"The leading points in these as well as the two preceding prints, were made as obvious as possible, in the hope that their tendency might be seen by men of the lowest rank. Neither minute accuracy of design nor fine engraving were deemed necessary, as the latter would render them too expensive for the persons to whom they were intended to be useful; and the fact is, that the passions may be more forcibly expressed by a strong, bold stroke, than by the most delicate engraving. To expressing them as I felt them, I have paid the utmost attention; and as they were addressed to hard hearts, have rather preferred leaving them hard, and giving the effect, by a quick touch, to rendering them languid and feeble by fine strokes and soft engraving, which require more care and practice than can often be attained, except by a man of a very quiet turn of mind. Masson, who gave two strokes to every particular hair that he engraved, merited great admiration; but at such admiration I never aspired, neither was I capable of obtaining it if I had. "The prints were engraved with the hope of, in some degree, correcting that barbarous treatment of animals, the very sight of which renders the streets of our metropolis so distressing to every feeling mind. If they have had this effect, and check the progress of cruelty, I am more proud of having been the author than I should be of having painted Raphael's Cartoons. "The French, among their other mistakes respecting our tragedies, etc., assert that such scenes could not be represented except by a barbarous people. Whatever may be our _national character_, I trust that our _national conduct_ will be an unanswerable refutation."[131] 4. Paul before Felix; "designed and scratched in the true Dutch taste by W^m. Hogarth." Under the second impression, "designed and etched in the ridiculous manner of Rembrandt by W^m. Hogarth." The drowsy angel was (I have been told) intended as a portrait of Luke Sullivan. The advocate is said to be designed for Dr. King. See Worlidge's _View of Lord Westmoreland's Installation_. _Second state_--A little devil sawing off the leg of the apostle's stool. This very whimsical print was originally given as a receipt to the Pharaoh's Daughter and the serious Paul before Felix, and sealed with a palette and pencils, engraven on a small ring which Hogarth usually wore, and which Mrs. Lewis has since presented to me. The early proofs are usually stained with bister. Hogarth always gave the print to such of his friends as wished for it; but finding demands too frequent, cut the engraved receipt from the copper, and sold it at 5s. From this print in its first state he took a few reverses. 1752. 1. Paul before Felix. "And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled." "Engraved by W^m. Hogarth, from his original painting in Lincoln's-Inn Hall, and published as the Act directs, Feb. 5, 1752."