Event Comment: Afterpiece: By desire. To Mr G-, Sir: You will very much oblige many of your friends by reviving the play of Ulisses wrote by the celebrated Mr Rowe; We apprehdnd there are four characters in which yourself, Mr Barry, Mrs Cibber and Mrs Pritchard would shine inimitably. If you think this hint worthy your notice, we make no doubt it will in every Respect answer your expectations, as well as gratify the town in general. S. W., S. T., &c. (General Advertiser). This day is publish'd, at 1s. Lethe Rehears'd or a critical discussion of the beauties and blemishes of that performance; interspers'd with occasional remarks upon dramatick satires in general, as well as on some that have been best receiv'd in particular. The whole in a free conversation amongst several persons of distinction. Printed for J. Roberts (General Advertiser). [This is a fifty@two@page puff for Lethe, and for the usefulness of the stage for propagating morals. The characters who lead the discussion are: Sir Francis Friendly , a sensible learned Gentleman; Dr Heartfree , a candid, judicious person; who has a great opinion of Mr Garrick; Mr Snip@Snap , a vociferous modern Critic; and Two Women .] Receipts: #120 (Cross); #118 12s. 6d. (Powel)

Event Comment: Flora's Figarys appears in Herbert, Dramatic Records, p. 148, under this date. As Flora's Vagaries, it had been acted at Christ Church, Oxford, on 8 Jan. 1663. The play was not published before 1670, and the entry in Herbert's list has sometimes been regarded as the date of licensing, sometimes as the date of a performance in London. Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 427, assigned it to ca. January 1662@3 at Vere St, presumably because "Mr Bird" in the cast in the quarto of 1670 referred to Theophilus Bird, who died before 3 Nov. 1663. But the cast in the edition of 1670 is presumably that for 5 Oct. 1667, when Pepys saw the play and referred to Nell Gwyn and Mrs Knepp as acting in it; they, too, are listed in the quarto of 1670 but could hardly have played in it in 1663. If the cast in the 1670 edition is not that for 3 Nov. 1663 and if the "Mr Bird" is Theophilus Bird Jr, then the obstacles to consiuering 3 Nov. 1663 as the date of a performance rather than of licensing are less formidable. [I am indebted to professor John Harold Wilson for much of this argument.

