Page:Anecdotes of painters, engravers, sculptors and architects, and curiosities of art (IA anecdotesofpaint01spoo).pdf/135

 *cords in a few expressive words the singular story of his life:

"Connubialis amor de Mulcibre fecit Apellem."

JOHN WESLEY JARVIS.

Jarvis, though a wayward and eccentric man, unfortunately for himself and the world too much given to strong potations, was "a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy," whose "gambols, songs, and flashes of merriment were wont to set the table on a roar." He was a merry wag, and an inimitable story-teller and mimic. Some of his stories were dramatized by Dunlap, Hackett, and Matthews, the best of which is the laughable farce of Monsieur Mallet. Dunlap says, "Another story which Matthews dressed up for John Bull, originated with Jarvis. From a friend I have what I suppose to be the original scene. My friend was passing the painter's room, when he suddenly threw up the window, and called him in, saying, 'I have something for your criticism, that you will be pleased with.' He entered, expecting to see a picture, or some other specimen of the fine arts, but nothing of the kind was produced—he was, however, introduced with a great deal of ceremony, to Monsieur B, 'celebrated for his accurate knowledge of the English language, and intimate critical acquaintance with its poetry—particularly Shakspeare.' Mr. A, as I shall call my friend, began to understand Jarvis' object in calling him in. After a lit