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PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY ADAM WALDIE, No. 6, NORTH EIGHTH STREET, PHILADELPHIA-AT $5 for 52 numbers, payable in advance.

Memoirs of Dr. Burney,

ARRANGED

AUTHOR'S PREFACE, OR APOLOGY.

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NO. 10.

Though not first in the very first line" with most of The intentions, or rather the directions, of Dr. Burney, soaring above any contemporary mark, always, like sethe eminent men of his day, Dr. Johnson and Mr. Burke, that his memoirs should be published; and the expectation nior wranglers, excepted. From his own Manuscripts, from Family Papers, and of his family and friends that they should pass through the hands of his present editor and memorialist, have all his own, he arose, the Genius that impelled him to And to this height, to which, by means and resources from Personal Recollections ; made the task of arranging the ensuing collations with her own personal recollections, appear to her a sacred fame, the integrity that established his character, and the amiability that magnetised all hearts,-in the phrase of duty from the year 1814.*

BY HIS DAUGHTER,
MADAME D'ARBLAY,

AUTHOR OF EVELINA, CECILIA, &C.

"O could my feeble powers thy virtues trace, By filial love each fear should be suppress'd; The blush of incapacity I'd chase,

FROM THE LONDON EDITION, IN THREE OCTAVO VOLUMES.

INTRODUCTION.

But the grief at his loss, which at first incapacitated Dr. Johnson, to go forth to meet him, were the only ma terials with which he worked his way. her from such an effort, was soon afterwards followed by change of place-change of circumstances-almost of his life, as appears by a marginal note, in the year 1782. Dr. Burney both began and dropped an introduction to existence with multiplied casualties, that, eventually; This was not continued or resumed, save by occasional separated her from all her manuscript materials. And memorandums, till the year 1807, when he had reached And stand-recorder of thy worth!-confess'd." these she only recovered when under the pressure of a the age of eighty-one, and was under the dejecting apAnonymous Dedication of Evelina, to Dr. Burney, in 1778. new affliction that took from her all power, or even prehension of paralytic seizure. From that time, neverthought, for their investigation. During many years, therefore, they have been laid aside, though never fortheless, he composed sundry manuscript volumes, of various sizes, containing the history of his life, from his gotten. cradle nearly to his grave. But if time, as so often we lament, will not stand still Out of the minute amplitude of this vast mass of matupon happiness, it would be graceless not to acknowledge, with gratitude to Providence, that neither is it positively ter, it has seemed the duty of his editor and memoriaSome of the reviewers have found fault with the Me-stationary upon sorrow: for, though there are calamities 1st, to collect all that seemed to offer interest for the moirs of Dr. Burney, as being rather the autobiography which it cannot obliterate, and wounds which religion that there is reason to believe the author himself would general reader; but to commit nothing to the public cye of the daughter than the life of the father. This ap-alone can heal, time yet seems endowed with a secret have withheld from it at an earlier period; or would have pears to us, however, a recommendation; but the chief principle for producing a mental calm, through which obliterated, even at a much later, had he revised his life imperceptibly glides back to its customary opera. interest of the work will be found in the rich and new tions. However powerless time itself-earthly time writings after the recovery of his health and spirits.* anecdotes furnished of the celebrated characters of the must still remain for restoring lost felicity. day, with whom Dr. Burney and his daughter were on intimate terms of social intercourse. The ana of Dr. Johnson, Mr. Burke, and others, possess a charm which no mere detail of Dr. Burney's habits could afford. It is gratifying to be admitted to familiar converse with That the life of so eminent a man should not pass those whose writings form the charm of our leisure away without some authenticated record, will be pretty hours; to have their private and familiar sayings and generally thought; and the circumstances which render doings so fully portrayed; to have their feelings, their her its recorder, grow out of the very nature of things: passions and peculiarities, depicted with truth and viva-she possessed all his papers and documents; and, from her earliest youth to his latest decline, not a human being city, and observe how individuals who filled so large a was more confidentially entrusted than herself with the space in the public eye, acted in the domestic circle. occurrences, the sentiments, and the feelings of his past Who does not acknowledge the fascination produced and passing days.

Now, therefore, most unexpectedly, that she finds herself sufficiently recovered from successive indispositions and afflictions, to attempt the acquittal of a debt which has long hung heavily upon her mind, she ventures to reopen her manuscript stores, and to resume, though in trembling, her long-forsaken pen.

Although, as biography, from time immemorial, has

MEMOIRS OF DR. BURNEY. of April, 1726, and was the issue of a second marriage. Charles Burney was born at Shrewsbury, on the 12th Mr. Burney, senior, finally, and with tolerable success, quitting Shrewsbury, established himself in the city of fixed himself to the profession of portrait painting, and

Chester.

From what cause is not known, and it is difficult to conceive any that can justify such extraordinary neglect, young Charles was left in Shropshire, upon the removal of his parents to Chester; and abandoned, not only during his infancy, but even during his boyhood, to the care of an uncultivated and utterly ignorant, but worthy and affectionate old nurse, called Dame Ball, in the rusis despised and laughed at, his life of Dr. Johnson re-tory, the memorialist may seek to diversify the plain reriod were among the most tenaciously minute, and the mains a master-piece of biography, and the literary cital of facts by such occasional anecdotes as have been most agreeable to his fancy for detail, of any part of his world regrets that there have not been more Boswells. hoarded from childhood in her memory; still, and most life; and the uncommon gaiety of his narratory powers, and the frankness with which he set forth the pecuniary To the work of that author, and others of the same pe- scrupulously, not an opinion will be given as Dr. Burney's, embarrassments and provoking mischances, to which his either of persons or things, that was not literally his own: riod, this Memoir may be considered as a connected and fact will as essentially be the basis of every article, thus deserted childhood was exposed, had an ingenuouschain—an addenda, rendering us more intimately con- as if its object were still lent to earth, and now listeningness, a good humour, and a comicality, that made the versant with the great originals. to this exposition of his posthumous memoirs with her subject of Andover not more delectable to himself than entertaining to his hearer. own recollections.

in the work of the sycophantic Boswell? While the man claimed the privilege of being more discursive than his.tic village of Andover. His reminiscences úpon this pe

Nevertheless, though nothing is related that does not belong to Dr. Burney and his history, the accounts are not always rigidly confined to his presence, where scenes or traits, still strong in the remembrance of the editor, or still before her eyes in early letters or diaries, invite to any characteristic details of celebrated personages.

