ye piece. - - By wholesale or Retale, at Reasonable Rates. - - -2. His own cypher, with his name under it at length; "_a plate he used -for his books_." I have reason to think it was neither designed nor -engraved by _Hogarth_. - - -3. A _Turk's_ head. "_A shop bill_," for _John Barker_, goldsmith, at -the _Morocco_ Ambassador's head in _Lombard-Street_.--A copy of this -has been made. - - -4. A shop-bill, with emblems of Trade. Grand Duke of _Tuscany's_ arms -at the top; those of _Florence_ within the plate. At the four corners, -views of _Naples, Venice, Genoa,_ and _Leghorne_. - - - At Mrs. _Holt's, - Italian_ Warehouse, - - at the two Olive Posts in ye broad part of _The - Strand_ almost opposite to _Exeter Change_ are sold all - Sorts of _Italian_ Silks, as Lustrings, Sattins, Padesois, - Velvets, Damasks, &c. Fans, Legorne Hats, Flowers, - Lute and Violin Strings, Books of Essences, Venice - Treacle, Balsomes, &c. And in a Back Warehouse - all Sorts of _Italian_ Wines, _Florence_ Cordials, Oyl, - Olives, Anchovies, Capers, Vermicelli, _Bolognia_ Sausidges, - _Parmesan_ Cheeses, _Naple_ Soap, &c. - - -5. A large angel, holding a palm in his left hand. "_A shop-bill_" for - - _Ellis Gamble_ - Goldsmith, - at the _Golden-Angel_ in _Cranbourn-street, - Leicester-Fields_. - Makes Buys and Sells all Sorts - of Plate, Rings and Jewels - &c. - - _Ellis Gamble_ - Orfeure, - a l'Enseigne de l'Ange d'Or - dans _Cranbourn-Street, Leicester-Fields_. - Fait, Achete, - & vend toutes sortes d'Argenterie, - Bagues & Bijouxs, &c. - - -6. A smaller angel. This is a contracted copy from the preceding, was -another shop-bill for our Artist's Master, and has the same inscription -as that already given. - - -7. Another small angel "almost the same as the preceding," in the -collection of Mr. _Walpole_. - - -8. A large oval coat of arms, with terms of the four seasons. - - -9. A coat of arms, with two slaves and trophies. Plate for books. - - -10. Another coat of arms, and two boys as terms. - - -11. A foreign coat of arms; supporters a savage and an angel. Ditto. - - -12. Lord _Aylmer's_ coat of arms. - - -13. Two ditto of the Duchess of _Kendal_; one of them, an impression -from a silver tea table. - - -14. The Earl of _Radnor's_ arms, from a silver cup and cover. - - -15. A grifon, with a flag. A crest. - - -16. _Minerva_, sitting and holding the arms of _Holland_, four _Cupids_ -round her. "_Done for the books of_ John Holland, _herald-painter._" - -Of this there are two plates. The _Fleurs de Lys_ in the one are more -numerous and crowded than in the other. - - -17. A ticket for a burial. - -For the same purpose our artist's contemporary _Coypel_ likewise -engraved a plate, which is still in use. - - -18. Two small for _Milton. W. Hogarth inv. & sculp._ - -It is so singular, that only plates referring to the first and third -books of _Paradise Lost_ should be discovered with our artist's name -subscribed to them, that I almost suspect they were not executed for -any edition of that work, but rather for some oratorio or operatical -performance founded thereon, though neither performed nor printed. An -example of two prints by _Hogarth_ to a single dramatic piece, we have -already met with in _Perseus and Andromeda_. - -If the first of the present designs was made for the first book of -_Paradise Lost_, one might almost swear that _Hogarth_ had never read -it, or he could not have fallen into the strange absurdities and -incoherences that his engraving displays. We have on one side a Dæmon -exalted in a kind of pulpit, at the foot of which another infernal -spirit lies bound in chains, while a cannon is pointed at his head. -At a distance, in the centre of an arcade adorned with statues, is a -throne with a personage seated on it. Over his head are little beings -supporting an emblem of eternity. Stars, &c. appear above them. -Whether this dignified character was designed for "a spirit of health, -or goblin damn'd," it would be difficult from his figure and attributes -to determine. Perhaps several works of fancy might be named, with which -the present representation would as naturally connect as with the first -book of _Milton's_ Poem. - -The following plate exhibits two celestial characters of equal age. -They sit aloft in the clouds, and listen to a concert of angels playing -on various instruments, and, among the rest, on a clumsy organ. A ray -of light darts down on a distant orb, designed, I suppose, for the -new-created world, towards which the figure of a little being, scarce -bigger than a bird, though meant for _Satan_, is seen directing its -flight.[1] - -A bookseller of common sagacity would have been justified in rejecting -these designs, if prepared for _Milton_. Indeed, had I not been -taught by Mr. _Walpole's_ catalogue that such was their destination, -I should not hastily have conjectured that the former of them had the -least reference to the Poet's _Pandæmonium_. Let it be remembered, -however, that these must have been among the earliest of _Hogarth's_ -performances, and, like his prints for _Don Quixote_, were in all -probability thrown aside, as unsuited to the purpose for which they -were engraved. I have been told, indeed, that a couple of plates, -by our artist, to the comedy of _The Spanish Friar_, are still -existing.[2] If _Hogarth_, therefore, was once employed in preparing -cuts to the plays of _Dryden_, the designs already mentioned might have -been intended for two different scenes in _The State of Innocence, or -the Fall of Man_. - -[1] In justice, however, to one of these designs, I transcribe part of -a letter that appeared in _The Gentleman's Magazine_ for _March_ 1782. - - "_Twickenham, March_ 12. - - "MR. URBAN, - - "Throughout Mr. _Nichols's_ excellent but unequal account of - _Hogarth_ and his works, there is no decision I am so much inclined - to controvert, as that respecting the first of the two plates to - _Milton_. Perhaps the critic had only seen some imperfect copy of the - _Pandæmonium_, or formed his idea of it on the vague description of - those who who had considered it with less attention than it really - deserves. In my opinion, our artist's arrangement of the infernal - senate affords a happy instance of his power to exhibit scenes of - picturesque sublimity. The ample space within the arcade, containing - myriads of subordinate spirits; the vault above, illuminated by - supernatural fires; the magnificence and elevation of _Satan's_ - throne; his superior stature, and the characteristic symbols over the - seats of his peers; are circumstances entitled to a more flattering - reception than they have met with. That this print has likewise - absurdities, I am ready to allow: yet a _Voltaire_ might ask whether - most of them are not inseparable from its subject. I wish, for - the sake of those who acknowledge the genius of _Hogarth_ only in - familiar combinations, that the plate in question were less rare. - Our connoisseurs in general might then decide on its merits. The - only known impression of it, as well as of its companion, is in the - collection of Mr. _Walpole_,[A] who once indulged me with a sight of - them both. - - "I am content, however, that the second of these plates should be - abandoned to the austerities of criticism. The architecture in the - skies is every way unsuitable to its place. The characters of the - Almighty and our Redeemer have little, if any, discrimination of - attributes or years. They appear swinging on a festoon composed of - tiny cherubs, clustered together like a swarm of bees. The Father - rests his arm on one of these childish satellites; and the Son holds - another by the wing, like _Domitian_ catching a fly. Beneath, is a - concert of angels, who perform on different instruments, and among - others (as Mr. _Nichols's_ book expresses it) on a clumsy organ. - _Lucifer_, approaching the new-created world, appears but as an - insect, flying towards an apple. This part of _Hogarth's_ subject - is beyond the compass of any design on a contracted scale. _Satan_ - might be delineated in the act of alighting on a promontory, a part - of the earth; but when its complete orb is exhibited on a slip of - paper measuring about six inches by four, the enterprizing fiend must - be reduced to very insignificant dimensions. Such a circumstance may - therefore succeed in a poet's comprehensive description, but will fail - on any plate designed for the ornament of a little volume. - - "Let me add, that these two are the neatest and most finished of all - the engravings by _Hogarth_. The second might have been mistaken for - one of the smaller works of _Picart_. Perhaps the high price demanded - for the plates, was the reason why a series of them was not continued - through the other books of _Paradise Lost_." - -[A] These two plates are also in the collection of Mr. _Steevens_. - -[2] These are in the collection of the Earl of _Exeter_, and are said -to have the name of our artist fallaciously affixed to them. I speak, -however, with uncertainty. - - -19. A coat of arms from a large silver tea table. Under these arms are -a shepherd and his flock, exactly the same as those on the tankard, -N° 25. A shepherd and shepherdess also are the supporters. This has -been ascribed to _Hogarth_, but I suspect it to be a copy, and am told -indeed that it was engraved by _Pelitreau_. - - -20. Impression from a coat of arms engraved on a silver dish made -by _Delemery_; purchased, at some distance of time, by Sir _Gregory -Page_, Bart. who erased the original arms from the escutcheon, and had -his own put in. The dish was afterwards bought at _Christie's_ at a -sale of Sir _Gregory's_ plate; and when 25 impressions only had been -taken from it, was cut to pieces by _R. Morrison_, 1781. I wish some -of these discoveries of _Hogarth's_ engravings had been made by people -who had no immediate view to their own profit, and the sale of their -acquisitions. Too many of our collectors are become dealers. - - -21. Small oval print for the Rape of the Lock. This was not designed -for any edition of it. A few impressions only were taken off from the -lid of a snuff-box engraved by Mr. _Hogarth_, as it is believed, for -some gentleman characterized by _Pope_ in his celebrated mock-heroic -poem. It is one of the poorest of _Hogarth's_ performances. - - -22. An emblematic print, representing Agriculture and Arts. "_It seems -to be a ticket for some society._" - - -23. A ticket for the benefit of _Milward_ the tragedian. A scene -in _The Beggar's Opera_; "Pitt 3 _s._" inserted with a pen between -"Theatre" and "Royal," in a scroll at the bottom of it. I have seen -an impression of it, under which is engraved, "_Lincolns-Inn Fields, -Tuesday, Aprill_ 23. _A Bold Stroke for a Wife_, with Entertainments, -for the benefit of Mr. _Milward_." This careless, but spirited little -engraving, has more of _Hogarth's_ manner than several other more -laboured pieces, which of late have been imputed to him.--Let the -connoisseur judge. - -This ticket (as is already observed) must have been issued before 1733, -when the Theatre in _Lincolns-Inn-Fields_ was shut up, and all the -actors, _Milward_ among the rest, removed to _Covent Garden_. - - -24. The Mystery of Masonry brought to Light by the _Gormagons_. - - A. _Chin Quaw-Kypo'_ _Done from ye Original._ - 1st _Emperor of China_. _Painted at Pekin by Matt-chauter,_ - B. _The sage Confucius._ _Grav'd by Ho-ge_ - C. _In Chin present_ _and sold by ye Printsellers_ - _Oecumenical Volgi._ _of London Paris and Rome._ - D. _The Mandarin Hangchi._ _Hogarth inv. et sculp._ - -To the earliest impressions of this plate, the name of _Sayer_ (for -whom it has since been retouched) is wanting. "_Stolen from_ Coypel's -Don Quixote." Underneath, these verses: - - From Eastern climes, transplanted to our coasts, - Two oldest orders that creation boasts - Here meet in miniature, expos'd to view - That by their conduct men may judge their due. - - The _Gormagons_, a venerable race, - Appear distinguish'd with peculiar grace: - What honour! wisdom! truth! and social love! - Sure such an order had its birth, above. - - But mark Free Masons! what a farce is this? - How wild their mystery! what a _Bum_ they kiss![1] - Who would not laugh,[2] who such occasions had? - Who should not weep, to think the world so mad? - -I should suspect that this plate was published about 1742, when the -Procession[3] of _Scald Miserables_ had been produced[4] to parody -the cavalcade of the _Free Masons_, who ever afterwards discontinued -their annual procession. _Hogarth_ was always ready to avail himself -of any popular subject that afforded a scope to ridicule. Among _Harry -Carey's_ Poems, however, 1729, third edition, is the following; - - "The Moderator between the Free-Masons and Gormogons. - - "The Masons and the Gormogons - Are laughing at one another, - While all mankind are laughing at them; - Then why do they make such a pother? - - "They bait their hook for simple gulls, - And truth with bam they smother; - But when they've taken in their culls, - Why then 'tis--Welcome Brother!" - -The particular disputes between the parties referred to by this poem, -it is not easy to ascertain. Perhaps the humourous writer alludes to -some schism or dissention now forgotten. Mr. _Gray_, in one of his -letters to Mr. _Walpole_, says, "I reckon next week to hear you are a -Free Mason, or a _Gormogon_ at least." 4to edition, p. 188. - -I learn from _Masonry Dissected_, &c. a pamphlet published in 1730, -by _Samuel Prichard_, late member of a Constituted Lodge, that "From -the Accepted Mason sprang the real Masons, and from both sprang the -_Gormogons_, whose grand master the _Volgi_ deduces his original -from the _Chinese_, whose writings, if to be credited, maintain the -hypotheses of the Pre-adamites, and consequently must be more antique -than Masonry."--This circumstance will account for the _Chinese_ names -and habits in our artist's plate. - -[1] On this occasion the print exhibits a trait of humour that may -hitherto have escaped observation. To render the part presented for -salutation more tempting, it has patches on, such as women wore at the -time when the plate was published. - -[2] _Who would not laugh_, &c. Parody on the concluding couplet of -_Pope's_ character of _Addison_. - -[3] The contrivers of the Mock Procession were at that time said to be -_Paul Whitehead_, esq. and his intimate friend (whose real Christian -name was _Esquire_) _Carey_, of _Pall Mall_, surgeon to _Frederic_ -Prince of _Wales_. The city officers did not suffer this procession -to go through _Temple-Bar_, the common report then being, that its -real intent was to affront the annual procession of the Free Masons. -The Prince was so much offended at this piece of ridicule, that he -immediately removed _Carey_ from the office he held under him. - -[4] The print, representing a View of _Somerset-House_ and of _The -Strand_, is 3 feet 11½ inches in length, and ten inches in width; -and is intituled, "A Geometrical View of the grand Procession of the -scald-miserable Masons, designed as they were drawn up over against -_Somerset-House_ in _The Strand_, on the Twenty-seventh of _April_, An° -1742. Invented and engraved by _A. Benoist_, at his Lodgings, at Mr. -_Jordan's_, a Grocer, the North East Corner of _Compton-street, So-ho_; -and sold by the Printsellers of _London_ and _Westminster_.--Note, _A. -Benoist_ teaches Drawing abroad. - -"N° 1. The grand Swoard Bearer, or Tyler, carrying the Swoard of State -(a Present of _Ishmael Abiff_ to old _Hyram_ King of the _Saracens_) to -his Grace of _Wattin_, Grand Master of the Holy Lodge of _St. John of -Jerusalem_ in _Clerkenwell_. - -"2. Tylers or Guarders. - -"3. Grand Chorus of Instruments. - -"4. The Stewards, in three Gutt Carts, drawn by Asses. - -"5. Two famous Pillars, _Jachin_ and _Boaz_. - -"6. Three great Lights: the Sun Hieroglyphical to rule the Day, the -Moon Emblematical to rule the Night; a Master Mason Political to rule -his--Lodge. - -"7. The Entered Prentice's Token. - -"8. The Letter G famous in Masonry for differencing the Fellow Craft's -Lodge from that of Prentices. - -"9. The Funeral of a Grand Master, according to the Rites of the Order, -with the 15 loving Brethren. - -"10. A Master Mason's Lodge. - -"11. Grand Band of Musick. - -"12. Two Trophies; one being that of a Black-shoe Boy and Link Boy, the -other that of a Chimney Sweeper. - -"13. The Equipage of the Grand Master, all the Attendants wearing -Mystical Jewels." - -A different, but a smaller, print of this Mock Procession was printed -in _May_ 1742, with the following memoranda, viz. "The great Demand -there has been for _The Westminster Journal_, of the 8th instant, -occasion'd reprinting the following piece. - -"From my own Apartments in _Spring Gardens_. - -"Though I do not belong to the Fraternity mentioned in the following -piece, and therefore am little concerned in the annual disputes, I -think it my duty, as a Watchman of the city of _Westminster_, to -preserve the memory of the late extraordinary Cavalcade, the like to -which hath never happened since I have been in office. As more solemn -processions have of late years been very rare, it cannot surely be -taken amiss, either by the _Free Masons_, or the _Scald-Miserables_, -that I give so much distinction to this. - -"_T. Touchit._ - -"The Free Mason's Downfall, or the Restoration of the Scald-Miserables." - -After the print follows: "A Key, or Explanation of the solemn and -stately Procession of the Scald-Miserable Masons, as it was martial'd -on _Tuesday_ the 27th past, by their _Scald-Pursuivant_ Black -Mantle--set forth by Order of the Grand Master _Poncy_."--Printed by -_J. Mechell_, at _The Kings Arms_ in _Fleet-street_, and sold by the -Pamphlet-shops, &c. Price Two-pence. - -Extracts from _The London Daily Post, March_ 20, 1740-1, &c. "Yesterday -some mock Free-Masons marched through _Pall-Mall_ and _The Strand_, as -far as _Temple-Bar_, in procession; first went fellows on jack-asses, -with cows horns in their hands; then a kettle-drummer on a jack-ass, -having two butter-firkins for kettle-drums; then followed two carts -drawn by jack-asses, having in them the stewards with several badges of -their order; then came a mourning coach drawn by six horses, each of a -different colour and size, in which were the grand master and wardens; -the whole attended by a vast mob. They stayed without _Temple Bar_ till -the Masons came by, and paid their compliments to them, who returned -the same with an agreeable humour that possibly disappointed the witty -contriver of this mock scene, whole misfortune is, that though he has -some wit, his subjects are generally so ill chosen, that he loses by it -as many friends as other people of more judgement gain." - -Again, _April_ 28, 1742. "Yesterday being the annual feast of the -ancient and honourable society of Free and Accepted Masons, they made -a grand procession from _Brook-street_ to _Haberdashers Hall_, where -an elegant entertainment was provided for them, and the evening was -concluded with that harmony and decency peculiar to the society." - -"Some time before the society began their cavalcade, a number of -shoe-cleaners, chimney-sweepers, &c. on foot and in carts, with -ridiculous pageants carried before them, went in procession to -_Temple-Bar_, by way of jest on the Free-Masons, at the expence, as we -hear, of one hundred pounds sterling, which occasioned a great deal of -diversion." - -Again, _May_ 3, 1744. "Yesterday several of the mock masons were taken -up by the constable empowered to impress men for his Majesty's service, -and confined till they can be examined by the justices." - - -24. _Sancho_, at the magnificent feast, &c. starved by his Physician. -On the top of this plate are the following words: "This original print -was invented and engraved by _William Hogarth_. Price 1 _s._" At bottom -we read, _W. Hogarth inv. & sculp. Printed for H. Overton and J. -Hoole._ Perhaps this design was meant as a rival to that of _Coypel_ on -the same subject; or might be intended by way of specimen of a complete -set of plates for _Don Quixote_. Mr. _S. Ireland_ has the original -drawing. - - -25. Impression from a tankard belonging to a club of artists, who -met weekly at _The Bull's Head_ in _Clare-Market_. Of this society -_Hogarth_ was a member. A shepherd and his flock are here represented. - - -26. The Gin Drinkers. This may have been one of _Hogarth's_ early -performances; and, if such, is to be considered as a rude fore-runner -of his _Gin-Lane_. But I do not vouch for its authencity. - - -27. The Oratory.