ccepted the invitation, and proceeded to
Union College, where he soon became one of the most popular boys in the
school. His handsome face, graceful manners and elegant delivery were
met with applause whenever he spoke in public, and a natural taste led
him to seek every chance for declamation and acting. Even as a child he
had showed his dramatic ability, and more than once he was urged to go
upon the stage. But his father refused all offers and kept the boy
steadily at his work.

When he was seventeen, however, two events occurred which changed all
his plans. First his mother died, and then his father failed in
business, and the young man saw that he must himself take up the burdens
of the family. Accordingly he left college before graduation and began
his career as an actor.

[Illustration: JOHN HOWARD PAYNE

1791-1852]

His success was immediate and unusual, if we may judge from the words of
contemporary critics. His first appearance in Boston was on February
24, 1809, as Douglas in _Young Norval_. In this play occurs the
speech that countless American boys have declaimed, "On the Grampian
Hills my father feeds his flocks." Of Payne's rendition a critic says,
"He had all the skill of a finished artist combined with the freshness
and simplicity of youth. Great praise, but there are few actors who can
claim any competition with him." Six weeks later he was playing Hamlet
there, and his elocution is spoken of as remarkable for its purity, his
action as suited to the passion he represented, and his performance as
an exquisite one that delighted his brilliant audience.

"Upon the stage, a glowing boy appeared
Whom heavenly smiles and grateful thunders cheered;
Then through the throng delighted murmurs ran.
The boy enacts more wonders than a man."

Another, writing about this time, says, "Young Payne was a perfect Cupid
in his beauty, and his sweet voice, self-possessed yet modest manners,
wit, vivacity and premature wisdom, made him a most engaging prodigy."

And again, "A more engaging youth could not be imagined; he won all
hearts by the beauty of his person and his captivating address, the
premature richness of his mind and his chaste and flowing utterance."

His great successes here led him to go to England, where his popularity
was not nearly so great, and where the critics pounced upon him
unmercifully, hurting his feelings beyond repair. Still he succeeded
moderately both in England and o