194 FARQUPIAR. knowledge of refinement in sentiments or expences, and was in every respect well fitted for her humble station. Of his wife, little else is known, than that she died in cir cumstances of the utmost indigence. Of Farquhar's merits as a writer, various opinions have been entertained, and a comparison between him and Congreve has been attempted by some critics. That he rises far superior to Congreve, we imagine cannot admit of a doubt. Always sprightly and natural; his style, pleasant and unaffected; his wit, sparkling and flowing; and his plots are generally well contrived and interesting; “He possesses a lively and fertile genius.” That they both were the advocates of vice, must be allowed; and the superiority of Farquhar consists in his adorning her with wit and gentility, while Congreve thrusts her forward in her natural deformity of gross ideas and indecent language. There are few that can read or see his comedy of “Love for Love,” which critics have allowed to be his best, without being disgusted from the first scene to the last; and as truly may it be affirmed, that there is scarce an individual that witnesses a tolerable representation of “The Beaux Stratagem,” that is not decoyed into the snare of admiration. Delighted with the intrepidity of Archer and Aimwell; neither reader or spectator immediately perceive that these two accom plished gentlemen are thorough impostors, and that the sprightly, the pitiable Mrs. Sullen is nothing less than a deliberate violator of her marriage vow. This comedy had only been acted a night or two, when the author, in the midst of those honours which he derived from its brilliant reception—died : As a proof that Farquhar was perfectly sensible of his dangerous state, and that he retained his cheerfulness to the last, the following anecdote is told. The celebrated actress, Mrs. Oldfield, performed the part of Mrs. Sullen, when the comedy was first produced, and being greatly interested in i t s success, from the esteem she bore the author, when i t drew near the last rehearsal, she requested
