Page:Nollekens and His Times, Volume 2.djvu/461

 satisfied in his own mind of success, that he had boldly invited several friends to dine with him on the day of distribution, and actually left them with a view to go and take his medal, and a promise to return as soon as he had received it. But, alas! how fondly do we deceive ourselves! what was his chagrin, when, instead of hearing the name of Flaxman, that of Engleheart was pronounced as the successful candidate!

This timely lesson, he declared, so effectually operated upon his conceit, that he was determined ever after to talk less of his own talents, and to endeavour to do justice to those of others, who were also aspiring to the pinnacle of fame.—Sir Joshua Reynolds meeting Flaxman soon after he had received the hand of Miss Denman, in 1782, said to him, "So, Flaxman, you are married; there's no going to Italy now." Mr. Baily, my informant, added, that it has been said, that it was in consequence of this observation of the President, that he was determined to visit Rome. Little did Sir Joshua imagine that the Sculptor to whom he then spoke, who at that time was only a student in the Academy, and inhabiting No. 27, one of the smallest houses in Wardour-street; would execute a statue to his memory, and that it would be erected in the Cathedral