3-034-672 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"Please Tell Us The Time!", by F. Sonderland, 1871. 'The picture from which the Engraving on our front page is drawn was painted by a German artist, and the figures, both in their physiognomy and their costume, show that they belong to that nation. But the incident so humorously represented by Mr. F. Sonderland is one that happens several times every day to some of us in London...It is a pleasure to be able to render such accidental services to the small folk who inhabit the space within three feet of the ground, standing and running about below the level of our waists...A friend of ours, who is never in a hurry, and who often loiters an hour between the Horse Guards and Buckingham Palace, makes a point of showing his watch and teaching the young inquirer to read the figures on its dial, and to observe the march of the hour and minute hands. When he has finished this lesson he will point to the clock on the tower of Westminster Palace, and say, "Now, my little fellow, look there! you can see the time for yourself!".' From "Illustrated London News", 1871.