travels, in gratitude for Mr. Cradock's services as his representative in the office of High-sheriff for Leicestershire. This vase is engraved in the "History of Leicestershire," vol. II. p. 590.

Mr. Cradock was now thoroughly initiated into all the gaieties and amusements of a town life, and seems to have spent much of his time in theatrical and musical company. The bent of his mind lay that way. "I was born a player, a fisher, and a gardener," said he to a friend, shortly before his death. "If,” as Horace observes, “ you chase away nature with ever so great indignity, she will always return upon vou. There is we think no doubt, that Mr. Cradock would have adopted the stage for a profession, had he not been born to an ample patrimony. He was now the intimate associate of Garrick (whom he much resembled in figure and style of acting); the witty, though profligate Foote, Dr. Arne, Cumberland, Mrs. Yates, &c. Many interesting anecdotes of these celebrated characters enliven his "Memoirs." But Mr. Cradock was at the same time admitted to the first literary circles of that day, and such a constellation of genins will not soon again shine together. With the Duke of Grafton, Lord Thurlow, and his brother the Bishop, Lord Sandwich, Bishop Hinchliffe, Bishop Hurd, Bishop Percy, the giant in literature Johnson, Burke, the amiable Goldsmith, Dr. Askew, Dr. Farmer, Dr. Parr, George Steevens, &c. &c. he was in habits of intimacy. "Of Dr. Johnson's manner," says Mr. Cradock, "Garrick was a great mimick, and by his imitations at times rendered Johnson abundantly ridiculous. Tom Davies monopolized his laugh, and his laugh was that of a rhinoceros; but in a plain, dictatorial style, Mr. Nichols, from a long acquaintance, could generally speak most like the venerable Luminary.”

In 1766, his friend Dr. Farmer addressed to Mr. Cradock, his celebrated Essay, which determined the question as to the "Learning of Shakspeare;" a more satisfactory pamphlet has scarcely ever appeared. Farmer was about that time a frequent visitor of Mr. Cradock, then in Dean-street, Soho; from whence Dr. Farmer's sister was married to the Hon. and Rev. Mr. Byron, Prebendary of Durham. In the same year, Mr. Cradock gave a service of

plate to the parish church of Gumley, and about that time took up his residence at his mansion in that village, which he had then recently built. It was rather calculated from its size and splendour, for a nobleman of immense fortune, than for his more limited means. But there is some excuse for Mr. Cradock. He was encouraged to pursue his plan of building by a relative, who promised to leave him his property and estate, which ultimately went to another branch of his family. A similar disappointment from another quarter, occurred some years afterwards. Indeed we doubt not, that the building of this mansion laid the first seeds of those embarrassments that ever afterwards embittered his life. The fact was, that Mr. Cradock had never been initiated into the value of money. He came into life under great disadvantages, without a parent's friendly care, and no doubt was frequently the prey of designing men.

At Gumley, however, he settled, and his embarrassments were scarcely known to any but himself and his amiable Lady. He was on all occasions the person to come forward in the most prompt and spirited manner with his purse or advice, whenever either would contribute to public good or public amusement. Whether as steward of a race course, conductor of a public musical festival, or chairman of a canal or other public meeting, he was ever ready, and always discharged those various duties to the satisfaction of all parties concerned.

In 1767, not having any shelter from a profession, he was early in life called on to fill the office of High Sheriff for Leicestershire; and in 1781, acted as representative in that office for his relative, Sir E. C. Hartopp, bart.

In 1768, he was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, at the recommendation of his friend Dr. Askew; and at his death was the senior Fellow of that learned body.

Mr. Cradock's love for dramatic amusements has been before alluded to. He now fitted up a small theatre in his hall at Gumley; and the private theatricals there were long the talk of the country round. Mr. Cradock and his accomplished lady were performers, and were supported by amateur friends of distinction. Garrick was sometimes his guest; and Mr. Cradock's powers of acting may be

judged of, by the anecdote, that Garrick proposed to play the Ghost to Mr. Cradock's Hamlet; and that Garrick was to act Lord Ogilby, whilst Mr. Cradock was to fill two characters in the same comedy, Sir John Melville and Brush.

Mr. Cradock wrote only one prologue for his friend Garrick, who was himself distinguished for this species of composition. It was the prologue to the revived tragedy of Timoleon, and is printed in Mr. Cradock's "Memoirs," vol. 1. p. 210.

At the time of the Stratford Jubilee, in 1769, Mr. Cradock was so happy as to be enabled to assist his friend Garrick in several minor arrangements, which drew from the great actor his especial acknowledgements.