[1] Orator _Henley_ on a scaffold, a monkey (over whom -is written _Amen_) by his side. A box of pills and the Hyp Doctor -lying beside him. Over his head, "The ORATORY. _Inveniam viam, aut -faciam._"[2] Over the door. "_Ingredere ut proficias._"[3] A Parson -receiving the money for admission. Under him, "The Treasury." A Butcher -stands as porter. On the left hand, Modesty in a cloud; Folly in a -coach; and a gibbet prepared for Merit; people laughing. One marked THE -SCOUT,[4] introducing a Puritan Divine. A Boy easing nature. Several -grotesque figures, one of them (marked TEE-HEE) in a violent fit of -laughter. I discover no reason for regarding this as a production of -_Hogarth_, though his name, cut from the bottom of one of his smaller -works, was fraudulently affixed to an impression of it belonging -to the late worthy Mr. _Ingham Foster_, whose prints were sold at -_Barford's_, in _March_ 1783. _Hogarth_, whose resources, both from -fancy and observation, were large, was never, like the author of this -plate, reduced to the poor necessity of peopling his comic designs with -_Pierot, Scaramouch_, and the other hackneyed rabble of _French_ and -_Italian_ farces. - -Underneath a second impression of it, is the following inscription: - - "_An extempore Epigram, made at the Oratory:_ - "O Orator! with brazen face and lungs, - Whose jargon's form'd of ten unlearned tongues, - Why stand'st thou there a whole long hour haranguing, - When half the time fits better men for hanging!" - _Geo. B--k--h[5] jun. Copper-scratcher - and Grub-Street invent. sculp._ - -[1] There are such coincidences between this print and that of _The -Beggar's Opera_, as incline me to think they were both by the same hand. - -[2] The motto on the medals which Mr _Henley_ dispersed as tickets to -his subscribers. See Note on _Dunciad_, III. 199. - -[3] This inscription is over the outer door of St. _Paul's_ school. - -[4] On what personage the name of _Scout_ was bestowed, I am unable to -inform the reader, though I recollect having seen the same figure in -several other prints, particularly one from which it appears that he -was at last murdered. - -[5] _B--k--h._ Perhaps this was an intended mistake for _B--k--m._ - - -28. Orator _Henley_ christening a child. _John Sympson jun. fecit._ -Mezzotinto (commonly of a greenish colour), with the following verses -under it: - - Behold _Vilaria_ lately brought to bed, - Her cheeks now strangers to their rosy red; - Languid her eyes, yet lovely she appears! - And oh! what fondness her lord's visage wears! - The pamper'd priest, in whose extended arms - The female infant lies, with budding charms, - Seeming to ask the name e'er he baptise, - Casts at the handsome gossips his wanton eyes, - While gay Sir _Fopling_, an accomplish'd ass, - Is courting his own dear image in the glass: - The _Midwife_ busied too, with mighty care, - Adjusts the cap, shews innocency fair. - Behind her stands the _Clerk_, on whose grave face - Sleek _Abigal_ cannot forbear to gaze: - But master, without thought, poor harmless child, - Has on the floor the _holy-water_ spill'd, - Thrown down the hat; the lap-dog gnaws the rose; - And at the fire the _Nurse_ is warming cloaths. - One guest enquires the _Parson's_ name;--says _Friendly_, - Why, dont you know, Sir?--'tis _Hyp-Doctor[1] H----y_. - -_Sold by J. Sympson, at the Dove in Russel-Court, Drury-Lane._ An -original sketch in oil, on the same subject, is in the possession of -Mr. _S. Ireland_.[2] - -[1] He wrote a periodical paper under that title. - -[2] See p. 415. for an etching from it. - - -29. A woman swearing a child to a grave citizen.[1] _W. Hogarth pinx. -J. Sympson jun. sculp. Sold by J. Sympson_ engraver and print-seller, -at _The Dove_ in _Russel-Court, Drury-Lane_. This Mr. _Walpole_ -observes to be a very bad print. Perhaps he had only seen some wretched -impression, or copy of it (for there are two, the one in a small size, -the other large, but fit for no other purpose than to adorn the walls -of a country Inn), and therefore spoke with contempt of a performance -which hardly deserves so unfavourable a character. This entire design, -however, is stolen from a picture of _Heemskirk_, which has been since -engraved in mezzotinto by _W. Dickinson_ of _New Bond-street_, and -published _March 10_, 1772. The original picture is in the possession -of Mr. _Watson_, surgeon, in _Rathbone Place_. - -The title given to this plate by the ingenious engraver, is _The -Village Magistrate_. All the male figures are monkies; all the female -ones, cats. _Hogarth_ has likewise been indebted to its companion--_The -Constable of the Night_. Few impressions from these plates having been -hitherto sold, they are both in excellent condition, and the former of -them exhibits an indisputable instance of _Hogarth's_ plagiarism. - -While _Picart_ was preparing his _Religious Ceremonies_, he wrote to -some friend here, to supply him with representations illustrative of -his subject. His correspondent, either through ignorance or design, -furnished him with the two preceding plates by _Hogarth. Picart_ -has engraved the former with a few variations, and the latter with -the utmost fidelity. The one is called by him _Le Serment de la -Fille qui se trouve enceinte_; the other, _Le Baptême domestique_. -The first contains a supposed portrait of Sir _Thomas de Veil_. -For the conversion of a _civil_ into a _religious_ ceremony, let -the _Frenchman_, or his purveyor, be answerable. The lines under -_Hogarth's_ performance are as follows: - - Here Justice triumphs in his elbow chair, - And makes his market of the trading fair; - His office-shelves with parish laws are grac'd, - But spelling-books, and guides between 'em placed - Here pregnant madam screens the real fire, - And falsely swears her bastard child for hire - Upon a rich old letcher, who denies - The fact, and vows the naughty Hussif lies; - His wife enrag'd, exclaims against her spouse, - And swears she'll be reveng'd upon his brows; - The jade, the justice, and church ward'ns agree, - And force him to provide security. - -_Hogarth's_ picture is in the possession of the Rev. Mr. _Whalley_, at -_Ecton, Northamptonshire_. - -Mr. _Whalley_ is the nephew of _John Palmer_, whose portrait is -mentioned among the works of _Hogarth_. See p. 295. This picture too -is at _Ecton_. The foregoing print (as already observed, p. 121.) must -have been published before the year 1735. - -[1] A copy of this forms the head-piece to a tale printed in _Banks's_ -Works, vol, I. p. 248, intituled, "The Substitute Father." - - -30. Right Hon. _Gustavus_ Lord Viscount _Boyne_, &c. &c. Whole length, -mezzotinto. _W. Hogarth pinx. Andrew Miller fecit._ "_A very bad print, -done in Ireland._" - -I have since met with an early impression of this mezzotinto. The -inscription, dedication, &c. underneath it, are as follows: - -"_W. Hogarth pinx. Ford fecit._ The Rt. Honble. _Gustavus_ Lord -Visct. _Boyne_, Baron of _Stackallen_, one of his Majesty's most -Honble. Priuy Council, one of the Comrs. of the Revenue of -_Ireland_, &c. - -"To the Rt. Honble. the Earl of _Kildare_ this plate is humbly -dedicated by his Lordship's most obedient humble servt. _Mich. -Ford_. - -"Published and sold by _Mich. Ford_, Painter and Print-seller on _Cork -Hill_. Price 5s. 5.d. [i. e. five thirteens."] - -Mr. _Walpole's_ is probably a later or a retouched impression from the -same plate, after it had fallen into the hands of one _Andrew Miller_, -who effaced the name of _Ford_, and substituted his own. - -This scarce print will undoubtedly suffer from comparison with the -works of _Smith, M'Ardell, Earlom, Jones,_ &c. and yet perhaps it is -the best mezzotinto that _Ireland_ has hitherto produced. It must -be confessed, however, that _Hogarth's_ whole-length figure of Lord -_Boyne_ is equally void of grace, meaning, and proportion; but these -defects have no connection with the labours of _Ford_, which would have -appeared to more advantage had they been exerted on a better subject. - - -31. Mr. _Pine_ (the celebrated engraver), in the manner of _Rembrandt_. -Mezzotinto (about the year 1746), by _M'Ardell, Price_ 2 _s._ The -original was in the possession of the late Mr. _Ranby_ the surgeon. - -There is a second head of Mr. _Pine_, a mezzotinto; both his hands -leaning on a cane. Printed for _George Pulley_, at _Rembrandt's Head_, -the corner of _Bride-court, Fleet-street_. - -I have called this "a second head," but know not which of the two was -first published. - -In the first edition of the present work I had described this plate as -an unfinished one, but have since met with it in a perfect state. - - -32. A View of Mr. _Ranby's_ house at _Chiswick. Etched by Hogarth._ -This view, I am informed, was taken in 1750, but was not designed for -sale. - - -33. _Daniel Lock_, Esq. F. S. A. formerly an architect. He retired from -business with a good fortune, lived in _Surrey-street_, and was buried -in the chapel of _Trinity College, Cambridge_. Mezzotinto. _W. Hogarth -pinx. J. M'Ardell fecit. Price_ 1 _s._ 6 _d._ - - -34. Christ and his disciples; persons at a distance carried to an -hospital. "In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these -my brethren, ye have done it unto me." _St. Matt._ xxv. ver. 40. _W. -Hogarth inv. C. Grignion sculp._ Ticket for _The London Hospital_. - -As this charitable foundation was instituted in 1740, probably the -ticket was engraved soon afterwards. - - -35. Original of the same, in a smaller size, with the Duke of -_Richmond's_ arms as president. - - -36. Another, almost the same as N° 34, but with a view of _The London -Hospital_. - - -37. Six prints for _Don Quixote. W. Hogarth inv. & sculp._ - -When Lord _Carteret_, about the year 1737, was seeking artists to -design, &c. plates for his _Spanish_ edition of this famous novel, -published in 1738, _Hogarth_, of course, was not overlooked. His -performances, however, gave so little satisfaction to his noble -employer, that they were paid for, and then laid aside in favour -of _Vandrebank's_ drawings, afterwards engraved by _Vandergucht_. -The plates remaining in the hands of Mr. _Tonson_, his lordship's -publisher, at his death, were bought by Mr. _Dodsley_, who, finding -they exhibited no descriptions that could render them welcome to the -possessors of any copy of _Don Quixote_ whatever, had the titles of -the chapters, &c. to which they belong, together with references to -the corresponding pages in _Jarvis's_ translation, engraved under each -of them. The subjects of them are, I. Funeral of _Chrysostom_, and -_Marcella_ vindicating herself; vol. I. p. 71. II. The Inn-keeper's -wife and daughter taking care of the Don after being beaten and -bruised, p. 129. III. _Don Quixote_ releases the galley slaves, p. 129. -IV. The unfortunate Knight of the Rock meeting _Don Quixote_, p. 140. -V. _Don Quixote_ seizes the barber's bason for _Mambrino's_ helmet, p. -155. VI. The Curate and Barber disguising themselves to convey _Don -Quixote_ home, p. 166. _Tonson_ had several specimens of plates, both -in quarto and octavo sizes, executed for editions of _Shakspeare_, but -they shared the same fate with the others prepared for _Don Quixote_. - - -38. An oval, with two figures representing _Hymen_ and _Cupid_. A view -of a magnificent villa at a distance. This print was intended as a -ticket for _Sigismunda_, which _Hogarth_ proposed to be raffled for. It -is often marked with ink 2 _l._ 2 _s._ The number of each ticket was -to have been inserted on the scroll hanging down from the knee of the -principal figure. Perhaps none of them were ever disposed of. This -plate, however, must have been engraved about 1762 or 3. Had I not -seen many copies of it marked by the hand of _Hogarth_, I should have -supposed it to have been only a ticket for a concert or music-meeting. - - -39. Four heads from the cartoons at _Hampton-Court_. An etching. - -Mr. _Walpole_, in his _Anecdotes of Painting_, &c. vol. IV. p. 22. -speaking of Sir _James Thornhill's_ attention to these celebrated -pictures, has the following remark: "He made copious studies of the -heads, hands, and feet, and intended to publish an exact account of the -whole, for the use of students: but his work never appeared." - -As this plate was found among others engraved by _Hogarth_, it might -probably have been one of his early performances. His widow has -directed a few impressions to be taken from it, and they are sold at -her house in _Leicester-square_. - - -40. A Scene in a Pantomime Entertainment lately exhibited; designed -by a Knight of _Malta_. A satire on the Royal Incorporated Society of -Artists of _Great Britain_. No name. - -This design is difficult to be explained, as it alludes to some -forgotten dissentions among the artists before the Royal Academy -was founded. Sir _William Chambers, Kirby, Rooker_ the Engraver and -Harlequin, _Liotard_, remarkable for having adopted the _Turkish_ -dress, and others, are introduced in it. The hat and head of _Hogarth_ -also appear on one of the necks of a Hydra. It is hardly credible, -therefore, that he should have rendered himself an object of his own -satire. A mere etched outline of the same design, with additions, was -afterwards published, and is marked plate II. It is larger than the -original plate, and must be considered as a slight temporary sketch, of -which the author is uncertain. - - -41. A Ticket-porter carrying a load of chamber-pots to some place of -public resort, from the entrance of which three grenadiers are keeping -off the crowd. At the bottom is written. - -"_Jack_ in an Office, or _Peter Necessary_, with Choice of -Chamber-pots. - -"A Ticket for the--------------------Price 6 _d._" - -Of the following articles the 49th, and 53d, are the undoubted -productions of _Hogarth_. Some of the rest may admit of dispute. Those -marked * I have not yet seen in any collection but that of Mr. _S. -Ireland_. - - -* 42. Arms of _George Lambart_ [_Lambert_] the painter, an intimate -friend of our artist. - - -* 43. Arms of _Gore_, engraved on a silver waiter. - - -* 44. Arms of a Duke of _Kendal_. N. B. There never was a _Duke_ of -_Kendal_, but an infant son of _James_ II. The arms mentioned are -certainly those of the Dutchess of _Kendal_. The male shield must be a -mistake. - - -* 45. Arms of _Chudleigh_; motto "Aut vincam, aut peribo." Done for -Major _L'Emery_, whilst _Hogarth_ was apprentice. - - -46. The Great Seal of _England_, from a large silver table. This -was given to Mr. _S. Ireland_ by a Mr. _Bonneau_, who took off the -impression before the year 1740. - - -47. Twenty-six figures, on two large sheets, engraved for "A Compendium -of Military Discipline, as it is practised by the Honourable the -Artillery Company of the City of _London_, for the initiating and -instructing Officers of the Trained Bands of the said City, &c. Most -humbly dedicated to his Royal Highness _George_ Prince of _Wales_, -Captain General of the Honourable the Artillery Company. By _John -Blackwell_, Adjutant and Clerk to the said Company. - -"_London_. Printed for the Author; and are to be sold at his house in -_Well-Court_ in _Queen-Street_, near _Cheapside_, 1726." - - -48. _Farinelli, Cuzzoni,_ and _Heydegger. Cuzzoni_ and _Farinelli_ are -singing a duet. The latter is in the character of a prisoner, being -chained by his little finger. _Heydegger_ sits behind, and is supposed -to utter the eight following lines, which are engraved under the plate: - - Thou tuneful scarecrow, and thou warbling bird, - No shelter for your notes these lands afford. - This town protects no more the singsong strain, - Whilst Balls and Masquerades triumphant reign. - Sooner than midnight revels ere should fail, - And ore Ridottos Harmony prevail; - The cap (a refuge once) my head shall grace, - And save from ruin this harmonious face.[1] - -I am told, however, that this plate was designed by the last Countess -of _Burlington_, and etched by _Goupy_. I may add, that the figures in -it, though slightly done on the whole, consist of more than a single -stroke, being retouched and heightened by the burin in several places. -On the contrary, _Hogarth's_ plate, intituled _The Charmers of the -Age_, only offers an etched outline, which at once afforded the extent -of his design, leaving no room for improvement. The former print -exhibits traces of perseverance and assiduity; the latter is an effort -of genius that completes its purpose without elaboration. - -[1] He had once enlisted as a private soldier in the Guards, for a -protection. See p. 152. - - -49. The Discovery. This scarce plate is acknowledged as genuine by -Mrs. _Hogarth_. The subject is a black woman in bed; her eyes archly -turned on her gallant just risen, who expresses his astonishment on the -entrance of three laughing friends, one of them with a candle in his -hand. Underneath the print is this apposite motto: - - _Qui color albus erat nunc est contrarius albo_. - -A similar circumstance occurs in _Fletcher's Monsieur Thomas_, and in -_Foote's Cozeners_. - -I know not of any among our artist's works that displays so little -character. It must have been one of his early performances. - -It should be observed that, being founded on a private occurrence, this -print was never designed for general circulation. Mr. _Highmore_ the -manager of _Drury-Lane_, who bought _Cibber's_ share in the patent, is -the Hero of it. A few copies only were distributed among _Hogarth's_ -particular friends, and the gentlemen whose portraits it contains. At -the bottom of the plate there is no descriptive title. _The Discovery_ -was that by which Mrs. _Hogarth_ mentioned it when she recollected the -very laughable circumstance here commemorated by her husband's pencil. - - -* 50. The Cottage. An impression from a breeches-button, the size of a -crown-piece; a sketch made for Mr. _Camfield_, a surgeon, on a subject -that will not bear explanation. There is a copy of this little plate by -Mr. _S. Ireland_. - -51. _Pug_ the Painter. This has been usually understood as a satire _on -Hogarth_, rather than a design _by_ him. Mr. _Ireland_ once told me it -was etched by _Dawes_, and that our artist gave a copy of it, as his -own design, to Mr. _Kirby_. But I am assured with superior confidence -by another gentleman, that the true author of it is to be sought among -those artists whom _Hogarth_ had provoked by his contemptuous treatment -of their works. If _Pug_ was not designed as his representative, why is -the animal exhibited in the act of painting the ridiculous figure of -the _Priest_ in _The Good Samaritan_? - - -52. A Head in an oval, coarsely engraved, and subscribed "_Samuel -Butler_ Author of _Hudibras_." Several connoisseurs, beside Mr. -_Thane_ who possesses the plate, conceive it to be an undoubted work of -_Hogarth_. For what purpose it was executed, and why suppressed (for no -one has hitherto met with even a proof from it) it is vain to enquire. -I am silent on the subject, heartily wishing that throughout this work -I had had the opinions of more friends to record, and had offered fewer -sentiments of my own. - - -53. "A very rare hieroglyphic print; representing Royalty, Episcopacy, -and Law, composed of emblematic attributes, and no human features -or limbs; with attendants of similar ingredients. Beneath is this -inscription. Some of the principal inhabitants of the Moon, as they -were discovered by a telescope, brought to the greatest perfection -since the last eclipse; exactly engraved from the objects, whereby the -Curious may guess at their Religion, Manners, &c. Price Six-pence." - -A kind of scaffold above the clouds is the theatre of this -representation. Monarchy, Episcopacy, and Law, appear -characteristically seated. Their faces are--a Crown-piece--a _Jew's_ -Harp, and--a Mallet. The monarch holds a globe and sceptre, with -crescents on the tops of them. Instead of a collar of _esses_, he wears -a string of bubbles; his side is ornamented with a pointed star; and a -circle, the emblem of perpetuity, is embroidered on the cloth under -his throne. Episcopacy is working at a pump (a type I suppose of the -Church) by the assistance of a bell-rope. The Bible is fastened to the -handle of the pump, and out of the nose of it issues money that falls -into a chest discriminated by an armorial escutcheon, containing a -knife and fork, properly emblazoned, with a mitre by way of crest. The -lid of the coffer leans against a pillar, that serves also to support a -triple pile of cushions. Over the top of the pump (which is fashioned -much like a steeple) is a weathercock on a small pyramid supported -by balls; and below it, through a circular opening, a little bell -appears to ring. Under the sacerdotal robe, a cloven foot peeps out. -Law sustains a sword; and behind him appears a dagger thrust through -the bottom of a sieve. The attendants on Monarchy are of various -materials. The bodies and legs of such as seem designed for soldiers, -are composed of circular fire-screens resembling shields. The trunks -of the courtiers are large looking-glasses, the sconces with candles -in them serving for hands and arms. The face of the chief of these is -the reverse of a sixpence; and a key significantly appended to his -sash, at once denotes his sex and office. Under the figure of law are -a male and female modishly drest. Her head is a tea-pot, her neck a -drinking-glass, and her body a fan half spread. On the oval that forms -the countenance of her paramour, is a coat of arms with supporters. -His right honourable legs