1707-1754
[Sidenote: Roscoe’s _Life of Fielding_. *]
“With regard to his personal appearance, Fielding was strongly built,
robust, and in height rather exceeding six feet; he was also remarkably
active, till repeated attacks of gout had broken down the vigour of a
fine constitution. Naturally of a dignified presence, he was equally
impressive in his tone and manner, which added to his peculiarly-marked
features; his conversational powers and rare wit must have given him a
decided influence in general society, and not a little ascendency over
the minds of common men.”
[Sidenote: Jeaffreson’s _Novels and Novelists_. *]
“That our nation was well and favourably represented by him, amongst
the lads at the university, there can be no doubt; for he was a
magnificent fellow, frank in bearing, agile as a trained wrestler,
rather exceeding six feet in height, with a face, both by aristocratic
features and gallant expression, remarkably engaging, with a fresh,
slightly ruddy complexion, and a winning smile of the most mirthful
intelligence, with an air commanding, but free from the slightest taint
of haughtiness, and lastly, with a disposition as well endowed as his
mind,--generous and truly noble as became one sprung from the seed of
kings.”--1725.
[Sidenote: Lawrence’s _Life of Fielding_. *]
“The personal appearance of the great novelist has been thus described
by his friend, Mr. Arthur Murphy: ‘Henry Fielding was in stature
rather rising above six feet; his frame of body large and remarkably
robust, till the gout had broken the vigour of his constitution.’ His
features were marked and striking, so much so, that a portrait of him
was painted by his friend Hogarth from memory, with the assistance of a
profile which had been cut in paper with a pair of scissors by a lady.
Though he was singularly handsome in his youth, in his later years it
appears, from his own account, that his gouty and dropsical figure was
anything but agreeable to behold. But his cheerfulness and good temper
rendered him to the last a delightful companion, and endeared him to
his family and friends.”