Mr. Cradock also collected at Gumley a very splendid library; among other valuable books, several first editions of the classics. A Euripides, with Milton's MS. notes, mentioned by Dr. Johnson, and more fully by Mr. Joddrell, in his "Illustrations of Euripides;" this curious volume Mr. Cradock presented to his friend Sir Henry Halford, a short time before his death. A "Manilius," with Dr. Bentley's MS. notes, &c.

Mr. Cradock's taste for landscape gardening was first made known to the public by an Essay on that subject, which he inserted in a little volume, printed in 1774, entitled, Village Memoirs; in a series of Letters, between a Clergyman and his Family in the Country, and his Son in Town." This little novel was a vehicle for observations on religion, poetry, criticisin, theatrical amusements, and other subjects (as well as landscape gardening), and was favourably noticed by the Critical and Monthly Reviews. Mr. Cradock seems to have contemplated a more enlarged publication on this subject, but conceived it to be superseded by a work by the Rev. George Mason, 1795, which most ably and kindly noticed Mr. Cradock's Essay. He, however, reprinted the substance of his Essay in his "Literary Memoirs," vol. 1. pp. 47 -61.

For very many years Mr. Cradock exercised his taste for landscape gardening in his own beautiful domain. Nature had been bountiful in the formation of the place; and taste was every where conspicuous. A part of

the plantation was originally made by the late reverend and benevolent Mr. Hanbury, rector of Church Langton, co. Leicester, with a view to successive sales of timber, for the benefit of an extensive charity. He had a lease for 39 years; but the unexpired part of the term was afterwards purchased by Mr. Cradock. The walks through the plantations for several years being generously open to the public, it was a fashionable resort, in summer, for company from Leicester and the neighbourhood. The views hence are picturesque and striking; and from a hill near the mansion, is a most extensive prospect, from beyond Atherstone on one side, to the extremity of the vale beyond Rockingham Castle on the other. Gumley, from time immemorial, has been famous for its fox-earths.

Mr. Cradock's taste and skill in music led him also to the intimacy of the Earl of Sandwich, Mr. Joah Bates, &c. At Hinchinbrook, the seat of Lord Sandwich, Mr. Cradock was frequently domesticated. During the Christmas week oratorios were there performed by the first musical professors of the day. Mr. Bates, Signor Giardini, Norris, Champness, and Greatorex, regularly attended. unfortunate Miss Ray, then under the protection of Lord Sandwich, possessed great powers of song, and Lord Sandwich was himself a performer.

The

In 1771, on the opening of the Leicester Infirmary, Sept. 11th, a grand overture, and select pieces of musick from the Messiah, were performed at St. Martin's Church, commencing with the Coronation Anthem. Dr. Green, Bishop of Lincoln, preached on the occasion. In the evening there was a grand concert at the Assembly Room. The whole was conducted by Mr. Cradock and the Rev. Mr. Jenner.

Mr. Garrick engaged the principal performers, and made an offer of the music-books from Drurylane Theatre. Dr. Fisher, from Covent-garden Theatre, led. Vernon, Champness, and Mr. Barthelemon, saug

both at the church and in the even

ing; and Fischer, the celebrated hautboy player, was engaged. From this originated one of the best-attended musick meetings that had been seen at that time in England, as the Governors of the Leicester Infirmary con tinued the anniversaries of its opening, for the benefit of the institution; parti

cularly in 1774, when a new organ, by Snetzler, was opened. Mr. Cradock on that occasion published a pathetic address, which is printed in the History of Leicestershire, vol. 1. p. 523. Jephtha was the oratorio selected by Lord Sandwich, as it had been well practised at Hinchinbrook, and his Lordship and all his band attended. Giardini led; Mr. Bates opened the organ; Norris, Champness, Miss Cecilia Davis, Inglesina (prima donna at the Opera House), Mrs. Scott, Miss Harrop (afterwards Mrs. Bates), &c. contributed to the success of the day. An ode was written for the occasion by Mr. Cradock, and set to music by Dr. Boyce. The duet, "Here shall soft Charity repair," has ever since been much admired. This ode was performed at Hinchinbrook under the direction of the celebrated Joah Bates; afterwards at Covent Garden, under the direction of the late Mr. Linley; since that time again at Leicester, when Madame Mara sang the principal air; and different parts of it are occasionally introduced into our cathedrals, and on charitable occasions.

The band of musick on this day was uncommonly effective; and the performers were honoured with the assistance of the Earl of Sandwich on the kettle-drums.

Besides most of the nobility and gentry of these parts, who were of the auditory, was Omai, the famed native of Otaheite, of whom Mr. Cradock gives many interesting anecdotes in his "Memoirs."

