176 
This was contradicted with the assertion that no money 
was taken or received, and that the entertainment was 
simply an ordinary and private return for other social favours 
received. At one of these concerts given in Orchard Street at 
which were assembled “A host of nobility and gentry” Mrs. 
Sheridan sang Ellen Aroon, the same she sang at the first 
Sheridan entertainment at Bath.* No such concerts were 
given at Bath. 
After what must have been but a poor life, Mrs. Sheridan died 
at Bristol Hot Wells, 28th June, 1792, at the early age of 38, and 
was buried with her sister, with “decent funeral pomp” and with 
a large and polite attendance, in what became the Linley vault in 
Wells Cathedral. 
Sheridan under the pressure of necessity at first tried theatrical 
literature, and afterwards using his opportunities was introduced 
to the “phrenzy” of politics, and was for a time member for 
Ilchester. As the boy so was the man, and after ruining “the 
fairest promise that ever blossomed” by his innate profligacy, 
neglecting every virtue, he only just escaped death in a debtor’s 
gaol. His political life has now no interest especially here, but 
of his not large contributions to literature, two of his pieces— 
“The Rivals,” and “The School for Scandal ”—must live for all 
time. It happened that on the morning of the day ‘The School 
for Scandal” was produced, Mrs. Sheridan gave birth to a son. 
‘The next day a notice of the play, says :—“ Yesterday morning 
Mrs. Sheridan was delivered of a son. The mother and child 
are likely to do well. In the evening of the same day Mr. 
Sheridan’s muse was delivered of a bantling which is likely to 
live for ever”t These two pieces being especially based on 
local scenes and manners, the result of his own knowledge and ~ 
experiences, will always still further inseparably connect his 
name with the city of Bath. 
* Parke, W. T.., Vol. 2, p..136. 
+ Parke W. T., Musical Memoirs, Vol. 1, p. 9. 
