Thomas Blacklock

Thomas Blacklock was born on November 10, 1721 in Annan, Dumfriesshire, Scotland to John Blacklock, a bricklayer, and his wife Ann, daughter of a cattle dealer. He was blind from infancy, after contracting smallpox at six

Author's Picture, The

by Thomas Blacklock (1721–1791)

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16

While in my matchless graces wrapt I stand,

And touch each feature with a trembling hand;

Deign, lovely self! with art and nature’s pride,

To mix the colours, and the pencil guide.

Self is the grand pursuit of half mankind;
How vast a crowd by self, like me, are blind!
By self, the fop, in magic colours shown,
Tho’, scorn’d by ev’ry eye, delights his own:
When age and wrinkles seize the conqu’ring maid,

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