Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/263

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OF CELEBRATED WOMEN.
249

Stephen Fox; and, afterwards, a young officer, named Carrol, who was likewise shortly after killed in a duel.

On his death she became an author for subsistence, and wrote fifteen plays, three farces, and several little poems; for some of which she is said to have received considerable complimentary presents from very great personages. Her most popular plays are, The Busy Body; The Wonder, a Woman keeps a Secret; and A Bold Stroke for a Wife. Their character is bustle, spirit, and plot. She afterwards went upon the stage, and at Windsor, in 1706, when she was acting the part of Alexander the Great, Mr. Joseph Centlivre, who had been one of Queen Anne's cooks, fell in love with and married her. She unfortunately wrote a song against Pope's Homer, before he published it, which made him give her a place in the Dunciad. She corresponded, for many years, with several men of wit, particularly with Steele, Rowe, Budgell, Sewell, Amherst, &c.

New Biographical Dictionary, &c.


CEO, or CIEL (YOLANDA DE) a Nun of Lisbon. Born 1603, died 1693,

Famous for her poetical talents and her eloquence. She wrote some religious theatrical pieces; and all her works fill two vols. in folio.

CERDA,