me go, without delivering
me a letter from poor old Downes the prompter,[339] wherein that
retainer to the theatre desires my advice and assistance in a matter of
concern to him. I have sent him my private opinion for his conduct; but
the stage and the State affairs being so much canvassed by parties and
factions, I shall for some time hereafter take leave of subjects which
relate to either of them, and employ my care in consideration of matters
which regard that part of mankind who live without interesting
themselves with the troubles or pleasures of either. However, for a mere
notion of the present posture of the stage, I shall give you the letter
at large as follows:

"HONOURED SIR, _July 1, 1710._

"Finding by divers of your late papers, that you are a friend to
the profession of which I was many years an unworthy member, I the
rather make bold to crave your advice, touching a proposal that has
been lately made me of coming into business, and the
sub-administration of stage affairs. I have, from my youth, been
bred up behind the curtain, and been a prompter from the time of
the Restoration.[340] I have seen many changes, as well of scenes
as of actors, and have known men within my remembrance arrive to
the highest dignities of the theatre, who made their entrance in
the quality of mutes, joint-stools, flowerpots, and tapestry
hangings. It cannot be unknown to the nobility and gentry, that a
gentleman of the Inns of Court, and a deep intriguer, had some time
since worked himself into the sole management and direction of the
theatre.[341] Nor is it less notorious, that his restless ambition,
and subtle machinations, did manifestly tend to the extirpation of
the good old British actors, and the introduction of foreign
pretenders; such as harlequins, French dancers, and Roman singers;
which, though they impoverished the proprietors, and imposed on the
audience, were for some time tolerated, by reason of his dexterous
insinuations, which prevailed upon a few deluded women, especially
the vizard masks, to believe that the stage was in danger. But his
schemes were soon exposed, and the great ones that supported him
withdrawing their favour, he made his exit, and remained for a
season in obscurity. During this retreat the Machiavelian was not
idle, but secretl