| Citation |
PGCJ.767.016
21 Feb 1767:22 (163)
Definition of Odd Things. . . I have heard a fellow who
could not read, deliver his sentiments upon De Moivre; and a
shoemaker, who works for some of the players, pronounce on
Shakespear's errors.
If there is one torture, which the mind feels more acute
than another, it must be endured by some artists, who are
obliged to submit to such decisions; and yet the present mob
critics, are no more than illiterate coblers.
When a painter or statuary, among the antients, had
finished any piece of work, the workman placed it near his
street door, and retiring behind a blind, heard the persons
who passed by, give their opinions upon it; and often mended
his work from accidental hints, which he heard in his
listening seat.
This behaviour was something odd, and the Grecians must be
a very odd sort of people. For where is the modern, who
could bear only ten minutes, to hear the passers by opinions
of his performance.
[signed] W. W.
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