But before with the varnishing brush you proceed, Let the plate with cold water be thoroughly freed From the other less innocent liquor; After which, on whatever you want to protect, Put a _coat_ that will act to that very effect, Like the black one which hangs on the vicar. Then the varnish well dried--urge the biting again, But how long, at its meal, the _eau forte_ may remain, Time and practice alone can determine: But of course not so long that the mountain, and mill, The rude bridge, and the figures--whatever you will-- Are as black as the spots on your ermine. It is true, none the less, that a dark looking scrap, With a sort of Blackheath and Black Forest, mayhap, Is considered as rather Rembrandty; And that very black cattle and very black sheep, A black dog, and a shepherd as black as a sweep, Are the pets of some great _dilettante_. * * * * * But before your own picture arrives at that pitch, While the lights are still light, and the shadows, though rich. More transparent than ebony shutters, Never minding what Black-Arted critics may say, Stop the biting, and pour the green blind away, As you please, into bottles or gutters. Then removing the ground and the wax _at a heat_, Cleanse the surface with oil, spermaceti or sweet-- For your hand a performance scarce proper-- So some careful professional person secure, For the laundress will not be a safe amateur, To assist you in _cleaning the copper_. * * * * * Thus your etching complete, it remains but to hint That with certain assistance from paper and print, Which the proper mechanic will settle, You may charm all your friends--without any sad tale Of such perils and ills as beset Lady Sale-- With a fine _India Proof of your metal_."[8] [Illustration: WOODWARD, _engr. by_ ROWLANDSON. _"Desire," Jan. 20th, 1800._ DESIRE.] [Illustration: W. H. BUNBURY. _"Strephon and Chloe," July 1st, 1804._ SENTIMENTAL COURTSHIP.] [Illustration: W. H. BUNBURY. _"The Salutation Tavern," July 21st, 1801._ A FASHIONABLE SALUTATION.] [Illustration: G. M. WOODWARD. _"General Complaint," May 5th, 1796._ "Don't tell me of generals raised from mere boys, Though, believe me, I mean not their laurel to taint; But the general, I'm sure, that will make the most noise, If the war still goes on, will be General Complaint." _Face p. 11._] FOOTNOTES: [1] "Nor London singly can his porter boast, Alike 'tis famed on every foreign coast; For this the Frenchman leaves his Bordeaux wine, And pours libations at our Thames's shrine; Afric retails it 'mongst her swarthy sons, And haughty Spain procures it for her Dons. Wherever Britain's powerful flag has flown, there London's celebrated porter's known."