FARQUHAR. 119 He was well received, and had the advantage of a good person; but his voice unfortunately was weak, and he was not blessed with a sufficient stock of assurance, as he never could overcome his natural timidity; he resolved, however, to continue on the stage, till fortune should pre sent better circumstances to his view. But his resolution. was speedily destroyed by an accident which had nearly changed a fictitious tragedy into a real one. Playing the part of Guyomar, in the Indian Emperor, who is supposed to kill Vasquez, one of the Spanish generals, he forgot to change his sword for a foil, and in the combat, he wounded his brother tragedian, who represented Vasquez, very dan gerously, and although the wound did not prove mortal, yet he was so shocked at the event, that he determined never more to appear on the stage. Shortly after this, having no inducement to remain in Dublin, he accompanied his friend Wilks to London, in the year 1696*, who being thoroughly acquainted with the talents and humour of our author, persuaded him to write a play, assuring him that he was considered by a l l who knew him i n a much brighter light than h e had yet shewn himself, and that h e was fitter t o furnish composi tions for the stage than t o echo those o f other poets upon i t . He likewise received a more substantial encourage ment, which enabled him t o exercise his genius a t leisure; for the Earl o f Orrery, who was a patron (as well a s a man) o f literary attainments, conferred a lieutenant's commission upon him i n his own regiment, i n Ireland, which station Farquhar held several years, and a s a n offi cer behaved himself without reproach, and gave several instances, both o f his courage and conduct. I n 1698, h i s comedy, called, “Love i n a Bottle,” ap peared o n the stage, and for i t s sprightly dialogue and busy scenes, was well received b y the audience. This
Mr. Wilks having received from Mr. Rich a proposal o f four pounds a week i f h e would return t o London, which being rather a high salary a t that time, h e thought f i t t o accept i t .