are fan-sticks, and he seems in the act -of courtship. How this couple are immediately connected with Law, is -not very clearly pointed out. _Hogarth_, however, we may suppose, had -planned some explanation of his hieroglyphics, as the letters _a, b, c, -d, e, f, g,_ are placed over some of them, and beneath others. - -From the form of the perukes exhibited in this design, I should suppose -it was made above forty years ago. Other circumstances in it need no -decyphering. - - -* 54. The Master of the Vineyard. St. _Matthew_ chap. xxi. v. 28. "Son, -go work to-day in my Vineyard." - - -* 55. The _London_ Infirmary for charitably relieving sick and diseased -Manufacturers and Seamen in the Merchants' service, their Wives and -Children. A blank certificate for Pupils in Surgery and Anatomy, -printed on a half sheet, folio. - - -56. A ticket for the benefit of _Spiller_ the player. He died in the -year 1729. - -In the plate before us, which possesses no small share of humour, poor -_Spiller_ is represented in a melancholy posture. His finances are -weighed against his debts, and outweighed by them. His taylor's bill -appears to be of great length, and many others for ale, gin, &c. are -on the ground near him. A bailiff is clapping him on the shoulder--a -prison is in sight--ladies and gentlemen are taking tickets, &c. This -very uncommon and beautiful little print is, at present, found only in -the collection of Mr. _Ireland_. - - -57. St. _Mary's Chapel_. Five at night. Several performers playing on -different instruments. _William Hogarth inv. G. Vandergucht sculpt._ - -This was certainly an ornament at the top of a ticket for a -music-meeting. The name of _Hogarth_ is affixed to it, and the whole -design _might_ have been his. I do not, however, believe it _was_ so. A -few of the figures appear to have been collected from his works by some -other hand, rather than grouped by his own. _Vandergucht_ too was so -thoroughly a mannerist, and especially in small subjects, that he was -rarely faithful to the expressions of countenance he undertook to trace -on copper. There is no humour, and indeed little merit of any kind, in -this performance. It has not hitherto been met with on the entire piece -of paper to which it must originally have belonged. - -A print called _The Scotch Congregation_, by _Hogarth_, is almost -unique, on account of its extreme indecency. One copy of it was in a -collection of his works belonging to Mr. _Alexander_ of _Edinburgh_. He -is said to have had it from Mrs. _Hogarth_. A second copy is reported -to exist in the possession of another gentleman. No more impressions of -it are known. - - * * * * * - -A correspondent at _Dublin_ informs me, that in the collection of Dr. -_Hopkins_ of that city are the following seven prints by _Hogarth_: - -1. _The History of Witchcraft_. Humbly dedicated to the Wise. -Allegorically modernized. Part the First. Published according to act -of Parliament. _Hogarth inv. et sculpt._ - -Half sheet print. At one end, Witches attending the punishment of two -human figures; at the other, several at their different occupations. - - -2. _The History of Witchcraft_. Part the Second. Published according to -act of Parliament. _Hogarth inv. et sculpt._ - -Same size as the former. Witches dancing; others at various amusements. -These two prints contain a great variety of distorted figures. - - -3. _A Suit of Law fits me better than a Suit of Clothes_. Invented and -engraved by _W. H._ and published pursuant to an Act of Parliament, -1740. - -An upright half-sheet. A Man in embroidered clothes, his hat under his -arm. A scroll in his left hand, inscribed, "I'll go to Law." Huntsmen, -dogs, and horses in the back ground. Four lines in verse underneath. - -Useful in all families. Invented and engraved by _W. H._ and published -pursuant to an Act of Parliament, 1740. - - -4. The same man in a tattered garment in a wild country; a staff in his -right hand, and a scroll in his left, inscribed, "To shew that I went -to law, and got the better." Four lines at the bottom. - -These two may be classed among his indifferent prints. - - -5. _The Caledonian March and Embarkation. Hogarth invent. London_, -printed for _T. Baldwin_. - -A number of _Scotchmen_ embarking in the _Caledonian_ Transport. Labels -issuing from their mouths. - -_The Laird of the Posts, or the Bonnets exalted._ Printed for _T. -Baldwin, London. Hogarth inv._ - - -6. _A Scotch Nobleman and his Friends taking possession of several -posts, having kick'd down the former Possessors_. Labels from their -mouths too tedious to copy. A Lion on the fore-ground, hood-winked by a -_Scotch_ plaid. - -Supposed to be printed for _The London Magazine_. - - -7. _The Lion entranced_. Printed for _T. Baldwin, London. Hogarth inv._ -1762. - -A Lion in a Coffin. A plate on the cover, inscribed, "Leo _Britanicus_, -Ob. An. 1762. Requiescat in pace." Attended by state mourners with -labels as above. In one corner _Hibernia_ supplicating for her Sister's -interest. - -A respect for the obliging communicator has induced me to publish this -_supposed_ addition to the foregoing catalogue of _Hogarth's_ works. -But, without ocular proof, I cannot receive as genuine any one of the -plates enumerated. The name of our Artist has more than once been -subscribed to the wretched productions of others; and a collector at -_Dublin_ must have had singular good fortune indeed, if he has met with -seven authentic curiosities unknown to the most confidential friends -of _Hogarth_, and the most industrious connoisseurs about _London_. I -may add, that two, if not three, of the above-mentioned anti-ministeral -pieces, appeared in 1762, the very year in which our artist was -appointed _Serjeant Painter_. Till that period he is unsuspected of -having engaged his pencil in the service of politicks; and _T. Baldwin_ -(perhaps a fictitious name) is not known to have been on any former -occasion his publisher. So much for the probability of _Hogarth's_ -having ushered performances like these into the world. - - * * * * * - -Chance, and the kindness of my friends, have not enabled me to form a -more accurate series of _Hogarth's_ labours. Those of the collector, -however, are still incomplete, unless he can furnish himself with a -specimen of several other pieces, said, I think, to have been produced -a little before our artist's marriage. I forbear to keep my readers in -suspense on the occasion. _Hogarth_ once taking up some plain ivory -fishes that lay on his future wife's card-table, observed how much was -wanting to render them natural representations. Having delivered this -remark with becoming gravity, he proceeded to engrave scales, fins, -&c. on each of them. A few impressions have been taken from these -curiosities, which remain in Mrs. _Hogarth's_ possession. As a _button_ -decorated by her husband has been received into the foregoing catalogue -of his works, it can hardly be disgraced by this brief mention of the -ornaments he bestowed on a _counter_. - - * * * * * - -There are three large volumes in quarto by _Lavater_, a minister at -_Zurich_ (with great numbers of plates), on Physiognomy. Among these -are two containing several groups of figures from different prints of -_Hogarth_, together with the portraits of Lord _Lovat_ and _Wilkes_. -For what particular purpose they are introduced, remains to me a -secret.[1] - -In "An Address of Thanks to the Broad Bottoms, for the good things -they have done, and the evil things they have not done, since their -elevation, 1745," is what the author calls "A curious emblematic -Frontispiece, taken from an original painting of the ingenious Mr. -_H----th_;" a palpable imposition. - -Mr. _Walpole, Anecdotes of Painting_, Vol. IV. 63, observes, that -"_Hogarth_ drew the supposed funeral of _Vanaken_, attended by the -painters he worked for, discovering every mark of grief and despair." -To explain this passage, it should be added, that "he was employed by -several considerable artists here, to draw the attitudes, and dress the -figures in their pictures." - -The merits of _Hogarth_, as an engraver, are inconsiderable. His hand -was faithful to character, but had little acquaintance with the powers -of light and shade. In some of his early prints he was an assiduous -imitator of _Callot_, but deviated at last into a manner of his -own, which suffers much by comparison with that of his coadjutors, -_Ravenet_ and _Sullivan_. In the pieces finished by these masters of -their art, there is a clearness that _Hogarth_ could never reach. His -strokes sometimes look as if fortuitously disposed, and sometimes -confusedly thwart each other in almost every possible direction. What -he wanted in skill, he strove to make up in labour; but the result -of it was a universal haze and indistinctness, that, by excluding -force and transparency, has rendered several of his larger plates -less captivating than they would have been, had he entrusted the -sole execution of them to either of the artists already mentioned. -His smaller etchings, indeed, such as _The Laughing Pit_, &c. cannot -receive too much commendation. - -Mr. _Walpole_ has justly observed, that "many wretched prints came -out to ridicule" the _Analysis of Beauty._ He might have added, that -no small number of the same quality were produced immediately after -the _Times_ made its appearance. I wish it had been in my power to -have afforded my readers a complete list of these performances, that -as little as possible might have been wanting to the history of poor -_Hogarth's_ first and second persecution. Such a catalogue, however, -not being necessary to the explanation of his works, it is with the -less regret omitted.[2] - -The scarceness of the good impressions of _Hogarth's_ larger works is -in great measure owing to their having been pasted on canvas or boards, -to be framed and glazed for furniture. There were few people who -collected his prints for any other purpose at their first appearance. -The majority of these sets being hung up in _London_ houses, have been -utterly spoiled by smoke. Since foreigners have learned the value of -the same performances, they have also been exported in considerable -numbers. Wherever a taste for the fine arts has prevailed, the works -of this great master are to be found. Messieurs _Torré_ have frequent -commissions to send them into _Italy_. I am credibly informed that the -Empress of _Russia_ has expressed uncommon pleasure in examining such -genuine representations of _English_ manners; and I have seen a set -of cups and saucers with _The Harlot's Progress_ painted on them in -_China_ about the year 1739. - -Of all such engravings as are Mrs. _Hogarth's_ property, the later -impressions continue selling on terms specified many years ago in -her printed catalogue, which the reader will find at the end of this -pamphlet. The few elder proofs that remain undisposed of, may be -likewise had from her agent at an advance of price. As to the plates -which our artist had not retained as his own property, when any of -these desiderata are found (perhaps in a state of corrosion), they -are immediately vamped up, and impressions from them are offered -to sale, at three, four, or five times their original value. They -are also stained to give them the appearance of age; and on these -occasions we are confidently assured, that only a few copies, which -had lurked in some obscure warehouse, or neglected port-feuille, -had been just discovered. This information is usually accompanied by -sober advice to buy while we may, as the vender has scarce a moment -free from the repeated solicitations of the nobility and gentry, whom -he always wishes to oblige, still affording that preference to the -connoisseur which he withholds from the less enlightened purchaser. It -is scarce needful to observe, that no man ever visited the shops of -these polite dealers, without soon fancying himself entitled to the -more creditable of the aforesaid distinctions. Thus becoming a dupe to -his own vanity, as well as to the artifice of the tradesman, he has -speedily the mortification to find his supposed rarities are to be met -with in every collection, and not long afterwards on every stall. The -caution may not prove useless to those who are ambitious to assemble -the works of _Hogarth_. Such a pursuit needs no apology; for sure, of -all his fraternity, whether ancient or modern, he bent the keenest eye -on the follies and vices of mankind, and expressed them with a degree -of variety and force, which it would be vain to seek among the satiric -compositions of any other painters. In short, what is observed by -_Hamlet_ concerning a player's office, may, with some few exceptions, -be applied to the designs of _Hogarth_. "Their end, both at the first, -and now, was, and is, to hold as 'twere the mirror up to nature; to -shew virtue her own feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and -body of the time his own form and pressure." - -I may add, that, since the appearance of Mr. _Walpole's_ Catalogue, -a disposition to attribute several anonymous plates, on ludicrous -subjects, to _Hogarth_, has betrayed itself in more than a single -instance:[3] a supposition has also prevailed that there was a time -when _Hogarth_ had the whole field of satire to himself, and we could -boast of no designers whose performances could be mistaken for his own. -The latter notion is undoubtedly true, if real judges are to decide; -and yet many prints, very slightly impregnated with humour, continue -to be ascribed to him. It should therefore be observed, that, at the -same period, _Bickham, Vandergucht, Boitard, Gravelot, Laguerre_ the -younger, &c. were occasionally publishing satirical Sketches, and -engraving laughable frontispieces for books and pamphlets. To many of -these, for various reasons, they forbore to set their names; and we -have at present collectors, who, to obtain the credit of having made -discoveries, are willing to adopt such performances as the genuine -effusions of _Hogarth_, although every way beneath his talents, -and repugnant to his style of engraving. Perhaps also the names of -other painters and designers have been occasionally obliterated, to -countenance the same fallacy. Copies likewise have been palmed on the -unwary for originals. "Therefore" (gentle reader) for once be content -to follow the advice of _Pistol_, "Go clear thy chrystals, and _Caveto_ -be thy counsellor." For if all such fatherless engravings, as the -vanity of some, and the interest, or the ignorance, of others, would -introduce among the works of our artist, were to be admitted, when -would the collector's labour and expence be at end? - -Among other anonymous plates ascribed to _Hogarth_, but omitted in the -present catalogue, is the following, _A living Dog is better than a -dead Lion_, or, _The Vanity of human Glory; a design for the Monument -of General Wolfe_, 1760. A medallion of our hero appears on the side of -a pyramid. On the base of it is the well known speech of _Shakespeare's -Brutus_, - - _Set Honour in one hand, and Death in t' other, - And I will look on both indifferent: - And let the Gods so speed me, as I love - The name of Honour more than I fear Death_. - -At the bottom a dying Lion is extended, while a Dog (with _Minden_ on -his collar, and _Honour's a jest_, &c. issuing from his mouth) is at -once lifting up his leg against the noble brute, and treading on a -wreath of laurel. _Here lies Honour_, is also written on the side of -the expiring animal. I have since been assured that this print was by -another artist, whose name I omit to mention, because perhaps he would -wish it, on the present occasion, suppressed. - -[1] This book, I am told, is now translated into _French_. - -[2] One of these productions, however, should be singled from the rest. -The print, entitled _The Connoisseurs_, was suspected to be a work -of _Hogarth_ himself. It is placed with some of his other undisputed -designs in the back-ground of _The Author run Mad_ (which is known -to be one of Mr. _Sandby's_ performances), and has the following -reference--"_A._ his own _Dunciad_." - -[3] Thus the frontispiece to _Taste_, designed, if not etched by -_Worsdale_ (for whose benefit this dramatic piece was performed), and -_Sawney in the Bog-house_, an anonymous satire on the _Scotch_, that -made its appearance near forty years ago, and was revived during the -administration of Lord _Bute_, are at present imputed to our artist, -whose name is already engraved at the bottom of the latter. - - - - -POSTSCRIPT. - - -The Author of this pamphlet, being convinced that, in spite of all his -care and attention, some errors may still be found in his catalogue, -list of variations, &c. will think himself highly obliged by any -gentlemen who will point them out, and enable him to correct them. Such -favours shall be gratefully acknowledged, if the present rude Essay -towards an account of _Hogarth's_ different performances should happen -to reach another edition. - -As in consequence of the extraordinary prices lately paid for the -collected works of this great master, certain dealers, &c. are supposed -to be assembling as many of his prints as they can meet with,--binding -them up in pompous volumes,--writing "fine old impressions" either -over or under them--specifying the precise sums pretended to have been -disbursed for several of them (perhaps a guinea for a three shilling -article)--preparing to offer a few rare trifles to sale, overloaded -with a heap of wretched proofs from our artist's more capital -performances;--exhibiting imperfect suites of such as are cut out of -books; and intending to station puffers at future auctions, whose -office will be to intimate they have received commissions to bid up as -far as such or such an amount (i. e. the sum under which the concealed -proprietor resolves not to part with his ware), &c. &c. it is hoped -the reader will excuse a few parting words of admonition. Perhaps it -may be in the power of Mrs. _Hogarth_ to select a few sets from such -of her husband's pieces as have remained in her own custody from the -hour of their publication. Let the multitude, who of course cannot be -supplied with these, become their own collectors. Even ignorance is a -more trusty guide than professional artifice. It may be urged, indeed, -that the proportionate value of impressions[1] can be ascertained only -by those who have examined many of them in their various states, with -diligence and acuteness. But surely to qualify ourselves for estimating -the merit of the curiosities we are ambitious to purchase, is wiser -than to rely altogether on the information of people whose interest is -commonly the reverse of our own. Let it also be remembered, that the -least precious of all _Hogarth's_ productions are by far the scarcest; -and that when, at an immoderate expence, we have procured impressions -from tankards ornamented by him, or armorial ensigns engraved for the -books of his customers, we shall be found at last to have added nothing -to his fame, or the entertaining quality of our own collections. By -such means, however, we may open a door to imposition. A work like -_The Harlot's Progress_ will certainly remain unimitated as well as -inimitable; but it is in the power of every bungler to create fresh -coats of arms, or shop bills with our artist's name subscribed to them: -and wherein will the Lion or Griffin of _Hogarth_ be discovered to -excell the same representation by a meaner hand? A crafty selection of -paper, and a slight attention to chronology and choice of subjects, -with the aid of the hot-press, may, in the end, prove an overmatch for -the sagacity of the ablest connoisseur. A single detection of such a -forgery would at least give rise to suspicions that might operate even -where no fallacy had been designed. How many fraudulent imitations of -the smaller works of _Rembrandt_ are known to have been circulated -with success!