*p1752 02 20 cg The Royal Merchant. ^As17511114^.*a1752 02 20 cg Harlequin Sorcerer. ^See17520211^.*c1752 02 20 cg [The theatres this night met competition from (I) an Assembly at the <i>king's Theatre</i> in the <i>Haymarket</i>, tickets 26s. each, to admit one Gentleman and two ladies. (2) another Assembly at the <i>Five Bells Tavern</i>, behind the <i>New Church</i>, in the <i>Strand</i>, where was opened the Temple of Taste, where will be exhibited a grand concert of Music. Also an attempt towards the Introduction of a new rational entertainment, consisting of an <i>Occasional Prologue</i> by a Gentleman; a panegyric on the Utility of Public Speaking, in which the Design is particularly illustrated; Propositions made from a Gentleman in the Chair, to be debated by the company, such as the Gay and Polite may be supposed to understand, and speak upon with success; to conclude with an <i>Original Epilogue</i>; the whole interspers'd with several grand concertos, Overtures, and Full pieces of Musick. This design, which has for its object the interest of Knowledge, Eloquence and Politeness, needs no Apology, and can be opposed by those, with whom to be at variance, is Virtue. No subject of so Sacred Nature as Religion, will be there canvass'd nor anything that can give Occasion to Indecency, or unmannerly reflection on any Undertaking or Party.-In this attempt all Men of Taste are interested, as they will have an opportunity not only of being pleased, but giving pleasure by considering every subject with candour, and reasoning upon it, with Eloquence and propriety. To this entertainment, the Ladies are likewise invited, who have an unexceptionable right to be present at all Attempts, calculated for the promotion of knowledge, and as their appearance will naturally secure polite behavior, so they may reap some advantage from the Circulation of ideas, which is such an Assembly must necessarily take place. The price of entrance-half a crown each. To begin precisely at seven. The room which is very commodious, will be elegantly illuminated. The SUBJECT for the first Night's Debate will be, "If the Custom of Portioning Daughters was entirely suppress'd, would it not be a good Expedient towards the promotion of Matrimony and the felicity of that state." It continued on four Wednesday nights. Then seems to have died.]