Event Comment: NNeale had Tickets (Cross). Last time of the Company's performing this season. Neale had tickets on this night for which it is customary to pay half price, the whole amount of his tickets in the House came to #22 7s. (Powel). Receipts: #60 (Cross); #33 18s. 6d. (Powel). General Advertiser, 23 June: Yesterday was married by the Rev. Mr Franklin at his Chapel Russel St?, Bloomsbury,--David Garrick Esq. to Mlle Eva Maria Violette. Comments by John Powel in MS Tit for Tat: This was the last night of the season, having play'd 175 nights. Rec'd by forfeits of the Band of Music #32 11d. Rec'd ditto from actors #1 15s. Rec'd of Mr Neale for half share of his tickets #11 3s. 6d. So that they received as appears by their own books in the two seasons that Mr G k has been concern'd as manager, the sum of #40,906 2s. 7d. having play'd in the whole time 346 nights. But as Mr Garrick's Benefit and Mrs Cibber's charges were included in the account as a blind to the Principle Treasurer, I must therefore, among some few other things, subtract them from the total amount, and then it will stand as follows: @The first season:@Cash return'd by licencer #2 2s.@G k's Benefit, whole amount of house #193 16s.@Mrs Cibber's charges at her Bt. #60@Mr Berry #1 10s.@Mrs Pritchard for a ticket as agreed #10 10s.@The last season G k receiv'd as author of Lethe, for 6th night #56 8s. 6d.@Mr Warner #5 14s.@G k's benefit as before #187@Mrs Cibber's charges #60@Mrs Pritchard's #10@Total #587 16s. 6d.@ The sum subtracted, it wil remain #40,318 6s. 1d., which is at the rate of #116 10s. 6d. for each night, one night with another, Benefit nights and all Disadvantages included. As I have no given an exact account of the Receipts of Cash, I must also endeavor to give an account of the nightly charge, that the reader may be able to judge of the Profits. But it must be first consider'd, that all nights will not amount to the same, as for example the play of Macbeth requires more incidents, than a common play, such as wine, fruit made use of in the Banqueting Scene, also spirits of wine for the Cauldron in the scene of the Witches, Rosin for lightening, &c. Whereas in another play, such as the Orphan perhaps there are few or no incidents, and consequently the charges must be less, so that it is impossible to be quite exact without giving the particulars of each night's play throughout the two seasons which would not only tire the reader's patience, but swell this pamphlet to a greater bulk than the nature of the thing requires; besides as all the Account Books are in their own custody, there can be no such thing as making an abstract. But as my own memorandums will let me into the most principle things, it is an easy matter to make an allowance for others of less consequence, which I shall take care as much as I can to do rather in their favor than against them. In the first place I shall begin with their Rents and Taxes as they stood last season: @A Calculation of the Nightly Expence of Drury Lane Playhouse:@Renter's Shares in the House, being in number Thirty-Six at #23 6s. 8d. each share for the season amounts in all to #840, and supposing they play but 170 nights (tho' they play'd 175 last season which is allowing them as much advantage as I possibly can) then will it amount to per night #4 18s. 9d.@Land Tax for the year #88, which calculated at the rate of 170 nights as above, is per night 10s. 4d.@Ground Rent, and for the rent of a Wardrobe call'd the Sparrow's Nest, for the year #80, which is per night 9s. 4d.@Poor's rate for the year #33 6s. 8d., which is per night 3s. 11d.@Scavanger for the House, and another place call'd the King's Passage, for the year #7 9s. 4d., which is 10 1!2d.@Rent for a Place call'd the King's Passage for the year #31 10s., which is per night 3s. 8 1!4d.@Watch Rate for the Playhouse and a House in Russel St, call'd the King's Passage #7, which is per night 9 3!4d.@Window lights for the Playhouse and the King's Passage, #6 per year, which is per night 8 1!4d.@Water for the year, #2, which is per night 2 3!3d.@Rent of a room call'd the Scene Room for the year #60, which is per night 7s. 1!2d.@Fruit money to be divided among the renters, as by their Lease #40, which is per night 4s. 8 1!4d.@(N.B.: It has not been the custom for some years past to pay this money to the Renters, but as they are entitled to receive it, I think proper to make it one of the charges.)@A Perquisite payable out of the P t [Patent?] for the year #815, which is per night #1 1 7s. 1!2d.@The Total amount of their Rent and Taxes is per night #8 17s. 6d.@ Thus far I have given an account of their rents] and Taxes and before I proceed any farther I believe it will be necessary to acquaint the reader, that the Renter's Lease will expire in the year 1753, and then the whole affair will come into the hands of Messrs G k and L y, for the term of near 21 years at an annual Rent of #210. This is a purchase made not long ago, for which they gave #3000. But the Annual rent of #210 commences before the Renters time is out, occasioned by an addition of several dwelling Houses in the Playhouse Passages which they had thrown into their agreement, and for some of which they now receive Rent. The next principal charge is the Nightly Salaries of the people belonging to the House, such as actors, dancers, musicians, office keepers, doorkeepers, dressers, and sweepers. The customary way of paying these people is once a week; on a Saturday Morning their names being all enter'd alphabetically upon a list (which is call'd the Pay List). This List is always made out according to the number of nights that the House has played in the week, but I must set it down at 6 which is a full week's pay. This is also a fluctuating affair, as well as the incidents, their generally being a necessity of either adding or striking off some names before the season is out, which consequently either makes an increase or decrease in the charges, but as I am oblig'd to be as particular as possible, and to bring it to a point, I will fix upon salaries of the latest date. @Sat. Feb. 25, 1748-49. The salaries amounted to per week #296 9s. 6d., and on Sat. 15 Apr. 1749, the salaries were per week #294 6d. But as I chuse to make the thing rather more than less, I will enter it according to the former list, which is per night #49 8s. 8d.@N.B. Mr Lacy has #2 15s. 6d. per night upon this list for management, but I cannot comprehend that this is any part of the charge because he has a moity, or equal half-share of the Profits, as being a partner; and consequently ought not to be paid for inspecting into his own affairs. I shall therefore subtract this from the Nightly expence at the end.@The next charge to be consider'd is that of the Tallow Chandler, which generally amounts to per week about #17, but this is not always certain, it varying sometimes either a trifle over or under. This person makes an allowance of 8 per cent Discount upon account of his receiving ready money for his goods, which deducted from the #17 makes it per night #2 12s. 1d.@The Printer's Bill generally amounts to between #7 and #8 per week, but as I rather chuse to be over than under the mark, I will set it down at #8, which is per night #1 6s. 8d.@Advertisements in the General Advertiser, there has been nothing charg'd for these two years and upwards, which I believe is occasion'd by the Managers having a share in that paper, that perhaps may bring as much as their advertisements come to.@I shall find the greatest difficulty of any yet in making an Allowance for the nightly use of their cloaths, Scenes, &c, there being a vast number of rich cloaths bought into their wardrobe within these two years, and large sums paid to the Taylor, Mercer and other Tradesmen, on account of the same, but then the Stock remains, and will serve for a considerable time with some little addition, and it is well known the wardrobe was never so rich before, as at this juncture, a great many of the cloaths having been bought ready-made at dery great bargains, and when they are no longer fit to appear upon the stage, the Lace will burn to a considerable part of their money again; And as it is impossible to be quite exact, I must submit to the reader whether #3 3s. a Night only for the use of their cloaths, Scenes and other things that appertain to the dress, is not sufficient, for according to the calculation of playing 170 nights in the season it will amount to #535 10s., only for the use, which in my opinion is enough, and if they can contradict it let them make it appear #3 3s.