Much commendation was due to Mr. Cradock on this occasion, who exerted his powerful interest, particularly in having the organ properly inspected by competent persons whilst building. These services were rewarded by the following public vote

of thanks:

polite learning, have made you justly admired; but it is the application of these talents to the glory of God and the good of mankind (of both which you have lately given a noble example), that makes you both by the subscribers and parishioners We are directed, universally esteemed. in vestry assembled, to return you their sincere thanks, for thus enabling them to have the service of the Church performed in a manner worthy of the occasion. We beg leave to subscribe ourselves, with the greatest respect, your most humble servants, William Carte, Edward Price, William Watts, Churchwardens of St. Martin's, Leicester."

On this occasion also, the old hundredth Psalin was first introduced, with full accompaniments, and was greatly admired. On Lord Sandwich's return to town, this musical meeting became the subject of conversation between his Majesty and his Lordship, and was the occasion of the subsequent grand commemorative Musical Festival in Westminster Abbey.

In 1773, was brought forward at Covent-garden Theatre, a tragedy by Mr. Cradock, entitled "Zobeide." It was in part taken from an unfinished tragedy, entitled "Les Scythes," by Voltaire; who, on the author sending him a copy, returned the following

answer:

"Sir,

9 8bre, 1773, à Ferney.

Thanks to your Muse, a foreign copper

shines,

[lines. Turn'd into gold, and coin'd in sterling

You have done too much honour to an old sick man of eighty.

I am with the most siucere esteem and gratitude, Sir, your obedient servant, VOLTAIRE." This play was well received. Mr. Cradock's friend Dr. Goldsmith wrote the Prologue, and Murphy the Epi logue. The play was published. In the same year, Mr. Cradock returned the compliment to Goldsmith, by writing the Epilogue to his comedy, "She Stoops to Conquer."

Mr. Cradock was much connected with the Duke of Grafton, during his stormy administration, and more than once declined the honour of a seat in Parliament. He was thought of as sub-preceptor of the Prince of Wales, when Dr. Hinchcliffe was intended for preceptor. But the Duke of Grafton retiring from administration, and Lord North acceding to it, prevented

those appointments, which were filled up by the late Abp. Markham and Dean Jackson. With Bp. Hinchcliffe Mr. Cradock passed many delightful days at Trinity College, Cambridge, in the society of the poet Gray and other eminent men.

Mr. Cradock never engaged in either politics or controversies of any kind, but once offered to the public an ironical pamphlet, entitled, "The Life of John Wilkes, esq. in the manner of Plutarch. Being a Specimen of a larger Work. The second Edition, revised and corrected. London, J. Wilkie, 1773," 8vo; with Portraits of "Worthies," viz. Wat Tyler, Alderman Beckford, John Cade, esq. John Wilkes, esq. "These are thy gods, O Britain!" This is now a scarce pamphlet, and was written whilst its author was smarting from the effects of the violence of Wilkes's mob, which destroyed the windows of his house in Dean-street, Soho. Our venerable author had forgotten this jeu d'esprit, till he was reminded of it by a well-known and highly respected Biographer, who happened to possess a copy.

In 1777 Mr. Cradock published "An Account of some of the most romantic parts of North Wales," 12s. His name is appended to the "Dedication to Sir Watkin Williams Wynne. This "Account" was the result of a Tour he took in the Autumn of 1776. In 1783, soon after the Peace was signed, and in consequence of Mrs. Cradock having suffered from a paralytic seizure, by the advice of Dr. Heberden, Mr. and Mrs. Cradock proceeded to Paris; and in June 1794, went on a long and interesting tour to the South of France, Flanders, and Holland. This tour forms the sub

ject of Mr. Cradock's second volume of the "Literary Memoirs," recently published. (See our last vol. p. 433.)

Mr. Cradock was fortunate enough to have entertained at his seat at Gumley, the Duke de Lauzun; which accidental civility afterwards led to the admission of Mr. and Mrs. Cradock into the first circles of the king dom of France. They remained on the Continent till June 12, 1786, when they landed at Dover.

For many years after his return to this country, ill health compelled Mr. Cradock to withdraw in a great measure from society; but he continued to

Reflects the beauties of the varying scene!
Here let the Muse her humble vigils keep,
And quaff the gales from yon impending
steep;

Here let the year her early fragrance fling,
And glittering plumage dip the hasty wing;
Here on the briuk Pomona's blossoms glow,
And finny myriads sparkle from below;
Here let the mind at peaceful anchor rest,
And Heaven's own sunshine cheer the guilt-
less breast."