--But it may be asked, perhaps, from what source the -author of this pamphlet derives his knowledge of such transactions. His -answer is, from the majority of collectors whom he has talked with in -consequence of his present undertaking. - -He ought not, however, to conclude without observing, that several -_genuine_ works of _Hogarth_ yet remain to be engraved. He is happy -also to add that a young artist, every way qualified for such a task, -has already published a few of these by subscription. - -_J. N._ - -[1] Prints have, of late years, been judiciously rated according to -the quality of their _impressions_. But the very term _impression_, as -applied to copper-plates, perhaps is a novelty among us. If we refer to -the earliest and most valuable assemblage of portraits (such as that -catalogued by _Ames_, afterwards purchased by Dr. _Fothergill_, and -lately sold to Mr. _Thane_), we shall have little reason to suppose any -regard was once paid to a particular of so much importance. As fast -as heads were met with, they were indiscriminately received; and the -faintest proofs do not appear to have been excluded at a time when the -strongest might easily have been procured. In consequence of an _àmás_ -so carelessly formed, the volumes already mentioned, were found to -display alternately the most beautiful and the most defective specimens -of the graphic art. - - * * * * * - -_J. N._ had once thoughts of adding a list of the copies made from -the works _of Hogarth_; but finding them to be numerous, beyond -expectation, has desisted from a task he could not easily accomplish. -This pursuit, however, has enabled him to suggest yet another caution -to his readers. Some of the early invaders of _Hogarth's_ property -were less audacious than the rest; and, forbearing to make exact -imitations of his plates, were content with only borrowing particular -circumstances from each of them, which they worked up into a similar -fable. A set of _The Rake's Progress_, in which the figures were thus -disguised and differently grouped, has been lately found. But since the -rage of collection broke out with its present vehemence, those dealers -who have met with any such diversified copies, have been desirous of -putting them off either as the first thoughts of _Hogarth_, or as the -inferior productions of elder artists on whose designs he had improved. -There, is also a very small set of _The Rake's Progress_, contrived -and executed with the varieties already mentioned; and even this has -been offered to sale under the former of these descriptions. Thus, -as _Shakspeare_ says, _While we shut the gate upon one_ imposition, -_another knocks at the door_. - -It may not be impertinent to conclude these cautions with another -notice for the benefit of unexperienced collectors, who in their -choice of prints usually prefer the blackest. The earliest copies of -_Hogarth's_ works are often fainter than such as have been retouched. -The excellence of the former consists in clearness as well as strength; -but strength only is the characteristic of the latter. The first and -third copies of _The Harlot's Progress_ will abundantly illustrate my -remark, which, however, is confined to good impressions of the plates -in either state; for some are now to be met with that no more possess -the recommendation of transparency than that of force. I may add, -that when plates are much worn, it is customary to load them with a -double quantity of colour, that their weakness, as far as possible, -may escape the eye of the purchaser. This practice the copper-plate -printers facetiously entitle--_coaxing_; and, by the aid of it, the -deeper strokes of the graver which are not wholly obliterated, become -clogged with ink, while every finer trace, which was of a nature less -permanent, is no longer visible. Thus in the modern proofs of _Garrick_ -in _King Richard III._ the armour, tent, and habit, continue to have -considerable strength, though the delicate markings in the face, and -the shadows on the inside of the hand, have long since disappeared. -Yet this print, even in its faintest state, is still preferable to -such smutty impositions as have been recently described. The modern -impressions of _The Fair_, and _The March to Finchley_, will yet more -forcibly illustrate the same remark. - - * * * * * - -To the original paintings of _Hogarth_ already enumerated may be added -a Breakfast-piece, preserved in _Hill-Street, Berkeley-Square_, in the -possession of _William Strode_, Esq; of _Northaw, Herts_. It contains -portraits of his father the late _William Strode_, Esq; his mother -Lady _Anne_ (who was sister to the late Earl of _Salisbury_), Colonel -_Strode_, and Dr. _Arthur Smith_ (afterwards Archbishop of _Dublin_). - - - - - -ADDITION. - -_Four Times of the Day_, p. 250. - -It should have been observed, that the third of these plates was -engraved by _Baron_, the figure of the girl excepted, which, being an -after-thought, was added by our artist's own hand. - - - - -APPENDIX. - - -N° 1. [See p. 23.] - - -The following letter, printed in _The Public Advertiser_ soon after the -first edition of the present work made its appearance, may possibly -contain some authentic particulars of the early life of the famous -Monsieur _St. André_. Mr. _Woodfall's_ ingenious correspondent does -not, however, dispose me to retract a syllable of what is advanced in -the text; for he fails throughout in his attempts to exculpate our hero -from any one of the charges alledged against him. On the contrary, he -confirms, with additions, a considerable part of them, and strives only -to evade or overwhelm the rest by studied amplifications of the little -good which industrious partiality could pick out of its favourite -character. I shall now subjoin his epistle, with a few unconnected -remarks appended to it. A rambling performance must apologize for a -desultory refutation. - - "SIR, - - "The entertaining author of the last biography of the admirable - _Hogarth_, in the excess of commendation of a particular risible - subject for his pencil, has written too disadvantageously of the late - Mr. _St. André_. One who knew him intimately (but was never under the - smallest obligation to him) for the last twenty years of his life, - and has learned the tradition of his earlier conduct seemingly better - than the editor of the article in question, takes the liberty to give - a more favourable idea of him, and without intending to enter into a - controversy with this agreeable Collector of Anecdotes, to vindicate - this _notorious man_, who must be allowed to have been such; but it - is to be hoped in the milder sense Lord _Clarendon_ often or always - uses the epithet. The making a subject of Mr. _St. André_ is therefore - merely accidental. The writer expects to derive no praise from - exhibiting that person as the Hero of a page. He thinks it is only - doing justice (for the Dead deserve justice as well as the Living) - when he draws his pen against some very injurious insinuations, thrown - out with more inadvertence and at a venture than in malice, against - the memory of an acquaintance and of a foreigner (to whom perhaps more - mercy is due than to a native), who is more roughly handled than he - appears to deserve. - - "Mr. _Nathaniel St. André_ came over, or rather was brought over, - very early from _Switzerland_, his native country, in the train of - a _Mendez_, or _Salvadore_, or some _Jewish_ family. Next to his - countryman _Heidegger_, he became the most considerable person that - has been imported from thence. He probably arrived in _England_ - in no better than a menial station. Possibly his family was not - originally obscure, for he has been heard to declare, that he had - a rightful claim to a title, but it was not worth while to take it - up so late in life. He had undoubtedly all the qualifications of - a _Swiss_. He talked _French_ in all its provincial dialects, and - superintended the press, if the information is to be depended upon, - and perhaps taught it, as his sister did at _Chelsea_ boarding-school. - He was early initiated in music, for he played upon some musical - instrument as soon as he was old enough to handle one, to entertain - his benefactors. He had the good fortune to be placed by them with a - surgeon of eminence, and became very skilful in his profession. His - duty and gratitude to his father, whom he maintained when he was no - longer able to maintain himself, was exemplary and deserving of high - commendation. Let this charity cover a multitude of his sins! His - great thirst for anatomical knowledge (for which he became afterwards - so famous as to have books dedicated to him on that subject), and - his unwearied application, soon made him so compleat an anatomist, - that he undertook to read public lectures (and he was the first in - _London_ who read any), which gave general satisfaction. The most - ingenious and considerable men in the kingdom became his pupils. Dr. - _Hunter_, now at the head of his profession, speaks highly of his - predecessor, and considers him (if the information is genuine) as the - wonder of his time. He continued his love of anatomy to the last, - and left noble preparations behind him, which he was continually - improving. The time of his introduction into Mr. _Molyneux's_ family - is not known to the writer of this account. Whether anatomy, surgery, - knowledge, or music, or his performance on the _Viol de Gambo_, on - which he was the greatest master, got him the intimacy with Mr. - _Molyneux_, is not easy to determine. Certain it is, that he attended - his friend in his last illness, who died of a dangerous disorder (but - not under his hands), which Mr. _Molyneux_ is said to have pronounced, - from the first, would be fatal. Scandal, and Mr. _Pope's_ satirical - half-line, talked afterwards of 'The Poisoning Wife.' She, perhaps, - was in too great a hurry, as the report ran, in marrying when she - did, according to the practised delicacy of her sex, and her very - high quality. The unlucky business in which one _Howard_, a surgeon - at _Guildford_, involved him, who was the projector, or accessary of - the impudent imposture of _Mary Tofts_, alias the Rabbit-woman of - _Godalmin_, occasioned him to become the talk and ridicule of the - whole kingdom. The report made by _St. André_, and others, induced - many inconsiderately to take it for a reality. The public horror - was so great, that the rent of rabbit-warrens sunk to nothing; and - nobody, till the delusion was over, presumed to eat a rabbit. The - credulous _Whiston_ believed the story (for to some people every thing - is credible that comes from a credible witness), and wrote a pamphlet, - to prove this _monstrous conception_ to be the exact completion of an - old prophecy in _Esdras_. The part _St. André_ acted in this affair - ruined his interest at Court, where he had before been so great a - favourite with King _George_ I. that he presented him with a sword - which he wore himself. Now, on his return out of the country, he - met with a personal affront, and never went to Court again. But he - continued anatomist to the Royal Houshold to his dying day, though he - never took the salary. He probably was imposed upon in this matter. - And has it not been the lot of men, in intellectual accomplishments - vastly above his, such as _Boyle_, for instance, a man infinitely - his superior, to be over-reached and misled? He took up the pen on - the occasion (and it was not the first time, for he wrote some years - before a bantering pamphlet on Dr. _Mead_), which could at best but - demonstrate his sincerity, but exposed the weakness of his judgement, - on that case. It had been insinuated he adopted this scheme, to - ruin some persons of his own profession. If he had a mind to make - an experiment upon the national belief, and to tamper with their - willingness to swallow any absurdity (which a certain nobleman [Duke - of _Montagu_] ventured to do, in the affair of a man who undertook to - jump into a quart bottle), he was deservedly punished with contempt. - _Swift_ (according to _Whiston_), and perhaps _Arbuthnot_, exercised - their pens upon him. The cheat was soon discovered, and rabbits began - to make their appearance again at table as usual. But they were not at - his own table, nor made a dish, in any form of cookery, at that of his - friends. Perhaps they imagined that the name or sight of that animal - might be as offensive to him, as the mention of _Formosa_ is said to - have been to _Psalmanazar_. It is told, that, on his asking for some - parsly of a market-woman of _Southampton_, and demanding why she had - not more to sell, she, in a banter, assured him, 'That his rabbits had - eat it up.' The fortune he acquired by marrying into a noble family - (though it set all the lady's relations against him, and occasioned - her being dismissed from her attendance on Queen _Caroline_) was a - sufficient compensation for the laughter or censure of the publick. - His high spirit and confidence in himself made him superior to all - clamor. So that people did but talk about him, he seldom seemed to - care what they talked against him. And yet he had the fortitude - to bring an action for defamation in _Westminster-Hall_ against a - certain doctor in divinity, and got the better of his adversary. He - was not supposed, in the judgement of the wiser and more candid part - of mankind, to have contributed, by any chirurgical administration, - to the death of his friend Mr. _Molyneux_, nor to have set up the - imposture at _Godalmin_. Though he was disgraced at Court, he was not - abandoned by all his noble friends. The great Lord _Peterborough_, - who was his patron and patient long before he went to _Lisbon_, - entertained a very high opinion of him to the last. His capacity in - all kinds, the reception he gave to his table and his garden, with his - liberality to the infirm and distressed, made him visited by persons - of the highest quality, and by all strangers and foreigners. He did - not continue to enjoy the great fortune his marriage is supposed to - have brought him, to the end of his life, for a great part went from - him on the death of Lady _Betty_. He by no means left so much property - behind him as to have it said, he died rich. His profession as a - surgeon, in a reasonable terms of years, would probably have put more - money into his pocket than fell in the golden shower so inauspiciously - into his lap, and have given him plenty, without envy or blame. He - was turned of ninety-six when he died; and though subject to the - gout, of which he used to get the better by blisters upon his knees, - and by rigid abstinence, yet, when he took to his bed (where he said - he should not lie long), and permitted a physician to be called in - to him, he cannot be said to have died of any disease. In one sum of - generosity, he gave the celebrated _Geminiani_ three hundred pounds, - to help him to discharge his incumbrances, and to end his days in - comfort. The strength and agility of his body were great, and are - well known. He was famous for his skill in fencing, in riding the - great horse, and for running and jumping, in his younger days. He, at - one time, was able to play the game at chess with the best masters. - After a slight instruction at _Slaughter's_ coffee-house, he did not - rest till, in the course of two nights sitting up, he was able to - vanquish his instructor. He was so earnest in acquiring knowledge, - that he whimsically, as he told the story, cut off his eye-lashes, - that he might not sleep till he arrived at what he wanted. His face - was muscular and fierce. One of his eyes, to external appearance, - seemed to be a mass of obscurity (as he expressed it of _Handel's_, - when he became stark-blind), at least it had not the uncommon vivacity - of the other. His language was full of energy, but loaded with foreign - idioms. His conversation was seasoned sufficiently with satire and - irony, which he was not afraid to display, though he ought never to - have forgot that he was once a proper subject for it. He built; he - planted; he had almost 'from the Cedar of _Lebanon_ to the hyssop that - groweth upon the wall,' in his hot-house, green-house, and garden. If - he was not deep in every art and science (for even his long life was - not sufficient for universal attainment), he cannot be reckoned to - have been ignorant of any thing. He was admired for his knowledge in - architecture, in gardening, and in botany, by those who should have - been above flattery. But praise, from whatever quarter it comes, is - of an intoxicating nature. Those who found out that he loved praise, - took care he should have enough of it. He kept a list of the wretched - and the indigent, whom he constantly maintained; and their names - might be written alphabetically. The poor of _Southampton_ know they - have lost their best friend. Call it, reader, ostentation or vanity, - if you will; but till you know it did not proceed from his goodness - of heart, this tributary pen considers his giving away his money to - relieve the necessitous, as a spark of the spirit of the Man of _Ross_ - or the Man of _Bath_. He was all his life too much addicted to amours, - and sometimes with the lower part of the sex. His conversation, which - he was always able to make entertaining and instructive, was too - often tinctured with _double entendre_ (a vice that increases with - age), but hardly ever with prophaneness. He may be thought to have - copied _Hermippus_, and to have considered women as the prolongers - of life. How far he was made a dupe by any of them at last, is not - necessary for relation. He died, as he lived, without fear; for to - his standers-by he gave no sign of a ruffled mind, or a disturbed - conscience, in his last moments. - - "If the preceding memoir of _St. André_ had not been composed entirely - from memory (a faculty which, like the sieve of the _Danaids_, is - apt to lose as much as it receives), and had not been conveyed - to the press with so much precipitancy, the writer, by a second - recollection, might have made supplementary anecdotes less necessary. - Whilst _St. André_ was basking in the sun-shine of public favour - in _Northumberland-Court_, near _Charing-Cross_, under pretence of - being wanted in his profession at some house in the neighbourhood, - he was hurried through so many passages, and up and down so many - stair-cases, that he did not know where he was, nor what the untoward - scene was to end in, till the horrid conclusion presented itself, - of which he published an extraordinary account in _The Gazette_ of - _Feb._ 23, 1724-5, no less than of his being poisoned, and of his more - extraordinary recovery. Such uncommon men must be visited through - life with uncommon incidents. The bowl of poison must have been for - ever present to his imagination. _Socrates_ himself could not expect - more certain destruction from the noxious draught he was forced to - take down, than seemed inevitable to _St. André_. Nay, a double death - seems to have threatened him. Probably it was not any public or - private virtue for which _Socrates_ was famous, and which occasioned - him to suffer, that endangered our hero's life. His constitution was - so good, that he got the better of the internal potion. The truth - and circumstances of the story could only be known to himself, who - authenticated it upon oath. His narrative partakes of the marvellous; - and the reader of _July_, 1781, is left in total ignorance of the - actor, and the provocation to such a barbarous termination. His case - was reported, and he was attended, by the ablest of the faculty: - and the Privy Council issued a reward of two hundred pounds towards - a discovery. A note in the second supplemental volume of _Swift_ - informed the writer of this sketch, a day or two ago (who takes to - himself the reproof of _Prior_, 'Authors, before they write, should - read!'), that _St. André_ was convinced he had been imposed upon - respecting the woman of _Godalmin_, and that he apologised handsomely - to the public in an advertisement, dated _Dec._ 8, 1726.--'He's half - absolv'd, who has confest.'--In the autumn, before the heat of the - town-talk on this affair was over, he was sent for to attend Mr. - _Pope_, who, on his return home from _Dawley_ in Lord _Bolingbroke's_ - coach and six, was overturned in a river, and lost the use of two - fingers of his left-hand (happy for the lovers of poetry they were - not the servants of the right one!), and gave him assurance, that - none of the broken glass was likely to be fatal to him. It is highly - improbable, that _Pope_ and _Bolingbroke_ would have suffered _St. - André_ to have come near them, if he had been branded as a cheat - and an impostor. He died in _March_, 1776, having survived all his - contemporary enemies, and, which is the consequence of living long, - most of his ancient friends. Such men do not arise every day for our - censure or our applause; to gratify the pen or the pencil of character - or caricature. He may be considered, as _Voltaire_ pronounces of - _Charles_ the Twelfth, an extraordinary, rather than a great man, and - fitter to be admired than imitated. - - "IMPARTIAL." - -In the first place, I avow that the epithet _notorious_ was not -meant to be employed in the milder sense of Lord _Clarendon_. Had -I undertaken to compile the life of a man eminent for virtue, I -should have been happy to have borrowed the softer application of -the aforesaid term from our noble historian. But having engaged to -delineate a mere impostor's character, there is greater propriety in -adopting the disputed word with that constant signification affixed to -it by the biographers of _Bet Canning_, or _Fanny_ the Phantom of _Cock -Lane_.