OLIVER GOLDSMITH S LIFE AND TIMES. [BOOK in.
1759. Shall we wonder, then, that writing again on the 10th of
msi. November "to Mr. Garrick, at Lichfield, Staffordshire,"
little David, beginning with professions of extreme sorrow
that his " Dear Brother " should still seem so utterly averse
to what he was so greatly inclined to, and to what the best
judges think he has the greatest genius for, should go on to say
that the great, nay, incredible success and approbation he has
met with from the greatest persons in England, had almost
made him resolve (though he is sorry to say it, against dear
Peter's entreaties) to pursue it, as he shall certainly make a
fortune by it if health continues. He then talks of money
affairs in the old strain; and as to Giffard, protests that 30Z.
was all he had ever lent that manager in former days, which
sum was paid long ago. He adds, that at present he receives
from Giffard (though this was a secret) six guineas a week,
and was to have a clear benefit, and the benefit was to be
very soon, and he had been offered 12QL for it, and dear
Peter cannot imagine what regard he meets with, and on the
occasion of that benefit the pit and boxes are to be put
together, and he shall have all his friends (who still continue
so though his brother is not to be brought over), and if his
brother will only come his lodgings shall cost him nothing.
" Mr. Littleton, Mr; Pit, and Several other Members of
" Parliament were to see me play Charnont, in ye Orphan, and
" Mr. Pit, who is reckoned ye greatest Orator in the House of
" Commons, said I was ye best Actor ye English Stage had
"produc'd, and he sent a Gentleman to me to let me know
" he and ye other Gentlemen would be glad to see Me. The
" Prince has heard so great a Character of me that we are in
" daily expectations of his coming to see me." And so the
gossiping,, kindly, anxious letter ends, with another entreaty
that Peter will let him know what he resolves upon, the