The idea of the painting when this drawing was made had not totally clarified in the artist's mind. The important gaze between Merlin and Nimue, a vital element in the painting had not yet emerged. The muscular figure of Merlin is not apparent in the painting and having him portrayed as asleep is less effective, it does not emphasize his subjection to Nimue's beguilement. The limp hand positions that appeared later in the painting also stress the helplessness of the wizard.