3-021-003 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"Scene from 'The Hypocrite'," by R. Smirke, R.A., in the National Gallery (British School) South Kensington Museum, 1869. 'The subject of the picture engraved is derived from Bickerstaffe's play of "The Hypocrite," adapted from Colley Cibber's "Non-Juror," which again was in part borrowed from Moliere's "Tartuffe." Mawworm, Dr. Cantwell, and Old Lady Lambert are the characters introduced and the following passage is that illustrated...Old Lady Lambert. How do you do, Mr. Mawworm? Mawworm. Thank your Ladyship's axing - I am but deadly poorish indeed; the world and I can't agree. I am but a sheep but my bleatings shall be heard afar off; and that sheep shall become a shepherd: nay, if it be only as it were a shepherd's dog, to bark the stray lambs into the fold...He's a saint - till I went after him I was little better than the devil; my conscience was tanned with sin, like a piece of neat's leather, and had no more feeling than the sole of my shoe; always a roving after fantastical delights: I used to go every Sunday evening to the Three Hats, at Islington. It's a public-house; mayhap your Ladyship may know it: I was a great lover of skittles, too; but now I can't bear them. Old Lady Lambert. What a blessed reformation!'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.