was not calculated to call forth all his powers; Mrs. Pritchard exerted herself in the service of Mr. Whitehead, who was a great admirer of her genius, and her warm friend on all occasions. Such performers, and the intrinsic value of the piece, made it a great favourite during a run of several nights, CHAP. CHAP. XVII. BARRY and Mrs. CIBBER revolt to Covent-Garden-QUIN joins them-GARRICK not dismayed by their Union-His Prologue on the Occasion-Acts the Part of ROMEO against BARRY and Mrs. CIBBER-Both Houses repeat the same Play Twenty. Nights running-WooDWARD, in MERCUTIO The Public Opinion much divided between the Two RoMEOS-CONGREVE's Tragedy of the MOURNING BRIDE revived at DruryLane-Part of the Plot admirably conducted-Description of the Temple admired by Dr. JOHNSON-Meeting of ALMIRA and her Husband, ALPHONSO, well contrived, and patheticPantomime of QUEEN MAB, September 1750, to June 1751. den theatre. IN the course of the summer a strong combination was formed for the support of Covent-Gar Barry and Mrs. Cibber revolted. They They went over to the adverse camp, resolved to take the field under the banners of Quin, who had no doubt, but with such recruits, he should be able to humble the pride of DruryLane. The celebrated Mrs. Woffington was of their party. The news-papers drew up the forces in terrible array, and in pompous terms, gave notice of open war. Garrick saw -a formidable phalanx, but was not dismayed. He opened his house on the 8th of September, with the following PROLOGUE. As héroes, states, and kingdoms rise and fall, So (with the mighty to compare the small) Through interest, whim, or, if you please, through fate, We feel commotions in our mimic state, The The sock and buskin fly from stage to stage; A year's alliance is with us an age. And where's the wonder? all surprise must cease, When we reflect how int'rest or caprice Strengthen'd by new allies our foes prepare, "Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war." To shake our souls, the papers of the day Draw forth the adverse bands in dread array, A pow'r might shake the boldest with dismay. Yet fearless still, we take the field with spirit, Arm'd cap-a-pie in self-sufficient merit. Our ladies too, with souls and tongues untam'd, ́ Fire up, like Britons, when the battle's nam'd. Each female heart pants for the glorious strife, From Hamlet's mother, * to the Cobler's wife. * Mrs. Pritchard, and Mrs. Clive in the Devil to Pay. } Some Some few there are whom paltry passions guide, Others, like Swiss, love fighting as their trade, 1 For, beat or beating, they must all be paid. Sacred to Shakespeare was this spot design'd, To pierce the heart, and humanize the mind, But if an empty house, the actor's curse, Shews us our Lears and Hamlets lose their force, Unwilling we must change the nobler scene, And, in our turn, present you Harlequin ; Quit poets, and set carpenters to work, Shew gawdy scenes, or mount the vaulting Turk. For though we actors one and all agree Boldly to struggle for our vanity, If want comes on, importance must retreat; To keep the field, all measures we'll pursue; The conflict glorious! since we fight for you. And |