--I shall absolve myself no farther from the charge of "malice," -than by observing that there are always people who think _somewhat much -too rough has been said of Chartres_. - -The dead, declares our apologist, deserve justice as well as their -survivors. This is an uncontested truth; nor will the precept be -violated by me. I may observe however, with impunity, that the -interests of the living, for whose sake a line of separation between -good and bad characters is drawn, should be consulted, rather than -the memories of the flagitious, who can no longer be affected by human -praise or censure, should be spared. - -Our apologist next assures us, that perhaps more tenderness is due to -a foreigner than to a native. The boasted _amor patriæ_ is not very -conspicuous in this remark, which indeed was dropped, to as little -purpose, by a learned counsel on the trial of the _French Spy_ who was -lately executed. - -"Next to his countryman _Heidegger_," adds our apologist, "Mr. _St. -André_ became the most _considerable_ person that has been imported -from _Switzerland_." To judge of the comparative value of the latter, -we must estimate the merits of the former. _Heidegger_ is known to us -only by the uncommon ugliness of his visage, and his adroitness in -conducting Operas and Masquerades. If _St. André_ is to be regarded -as a person still _less considerable_ than _Heidegger_, can his -consequence be rated very high? - -That _St. André_ arrived here in a menial station, is not improbable. -The servility of his youth afforded a natural introduction to the -insolence of his riper years. He was indeed (if I am not mis-informed) -of the same family with the fencing and dancing-master whom _Dryden_ -has immortalized in _MacFlecknoe_; - - "_St. André's_ feet ne'er kept more equal time;"[1] - -and was intended for the same professions; a circumstance often hinted -at by his opponents during the Rabbit controversy. Having been thus -early instructed in the management of the foil and kitt, no marvel that -he so often prated about the art of defence, or that "his gratitude to -his benefactors" broke out in the language of a minuet or a rigadoon. - -That he became famous enough in his profession to have anatomical works -occasionally dedicated to him, will easily obtain credit among our -apologist's readers; for many of them must have seen a book on surgery -inscribed to Dr. _Rock_, a political poem addressed to _Buckhorse_, and -a treatise on religion sheltering itself under the patronage of the -late Lord _Baltimore. St. André_, however, was not the earliest reader -of anatomical lectures in _London. Bussiere_, the surgeon who attended -_Guiscard_ (the assassin of _Harley_), was our hero's predecessor in -this office, and I am told even he was not the first who offered public -instructions to the students at our hospitals. Dr. _Hunter_, who has -been applied to for intelligence on this occasion, declares that he -never described _St. André_ as "the wonder of his time," but as a man -who had passed through no regular course of study, and was competent -only in the article of injections, a task as happily suited to minute -abilities as to those of a larger grasp. - - _Æmilium circà ludum faber imus et ungues - Exprimet, et molles imitabitur ære capillos_. - -The art of pushing fluids through the vessels was at that period a -secret most scrupulously kept by the few who were in possession of -it, so that a great show might be made at the expence of little real -knowledge. I am also informed, that _St. André_, like the workman -described by _Horace_, had no general comprehension of any subject, -but was unable to have put two propositions together:--that he neither -extended the bounds of the chirurgical art by discoveries, nor -performed any extraordinary cures; and, boasting somewhere that he had -detected vessels in the cuticle or scarf-skin, a foreigner of eminence -in the same profession offered (through the medium of a printed book) -to lay him a wager of it, a challenge which he prudently declined. I am -also told, that when solicited to exhibit his preparations, he always -declared the majority of them to have been destroyed in a fire. What -remain, I am instructed to add, deserve little or no commendation. -Thus, on enquiry, sinks our "enthusiast in anatomy" down to a frigid -dabbler in the science; while his "noble preparations, which he was -continually improving," dwindle into minutiæ of scarce any value. - -Though the dreadful crime, which is indistinctly mentioned in the text -of the foregoing pamphlet, has been alluded to with less reserve by -the apologist of _St. André_, it shall be explained no further on the -present occasion. Many are the common avenues to death; and why should -we point out with minuteness such as we hope will never be explored -again? Till I perused the defence so often referred to, I had not even -suspected that the "poisoning wife"[2] bore the least allusion to any -particular circumstance on the records of criminal gallantry; nor, -without stronger proofs than are furnished by this expression (perhaps -a random one), shall I be willing to allot the smallest share of blame -to the Lady, such alone excepted as must unavoidably arise from her -over-hasty marriage, which was solemnized at _Hesson_ near _Hounslow_ -in _Middlesex_, on the 27th of _May_, 1730. This act, however, as well -as her derogation from rank, being mere offences against human customs, -are cognizable only upon earth.--By "the wiser and more candid part -of mankind," who suspected no harm throughout _St. André's_ conduct -in this affair, I suppose our apologist means any set of people who -had imbibed prejudices similar to his own, and thought and spoke about -his hero with equal partiality and tenderness. But the Memoir on which -these remarks are founded, proves at least that what _J. N._ had hinted -concerning the death of Mr. _Molyneux_,[3] was of no recent invention. -So far from it indeed, that _St. André_ was openly taxed with having -been the sole cause of it, in a public news-paper (I think one of the -Gazetteers), by the Rev. Dr. _Madden_, the celebrated _Irish_ patriot, -who subscribed his name to his advertisement. It is related (I know not -how truly) that on this account our hero prosecuted and "got the better -of his adversary," whose accusation was unsupported by such proofs as -the strictness of law requires. How many culprits, about whose guilt -neither judge nor jury entertains the smallest scruple, escape with -equal triumph through a similar defect of evidence! I may add, that so -serious a charge would never have been lightly made by a divine of Dr. -_Madden's_ rank and character. - -All that is said on the subject of family honours to which _St. André_ -was entitled, his gratitude to his father, what he gave to the -celebrated _Geminiani_ "in one sum of generosity," must be admitted -with caution, for truth was by no means the characteristic of our -hero's narrations.[4] These circumstances therefore may be regarded as -gasconades of his own. The author of the defence pretends not to have -received any part of his information from _St. André's_ countrymen or -contemporaries; but, on the contrary, confesses that both his early -friends and enemies had long been dead. - -The affair of the Rabbit-breeder has no need of further illustration. -Several ballads, pamphlets, prints, &c. on the subject, bear abundant -testimony to _St. André's_ merits throughout that business, as well -as to the final opinion entertained of him by his contemporaries, -after _Cheselden_, by order of Queen _Caroline_, had assisted in -discovering the deceit. Her Majesty was urged to this step by finding -the plausibility of our hero had imposed on the King, and that some -of the pregnant ladies about her own person began to express their -fears of bringing into the world an unnatural progeny.--If Mr. _Boyle_ -was occasionally misled, his errors were soon absorbed in the blaze -of his moral and literary excellence. _St. André's_ blunder, alas! -had no such happy means of redemption. His credulity indeed was not -confined to this single transaction. The following is a well-attested -story--Two gentlemen at _Southampton_, who felt an inclination to -banter him, broke a nutshell asunder, filled the cavity with a large -swan-shot, and closed up the whole with glue so nicely that no marks -of separation could be detected. This curiosity, as they were walking -with _St. André_, one of them pretended to pick up, admiring it as a -nut uncommonly heavy as well as beautiful. Our hero swallowed the bait, -dissected the subject, discovered the lead, but not the imposition, and -then proceeded to account philosophically for so strange a phænomenon. -The merry wags could scarce restrain their laughter, and soon quitted -his company to enjoy the success of a stratagem they had so adroitly -practised on his ignorance and gullibility. - -Were there any colour for supposing he had patronized the fraud -relative to _Mary Tofts_, with design to ruin others of his profession -(an insinuation to his discredit, which the foregoing pamphlet had -not furnished), it was but just that he should fall by his own -malevolence and treachery. From the imputation of a scheme resembling -that contrived by the Duke of _Montagu_, his want of equal wit will -sufficiently absolve him. - -That rabbits never were permitted to appear at any table where -he dined, is a strong mark of the adulation paid to him by his -entertainers. I hope, for similar reasons, had he been seized with -his last illness in _London_ (that his organs of hearing might escape -an equal shock), his attendants would not have called any physician -named _Warren_ to his bed-side, summoned an attorney from _Coney Court_ -Grays Inn to have made his will, or sent for the Rev. Mr. _Bunny_ to -pray by him. The banishment of rabbits, however, from a neighbourhood -that affords them in the highest perfection, was a circumstance that -might as justly have been complained of, as _Pythagoras's_ prohibition -of beans, had it been published in _Leicestershire_. I heartily wish -that the circumstantial author of the preceding epistle, to relieve -any doubts by which futurity may be perplexed, had informed us whether -_St. André_ was an eater of toasted cheese, or not; and if it was never -asked for by its common title of a Welch _Rabbit_ within his hearing. - -That he wrote any thing, unless by proxy, or with much assistance, may -reasonably be doubted; for the pamphlets that pass under his name are -divested of those foreign idioms that marked his conversation. Indeed, -if I may believe some specimens of his private correspondence, he was -unacquainted with the very orthography of our language. The insolence -of this shallow _Switzer's_ attempt to banter _Mead_, we may imagine, -was treated with contempt, as the work described has not been handed -down to us; and few tracts are permitted to be scarce for any other -reason than because they are worthless. - -It is next remarked by our apologist, that _St. André's_ "confidence, -&c. made him superior to all clamour; and so that people did but talk -about him, he did not seem to care what they talked against him." This -is no more, in other language, than to declare that his impudence and -vanity were well proportioned to each other, and that a bad character -was to him as welcome as a good one. He did not, it seems, join in the -Poet's prayer, - - Grant me an honest fame, or grant me none! - -but was of opinion, as his apologist likewise admits, that wealth was -an ample counterbalance to the loss of reputation.--That he might evade -accusation (as I have already observed) in one particular instance, -and therefore recover damages, is no proof of his innocence, that his -general conduct would admit of defence, or that much of the manifold -censure passed upon him had no foundation. - -How Lord _Peterborough_ happened to become his patron, &c. may be -accounted for without any great degree of credit to either party. His -lordship (as Lord _Orrery_ observes) "in his private life and conduct -differed from most men;" and, having often capricious disputes with -the court, was sure to favour those who, like _St. André_, had been -dismissed from its service. Our hero's musical talents, indeed, if they -were such as they have been represented, might procure him access to -his lordship and many other noble adepts in the sublime and useful -science of harmony. The lovers of a tune urge no severe enquiries -concerning the heart of a fidler. If he be a mercenary, while he -teaches female pupils, he is watched; and, if he performs in concerts, -he is paid. If above pecuniary gratifications, he is rewarded with -hyperbolical compliments. Articulate for inarticulate sounds is ample -retribution. - -His defender adds, that he was visited by _all_ strangers and -foreigners. It will be supposed then that his house was never free -from company. May we not rather think, that if he was at any time -sought after by these peregrine worthies, &c. it was because the -keepers of inns and mistresses of boarding-houses had been instructed -to disseminate attractive tales of his "capacity in all kinds," his -curiosities and good dinners? Besides, all foreigners who have arrived -in _England_ have not travelled to _Southampton_, and consequently -could not have seen _St. André_, who for upwards of the last twenty -years of his life had resided only there. It is nearer the truth to -say, that not a single _Frenchman_, &c. in fifty thousand, ever heard -of his name. - -That "his profession as a surgeon, in a reasonable term of years, would -probably have put more money in his pocket" than he gained by his union -with Lady _Betty Molyneux_ (i. e. £30,000. a sum that elevated him -into a state little short of madness), I cannot believe. The blast his -reputation had received respecting the business at _Godalming_, being -seconded by his expulsion from court, he must have felt his business -on the decline. Indeed, I am told that he staid long enough in town to -try the experiment. Marriage therefore might have been his _dernier -resort_. - -The exaggerations of this impostor's generosity and accomplishments, -which are next brought forward by his panegyrist with no small degree -of pomp, are such as we may suppose himself would have furnished, had -he undertaken, like the Chevalier _Taylor_, to compile his own memoirs. -The majority of circumstances collected for the purpose of proving him -to have been - - _Grammaticus, rhetor, geometres, pictor, aliptes, - Augur, schænobates, medicus, magus,_ - -could only have been derived from those very flattering testimonials -to his merits which he was always ready to exhibit on the slightest -encouragement. Those who were content to admit so partial an estimate -of his abilities, &c. found it necessary to express their belief that -he could have beaten _Hercules_ at quoits, played a better fiddle than -_Apollo_, out-witted _Mercury_, disarmed the _God of War_, and forged -such chemic thunders, that, compared with the produce of our hero's -laboratory, the bolts of _Jove_ were no louder than a pot-gun. So far -was he from being deficient in commendation of his own talents, that he -thought his very furniture might claim a proportionable extravagance of -praise. He was possessed of some foreign tapestry which he was proud on -all occasions to display. But the eulogiums of others, lavish as they -might be, fell considerably short of his own, so that the spectator -retired with disgust from an object which the excessive vanity of its -owner would not permit to be enjoyed without the most frequent and -nauseous intrusions of self-congratulation. - -As to the history of his eye-lashes, which he sacrificed to vigilance, -and his sudden proficiency in the very difficult game of chess -(provided his instructor, whom he afterwards vanquished, was a skilful -one) _credat Judæus Apella_.--That his language did not want energy, -may more easily be allowed, for force is the characteristic of vulgar -phraseology. Conceits, expressed with much vigour, are current among -sailors; and such nervous denunciations of revenge may occasionally -be heard at _Billingsgate_, as might emulate the ravings of _Dryden's -Maximin_. No man will be hardy enough to assert that the figure, -manners, and language, of _St. André_, were those of a gentleman. - -If one of his eyes was a "mass of obscurity" (notwithstanding the -other, like that of Lady _Pentweazle's_ Great Aunt, might be a -piercer), perhaps he ought to have been sparing of his satire on the -personal disadvantages of his acquaintance. Yet, the last time my -informant saw him was at the Theatre at _Southampton_, where, sitting -near a gentleman and lady not remarkable for handsome faces, he had the -modesty to express a doubt (and in a voice sufficiently audible) which -of the two would furnish the most comic mask. - -Mr. _St. André's_ apologist observes, that "he cannot be reckoned -to have been ignorant of any thing." But the contrary may justly be -suspected, and for no inconclusive reason. I aver, that on whatever -subject he was haranguing, the moment he discovered any of the -company present understood it as well as himself, he became silent, -never choosing to descant on art or science but before people whom -he supposed to be utter strangers to all their principles. For this -reason, he would have entertained Sir _Joshua Reynolds_ with remarks on -the genera and cultivation of plants, and talked to _Linnæus_ about the -outline and colouring of pictures. - -That he died poor (for such was really the case), should excite no -astonishment. His fortune, like his good qualities, was chiefly in -supposition. Much of his wealth he had expended on buildings, which -he never long inhabited, and afterwards sold to disadvantage. His -first essays in architecture were made at _Chepstow_ on the _Severn_, -an estate purchased by Lady _Betty Molyneux_ immediately after the -death of her husband. In short, our hero was a fugitive inhabitant of -several counties, and never settled till he reached _Southampton_; for -in no other place did he meet with that proportion of flattery which -was needful to his happiness, if not to his existence.--About a mile -from hence he erected the whimsical baby-house dignified by him with -the title of _Belle-Vue_, a receptacle every way inconvenient for -the purposes of a family. Being once asked if this was not a very -singular mansion,--"Singular!" (replied he) "by G--I hope it is, or I -would pull it down immediately. I would have you to know, Sir, that -it is constructed on the true principles of anatomy." The attempt to -apply anatomical principles to the arrangement of passages, doors, -and windows, is too glaring an absurdity to need animadversion, or -to render it necessary for me to deny in form, that he could ever be -"admired for his knowledge in architecture," except by such as knew not -wherein its excellencies consisted.--He had, however, another dwelling -within the walls of the town already mentioned. Here he pretended -that his upper apartments were crowded with rarities, which he only -wanted space to exhibit. But, alas! after his decease, Mr. _Christie's_ -auction-room bore abundant witness to the frivolity of his collections. -What became of his boasted library of books, which he always said was -packed up in boxes, I am yet to learn. Perhaps it existed only in his -description.[5] - -"Those who found out he loved praise (says his apologist) took care he -should have enough of it." I discover little cause for disputing this -assertion, and shall only observe on it, that adulation is a commodity -which weak old men, reputed rich, and without ostensible heirs, are -seldom in danger of wanting, though they may not enjoy so much of it -as fell to _St. André's_ share. - -His disbursements to the poor might be proportioned to the real -state of his fortune; but yet they were conducted with excess of -ostentation. He may be said to have given shillings away with more -parade than many other men would have shown in the distribution of as -many guineas.--What honour his apologist means to confer on him by -saying that "the names of those whom he maintained might be written -alphabetically," is to me a secret, because names of every kind -may be arranged according to the series of the letters.--Suspected -characters, however, often strive to redeem themselves by affectation -of liberality. Few are more generous than opulent wantons toward their -decline of life, who thus attempt to recover that respect which they -are conscious of having forfeited by the misdeeds of their youth. The -benefactions of such people may in truth be considered as expiatory -sacrifices for past offences, having no foundation in a natural -propensity to relieve the indigent, or indulge the heart in the noblest -luxury, that of doing good. - -_St. André_ was accused in _J. N.'s_ pamphlet of having frequently -larded his pleasantry with obscene expressions. This is a truth which -his defender makes not the slightest effort to deny; but adds, that -his conversation was _hardly ever_ tinctured with prophaneness. We -hence at least may infer that our hero's humour had _sometimes_ this -imperfection, which indeed might have escaped notice, but for the zeal -of his apologist.