Life of Count Rumford. 37 



moderate performer of plays might easily creep through, and 

 that it is only meant (he supposed) to prevent extravagances, 

 such as public Theatres erected, stage-players and actors main- 

 tained, and frequent performances of plays, and the like. How 

 far he was right I can't say. For my share, I was not con- 

 scious that I had violated the law, or have done anything in the 

 affair that tends to corrupt the good morals of the people. And 

 as that was a real affair that happened between a king and his 

 subjects that we repeated, which our present times resemble so 

 much, we thought our time well spent in representing to a few 

 people the bad consequences attending a misled king. 



" And men of the most refined sense and learning look upon 

 well-wrote plays to be very improving. Our present Majesty, 

 George the third, together with his Brother, Prince Edward, and 

 two sisters, Princesses Augusta and Elizabeth, have acted upon 

 the Stage, where his Majesty, in a prologue, spoke thus : 



"' Wise Authours say, let youth in earliest age, 

 Rehearse the poet's labours on the Stage ; 

 Teach our young hearts with generous fire to burn, 

 And feel the virtuous sentiments we learn," &c. 



" It seems he justifies and highly approves of them by his 

 large Donations and frequent attendance, &c. 



" I have not had opportunity to communicate the contents 

 of your letter to those of the Society, but shall embrace the 

 first opportunity proper for such an affair. And it is probable 

 that you will hear something from us as a Society yet, and there 

 is not a doubt with me but it will be to your entire satisfaction. 

 Meanwhile, I believe you may rest assured that there will not 

 be any further performances at present, by this Society. 



" As I suppose you do not mean to seek an occasion against 

 us, but only to act faithfully in your office, as I hope I have not 

 given you reason to do it out of ill-will to me, nor would I be- 

 lieve you would do it on such principles, so, hoping that what 's 

 past will not destroy the understanding between us, 



" I remain your well-wisher, friend, and humble servant, 



L. BALDWIN" 



