directed, I altered and re-altered every act, and I believe I may add every scene; for I may be permitted so far to extol myself as to say, that I was not obstinate in retaining defects, nor insensible to the value of the corrections in so much kindness afforded me. When all was re-written upon the new model, I thought my only remaining labour was to decide as to which Theatre I should favour with the presentation.

But here again my friend thought proper to interpose with what is vulgarly called a dumper; for which, to speak truth, I was not greatly obliged to him. He made some remarks upon the Managers' rather frequent non-acceptance of the pieces simply transmitted them; and upon the absolute necessity, as he conceived, of securing, as a preliminary, the introduction of some person enjoying the honour of their friendship or acquaintance. However, he made even these remarks consolatory in the end, by the information that he had connections with a very eminent BOOKSELLER of the metropolis, whose interest, for substantial reasons, was great with one of the Theatres, and who might be prevailed upon to use that interest for the benefit of an author properly recommended to him. Such a recommendation to the Atlas of Pater-Noster he himself undertook: but, un

fortunately, failed in inspiring the bosom of his Mightiness with any sympathy for the anxious sufferings of the young candidate for dramatic honours, with any concern for the acceptance or rejection of his piece. In fact, his said Mightiness gave a very excellent reason for his indifference upon the occasion; which was this, that, did he once permit himself to extend protection to the Muse's offerings at the shrine of.

Theatre, he might from that moment relinquish his trade in books, for the less profitable occupation of patronising successive swarms of dramatic authors. All that could be obtained from my friend's friend, the Atlas aforesaid, therefore, was, a permission to use his NAME with the Acting Manager of the House, together with the free grant of every advantage that might accrue therefrom.

I confess myself to have been so weakly sanguine, as to look upon the NAME thus condescendingly proffered, as little less than a perfect talisman, whose influence would instantaneously work acceptance in the mind of the Manager. Consequently, as I walked, accompanied by my friend, and the manuscript in my pocket, to the residence of H. H., Esq., I was a little surprised by an observation from my companion, "that, supposing the Play were rejected by the House to which I had

the introduction of the NAME, I should still enjoy an opportunity of trying my success with the other Theatre!" But, waving the recital of sundry unpleasant feelings awakened by this observation, imagine, reader, my friend and self ushered into the presence of the Manager!-the NAME pronounced-the piece deposited upon the breakfast-table-and the compliments that passed between my kind. conductor and the Monarch of the House in person. For my own part, so overpowering were my emotions on the occasion, not a syllable escaped my lips, until H. H., Esq., with most engaging politeness, requested to know if my address were appended to the manuscript: to which replying in the negative, I was desired to add it to the title-page. I did so; and, after a few more compliments on both sides, and repeated assurances from the Manager of his immediate attention to the piece, departed, highly pleased with my reception. What especially delighted me, was the anxiety evinced by the arbiter of my dramatic fate, to have possession, not of my piece alone, but of my address; for the object of his solicitude in that respect I unhesitatingly concluded to be, that no delay might take place in forwarding me intelligence of his approval of my labours. Since that hour of felicitous though deceptive

hope, experience has taught me the more shrewd suspicion, that a Manager's usual precaution on this point, arises principally from his wish to secure himself from farther personal conference with an Author, who has once unluckily succeeded in obtaining admission to him; for, a piece but returned to its writer's domicile, he very naturally concludes he has saved himself from all farther trouble regarding it.

Rejection the First. How shall I paint my disappointment, when, after the lapse of a fortnight from the important interview described, and after restlessly counting every intermediate hour, I received, by the hands of a Servant in livery, my own identical Play, not a whit injured or dog's-eared by the Manager's extremely careful perusal of it, and accompanied by a brief note, whose very words my memory has indelibly retained, and which I have used in the manner of a prologue to my narration?-My surprise was scarcely inferior to my mortification, on observing that this note bore no appearance of having been penned by H. H., Esq., (a mark of respect, to which, after what had passed, I could not help thinking myself entitled,) but rather seemed the copy of a set form, written off in haste by some theatrical under-secretary, who was paid,

it might be, by the hundred. But, conquering my feelings as I was able, not many days had elapsed before I recollected my good friend's advice in the event of what had now actually occurred, namely, to try the other Theatre, which I resolved immediately to do. Accordingly, having experienced the inutility of introductions, I contented myself with penning an epistle to the powers that were at the rival House, in which I modestly stated what I conceived the just pretensions of my Piece to their favourable notice, and of course accompanied my letter by the Piece itself.

Rejection the Second. An answer flying. Three days had barely elapsed from the date of my epistle just-mentioned, when an ominous liveried coat (for a twelvemonth afterwards I could scarce look upon a footman without shuddering) appeared at the door of my abode, with a packet held danglingly betwixt the thumb and finger of its wearer, from the toutensemble of which, notwithstanding the shortness of the period since my manuscript had been dispatched to the Theatre, I could not help entertaining the most distressful forebodings. And but too prophetic were my fears. "The

Play's the thing!" I sorrowfully exclaimed, as I again contemplated my so swiftly restored treasure: while the impudent footman, with a