hall see, widely different), Robert gradually dropped
behind and was forgotten. He had not the genius or pride in his art of
his brother, and looked rather to that art as a means of present
livelihood than of acquiring a permanent and enduring reputation. If
George--with all his pride in his art, with all his genius, with all his
rare gifts of imagination and fancy--was destined to be left behind in
the race of life, what could poor Robert hope for? It is sad to think
that in later life, poor easy-going, thriftless, careless, Bohemian
Robert sank into neglect and consequent poverty. He died (of bronchitis)
on the 13th of March, 1856, in his sixty-sixth year.

FOOTNOTES:

[57] In this I cannot agree. George designed about a third of the
plates, and those who know his workmanship thoroughly will not fail
to identify it.

[58] A fact which testifies to the curiosity and _not_ the immorality
of our people.

[59] I have known as much as L10 asked for a copy; but _a first
edition_ (a rarity) may be purchased sometimes of a respectable
bookseller for L8.

[60] "Fair Play! Robt. Cruikshank, invt. et fect., original suggestor
and artist of the 2 vols. Adieu!"

[61] A list of his works will be found in Dr. Brewer's "Handbook."

[62] "The Maclise Portrait Gallery," by William Bates (ed. 1883), p.
236.

[63] The name given to the students of Eton School who board in the
town.

[64] Diary of Madam d'Arblay.

[65] W. S. Orr & Co., 1838.

CHAPTER VII.

_THE CARICATURES OF GEORGE CRUIKSHANK._

SIXTY YEARS AGO.

Just sixty years ago, a writer in _Blackwood_ spoke of the subject of
the present chapter (then a young man who had already acquired an
artistic reputation) in the following terms:--

"It is high time that the public should think more than they have
hitherto done of George Cruikshank; and it is also high time that George
Cruikshank should begin to think more than he seems to have done
hitherto of himself. Generally speaking, people consider him as a
clever, sharp _caricaturist_, and nothing more; a free-handed, comical
young fellow, who will do anything he is paid for, and who is quite
contented to dine off the proceeds of a 'George IV.' to-day, and those
of a 'Hone,' or a 'Cobbett' to-morrow. He himself, indeed, appears to be
the most careless creature alive, as touching his reputation. He seems
to have no plan--almost no ambition--and, I apprehe