[ 8o ] 



inferred, that Dramatic entertainments were exhibited in Ireland 

 before this period. But it was not only to amufc the Chief Go- 

 vernor that Myfteries and Moralities were performed in Dublin : 

 tliey were got up (to fpeak in the lanp;nage of the modern theatre) 

 on every joyful occafion. In a MS. in the library of Trinity 

 College, Dublin, it is related, " that in an expedition made 

 " againft James Mac Connell by the Lord Deputy Suflex in 1557, 

 " he was attended by John Ufher, Captain, and Patrick Bulkelcy, 

 " Petty-Captain, with fixty of the city trained-bands ; and upon 

 " their return the Six Worthies was played by the city, and 

 " the Mayor gave the public a goodly entertainment upon the 

 " occafion, found four trumpeters horfes for the folemnity, and 

 " gave them twenty fhillings in money." 



Although it may be prcfumed, that thefe exhibitions, as well 

 as thofe in England at the fame period, were conduced by the 

 Church, yet we find, not only from the paffages above quoted, 

 but from the following entries in the Chain-Book of Dublin, 

 that the corporations ufually fupplied performers : it alfo appears 

 from thofe entries, that the dreifes, fcenery and machinery, were 

 likewife fupplied by the city. 



" It was ordered, in maintenance of the Pageant of St. George, 

 " that the Mayor of the foregoing year ftiould find the Emperor 

 " and Emprefs with their train and followers, well apparelled 

 " and accoutered ; that is to fay, the Emperor attended with two 



dodlors, 



