Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/635

 WILKS. 631 much propriety, emphasis, and cadence, that the enco miums bestowed on him by his friend began to fire his mind for the drama; and another accidental circumstance confirmed him in the intention of directing his abilities to the stage. Upon that happy and unexpected turn of affairs produced by the battle of the Boyne, the people of Dublin, among other expressions of joy, determined on a play; but the actors having been dispersed during the war, some private persons agreed to give one gratis, at the theatre, in the best manner they were able. With very little persuasion, Mr. Wilks ventured to represent the Colonel, (Spanish Friar,) at Mr. Ashbury's theatre, where the approbation he received from that great master, operated so strongly on him, that he quitted his post, to a person who afterwards raised a fortune of 50,000l. in i t , and commenced player. The first character Wilks ap peared i n , o n the public theatre, was that o f Othello, which h e performed t o the approbation o f every one but himself. He went o n with great success a t Dublin for two years, when his friend, Richards, advised him t o try his fortune i n England, and gave him letters o f recommendation t o Mr. Betterton; b y whom, though h e was kindly received, h e was only engaged a t the low rate o f fifteen shillings a week. His first appearance o n the English stage was i n the part o f the young Prince, (Maid's tragedy,) a very insignificant character, that required little more than a n agreeable person. Betterton performed Melantius; but, when that veteran actor came to address him on the battle ments, the dignity o f Mr. Betterton struck him with s o much awe, that h e had much ado t o utter the little h e had t o say. Betterton, who had observed his confusion, encouraged him afterwards, b y saying, “Young man, this fear does not i l l become you; for a horse that sets out a t the strength o f his speed will soon b e jaded.” But Mr. Wilks, growing impatient a t his low condition, the com pany being s o well supplied with good actors, that there was very little hope o f his getting forward, engaged also i n another profession, and became a n assistant t o Mr. Harris,