Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/866

850852 [sic] Cibber and Mrs. Pritchard, she thought her continuing would be attended with disagreeable contentions for characters. She had many disputes with Mrs. Clive; and, by apparent good-breeding, calmness, and sarcastic replies, often obtained the advantage of the other, who was more warm and open. Their contests occasioned very grotesque scenes in the green-room.

After acting a few years with Mr. Rich, she engaged herself, in 1751, to Mr. Sheridan, manager of the Dublin theatre. Here she continued three years, and was the admiration of the public in a variety of parts, tragic and comic. Her company was sought after by men of the first rank and distinction; of the gravest character, and the most eminent for learning. She was said to have been chosen president of a select society of beaux-ésprits, called the Beef-Steak Club, and was the only woman in the company.

She declared, that she preferred the company of men to that of women: the latter, she said, talked of nothing but silks and scandal. This was most likely occasioned by her not being admitted to the company of women of rank and virtue; which her own want of character excluded her from. Indeed it appears that, though her charms of person and conversation universally gained her admiration, her conduct was not such as to make her even partially respected.

Mrs. Woffington was mistress of a good understanding, which was much improved by company and books. She had a most attractive sprightliness in her manner, and dearly loved to pursue the bagatelle of vivacity and humour: she was affable, good-natured and charitable. When she returned to London, in 1756, she once more engaged herself to Mr. Rich; and died, about a year before his death, of a gradual decay. .