The style of Madame D'Arblay has also been found fault with; and to those who are familiar with her early writings as Miss Burney, it will be a little astonishing to observe the awkward stiffness of many of her paragraphs. But her meaning is seldom obscure, which is, after all, the object to be attained. It has been well reNot slight, however, is the embarrassment that strugmarked that, in "analysing literary compositions, we gles with the pleasure of these mingled reminiscences, should attend to the difference which subsists between from their appearance of personal obtrusion: yet, when it is seen that they are never brought forward but to introthat species of merit founded on the direct interest and duce some incident or speech, that must else remain un-! attraction of the incidents and ideas which are employed, told, of Dr. Johnson, Mr. Barke, Mrs. Delany, Mrs. and that other sort of merit founded on the skill and dex-Thrale, Mr. Bruce-nay, Napoleon-and some other terity with which materials are combined, and the just-high standing names, of recent date to the aged, yet of still living curiosity to the youthful reader-these appa ness of the relations which we are able to trace among rent egotisms may be something more, perhaps, than parits parts." The pictures in the present instance, we be-doned.

The education of the subject of these Memoirs, when, whom he quitted, as he always protested, with an agony at length, he was removed from this his first instructress, of grief, was begun at the free school at Chester. It can excite no surprise, his brilliant career through life considered, that his juvenile studies were assiduous, ardent, and successful. He was frequently heard to declare, that he had been once only chastised at school, and that not for slackness, but forwardness in scholastic lore.

His earliest musical instructer was his eldest halfbrother, Mr. James Burney, who was then, and for more than half a century afterwards, organist of St. Margaret's, Shrewsbury; in which city the young musician elect began his professional studies.

studious, he was introduced to Dr. Arne, on the passage He was yet a mere youth, when, while unremittingly of that celebrated musician through the city of Chester, when returning from Ireland; and this most popular of lieve, will be valued, though the casket may be somewhat Where the life has been as private as that of Dr. Bur- English composers since the days of Purcel, was so much inelegant. The author certainly betrays unbounded vani-ney, its history must necessarily be simple, and can have pleased with the talents of this nearly self-instructed little further call upon the attention of the world, than performer, as to make an offer to Mr. Burney, senior, ty, but it is harmless, and even amusing. There are parts of the English edition that would be that which may belong to a wish of tracing the progress upon such conditions as are usual to such sort of patronof a nearly abandoned child, from a small village of age, to complete the musical education of this lively and entirely uninteresting beyond the precincts of Great Shropshire, to a man allowed throughout Europe to have aspiring young man, and to bring him forth to the world Britain-some of these we have taken the liberty of risen to the head of his profession; and thence, setting as his favourite and most promising pupil. omitting, believing that our readers will be more grati- his profession aside, to have been elevated to an intellecfied than if the whole had been retained. We conclude tual rank in society, as a man of letters.

with the opinion of the London Metropolitan Magazine, "this work will be universally read and generally liked.”

VOL. II.-10

* The year of Burney's decease.

To this proposal Mr. Burney, senior, was induced to

A fourth volume, of Correspondence, is announced by Madame D'Arblay, to appear at some future day.

consent; and in the year 1774, at the age of seventeen, the eager young candidate for fame rapturously set off, in company with Dr. Arne, for the metropolis.

DR. ARNE.

Arrived in London, young Burney found himself unrestrainedly his own master, save in what regarded his articled agreement with Dr. Arne.

Dr. Arne has been, professionally, fully portrayed by the pupil who, nominally, was under his guidance; but who, in after times, became the historian of his tuneful art. Eminent, however, in that art as was Dr. Arne, his eminence was to that art alone confined. Thoughtless, dissipated and careless, he neglected, or rather scoffed at, all other but musical reputation. And he was so little scrupulous in his ideas of propriety, that he took pride rather than shame in being publicly classed, even in the decline of life, as a man of pleasure.

EARL OF HOLDERNESSE.

balance between merit and recompense, is, that possibly and Tartini, whose compositions were then most in
the articles then in force with Dr. Arne, might disfran- fashion. But Mr. Greville, secretly suspicious of some
chise young Burney from the liberty of publication in connivance, coldly and proudly walked about the room;
his own name.
took snuff from a finely enamelled snuff-box, and looked
at some prints, as if wholly without noticing the per-
formance.
The first musical work by the subject of these memoirs He had, however, too much penetration not to per-
that he openly avowed, was a set of six sonatas for two ceive his mistake, when he marked the incautious care.
violins and a bass, printed in 1747, and dedicated to the lessness with which his inattention was returned; for
Earl of Holdernesse; to whose notice the author had soon, conceiving himself to be playing to very obtuse
been presented by some of the titled friends and protectors ears, young Burney left off all attempt at soliciting their
to whom he had become accidentally known.
favour; and only sought his own amusement by trying
The carl not only accepted with pleasure the music favourite passages, or practising difficult ones, with a
and the dedication, but conceived a regard for the young vivacity which showed that his passion for his art re-
composer, that soon passed from his talents to his person warded him in itself for his exertions. But coming,
and character.
at length, to keys of which the touch, light and spring-
ing, invited his stay, he fired away in a sonata of Scar-
latti's, with an alternate excellence of execution and ex-
While connections thus various, literary, classical, pression, so perfectly in accord with the fanciful flights
noble, and professional, incidentally occurred, combating of that wild but masterly composer, that Mr. Graville,
the deadening toil of the copyist, and keeping his mind satisfied no scheme was at work to surprise or win him,
in tune for intellectual pursuits and attainments, new but, on the contrary, that the energy of genius was let
scenes, most unexpectedly, opened to him the world at loose upon itself, and enjoying, without premeditation,
large, and suddenly brought him to a familiar acquaint- its own lively sports and vagaries; softly drew a chair
ance with high life.
to the harpsichord, and listened, with unaffected earn-
estness, to every note.

FULK GREVILLE.

Such a character was ill qualified to form or to protect the morals of a youthful pupil; and it is probable that not a notion of such a duty ever occurred to Dr. Arne; so happy was his self complacency in the fertility of his invention and the case of his compositions, and so dazzled by the brilliancy of his success in his powers of melody, which, in truth, for the English stage were, in sweetness and variety, unrivalled-that, satisfied and flat- Fulk Greville, a descendant of The Friend of Sir tered by the practical exertions and the popularity of his Philip Sydney, and afterwards author of Characters, Max- Nor were his ears alone curiously awakened; his eyes fancy, he had no ambition, or, rather, no thought con-ims, and Reflections, was then generally looked up to as were equally occupied to mark the peculiar performance cerning the theory of his art. the finest gentleman about town. His person, tall and of intricate difficulties; for the young musician had inThe depths of science, indeed, were the last that the well-proportioned, was commanding; his face, features, vented a mode of adding neatness to brilliancy, by curv. gay master had any inclination to sound; and in a very and complexion, were striking for masculine beauty; ing the fingers, and rounding the hand, in a manner short time, through something that mingled jealousy with and his air and carriage were noble with conscious dig-that gave them a grace upon the keys quite new at that ability, the disciple was wholly left to work his own way nity. time, and entirely of his own devising. as he could through the difficulties of his professional progress.

MRS. CIBBER.

