"Excuse my fervor in the praise of this extraordinary man.... I think there can be no stronger proof that human nature is the same always, than that men of genius in all ages have been compelled to undergo the same disappointments, and to pass through the same storms of calumny and abuse, doomed in their lifetime to endure the ridicule or neglect of the world, and to wait for justice till they were dead." How well, unknowingly, Morse foretold his own career; disappointments, abuse, ridicule! Stimulated by the industry and renown of West, he worked at his drawing from half-past seven in the forenoon until five in the afternoon, and then again in the evening. He learned what all persons learn, sooner or later, that there is no easy road to fame. West encouraged the young artist, and this added fuel to the flame of ambition. Desiring admission to the Royal Academy, he spent two weeks in making a drawing from a small cast of the Farnese Hercules. Showing it to Mr. West for his criticism, West said, "Very well, sir, very well; go on and finish it." "It _is_ finished," replied Morse. "Oh, no," said Mr. West; "look here, and here, and here." Morse drew a week longer, and again presented it. "Very well, indeed, sir," he said; "go on and finish it." "Is it not finished?" asked Morse, half discouraged. "Not yet," said West; "see you have not marked that muscle, nor the articulations of the finger-joints." A third time he presented the drawing, and received the same advice as before. "I cannot finish it," said Morse, despairingly. "Well," said West, "I have tried you long enough. Now, sir, you have learned more by this drawing than you would have accomplished in double the time by a dozen half-finished beginnings. It is not numerous drawings, but the _character of one_, which makes a thorough draughtsman. _Finish_ one picture, sir, and you are a painter."