134 ElUston-Eccenlricities. QAugust, 



my dear friend," said the manager, " is a valuable quality to its pos- 

 sessor ; but still more valuable to his friends." The author nodded as- 

 sent. " Such a man I have been long seeking, and, I think, I have found 

 one in yourself" The author bowed — the vision of Dublin theatre again 

 presented itself. " Any thing, my dear friend," said he complacently, 

 " that honestv, or my little ability can compass, you may command me 



in " " You delight me," exclaimed EUiston, " half the difficulty 



is removed by the admission " " You wish to place me in a 



situation of trust I pi-esurae?" said the author, anxiously. " Precisely 

 so," returned the other. " It is the Dublin," thought the author. — 

 " But," continued EUiston, " I was half afraid you would consider it too 

 trifling a game to have played so large a stake for." " It must be the 

 Liverpool, after all," thought the author. " I can sacrifice a good deal 

 for friendship," said he. — " My kind, generous friend," exclaimed Ellis- 

 ton, " you bind me to you for ever, — know then, — that to-morrow night 

 is my benefit at this tlieatre, and as I know they will cheat me, I have 

 brought you here to lake mij money at the door .'" I will pass over the 

 scene of astonishment and disappointment on the one side, and of excuse 

 and promise on the other, — suffice it to say, the author agreed to the 

 proposal, determining, in his own mind, however, to turn the tables on the 

 cajoler. In the mean time EUiston took him round to different shops, 

 with all of Avhom the manager appeared to have an account, and fitted 

 him out, with some things he actually wanted. The author found that 

 his friend the manager had pursued his usual plan, and obtained a place 

 in the recollection of many worthy men with whom he had dealings, by 

 •obtaining a place in the easiest filled side of their books. — Even the 

 very fiddlers were looking to the result of the benefit with anxiety. 



The eventful evening arrived. A comedy, then popular, was an- 

 nounced. EUiston had been at the theatre during the day to superin- 

 tend the arrangements, which were then completed. About an hour 

 before the performance, when the man of letters was about to descend 

 from his pegasus, to occupy the humble post of money-taker, EUiston 

 burst into the room, anxiety porti-ayed on his countenance. " My dear 

 friend " said he, " you have done much to serve me ; I have one thing 

 more to ask you ; it will then crown the obligation." — " What is it.^" — 



" You know we play • 's piece to-night ; the man who plays Scamp 



is no where to be found — not a soul will undertake it. Now, ray dear 

 friend, if you have any regard for me — wiU you ?" — " Good Heavens ! 

 IMr. EUiston, are you mad > I never was on the stage, nor could I ever 

 recite a syllable in my life." — " No matter," said the manager, " look 

 over the part, and trust to me." — " Impossible !" ejaculated the author. 



" Then I'm a ruined man !" rejoined the manager, clasping his hands 



too-ether. " As I have gone so for," returned the good-natured dra- 

 matist, seeing his distress. — " Only try," said the other, energetically. — 

 " There's nothing in it, believe me. Trust to me and the prompter. 

 Here, waiter, bring brandy and water." The author was not proof 

 ao-ainst such an attack. As the brandy and water diminished, his courage 

 increased, and it was agreed, as it was expected the house would be full 

 before the curtain drew up, that the author, after securing the money, 

 should make his first appearance as Scamp. 



Shortly after opening the doors the house was crammed ; and at his 

 proper place in the drama our new aspirant to theatrical fame, having 

 been puffed off as a gentleman from London, made his appearance amidst 



