What of his works? Why, each etching is
Only at present half done,
And on the copper the sketching is
Simply a wild piece of fun.
Vainly the Critics will sit on him,
Why such a butterfly slay?
No one can e'er put the bit on him—
Whistler's the wag of the day.
Yet Punch thought Ruskin had gone too far in the famous onslaught which led to the historic lawsuit and verdict in 1878:—
To John Ruskin
(On a recent Verdict)
If "Fors Clavigera," dear Slade Professor,
Means "Force that bears a club,"
Be warned, since of a big stick you're possessor,
And more discreetly drub.
Strength unrestrained's not greater strength but lesser,
And scorn provoketh snub.