Bristol, was sister to the lady of Dean Addison, and consequently a relationship, which proved of essential service to young Budgell, subsisted between him and the principal author of the Spectator.

Having shown considerable facility in the acquisition of classical learning, he was at an earlier period than usual sent to Christ Church, Oxford, of which college he became a member in the year 1700. After a residence of some years in this university, he relinquished it to embrace, at the request of his father, the profession of the law, and, for this purpose, was entered of the Inner Temple. This was a designation, however, by no means agreeable to the wishes or the views of Budgell. He had acquired a decided taste for elegant literature; and the chief object of his ambition was, to be the associate and companion of those who figured as the leaders of the literary world.

Nothing could be better calculated for the gratification of his desires than an introduction to Addison; this, as a relation, he easily obtained, and he exhibited so many proofs of ability and classical proficiency, that, when this accomplished scholar was appointed secretary to the Earl of Wharton, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, he hesitated not to make an offer to his young. friend of a clerkship in his office.

To this proposal he very gladly acceded; the more willingly perhaps, as, by neglecting his profession, he had so offended his father, that his remittances had for some time been irregular and confined. It was in the commencement of April, 1710, that he left London for the capital of the sister island, and at a period when, through the influence and patronage of Addison, he was known and esteemed in the first circles of the literati. Budgell was at this time about twentyfive years of age, pleasing and elegant in his person; in his address fashionable and engaging; and, independent of his classical acquirements, familiar with the French and Italian. His passions, however, were strong and impetuous, and his vanity equally puerile and excessive; defects which, unhappily, age and misfortunes rather increased than' diminished, and which ultimately brought on a catastrophe alike ruinous and ignominious.

It is to the praise of Budgell, however, that he studied with uncommon assiduity to acquire the esteem and affection of Addison; the effort was not in vain; he was repaid by confidence and regard; and the friendship subsisting between the two relations became so strict and mutual, that, during the period of their residence in Dublin, they constantly lived and lodged together.

To obtain celebrity as an author was with Budgell an early and favourite object; and it is said that, during his first visit to Dublin, he contributed some papers to the Tatler. These, however, were never acknowledged, and are now unknown. To the Spectator he gave considerable assistance, and his share in the first seven volumes is discriminated by the signature X. In the eighth volume also, and in the Guardian, he has inserted some papers of importance.

While furnishing materials for the Spectator, he added to his reputation by the composition of a humorous epilogue for The Distrest Mother. It must not be forgotten, however, that Johnson has ascribed this jeu d' esprit to the pen of Addison: an ascription which I could wish were true, as it would exonerate our author from the foolish vanity of lavishly praising his own production in the Spectator,* and of repeatedly calling for its recitation in the theatre.

To the fame which he had now acquired by his

It was known in Tonson's family, observes the annotator on No. 555 of the Spectator, and told to Mr. Garrick, that Addison was himself the author of this epilogue; and that, when it was actually printed with his name, he came early in the morning, before the copies were distributed, and ordered it to be given to Mr. E. Budgell, that it might add weight to the solicitation which Addison was them making for a place for Mr. Budgell.

periodical labours, and by the circulation of various pieces of epigrammatic wit, were added the solid comforts of a good estate. In 1711, his father died, and left him an annual income of 9507. which, though somewhat clogged with debts, was amply sufficient to place him in a state of complete independence. His industry, however, received no diminution from the sudden acquisition of opulence; he attended strictly to the duties of his office, and in prosecution of his literary career, published, in 1714, a version from the Greek of "The Characters of Theophrastus." It is executed with neatness and elegance, and had the honour of being liberally praised by Addison in the thirty-ninth number of The Lover.

Having adopted the Whig principles of his friend, the path of political promotion was soon laid open to his view by the accession of the house of Hanover: an event which was immediately followed by his appointments of chief secretary to the lords justices of Ireland, and deputy clerk of the council of that kingdom. Nor did his honours rest here; towards the close of 1714, he became a member of the Irish parliament, and was chosen, along with several persons of the highest rank, an honorary bencher of the inns of court in Dublin.

The rebellion, which broke out in 1715, added

much to his employment and importance, and devolved upon him a very considerable part of the duty of a field-officer. He was entrusted by government with the superintendance of the embarkation of the troops from Ireland to Scotland, and had orders to provide them with the necessary shipping; a business to which he was totally unaccustomed, but which he conducted, not only with singular ability, but with a disinterestedness which acquired for him, and entitled him to, very distinguished praise.

To the great, but partial, opinion which Addison entertained of his talents and of his knowledge of Irish affairs, he was indebted for his last promotion; this took place in 1717, when his illustrious friend being appointed principal secretary of state, he immediately received from his hands the situation of accountant and comptroller general of the Irish revenue, a place the income of which usually exceeded four hundred pounds per annum.

Budgell had now attained a most respectable station in life: his fortune was liberal, if not splendid; his abilities, both in the literary and political world, were acknowledged and esteemed, and, in a moral point of view, he was not merely free from vice, but valued for his integrity, generosity, and assiduity. The zealous friendship and