advice, gave such satisfaction to _George_ II. who was fond of operas, that, upon being informed to whose genius he was indebted for these improvements, his majesty was pleased from that time to countenance him, and he soon obtained the chief management of the Opera-house in _The Haymarket_. He then set about improving another species of diversion, not less agreeable to the king, which was the masquerades, and over these he always presided at the king's theatre. He was likewise appointed master of the revels. The nobility now caressed him so much, and had such an opinion of his taste, that all splendid and elegant entertainments given by them upon particular occasions, and all private assemblies by subscription, were submitted to his direction.[6] "From the emoluments of these several employments, he gained a regular considerable income, amounting, it is said, in some years, to 5000 _l._ which he spent with much liberality: particularly in the maintenance of perhaps a somewhat too luxurious table; so that it may be said, he raised an income, but never a fortune. His foibles, however, if they deserve so harsh a name, were completely 'covered' by his 'charity,' which was boundless.[7] "That he was a good judge of music, appears from his opera: but this is all that is known of his mental abilities;[8] unless we add, what we have good authority for saying in honour to his _memory_, that he walked from _Charing-Cross_ to _Temple-bar_, and back again; and when he came home, wrote down every sign on each side the _Strand_. "As to his person, though he was tall and well made, it was not very pleasing, from an unusual hardness of features.[9] But he was the first to joke upon his own ugliness; and he once laid a wager with the earl of _Chesterfield_, that, within a certain given time, his lordship would not be able to produce so hideous a face in all _London_. After strict search, a woman was found, whose features were at first sight thought stronger than _Heidegger's_; but, upon clapping her head-dress upon himself, he was universally allowed to have won the wager. _Jolly_, a well-known taylor, carrying his bill to a noble duke, his grace, for evasion said, 'Damn your ugly face, I never will pay you till you bring me an uglier fellow than yourself!' _Jolly_ bowed and retired, wrote a letter, and sent it by a servant to _Heidegger_; saying, 'his grace wished to see him the next morning on particular business.' _Heidegger_ attended, and _Jolly_ was there to meet him; and in consequence, as soon as _Heidegger's_ visit was over, _Jolly_ received the cash.