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FAME, QUALIFYING FOR
Benjamin West’s picture of the death of Nelson is closely connected with an anecdote of the great sailor. Just before he went to sea for the last time, he was present at a dinner, during which he sat between the artist and Sir William Hamilton.
Nelson was expressing to Hamilton his regret that he had not, in his youth, acquired some taste for art and some discrimination in judging it.
“But,” said he, turning to West, “there is one picture whose power I do feel. I never pass a shop where your ‘Death of Wolfe’ is in the window without being stopt by it.”
West made some gracious answer to the compliment, and Nelson went on. “Why have you painted no more like it?”
“Because, my lord,” West replied, “there are no more subjects.”
“Ah!” said the sailor, “I didn’t think of that.”
“But, my lord,” continued West, “I am afraid your intrepidity will yet furnish me with another such scene; and if it should, I shall certainly avail myself of it.”
“Will you?” said Nelson. “Will you, Mr. West? Then I hope I shall die in the next battle!”