yment by which to obtain a decent livelihood. He was, however, soon
engaged in decorating books, and furnished sets of plates for several
publications of the time. An edition of _Hudibras_ afforded him the
first subject suited to his genius: yet he felt so much the shackles of
other men's ideas, that he was less successful in this task than might
have been expected. In the mean time, he had acquired the use of the
brush, as well as of the pen and graver; and, possessing a singular
facility in seizing a likeness, he acquired considerable employment as a
portrait-painter. Shortly after his marriage, he informs us that he
commenced painter of small conversation pieces, from twelve to fifteen
inches in height; the novelty of which caused them to succeed for a few
years. One of the earliest productions of this kind, which distinguished
him as a painter, is supposed to have been a representation of Wanstead
Assembly; the figures in it were drawn from the life, and without
burlesque. The faces were said to bear great likenesses to the persons
so drawn, and to be rather better coloured than some of his more
finished performances. Grace, however, was no attribute of his pencil;
and he was more disposed to aggravate, than to soften the harsh touches
of Nature.

A curious anecdote is recorded of our artist during the early part of
his practice as a portrait painter. A nobleman, who was uncommonly ugly
and deformed, sat for his picture, which was executed in his happiest
manner, and with singularly rigid fidelity. The peer, disgusted at this
counterpart of his dear self, was not disposed very readily to pay for a
reflector that would only insult him with his deformities. After some
time had elapsed, and numerous unsuccessful applications had been made
for payment, the painter resorted to an expedient, which he knew must
alarm the nobleman's pride. He sent him the following card:--"Mr.
Hogarth's dutiful respects to Lord----; finding that he does not mean to
have the picture which was drawn for him, is informed again of Mr.
Hogarth's pressing necessities for the money. If, therefore, his
lordship does not send for it in three days, it will be disposed of,
with the addition of a tail and some other appendages, to _Mr. Hare, the
famous wild beast man_; Mr. H. having given that gentleman a conditional
promise on his lordship's refusal." This intimation had its desired
effect; the picture was paid for, and committed to the flames.

Hoga