3415 ARTISTS AND AUTHORS expression of the features from the genuine works of nature, they had been strangers, at least for some time. But after he had gone through a variety of scenes, in which he gave evident proofs of consummate art and perfect knowl- edge of character, their doubts were turned into surprise and astonishment, from which they relieved themselves by loud and reiterated applause. They were more especially charmed when the actor, after having thrown aside the hypocrite and politician, assumed the warrior and the hero. . When news was brought to Richard that the Duke of Buckingham was taken, Garrick's look and action, when he pronounced the words " Off with his head ! So much for Buckingham ! " were so magnificent and important, from his visible enjoyment of the incident, that several loud shouts of approbation proclaimed the triumph of the actor and satisfaction of the audience. Richard's dream before the battle, and his death, were accompanied with the loudest gratulations of applause. Such was the universal approbation which followed our young actor, that the more established theatres of Drury Lane and Covent Garden were deserted. Garrick drew after him the inhabitants of the most polite parts of the town : Goodman's Fields were full of the splendor of St. James' and Grosvenor Square ; the coaches of the nobility filled up the space from Temple Bar to Whitechapel. He had so perfectly convinced the public of his superior accom- plishments in acting, that not to admire him would not only have argued an ab- sence of taste, but the grossest stupidity. Those who had seen and been de- lighted with the most admired of the old actors, confessed that he had excelled the ablest of them in the variety of the exhibitions, and equalled them all in their most applauded characters. Alexander Pope was persuaded by Lord Orrery to see him in the first dawn of his fame. That great man, who had often seen and admired Betterton, was struck with the propriety and beauty of Mr. Garrick's action ; and as a convinc- ing proof that he had a good opinion of his merit, he told Lord Orrery that he was afraid the young man would be spoiled, for he would have no competitor. Mr. Garrick shone forth like a theatrical Newton ; he threw new light on elocution and action ; he banished ranting, bombast, and grimace ; and restored nature, ease, simplicity, and genuine humor. In 1742 he entered into stated agreements with Fleetwood, patentee of Drury Lane, for the annual income of ^500. His fame continued to increase at the royal theatre, and soon became so extended that a deputation was sent from Ire- land, to invite him to act in Dublin during the months of June, July, and Aug- ust, upon very profitable conditions. These he embraced, and crossed the seas to the metropolis of Ireland in June, 1742, accompanied by Mrs. Woffington. His success at Dublin exceeded all imagination, though much was expected from him ; he was caressed by all ranks of people as a prodigy of theatrical ac- complishment. During the hottest days in the year the play-house was crowded
