1842. Letter appealing for a Reply to Attack in 'John Bull.' 511

upon which I made out another copy of my letter to the proprietors of that paper, and inclosed it with a note to Mr. Butler, the gentleman who wrote to me on Sunday last.

there is that such a charge should be answered, that from such an imputation you should hasten to free yourself. It may be that high and conscious virtue conceives dishonour to rest in the supposition of a necessity for asserting its innocence; it may be that you think the pure integrity of your character a shield sufficient in its strength to rebuff such attacks and to render them harmless. Such an opinion, however exalted the feeling from which it may have sprung, must be pronounced an erroneous one-an unhappily erroneous one. When malignity pours itself forth only in gross abuse, silence is indeed the best revenge, for it indicates contempt; but when calumny asserts injurious facts, contradiction is due to the reputation they wound, and silence can only be esteemed a proof of weakness..

"Here is a fact asserted which the dignity of your character calls upon you to refute-which you must refute! It is due to all who admire, to all who esteem you (and the admiration of your genius has ever been coupled with the esteem of your worth); it is due to yourself to refute it. If I speak freely, sir, it is because I feel deeply. It may be that I am the only one who has ventured to appeal for a reply to this accusation, but I am not the only one who has felt the injury you would sustain by leaving it without one. The higher the character aimed at the more dangerous the attack, for if genius and worth have many admirers, many friends, they have also many enviers, many detractors. Your silence under the accusation brought against you would lend weapons to such detractors, which your friends would have no means of parrying; armed with no proof, how could they defend themselves against the accusers? Their own faith might be strong, but how little significant would be a reply that rested in their mere conviction. Earnestly, most earnestly, I appeal to you for a more triumphant answer. I would urge that, though I speak as one, I utter the sentiments of many, that I have seen the emotions of chagrin and indignation with which I read the accusing paragraph agitating others as they agitated me, that I have seen others equally anxious to find it answered, and equally disappointed when no answer appeared. It was with the hope that the John Bull of January 22nd would contain a refutation of the accusation contained in that of January 15th that I so long delayed writing to call your attention to it. I trust that the John Bull of next Sunday will show your admirers and friends the vindication they must all wish to see, that either you will be able to deny the fact asserted, or else to explain it in such a way as will leave the integrity of your character untouched.

Wishing you such success in all your undertakings as genius can obtain and honour deserve,

"I remain, sir,

"One of the most earnest, though it may be the least worthy, of
"YOUR MANY ADMIRERS.”

The writer of this letter was at the time unknown to Macready, and altogether outside theatrical circles. Shortly before the great actor's retirement from the stage, the wish of many years was fulfilled, his personal acquaintance was made by the anonymous admirer, and a very intimate friendship commenced, which continued without interruption to his death.ED.

January 26th.-A letter from Carlyle, informing me that Gay was the author of the words of 'Acis and Galatea.'

January 30th.-Looked at the John Bull newspaper, and saw that the editor had suppressed my letter, and published his own observations on such parts of it as he chose to allude to. Forster called. We discussed the subject, and I cordially assented to his advice to write to the editor of The Times, and request him to insert the letter to John Bull. I asked him to write it for me, as I was occupied with a letter to Dickens. Sir W. Martins called to say the King of Prussia would visit Drury Lane Theatre to-morrow night, and wished to hear the play of Macbeth.' I explained to him the impossibility of that or any other play but those now acting. He recommended Serle's journey to Windsor to settle the matter. Copied out the letter which Forster had written for me, copied out also the letter to the proprietors of John Bull, and, with a letter to Delane, closed the affair. Serle returned with the information that the King of Prussia had selected The Two Gentlemen of Verona.' He wanted Hamlet' or 'Macbeth.'

January 31st.-I see with great satisfaction my letter in The Times newspaper.* Felt most grateful for this vindication, which *The letter sent to John Bull, and afterwards printed in The Times, was as follows:

"TO THE PROPRIETORS OF THE JOHN BULL' NEWSPAPER. "GENTLEMEN,-I desire your immediate attention to the following circumstances, in connection with an article on Drury Lane Theatre which appeared in your paper of the 15th instant.

When I entered upon the management of Covent Garden, three years ago, my first determination was to rescue the theatre, as far as at that time lay within my power, from the degradation of being accessory to purposes of public prostitution. This object I never lost sight of. I found my means of attaining it more limited than the public sympathy and support have rendered them since; but the result, though not entirely satisfactory to myself, was such as to prove an earnestness and sincerity of intention.