@Mr Fleetwood (who was the late manager) when he made an assignment of the Playhouse to Mr Lacy in trust for the Bankers (Gr n, and Am r, late of the Strand) and himself to care to keep a Reserve of #500 a year during the Time then to come on the P t [patent?], a part of which has been paid annually to a Gentleman appointed to receive the same by Mr Fleetwood. But when Mr G k came in as manager, it was agreed by the consent of that Gentleman, that it should be paid at the rate of #300 a year, and so to take a longer time for the payment of the whole. This annuity had it stood at the rate of #500 a year as was first design'd would have expir'd with the P t, which is several months before the Renter's time is out, but this affair ought to be look'd upon rather as a Debt than part of the nightly charge of the Playhouse. However, as it always stood in that Rank in their books, I shall make the same allowance here and leave the reader to judge of it as he thinks proper, which is per night according to the former calculation #1 15s. 3d.@The Lamp Lighter's bill for lighting the lamps will amount to about 7 shillings sixpence a night, but as there is an occasion sometimes for Tin Wares and reparations, I shall set it down at Per night 10s.@Coals made use of are generally about 40 Chaldrons for the season, which bought in the summer time, we must suppose not be to above 34s. a chaldron, amounting in the whole to #68, which is per night 8s.@Properties, or Incidents, are sometimes more, sometimes less, as I have before observed, and are according to the play. They are under the Denomination of Fruit, Wines, Sweetmeats, Sticks, Stage Money, &c, but to take one night with another throughout the season they don't amount to quite 5s.@Bill Stickers are those men that stick the Large Bills about the Town, being Six in number, and have 18 pence per night each. They are not enter'd on the pay List among other servants, on account of their sticking Bills sometimes when the House does not play, which makes a difference, and supposing them to be in full pay, which is not always the case, then it would amount to per night 9s.@Two men that deliver Handbills, at 1 shilling a night each per night 2s.@Four constant supernumerary scene-men to assist the scene-men belonging to the House, and a Candle-man that sees all tne candles put out after the play is over, at 1 shilling each, which is per night 5s.@There are sometimes extraordinary Supernumerary scene-men, made use of in plays, to help the traps, &c, such as Richard III, Macbeth, The Tempest, &c, which have a shilling each, but one night with another it will not amount to above 3s.@Kettle Drums and French Horns are not included among the Band of Music, and as there are but two French Horns, and one pair of Kettle Drums made use of, which are only in some particular things, at 5 shillings a night, I cannot think they will amount to throughout the season more than per night 7s. 6d.@Chorus singers, which are people that stand behind the scenes, whose additional voices are sometimes necessary in grand pieces of vocal music, and are made use of in the Tempest, Comus, Macbeth, &c., and seldom in number so many as 6, at 5 shillings each,--but if I make allowance for two each night throughout the season, I am very confident it is more than sufficient, which supposition is per night 10s.@The Prompter is allowed for Paper, Pens, Ink and Wafers per night 3d.@The Carpenters, being sometimes employed in doing work in the House, save 2s. 6d. a day each, and as this is also a fluctuating affair, I shall put them down throughout the season at per night 5s.@The Glover's bill amounts one night with another to about 6s.@The Stationer's Bill, perhaps about #15 in the season, every Boxkeeper, &c being oblig'd to find his own Paper, which is per night 1s. 9d.@The Feather-man, Shoe-maker, Sword-Cutler, Hatter, Taylor, Scene Painter, Lace-man, Mercer, &c, I have already made an allowance for,--the #3 3s. per night for the use of the Cloaths, Scenes, &c. ....@The Brick-layer and Iron-monger are casual tradesmen, and as accidents so frequently happen, I think it necessary to put them down at per night 7s. 6d.@The Turner's Bill perhaps may amount in the season to about #6 which is per night 8d.@The person that has the care of the Candles brings in a bill for small wax candles, &c, and one night with another about 1s. 6d.@The House-keeper sometimes brings in a bill for little things to the amount of about per night 1s.@The Prompter for writing parts, one night witn another 8d.@I have thus endeavored to give the most minute Part of the charges that belongs to the House, but as most of these affairs depends upon accident and for fear of any omission (At the beginning of the first season their salaries were a few weeks at #54 per night, but as this was but of a short duration it cannot make any great difference) and lest they say I fix them to certain sums which have alter'd to their disadvantage, I will as a guard against such a supposition allow them per night #3@#74 6s. 8d.@[Subtracting Mr Lacy's #2 15s. 6d.] then according to the nearest calculation I can make the whole nightly charge is #71 11s. 2d.@ The next thing to be consider'd (supposing this charge to be right) is their Profits, which will appear by multiplying the sum of #71 11s. 2d. by 346 (the number of nights they play'd in the two seasons) and the total sum will be #24,759 10s. 10d., which subtracted from #40,318 6s. 1d., the remainder will be #15,558 15s. 2d., the profits, according to the best calculations I can make arising from the two last seasons. But I think it incumbent on me to inform the reader that this money was not all at the Managers' disposal, because there was a mortgage upon the Playhouse, &c to one Mr Clutterbuck?, a tradesman in the Strand, who was Mortgagee in trust for Mr G k himself and others, and the Mortgagee was entitled to take up #1000 a year and interest at 5 per cent. This security was made at Mr G k's first commencing manager in order to purchase the Bankers' two shares in the old P t, &c. which was sold for #3,500, also to discharge an old mortgage made by Mr Fleetwood, and other debts due from the playhouse. Thus have I made appear to the Town the receipts and charges as near as possibly can, and hope not to the disadvantage of the Managers. But perhaps they will say that they have expended more money than I have already given an account of, which I must readily submit to, but then it has been upon different affairs than the nightly charge of the House; as for example the first season they, as will appear by their own Books, #15,179 12s. 3d.; the second season #13,663 3s. 3d., so at this rate the profits do not amount to above #10,475 10s. 8d., which is noways right, for as I have already observed, they bought large quantities of ready-made rich cloaths, merely because they were great bargains. These cloaths they now have by them, and doubtless are as good as money, and which I make an allowance for at #3 3s. a night. They also made alterations in the House, by enlarging the first Gallery, and adding more seats, which are placed so neighborly together, that they keep people pure warm in a cole [sic] winter's night, especially at the upper end. The transformation of that Part adjoining to the Box-Lobby into a standing place for the Quality, that they may pay before they go in, is another charming contrivance, and many other alterations much to advantage, but these conveniences being once finish't become Perpetual, and are no longer chargeable. Besides they lent out of the said sums money to several actors for some of which they have bonds that bear 5 per cent interest, and these are the things that were the occasion of the Extraordinary Advancement, which perhaps they under a pretence may call part of the Nightly charges, but as I have made the thing as clear as well can be, I shall submit to the reader's judgment. I thought it necessary to set down each night's farce with the play as near as I could throughout the two seasons, and I believe upon strict examination the reader will find that the whole number consists of about 25 good old Stagers, one of them having mounted upwards of that times. But however dis[agreea]ble these antient attendants may prove to an Audience, yet they are absolutely necessary on account of keeping up the [starf--l P[rice]s, which could not decently be done without them as Mr Rich has Pantomime entertainments. [starWhilst their rent, Taxes, &c are so very high, it is my firm opinion, they cannot afford to take under full prices, and therefore I would not have any one imagine to the Contrary. And the reason of publishing this account is no more than to do my self common justice and to shew how well they could afford to make me amends for my past Labours. Tho in my opinion Mr G-k is such a rarity, that he needs no embellishment, and I hope I shan't be thought too lavish in his Praise when I say that his great condesention in playing oftener since he has been a manager (almost in spite of his sickness) than he did when he was under management, is such an obligation conferr'd on the town, that it is questionable whether the salary he now receives as an Actor is equivalent. But lest it should not be generally known what it is (as such things do sometimes slip the ears of the People) I think it proper to inform the Reader, and