THE OLD ACTORS. 15 



before him, and he was as much astonished at the sight as they had 

 been. Garrick now addressed him in the following terms : " You 

 have thus obtained what, if you have prudence to preserve it, will 

 render you independent for the rest of your days ; and that you 

 may do so (producing a Bible) I insist that you do most solemnly 

 swear upon this book, that you will never hereafter play at cards, or 

 gamble in any manner whatever, even for the merest trifle. If you 

 swear to do this, and keep your engagement, I will be your fast 

 friend^ as long as we both live ; but if you break or evade it in any 

 manner, or in the merest trifle, I will thenceforth abandon you for 

 ever." 



The oath was taken, and King, who had always been active in 

 performing his duty, became Garrick' s deputy manager and con- 

 fidential friend in everything relating to the theatre. He grew 

 affluent, purchased the property of Sadler's Wells, which he im- 

 proved, made money by, and at last sold to great advantage. 

 I remember him living many years in one of the best houses in 

 Gerard- street, Soho, at that time a becoming abode for gentlemen of 

 consequence ; he had a country house, a chariot, with all suitable 

 accompaniments. In consequence of having tried and proved him in 

 every way so many years, Garrick recommended him to the new pro- 

 prietors, as the most valuable assistant they could employ ; they felt 

 that he was so, and received him as such. I was present when he 

 delivered the opening address. Every thing went on with him well 

 until Garrick's death j but shortly after that event King returned to 

 the gaming-table, with energy increased by long abstinence. At no 

 great distance of time, he came home one night at a late hour, and 

 announced to his wife that the two houses, the carriage, and whatever 

 property he possessed, was lost, and must immediately be sold to 

 satisfy the fortunate winner. They removed to a small house in 

 Store-street ; he lost the management of the theatre, and was now 

 obliged to act for his daily bread, when he could gel an engagement. 

 His salary gradually decreased, and he was put into characters of less 

 and less importance, as age and infirmities came upon him, and the 

 last time I saw poor Tom King, he enacted the Grave-digger in 

 Hamlet. 



