The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1859-02-10
~ WILL TRY"


There is :. society in London known
as the Society Of Arts. Its oljcc, is tho
encouragement Of talent in the various de-
rartmcnts of art. Prizes are awarded by
the society, sometimes to painters for their
pictures, anh sometimes to humber artisans
for improvements in wcaving, or in the
manufacture of bonnets, lace, 0, artificial
flowers
More :han half a century ago, little
fellow, named William Ross, not twelve
years OF age, was talking with his mother
about an exhibition of painting at the So
cie:y's rooms. William was very fond of
paintings, and could himself draw and col
or with remarkable skill. "Look YOU.
William" said his mother: "I saw
some painting in the exhibition which
did not seem to me to be half as good rs
yours"
"Do YOU really think SO, mother !" asked
he.
| am sure Of it," she replied "I saw
some paintings inferior, both in color and
drawing, to some that arc hanging in your
little chamber"
William knew that his mother was no
fla:tcrer, and inc said, Il have IL mind to
ask permission to hang one or two Of my
paintings on the walls at the next exhibi-
ton.
Why not try for one of the prizes /"
asked his mother.
SO! mother, dear, do you think
should stand any chance of sue
cess 2"
Nothing venture, nothing have" said
his mother; "you can but try"
Sand will try, mother, DEAR" said Will
liam.
II have historical subject in my head,
out Of which 1 think | can make pic
ture"
What is it, WilIiam?"
"The death Of Wat Tyler. You have
heard Of him; he led a mob in the time OF
Richard theSecond. H.ving behaved in
solenly before the king at Smith field, Ty
ler WAS struck down by Wa!wortl, Mayor
of London, and then dispatched by the
kings attendants"
at is n bold subject, William, but
will say nothing to deter you from trying
it,"
"lf | fail, ,nother where will be the
harm! l can try again"
ITO be sure YOU can, William? So we
will not be disappointed, should you not
succeed in winning the silver palette offered
by the society for tho best historical paint
ing"
Without more ado, little William went
TO work. lie first acquainted himself with
the various costumes OF the year 1881 !;
he learned how the king and noblemen
used to dress, and what sort Of clothes
were worn by the poor people and Ia
borers. to which class Wat Tyler he.
longed. He also learned what sort Of
weapons were carried in those days.
After having given some time to the
study Of these things lie acquainted him
self thoroughly with the historical incidents
attending the death of the bod rioter. IIe
grouped in imagination, the persons who
were present at the scene-the king and
his attendants Walworlh, the mayor, Wat
Tayler himself, and in the back ground some
of his ruffianIy companions.
Williams mother was present, Of Course.
She sat waiting the result WITH 4 beat.
ing heart. What n pson'i mother she
was, when, after the transaction of some
undressing business, it was announced
that the prize Of 4 silver palette for the
best historical picture was awarded to the
painter Of The piece entitled g The death of
Wat TYLER" .-,.-
= When twas found that little William
Ross. was the successful arti st, the applause
Of the audience broke forth with enthu-
siasm. To see such little fellow gain a
prize over competitors of mature age, was
a novelty and surprise. William WIS sum-
mond, with his picture, to the Dukes chair,
and there he received, such counsel and en-.
oouragement, as were of great service to
him n,4ris future career. He IL nov Sir
William Ross, miniature painter to the
Queen, having risen to fortune and fame
by carrying out, with determination. and
perseverance,. bis simple promise 70 his
mother Of II will try"