The Angel is Dying

Abstract

The circumstances attending this melancholy event were particularly distressing. A large party of young people were assembled at your brother’s to spend a joyous evening in dancing.¹ We were all in the height of our merriment,—he himself remarkably cheerful, and partaking of the amusement, when the alarm was given that the dear little angel was dying. It is impossible to describe the confusion and horror of the scene:—he was quite frantic, and I knew not what to do. Happily there were present several kind, good-natured men, who had their recollection, and pointed out what should be done. We very soon had every possible assistance, and for a short time we had some hope that her precious life would have been spared to us—but that was soon at an end!

From Moore, Memoirs of Sheridan, II, 140. Editor’s title.