dry, from the agitation of his mind, that he was unable to swallow a single mouthful. The actors themselves had great doubts of its success: but, contrary to their expectations, the play was received with great applause; Sir Joshua and a large party of friends going for the purpose of supporting it, if necessary. The dinner party, which took place at the Shakspeare, is humourously described by Cumberland. Dr. Johnson took the head of the table, and there were present the Burkes, Caleb Whitefoord, Major Mills, &c. &c.

"I remember," says the relator of this anecdote, "Dr. Goldsmith gave me an order soon after, with which I went to see this comedy, and the next time I saw him, he inquired of me what my opinion was of it. I told him that I would not presume to be a judge of its merits. He then said, "Did it make you laugh?" I answered, " Exceedingly."" Then," said the doctor," that is all I require."

SPANISH PLAY BILL.

"To the Sovereign of Heaven-to the Mother of the Eternal World-to the Polar Star of Spain-to the comforter of all Spain-to the

faithful Protectress of the Spanish Nation-t the honour and Glory of the most holy Virgin Mary, for the benefit, and for the propagation of her worship, the company of Comedians will this day give a representation of the comic piece called Nanine.'

"The celebrated Italian will also dance the Fandango, and the Theatre will be superbly illuminated.".

SCARAMOUCH, AND MOLIERE.

IN the reign of Louis XIV. an Italian actor, who named himself Scaramouch, was so popular, that he saved money enough to buy an estate, and asked leave to return to his own country. Finding himself ill-treated there, he petitioned, and was permitted, to return. At this, though he was publicly blamed, the public rejoiced; and, for more than six months, crowded to see Scaramouch again. Moliere and his excellent company fell into neglect; the comedians murmured and reproached Moliere, on whom they depended as author and manager." Why don't you write for our support? Must impotence and buffoonery carry all before them? Is there no way to rouse the public to common sense?"

Weary of such remonstrances, Moliere told them they must retire, like Scaramouch, till the town should wish for their return; but that, for his own part, he should suffer things to take their natural course; the public would not be always Scaramouch-mad; they would be tired with bad things, as well as with good.-Moliere had sagacity, and was a true prophet; the very next comedy he wrote, the concourse was drawn to his house, and popularity was once again the friend of merit.

PARODY OF A POACHER.

A poor strolling player was once caught performing the part of a poacher, and being taken before the Magistrates, assembled at a quarter sessions, for examination, one of them asked him what right he had to kill a hare? When he replied in the following ludicrous parody on Brutus's speech to the Romans in defence of the death of Cæsar.

"Britons, Hungry-men, and Epicures! hear me for my cause, and be silent, that you may hear; believe me for my honour; and have respect to my honour, that you may believe, Censure me in your wisdom-and awake your senses that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of this hare, to him I say, that a

poacher's love for hare is no less than his. If, then, that friend demand, why a poacher rose against a hare, this is my answer, not that I loved hare less, but that I loved eating more. Had you had rather this hare were living, and I had died quite starving—or that this hare were dead, that I might live a jolly fellow? As this hare was pretty, I weep for him; as he was plump, I honour him; as be was nimble, I rejoiced at it; but, as he was eatable, I slew him. There is tears, for his beauty; joy, for his condition; ho nour, for his speed; and death for his toothsomeness. Who is here so cruel, would see me a starved man? If any, speak, for him have I offended-Who is here so silly that would not take a tit-bit? If any, speak, for him have I offended. Who is here so sleek that does not love his belly? If any, speak, for him have I offended."

"You have offended justice, Sirrah," cried one of the magistrates, out of all patience at this long and strange harangue, which began to invade the time that had awakened his appetite. "Then, (cried the culprit, guessing at the hungry feelings of the bench,) since justice is dissatisfied, it must needs have something to devourHeaven forbid, I should keep any gentleman from his dinner-so, if you please, I'll wish your Lordship a good day, and a good appetite."

The magistrates, eager to retire, and somewhat pleased with the fellow's last wish, gave him a reprimand in exchange for his hare, and let him go,

STAGE FEELING.

"Garrick roused the feelings more than any actor on record, and, most probably, suffered as much from their exertion." A gentleman once making the above remark to Tom King, the comedian, he received this reply:-" Pooh! he suffer from his feelings! Why, sir, I was playing with him one night in Lear, when, in the middle of a most passionate and affecting part, and when the whole house was drowned in tears, he turned his head round to me, and putting his tongue in his cheek, whispered--" D―n me, Tom, it'll do."-So much for stage feeling.

THE UNSUCCESSFUL CLUB.

It was once proposed, by some wits, to establish a club, thus entitled, the members of which were to consist of those who had failed in dramatic writing. One damned farce entitled 66 a Man to be a Member," instanter. If an author's comedy was withdrawn after the second night, he must be ballotted for; but if his tragedy was hissed off, during the first act, he came in by acclamation, and might order what dinner he pleased. A perpetual president was elected, who had attained that eminence by a long course

VOL. II.

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