Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/636

 • 632 WILKS. an eminent dancing-master at that time. In this capacity, so favourable to the exhibition of a good figure, he, by the gentility of his address, gained the affection of a young lady, the daughter of Ferdinand Knapton, Esq. steward of the New Forest in Hampshire; whom he married, with the consent of her father. He found his finances now very unsuitable to the establishment of a growing family, and therefore pressed hard for an addition to his salary, which every one beside the manager thought he well deserved: but this request not being complied with, he took a more expeditious step for advancement, by accepting the invi tation of Mr. Ashbury to return to Ireland; that manager coming over on hearing of his discontent, purposely to engage him. He agreed with Mr. Wilks for 60l. a-year, and a clear benefit; which, in those times, was much more than any other performer ever had. When he went to take his leave of Mr. Betterton, the manager was with him. This great actor expressed some concern at his leaving the company. “I fancy,” said Mr. Betterton, “that gentle man,” pointing to the manager, “if he has not too much obstinacy to own i t , will b e the first that repents your parting; for, i f I foresee aright, you will b e greatly wanted here.” Having n o competitor i n Dublin, h e was immediately preferred t o whatever parts his inclination led him; and his early reputation o n that stage a s soon inspired him with the ambition o f returning, and shewing himself o n a better: nor was i t long before his ambition was gratified, and the prophetic words o f Mr. Betterton fulfilled; for the unfortunate death o f Mr. Mountford was a sickness t o a l l the genteel comedies a t London, until his loss could b e supplied. Mr. Wilks therefore was immediately sent t o with a n offer o f four pounds a week; which being a salary equal t o that o f Mr. Betterton himself, was too inviting a proposal t o b e neglected. His engagements a t Dublin, were, however, too strong t o b e openly broke through, and h e therefore prepared for his journey privately. Mr. Ashbury procured . . . a n order from the Duke o f Ormond, then lord-lieutenant