Bewick The Engraver
WHEN the Duke of Northumberland first called to see Mr. Bewick's
workshops at Newcastle, he was not personally known to the engraver. On
discovering the high rank of his visitor, Bewick exclaimed, I beg
pardon, my lord, I did not know your grace, and was unaware I had the
honor of talking to so great a man. To which the Duke good humoredly
replied, You are a much greater man than I am, Mr. Bewick. To this
Bewick answered, No, my lord: but were I Duke of Northumberland,
perhaps I could be.