The life of Nelly truly shewn.

Sir George spent a life of ease, pleasure, and affluence, at least
never was long, nor much, exposed to want. He seems to have possessed
a sprightly genius, to have had an excellent turn for comedy, and very
happy in a courtly dialogue. We have no proof of his being a scholar,
and was rather born, than made a poet. He has not escaped the censure of
the critics; for his works are so extremely loose and licentious, as to
render them dangerous to young, unguarded minds: and on this account our
witty author is, indeed, justly liable to the severest censure of the
virtuous, and sober part of mankind.


[Footnote 1: Biogr. Brit. p. 1844.]

* * * * *


THE LIFE OF

WILLIAM MOUNTFORD.

This gentleman, who was very much distinguished as a player, was born in
the year 1659, but of what family we have no account, farther than that
they were of Staffordshire; the extraordinary circumstances of Mr.
Mountford's death, have drawn more attention upon him, than he might
otherwise have had; and though he was not very considerable as a poet,
yet he was of great eminence as an actor. Mr. Cibber, in his Apology for
his own Life, has mentioned him with the greatest respect, and drawn his
character with strong touches of admiration. After having delineated