having first ask'd Mr Garrick the manager's pardon, I shall begin with Mr Garrick the Actor, whose salary for the season is #525 certain, and as most players have a benefit once a year, so has he, but only this difference, that they pay for theirs (Mrs Cibber excepted) and he does not. Nor need he give himself any trouble to make an interest at the time; for it is only playing Richard, or Lear, and the job is done without putting his name up in large characters at the top of the Playbill, for every inquisitive person to gape at. What these Benefits have brought him in is easily seen by looking backwards. This added to the salary makes upwards of #700 a year, and so much for Mr G-k the actor. As to Mr Garrick the Manager, he only takes up #500 a year out of the profits under the denomination of Management, which does but just put him upon a footing with his brother manager, who takes up the same, and if I may presume to put the Manager and Actor together, it will appear that Mr Garrick's income from the Playhouse is upwards of #1200 a year exclusive of a Mortgage of #4000 upon the Playhouse, Patent, Cloaths, Scenes, &c., which brings him in #200 per year, at the rate of 5 per cent interest. These things put together and added to his half share of Profits, makes it a comfortable living enough, and I heartily wish every brave fellow that ventured his life and limbs for his Country's service could meet with the same success. I make no doubt but it will create some wonder that I have laid these things before the Town, without saying for why. But I must assure the reader that after weighing every circumstance well within my own breast, I think I have sufficient reason, and would relate each particular reason, but that I have given to understand Facts may be Libels--that all advantages will be taken--that I must have a care what I do, and that Power may get the better of Truth. I must confess I think it very hard that if a man is hurt he must not only suffer the injury, but be also hindered from telling his grievance. However, as I have often groan'd in private, I will run the risk of venturing one groan in public, but will be as concise as possible, for fear my antagonists may be too impatient to stay till my tale is told. Let it suffice them that I was Deputy Treasurer of D-y L-ne Playhouse upwards of four years, and resigened my office the beginning of this season. Several messages were sent to me to return again, and I had my place kept for me several weeks, which plainly shows I have been guilty of no misdemeanor, but have been rather look'd upon as a valuable sl-ve than other ways, and could I have been content with much more labor and little pay I don't doubt but I might have been suffer'd to trudge on and carry my Burthen to the end of my days. But having forgot my station, and that I had no right to make terms for myself, was so impudent as to imagine I had some Gratitude due me for past services, and that as I had weather'd a most terrible Storm, I had some right to share in the calm, but alas! I was mistaken. Property was not intended for me, I was only design'd to share in Adversity and help others to cut their passage to happiness. I believe it is pretty well known that near two years before Mr G-k came in as manager, the Playhouse was involved [in] many difficulties, much money being due to tradesmen, Actors, &c occasioned by his not playing there, which [would] not have been the case had Mr Lacy, who was then manager in trust for the Bankers and himself, agreed with him, and given what he demanded as an actor, which was as Mr Lacy order'd him #500 for the season, and as Mr G-k did not chuse to be under him he went to Ireland where he remain'd during the season. The Bankers who advanc'd #6,800 to purchase the Playhouse, the Renters, and Mr Lacy begun to see their folly, and were so unfortunate as to become Bankers' prey afterwards, though one of them (Mr Amber) has had the grant to be made a Pit office-keeper in the Playhouse, where he now remains at a salary of about #29 a year. I shall return to the difficulties. The People that had the demands to them (being upwards of #140) began to be very uneasy, and they very clamorous, that we perceiv'd what we were to depend upon. Distruction, seemingly as it was a dark cloud over our heads, we expected daily to burst upon us; and tho' Mr Lacy had given as many fair promises as a man could do, yet it availed nothing, for every word they spoke had something of danger in it (which oblig'd him to keep pretty much within doors). Here I interposed, and stood between him and his creditors, for upwards of a year and a half, ever breaking my rest to preserve his, and was continually forming excuses and pledging my word, to divert them from their design, and as it was unsafe for him to come to the playhouse for a long time together, for fear of arrests, I was oblig'd to undertake the management there (which they now take up #500 a year for) and go through a very hard Task to an account of the people's not having their pay. Added to this I had the Accounts of the Treasurer's Office to keep and as we were in debt every particular person's belonging to the playhouse, beside. I also took upon myself the Inspection of the Wardrobe and kept an account of that (which was almost one man's business alone to do). I drew all the articles between the manager and actor, and at other times were [sic] continually either writing, walking, though lame, or contriving for Mr Lacy's welfare. In the day I had no rest, in the night very little sleep, and my whole study was to extricate him from his troubles. I was bail for him to the Sheriff in two actions for #200, and brought at the suit of Mr Fl-dyer in Bazinghall St, and Mr Ho-se, Tinman in High Holborn, and had a great deal of trouble in getting one of these actions defended in order to gain time. I was arrested twice myself for him: one of these times dragg'd out of my lodgings at twelve o'clock at night. In short I went through every trouble that a sincere friend could do, while he was endeavouring to get the new Patent, which he and Mr Garrick now enjoy, and did imagine if ever those difficulties were got over (which I then very much question'd) that I should have met with some gratification, but instead of that as soon as Mr G-k came to be concern'd as a partner (who knew very well that I had gone through for the service of the Playhouse) I found another Person was to be put in Principal Treasurer over my head, with this Reason: "That it was their interest it should be so, because his Wife, Mrs Pr-h-d was to play for them." Not that I envy the gentleman that has it, for I think him worthy of much more, and hope my being under a necessity of mentioning it will be a sufficient plea for my excuse. This I very easily look'd over, and had not the least doubt but they would make me some amends another way, but adding something to my salary, which was at the rate of #44 a year, and this I was entitled to for doing the business of Deputy treasurer in the Office which was nothing in competition with the other affairs I had gone through. But I found I was mistaken here too for I had no addition, and discover'd when too late that I should have made use of the opportunity when I had it in my power,--but though I knew the time when everything must have been granted that I ask'd, yet I did not take the advantage, nor would by compulsion force the thing that I knew was due from the strongest ties of Friendship. How wretched must such a disappointment make me! What must that man deserve that can betray such confidence, and without blushing deny the breach he had made in Honour. If after this I can point out a way to do myself justice, have I not Right to make use of it? Must I lose my health, Time, Labor, for other's happiness, and not consider my miseries? It is against Nature and I hope the Reader will make my Case his own, and then judge accordingly. In my next I shall give the full history of the Stage ever since Mr Fl-w-d was manager, down to the end of the last season, wherein will be the Bankers' affair set forth at large. The manner of obtaining the new P-t, and Gratitude displayed in a particular manner. The intended partnership between Mr Rich and Mr Lacy, how Mr Garrick came to be admitted. His compact with Mrs Pritchard, and some other affairs necessary to be known both to the Public and the Theatres. @Then let the stricken deer go weep@The hart ungall'd go play...&c. &c.@Finis.@ [Powel's second pamphlet seems not to have been written, as this one seems never to have been printed. His total income for the two seasons #40,906 2s. 7d. corresponds favorably with Cross's total estimates for the same period of #40,995. His analysis of the cost of many items in his attempt to arrive at a reasonable statement of nightly charges is most valuable. If his figure of #71 11s. 2d. is correct, then the managers lost from #8 to #11 on each benefit night, which hardly seems probable.