Young Burney, now, was necessarily introduced to Dr. Arne's celebrated sister, the most enchanting actress of her day, Mrs. Cibber; in whose house, in Scotland Yard, he found himself in a constellation of wits, poets, actors, authors, and men of letters.

He was then in the towering pride of healthy manhood and athletic strength. He excelled in all the fashionable exercises, riding, fencing, hunting, shooting at a mark, dancing, tennis, &c.; and worked at every one of them with a fury for pre-eminence, not equalled, perhaps, in ardour for superiority in personal accomplishments, since the days of the chivalrous Lord Herbert of Cherbury.

To be easily pleased, however, or to make acknowledgment of being pleased at all, seems derogatory to strong self-importance; Mr. Greville, therefore, merely said, "You are fond, sir, it seems, of Italian music ?”

The reply to this was striking up, with all the varying undulations of the crescendo, the diminuendo, the pealing swell, and the “ dying, dying fall,” belonging to the powers of the pedal, that most popular masterpiece of Handel's, the Coronation Anthem.

His high birth, and higher expectation-for a coronet at that time, from some uncertain right of heritage, hung The most social powers of pleasing, which to the very almost suspended over his head-with a splendid fortune, This quickness of comprehension, in turning from end of his life endeared him to every circle in which he wholly unfettered, already in his hands, gave to him a Italian to German, joined to the grandeur of the commixed, were now first lighted up by the sparks of convi- consequence in the circles of modish dissipation that, at position, and the talents of the performer, now irresistivial collision which emanate, in kindred minds, from the the clubs of St. James's street, and on the race ground bly vanquished Mr. Greville; who, convinced of Kirkelectricity of conversation. And though, as yet, he was at Newmarket, nearly crowned him as chief. For though man's truth with regard to the harmonic powers of this but a gazer himself in the splendour of this galaxy, he had there were many competitors of more titled importance, son of Apollo, desired next to sift it with regard to the parts of such quick perception, and so laughter-loving a and more powerful wealth, neither the blaze of their wit. taste for wit and humour, that he not alone received de- heraldry, nor the weight of their gold, could preponderate, Casting off, therefore, his high reserve, with his jealight from the sprightly sallies, the ludicrous representa- in the buckish scales of the day, over the elegance of lous surmises, he ceased to listen to the music, and tions, or the sportive mimicries that here, with all the equipment, the grandeur, yet attraction of demeanour, started some theme that was meant to lead to converfrolic of high-wrought spirits, were bandied about from the supercilious brow, and the resplendent smile, that sation. guest to guest, he contributed personally to the general marked the lofty yet graceful descendant of Sir Philip But as this essay, from not knowing to what the enjoyment by the gaiety of his participation; and ap- Sydney. youth might be equal, consisted of such inquiries as, peared, to all but his modest self, to make an integral This gentleman one morning, while trying a new in-Have you been in town long, sir?" or, "Does your part of the brilliant society into which he was content, strument at the house of Kirkman, the first harpsichord taste call you back to the country, sir ?" &c. &c., his nay charmed, to seem admitted merely as an auditor. maker of the times, expressed a wish to receive musical young hearer, by no means preferring this inquisitorial instruction from some one who had mind and cultivation, style to the fancy of Scarlatti, or the skill and depth as well as finger and car; lamenting, with strong con-of Handel, slightly answered, "Yes, eir," or "No, sir;" tempt, that, in the musical tribe, the two latter were and, perceiving an instrument not yet tried, darted to it generally dislocated from the two former; and gravely precipitately, and seated himself to play a voluntary. asking Kirkman whether he knew any young musician who was fit company for a gentleman.

GARRICK.

Conspicuous in this bright assemblage, then hardly beyond the glowing dawn of his unparalleled dramatic celebrity, shone forth with a blaze of lustre that struck young Burney with enthusiastic admiration.

With Thomson, the poet, his favoured lot led him to the happiness of early and intimate, though, unfortunately, not of long enduring acquaintance, the destined race of Thomson, which was cut short nearly in the meridian of life, being already almost run.

Burney now set to music the Mask of Alfred, and the principal airs in the English burletta called Robin Hood, which was most flatteringly received at the theatre; and he composed the whole of the music of the pantomime of Queen Mab.

Kirkman, with honest zeal to stand up for the credit of the art by which he prospered, and which he held to be insulted by this question, warmly answered that he knew many; but, very particularly, one member of the harmonic corps, who had as much music in his tongue as in his hands, and who was as fit company for a prince as for an orchestra.

The charm of genuine simplicity is no where more of the world; for it induces what, of all things, he most powerful than with the practised and hackneyed man rarely experiences, a belief in sincerity.

nation.

Mr. Greville, therefore, though thwarted, was not displeased; for in a votary of the art he was pursuing, he saw a character full of talents, yet without guile; and, conceived from that moment, an idea that it was one he might personally attach. He remitted, therefore, Mr. Greville, with much surprise, made sundry and to some other opportunity, a further internal investigaformal enquiries into the existence, situation, and cha- tion. racter of what he called so great a phenomenon; pro- Mr. Kirkman now came forward to announce, that in He observed at this time the strictest incognito con- testing there was nothing he so much desired as the ex- the following week he should have a new harpsichord, cerning all these productions, though no motive for it is traordinary circumstance of finding any union of sense with double keys, and a deepened bass, ready for exami found among his papers. Queen Mab had a run which, with sound. at that time, had never been equalled, save by the open- The replies of the good German were so exciting, as well ing of the Beggar's Opera; and which has not since as satisfactory, that Mr. Greville became eager to see the side of Mr. Greville; or any idea on that of the subject They then parted, without any explanation on the been surpassed, save by the representation of the Duenna. youth thus extolled; but charged Mr. Kirkman not to The music, when printed, made its appearance in the betray a word of what had passed, that the interview of these memoirs, that he and his acquirements were world as the offspring of a society of the sons of Apollo: might be free from restraint, and seemed to be arranged objects of so peculiar a speculation. and Oswald, a famous bookseller, published it by that merely for showing off the several instruments that were and eagerly flew at once to the harpsichord, and tried it At the second interview, young Burney innocently title, and knew nothing of its real parentage. ready for sale, to a gentleman who was disposed to pur-with various recollections from his favourite composers. chase one of the most costly. Mr. Greville listened complacently and approvingly; but at the end of every strain, made a speech that he intended should lead to some discussion.

Sundry airs, ballads, cantatas, and other light musical productions, were put forth also, as from that imaginary society; but all sprang from the same source, and all were equally unacknowledged.

To this injunction Mr. Kirkman agreed, and conscientiously adhered.

