But the moment that they become the servile throngers of court avenues, and give themselves up to the political intrigues and heartless dissipations of the metropolis, that moment they lose the real nobility Of their natures, and become the mere Leeches of the country.
"Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists"
Washington Irving
Flaxman was a friend of the Leeches, and in after years, while John Leech was still a youth, the sculptor again examined some of his sketches, and, after looking well at them, he very likely said, as is reported: "That boy must be an artist; he will be nothing else."
"John Leech, His Life and Work. Vol. 1"
William Powell Frith
He has had Leeches to his temples.
"The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. II (of II)"
Charles James Lever