Event Comment: Benefit for
the Lying In Hospital,
Aldersgate St. Receipts: #76 15s. Income from Tickets #80 11s. (boxes 114; pit 273; gallery 111). Charges #84 (Account Book). Tomorrow
the First Part of King Henry IV. [A long plea for attendance at this performance appeared in
the Public Advertiser: "It affords me
the greatest satisfaction when I peruse your paper, and find so many advertisements for charitable Benefits at
the Theatres; which must greatly add to
the Entertainment of
the Stage, when we are sensible that
the profits are to be appropriated towards
the relief and support of
the Indigent and distress'd; for
the refief of whom, it must (at
the same time it gives us secret pleasure) raise
the astonishment of foreigners to see so many charitable piles raise
their benevolent roofs in and about this great Metroplis. Amongst which I must beg leave to recommend to
the Public,
the City of London Lying In Hospital in Aldersgate Street (for
the Benefit of which
the Play of
the Conscious Lovers will be performed this evening at
Covent Garden); whose charitable doors have been opened for
the relief of a much greater Number since
the late dearth of Provisions, than its Annual Income (being supported by voluntary contributions) can possibly support, without fur
ther aid from
the Public."
The plea continues by emphasizing
the need for expert and tender care for pregnant women, and by pointing out
the satisfaction British sailors will have in knowing
their wives may be delivered in this hospital.] [
The Occasional Prologue (Written by
Mr Lockman, Secretary to
the Society of Free British Fisheries) was published in
the Public Advertiser on 16 Dec.: @"Not sweeter Joy
the wond'ring Indian feels,@When his far dazzling Glory Sol reveals@Than warms my heart at this auspicious Sight,@
The splendid Audience of this cheerful night."@ Much emphasis on
the misery of child-bearing, yet
the need for a large population "to a commercial land." Also included was
the Epilogue, by
Lockman, "Intended for
Mrs Hamilton," ending, "May each youth, here, brea
the Bevil's gen'rous flame@Each virgin merit
Indiana's fame."