There are several persons of fortune, that, we have reason to believe, would be glad to purchase our interests, and put it upon the foot of the Opera, by fixing the direction into an Academy, which is, we think, the only way to support and perpetuate 66 paid for our extraordinary care of it: we therefore intended to charge for it a salary of 17. 13s..4d. every acting day, for our management. To which in his composed manner he answered, that, to be sure, we knew what was fittest to be done better than he did; that he had always taken a delight in making us easy, and had no reason to doubt of our doing him justice." And he never once objected to, or complained of, this for near three years together. But, though no man alive can write better of œconomy, yet perhaps no man is more above the drudgery of practising it. He was often in want of money; and, while we were in friendship with him, we assisted his occasions; but this compliance had so unfortunate an effect, that it only heightened This importunity of borrowing more; and the more we lent, the less he minded us, or shewed any concern for our welfare. Upon this we stopped our hands at once, and peremptorily refused to advance another shilling, till by the balance of our accounts it became due to him. This treatment, though we hope not in the least unjustifiable, we have reason to believe, so ruffled his temper, that he at once was as short with us as we had been with him; for, from that day, he never came near us; nay, he not only continued to neglect what he should have done, but did what he ought not to have done: he made an assignment of his share without our consent, in manifest breach of our agreement. Our part suffered this neglect, since his rank and figure in the world were of extraordinary service to us. The cause was heard before Sir Joseph Jekyl; and the issue was, that, Sir Richard not having made any objection to what we had charged for management for three years together, as our proceedings had been all transacted in open day, without any clandestine intention of fraud, we were allowed the sums in dispute above mentioned; and Sir Richard not being advised to apply to the Lord Chancellor, both parties paid their own costs, and determined this should be the last Law-suit between them.” the.. the English Theatre. We have nothing more to add, but our hearty wishes for your health, and quick arrival among us, and in the mean time to beg your speedy answer. We are, Sir, Your most obedient, humble servants, ROBERT WILKS, B. BOOTH, C. CIBBER. P.S. Our profits were ever more than double to what they have been this year, and we are very far from any hopes of their growing better. Our proposal of parting with our interests, will still leave room for any of us to be adventurers, upon this new scheme, in what proportion we please. 492. FROM MR. MORGAN. HONOURED SIR, DEC. 19, 1724. I AM so much at a loss for a sufficient apology for my importunity on this occasion, that I submit myself entirely to your clemency, which, by all accounts, has hitherto been very extensive, but particularly so in favour of the distressed; which since it is my misfortune to be one of that body at present, I hope to meet with your indulgence, if not compassion. Self-preservation is what is natural to most; and, with that view, I flatter myself, you will pardon me, if I once more beg a favourable thought from you, and, if possible, from the young lady your daughter; for her most irresistible charms have, in my own defence, obliged me to be thus troublesome. Give me leave then, dear Sir, to tell you, that I find it is impossible for me to avoid having the utmost love and respect for pretty Mrs. Steele, though, in pursuance to her severe decree, which I hope is not yet final, I have made it my study to act as agreeably thereto as possibly I could; for, rather than give her the least uneasiness, I would torture myself first. I do not doubt but my father's circumstances and mine have been rendered to you in a worse light than what, probably, upon a due enquiry, they may appear to be. I beg leave to assure you, that my designs are grounded upon a foot of honour; and then, I hope, you will imagine those affairs must have come to light. However, it is an usual thing to meet with back-friends upon these occasions; but probably I may find them out at long-run. Were it possible the lady could conquer all objections to my person, I believe I should be able to convince you that my fortune is not despicable; yet I must own it is a trifle when in competition with so much personal merit, which to me outbalances fortune, any more than what may be absolutely necessary to render the affairs of this world as happy as may be but, were I master of ever so great a fortune, I should never think it so well bestowed as upon your daughter. I heartily ask pardon for trespassing so long upon your patience; so shall only beg that my most sincere humble service may be be acceptable to the young lady; and that you would believe that I am, with the utmost respect, Sir, Your most obliged and obedient humble servant, ED. MORGAN. SIR, 493. TO MR. MORGAN *. DEC. 20, 1724. I HAVE the favour of yours of the 19th instant, about the same matter to which I thought I had fully answered before. Speaking of " back-friends" is unnecessary, for indeed nobody can have any power with me but what should be necessary for affairs of that kind concerning which I am talking: therefore nobody could possibly lay any exceptions concerning you, or your family. But there was no dispute raised about that matter in the least; the young woman did not enter into any enquiry concerning your circumstances, neither does she yet. Therefore I earnestly desire you will lay aside all thoughts of this kind: for the child is young and discreet; and utterly declares against admitting your courtship, which I desire you would please to forbear, and you will very much oblige, Sir, Your most obedient, humble servant, RICH. STEELE. * From a paper in the hand-writing of Lady Trevor, intitu"An exact copy of an answer my Father wrote to a letter of Mr. Morgan's, December the 20th, 1724." led, 494. TO 494. TO MRS. MOLLY STEELE, DEAR MOLLY, HEREFORD, FEB. 6, 1724-5. My Cousin Scurlock sends me word, you are mighty uneasy for coming hither. My dear child, you stayed at your own request, and I am heartily glad that you think of coming to me, where you shall enjoy all the happiness that you can. I am glad also to hear my Cousin thinks of coming with you when the coach comes to Hereford in better time. She shall have all the welcome this place will afford her; which you may tell her, from Your affectionate father, RICH. STEELE, 495. FROM MR. PLAXTON *. HONOURED SIR, JULY 22, 1725. Behold the Speech in Hamlet, Pope's Edition, page 400. TO be, or not to be? That is the question; * This Letter, directed "To Sir Richard Steele, Member of Parliament, at Carmarthen," relates to his Comedy of "The School of Action," which he was then preparing for the Stage (see pp 1-44); and to which the memorandum in p. 648. has also reference. Or |