--As I am on this subject, I cannot forbear to mention -a particular in Mr. _St. André's_ behaviour, which hitherto has been -overlooked. When at any time he received a reproof from women of sense, -fashion, and character, whose ears he had insulted with his ribaldry, -his confidence in a moment forsook him, nor had he a word to offer in -extenuation of his offence. My informant has more than once beheld, -with secret satisfaction, how effectually the frown of steady virtue -could awe this "mighty impudent" into silence. Notwithstanding what -has been already said concerning that indifference to censure which -appeared in him towards the end of his life, I am mis-informed, if at -an earlier period he was able to brave the ridicule of the place where -he had been once employed and caressed. When the imputations consequent -on his marriage, &c. had rendered him still less an object of respect, -he retired with his bride, and amused himself at a distance from -_London_ with additions to his house, and improvements in his garden; -nor did he appear in public again till what was known and suspected of -him had ceased to be the object of general enquiry and animadversion. - -It is difficult for a profligate man of an amorous constitution to -grow old with decency. _J. N.'s_ pamphlet had taxed _St. André_ with -lasciviousness unbecoming his years. This is silently admitted by his -apologist, who adds, that the intrigues of his hero were "sometimes -with the lower part of the sex." He gives us reason also to suppose -that our antiquated enamorato was a dupe to females in the very last -stage of a life so unusually protracted. Is _St. André's_ memory much -honoured by such revelations? Do not circumstances like these increase -that stock of "injurious insinuations" which our apologist professes to -diminish? - -Our panegyrist, more than once in the course of his letter, has -expressed himself in favourable terms of _St. André's_ colloquial -talents. Now, as the memory of my entertaining opponent in respect to -circumstances is remarkably tenacious, 'tis pity he has preserved no -splendid ebullition of his hero's wit, no sample of that satire and -irony that seasoned his conversation, or of that wisdom which so often -rendered it instructive. I flatter myself, that if any specimens of -these distinct excellencies could have been recollected, they would -certainly have been arranged and recorded. - -That _St. André_ expired without signs of terror, is but a doubtful -proof of his innocence. Being, at best, a free-thinker, he might regard -death as annihilation, might have been insensible to its immediate -approaches, or have encountered it with a constitutional firmness -that was rather the gift of nature than the result of conscience -undisturbed. He who is become indifferent to the value of reputation, -will not easily be inclined to suppose that a want of the virtues on -which it is founded will be punished in a future state. - - * * * * * - -The whole narrative, published by _St. André_ in 1723, was considered -by his contemporaries as an ostentatious falsehood, invented only to -render him an object of attention and commiseration. It should be -remembered, that his depositions were all delivered on oath; and yet, -being replete with facts totally improbable (for his apologist allows -"they partake of the marvellous"), obtained no credit from the world; -a sufficient proof of the estimation in which his moral character was -held by the people who were best acquainted with it, though at that -period (for the rabbit affair had not yet decided on his reputation) -he possessed sufficient interest as court-surgeon to engage the -privy-council in his cause. They readily enough consented to offer a -sum which they might have been sure would never be demanded. All the -poison he was ever supposed to have suffered from, was such as is -commonly administered in a more tempting vehicle than a glass of strong -liquor: - - "'Twas that which taints the sweetest joys, - And in the shape of Love destroys." - -The bare mention of _Socrates_ in company with such a pretended victim -as _St. André_, cannot fail to make the reader smile. - -But "He's half absolv'd who has confess'd," continues his advocate, -speaking of the recantation _St. André_ made by public advertisement. -Yet, what did he confess? Why, what all the world concurred to -believe, that he had been grossly imposed on; or perhaps that, out -of two evils choosing the least, he allowed himself to be a fool, -that he might escape the imputation of having proved a knave. His -absolution therefore was not obtained on the most creditable terms. -He adds, however, on this emergency, a fresh proof of his disposition -to deceive. "I think myself obliged (says he) _in strict regard to -truth_, to acquaint the public that I intend, _in a short time_, to -publish a full account of the discovery, with some considerations on -the extraordinary circumstances of this case, which misled me in my -apprehensions thereof; and which, as I hope they will, in some measure, -excuse the mistakes made by myself and others who have visited the -woman concerned therein, will also be acceptable to the world, in -separating the innocent from those who have been guilty actors in the -fraud." This work was never published, though _St. André_ survived his -promise by the long term of fifty years. So much for the faith thus -solemnly pledged by an impostor to the public. - -After the accident had befallen Mr. _Pope_, on his return from _Dawley_ -in Lord _Bolingbroke's_ coach, _St. André_ was called in, because -he happened to be the surgeon nearest at hand. No man chooses to be -scrupulous in the moment of danger. It might be urged that our hero had -little to boast on the occasion, because his patient never recovered -the use of his wounded fingers. But this calamity is not strictly -chargeable on _St. André's_ want of skill; for I have been assured, -that though he stopped the effusion of blood, the completion of the -cure was entrusted solely to another artist. The RABBITEER, having -received his fee, was not admitted a second time into the Poet's -company. - -To conclude, I differ as much with our ingenious apologist at the -close of his Epistle as throughout the foregoing parts of it, -being of opinion that his hero no more deserves to be _admired_ -than to be _copied_. There is always hazard lest _wonder_ should -generate _imitation_; and the world would not be much obliged to any -circumstance that produced a second being fabricated on the model of -_St. André_. - -[1] See also _Dryden's Limberham, or the Kind Keeper_. Act III. - -[2] The words of _Pope_ are "the poisoning _dame_." See Epilogue to his -Satires, Dial. II. v. 22. - -[3] Whilst the above page was preparing for the second edition of this -work, the following particulars of this gentleman's family appeared -in the public prints: "Mr. _Molyneux_, who was equally the friend of -liberty and literature, was founder of a society in _Ireland_, in -imitation of the Royal (as was his nephew, the Rev. Dr. _Madden_, -of the _Dublin_ Society). His genius was celebrated by _Locke_, and -other sages of those days; and his patriotism was rewarded with the -successive representation of the City and University of _Dublin_, -with other posts of great trust, from the Revolution to his death. -He married the daughter of Sir _William Domville_, attorney-general -of _Ireland_ in the reign of _Charles_ the Second, and niece of Sir -_Thomas Leake_, of _Cannons_ in _Middlesex_, by whom he had an only -son, _Samuel Molyneux_, Esq; secretary to his late Majesty when Prince -of _Wales_, a lord of the Admiralty, and member of parliament both in -_Great-Britain_ and _Ireland_, who resembled his illustrious father in -his pursuits of philosophical knowledge, which he many years, until -engaged in political business, prosecuted with great application at -his seat at _Kew_, now his Majesty's, and presented a telescope of -his own construction to the King of _Portugal_; his _perhaps fatal_ -acquaintance with and patronage of _St. André_ will make his name -long remembered. Leaving no issue by his wife, who married _St. -André_, and lived many years, the estate of Mr. _Molyneux_ fell at her -death to his cousin-german and her god-son, the right honourable Sir -_Capel Molyneux_, member at present of the _Irish_ parliament, and a -privy-counsellor, only surviving son of Mr. _Molyneux_ father's next -brother, Sir _Thomas Molyneux_, bart. whom, through regard for his -nephew, his late Majesty created the first _Irish_ baronet upon his -accession to the throne." - -[4] The following story was told by _St. André_ to an eminent -bookseller, from whom I received it: - -"Once when I was in _Paris_," says our hero, "I went to a sale of -Missals, most of them bound in crimson velvet. Among these, and in the -same binding, I discovered a fine impression of the Duke of _Orleans's_ -celebrated publication of _Les Amours Pastorales de Daphnis et de -Chloe_, &c. which I purchased for a mere trifle. On taking off the -velvet, I found the cover underneath was ornamented with as many jewels -as I sold afterwards for five hundred pounds."----Who can believe a -circumstance so utterly improbable? - -[5] I am assured, on unquestionable authority, that Mr. _St. André_ had -a valuable library in the classes of Natural History and Medicine. A -catalogue of it, drawn up by Mr. _B. White_, is now in the possession -of Mr. _St. André's_ executor, by whom it is reserved for the benefit -of minors. - - - - - -N° II. [See p. 137.] - - -The kindness of a friend has enabled me to lay before the reader some -extracts from the scarce pamphlet mentioned in p. 137. The following -is the exact title of it: "A Letter from a Parishioner of _St. Clement -Danes_, to the Right Reverend Father in God _Edmund_, Lord Bishop of -_London_, occasioned by his Lordship's causing the Picture over the -Altar to be taken down. With some Observations on the Use and Abuse of -Church Paintings in General, and of that Picture in particular. - -"_Exodus_, Chap. xxxii. Ver. 20. And he took the Calf which they had -made, and burnt it in the Fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it -upon the Water, and made the Children of _Israel_ drink of it. - -"_London_, printed and sold by _J. Roberts_, in _Warwick-Lane; A. Dod_, -without _Temple-Bar-_, and _E. Nut_, at the _Royal-Exchange_. 1725. -Price 6_d._" - -After some introductory compliments to Bishop _Gibson_, the -Letter-writer thus proceeds: "Of all the abuses your Lordship has -redressed, none more timely, none more acceptable to all true -Protestants, than your last injunction to remove that ridiculous, -superstitious piece of Popish foppery from over our communion-table; -this has gained you the applause and good will of all honest men, -who were scandalized to see that holy place defiled with so vile and -impertinent a representation. - -"To what end or purpose was it put there, but to affront our most -gracious Sovereign, by placing at our very altar the known resemblance -of a person, who is the wife of his utter enemy, and pensioner to the -Whore of _Babylon_? - -"When I say the known resemblance, I speak not only according to my -own knowledge; but appeal to all mankind who have seen the Princess -_Sobieski_, or any picture or resemblance of her, if the picture -of that angel in the white garment and blue mantle, which is there -supposed to be beating time to the musick, is not directly a great -likeness of that princess. This I insist on, and will stand and fall by -my assertion, provided they do not play any tricks with the picture, or -alter it for contradiction sake now it is down. - -"Whether it was done by chance, or on purpose, I shall not determine; -but be it which it will, it has given great offence, and your Lordship -has acted the part of a wise and good prelate to order its removal. - -"For surely, such a picture is far unfit for so sacred a place; a place -too solemn for such levities, too awful to be made the receptacle of -such trumpery: nay, admit it were not the resemblance of such a person, -can any thing be more absurd, than such a picture in such a place! - -"But if it be the picture of that person, what can be more -sacrilegious, more impudently sacrilegious, than to have our sanctuary -defiled by those who make a mock of us and our holy religion? I mean, -our inveterate enemies the Papists, who would scruple to prophane no -place, so they might show their implacable hatred to our God, and our -King. - -"To our God, by making his holy altar the scene of their ribaldry, to -be approached with wantonness and curiosity, by the sons of _Belial_, -who come there to decypher the dumb libel, and sneer at the pictured -lampoon, which tacitly mocks the church, and openly affronts the State. - -"To our King, by placing the resemblance of an avowed enemy to him -and his religion, at the very altar, to stand in view of a whole -congregation; a thing, in my opinion, much more audacious, than the -setting up her statue in the public streets. - -"No wonder our church has been thronged with spectators, to the great -hindrance of divine worship, and annoyance of the parishioners, when -those crouds of irreverend persons, which were ever pouring in, came -not there to join in prayer with the rest of the congregation, but to -worship their Popish saint, and hug themselves with the conceit of -being alone in the secret. - -"But at last the watch-word was blown, and the true intent of their -coming discovered. Then was it high time to complain to your Lordship, -when disturbances became so frequent, and the peace of the church was -so manifestly broken: that you, like another _Moses_, commanded the -tinctured abomination to be taken down, and no doubt but your Lordship -will call them to account who set it up. - -"When your Lordship shall examine, who is the painter, and of what -principle? how long he had been from the Court of _Rome_, before -he painted that picture? and whether he brought no picture, or -resemblance, of the Princess _Sobieski_ over with him? you will not -repent of what you have done. But when you shall farther enquire after -the person who employed him; whether he be a Protestant? or, if he -call himself so, whether his children were not sent abroad to Popish -seminaries for education? - -"When your Lordship, I say, shall examine into these particulars, -I doubt not of the inferences so wise a man will draw from such -convincing circumstances. - -"And as your Lordship has begun to redress one abuse, I persuade myself -you will not stop here, but enquire likewise, by what authority it was -put there. This may, perhaps, open another scene to your Lordship's -view, and give you an opportunity, not only to ease the parish of -a very heavy burden it now groans under, but prevent its being run -to unnecessary and unwarranted expences for the future, by every -_Jac-----_ in an office. - -"And, indeed, unless there was a sufficient warrant for such -alterations, the workmen should go to the right person's door, -and he that set them to work ought to pay them; for, in my humble -opinion, the place needed no alteration: it was decent, convenient, -and indeed ornamental enough before; there was no more sign, or fear -of its falling, than there was occasion to take it down, and deprive -the parish of a conveniency now very much wanted, I mean a little -vestry-room, which was behind the old communion table, where the books, -vessels, and vestments of the church, were ready at hand, and just at -the very altar; whereas now every thing is brought quite through the -body of the church, which in case of a croud (as of late has been but -too frequent) is both tedious and inconvenient to the last degree. - -"But, notwithstanding this, it was resolutely taken down, to gratify -the pride and malice of some persons, who thirsted to eternize their -names, and affront the government. What have been the consequences of -all this, but an eye-sore and heart-burning to the honest and loyal -part of the inhabitants, and a continual hurly-burly of loiterers from -all parts of the town, to see our Popish raree-show?" - -After a digression on the famous altar at _White-Chapel_, in which -Dean _Kennet_ was said to be satirized, and some general observations -on pictures in churches, the Letter-writer adds, "Never before was any -Popish saint put over the communion-table in a Protestant church. The -Last Supper, the Passion, Crucifixion, or some other incidents of our -Blessed Saviour's life, are the general subjects given to painters on -these occasions; but to have a concert of musick, &c. (suppose it were -not the Pretender's spouse, and probably some more of his family, under -the form of angels) is the most abrupt and foreign that I ever saw or -heard of. - -"What surprizes me most is, that any of my fellow parishioners should -not only dispute your Lordship's commands, delay the execution of your -just injunction, when it was most reasonable and necessary, but pester -your Lordship with impertinent petitions and remonstrances, as if they -were injured and oppressed, or your Lordship misinformed. This must be -the reason; or to what purpose did they trifle with and contest your -Lordship's ordinance? But you are too just a man to give any sentence -but the most impartial, and too steady to give up any point, where the -peace of the Church and the honour of the King is concerned. - -"Whoever murmurs at its being taken down, takes the part of those who -set it up; and whoever takes their part, is as bad as themselves, and -would do the like on the like opportunity. What can they object against -its being removed? What can they offer for having it remain? But why's, -and why not's. As, Why should it be removed? What hurt did it do? Why -should so much money be thrown away? And, why might not that picture -be there as well as any other? Why does your Lordship interfere in the -matter? This, with a glance of complaint at your Lordship, and severe -invectives against those who solicited that interposition, calling -them informers, busy, forward, mischief-making fellows, who had better -mind their own business, and such like ribaldry, is all they can say -for themselves. But these are the worst reasons in the world, and -invidious queries only to evade an argument, and are not to be admitted -in a debate of this nature, where a direct reason for, or against, -is required. But give me leave, my Lord, and I will, in a few words, -answer all their queries, which seem so weighty and formidable to the -vulgar and ignorant. - -"Why should it be removed? may be answered by another question, -What business had it there? But as I scorn such quibbling ways of -reasoning, I shall answer them, because it is unfit for that sacred -place. If it is the Princess _Sobieski's_ image, it is sacrilegious -and traiterous, and therefore ought to be removed. If it is, as they -say, a choir of heavenly angels at a practice of musick, playing on -earthly instruments, it is impertinent and absurd to the last degree, -and therefore ought to be removed from a place where the utmost decorum -should be kept. - -"What hurt does it, say they? To which I answer, it hurted or disturbed -the peace of the church, and was so far hurtful, as we were hindered -or annoyed in our devotions; it made a division in the parish, and -was so far hurtful, as it tended to the breach of peace and good -neighbourhood; and therefore I think it ought to be removed, since, not -to answer them with a question, but a common saying, it did hurt enough. - -"Why should so much money be thrown away? Ay, there's the grievance; -but I shall tell them, they may thank themselves, it was the act and -deed of their own cabal; and though they might triumph and laugh -in their sleeves for a while, yet murder will out, and they might -expect to be paid in their own coin one time or other. There was no -occasion to remove the old communion-table and vestry; and therefore -all the money is thrown away; the worse their management. Nor was there -any necessity of so sumptuous an altar-piece, or of that picture in -particular, therefore so much money as that picture cost, which, by the -bye, is no trifling sum[1] (the painter, as well as his masters, being -no small fool), is entirely thrown away, and has been cast into _The -Thames_; or, as the vulgar have it, thrown down the kennel. - -"It was set up against the will of the major part of the parish, and -not without much murmur and complaint; there was yet a much greater -majority for pulling it down; if therefore so much money is thrown -away, it is pity the parish should pay it; and, no doubt, when your -Lordship comes to enquire by what authority a set of men ran the -parish so much in debt for their own whims, and without any manner of -occasion, you will do us justice, and teach such persons for the future -to consult the bishop, and have the general consent of the parish, -before they run into such extravagancies. - -"The tradesmen want their money, and the parish cannot pay them: your -Lordship therefore will do very well to adjust this matter, that they -may know where to go for their money. - -"Their delaying to take down their idol, was a tacit disputing your -lordship's commands, irreligious and contumacious to the last degree: -and indeed I cannot say but some of the public prints[2] gave me great -anxiety, when they had the impudence to assure the world it was not to -be taken down: but that anxiety was of short continuance; for I had -the satisfaction the next morning to find it removed, and whole crowds -of idle persons who came to see it disappointed; then I found, to my -great comfort, that you were not to be biassed; but, as you had begun -the good work, you had gone through with it, and made them take it down -with a witness." - -[1] It cost fourscore pounds. - -[2] _The Post-Boy_ and _Daily Journal_ of _Saturday, September_ 4. - - - - -N° III. [See p. 414.] - - -An Account of what seemed most remarkable in the Five Days' -Peregrination of the Five following Persons, viz. Messieurs TOTHALL, -SCOTT, HOGARTH, THORNHILL, and FORREST; begun on _Saturday, May_ -27, 1732, and finished on the 31st of the same Month. Imitated in -_Hudibrasticks_ by one well acquainted with some of the Travellers, and -of the Places here celebrated, with Liberty of some Additions. - - "Abi tu, et fac similiter." - Inscription on _Dulwich_ College Porch. - - - 'Twas first of morn on _Saturday_, - The seven-and-twentieth day of _May_, - When _Hogarth, Thornhill, Tothall, Scott,_ - And _Forrest_, who this journal wrote, - From _Covent-Garden_ took departure, 5 - To see the world by land and water. - - Our march we with a song begin; - Our hearts were light, our breeches thin. - We meet with nothing of adventure - Till _Billingsgate's Dark-house_ we enter; 10 - Where we diverted were, while baiting, - With ribaldry, not worth relating, - (Quite suited to the dirty place): - But what most pleas'd us was his Grace - Of _Puddle Dock_, a porter grim, 15 - Whose portrait _Hogarth_, in a whim, - Presented him in caricature, - He pasted on the cellar-door.