not only suffice for our purpose, but has the
merit probably of being but little known:--

"Prepared by a hand that is skilful and nice,
The fine point glides along like a skate on the ice,
At the will of the gentle designer,
Who, impelling the needle, just presses so much,
That each line of her labour _the copper may touch_,
As if done by a penny-a-liner.

* * * * *

Certain objects however may come in your sketch,
Which, designed by a hand unaccustomed to etch,
With a luckless result may be branded;
Wherefore add this particular rule to your code,
Let all vehicles take the _wrong_ side of the road,
And man, woman, and child be _left-handed_.

Yet regard not the awkward appearance with doubt,
But remember how often mere blessings fall out,
That at first seemed no better than curses:
So, till _things take a turn_, live in hope, and depend
That whatever is wrong will come right in the end,
And console you for all your _reverses_.

* * * * *

But the acid has duly been lower'd and bites
Only just where the visible metal invites,
Like a nature inclined to meet troubles;
And behold as each slender and glittering line
Effervesces, you trace the completed design
In an elegant bead-work of bubbles.

* * * * *

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,
W