Note 9 — CATALOGUE OF HOGARTH'S PRINTS.[1]

In a Dedication to "The Masquerade, a Poem, inscribed to Count Heidegger," (which is the production of Mr. Fielding, though foisted into the works of Dr. Arbuthnot,) the facetious writer says, "I cannot help congratulating you on that gift of Nature, by which you seem so adapted to the post you enjoy. I mean that natural masque, which is too visible a perfection to be here insisted on——and, I am sure, never fails of making an impression on the most indifferent beholder. Another gift of Nature, which you seem to enjoy in no small degree, is that modest confidence supporting you in every act of your life. Certainly, a great blessing! For I always have observed, that brass in the forehead draws gold into the pocket. As for what mankind calls virtues, I shall not compliment you on them: since you are so wise as to keep them secret from the world, far be it from me to publish them; especially since they are things which lie out of the way of your calling. Smile then (if you can smile) on my endeavours, and this little poem, with candour——for which the author desires no more gratuity than a ticket for your next ball." There is a mezzotinto of Heidegger by J. Faber, 1742, (other copies dated 1749) from a painting by Vanloo, a striking likeness, now (1785) in the possession of Peter Crawford, esq. of Cold Bath Fields.