XX liSTTRODUCTION. 
with bitternefs againft the Hcentioufnefs that 
prevailed, which they wholly imputed to this 
mode of theatrical entertainment. At laft, to 
the great mortification of the young, but to 
the high fatisfadtion of the old women and 
hufbands, the theatre was on a fudden £hut up. 
The caufe that efFeded this was altogether 
foreign to the complaints that were made, 
and of a nature that it was impoffible to 
forefee. 
Though the Cape had not been attacked, 
It had experienced fome of the ufual fcourges 
of war. A dread of the Englifh fleet having 
prevented fpecle from being fent thither from 
Europe, cafli in a little time became fcarce ; 
the price of provifions was increafed ; and a 
general alarm prevailed through the colony. 
In this penury, the Dutch Eaft- India com- 
pany thought proper to create a paper cur- 
rency ; but this fiditious money, which was 
fupported by no other credit than a confidence 
in 
