Back to bookThe History of Johnny Quæ Genus, the Little Foundling of the Late Doctor Syntax.: A Poem by the Author of the Three Tours.
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Chapter I

THE HISTORY OF JOHNNY QUÆ GENUS THE LITTLE FOUNDLING OF THE LATE DOCTOR SYNTAX A POEM BY…

WITH TWENTY-FOUR COLOURED ILLUSTRATIONS BY THOMAS ROWLANDSON

A NEW EDITION

METHUEN & CO. LONDON 1903

iv

NOTE

THIS Issue is founded on the Edition published by R. Ackermann in the year 1822

v

HISTORY OF QUÆ GENUS, ETC.

THE favour which has been bestowed on the different Tours of Doctor Syntax, has encouraged the Writer of them to give a History of the Foundling, who has been thought an interesting Object in the latter of those Volumes; and it is written in the same style and manner, with a view to connect it with them.

This Child of Chance, it is presumed, is led through a track of Life not unsuited to the peculiarity of his Condition and Character, while its varieties, as in the former Works, are represented by the Pencil of Mr. Rowlandson with its accustomed characteristic Felicity.

The Idea of an English Gil Blas predominated through the whole of this Volume; which must be vi considered as fortunate in no common degree, if its readers, in the course of their perusal, should be disposed to acknowledge even a remote Similitude to the incomparable Work of Le Sage.

The AUTHOR.

vii

PREFACE

THIS prolonged work is, at length, brought to a close.—It has grown to this size, under rare and continuing marks of public favour; while the same mode of Composition has been employed in the last, as in the former Volumes. They are all equally indebted to Mr. Rowlandson's talents.

It may, perhaps, be considered as presumption in me, and at my age, to sport even with my own Dowdy Muse, but, from the extensive patronage which Doctor Syntax has received, it may be presumed that, more or less, he has continued to amuse: And I, surely, have no reason to be dissatisfied, when Time points at my eightieth Year, that I can still afford some pleasure to those who are disposed to be pleased.

The AUTHOR.

May 1, 1821.

viii

LIST OF THE PLATES

1

CANTO I

Drawn by Rowlandson

Quæ Genus, in search of Service.

Quæ Genus.

Sharpsight.

Quæ Genus.

Sharpsight.

Drawn by Rowlandson

Quæ Genus reading to Sir Jeffrey Gourmand.

Quæ Genus.

Sir Jeffery.

Sir Jeffery.

Quæ Genus.

Sir Jeffery.

Quæ Genus.

Sir Jeffery.

Quæ Genus.

Sir Jeffery.

Quæ Genus.

Sir Jeffery.

Quæ Genus.

Sir Jeffery.

Quæ Genus.

Quæ Genus.

Sir Jeffery.

Quæ Genus.

Sir Jeffery.

Quæ Genus.

Quæ Genus.

Sir Jeffery.

Quæ Genus.

Quæ Genus.

33

CANTO II

Quæ Genus.

Letter.

Drawn by Rowlandson

Quæ Genus at Oxford.

Drawn by Rowlandson

Conflict between Quæ Genus & Lawyer Gripe-All.

Quæ Genus.

Lawyer Make-peace.

Drawn by Rowlandson

Quæ Genus at a sheep shearing.

Quæ Genus assisting a Traveller.

69

CANTO III

Drawn by Rowlandson

Quæ Genus, in the Sports of the Kitchen.

Chamber Maid.

Kitchen Maid.

Footman.

Coachman.

Drawn by Rowlandson

Quæ Genus, in the service of Sir. Jeffery Gourmand.

93

CANTO IV

108

CANTO V

His Farewell Speech.

Quæ Genus.

134

CANTO VI

Drawn by Rowlandson

Quæ Genus with a Quack Doctor.

Anodyne.

Drawn by Rowlandson

Quæ Genus with a Spendthrift.

Quæ Genus.

Molly.

Drawn by Rowlandson

Quæ Genus attends a sporting Finale.

168

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