A day was appointed, and the meeting took place. The sole conjecture to be formed upon a self-denial, to Young Burney, with no other idea than that of servwhich no virtue seems attached, and from which reason ving Kirkman, immediately seated himself at an instru. withdraws its sanction, as tending to counteract the justment, and played various pieces of Geminiana, Corelli,

Young Burney, however, more alive to the graces of melody than to the subtleties of argument, gave answers that always finished with full-toned chords, which as

constantly modulated into another movement; till Mr. equally high in a double celebrity, the most rarely accord- take a wife out of the window, whom he might just as Greville, tired and impatient, suddenly proposed changing ed to her sex, of beauty and of wit, and exquisite in her well have taken out of the door." places, and trying the instrument himself. possession of both, made an assault upon the eyes, the The immediate concurrence of the lovely new mistress He could not have devised a more infallible expedient understanding, and the heart of Mr. Greville; so potent of Wilbury House, in desiring the society, even more to provoke conversation; for he thrummed his own cho-in its first attack, and so varied in its after stages, that, than enjoying the talents of her lord and master's favoursen bits by memory with so little skill or taste, yet little as he felt at that time disposed to barter his bound-ite, occasioned his residence there to be nearly as unbrowith a pertinacity so wearisome, that young Burney, less liberty, his desultory pursuits, and his brilliant, ken as their own. And the whole extensive neighbourwho could neither hearken to such playing, nor turn though indefinite expectations, for a bondage so narrow, hood so completely joined in this kind partiality, that aside from such a player, caught with alacrity at every so derogatory to the swing of his wild will, as that of no engagement, no assemblage whatsoever took place, opening to discourse, as an acquittal from the fatigue of marriage appeared to him; he was caught by so many from the most selectly private, to the most gorgeously mock attention. charms, entangled in so many inducements, and inflamed public, to which the Grevilles were invited, in which he This eagerness gave a piquancy to what he said, that by such a whirl of passions, that he soon almost involun- was not included: and he formed at that period many stole from him the diffidence that might otherwise have tarily surrendered to the besieger; not absolutely at dis- connections of lasting and honourable intimacy; parti hung upon his inexperience; and endued him with a cretion, but very unequivocally from resistless impulse. cularly with Dr. Hawkesworth, M. Boone, and M. Cox. courage for uttering his opinions, that might else have This lady was Miss Fanny Macartney, the third daughfaded away under the trammels of distant respect. ter of Mr. Macartney, a gentleman of large fortune, and of an ancient Irish family.

himself.

In Horace Walpole's Beautics, Miss Fanny Macart ney was the Flora.

In Grenville's Maxims, Characters, and Reflections, she was also Flora, contrasted with Camilla, who was meant for Mrs. Garrick.

They acted, also, sundry proverbs, interludes, and farces, in which young Burney was always a principal In the subject of these memoirs, this effervescence of personage. In one, amonst others, he played his part freedom was clearly that of juvenile artlessness and overwith a humour so entertaining, that its nick-name was flowing vivacity; and Mr. Greville desired too sincerely fastened upon him for many years after its appropriate to gather the youth's notions and fathom his understandrepresentation. It would be difficult, indeed, not to acing, for permitting himself to check such amusing spirits, cord him theatrical talents, when he could perform with by proudly wrapping himself up, as at less favourable success a character so little congenial with his own, as moments he was wont to do, in his own consequence. He Miss Fanny Macartney was of a character which, at that of a finical, conceited coxcomb, a paltry and illitegrew, therefore, so lively and entertaining, that young least in its latter stages, seems to demand two pencils to rate poltroon; namely, Will Fribble, Esq., in Garrick's Burney became as much charmed with his company as delineate; so diversely was it understood, or appreciated. farce of Miss in her Teens. Mr. Greville himself was he had been wearied by his music; and an interchange To many she passed for being pedantic, sarcastic, and Captain Flash, and the beautiful Mrs. Greville was Miss of ideas took place, as frankly rapid, equal, and undaunt-supercilious: as such, she affrighted the timid, who Biddy Bellair; by which three names, from the great died, as if the descendant of the friend of Sir Philip Syd-shrunk into silence; and braved the bold, to whom she version their adoption had afforded, they corresponded ney had encountered a descendant of Sir Philip Sydney allowed no quarter. The latter, in truth, seemed to sti- with one another during several years. mulate exertions which brought her faculties into play; The more serious honour that had been conferred upon This meeting concluded the investigation; music, sing-and which-besides creating admiration in all who es- young Burney, of personating the part of father to Mrs. ing her gay triumph, took her stand at the helm; and a caped her shafts--appeared to offer to herself a mental Greville, was succeeded, in due season after these gay similar victory for capacity and information awaited but exercise, useful to her health, and agreeable to her spirits. espousals, by that of personating the part of god-father a few intellectual skirmishes, on poetry, politics, morals, Her understanding was truly masculine; not from to her daughter; in standing, as the representative of and literature, in the midst of which Mr. Greville, sud-being harsh or rough, but from depth, soundness, and the Duke of Beaufort, at the baptism of Miss Greville, denly and gracefully holding out his hand, fairly ac- capacity; yet her fine small features, and the whole afterwards the all-admired, and indescribably beautiful knowledged his scheme, proclaimed its success, and in-style of her beauty, looked as if meant by Nature for the Lady Crewe. vited the unconscious victor to accompany him to Wilbury most feminine delicacy: but her voice, which had some- Little could he then foresce, that he was bringing into thing in it of a croak; and her manner, latterly at least, the Christian community a permanent blessing for his of sitting, which was that of lounging completely at her own after-life, in one of the most cordial, confidential, ease, in such curves as she found most commodious, with open-hearted, and unalterable of his friends. her head alone upright; and her eyes commonly fixed, with an expression rather alarming than flattering, in examination of some object that caught her attention; But not to Mr. Greville alone was flung one of those probably caused, as they naturally excited, the hard gene-blissful or baneful darts, that sometimes fix in a moment, ral notion to her disadvantage above mentioned. and irreversibly, the domestic fate of man; just such

House.

The amazement of young Burney was boundless; but his modesty, or rather his ignorance that not to think highly of his own abilities merited that epithet, was most agreeably surprised by so complicate a flattery to his character, his endowments, and his genius.

But his articles with Dr. Arne were in full force; and it was not without a sigh that he made known his confined position.

Unaccustomed to control his inclinations himself, or to submit to their control from circumstances, expense, or difficulty, Mr. Greville mocked this puny obstacle; and, instantly visiting Dr. Arne in person, demanded his own terms for liberating his Cheshire pupil.

ESTHER.

