His favourite exercise was in
Tothill-fields; from whence returning once very late, he instantly
conceived and executed some verses, that were the best of his day. On
another day, he was as prompt, and thought to have been more lucky than
before; when, lo, the next morning he was flogged! for the exercise was
so ill written, that it was not legible even by himself.
Lord Maiden was remarkable for his powers of engaging, and he then, as
since, made some engagements, which might as well have been let alone.
He made an early promise of all he has since performed. He was very fond
of dramatic entertainments, and he enacted much; was accounted a good
actor; so was his crony, Jack Wilson, so well known at Mrs. Hobart's,
&c., for his fal de ral tit and for his duets with Lady Craven, Lady A.
Foley, &c, &c.
Lord MANSFIELD, then William Murray, here began his career. When at
school, he was not remarkable for personal courage, or for mental
bravery; though one of the stoutest boys of his standing, he was often
beat by boys a year or two below him; and though then acute and voluble,
his opinions were suppressed and retracted before minds less powerful
but more intrepid than his own. Of his money allowance he was always
so good a manager, ~70~~that he could lend to him who was in need.
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