The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1859-06-01
"I WILL TRY
A STORY FOR BOYS.

the Society of Arts. Its object is the
encouragement of talent in the vari-
GUS departments Of art. Prizes are award
ed by the society, sometimes TO painters
for their pictures, and sometimes to hum
bic artizans for improvement in weaving,
or in the manufacture of bonnets, lace and
artificial flowers.
More than half century ago, little
fellow, named William Ross, not twelve
years of age, was talking with his moth
or about an exhibition of painting at the
society's rooms. William was very fond
of paintings, and could himself draw and
color with remarkable skill.
"Look you, William" said his moth
er; " / saw peintings in the exhibition
which did not seem to me to be half as
good as yours"
"Do you, really think so, mother"
asked he.
81 am sure of it," she replied. / saw
some paintings inferior, both in color and
drawing, to some that are hanging in your
little chamber"
William knew his mother was no fiat
terer, and he said, Il have mind to ask
permission to hang one or two of my
paintings on the walls of the next exhi-
bition."
"Why not try for one of the prizes ?"
asked his mother.
40! mother dear, do you think 1 sho'd
stand any chance of success?"
Nothing venture, nothing have" said
his mother, "you can but try"
"And l will try, mother DEAR" said
William, 81 have a historical subject in
my head, out of which / think / can make
a picture"
"What is it Williaml"
"The death of Wat Tyler. You have
heard of him; he raised a mob in the
time of Richard the second. Having be-
haved insolently before the king at Smith
field, Tyler was struck down by Wal
worth, Mayor of London, and then dis
patched by the kings attendants"
at is bold subject, William, but l
will say nothing TO deter you from try
ing it,"
"If / fail, mother, where will be the
harm! can try again."
"To 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 the best histor-
ical painting
Without more ado, little William went
to work. He first acquainted himself
with the various. costumes of the year
1881; he learned how the King and no.
blemen used TO dress and what sort Of
clothes were worn by the poor people aud
laborers, TO which class Wat Tyler be-
longed. He also learned what sort Of
weapons were carried in those days.
After giving some time to the study Of
these things, he acquainted himself thor
oughly with the historical incidents at
tending the death of the bold riotcr. He
grouped in imagination, The persons who
were present at the scene the King and
his attendants, Walworth, the Mayor,
Wat Taylor himself, and in the back.
ground some of his ruflianly companions.
Williams mother was present of course.
She sat watching the result with beat
ing heart. What proud mother she
was, when after the transaction of some
unimportant business, it was announced
that the prizo of q silver palette for the
best historical picture was awarded to the
painter of the piece entitled 1.-The death
Of Wat Tyler"
When it was found that little William
Ross was the successful artist, the ap-
plause Of the audience broke forth with
enthusiasm. To see such little fellow
gain prize over competitors Of maturer
age, was novelty and surprise. Viii
liam was summoned with his picture, to
the Dukes chair, and there he received
such counsel and encouragement as were
Of great service to him in his future ca
reer. He is now Sir William Ross, min
iature painter to the Queen, having risen
to fortune and fame by carrying out with
determination and perseverance, his sim
pie promise to his mother of "I'll try"
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