Since the publication of the first edition of these volumes, the following description of "Marriage à la Mode" was found among the papers of the late Mr. Lane of Hillingdon; and his family believe it to be Hogarth's Explanation, either copied from his own handwriting, or given verbally to Mr. Lane at the time he purchased the pictures. It is subjoined, that the reader may form his own judgment:—
EXPLANATION
OF THE PAINTINGS OF THE LATE MR. HOGARTH, CALLED
MARRIAGE A LA MODE.
"Where Titles deign with Cits to have and hold,
And change rich blood for more substantial gold;
And honour'd trade from interest turns aside,
To hazard happiness for titled pride."—Garrick.
The First Picture.