Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/34

 30 COURTENAY. hand to kiss, his lordship paid his obeisance, and remained uncovered. He died the 9th February, 1719. JOHN COURTENAY, A statesman and wit, was a native of Ireland, and was born about the year 1741. Being possessed of youth and volatility, and imbibing a l l his ideas from a nation confessedly o f a warlike disposition and character, the army became the object, both o f his early choice and his ambition. Another direction, however, was speedily given t o his talents, i n consequence o f his acquaintance with a nobleman, whose patronage not only conferred a bright colour o n his hopes, but gave a different impulse t o his views. An anonymous defence o f the Marquis Townshend, i n his vice-regal capacity, i s said t o have been the occasion of his introduction t o that nobleman: and there can be but little doubt, that his convivial talents, not only for a while fascinated, but was the occasion o f a permanent friendship between that nobleman and himself. George, Wiscount Townshend, (whose name was syno nymous with wit and good living,) was nominated lord lieutenant o f Ireland i n 1767, and held that office until 1772, when h e was succeeded b y Simon, Earl o f Harcourt. During this period, Mr. Courtenay, from being first only a visitor, soon became a constant guest, and finally a resident a t the castle. His company seemed essential t o a l l the entertainments, nor was there a convivial party formed, i n which h e did not partake. And during the administration o f Lord Townshend, he held an official situation under his excellency, and o n his return, either accompanied o r followed him t o England. To this nobleman, shortly after his recal from Ireland, the important office o f master-general o f the ordnance was committed; and o n this occasion h e did not forget