[1] - - But hark! the Watchman cries "Past one!" - 'Tis time that we on board were gone. 20 - Clean straw we find laid for our bed, - A tilt for shelter over head. - The boat is soon got under sail, - Wind near S. E. a mackrel gale, - Attended by a heavy rain; 25 - We try to sleep, but try in vain, - So sing a song, and then begin - To feast on biscuit, beef, and gin. - - At _Purfleet_ find three men of war, - The _Dursley_ galley, _Gibraltar_, 30 - And _Tartar_ pink, and of this last - The pilot begg'd of us a cast - To _Gravesend_, which he greatly wanted, - And readily by us was granted. - The grateful man, to make amends, 35 - Told how the officers and friends - Of _England_ were by _Spaniards_ treated, - And shameful instances repeated. - - While he these insults was deploring, - _Hogarth_, like Premier, fell to snoring, 40 - But waking cry'd, "I dream'd"--and then - Fell fast asleep, and snor'd again. - - The morn clear'd up, and after five - At port of _Gravesend_ we arrive, - But found it hard to get on shore; 45 - His boat a young son of a whore - Had fix'd just at our landing-place, - And swore we should not o'er it pass; - But, spite of all the rascal's tricks, - We made a shift to land by six, 50 - And up to Mrs. _Bramble's_ go - [A house that we shall better know], - There get a barber for our wigs, - Wash hands and faces, stretch our legs, - Had toast and butter, and a pot 55 - Of coffee (our third breakfast) got: - Then, paying what we had to pay, - For _Rochester_ we took our way, - Viewing the new church as we went, - And th' unknown person's monument. 60 - - The beauteous prospects found us talk. - And shorten'd much our two hours walk, - Though by the way we did not fail - To stop and take three pots of ale, - And this enabled us by ten 65 - At _Rochester_ to drink again. - - Now, Muse, assist, while I declare - (Like a true _English_ traveller) - What vast variety we survey - In the short compass of one day. 70 - - We scarce had lost the sight of _Thames_, - When the fair _Medway's_ winding streams, - And far-extending _Rochester_, - Before our longing eyes appear: - The Castle and Cathedral grace 75 - One prospect, so we mend our pace; - Impatient for a nearer view, - But first must _Strood's_ rough street trudge through, - And this our feet no short one find; - However, with a cheerful mind, 80 - All difficulties we get o'er, - And soon are on the _Medway's_ shore. - New objects here before us rise, - And more than satisfy our eyes, - The stately Bridge from side to side, 85 - The roaring cataracts of the tide, - Deafen our ears, and charm our sight, - And terrify while they delight. - These we pass over to the Town, - And take our Quarters at _The Crown_, 90 - To which the Castle is so near, - That we all in a hurry were - The grand remains on't to be viewing; - It is indeed a noble ruin, - Must have been very strong, but length 95 - Of time has much impair'd its strength: - The lofty Tower as high or higher - Seems than the old Cathedral's spire; - Yet we determin'd were to gain - Its top, which cost some care and pain; 100 - When there arriv'd, we found a well, - The depth of which I cannot tell; - Small holes cut in on every side - Some hold for hands and feet provide, - By which a little boy we saw 105 - Go down, and bring up a jack-daw. - - All round about us then we gaze, - Observing, not without amaze, - How towns here undistinguish'd join, - And one vast One to form combine. 110 - _Chatham_ with _Rochester_ seems but one, - Unless we're shewn the boundary-stone. - That and its Yards contiguous lie - To pleasant _Brompton_ standing high; - The Bridge across the raging flood 115 - Which _Rochester_ divides from _Strood_, - Extensive _Strood_, on t'other side, - To _Frindsbury_ quite close ally'd: - The country round, and river fair, - Our prospects made beyond compare, 120 - Which quite in raptures we admire; - Then down to face of earth retire. - - Up the Street walking, first of all - We take a view of the Town-Hall. - Proceeding farther on, we spy 125 - A house, design'd to catch the eye, - With front so rich, by plastick skill, - As made us for a while stand still: - Four huge Hobgoblins grace the wall, - Which we four Bas Relievo's call; 130 - They the four Seasons represent, - At least were form'd for that intent. - - Then _Watts's Hospital_ we see - (No common curiosity): - Endow'd (as on the front appears) 135 - In favour of poor travellers; - Six such it every night receives, - Supper and lodging _gratis_ gives, - And to each man next morn does pay - A groat, to keep him on his way: 140 - But the contagiously infected, - And rogues and proctors, are rejected. - - It gave us too some entertainment - To find out what this bounteous man meant. - Yet were we not so highly feasted, 145 - But that we back to dinner hasted. - - By twelve again we reach _The Crown_, - But find our meat not yet laid down, - So (spite of "Gentlemen, d'ye call?") - On chairs quite fast asleep we fall, 150 - And with clos'd eyes again survey, - In dreams, what we have seen to-day: - Till dinner's coming up, when we - As ready are as that can be. - - If we describe it not, we're undone, 155 - You'll scarce believe we came from _London_. - With due attention then prepare - Yourself to hear our bill of fare. - For our first course a dish there was - Of soles and flounders with crab-sauce, 160 - A stuff'd and roast calf's-heart beside, - With 'purt'nance minc'd, and liver fry'd; - And for a second course, they put on - Green pease and roasted leg of mutton: - The cook was much commended for't; 165 - Fresh was the beer, and sound the port: - So that _nem. con._ we all agree - (Whatever more we have to see) - From table we'll not rise till three. - - Our shoes are clean'd, 'tis three o'clock, 170 - Come let's away to _Chatham-Dock_; - We shan't get there till almost four, - To see't will take at least an hour; - Yet _Scott_ and _Hogarth_ needs must stop - At the Court-Hall to play _Scotch_ hop. 175 - - To _Chatham_ got, ourselves we treat - With Shrimps, which as we walk we eat. - For speed we take a round-a-bout- - way, as we afterwards found out: - At length reach the King's yards and docks, 180 - Admire the ships there on the stocks, - The men of war afloat we view, - Find means to get aboard of two;[2] - But here I must not be prolix, - For we went home again at six, 185 - There smoak'd our pipes, and drank our wine, - And comfortably sat till nine, - Then, with our travels much improv'd, - To our respective beds we mov'd. - - _Sunday_ at seven we rub our eyes, 190 - But are too lazy yet to rise: - _Hogarth_ and _Thornhill_ tell their dreams, - And, reasoning deeply on those themes, - After much learned speculation, - Quite suitable to the occasion, 195 - Left off as wise as they begun, - Which made for us in bed good fun. - - But by and by, when up we got, - _Sam Scott_ was missing, "Where's _Sam Scott_?" - "Oh! here he comes. Well! whence come you?" 200 - "Why from the bridge, taking a view[3] - Of something that did highly please me, - But people passing by would teaze me - With 'Do you work on _Sundays_, friend?' - So that I could not make an end." 205 - - At this we laugh'd, for 'twas our will - Like men of taste that day to kill. - So after breakfast we thought good - To cross the bridge again to _Strood_: - Thence eastward we resolve to go, 210 - And through the Hundred march of _Hoo_, - Wash'd on the north side by the _Thames_, - And on the south by _Medway's_ streams. - Which to each other here incline, - Till at _The Nore_ in one they join. 215 - - Before we _Frindsbury_ could gain, - There fell a heavy shower of rain, - When crafty _Scott_ a shelter found - Under a hedge upon the ground, - There of his friends a joke he made, 220 - But rose most woefully bewray'd; - How against him the laugh was turn'd, - And he the vile disaster mourn'd! - We work, all hands, to make him clean, - And fitter to be smelt and seen. 225 - But, while we scrap'd his back and side, - All on a sudden, out he cried, - "I've lost my cambrick handkercher, - 'Twas lent me by my wife so dear: - What I shall do I can't devise, 230 - I've nothing left to wipe my eyes." - - At last the handkerchief was found, - To his great comfort, safe and sound, - He's now recover'd and alive; - So in high spirits all arrive 235 - At _Frindsbury_, fam'd for prospects fair, - But we much more diverted were - With what the parish church did grace, - "A list of some who lov'd the place, - In memory of their good actions, 240 - And gratitude for their benefactions. - Witness our hands--_Will. Gibbons_, Vicar--" - And no one else.--This made us snicker: - At length, with countenances serious, - We all agreed it was mysterious, 245 - Not guessing that the reason might - Be, the Churchwardens could not write. - - At ten, in council it was mov'd, - Whoe'er was tir'd, or disapprov'd - Of our proceedings, might go back, 250 - And cash to bear his charges take. - With indignation this was heard: - Each was for all events prepar'd. - So all with one consent agreed - To _Upnor-Castle_ to proceed, 255 - And at the sutler's there we din'd - On such coarse fare as we could find. - - The Castle[4] was not large, but strong, - And seems to be of standing long. - Twenty-four men its garrison, 260 - And just for every man a gun; - Eight guns were mounted, eight men active, - The rest were rated non-effective. - Here an old couple, who had brought - Some cockles in their boat, besought 265 - That one of us would buy a few, - For they were very fresh and new. - I did so, and 'twas charity; - He was quite blind, and half blind she. - - Now growing frolicksome and gay, 270 - Like boys, we, after dinner, play, - But, as the scene lay in a fort, - Something like war must be our sport: - Sticks, stones, and hogs-dung, were our weapons, - And, as in such frays oft it happens, 275 - Poor _Tothall's_ cloaths here went to pot, - So that he could not laugh at _Scott_. - - From hence all conquerors we go - To visit the church-yard at _Hoo_. - At _Hoo_ we found an Epitaph, 280 - Which made us (as 'twill make you) laugh: - A servant maid, turn'd poetaster, - Wrote it in honour of her master; - I therefore give you (and I hope you - Will like it well) a _Vera Copia_: 285 - "And.wHen.he.Died.You plainly.see - Hee.freely.gave.al.to.Sara.passaWee. - And.in.Doing.so.it DoTh.prevail. - that.Ion.him.can.well.bes.Tow.this Rayel. - On.Year.sarved.him.it is well.none. 290 - BuT Thanks.beto.God.it.is.all my.One." - - While here among the Graves we stumble, - Our _Hogarth's_ guts began to grumble, - Which he to ease, turn'd up his tail - Over a monumental rail; 295 - _Tothall_, for this indecent action, - Bellowing on him just correction - With nettles, as there was no birch, - He fled for refuge to the church, - And shamefully the door besh-t; 300 - O filthy dauber! filthy wit! - - Long at one place we must not stay, - 'Tis almost four, let's haste away. - But here's a sign; 'tis rash we think, - To leave the place before we drink. 305 - We meet with liquor to our mind, - Our hostess complaisant and kind: - She was a widow, who, we found, - Had (as the phrase is) been shod round, - That is, had buried husbands four, 310 - And had no want of charms for more; - Yet her we leave, and, as we go, - _Scott_ bravely undertook to show - That through the world we could not pass, - How thin soe'er our breeches was; 315 - "'Tis true, indeed, we may go round, - But through"--then pointed to the ground. - So well he manag'd the debate, - We own'd he was a man of weight: - And so indeed he was this once, 320 - His pockets we had fill'd with stones: - But here we'd serv'd ourselves a trick, - Of which he might have made us sick: - We'd furnish'd him with ammunition - Fit to knock down all opposition; 325 - And, knowing well his warmth of temper, - Out of his reach began to scamper, - Till, growing cooler, he pretends - His passion feign'd, so all are friends. - Our danger now becomes a joke, 330 - And peaceably we go to _Stoke_. - About the church we nothing can see - To strike or entertain our fancy: - But near a farm, on an elm tree, - A long pole fix'd upright we see, 335 - And tow'rd the top of it was plac'd - A weathercock, quite in high taste, - Which all of us, ere we go further, - Pronounce of the Composite order. - - First, on a board turn'd by the wind, 340 - A painter had a cock design'd, - A common weather-cock was above it, - This turn'd too as the wind did move it; - Then on the spindle's point so small - A shuttlecock stuck o'ertopp'd them all. 345 - - This triple alliance gave occasion - To much improving speculation. - - Alas! we ne'er know when we are well, - So at _Northfleet_ again must quarrel; - But fought not here with sticks and stones 350 - (For those, you know, might break our bones)! - A well just by, full to the brim, - Did fitter for our purpose seem; - So furiously we went to dashing, - Till our coats wanted no more washing; 355 - But this our heat and courage cooling, - 'Twas soon high time to leave such fooling. - To _The Nag's Head_ we therefore hie, - To drink, and to be turn'd adry. - - At six, while supper was preparing, 360 - And we about the marsh-lands staring, - Our two game-cocks, _Tothall_ and _Scott_, - To battling once again were got: - But here no weapons could they find, - Save what the cows dropp'd from behind; 365 - With these they pelted, till we fancy - Their cloaths look'd something like a tansy. - - At seven we all come home again, - _Tothall_ and _Scott_ their garments clean; - Supper we get, and, when that's o'er, 370 - A tiff of punch drink at the door; - Then, as the beds were only three, - Draw cuts who shall so lucky be - As here to sleep without a chum; - To _Tothall's_ share the prize did come 375 - _Hogarth_ and _Thornhill, Scott_ and I, - In pairs, like man and wife, must lie. - Then mighty frolicksome they grow, - At _Scott_ and me the stocking throw, - Fight with their wigs, in which perhaps 380 - They sleep, for here we found no caps. - - Up at eleven again we get, - Our sheets were so confounded wet; - We dress, and lie down in our cloaths; - _Monday_, at three, awak'd and rose, 385 - And of the cursed gnats complain, - Yet make a shift to sleep again. - - Till six o'clock we quiet lay, - And then got out for the whole day; - To fetch a barber, out we send; 390 - Stripp'd, and in boots, he does attend, - For he's a fisherman by trade; - Tann'd was his face, shock was his head; - He flours our wigs, and trims our faces, - And the top barber of the place is. 395 - The cloth is for our breakfast spread; - A bowl of milk and toasted bread - Are brought, of which while _Forrest_ eats. - To draw our pictures _Hogarth_ sits;[5] - _Thornhill_ is in the barber's hands, 400 - Shaving himself _Will Tothall_ stands; - While _Scott_ is in a corner sitting, - And an unfinish'd piece completing. - - Our reckoning about eight we pay, - And take for Isle of _Greane_ our way; 405 - To keep the road we were directed, - But, as 'twas bad, this rule neglected; - A tempting path over a stile - Let us astray above a mile; - Yet the right road at last we gain, 410 - And joy to find ourselves at _Greane_; - Where my Dame _Husbands_, at _The Chequer_, - Refresh'd us with some good malt liquor; - Into her larder then she runs, - Brings out salt pork, butter and buns, 415 - And coarse black bread; but that's no matter, - 'Twill fortify us for the water. - Here _Scott_ so carefully laid down - His penknife which had cost a crown, - That all in vain we sought to find it, 420 - And, for his comfort, say, "Ne'er mind it;" - For to _Sheerness_ we now must go: - To this the ferryman says, "No." - We to another man repair'd: - He too says, "No--it blows too hard." 425 - But, while we study how to get there - In spite of this tempestuous weather, - Our landlady a scheme propos'd, - With which we fortunately clos'd, - Was to the shore to go, and try 430 - To hail the ships in ordinary, - So we might get, for no great matter, - A boat to take us o'er the water. - We haste, and soon the shore we tread, - With various kinds of shells bespread. 