was frustrated by a fit of illness, which, in a short time, put an end to his days. He left his nephew David 1000l. and to each of his brothers and sisters the sum of 500l. Upon this event, Garrick had recourse to Mr. Colson, and remained several months under that gentleman's patronage. During his stay at Rochester, his father, Capt. Garrick, died of a lingering illness, and his wife did not survive him above a year. They left three sons, Peter the eldest, David and George, and, besides them, two daughters. David Garrick took his leave of Mr. Colson, and returned to the metropolis. Sublime geometry had no attraction for him, whose ruling passion was the dramatic art. The law was likewise too dry a study: the briars and brambles of that science deterred him from thinking any more of Lincoln's Inn. Peter, his eldest brother, had entered

to say,

66

entered into the business of a wine-merchant, and in 1738, David was induced to enter into partnership. The famous Samuel Foote used "He remembered Garrick living in Durham-yard, with three quarts of vinegar "in the cellar, calling himself a wine-mer"chant." - It is certain, however, that he served all the houses in the neighbourhood of the two play-houses, and at those places was a member of different clubs, with the actors of the time. He loved to indulge in a vein of criticism on the several performers, and, to illustrate his remarks, he mounted the table, and displayed those talents for mimickry, for which he has been much celebrated in the character

of Bayes.

CHAP.

CHAP. III.

State of the Stage-GARRICK makes his first Appearance at Ipswich-His great Success-Resolves to act in the following Winter on a London Stage-Difficulties in his Way-Begins at Goodman's Fields-Richard III. his first Part-The Public see him with Astonishment-The People of Fashion go in Crowds to Goodman's Fields-QUIN's Sarcastic ObservationGARRICKS Epigram in Answer to him-The Season closes at Goodman's Fields, after a Tide of great Success.

FROM this time the profession of an actor was the object of his ambition. The stage, at that period, was in a low condition. Macklin had played Shylock with applause, and Quin was, beyond all doubt, a most excellent performer. Mrs. Pritchard, and Mrs. Woffington shone in genteel comedy, and Mrs. Clive made the

province

She

province of humour entirely her own. deserved to be called the COMIC MUSE. And yet the drama was sunk to the lowest ebb: in tragedy, declamation roared in a most unnatural strain; rant was passion; whining was grief; vociferation was terror, and drawling accents were the voice of love. Comedy was reduced to farce and buffoonery. Garrick

saw that nature was banished from the theatre, but he flattered himself that he should be able to revive a better taste, and succeed by the truth of imitation. He was, in consequence, now resolved to launch into the theatrical world, and, accordingly, in the beginning of 1740, he dissolved partnership with his brother Peter Garrick. He passed the remainder of the year in preparation for his great design; he studied the best characters of Shakespeare

and of our comic writers with all his atten

VOL. I.

C

tion,

tion, but, at last, he was frightened by the difficulties that stood in his way. A new school of acting was to be established, and the attempt, he was aware, would be called innovation. He shrunk back, not being sure of his own power; but the impulse of nature was not to be resisted. His genius drove him on. His friend Mr. Giffard was the manager of the theatre in Goodman's Fields. Garrick consulted him, and, by his advice, determined to make an experiment of himself at a country theatre. The scheme was settled, and they both set out for the city of Ipswich, where, in the summer 1741, there was a regular company of comedians. Garrick's diffidence was still so great, that he assumed the name of Lyddal; and, that he might remain unknown, he chose, for his first appearance, the character of Aboan, in the tragedy of Oroonoko. In

that