Lacy, John

, a dramatic writer, who flourished in the reign of king Charles II. was born near Doncaster in Yorkshire, and was at first bred a dancing-master, but afterwards went into the army, having a lieutenant’s commission and warrant as quarter-master under colonel Charles lord Gerrard. The charms of a military life, however, he quitted to go upon the stage, in which profession, from the advantages of a fine person, being well shaped, of a good stature, and well proportioned, added to a sound critical judgment, and a large share of comic humour, he arrived at so great a height of excellence, as to be universally admired; and in particular was so high in the esteem of king Charles II. that his majesty had his picture painted in three several characters, viz. Teague in the “Committee,” Scruple in the “Cheats,” and Galliard in the “Variety” which picture is still preserved at Windsorcastle. His cast of acting was chiefly in comedy and his writings are all of that kind, he being the author of the four following comedies: 1. “Dumb Lady, 11 1672, 4to. 2.” Sir Hercules Buffoon,“1684, 4to. 3.” Old Troop,“1698, 4to. 4.” Sawney the Scot," 1698, 4to. The second of these was not brought on the stage till three years after the author’s death, which happened on the 15th of September, 1681. ¹