Event Comment: To the Public: An Impartial Account of Cibber's Impromptu, by a Spectator: @In a frolicsome humour I went t'other day@To see the Diversions collected by THE',@When seen -from Amazement I could not refrain@That such an odd Oglio should come in his brain;@That from Chaos, Confusion and Visible night@He could bring such a queer group of figures to light:@I went-with a critical spleen that disdained@This project -but found myself well entertained.@For the English there's ships; for the Scots a good song;@[what] He sought to provide for Hibernia was Wrong@When this I observ'd to aworthy dear Honey -@He reply'd -"Blurr and Houns? there's enough for your money.@But to state the affair without laughter or fun@All agreed -my shift was superior to none;@With new Scenes, new Machines, Music, Dancing and all,@To risk our Diversions THE' ventured a fall@And if his last trump should unluckily fail,@[Brain?] must lay a scheme to keep out of a jail.@A few trivial errors we ought to forgive@Pay to Merit reward and let Industry live,@For your Candor alone must determine his fate@For the sake of Old Coll', let Theophilus eat.@ His Benefit tomorrow, Wednesday, the 14th Instant, at the Theatre in The Haymarket

Event Comment: Tickets deliver'd out by Miss Copin for the Merchant of Venice will be taken to the Conscious Lovers (General Advertiser). This day is publish'd, Price 1s., A Letter of Complaint to the Ingenious author of a Treatise on the Passions, so far as they regard the stage; with a critical Enquiry into the theatrical merit of Mr G-k, Mr Q-n, and Mr B-y, &c. With some further remarks on Mr M-n. And a few hints on our modern Actresses, particularly Mrs C-r and Mrs P-d. Magna est Veritas, & pravalebit. Printed for C. Corbett, over against St. Dunstan's Church, Fleet St. (General Advertiser). [Illuminating discussion of actors' abilities]: The Stage is much indebted to Mr M- for his incessant successful endeavours; he not only grac'd it with his own personal merits, but rais'd up several Branches who tho' they have not yet quite eclips'd Mr Giffard's Nursery from Goodman's Fields, will certainly in time prove stars of the first magnitude.--(p. 28). Touch Messrs. Giffard and Ryan and give them better voices; there is nothing else wanting. Help Mr Delane to a new manner and judgment to display the best pipe that ever was heard. Polish a little the rough Beauties of Mr L. Sparkes, give the sensible Mr Havard a few more spirits; and mend the Humour of Hippisley, Chapman, Barrington, and Blakes if you can. Poor Yates wants nothing but a front of brass, a necessary self-sufficient Manner of pushing himself upon a Publick.--(p. 31). If Mrs Giffard's Manner was equal to her understanding, she wou'd compell everybody to acknowledge her a surprising Performer. In Lady Macbeth she is excellent; and Hermione was very near eclipsing a much more popular actress; in short in every Part she performs, the severest of her enemies cannot but own she is more than decent.--(pp. 32-33). [Gives two pages each to discussion of Mrs Clive, Mrs Woffington, Mrs Cibber, and Mrs Pritchard.