This notion, nevertheless, though almost universally another, as potent, as pointed, as piercing, yet as deliharboured in the circle of her public acquaintance, was cious, penetrated, a short time afterwards, the breast of nearly reversed in the smaller circles that came more in young Burney; and from eyes perhaps as lovely, though contact with her feelings. By this last must be under- not as celebrated; and from a mind perhaps as highly stood, solely, the few who were happy enough to possess her gifted, though not as renowned. favour; and to them she was a treasure of ideas and of Esther Sleepe-this memorialist's mother-of whom Dr. Arne, at first, would listen to no proposition; pro- variety. The keenest of her satire yielded its asperity she must now with reverence, with fear-yet with pride testing that a youth of such promise was beyond all to the zest of her good-humour, and the kindness of her and delight-offer the tribute of a description-was equivalent. But no sooner was a round sum mentioned, heart. Her noble indifference to superior rank, if placed small and delicate, but not diminutive, in person. Her than the Doctor, who, in common with all the dupes of in opposition to superior merit; and her delight in com-face had that sculptural oval form which gives to the air extravagance, was evermore needy, could not disguise paring notes with those with whom she desired to balance of the head something like the ideal perfection of the from himself that he was dolorously out of cash; and the opinions, established her, in her own elected set, as one poet's imagination. Her fair complexion was embeldazzling glare of three hundred pounds could not but play of the first of women. And though the fame of her lished by a rosy hue upon her cheeks of Hebe freshnes. most temptingly in his sight, for one of those immediate, beauty must pass away in the same oblivious rotation Her eyes were of the finest azure, and beaming with the though imaginary wants, that the man of pleasure is al-which has withered that of her rival contemporaries, the brightest intelligence; though they owed to the softness ways sure to see waving, with decoying allurement, be-fame of her intellect must ever live, while sensibility of their lustre a still more resistless fascination; and fore his longing eyes. may be linked with poetry, and the Ode to Indifference they were set in her head with such a peculiarity of eleThe articles, therefore, were cancelled: and young shall remain to show their union. gance in shape and proportion, that they imparted a noBurney was received in the house of Mr. Greville as a The various incidents that incited and led to the con-bleness of expression to her brow and to her forehead, desired inmate, a talented professor, and a youth of ge- nection that resulted from this impassioned opening, ap- that, whether she were beheld when attired for society; nius: to which appellations, from his pleasantry, gaiety, pertain to the history of Mr. Greville; but, in its so- or surprised under the negligence of domestic avocation; reading, and readiness, was soon superadded the title-lemn ratification, young Burney took a part so essential, she could be viewed by no stranger whom she did not not of a humble, but of a chosen and confidential com-as to produce a striking and pleasing consequence to strike with admiration; she could be broken in upon by panion. much of his after life. no old friend who did not look at her with new pleasure. Young Burney now moved in a completely new sphere, The wedding, though no one but the bride and bride- It was at a dance that she first was seen by young and led a completely new life. All his leisure neverthe-groom themselves knew why, was a stolen one, and kept Burney, at the house of his elder brother, in Hatton less still was devoted to improvement in his own art, by profoundly secret; which, notwishstanding the bride was Garden; and that first sight was to him decisive, for he practice and by composition. But the hours for such under age, was by no means, at that time, difficult, the mar-was not more charmed by her beauty than enchanted by sage pursuits were soon curtailed from half the day to riage act having not yet passed. Young Burney, though her conversation.

its quarter; and again from that to merely the carly the most juvenile of the party, was fixed upon to give the So extraordinary, indeed, were the endowments of her morning that preceded any communication with his gay lady away, which evinced a trust and a partiality in the mind, that, her small opportunity for their attainment host: for so partial grew Mr. Greville to his new favour-bridegroom, that were immediately adopted by his fair considered, they are credible only from having been ite, that, speedily, there was no remission of claim upon partner; and by her unremittingly sustained, with the known upon proof. his time or his talents, whether for music or discourse. frankest confidence, and the sincerest esteem, through Nor even here ended the requisition for his presence; his company had a charm that gave a zest to whatever went forward: his opinions were so ingenious, his truth was so inviolate, his spirits were so entertaining, that, shortly, to make him a part of whatever was said or done, seemed necessary to Mr. Greville for either speech or

action.

MISS FANNY MACARTNEY.

New scenes, and of deeper interest, presented themselves ere long. A lovely female, in the bloom of youth,

the whole of a long and varied life. With sense and
taste such as hers, it was not, indeed, likely she should
be slack to discern and develope a merit so formed to
meet their perceptions.

Young Burney at this time had no power to sue for the hand, though he had still less to forbear suing for the heart, of this fair creature: not only he had no fortune to lay at her feet, no home to which he could take her, no prosperity which he could invite her to share; another barrier, which seemed to him still more formidable, stood imperviously in his way—his peculiar po

When the new married pair went through the custom-
ary routine of matrimonial elopers, namely, that of re-
turning home to demand pardon and a blessing, Mr.sition with Mr. Greville.
Macartney coolly said: "Mr. Greville has chosen to

* The bride's sisters, the Misses Macartney, were
privately present at this clandestine ceremony.

That gentleman, in freeing the subject of these memoirs from his engagements with Dr. Arne, meant to act with as much kindness as munificence; for, casting asido all ostentatious parade, he had shown himself as

desirous to gain, as to become, a friend. Yet was there no reason to suppose he purposed to rear a vine, of which he would not touch the grapes.

quish such solid friends, at the very moment that they felicity. Little formality was requisite, before the were preparing to give him the strongest proof of their passing of the marriage act, for presenting at the byfondness for his society, and of their zeal in his benefit meneal altar its destined votaries; and contracts the To be liberal, suited at once the real good taste of his and improvement. most sacred could be rendered indissoluble almost at character, and his opinion of what was due to his rank Young Burney was not the less unhappy at this de. the very moment of their projection: a strange dearth in life; and in procuring to himself the double pleasure cision from being sensible of its justice, since his judg-of foresight in those legislators who could so little weigh of the society and the talents of young Burney, he ment could not but thank her, in secret, for pronouncing the chances of a minor's judgment upon what, eventthought his largess to Dr. Arne well bestowed; but it the hard dictates of his own. ually, may either suit his taste or form his happiness, escaped his reflections, that the youth whom he made All that he now solicited was her picture, that he for the larger portion of existence that commonly folhis companion in London at Wilbury House, at New-might wear her resemblance next his heart, till that lows his majority. market, and at Bath, in quitting the regular pursuit of heart should beat to its responsive original. his destined profession, risked forfeiting the most cer- With this request she gracefully complied; and she tain guarantee to prosperity in business, progressive per- sate for him to Spencer, one of the most famous miniature painters of that day.

severance.

It was then he first felt the torment of uncertain situation; it was then he appreciated the high male value of self-dependence; it was then he first conceived, that, though gaiety may be found and followed, and met, and enjoyed abroad, not there, but at home, is happiness! Yet, from the moment a bosom whisper softly murmured to him the name of Esther, he had no difficulty to believe in the distinct existence of happiness from pleasure; and still less to devise where-for him-it must be sought.

