The various appearances which rage, and terrour, and astonishment, and guilt, might exhibit in the faces of that hateful assembly, of whom the principal persons may be faithfully drawn from portraits or prints; the irresolute repugnance of some, the hypocritical submissions of others, the ferocious insolence of Cromwell, the rugged brutality of Harrison, and the general trepidation of fear and wickedness, would, if some proper disposition could be contrived, make a picture of unexampled variety, and irresistible instruction.

[1] Some judicious remarks on portrait painting may be found in
    Chalmers’ Preface to Idler, Brit.  Ess. 33.

The difference between the French and English schools, in this department of the Art, well proves that mind has scope for its powers in portrait, and that genius alone can so generalize the details “as to identify the individual man with the dignity of his thinking powers.”

[2] Has that picture, which is considered the finest in the world, the
    transfiguration, this requisite?  Could any human eye, at one and the
    same moment, have beheld the apostles baffled with the stubborn
    spirit which they had not faith to quell, and the glories on the
    Mount?

[3] This subject has now been most successfully handled by West.  Hall’s
    exquisite engraving has rendered the picture familiar.

No. 40.  SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 1759.

  Fugit ad salices, sed, se cupit ante videri.  VIRGIL.

Mr. Idler,

I am encouraged, by the notice you have taken of Betty Broom, to represent the miseries which I suffer from a species of tyranny, which, I believe, is not very uncommon, though perhaps it may have escaped the observation of those who converse little with fine ladies, or see them only in their publick characters.

To this method of venting my vexation I am the more inclined, because if I do not complain to you, I must burst in silence; for my mistress has teased me and teased me till I can hold no longer, and yet I must not tell her of her tricks.  The girls that live in common services can quarrel, and give warning, and find other places; but we that live with great ladies, if we once offend them, have, nothing left but to return into the country.

I am waiting-maid to a lady who keeps the best company, and is seen at every place of fashionable resort.  I am envied by all the maids in the square, for few countesses leave off so many clothes as my mistress, and nobody shares with me:  so that I supply two families in the country with finery for the assizes and horse-races, besides what I wear myself.  The steward and housekeeper have joined against me to procure my removal, that they may advance a relation of their own; but their designs are found out by my lady, who says I need not fear them, for she will never have dowdies about her.

You would think, Mr. Idler, like others, that I am very happy, and may well be contented with my lot.  But I will tell you.  My lady has an odd humour.  She never orders any thing in direct words, for she loves a sharp girl that can take a hint.