435 - And in a little time we spy'd - A boat approaching on our side; - The man to take us in agreed, - But that was difficult indeed, - Till, holding in each hand an oar, 440 - He made a sort of bridge to shore, - O'er which on hands and knees we crawl,[6] - And so get safe on board the yawl. - - In little time we seated were, - And now to _Shepey's_ coast draw near; 445 - When suddenly, with loud report, - The cannons roar from ships and fort, - And, like tall fellows, we impute - To our approach this grand salute: - But soon, alas! our pride was humbled, 450 - And from this fancy'd height we tumbled, - On recollecting that the day - The nine and twentieth was of _May_. - - The firing had not long been ended. - Before at _Sheerness_ we were landed, 455 - Where on the battery while we walk, - And of the charming prospect talk, - _Scott_ from us in a hurry runs, - And, getting to the new-fir'd guns, - Unto their touch-holes clapp'd his nose; 460 - _Hogarth_ sits down, and trims his toes; - These whims when we had made our sport, - Our turn we finish round the fort, - And are at one for _Queenborough_ going: - Bleak was the walk, the wind fierce blowing, 465 - And driving o'er our heads the spray; - On loose beach stones, our pebbly way, - But _Thornhill_ only got a fall, - Which hurt him little, if at all: - So merrily along we go, 470 - And reach that famous town by two. - - _Queenborough_ consists of one short street,[7] - Broad, and well-pav'd, and very neat; - Nothing like dirt offends the eye, - Scarce any people could we spy: 475 - The town-house, for the better show, - Is mounted on a portico - Of piers and arches, number four, - And crown'd at top with a clock-tower; - But all this did not reach so high 480 - As a flag-staff, that stood just by, - On which a standard huge was flying - (The borough's arms, the king's supplying), - Which on high festivals they display - To do the honours of the day. 485 - As for salutes, excus'd they are, - Because they have no cannon there. - - To the church-yard we first repair, - And hunt for choice inscriptions there, - Search stones and rails, till almost weary all, 490 - In hopes to find something material. - When one at last, of pyebald style - (Though grave the subject) made us smile: - Telling us first, in humble prose, - "That _Henry Knight_ doth here repose, 495 - A _Greenland_ Trader twice twelve year, - As master and as harpooneer;" - Then, in as humble verse, we read - (As by himself in person said) - "In _Greenland_ I whales, sea-horse, and bears did slay, 500 - Though now my body is intombed in clay." - - The house at which we were to quarter - Is call'd _The Swans_; this rais'd our laughter. - Because the sign is _The Red Lion_, - So strange a blunder we cry "Fie on!" 505 - But, going in, all neat we see - And clean; so was our landlady: - With great civility she told us, - She had not beds enough to hold us, - But a good neighbour had just by, 510 - Where some of us perhaps might lie. - She sends to ask. The merry dame - Away to us directly came, - Quite ready our desires to grant, - And furnish us with what we want. 515 - - Back to the church again we go; - Which is but small, ill built, and low, - View'd the inside, but still see we - Nothing of curiosity - Unless we suffer the grave-digger 520 - In this our work to make a figure, - Whom just beside us now we have, - Employ'd in opening of a grave. - - A prating spark indeed he was, - Knew all the scandal of the place, 525 - And often rested from his labours, - To give the history of his neighbours; - Told who was who, and what was what, - Till on him we bestow'd a pot - (For he forgot not, you may think, 530 - "Masters, I hope, you'll make me drink!"), - At this his scurrilous tongue run faster, - Till "a sad dog" he call'd his master, - Told us the worshipful the Mayor - Was but a custom-house officer; 535 - Still rattling on till we departed, - Not only with his tales diverted, - But so much wisdom we had got. - We treated him with t'other pot. - - Return we now to the town-hall. 540 - That, like the borough, is but small, - Under its portico's a space, - Which you may call the market-place, - Just big enough to hold the stocks, - And one, if not two, butcher's blocks, 545 - Emblems of plenty and excess, - Though you can no where meet with less: - For though 'tis call'd a market-town - (As they are not asham'd to own) - Yet we saw neither butcher's meat, 550 - Nor fish, nor fowl, nor aught to eat. - Once in seven years, they say, there's plenty, - When strangers come to represent ye. - - Hard at _The Swans_ had been our fare, - But that some _Harwich_ men were there, 555 - Who lately had some lobsters taken, - With which, and eke some eggs and bacon, - Our bellies we design to fill; - But first will clamber up the hill, - A most delightful spot of ground, 560 - O'erlooking all the country round; - On which there formerly has been - The palace of _Philippa_, queen - To the third _Edward_, as they tell, - Now nought remains on 't but a well: 565 - But 'tis from hence, says common fame, - The borough gets its royal name. - - Two sailors at this well we meet, - And do each other kindly greet: - "What brings you here, my lads?" cry we. 570 - "Thirst, please your honours, as you see; - For (adds the spokesman) we are here - Waiting for our young officer, - A midshipman on board _The Rose_, - (For General _S----'s_ son he goes): 575 - We and our messmates, six in all, - Yesterday brought him in our yawl, - And when, as we had been commanded, - Quite safe and dry we had him landed, - By running of her fast aground 580 - At tide of ebb, he quickly found - That he might go and see _Sheerness_, - So here he left us pennyless, - To feast on _Queenborough_ air and water, - Or starve, to him 'tis no great matter; 585 - While he among his friends at ease is, - And will return just when he pleases; - Perhaps he may come back to-day; - If not, he knows that we must stay." - - So one of us gave him a tester, 590 - When both cried out, "God bless you, master!" - Then ran to rouse their sleeping fellows, - To share their fortune at the alehouse. - - Hence to the creek-side, one and all, - We go to see _The Rose's_ yawl, 595 - And found her bedded in the mud, - Immovable till tide of flood. - - The sailors here had cockles got, - Which gratefully to us they brought, - 'Twas all with which they could regale us; 600 - This t'other sixpence sent to th' alehouse: - So merrily they went their way, - And we were no less pleas'd than they. - - At seven about the town we walk, - And with some pretty damsels talk. 605 - Beautiful nymphs indeed, I ween, - Who came to see, and to be seen. - - Then to our _Swans_ returning, there - We borrow'd a great wooden chair, - And plac'd it in the open street, 610 - Where, in much state, did _Hogarth_ sit - To draw the townhouse, church, and steeple,[8] - Surrounded by a crowd of people; - Tag, rag, and bobtail, stood quite thick there, - And cry'd, "What a sweet pretty picture!" 615 - - This was not finish'd long, before - We saw, about the Mayor's fore-door, - Our honest sailors in a throng: - We call'd one of them from among - The rest, to tell us the occasion; 620 - Of which he gave us this relation: - - "Our midshipman is just come back, - And chanc'd to meet or overtake - A sailor walking with a woman - (May be, she's honest, may be, common): 625 - He thought her handsome, so his honour - Would needs be very sweet upon her: - But this the seaman would not suf- - fer, and this put him in a huff. - 'Lubber, avast,' says sturdy _John_, 630 - 'Avast, I say, let her alone; - You shall not board her, she's my wife. - Sheer off, Sir, if you love your life: - I've a great mind your back to lick;' - And up he held his oaken stick. 635 - - "Our midship hero this did scare: - 'I'll swear the peace before the Mayor,' - Says he; so to the Mayor's they trudge:" - How then a case by such a judge - Determin'd was, I cannot say, 640 - We thought it not worth while to stay: - For it strikes nine, "How th' evening spends! - Come, let us drink to all our friends - A chearful glass, and eat a bit." - So to our supper down we sit; 645 - When something merry check'd our mirth: - The _Harwich_ men had got a birth - Closely adjoining to our room, - And were to spend their evening come: - The wall was thin, and they so near, 650 - That all they say, or sing, we hear. - We sung our songs, we crack'd our jokes, - Their emulation this provokes; - And they perform'd so joyously, - As distanc'd hollow all our glee; 655 - So (were it not a bull) I'd lay, - This night they fairly won the day. - - Now plenteously we drink of flip, - In hopes we shall the better sleep; - Some rest the long day's work requires; 660 - _Scott_ to his lodging first retires; - His landlady is waiting for him, - And to his chamber walks before him; - In her fair hand a light she bears, - And shows him up the garret-stairs; 665 - Away comes he greatly affronted, - And his disgrace to us recounted. - This makes us game, we roast him for it, - "_Scott's_ too high-minded for a garret." - But _Tothall_ more humanely said, 670 - "Come, _Scott_, be easy, take my bed, - And to your garret I will go." - (This great good-nature sure did show): - There finding nought him to entertain - But a flock-bed without a curtain, 675 - He too in haste came back, and got - Away to share his bed with _Scott_, - And at eleven each goes to nest, - Till _Tuesday_ morn to take his rest. - - At six comes _Hogarth_, "Rise, Sirs, rise," 680 - Says he, with roguery in his eyes, - "_Scott's_ landlady is below stairs. - And roundly the good woman swears, - That for his lodging he shall pay, - (Where his tir'd bones he scorn'd to lay) 685 - Or he should go before the Mayor." - She's in the right on't, we declare, - For this would cut the matter short, - (At least 'twould make us special sport): - But here she balk'd us, and, no doubt, 690 - Had wit enough to find us out. - Our mark thus miss'd, we kindly go, - To see how he and _Tothall_ do. - We find the doors all open were, - (It seems that's not unusual here): 695 - They're very well, but _Scott_ last night - Had been in a most dreadful fright: - "When to his room he got," he said, - "And just was stepping into bed, - He thought he saw the bed-cloaths stir, 700 - So back he flew in mortal fear; - But taking heart of grace, he try'd - To feel what 'twas, when out it cry'd - Again he starts, but to his joy, - It prov'd a little harmless boy, 705 - Who by mistake had thither crept, - And soundly (till he wak'd him) slept - So from his fears recover'd quite - He got to sleep, and slept all night." - We laugh at this, and he laughs too, 710 - For, pray, what better could he do? - - At ten we leave our _Lion-Swans_, - And to the higher lands advance, - Call on our laundress by the way, - For the led shirts left yesterday 715 - To wash; "She's sorry, they're not yet - Quite dry!"--"Why then we'll take them wet: - They'll dry and iron'd be, we hope, - At _Minster_, where we next shall stop." - - The way was good, the weather fair, 720 - The prospects most delightful were. - To _Minster_ got, with labour hard - We climb'd the hill to the church-yard, - But, when arriv'd there, did not fail - To read some verses on a rail 725 - Well worth transcribing, we agree, - Whether you think so, you may see. - "Here interr'd _George Anderson_ doth lye, - By fallen on an anchor he did dye - In _Sheerness_ yard on _Good Friday_ 730 - The 6th of _April_, I do say. - All you that read my allegy be alwaies - Ready for to dye--aged 42 years." - - Of monuments that here they shew - Within the church, we drew but two; 735 - One an ambassador of _Spain's_,[9] - T' other Lord _Shorland's_[10] dust contains, - Of whom they have a wondrous story, - Which (as they tell) I'll lay before ye. - - The Lord of _Shorland_, on a day,[11] 740 - Chancing to take a ride this way, - About a corpse observ'd a crowd, - Against their priest complaining loud, - That he would not the service say, - Till somebody his fees should pay. 745 - - On this, his lordship too did rave, - And threw the priest into the grave, - "Make haste, and fill it up," said he, - "We'll bury both without a fee." - But when got home, and cool, reflecting 750 - On the strange part he had been acting, - He drew a state up of the case, - Humbly petitioning for grace, - And to the sea gallop'd away, - Where, at that time, a frigate lay, 755 - With Queen _Elizabeth_ on board, - When (strange to tell!) this hare-brain'd Lord - On horseback swam to the ship's side, - And there to see the Queen apply'd. - His case she reads; her royal breast 760 - Is mov'd to grant him his request. - His pardon thankfully he takes, - And, swimming still, to land he makes: - But, on his riding up the beach, - He an old woman met, a witch: 765 - "This horse, which now your life doth save," - Says she, "will bring you to the grave." - "You'll prove a lier," says my lord, - "You ugly hag!" and with his sword - (Acting a most ungrateful part) 770 - His panting steed stabb'd to the heart. - - It happen'd, after many a day, - That with some friends he stroll'd that way, - And this strange story, as they walk, - Became the subject of their talk: 775 - When, "There the carcase lies," he cry'd, - "Upon the beach by the sea-side." - As 'twas not far, he led them to't, - And kick'd the skull up with his foot, - When a sharp bone pierc'd through his shoe, 780 - And wounded grievously his toe, - Which mortify'd: so he was kill'd, - And the hag's prophecy fulfill'd. - See there his cross-legg'd figure laid, - And near his feet the horse's head![12] 785 - - The tomb[13] is of too old a fashion - To tally well with this narration; - But of the truth we would not doubt, - Nor put our _Cicerone_ out: - It gives a moral hint at least, 790 - That gratitude's due to a beast. - So far it's good, whoever made it, - And that it may not fail of credit, - A horsehead vane adorns the steeple, - And it's _Horse-church_ call'd by the people. 795 - - Our shirts dry'd at _The George_ we get, - We dine there, and till four we sit; - And now in earnest think of home: - So to _Sheerness_ again we come. - Where for a bum-boat we agree, 800 - And about five put off to sea. - We presently were under sail, - The tide our friend, south-east the gale, - Quite wind enough, and some to spare, - But we to that accustom'd were. 805 - - When we had now got past _The Nore_, - And lost the sight of _Shepey's_ shore, - The ebbing tide of _Thames_ we met, - The wind against it fiercely set! - This made a short and tumbling sea, 810 - And finely toss'd indeed were we. - - The porpoises in stormy weather - Are often seen in shoals together; - About us while they roll and play, - One in his gambols miss'd his way, 815 - And threw himself so far on shore, - We thought he would get off no more; - But with great struggling and some pain, - He did, and went to play again. - On this we moralising say, 820 - "How thoughtless is the love of play!" - When we ourselves with sorrow find - Our pleasures too with pain conjoin'd. - For troubles croud upon us thick; - Our hero, _Scott_, grows very sick; 825 - Poor _Hogarth_ makes wry faces too - (Worse faces than he ever drew). - You'll guess what were the consequences, - Not overpleasing to our senses; - And this misfortune was augmented 830 - By Master _Tothall's_ being acquainted - With the commander of a sloop, - At _Holy Haven_ near _The Hope_. - "There's Captain _Robinson_," says he, - "A friend, whom I must call and see." 835 - Up the ship's side he nimbly goes, - While we lay overwhelm'd with woes - Sick, and of winds and waves the sport. - But then he made his visit short, - And when a sup of punch he'd got, 840 - Some lighted match to us he brought, - A sovereign cordial this, no doubt, - To men whose pipes had long been out. - - By seven o'clock our sick recover, - And all are glad this trouble's over. 845 - Now jovially we sail along, - Our cockswain giving song for song. - But soon our notes are chang'd; we found - Our boat was on _Bly-sand_ aground, - Just in the middle of the river; 850 - Here _Tothall_ shew'd himself quite clever: - And, knowing we must else abide - Till lifted by the flowing tide, - Work'd with our skippers, till the boat - Was once more happily afloat. 855 - We all applaud his care and skill, - So do the boatmen his good-will. - - Ere long the tide made upward, so - With that before the wind we go, - And, disembarking about ten, 860 - Our _Gravesend_ quarters reach again. - - Here Madam, smiling, comes to tell - How glad she is to see us well: - This kind reception we commended, - And now thought all our troubles ended; 865 - But, when for what we want we call, - Something unlucky did befall. - - When we our travels first began - _Scott_ (who's a very prudent man) - Thought a great coat could do no harm, 870 - And in the boat might keep him warm; - So far perhaps you think him right, - As we took water in the night: - But when from hence we took our way - On foot, the latter end of _May_, 875 - He, quite as reasonably, thought - 'Twould be too heavy or too hot: - "I'll leave it here," says he, "and take - It with me at our coming back." - And he most certainly design'd it: 880 - But now the thing was, how to find it? - - We told him, he had been mistaken, - And did without his hostess reckon. - To him it was no jest; he swore - "He left it there three days before, 885 - This Mrs. _Bramble_ can't deny." - "Sir, we shall find it by and by:" - So out she goes, and rends her throat - With "_Moll_, go find the gem'man's coat." - The house _Moll_ searches round and round, 890 - At last, with much ado, 'twas found-- - 'Twas found, that, to the owner's cost, - Or _Scott's_, the borrow'd coat was lost. - "Coat lost!" says he, stamping and staring, - Then stood like dumb, then fell to swearing: 895 - He curs'd the ill-concluding ramble, - He curs'd _Gravesend_ and mother _Bramble_. - - But, while his rage he thus express'd, - And we his anger made our jest, - Till wrath had almost got the upper- 900 - hand of his reason, in came supper: - To this at once his stomach turn'd, - No longer it with fury burn'd, - But hunger took the place of rage, - And a good meal did both assuage. 905 - He eat and drank, he drank and eat, - The wine commended, and the meat: - So we did all, and sat so late, - That _Wednesday_ morn we lay till eight. - Tobacco then, and wine provide, 910 - Enough to serve us for this tide. - Get breakfast, and our reckoning pay, - And next prepare for _London_ hey; - So, hiring to ourselves a wherry, - We put off, all alive and merry. 915 - - The tide was strong, fair was the wind, - _Gravesend_ is soon left far behind, - Under the tilt on straw we lay, - Observing what a charming day, - There stretch'd at ease we smoke and drink, 920 - _Londoners_ like, and now we think - Our cross adventures all are past, - And that at _Gravesend_ was the last: - But cruel Fate to that says no; - One yet shall Fortune find his foe. 925 - - While we (with various prospects cloy'd) - In clouds of smoke ourselves enjoy'd, - More diligent and curious, _Scott_ - Into the forecastle had got, - And took his papers out, to draw 930 - Some ships which right ahead he saw. - There sat he, on his work intent, - When, to increase our merriment, - So luckily we shipp'd a sea, - That he got sous'd, and only he. 935 - This bringing to his mind a thought - How much he wanted the great coat, - Renew'd his anger and his grief; - He curs'd _Gravesend_, the coat, and thief; - And, still to heighten his regret, 940 - His shirt was in his breeches wet: - He draws it out, and lets it fly, - Like a _French_ ensign, till 'tis dry, - Then, creeping into shelter safe, - Joins with the company and laugh. 945 - Nothing more happen'd worthy note: - - At _Billingsgate_ we change our boat, - And in another through bridge get, - By two, to Stairs of _Somerset_, - Welcome each other to the shore, 950 - To _Convent Garden_ walk once more, - And, as from _Bedford Arms_ we started, - There wet our whistles ere we parted. - - With pleasure I observe, none idle - Were in our travels, or employ'd ill, 955 - _Tottall_, our treasurer, was just, - And worthily discharg'd his trust; - (We all sign'd his accounts as fair): - _Sam Scott_ and _Hogarth_, for their share, - The prospects of the sea and land did; 960 - As _Thornhill_ of our tour the plan did; - And _Forrest_ wrote this true relation - Of our five days peregrination. - - This to attest, our names we've wrote all, - Viz. _Thornhill, Hogarth, Scott_, and _Tothall_. 965 - -[1] This drawing unluckily has not been preserved. - -[2] _The Royal Sovereign_ and _Marlborough_. - -[3] Drawing II. - -[4] Drawing III. The Castle by _Hogarth_; and some Shipping, riding -near it, by _Scott_. - -[5] Drawing IV. - -[6] Drawing V. - -[7] Drawing VI. - -[8] Drawing VI. - -[9] Drawing VII. by _Scott_. - -[10] Drawing VIII. by _Hogarth_. - -[11] This story is quoted by Mr. _Grose_ in his Antiquities, Vol. II. -art. _Minster Monastery_. "The legend," says Mr. _Grose_, "has, by a -worthy friend of mine, been hitched into doggrel rhyme. It would be -paying the reader but a bad compliment to attempt seriously to examine -the credibility of the story." - -[12] Drawing VIII. - -[13] A cross-legg'd figure in armour, with a shield over his left -arm, like that of a Knight Templar, said to represent Sir _Robert de -Shurland_, who by _Edward_ I. was created a Knight banneret for his -gallant behaviour at the siege of _Carlaverock_ in _Scotland_. He lies -under a _Gothic_ arch in the south-wall, having an armed page at his -feet, and on his right side the head of a horse emerging out of the -waves of the sea, as in the action of swimming. GROSE. - - * * * * * - - WILLIAM TOTHALL'S Account of Disbursements - for Messieurs _Hogarth_ and Co. viz. - - 1732, - _May_ £. s. d. - - 27. To paid at the Dark-house, _Billingsgate_, 0 0 8½ - To paid for a pint of Geneva _Hollands_, 0 1 0 - To paid waterman to _Gravesend_, 0 5 0 - To paid barber ditto, 0 0 10 - To paid for breakfast at ditto, 0 2 2 - To paid for beer on the road to _Rochester_, 0 0 9 - To paid for shrimps at _Chatham_, 0 0 9 - To paid at the gunnery and dock, 0 1 6 - To paid bill at _Rochester_, 1 7 3 - - 28. To gave at _Upnor_ for information, 0 0 3 - To paid at the Smack at ditto, 0 4 3 - To paid at _Hoo_, 0 1 8 - To paid at _Stoke_, 0 11 6 - - 29. To paid at Mother _Hubbard's_ at _Grain_, 0 3 0 - To paid for passage over to _Sheerness_, 0 2 10 - To paid for lobsters at _Queenborough_, 0 1 6 - To paid for two pots of beer to treat the sexton, 0 0 6 - To paid for dinner, &c. 0 6 6 - To charity, gave the sailors, 0 1 0 - - 30. To paid for lodgings and maid, 0 4 6 - To paid for breakfast, 0 2 6 - To paid for washing shirts, 0 1 8 - To paid at _Minster_, 0 9 2 - To paid at _Sheerness_, 0 1 3 - To paid for a boat to _Gravesend_, 0 7 0 - - 31. To paid barber at ditto, 0 1 2 - To paid for sundry at ditto, 1 0 3½ - To paid for passage to _Somerset-house_, 0 5 6 - - £.6 6 0 - - Vouchers produced, examined, and allowed, - - Per E. FORREST, SAM. SCOTT, W. HOGARTH, JOHN THORNHILL. - - - - -GENERAL INDEX TO HOGARTH'S PLATES. - - - A. - **_ÆNEAS_ in a Storm - Agriculture and Arts - Altar-piece, _St. Clement's_ - Analysis of Beauty - _Apuleius_ - Arms, &c - - B. - Battle of the Pictures - _Beaver's_ Military Punishments - _Beer-Street_ - Before and After - *Beggar's Opera - Bench - **_Blackwell's_ Figures - _Booth, Wilks_, and _Cibber_ - _Boyne_, Lord Viscount - Boys peeping at Nature - **Broad Bottoms - *_Bullock, William_ - Burial Ticket - _Burlington_ Gate - _Butler_ - _Byron_, Lady _Frances_ - - C. - **Cartoons, Heads from - _Cassandra_ - Catalogue, Frontispiece and Tail-piece to - Characters, and Caricaturas - _Charlemont_, Earl of - Charmers of the Age - Christ and his Disciples, &c. - large - Christ, &c. small - --with _London_ Hospital - _Churchill, Charles_ - --with Political Print - Cockpit - _Columbus_ - Concert, _St. Mary's_ Chapel - Consultation of Physicians - _Coram_, Captain - **Cottage - Credulity, &c - Crowns, &c. 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