abandoned it, and had recourse to the stage. His first performance was in the character of Othello, but the plaudits he received upon that occasion, were not equal to his expectations. He therefore struck out into a new and untrodden path, by taking upon himself the double character of author and performer. In 1747, he opened the Little Theatre, in the Haymarket, with a drama of his own, called, " The Diversions of the Morning," which was represented above forty mornings to crowded audiences. This piece was little more than the introduction of well-known characters in real life, whose voice and manner he imitated with great facility and precision. He was, indeed, celebrated in the line of mimicry, or what is familiarly called taking off. The next season he produced another exhibition, called, "An Auction of Pictures," in which he took off some of the most remarkable characters of the day. Still he continued to play at one of the royal theatres every season, as fancy or interest governed his choice, though generally only for a limited number of nights. In 1760, he produced "The Minor," at the Haymarket, and from that time, that little house became a summer-theatre. In February 1766, when on a visit at Lord Mexborough's in the country, he had the misfortune to fall from his horse and break his leg; in consequence of which he was ob liged to have it amputated. The Duke of York was present when this accident happened, and it is generally supposed, that this disaster facili facilitated the grant of a patent, which was obtained in July of the same year. In 1776, he wrote a piece, in which he attacked a lady of quality, then the subject of much conversation; but that lady had influence enough to hinder its representation. Some charges of a very serious nature were afterwards brought against him; and though the accusations are supposed to have originated from malice, and though he was honourably acquitted, they had a deep effect upon his mind, and the year following he died at Dover, in his way to France. His remains were brought to town, and deposited in Westminster Abbey. Foote has justly been called the English Aristophanes ; and no greater proof need be given of his comic powers, than the following anecdote related by Dr. Johnson.-" The first time (says he) I was in company with Foote, was at Fitzherbert's. Having no good opinion of the fellow, I was resolved not to be pleased; and it is very difficult to please a man against his will. I went on, eating my dinner pretty sullenly, affecting not to mind him; but the dog was so very comical, that I was obliged to lay down my knife and fork, throw myself back in my chair, and fairly laugh it out. Sir, he was irresistable." His dramatic pieces, which exceed twenty in number, have been publishet in four volumes, 8vo. The following anecdote will shew that Foote was fully entitled to the character given of him by Dr. Johnson. The compiler of this article had it from the lips of the English Aristophanes ; and, As and, as nearly as he can recollect, in the following words. "After an infinite number of pressing invitations from Mr. Sheriff Vaillant, to take a casual dinner with him, as I frequently passed his house, in the road to my little mansion at Elstree, I accordingly called, and had such a reception as I expected from an avaricious man. The door, in obedience to my knock, opened, when I saw the sheriff pop out of the hall back-door into the garden. I then asked the servant, if her master was at home.-No,' said the tutored female.--By your permission, then, my dear, I'll take a walk in your garden. By all means,' replied the obliging fair one. soon as I entered the garden, I saw the sheriff enter the temple of the goddess Cloacina, where I kept him close prisoner for upwards of an hour and half. Determined, however, to let him know that I had seen him, and have the full enjoyment of my joke, I knocked at the door of the fragrant tenement, saying with a loud voice, you may come out, Mr. Sheriff, for I am going." At another time, Foote exercised his pleasantry on the same gentleman, and through him on the English Roscius. Foote was certainly generous, and delighted in lashing those of a contrary disposition. The following anecdote may be relied on. When Mr. Foote had a house at West-end, Hampstead, he invited a number of friends in London to dine with him, twenty of whom obeyed the invitation, and fared sumptuously. The repast being over, Dr. Hiffernan, who was one one of the company, drew from his pocket proposals for a new translation of Horace; the conditions stating, that the price would be two guineas, half to be paid at the time of subscribing, and the other half on the delivery of the book. Our Aristophanes threw down. his guinea without delay, declaring himself a subscriber; and every person present instantly followed his example. But after Hiffernan had pocketed the twenty guineas, our host delivered the following remonstrance, addressing himself to the now affluent physician,-"Hiffernan, this is about the thirty-fifth time that I have subscribed to your Horace, but for Heaven's sake never think of printing it; it is hardship enough to be obliged to throw away a guinea; but the further punishment of reading your vile nonsense would be intolerable." The Doctor smiled, and implicitly followed his advice, for not a line of his Horace ever appeared, But, though Foote was generous upon this occasion, it may, perhaps, be deemed a breach of hospitality to levy a tax on his guests, at his own table, even though he had subscribed thirty-five times himself. It seems clear to have been a concerted plan between the two dramatic authors. FORBES (The Hon. John), was, at the time of his death, the oldest officer of the navy, and general of the marines. He was successively appointed post-captain in 1736, rear-admiral, 1747, and admiral in 1758. In 1781 he was appointed admiral of the fleet. He was remarkable, above all other men, for his extensive tensive and universal knowledge. To detail the meritorious deeds of the venerable character before us, would lead to a discussion too extensive, but the writer of this tribute to departed greatness, cannot conclude it, without a few anecdotes of him. When the warrant for executing the unfortunate admiral Byng was offered for signature at the admiralty board, Admiral Forbes refused to sign it, at the same time humbly laying at his late majesty's feet his objections;-a copy of which may be seen in Smollet's History of England. They are well worthy the attention of all men of honour; as they contain, perhaps, the best specimen of an upright and independent mind, and an honest and benevolent heart, that is to be found in any language. During a late administration, it was thought expedient to offer a noble lord, very high in the naval profession, the office of general of the marines, held by Admiral Forbes, and spontaneously conferred upon him by his Majesty, as a reward for his many and long services. It was signified to him, by the ministers, that it would forward the king's service if he would resign: and that he should be no loser by accommodating government, as they proposed recommending to the king to give him a pension in Ireland, of 3000l. per annum, and a peerage to descend to his daughter. To this Admiral Forbes sent an immediate answer: He told the ministers, the generalship of marines was a military employment, given him as a reward for his services; that he thanked God he had |