Seconded by his strength and temper, his skill rendered him invincible and he is reputed never to have lost a battle.

His imperturbable demeanour in the fight has been well portrayed by Captain Godfrey, who here condescends to lay aside his stilts.

"His right leg bold and firm, and his left, which could hardly ever be disturbed, gave him a surprising advantage, and struck his adversary with despair and panic.

He had a peculiar way of stepping in, in a parry; knew his arm, and its just time of moving; put a firm faith in that, and never let his opponent escape.

He was just as much a greater master than any other I ever saw, as he was a greater judge of time and measure." Figg's prowess in a combat with Button has been celebrated by Dr.Byrom,--a poet of whom his native town, Manchester, may be justly proud; and his features and figure have been preserved by the most illustrious of his companions on the present occasion,--Hogarth,--in the levee in the "Rake's Progress," and in "Southwark Fair." On the appearance of his visitors, Sheppard arose,--his gyves clanking heavily as he made the movement,--and folding his arms, so far as his manacles would permit him, upon his breast, steadily returned the glances fixed upon him.
"This is the noted house-breaker and prison-breaker, gentlemen," said Mr.Pitt, pointing to the prisoner.
"Odd's life!" cried Gay, in astonishment; "is this slight-made stripling Jack Sheppard?
Why, I expected to see a man six foot high at the least, and as broad across the shoulders as our friend Figg.