- cords in a few expressive words the singular story
of his life:
"Connubialis amor de Mulcibre fecit Apellem."
JOHN WESLEY JARVIS.
Jarvis, though a wayward and eccentric man, unfortunately
for himself and the world too much given
to strong potations, was "a fellow of infinite
jest, of most excellent fancy," whose "gambols,
songs, and flashes of merriment were wont to set
the table on a roar." He was a merry wag, and an
inimitable story-teller and mimic. Some of his
stories were dramatized by Dunlap, Hackett, and
Matthews, the best of which is the laughable farce
of Monsieur Mallet. Dunlap says, "Another story
which Matthews dressed up for John Bull, originated
with Jarvis. From a friend I have what I suppose
to be the original scene. My friend was passing
the painter's room, when he suddenly threw up
the window, and called him in, saying, 'I have
something for your criticism, that you will be pleased
with.' He entered, expecting to see a picture,
or some other specimen of the fine arts, but nothing
of the kind was produced—he was, however, introduced
with a great deal of ceremony, to Monsieur
B, 'celebrated for his accurate knowledge of
the English language, and intimate critical acquaintance
with its poetry—particularly Shakspeare.' Mr.
A, as I shall call my friend, began to understand
Jarvis' object in calling him in. After a lit-
