BEAU BRUMMELL


Amongst the curious freaks of fortune there is none more remarkable
in my memory than the sudden appearance, in the highest and best society
in London, of a young man whose antecedents warranted a much less conspicuous
career: I refer to the famous Beau Brummell. We have innumerable instances
of soldiers, lawyers, and men of letters, elevating themselves from
the most humble stations, and becoming the companions of princes and
lawgivers; but there are comparatively few examples of men obtaining
a similarly elevated position simply from their attractive personal
appearance and fascinating manners. Brummell's father, who was a steward
to one or two large estates, sent his son George to Eton. He was endowed
with a handsome person, and distinguished himself at Eton as the best
scholar, the best boatman, and the best cricketer; and, more than all,
he was supposed to possess the comprehensive excellences that are represented
by the familiar term of "good fellow." He made many friends amongst
the scions of good families, by whom he was considered a sort of Crichton;
and his reputation reached a circle over which reigned the celebrated
Duchess of Devonshire. At a grand ball given by her Grace, George Brummell,
then quite a youth, appeared for the first time in such elevated society.
He immediately became a great favourite with the ladies, and was asked
by all the dowagers to as many balls and soirees as he could attend.

At last the Prince of Wales sent for Brummell, and was so much pleased
with his manner and appearance, that he gave him a commission in his
own regiment, the 10th Hussars. Unluckily, Brummell, soon after joining
his regiment, was thrown from his horse at a grand review at Brighton,
when he broke his classical Roman nose. This misfortune, however, did
not affect the fame of the beau; and although his nasal organ had undergone