loud, in which the town reaped the advantage, by seeing
the parts performed with the greater life. The duke's company however
maintained it's superiority, by means of the new-invented artillery, of
music, machines, and scenery, and other underhand dealings, and bribing
of actors in the opposite faction from performing their duty. By these
measures, a coalition was effected, and the two companies joined
together, and being united formed one of the perfectest that ever filled
a stage, in 1682. It was in this united company that the merit of
Betterton shone with unrivalled lustre, and having survived the great
actors on whose model he had formed himself he was at liberty to
discover his genius in its full extent, by replacing many of them with
advantage in these very characters, in which, during their life-times,
they had been thought inimitable; and all who have a taste for scenical
entertainments cannot but thank the present laureat, for preserving for
them so lively a portrait of Betterton, and painting him in so true a
light, that without the imputation of blind adulation, he may be justly
stiled the British Roscius.

This account is too important and picturesque to be here omitted; and
it would be an injury to Betterton not to shew him in that commanding
light, in which the best judge of that species of excellence has placed
him.

"Betterton was an actor, as Shakespear was an author, both without
competitors! form'd for the mutual assistance, and illustration of each
others genius! how Shakespear wrote, all men who have a taste for nature
may read, and know--but with what higher rapture would he still be read,
could they conceive how Betterton play'd him! then might they know, the
one was born alone to speak what the other only knew to write! Pity it
is, that the momentary beauties flowing from an harmonious elocution
cannot, like those of poetry, be their own record! that the animated
graces of the player can live no longer than the instant breath and
motion that presents them; or at belt can but faintly glimmer through
the memory, or imperfect attestation of a few surviving spectators.
Could how Betterton spoke, be as easily known as what he spoke; then
might you see the muse of Shakespear in her triumph, with all their
beauties in their belt array, rising into real life, and charming her
beholders. But alas! since all this is so far out of the reach of
description, how shall I shew you Betterton? Should I therefor