The Caliph Omar's walking-stick struck more terror into those who saw it than another man's sword." Horace Vernet's enthusiasm and devotion to the one idea of his life knew no bounds.

He had himself lashed to the mast in a terrible gale on the Mediterranean when all others on board were seized with terror, and with great delight sketched the towering waves which threatened every minute to swallow the vessel.

Several writers tell the story that a great artist, Giotto, about to paint the crucifixion, induced a poor man to let him bind him upon a cross in order that he might get a better idea of the terrible scene that he was about to put upon the canvas.

He promised faithfully that he would release his model in an hour, but to the latter's horror the painter seized a dagger and plunged it into his heart; and, while the blood was streaming from the ghastly wound, painted his death agony.
Beecher was a very dull boy and was the last member of the family of whom anything was expected.

He had a weak memory, and disliked study.