The Magnolia gazette., 1881-12-23
ELIZABETH LINLEY.
The history Of a Grcnt woman.

was one Of the most fashionable watering
places of tho world From all quarters
Of the globe congregated not only inval-
ida to gain health from the thermal
springs, but the idle, the dissipated and
the enthusiastic lovers of art. Bilious
East Indians, Irish fortune hunters,
gOuty statesmen and ladies Of rank went
there TO seek relief from ennui.
Some lounged in the pump.room and
gossiped scandal while others sought
diversion, and sometimes found il, in the
excellent theatrical performances and
still more excellent concerts and pri-
vate parties also furnished an endless
round of attractions in dancing, cards,
music and poetry.
Into this gay city Of frivolity and dis
sipation came Thomas Linley, the cele-
brated musical composer and here he
settled 10 his profession, married and
brought up his talented family
Here his daughter, Elizabeth was
bornin 1854, and while in her infancy she
evinced such astonishing musical pow
ers that her father lost no time in sedu-
lously cultivating them. When she was
only IL years Of age, she appeared pub
licly III the great assemhly-rooms, Bath,
whore "she charmed the company by
her taste anil execution, and astonished
the more critical with the beauty OF her
voice and the wonderful command she
possessed over IL.
Her innuence was magical " her be-
wtching melody went directly to the
heart T" md from that time she was al
ways present nt every important concert
at Bath, where she lad the distinction Of
being considered the principal singer.
At ftr.4i al 1ultnI tita - ksyraV,
when she WAS but II years they named
her the "Angcl" " and 10 those who list
ened with enchanted ears TO her ravish-
ing voice, and beheld with admiring
eyes her graceful appearance, polished
demeanor and lovely countenance,
whose uncommon beauty painters were
so oRger to transfer 10 their canvas, such
an Qppellation was not very surprising.
Every student at Oxford was in love
with this angelic-looking girl when she
sang there in the oratorios and he
would have been n rash youth who had
dared TO speak in disparagement Of this
"divine Saint Cecilia, rs they called
her.
Atsixteen she was overwhelmed with
lovers; AL the young men of fashion
some very rich, and others hoping TO
become rich by securing the wonderful
syren-pressed eagerly forward TO enroll
themselves among lfeF suitors.
Her name was the toast at every con
vivial meeting, and her charms the
theme OF every poet and rhynler who
aspired to the distinction of gaining
laurel wreath from Lady MillRr, the
reignng Queen of Bath.
This lady did not possess beauty but
Horace Walpole tells us Nothing is
considered more tonish than to visit
hbr. All the hux Of quality
contend for prizes gained for rhymes
and themes a Roman vase, dressed
with pink ribbon and myrtle, received
the poetry which was drawn out at every
festival and the brightast
composition was rewarded by permis
sion for the author to lSneel and kiss the
hands Of Lady Millar, who crowned the
victor with myrtle.
Among these poetical competitors was
a youth of 19 or 20 named Richard
Brinsey Sheridan, who, as n matter of
course, was an ardent admirer of the
beautiful Elizabeth.
His family and the Linleys were ON
intimate terms, and the brilliant yet
penniless Richard composed some Of
his most graceful and effective poems
for Lady hfillar's festivals, many of
snese compositions being inspired by the
divinity he so devotedly worshiped
Surrounded by such an intoxicating
atmosphere OF adulation, the beautiful
singer, but little more than q girl in
years, was perplexed and beset by her
numerous admirers.
To attempt giving list Of them is
quite out of the question; but the most
conspicuous were "Halhed, the poetic,
partner OF Sheridan Sheridan's brother
Charles Norris, who was believed 10
have sung himself into her affections;
MIR. Watts, a gentleman commoner OF
oxford; Sir Thomas Charges and Mr..
Walter Long, a gentleman Of large
fortune" This last-named gentleman
was n bachelor considerably advanced in
years, but his great wealth was so
strong q recommendation to Miss Lin
iey's parents that they accepted his pro-
posals for their daughter.
At this time the fair singer was under
articles Of apprenticeship to her father
until the age of q but SO desirous was
MIR. Long of securing her as his wife
that he readily "agreed to pay Mr.. Lin
ley 81, 900 as an Indemnity for the loss
of her services
Miss Linley was very decidedly op-
posed to this matrimonial project with
Mr.. Long. She received hisl addresses
with coldness and, when at last she
gave reluctant consent, it Was supposed
by many tha& did so to escape
the embau pms of Capt
Matthew fortune, a
n.a~ anners and
4 and In
apt. Mat
and MS
caused