"Dennis and Hugh" — Sol Eytinge, Junior's final illustration for "Barnaby Rudge" (1867)

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Dennis and Hugh

Sol Eytinge

Wood engraving, approximately 3 15⁄16 by 2 15⁄16 inches (10 cm by 7.5 cm), framed, facing 335.

Tenth illustration for Dickens's Barnaby Rudge and Hard Times, the ninth volume in the Ticknor & Fields Diamond Edition (Boston, 1867).

[Click on image to enlarge it and mouse over text for links.]

Scanned image and text by Philip V. Allingham.

[You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the person who scanned the image and (2) link your document to this URL in a web document or cite the Victorian Web in a print one.].

Context of the Illustration: Dual Portrait of the Melodramatic Villains in Newgate

His warming on this topic, which to one unacquainted with his pursuits and tastes appeared like courage; together with his artful suppression of his own secret hopes, and mention of himself as being in the same condition with Hugh; did more to soothe that ruffian than the most elaborate arguments could have done, or the most abject submission. He rested his arms upon his knees, and stooping forward, looked from beneath his shaggy hair at Dennis, with something of a smile upon his face.

"The fact is, brother," said the hangman, in a tone of greater confidence, "that you got into bad company. The man that was with you was looked after more than you, and it was him I wanted. As to me, what have I got by it? Here we are, in one and the same plight."

"Lookee, rascal," said Hugh, contracting his brows, "I’m not altogether such a shallow blade but I know you expected to get something by it, or you wouldn’t have done it. But it’s done, and you’re here, and it will soon be all over with you and me; and I’d as soon die as live, or live as die. Why should I trouble myself to have revenge on you? To eat, and drink, and go to sleep, as long as I stay here, is all I care for. If there was but a little more sun to bask in, than can find its way into this cursed place, I’d lie in it all day, and not trouble myself to sit or stand up once. That’s all the care I have for myself. Why should I care for you?"

Finishing this speech with a growl like the yawn of a wild beast, he stretched himself upon the bench again, and closed his eyes once more.

After looking at him in silence for some moments, Dennis, who was greatly relieved to find him in this mood, drew the chair towards his rough couch and sat down near him — taking the precaution, however, to keep out of the range of his brawny arm. [Chapter LXXIV, 335]

Bibliography

Dickens, Charles. Barnaby Rudge and Hard Times. The Diamond Edition. Illustrated by Sol Eytinge, Jr. Boston: Ticknor and Fields, 1867. Vol. IX.

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Created 20 November 2011

Last modified 22 November 2020