Born 1751.—Died 1816.—George II.—George III.

An Irishman, born in Dublin, whose wit, oratory, and parliamentary eloquence won him a dazzling reputation. He was the personal friend of Fox, and the companion of George IV. as Prince of Wales, but was always in debt and many difficulties. He was also celebrated as a dramatist, and wrote the comedies of The Rivals, The School for Scandal, the Duenna, and a play called Pizarro. But he is chiefly known by what are called his bon mots, or witty sayings, which are unrivalled. He died in London in extreme want.