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who had encountered Elliston in the neighbourhood, inquired whether he had seen the king, as his Majesty had not been at the palace since his three o'clock dinner; and it being then nearly five, the queen and princesses were in some little anxiety about him. But his lordship gaining no direction from the dramatic star, pursued his object in another

course.

Elliston, now making his way to the theatre for the purpose of superintending all things necessary for the reception of his august patrons, went straight into the king's box; and on perceiving a man fast asleep in his Majesty's chair, was about recalling him to his senses, in as ungentle a manner as he roused the recollection of Tom Owen in the postchaise, when, very fortunately, he discovered who his friend really was, who had so unexpectedly dropped in.

What was to be done? Elliston could not presume to wake his Majesty-to approach him-speak to him-touch him, impossible !-and yet something was necessary to be attempted, as it was now time the theatre should be lit, and what was of still greater importance, the anxiety of the queen and family assuaged.

Elliston hit on the following expedient: taking up a violin, from the orchestra, he stepped into the pit, and placing himself just beneath his trulyexalted guest, struck up, dolcemente, "God Save

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the King!" The expedient had the desired effect: the royal sleeper was gently loosened from the spell which had bound him; and awaking, up he sprang, and, staring the genuflecting comedian full in the face, exclaimed, Hey hey hey! what, what! Oh, yes! I see, Elliston-ha! ha! rain came ontook a seat-took a nap. What's o'clock ?"

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'Approaching six, your Majesty."

"Six !-six o'clock !" interrupted the king. Send to her Majesty-say I'm here. Stay-staythis wig won't do,-eh, eh? Don't keep the people waiting-light up-light up-let 'em in-let 'em in-ha! ha! fast asleep.-Play well to-night, Elliston! Great favourite with the Queen. Let 'em inlet 'em in."

The house was presently illuminated-messengers were sent off to the royal party, which, in a short lapse of time, reached the theatre. Elliston then quitted the side of his most affable monarch; and dressing himself in five minutes for his part in the drama, went through his business with bounding spirit; nor was his glee at all diminished, when, on attending the royal visitors to their carriage, the king once more nodded his head, saying, "Fast asleep, eh, Elliston !-fast asleep!"

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CHAPTER VI.

Covent Garden Theatre-" The Glorious Eight"-Subscription Room at Windsor-A fracas-Damages-A conjurer -Elliston eased of his money-A cock without a headElliston grows ambitious-Lord Harcourt's reproof-A royal fête-Elliston in many parts-Bon mot of the King— Mr. Elliston writes to the Master of Sidney-Elliston a gamester-Mr. Rundall's advice-A comic adventure with an old bachelor of Bath-A dinner-Extraordinary hoax.

It will be recollected by those who may have felt an interest in theatrical history, that, at the commencement of the year 1800, Eight of the actors then on the establishment of Covent Garden Theatre assailed Mr. Henry Harris, the proprietor, in a pamphlet,* on asserted grievances; which dispute being referred to the Lord Chamberlain,† was by him decided against the complainants.

*

man.

The pamphlet was supposed to have been written by HolThe other seven appellants were, J. Johnstone, A Pope, J. Munden, C. Incledon, J. Fawcett, T. Knight, H. Johnston. With the exception of Holman, all these actors continued at Covent Garden, after the award given against them.

The Marquis of Salisbury.

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