Event Comment: To the author of the General Advertiser, from White's Coffee House, St James's, 1 Feb., SIR: On the 6th of December last I was seiz'd with a fever, which in 24 hours was so violent that I became extremely delerious, insomuch that I obstinately refused all manner of medicines. This continued till about December the 16th, when all my friends thought me near expiring, and the more because I was then in the 80th year of my age. At this time my relations gave me a dose of Dr James's Fever Powder in some Tamarinds, unknown to me, which, as it had no taste, I did not discover. This gave me one stool, and the next morning I was much better. From that Time my Relations gave me the same medicine, without my knowledge, in small beer, Tea, and every thing I took. This was attended with so good an Effect, that in three days the Fever, with all its symptoms, entirely left me, insomuch that I am now perfectly recover'd. This I esteem my duty to the Publick to communicate for the general advantage of Mankind, I am, Sir, your humble servant, Colley Cibber. This day is publish'd, By Authority, the Comic Tunes in the Entertainment of Queen Mab, as they are performed at Drury Lane, for the Violin, German Flute, or Harpsichord, Price 1s. 6d. Printed for J. Oswald at his music shop in St Martin's Churchyard, in the Strand

Event Comment: Benefit Cibber. At the particular Desire of several Ladies of Quality. Mainpiece: Written by Ben. Johnson. [Tickets at Cibber's House, at Mrs Holt's in Bow Street, cg. The play changed, by request, from The Relapse.] London Daily Post and General Advertiser, 26 March: Last Week died, in the 88th Year of his Age, Mr Boman, belonging to Drury-Lane Theatre, who had the Honour to perform several times before King Charles II. It is remarkable of him, that he was the oldest Player, the oldest Singer, and the oldest Ringer in England