"In that spirit it was received, and everywhere heartily encouraged. It was frequently the subject of praise in your paper, and, as late as the 2nd of last October, was made matter of special contrast with the condition to which Covent Garden had returned.

"When I entered upon the management here, I felt it due to the assistance I had received to make a greater and more effectual exertion. Having redeemed most fully every pledge given in my public address, I became anxious to ascertain whether all I hoped to do, and to which these measures eventually tended, might not be accomplished at once. But having been given to understand that, upon the issue of a play-bill, I had not a legal right to refuse the money of any person at the door of the theatre, I could only resolve to do my best, by measures of extreme discouragement, to altogether deter the unhappy class of persons in question from entering the house. I excluded them from the two first circles, the rooms, halls, passages, and lobbies attached to those circles. I confined such as might still for a time persevere in coming to the third circle, which they could only reach by a separate pay-office, and by passing through a dismantled lobby, where the walls were purposely left unpainted and unpapered, in which no seat of any kind was placed, and which

1842.

Answer to Attack in 'John Bull.'

513

sets me at ease in regard to these false and malicious attacks upon me. Thank God!

February 1st.—A noble article, the third leader, in The Times on the attack of the John Bull.*

was constantly patrolled by a policeman. In this lobby is a bar for refreshment, held under lease, dated some years since, not from me, but from the proprietors, which I cannot revoke; but I have already received notice that this lease is infringed by the state of the place, a state, indeed, so bare and miserable, that, were it not for the object in view, I should myself admit it to be discreditable. That object having been answered, it cannot be called so. On the average of nights since the theatre was opened, only from two to three persons of presumed disreputable character have been by a vigilant police noted within the house, on some occasions not one.

"In the John Bull of the 15th instant these arrangements are made matter of severe reprehension, as insulting to morality and decency, and the result of my exertions, so far exceeding anything I had ever dared to attempt three years ago, is said to place me on no higher level than the most degraded practices of other theatres, Covent Garden being especially named. It is not my business to point out the inconsistency of this, but it is my serious duty to demand of you reparation for its injustice. It is not, I hope, too much to presume that, with these facts before you, and with means of verifying them, which to their utmost extent I offer you, it will be a pleasure to you to grant this reparation through the same channel by which so grave an injury has been inflicted.

"Meanwhile, I have to add, strengthened by the results of the measures I have described in this letter, and warned by so strange, so unjust, and yet cautious an attack in a quarter so respectable, that nothing but the extreme trial of the point of law will protect me from calumnies, direct or insidious, I have given instructions, since Wednesday, the 19th instant, that the money of all persons of supposed improper character shall be refused at the doors. Since that day the few who have presented themselves have been turned away, and the same course shall continue to be adopted as long as I hold the lease of Drury Lane Theatre.

Again desiring your instant attention to this letter,
"I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,

"Your faithful Servant,

"W. C. MACREADY."-Ed.

*The article concluded thus: "It is not our custom to interfere in matters of a commercial nature where there are competitors for public favour and private interests involved; but we cannot pass over the opportunity afforded us by the letter of Mr. Macready, which appeared in The Times of yesterday, without expressing the opinion which we (in common, we believe, with the public generally) entertain of the exertions of that gentleman for the restoration of the genuine English drama, and for the purification of our national theatres from every just cause of offence to a virtuous or religious mind. We cannot but express our indignation at the attacks made upon him for this good work, not merely by ribald publications, whose censure is praise, and the writers of which are naturally led to resent every discouragement given to immorality as a blow at themselves, but in quarters from which more generous conduct might have been expected. The man who has done more than any other individual to make Shakespeare popular deserves the thanks of every one who wishes to educate the people and raise the national character. The man

February 2nd.-Business with Mr. Faraday (brother of the great philosopher) about the concentric burner which he brought. Allason brought draperies. Superintended the rehearsal of the choruses of Acis and Galatea." Business with various people. Acted Beverley tolerably well. Called for and well received.

February 5th.-Gave my whole attention during the day to the various matters connected with the opera. Directed the rehearsal of Acis and. Galatea.' *

The curtain was let down, and the stage swept five minutes before the half-hour past six, Stanfield and the assistants painting to the last minute. Saw the performance of the opera, which was beautiful; have never seen anything of the kind in my life so perfectly beautiful. Gave my whole attention to it. At the conclusion was called for and most enthusiastically received; I gave it out for repetition. Mrs. Jameson was in Catherine's box. Gratulations were passing everywhere. I feel very grateful for this success. Too much excited to think of sleeping.

