.. "It is not for me to enquire into the reason why you have, or have not, troubled yourself about "theatricals' (to use your own language), but as your 66 66 privilege was granted you at the request of the editor, as the avowed critic of the Morning Chronicle, it has been taken away owing to the unmeaning abuse of the best ends of criticism, no "matter to whom such abuse has been entrusted or by whom it has been committed. .. " To "I am, Sir, "Your very obedient humble servant, "J. P. Collier, Esq., &c., &c., &c." I have never once doubted the honest intentions of this gentleman's criticisms; but without intending the slightest disrespect, I very much doubt both their soundness and their utility. While matters had been in active progress at one house, various contributions were made for the effective support of the other: and although, from previous engagements, I was unable to avail myself of the following offer, I cannot deny myself the pleasure of presenting the reader with a copy of the humorous style in which it was conveyed: MY DEAR SIR, do think The Stage. To think? or not to think? That is the question! Be it so- that I can do summut in Perhaps a sing-song affair in 000 or a tiny bit of playfulness," which the kids like to laugh at, the But should the time of the Weather Sheet, ct airy nothing" procure a local habitation and a name will the Hope deferred! in Theatricals play either Rejection!! call again to-morrow, &c. !!!!!! of them at I remain, my dear Sir, Your's, truly, PIERCE EGAN. **No LUCK! no No go! will be looke for! but should winning be the result, why ther the sweetener either at the Blun Magazine, or the Treasury, not being "partiklar to a shade," d'ye see, where it comes from! are only to be tempted Poor Pierce! I really wish him all the good his varied talent deserves. They say, that Fortune knocks at every man's door once in his life-time; but if she ever did at Egan's, I am very much afraid he was not at home. 221 CHAPTER XI. Dissolution-Difference between a capital fellow and a fellow of capital-Mr. Stanfield and Mr. Ducrow-Family sorrows-Mr. Farren and a distinguished nobleman—Additional verses to a popular song-Death and drunkenness-Sir Robert Peel and the Patent Theatres-A distinction between ways and means— Mr. Poole and the horn-blower-Death of Mathews-Italian airsLaporte's opinion of them in a letter-Bunn's opinion of them in a song Malibran's engagement-Unprecedented termsOne man found to refuse what all the rest of mankind were trying to possess-A droll and a deep letter from MalibranExtraordinary interference of the Lord Chamberlain-Killigrew's Patent-George the Third's Patent, and the fees paid for itCharles Kemble's opinion of the Lord Chamberlain's powersA surviving regicide-Deaths of Bellini, and Isaac Pocock, &c. ALTHOUGH it is absolutely necessary to enter into the fact of the dissolution of the UNION, which terminated with the present season, it is not important to go into the minutia. Notwithstanding, at the onset of its proceedings, my secrecy as to the exact nature of OUR CONSTITUTION was stipulated for, and religiously observed, it was not so strictly maintained by others, who were acquainted with its formation. Between the one who found all the money and the one who was invested with all the authority, many persons sought to draw a line of distinction, and naturally to produce a difference of opinion not amounting to a matter of much moment, but enough to disturb in some slight degree the harmony of affairs. Our respective positions had been very clearly laid down in a deed, bearing date the 24th of April (1834), and had been duly acted up to-but still the few "distinctions without a difference" that would be sure to arise between the impressions of a gentleman not long habituated to theatrical pursuits, and the experience of one whose life had been principally occupied with them, were likely to be exaggerated by officious and jealous people, whose object for the most part is accomplished when any mischief has been effected. The alterations of the prices had disconcerted my calculations and plans, and such a vital alteration as that seemed to me to be but the forerunner of others-petty misconceptions led to petty remarks on the part of those who did not, or would not, see the probable consequences of any breach between myself and my backer, and discord appeared to be their aim. In the midst of the slight dissensions such unworthy cavillings gave rise to, he was urged by his family and friends to disconnect himself if possible with the stage; and having possessed me of his wishes, I felt bound if possible to carry them into effect. It would be irrevelant to my purpose, and a proceeding of questionable delicacy, to fill up my book with deeds and |