Lewis and his father went to the other end of the shop, and the sculptor took a great chisel and a heavy mallet, with which he knocked off several large pieces from one side of the block.
The S. You see, Sir, I do not stand upon trifles, but get on as fast as I can.
L. Do you always get on as fast, Sir?
The S. No; you must not think statues are altogether made in this manner.
L. Are you going to make a statue out of that great clumsy piece of stone?
The S. Yes.
L. How can you contrive to make it, Sir?
The S. You see me just beginning, if you will call sometimes, you will see how I get on, and if God is pleased to allow me to complete my work, you may see it finished.
Lewis thanked the kind artist, and when they had seen him knock off another corner of the stone, they wished him good morning, and said they would call again.
L. Father, it is very strange that the sculptor should be able to make a statue out of that clumsy shapeless mass of stone.