192 JOHN JAMES AUDUBON. 



How few are like Longfellow, who could say " no " 

 so kindly, that it almost seemed like "yes." 

 Audubon tells, in his journal, of an interview with 

 the great banker Rothschild. On opening the 

 letter brought by the naturalist, the baron said, 

 " This is only a letter of introduction, and I expect 

 from its contents that you are the publisher of 

 some book or other, and need my subscription." 



No man can be truly great who knows how to be 

 uncivil ! 



" Sir," he added, " I never sign my name to'any 

 subscription list, but you may send in your work 

 and I will pay for a copy of it. I am busy, I wish 

 you good-morning." 



When the book was sent, the baron exclaimed, 

 " What, two hundred pounds for birds ! Why, sir, 

 I will give you five pounds, and not a farthing 

 more ! " This offer was " declined with thanks," 

 and the book taken back to the publishers. 



Very different from Rothschild was Sir Thomas 

 Lawrence, the painter. Overwhelmed with work, 

 he insisted on Audubon's remaining to his simple 

 breakfast of boiled eggs and coffee, called at his 

 rooms later, examined his drawings, and said he 

 would bring a few purchasers, that very day. " In 

 about two hours," says Audubon, "he returned 

 with two gentlemen, to whom he did not introduce 

 me, but who were pleased with my work, and one 

 purchased the ' Otter Caught in a Trap/ for which 

 he gave me twenty pounds sterling, and the other, 

 'A Group of Common Rabbits/ for fifteen sover- 