Event Comment: The Company in the Haymarket being busily employ'd in reviving several pieces, are oblig'd to defer playing till further notice (General Advertiser). [T. Cibber stated that when his troupe had a successful run of Romeo and Juliet, and when Mrs Clive arranged for a benefit performance there, the Patentees applied to the Lord Chamberlain and, in consequence, the Lord Chamberlain's Office legally stopped the performances at the Haymarket. Cibber's next move was the Academy device of 1 Nov.--Cibber, A Serio-Comic Apology, p. 10.

Event Comment: The United Company. This play was in rehearsal before the death of Charles II-see 6 Feb. 1684@5-and was staged shortly after the playhouse reopened. Luttrell's date of acquisition of the separately-printed Prologue and Epilogue is 9 May 1685 (in possession of Pickering and Chatto, Ltd., 1938), and the play may have been first given on that date or during the week preceding Saturday 9 May 1685. For Cibber's account of Mountfort as Sir Courtly, see Cibber, Apology, ed. Lowe, I, 129. The separately-printed Prologue and Epilogue are reprinted in Wiley, Rare Prologues and Epilogues, pp. 228-30. A separately-printed Three New Songs in Sir Courtley Nice (1685) contains three songs, with the music by Samuel Ackroyde and an unknown composer. In addition, two songs, As I grazed unaware and O be kind my dear be kind, both composed by R. King, are in The Theater of Music, Second Book, 1685. Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, pp. 40-41): The first new Comedy after King James came to the Crown, was Sir Courtly Nice, wrote by Mr Crown:...The Comedy being justly Acted, and the Characters in't new, Crown'd it with a general Applause: Sir Courtly was so nicely Perform'd, that not any succeeding, but Mr Cyber has Equall'd him. Note, Mr Griffin so Excell'd in Surly, Sir Edward Belfond, The Plain Dealer, none succeeding in the 2 former have Equall'd him, except his Predecessor Mr Hart in the latter. The Lover's Session; In Imitation of Sir John Suckling's Session of Poets (in Poems on Affairs of State, II [1703], 162): @Montrath was in Foppery conceiv'd another@Of Whitehall true Breed, Sir Nices Twin Brother:@None could tell, so alike all their Follies did seem,@Whether he acted Mumford, or Mumford him.