February 6th.--The excitement of last night was not over this morning; the forms, colours, and movements of the pictures of last night were passing still before my eyes. I have not recovered from them. Several papers were sent to me, some containing accounts of the last night's performance. Rejoiced in my absence from Mr. Ducrow's funeral. When will my funeral come? Let it be as simple as the return of dust to dust should be, and somewhere where those that love me may come to think of me. February 7th.-Went to Drury Lane Theatre. Directed the rehearsal of the 'Prisoner of War,' † and bestowed much pains on it. Read several letters, attended to business of wardrobes, &c. Note from Delane for a private box, which I sent to him. The Times was more encomiastic than the other papers, but the tone of all was in "sweet accord," and the opinions that reached me unanimously enthusiastic. Stanfield came in, and would not tell me his charge until he saw what the piece did for me.

February 8th.-Went to Drury Lane Theatre and saw again

who has driven Jack Sheppards and Jim Crous and exhibitions fit only for Roman amphitheatres from the stage has a right to the good word of all who would not see the popular mind brutalised and demoralised. The man who has enabled us to tell Puritans that there is a theatre in which every effort is made to exclude vice, and in which no modest person is likely to meet with contamination or insult, is entitled to the co-operation of every lover of the fine arts, and (what is more) of all who delight in rational and innocent enjoyment."-Ed.

*The play-bill announced the opera (not divided into acts) of 'Acis and Galatea,' adapted and arranged for representation from the serenata of Handel. The orchestral arrangements by Mr. T. Cooke. The scenic illustrations by Mr. Stanfield, R.A. The principal parts were: Cupid, Miss Gould; Acis, Miss P. Horton; Damon, Mr. Allen; Polyphemus, Mr. H. Phillips; Galatea, Miss Romer. The dances under the direction of Mr. Noble.-Ed.

† By Douglas Jerrold.—ED.

1842.

C

Production of the Opera of Acis and Galatea.' 515

'Acis and Galatea.' It is beautiful. Was called for after Mesdames Horton and Romer had been on, and very warmly received. Went into Catherine's box to see the Prisoner of War,' when I was sent for to Bulwer, who went with me into our private box to see the piece, which he liked very much.

Feburary 10th.-Rehearsed 'Gisippus.' Liston called to ask for a family box.

February 15th.-Went to Drury Lane Theatre, where I attended to business, and directed a rehearsal of 'Gisippus' that, with four acts, occupied me the whole day.

February 21st.-Received a note from Babbage about a rainbowdance. I am in the dark about it.*

February 23rd.-Acted Gisippus, I must admit, not well-not finished; not like a great actor. The actor was lost in the manager. The effect of the play was success, but I am not satisfied. I hope I shall be able, if I escape severe handling in this instance, to be more careful in future. Was called for, and very warmly received.

February 24th.—Walked out with Catherine in the park, and in the Botanical Gardens, enjoying-Oh, how I enjoyed the fresh air! I seemed to drink in spirits and temporary re-invigoration with every breath I drew. I have not known such a luxurious sensation for many a day.

March 2nd.-Superintended the rehearsal of 'The Poor Soldier,' with which I was very much pleased. Notes from Mr. Bates of the Diorama, from Dr. Griffin, Limerick, on the success of 'Gisippus.' Held a conference with Serle, Willmott, T. Cooke, &c., on the propriety of dismissing the idea of Cymon,' and concentrating our efforts on 'King Arthur.' Rested, being much wearied, and tried to think of my character. Acted Gisippus, I thought, better than I have yet done. I hope to improve the part very much. Was called for and well received. Went into a private box to see The Poor Soldier,' which was very well done in all respects, and with which I was much pleased. Went into Catherine's box, and saw Mrs. MacNeil (Mary Brownlow, the Belle of Bath in 1814), her daughter, Colonel MacNeil, Fanny Howarth, and Boxall.

March 10th.-Looked over old flats, &c., and settled scenes for 'Macbeth.'

* Mr. Babbage, in his 'Passages from the Life of a Philosopher,' London, 1864, relates how he devised a rainbow-dance for the ballet of the Italian Opera House, then under the direction of Mr. Lumley. Various coloured lights were to be thrown on groups of danseuses dressed in pure white. The oxy-hydrogen light passing through different media was to have been empleyed to produce the most brilliant effects. Mr. Babbage arranged a ballet called 'Alethes and Iris,' to introduce the rainbow-dance, and a rehearsal took place on the stage of the Opera House; but the danger of fire in the theatre was alleged by Mr. Lumley as a reason for going no further with the philosopher's contribution to the splendours of the ballet.-ED.