In 1815, however, his desire to appear before the public as an author again revived; but he proceeded very cautiously. In that year he published anonymously, "Four Dissertations, Moral and Religious, addressed to the rising Generation. I. On Covetousness. II. On Hypocrisy. III. On the prosperous Condition of Men in this World. IV. On Continuance in welldoing." 8vo, 1815. (See vol. LXXXVI. i. p. 43.) These Four Essays were drawn up as sermons for particular friends; and the last was preached at Chester; but whether it was ever published in that form, is not known, as the author was then absent in the South of France.

On Christmas Day, 1816, Mr. Cradock lost his amiable lady. She was proceeding down stairs, to go to church, when she fell in a fit, and instantly expired. They had no issue.

In 1821 he published a little novel to expose the horrid vice of gaming, entitled "Fidelia; or, The Prevalence of Fashion," 12mo. The story is affecting, and gives a striking lesson on the danger of hesitation and delay in breaking off bad acquaintance. The language is much more simple than is usually found in works of fiction; and this gives it the air of a true story, which, it is to be feared, has too often occurred. The manners and conversation are those of the times when Mr. Cradock was first introduced into polite society.

* See a Sonnet on this subject by Mr. Nichols, in vol. LXXVIII. i. p. 65.

In 1823, a very important step was resolved upon by Mr. Cradock, which, considering that he was then 82 years of age, shows the firmness of his mind, and his honourable principles. Finding his estate embarrassed by mortgages and other incumbrances, he made a noble sacrifice, by passing it into the hands of the gentleman, who, had it been unincumbered would probably have been his heir, on conditions agreeable to all parties; and retired to town with a very moderate annuity. He also at the same time parted with his splendid library. But Literature, and occasional intercourse with a few choice friends, seemed more than to compensate for the advantages he had voluntarily surrendered. He then applied seriously to what he originally intended should have been done by his executors.

And here, perhaps, it may be allowable to allude to the sincere attachment between Mr. Cradock and his old friend Mr. Nichols. For very many years Mr. Nichols had been accustomed to pay Mr. Cradock an annual visit at Gumley Hall; but on Mr. Cradock's settling in London, the intercourse became incessant, and we doubt not that the daily correspondence which took place between them contributed to cheer the latter days of these two veterans in Literature. They had both of them in early life enjoyed the flattering distinction of an intimacy with the same eminent characters; and to hear the different anecdotes elicited in their animated conversations respecting Johnson and others, was indeed an intellectual treat of no ordinary description. Mr. Cradock and Mr. Nichols possessed a similarity in taste and judgment. They were both endowed with peculiar quickness of comprehension, and with powers and accuracy of memory rarely equalled.

Mr. Cradock's first publication on his coming to town was his tragedy of "The Czar." This play was brought to the morning of rehearsal fifty years before, but owing to a disappointment on the part of one of the chief actresses, was withdrawn, and never acted; nor published till 1824. (See vol. xciv. ii. p. 60.)

The favourable reception which the publication of "The Czar" met with, induced Mr. Cradock to select from his MSS. what certainly

afforded the public no small gratification.

In Jan. 1826, he published the first volume of his "Literary and Miscel laneous Memoirs," dedicated by permission to the King, an honour of which Mr. Cradock was justly proud. (See our vol. xcvi. i. pp. 62, 236.) In the latter part of the same year (only a few weeks before his death), he published a second volume, containing his Tour to Paris and the South of France in the years 1783 to 1786. (See our vol. xcvi. ii. p. 433.)

Here we feel induced to make use of a letter received from a highly distinguished friend of Mr. Cradock, addressed to ourselves, which exhibits Mr. Cradock's character in a favourable, yet strictly just light:

"I do not think I should in any manner so well describe Mr. Cradock's character, as by referring to the Memoirs' which he has published of himself. These Memoirs, in my view of them, are an exact counterpart of his manners and conversations,-of his excellencies and his fuibles. He was all anecdote, without affecting to know more, either of men or books, than the common run of people, though better acquainted with both than the generality of the best informned. In the earlier part of his life he recommended himself by his pleasantry and talents,-his love of letters, his antiquarian researches,— his taste for music, painting, and poetry, and all the fine arts,-to several of the most learned and accomplished scholars of the day,— as Bishops Warburton and Hurd, Doctors Johnson and Goldsmith, and others; among whom must not be forgotten that prodigy of wit and humour and theatrical talents, David Garrick; for he and Garrick were a sort of twin brothers, in personal likeness and inental power. Both of them were rather under size; but they were both well formed, and had so much expression in their countenances, and so much grace in their actions, that nobody in looking at them regarded their size or stature;-in looking at each, it was the quality-not the quantity of the man that was considered. And upon the stage, Cradock (for he had a private theatre in his house), as I have been informed by those who had seen him act, in some characters at least, was second only to Garrick.