Event Comment: Paid Mrs Furnival for her performing the part of Alicia this night, Mrs Cibber being ill...#5 5s. (Account Books, Egerton 2268) [Mrs Cibber's name was in the General Advertiser notice.] Receipts: #156 17s. We hear that there is now in Rehearsal a new Comedy called The Rake, which Character is to be represented by Mr Garrick

Event Comment: TThe Suspicious Husband deferr'd on account of Garrick's Indisposition (General Advertiser). Paid Quin on Acct. #42; Mrs Cibber on acct. #42. Paid Mr Wainwright [apothecary] in full of a Bill #41 17s. Receipts: #162 19s

Event Comment: TThe Suspicious Husband deferr'd by Garrick's Indisposition [repeated in the bills]. From The Museum, or Literary and Historical Register, No 25, 28 Feb. 1747, p. 382: On the Present State of the Theatre: I remember when you and I were last in Town together, some years ago, we were eternally repining at the wretched condition of the stage. Quin was then at the head of the Fraternity; but a very different man from what he is at present, and merely a bad copy of Booth; with all his mouthing and pageantry, but without his musical elocution, or his dignity. Whether Time or Emulation has had the greatest hand in Improving him, I know not; but certain it is, that he is improved, beyond what you will really imagine. He has got much more variety, and much more Spirit. He was always a tolerably just speaker; but then he has hardly anything more; he recited rather than acted....However, Rich has...got Quin, Garrick, Mrs Cibber and Mrs Pritchard to the new house. The consequence has been, that the stage was never, in my memory, so fashionable; not even in the Time of Mrs Oldfield's highest fame. A good taste both of acting and of plays themselves, is much more general than I ever expected to have seen it; and those who are skilled in such matters, tell me, that Rich will be a greater gainer this season than has been known for these many years. Receipts: #108 1s. 6d

Event Comment: By Desire. General Advertiser: As the Publick has often desir'd to see Mrs Cibber in the Part of Polly, and Mrs Clive in that of Lucy, the Beggar's Opera will be perform'd (with the usual Dances) Tomorrow at Drury Lane. Receipts: #130 (Cross); #132 12s. (Powel)

Event Comment: (great snow [show?] for ye Agreat snow [show?] for ye Author) (Cross). Benefit for the Author (General Advertiser). There was a new comedy last Saturday, which suceeds, call'd The Foundling. I like the old Conscious Lovers better, and that not much. The story is the same, only the Bevil of the New piece is in more hurry, and consequently more natural. It is extremely well acted by Garrick and Barry, Mrs Cibber and Mrs Woffington [Walpole to Sir Horace Mann, Walpole Letters (ed Cunningham, II, 105).] Receipts: #160 (Cross); house charges #63 (Powel); cash #119 5s. 6d.; tickets #32 (Clay MS)

Event Comment: Monday next Venice Preserved, for the Benefit of Mrs Cibber. N.B.: As many inconveniencies have arisen, from receiving Box Tickets in the Galleries, no Tickets will be admitted but in the Boxes, Pit and upon the Stage (General Advertiser). [The inconveniencies would seem to be connected with an overflow into the galleries of gentlemen with an animus towards The Foundling. Garrick was making an early managerial effort to control the house and render it quiet.] Receipts: #160 (Cross); #169 2s. 6d. (Powel)

Event Comment: See Herbert, Dramatic Records, p. 116. This was the King's Company (under Killigrew), split off from the United Company. According to Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 2) the roster included: Theophilus Bird, Hart, Mohun, Lacy, Burt, Cartwright, Clun, Baxter, Robert Shatterel, William Shatterrel, Duke [Marmaduke Watson], Hancock, Kynaston, Wintersel, Bateman, Blagden. (But see also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 295.) According to the articles of agreement, 5 Nov. 1660 (Herbert, Dramatic Records, pp. 96-100), the Duke's Company (under Davenant) included Thomas Batterton, Thomas Sheppey, Robert Noakes, James Noakes, Thomas Lovell, John Moseley, Cave Underhill, Robert Turner, Thomas Lilleston