226 PLAY. 



purchased one of these little productions 

 at Cambridge, and, after having perused 

 it, was pleased to speak of it in terms far 

 from disagreeable to my feelings. He 

 dwelt most on what he termed the vi- 

 gorous and graphic style in which it was 

 written, stating, at the same time, that I 

 ought to write a play, as, if I succeeded, 

 I should find it far more remunerative. 



This gentleman's conversation made a 

 considerable impression on me ; and on 

 my retiring to rest that night, I called 

 to mind my friend Elliston, and the 

 laughter and ridicule with which I used 

 to meet his repeated importunities. 



However, with the recollection of him, 

 and what now flattered me as being his 

 sincere opinion, and at the instigation or 

 recommendation of my box companion, 

 I attempted a play, which I completed 

 in five acts. I had the temerity to 

 submit it to the management of Drury 

 Lane, with the foolish hope that its 



