Page:Life of William Blake, Gilchrist.djvu/468

 Blake evidently began to feel himself a little badgered, and not insensible that he was under the hands of a cross-examining, though courteous, lawyer. For, as we know, he did, at times, make portraits of spiritual visitants.

Blake's visitor made the purchase simply as a delicate means of assisting the artist. From the same motive, he bought some other books and drawings; but, though he had expressly asked for them, experienced the greatest difficulty in getting Blake to accept money. The latter wished to present them. Poor Blake!

Next in order of date comes another letter to Mr. Linnell:—

18th May, 1826.

—

I have had another desperate shivering fit. It came on yesterday afternoon—after as good a morning as I ever experienced.