 of that way in the affair of Dido and Æneas; - but it is as
fallacious as the breath of fame; - and, moreover, bespeaks a narrow genius. I
am not ignorant that the Italians pretend to a mathematical exactness in their
designations of one particular sort of character among them, from the forte or
piano of a certain wind instrument they use, -which they say is infallible. - I
dare not mention the name of the instrument in this place; - 'tis sufficient we
have it amongst us, - but never think of making a drawing by it; - this is
ænigmatical, and intended to be so, at least, ad populum: - And therefore I beg,
Madam, when you come here, that you read on as fast as you can, and never stop
to make any inquiry about it.
    There are others again, who will draw a man's character from no other helps
in the world, but merely from his evacuations; - but this often gives a very
incorrect out-line, - unless, indeed, you take a sketch of his repletions too;
and by correcting one drawing from the other, compound one good figure out of
them both.
    I should have no objection to this method, but that I think it must smell
too strong of the lamp, - and be render'd still more operose, by forcing you to
have an eye to the rest of his Non-Naturals. -- Why the most natural actions of
a man's life should be call'd his Non-Naturals, - is another question.
    There are others, fourthly, who disdain every one of these expedients; -not
from any fertility of his own, but from the various ways of doing it, which they
have borrowed from the honourable devices which the Pentagraphic Brethren3 of
the brush have shewn in taking copies. -These, you must know, are your great
historians.
    One of these you will see drawing a full-length character against the light;
- that's illiberal, - dishonest, - and hard upon the character of the man who
sits.
    Others, to mend the matter, will make a drawing of you in the Camera; -that
is most unfair of all, - because, there you are sure to be represented in some
of your most ridiculous attitudes.
    To avoid all and every one of these errors, in giving you my uncle Toby's
character, I am determined to draw it by no mechanical help whatever; -- nor
shall my pencil be guided by any one wind instrument which
