Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/468

 464 FREDERICK PILON, A DRAMAtic author just above mediocrity, was a native of Cork, and was sent at a proper age to complete his studies at Edinburgh, where, feeling a genius for indolence instead of application, he neglected his anatomical lec tures, and determined to embrace the profession of an actor, for which (as might naturally be imagined) he had not one requisite. This he was convinced of on his first night's display. He soon after visited London, and went through a l l the difficulties usually attendant o n literary adventurers. At length, after having got entangled i n pecuniary embarrassments, Pilon was obliged t o f l y t o France. During his absence, however, his affairs were accommodated, and o n his return t o England h e married Miss Drury, o f Kingston, (1787,) and died January 19, 1788, and lies buried a t Lambeth. He wrote a pamphlet, entitled “A Critical Essay on Hamlet, a s performed b y Mr. Henderson,” which procured him the patronage o f Mr. Colman, and under his auspices his pieces met the public eye. He wrote the popular farce o f “The Deaf Lover,” and the celebrated comedy “He would b e a Soldier;” and eleven other dramatic pieces. THOMAS PLEASANTS, A NAME never t o b e forgotten i n the annals o f charity and benevolence; when time shall have drawn the cur tain o f oblivion, before the records o f wit, learning, and talent, his name shall live i n the breast o f virtue, and cheer distant generations, b y monuments o f utility. He was born i n the county o f Carlow, and died i n Dublin, i n the ninetieth year o f his age, March 1st, 1818; was educated for the bar, but never practised. He possessed strong powers o f mind, and great classical attainments, and profound knowledge o f the laws o f his country. Enjoying independent property i n the shades l