When he made known to his fair enslaver his singular position, and entreated her counsel to disentangle him from a net, of which, till now, the soft texture had impeded all discernment of the confinement, the early wisdom with which she preached to him patience and forbearance, rather diminished than augmented his power of practising either, by an increase of admiration that doubled the eagerness of his passion. Nevertheless, he was fain to comply with her counsel, though less from acquiescence than from helplessness how to devise stronger measures, while under this name. less species of obligation to Mr. Greville, which he could not satisfy his delicacy in breaking; nor yet, in adhering to, justify his sense of his own rights.

All plan of going abroad was now, of course, at an end; and the Grevilles, and their beautiful infant daughter, leaving behind them Benedict the married man, set out, a family trio, upon their tour.

Of striking likeness was this performance, of which Rarely can the highest zest of pleasure awaken, in its the head and unornamented hair were excuted with the most active votary, a sprightliness of pursuit more gay most chaste simplicity and young Burney reaped from or more spirited, than Mr. Burney now experienced and this possession all that had power to afford him consola- exhibited in the commonly grave and sober carcer of tion; since he now could soften off the pangs of separa- business, from the ardour of his desire to obtain selftion, by gliding from company, public places or assem-dependence. blages, to commune by himself with the countenance of He worked not, indeed, with the fiery excitement of all he held most dear. expectation; his reward was already in his hands; but Thus solaced, he resigned himself with more courage from the nobler impulse he worked of meriting his fair to his approaching misfortune. lot; while she, his stimulus, deemed her own the highest The Grevilles, it is probable, from seeing him appa-prize from that matrimonial wheel whence issue bliss or rently revived, imagined that, awakened from his flights bane to the remnant life of a sensitive female. of fancy, he was recovering his senses: but when, from It was in the city, in consequence of his wife's conthis idea, they started, with light raillery, the tender nections, that Mr. Burney made his first essay as a housesubject, they found their utter mistake. The most dis-keeper; and with a prosperity that left not a doubt of his tant hint of abandoning such excellence, save for the ultimate success. Scholars, in his musical art, poured in moment, and from the moment's necessity, nearly con- upon him from all quarters of that British meridian; and vulsed him with inward disturbance; and so changed he mounted so rapidly into the good graces of those who his whole appearance, that, concerned as well as amazed, were most opulent and most influential, that it was no they were themselves glad to hasten from so piercing a sooner known that there was a vacancy for an organist topic. professor, in one of the fine old fabrics of devotion which Too much moved, however, to regain his equilibrium, decorate religion in the city and reflect credit on our he could not be drawn from a disturbed taciturnity, till commercial ancestors, than the Fullers, Hankeys, and all shame, conquering his agitation, enabled him to call other great houses of the day to which he had yet been back his self-command. He forced, then, a laugh at introduced, exerted themselves in his service with an ac his own emotion; but presently afterwards seized with tivity and a warmth that were speedily successful; and an irresistible desire of showing what he thought its that he constantly recounted with pleasure. vindication, he took from his bosom the cherished ininia- Anxious to improve as well as to prosper in his profes ture, and placed it, fearfully, almost awfully, upon asion, he also elaborately studied composition, and brought forth several musical pieces. But Mr. Burney, whether It was instantly and eagerly snatched from hand to from overstrained efforts in business; or from an applicahand by the gay couple; and young Burney had the un- tion exceeding his physical powers in composition; or Concealment was instantly at an end. The sudden speakable relief of perceiving that this impulsive trial from the changed atmosphere of Cheshire, Shropshire, dismay of his ingenuous countenance, though it told not was successful. With expansive smiles they examined and Wiltshire, for the confined air of our great and the cause, betrayed past recall his repugnance to the and discussed the charm of the complexion, the beauty crowded city; which had not then, as now, by a vast scheme. of the features, and the sensibility and sweetness con- mass of improvement, been made nearly as sane as it is With parts so lively, powers of observation so ready, veyed by their expression: and what was then the joy, populous; suddenly fell, from a state of the most vigorous and a spirit so delighting in whatever was uncommon the pride of heart, the soul's delight of the subject of health, to one, the most alarming, of premature decay. and curious, they had expected that such a prospect of these memoirs, when those fastidious judges, and supe. And to this defalcation of strength was shortly added the visiting new countries, surveying new scenes, mingling rior self-possessors of personal attractions, voluntarily seizure of a violent and dangerous fever that threatened with new characters; and traversing the foreign world, and generously united in avowing that they could no his life. under their auspices, in all its splendour, would have longer wonder at his captivation. raised in him a buoyant transport, exhilarating to behold. But the sudden paleness that overspread his face; his downcast eye; the quiver of his lips; and the unintelligible staminer of his vainly attempted reply, excited interrogatories so anxious and so vehement, that they soon induced an avowal that a secret power had gotten possession of his mind, and sturdily exiled from it all ambition, curiosity, or pleasure, that came not in the form of an offering to its all absorbing shrine.

But a discovery the most painful of the perturbed state of his mind, was soon afterwards impelled by a change of affairs in the Grevilles, which they believed would enchant him with pleasure; but which they found, to their unspeakable astonishment, overpowered him with This was no other than a plan of going abroad for some years, and of including him in their party.

affliction.

table.

As a statue he stood fixed before them; a smiling one, indeed; a happy one; but as breathless, as speechless, as motionless.

The excellent and able Dr. Armstrong, already the friend of the invalid, was now sent to his aid by the Hon. and Rev. Mr. Home, who had conceived the warmest esteem for the subject of these memoirs. The very sight of this eminent physician was medicinal; though the torture he inflicted by the blister after blister with which he Whether this were uttered sportively, inadvertently, deemed it necessary to almost cover, and almost flay or seriously, young Burney took neither time nor re-alive, his poor patient, required all the high opinion in flection to weigh; but, starting forward with ingenuous which that patient held the doctor's skill for endurance. transport, called out, "May I?" The unsparing, but well-poised, prescriptions of this

Mr. Greville then, with a laugh exclaimed, "But why,
Burney, why don't you marry her?"

