414 THE ORIGINAL PAINTER. 



against the craft. The Commodore walked up to me, placed his hand 

 on the hilt of his sword, and told me, in a resolute manner, that if I in- 

 tended to insult the navy, he would instantly cut off' my ears. His fea- 

 tures exhibited all the spirit and animation of his noble nature, and as I 

 had now succeeded in rousing the lion, I judged it time to retreat. So, 

 changing ray tone, I begged his pardon, and told him he now looked 

 precisely as I wished to represent him. He laughed, and returning to his 

 seat, assumed a bold countenance. And now. Sir, see the picture ?" 



At some future period, I may present you with other instances of the 

 odd ways in which this admired artist gave animation to his sitters. For 

 the present, kind reader, we shall leave him finishing the Commodore, 

 while we return to our proper studies. 



