Rowlandson the Caricaturist; a Selection from His Works. Vol. 2 by Joseph Grego

been bestowed on the different tours of Doctor Syntax has encouraged the writer of them to give a "History of the Foundling," who has been thought an interesting object in the latter of those volumes, and it is written in the same style and manner, with a view to connect it with them. 'This child of chance, it is presumed, is led through a track of life not unsuited to the peculiarity of his condition and character, while its varieties, as in the former works, are represented by the pencil of Mr. Rowlandson with its accustomed characteristic felicity. 'The idea of an English _Gil Blas_ predominated through the whole of this volume, which must be considered as fortunate in no common degree, if its readers, in the course of their perusal, should be disposed to acknowledge even a remote similitude to the incomparable works of Le Sage. 'THE AUTHOR. '_Johnny Quæ Genus!_ What a name To offer to the voice of Fame! * * * * * But howsoe'er the thing we view, Our little Johnny's title's new: Or for the child, or for the man, In an old phrase, 'tis _spick_ and _span_. Besides, as most folks do agree, To find a charm in novelty, 'Tis the first time that grammar rule, Which makes boys tremble when at school, Did with the name an union crave Which at the font a sponsor gave. But whether 'twas in hum'rous mood Or by some classic whim pursued, Or as, in Eton's Grammar known, It bore relation to his own, Syntax, it was at Whitsuntide, And a short time before he died, In pleasant humour, after dinner, Surnam'd, in wine, the little sinner. And thus, amid the table's roar, Gave him, from good old Lilly's store, A name which none e'er had before.' This quotation from the opening of Combe's Hudibrastic narrative will account for the originality of the hero's eccentric title. Rowlandson's illustrations are as follows:-- _Quæ Genus_ on his Journey to London. " in search of Service. " relating his History to Sir Jeffery. " at Oxford. " Conflict with Lawyer Gripeall. " with the Sheep-shearers. " assisting a Traveller. " in the Sports of the Kitchen. " in the Service of Sir Jeffery Gourmand. " with a Quack Doctor. " with a Spendthrift. " attending on a Sporting Finale. " in the Service of a Miser. " and the Money Lenders. " officiating at a Gaming-table. " with a Portrait Painter. " gives a grand party. " interrupts a _tête-à-tête_. " committed, with a riotous dancing party, to the Watchhouse. " engaged with jovial friends, or who Sings best. The party breaking up, and _Quæ Genus_ breaking down. _Quæ Genus_ turned out of a House which he mistakes for his own. " and Creditors. " discovers his Father.