Every objection and admonition which he had antiNo negative could immediately follow an interrogatory poetical Esculapius, succeeded, however, in dethroning cipated, were immediately brought forward by this con- that had thus been invited; and to have pronounced one and extirpating the raging fever, that, perhaps, with fession; but they were presented with a lenity that in another minute would have been too late; for the milder means, had undermined the sufferer's existence. showed his advisers to be fully capable of conceiving, enraptured and ardent young lover, hastily construing But a consumptive menace ensued, with all its fearful though persuaded that they ought to oppose his feelings. a short pause into an affirmative, blithely left them to train of cough, night perspiration, weakness, glassy eyes, Disconcerted, as well as dejected, because dissatisfied the enjoyment of their palpable amusement at his pre- and hectic complexion; and Dr. Armstrong, foreseeing as well as unhappy in his situation, from mental incer- cipitancy; and flew, with extatic celerity, to proclaim an evil beyond the remedies of medicine, strenuously titudes what were its real calls; and whether or not himself liberated from all mundane shackles, to her with urged an adoption of their most efficient successor, the ties of interest and obligation were here of sufficient whom he thought eternal bondage would be a state ccchange of air. strength to demand the sacrifice of those of love; he lestial. attempted not to vindicate, unreflectingly, his wishes; and still less did he permit himself to treat them as his union, intentions. With faint smiles, therefore, but stifled

From this period, to that of their exquisitely happy

"Gallop'd apace the fiery footed steeds,"

The patient, therefore, was removed to Canonbury. house; whence, ere long, by the further advice, nay, injunction, of Dr. Armstrong, he was compelled to retire wholly from London; after an illness by which, for thirteen weeks, he had been confined to his bed.

sighs, he heard with civil attention, their opinions; that urged on time with as much gay delight as pranthough, determined not to involve himself in any emMost fortunately, Mr. Burney, at this time, had propobarrassing conditions, he would risk no reply; and soon cing rapidity; for if they had not, in their matrimonial sals made to him by a Norfolk baronet, Sir John Turner, afterwards, curbing his emotion, he started abruptly preparations, the luxuries of wealth, neither had they who was member for Lynn Regis, of the place of organist another subject. its fatiguing ceremonies; if they had not the security of of that royal borough; of which, for a young man of future advantage, they avoided the torment of present talents and character, the mayor and corporation offered "They thought him wise, and followed as he led." procrastination; and if they had but little to bestow to raise the salary from twenty to one hundred pounds a All the anguish, however, that was here suppressed, upon one another, they were saved, at least, the impa- year; with an engagement for procuring to him the most found vent with redoubled force at the feet of the fair tience of waiting for the seals, signatures, and etiquettes respectable pupils from all the best families in the town partner in his disappointment; who, while unaffectedly of lawyers, to bind down a lucrative prosperity to sur- and its neighbourhood. sharing it, resolutely declined receiving clandestinely vivorship. Though greatly chagrined and mortified to quit a his hand, though tenderly she clung to his heart. She To the mother of the bride, alone of her family, was situation in which he now was surrounded by cordial would listen to no project that might lead him to relin- confided, on the instant, this spontaneous, this sudden friends, who were zealously preparing for him all the

harmonical honours which the city holds within its pa-produced, to meet there the great, the renowned, and the however trifling or common, of his friend's admission to tronage; the declining health of the invalid, and the forci- splendid, who, from their various villas, or the metropolis, the habitation of this great man. Vainly, however, Mr. bly pronounced opinion of his scientific medical coun-visited Haughton Hall. Burney looked around the apartment for something that sellor, decided the acceptance of this proposal; and Mr. Mr. Burney was soon one of those whom the penetrat- he might innoxiously purloin. Nothing but coarse and Burney, with his first restored strength, set out for his ing peer selected for a general invitation to his repasts; necessary furniture was in view; nothing portable-not new destination. and who here, as at Wilbury House, formed sundry inti- even a wafer, the cover of a letter, or a split pen, was to Mr. Burney was received at Lynn with every mark of macies, some of which were enjoyed by him nearly be caught; till, at length, he had the happiness to espie favour, that could demonstrate the desire of its inhabit-through life. an old hearth broom in the chimney corner. From this, ants to attach and fix him to that spot. He was intro- Meanwhile, he had made too real an impression on the with hasty glee, he cut off a bristly wisp, which he hurduced by Sir John Turner to the mayor, aldermen, re-affections of his first friends, to let absence of sight pro- ried into his pocket-book; and afterwards formally foldcorder, clergy, physicians, lawyers, and principal mer- duce absence of mind. With Mr. and Mrs. Greville he ed in silver paper, and forwarded, in a frank, to Lord Orchants, who formed the higher population of the town; was always in correspondence; though, of course, neither ford, for Mr. Bewley; by whom the burlesque offering and who in their traffic, the wine trade, were equally frequently nor punctually, now that his engagements was hailed with good-humoured acclamation, and preeminent for the goodness of their merchandise and the were so numerous, his obligations to fulfil them so serious, served through life. integrity of their dealings. and that his own fireside was so bewitchingly in harmony In 1760, Mr. Burney, with his wife and young family, The wife and the babies were soon now in his arms; with his feelings, as to make every moment he passed returned to London. The new establishment was in and this generous appreciator of the various charms of away from it a sacrifice. Poland street. the one, and kind protector of the infantile feebleness of Mr. Greville, now, was assuming a new character- The opening of this new plan of life was as successthe other, cast away every remnant of discontent; and that of an author; and he printed a work which he had ful to Mr. Burney as its projection had been promising. devoted himself to his family and profession, with an ar-long had in agitation, entitled "Maxims, Characters, and Pupils of rank, wealth and talents, were continually prodour that left nothing unattempted that seemed within Reflections, Moral, Serious, and Entertaining" a title posed to him; and, in a very short time, he had hardly an the grasp of industry, and nothing unaccomplished that that seemed to announce that England, in its turn, was hour unappropriated to some fair disciple. came within the reach of perseverance. now to produce, in a man of family and fashion, a La

DOCTOR JOHNSON.

ESTHER.

Thus glided away, in peace, domestic joys, improvement, and prosperity, this first-and last! happy year of the new London residence. In the course of the second, a cough, with alarming symptoms, menaced the breast of the life and soul of the little circle; consisting now of six children, clinging with equal affection around each parent chief.

He had immediately for his pupils the daughters of Bruyere, or a La Rochefoucault. And Mr. Greville, in every house in Lynn, whose chief had the smallest pre-fact, waited for a similar fame with dignity rather than tensions to belonging to the upper classes of the town; anxiety, because with expectation unclogged by doubt. while almost all persons of rank in its vicinity, eagerly sought the assistance of the new professor for polishing the education of their females: and all alike coveted his How singularly Mr. Burney merited encouragement society for their own information or entertainment. himself, cannot more aptly be exemplified than by porWith regard to the extensive neighbourhood, Mr. Bur- traying the genuine ardour with which he sought to ney had soon nothing left to desire in hospitality, friend-stimulate the exertions of genius in others, and to pro- She rapidly grew weaker and worse. Her tender husship, or politeness; and here, as heretofore, he scarcely mote their golden as well as literary laurels. band hastened her to Bristol Hotwells, whither he folever entered a house upon terms of business, without Mr. Burney was one of the first and most fervent ad- lowed her upon his first possible vacation; and where, leaving it upon those of intimacy. mirers of those luminous periodical essays upon morals, in a short time, he had the extasy to believe that he saw literature, and human nature, that adorned the eighteenth her recover, and to bring her back to her fond little century, and immortalised their author, under the vague family. and inadequate titles of the Rambler and the Idler. He But though hope was brightened, expectation was detook them both in; he read them to all his friends; and ceived! stability of strength was restored no more; and, was the first to bring them to a bookish little coterie that in the ensuing autumn, she was seized with an inflam assembled weekly at Mrs. Stephen Allen's. matory disorder with which her delicate and shaken At Haughton, at Felbrig, at Rainham, at Sir A. Wode-frame had not force to combat. No means were left unhouse's, at Major Mackenzie's, and wherever his judg-essayed to stop the progress of danger; but all were ment had weight, Mr. Burney introduced and recom- fruitless! and, after less than a week of pain the most mended these papers. And when, in 1755, the plan of terrific, the deadly ease of mortification suddenly, awDr. Johnson's Dictionary reached Norfolk, Mr. Burney, fully succeeded to the most excruciating torture. by the zeal with which he spread the fame of that lasting monument of the Doctor's matchless abilities, was enabled to collect orders for a Norfolk packet of half a dozen copies of that noble work.

