"Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been
faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many
things."--MATTHEW XXV. 21.
[Illustration: INDUSTRY AND IDLENESS, PLATE IV.]
From attention to business and propriety of conduct, the industrious
apprentice has gained the confidence of his employer. He is now in
the counting-house, entrusted with the management of the business;
has the day-book, purse, and keys in his hands, and attentively
listens to the directions of his friendly master, who, with a face
expressive of the highest partiality and regard, familiarly leans
upon his shoulder. A partnership, on the eve of taking place, is
covertly intimated by a pair of gloves upon the writing-desk. The
young merchant's sedulous application is well hinted at by an
headpiece to the _London Almanac_, "Industry taking time by the
forelock." A city porter, bringing in bales of goods, has a true
Bardolphian face. The mastiff that attends him is violently opposed
by the domestic cat, who, considering this house as her own peculiar
domain, and having an hereditary dislike to the canine species,
endeavours to drive him from the premises. Neither cat, dog, nor
porter are well drawn, nor is much regard paid to perspective; but
the general design is carried on by such easy and natural gradations,
and the consequent success of an attentive conduct displayed in
colours so plain and perspicuous, that little errors in execution
should be overlooked or forgiven.