Page:Great Men and Famous Women Volume 8.djvu/220

348 ARTISTS AND AUTHORS madness, to the extremes of levity and humor, and go through the whole circle of theatric evolution with the most surprising velocity. On the death of Mr. Lacy, joint patentee of Drury Lane with Mr. Garrick, in 1773, the whole management of that theatre devolved on Mr. Garrick. But in 1776, being about sixty years of age, he sold his share of the patent, and formed a resolution of quitting the stage. He was, however, determined, before he left the theatre, to give the public proofs of his abilities to delight them as highly as he had ever done in the flower and vigor of his life. To this end he pre- sented them with some of the most capital and trying characters of Shakespeare ; with Hamlet, Richard, and Lear, besides other parts which were less fatiguing. Hamlet and Lear were repeated ; Richard he acted once only, and by the king's command. His Majesty was much surprised to see him, at an age so advanced, run about the field of battle with so much fire, force, and agility. He finished his dramatic race, with one of his favorite parts, with Felix, in " The Wonder a Woman Keeps a Secret." When the play was ended, Mr. Gar- rick advanced toward the audience, with much palpitation of mind, and visible emotion in his countenance. No premeditation whatever could prepare him for this affecting scene. He bowed — he paused — the spectators were all attention. After a short struggle of nature, he recovered from the shock he had felt, and addressed his auditors in the following words : " Ladies and Gentlemen : It has been customary with persons under my circumstances to address you in a farewell epilogue. I had the same intention, and turned my thoughts that way ; but indeed, I found myself then as incapable of writing such an epilogue, as I should be now of speaking it. "The jingle of rhyme and the language of fiction would but ill suit my present feelings. This is to me a very awful moment ; it is no less than parting forever with those from whom I have received the greatest kindness and favors, and upon the spot where that kindness and those favors were enjoyed." [Here he was unable to proceed till he was relieved by a shower of tears.] " Whatever may be the changes of my future life, the deepest impression of your kindness will always remain here " (putting his hand on his breast) " fixed and unalterable. I will very readily agree to my successors having more skill and ability for their station than I have ; but I defy them all to take more sin- cere, and more uninterrupted pains for your favor, or to be more truly sensible of it, than is your humble servant." After a profound obeisance, he retired, amid the tears and acclamations of a most crowded and brilliant audience. He died on Wednesday morning, January 20, 1779, at eight o'clock, without a groan. The disease was pronounced to be a palsy in the kidneys. On Mon- day, February 1st, the body of David Garrick was conveyed from his own house in the Adelphi, and most magnificently interred in Westminster Abbey, under the monument of his beloved Shakespeare. He was attended to the grave by persons of the first rank ; by men illustrious for genius, and famous for science ; by those who loved him living, and lamented his death.