MARCH-SELWYN CORRESPONDENCE 121 



of those times, he was singularly proficient, for he 

 could hum the airs of an opera almost through 

 by ear, and, though he never boasted of his musical 

 accomplishments, would sometimes be prevailed 

 upon to sing a solo, accompanying himself on the 

 harpsichord. The opera itself was indeed almost as 

 great an attraction to his lordship as the artistes; 

 moreover, in his times greater privileges were ex- 

 tended to patrician and wealthy supporters of the 

 opera and drama than they enjoy in ours ; hence the 

 very true lines then : 



* Now on the stage no modest woman goes, 

 But 'gainst some lounging lord she runs her nose.' 



Indeed, such privileges were almost looked upon 

 as a right. That they were abused is proved by the 

 fact that the bated breath with which many singers 

 and actresses were then mentioned earned for the 

 stage a stigma that their abohtion has even yet not 

 altogether removed. 



Small wonder, then, that a man of ]\Iarch's gallant 

 propensities found quarry when the boards were 

 scarce so white as they are in these days of 

 grace. 



This year, 1766, is abnormally rich in March- 

 Selwyn correspondence, which throws more Hght 



