THE FISHERMAN'S CHILDren. 121 THE SECRET DISCOVERED. We will reveal to the reader the secret, when we are in the confidence of one of the boisterous group that treat their prisoner somewhat roughly. Indeed we are not sure that they themselves have solved the riddle, for the sly gazers seem so intent that their surmises still require confirmation. The artist's name has been by some accident omitted, but we suppose this pleasing picture to be the production of Watteau. The engraver has been eminently successful in conveying the peculiar qualities of this artist's style. The grouping of the figures is ingenious and graceful, the light and shade ably distributed, and the whole in good keeping with the gay and merry nature of the subject. VOL. III. THE FISHERMAN'S CHILDREN. How gloriously the sun, with radiant beams, And winning ways of childhood. Many a tale He told them of the fisher's daring life, And though but little skill'd in learned lore, He oft related (for they lov'd to hear) Of uncouth beings that infest the deep, 21 |