At Holcomb, the superb collection of statues, as well as of pictures, could not fail to soon draw thither persons of such strong native taste for all the arts as Mr. Burney and his wife; though, as there were, at that time, which preceded the possession of that fine mansion by the Cokes, neither pupils nor a male chief, no intercourse beyond that of the civilities of reception on a public day, took place with Mr. Burney and the last very ancient lady of the house of Leicester, to whom Holcomb then belonged. Haughton Hall boasted, at that period, a collection of pictures that not only every lover of painting, but every British patriot in the arts, must lament that it can boast no longer.*

It had, however, in the heir and grandson of its founder, Sir Robert Walpole, first Earl of Orford, a possessor of the most liberal cast; a patron of arts and artists; munificent in promoting the prosperity of the first, and blending pleasure with recompense to the second, by the frank equality with which he treated all his guests; and the ease and freedom with which his unaffected good humour and good sense cheered, to all about him, his festal board.

his life.

Within two months of the date of this letter, its writer was honoured with the following answer.

"TO MR. BURNEY, IN LYNN REGIS, NORFOLK.

Twelve stated hours of morbid bodily repose became, from that tremendous moment of baleful relief, the counted boundary of her earthly existence.

pired.

The wretchedness of her idolising husband at the deThis empowered him to give some vent to his admira-velopment of such a predestined termination to her suftion; and a letter made the opening to a connection that ferings, when pronounced by the celebrated Dr. Hunter, he always considered as one of the greatest honours of was only not distraction. But she herself, though completely aware that her hours now were told, met the irrevocable doom with open, religious, and even cheerful composure-sustained, no doubt, by the blessed aspirations of mediatory salvation; and calmly declaring that she quitFar, nevertheless, from meriting unqualified praise was “SIR,—If you imagine that by delaying my answer I ted the world with perfect tranquillity, save for leaving this noble peer; and his moral defects, both in practice intended to show any neglect of the notice with which her tender husband and helpless children. And, in the and example, were as dangerous to the neighbourhood, of you have favoured me, you will neither think justly of arms of that nearly frantic husband, who till that fatal which he ought to have been the guide and protector, as yourself nor of me. Your civilities were offered with epoch had literally believed her existence and his own, the political corruption of his famous progenitor, the too much elegance not to engage attention; and I have in this mortal journey, to be indispensably one-she exstatesman, had been hurtful to probity and virtue, in the too much pleasure in pleasing men like you, not to feel courtly circles of his day, by proclaiming, and striving very sensibly the distinction which you have bestowed to bring to proof, his nefarious maxim, “ that every man has his price." "Few consequences of my endeavours to please or to benefit mankind, have delighted me more than your friendship thus voluntarily offered; which, now I have the period of this irreparable earthly blast. Not a perA total chasm ensues of all account of events belonging I hope to keep, because I hope to continue to deserve it. "I have no Dictionaries to dispose of for myself; but sonal memorandum of the unhappy survivor is left; not shall be glad to have you direct your friends to Mr. Dods- single document in his handwriting, except of verses to Those, however, if such there were, who might con- ley, because it was by his recommendation that I was his loss, and to her excellences, from some selected sonher idea, or to her memory; or of imitations, adapted to conclude from this degrading familiarity, that the Patty employed in the work. of Lord Orford was "every body's Patty," must soon "When you have leisure to think again upon me, let nets of Petrarch, whom he considered to have loved, enhave been undeceived, if tempted to make any experi- me be favoured with another letter, and another yet, when tombed, and bewailed another Esther in his Laura. From his mournful monotony of life, he was espement upon such a belief. The peer knew whom he trust-you have looked into my Dictionary. If you find faults, ed, though he rewarded not the fidelity in which he con- I shall endeavour to mend them: if you find none, I cially, however, called, by reflecting that his eldest daughfided; but the fond, faulty Patty loved him with a blind- shall think you blinded by kind partiality: but to have ter was fast advancing to that age when education is ness of passion, that hid alike from her weak percep-made you partial in his favour will very much gratify the ambition of, sir, your most obliged and most humble

At the head of Lord Orford's table was placed, for the reception of his visiters, a person whom he denominated simply "Patty" and that so unceremoniously, that all the most intimate of his associates addressed her by the same free appellation.

tions, her own frailties, and his seductions.

upon me.

In all, save that blot, which, on earth, must to a female servant, be ever indelible, Patty was good, faithful, kind, friendly, and praise-worthy.

The table of Lord Orford, then commonly called Arthur's Round Table, assembled in its circle all of peculiar merit that its neighbourhood, or rather that the county

The whole of this finest gallery of pictures that, then, had been formed in England, was sold, during some pecuniary difficulties, by its owner, George, Earl of Orford, for £40,000, to Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia.

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SAM. JOHNSON.

Gough-square, Fleel-street, April 8, 1755."

it,

It was yet some years later, before Mr. Burney found an opportunity of paying his personal respects to Dr. Johnson; who then, in 1760, resided in chambers at the Temple. No account, unfortunately, remains of this first interview, except an anecdote that relates to Mr. Bewley. While awaiting the appearance of his revered host, Mr. Burney recollected a supplication from the philosopher of Massingham, to be indulged with some token,

late survivor immured himself almost from light and When the fatal scene was finally closed, the disconsolife, through inability to speak or act, or yet to bear witnesses to his misery.

to

a

most requisite to improvement; and that, at such a period, the loss of her mother and instructress might be perma. nently hurtful to her, if no measure should be taken to avert the possible consequences of neglect.

Yet the idea of a governess, who, to him, unless his children were wholly confined to the nursery, must indispensably be a species of companion, was not, in his present desolate state of mind, even tolerable. Nevertheless masters without superintendence, and lessons without practice, he well knew to be nugatory. Projects how to remedy this evil, as fruitless as they were numberless, crossed his mind; till a plan occurred to him, that by combining economy with novelty, and change of scene

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