In the records of his life by Taylor, we read of a trick of the great actor, who, like Brinsley Sheridan, had a fondness for
practical jokes. It was on a professional visit of Dr. Moncey. " Garrick
was announced for King Lear on that night, and when Moncey saw him in bed, he
expressed his surprise, and asked him if the play was to be changed. Garrick
was dressed, but had his nightcap on, and a quilt was drawn over him to give
the appearance of being too ill to rise. Dr. M. expressed his surprise, as it
was time for Garrick to be at the theater to dress for King Lear. Garrick, in a
languid and whining tone, told him that he was too much indisposed to perform
himself, but that there was an actor named Marr, so like him in figure, face,
and voice, and so admirable a mimic, that he had ventured to trust the part to
him, and was sure the audience would not perceive the difference. Pretending
that he began to feel worse, he requested Moncey to leave the room in order
that he might get a little sleep, but desired him to attend the theater and
let him know the result. As soon as the doctor quitted the room, Garrick jumped
out of the bed and hastened to the theater Moncey attended the performance.
Having left Garrick in bed, he was bewildered by the scene before him,
sometimes doubting, and sometimes being astonished at the resemblance between
Garrick and Marr. At length, finding that the audience were convinced of Garrick's identity, Moncey began to
suspect a trick had been practiced upon him, and instantly hurried to Garrick's
house at the end of the plav ; but Garrick was too quick for him, and was found
by Moncey in the same state of illness. These are truths which are indeed
stranger than fiction.
