's
disapprobation of it, he never communicated his design to him 'till the
very night of his setting out for Ireland, when he wrote him a letter
to inform him at once of his resolution and journey. This was in the
beginning of April 1710, when he was about twenty five years of age. He
had by this time read the classics, the most reputed historians, and all
the best French, English, or Italian writers. His apprehension was
quick, his imagination fine, and his memory remarkably strong; though
his greatest commendations were a very genteel address, a ready wit and
an excellent elocution, which shewed him to advantage wherever he went.
There was, notwithstanding, one principal defect in his disposition, and
this was an infinite vanity, which gave him so insufferable a
presumption, as led him to think that nothing was too much for his
capacity, nor any preferment, or favour, beyond his deserts. Mr.
Addison's fondness for him perhaps increased this disposition, as he
naturally introduced him into all the company he kept, which at that
time was the best, and most ingenious in the two kingdoms. In short,
they lived and lodged together, and constantly followed the lord
lieutenant into England at the same time.

It was now that Mr. Budgell commenced author, and was partly concerned
with Sir Richard Steele and Mr. Addison in writing the Tatler. The
Spectators being set on foot in 1710-11, Mr. Budgell had likewise a
share in them, as all the papers marked with an X may easily inform the
reader, and indeed the eighth volume was composed by Mr. Addison and
himself[2], without the assistance of Sir Richard Steele. The
speculations of our author were generally liked, and Mr. Addison was
frequently complimented upon the ingenuity of his kinsman. About the
same time he wrote an epilogue to the Distress'd Mother[3], which had a
greater run than any thing of that kind ever had before, and has had
this peculiar regard shewn to it since, that now, above thirty years
afterwards, it is generally spoke at the representation of that play.
Several little epigrams and songs, which have a good deal of wit in
them, were also written by Mr. Budgell near this period of time, all
which, together with the known affection of Mr. Addison for him, raised
his character so much, as to make him be very generally known and talked
of.

His father's death in 1711 threw into his hands all the estates of the
family, which were about 950 l. a year, although they