ly decided by his majesty himself or
the duke of York, and frequently canvassed in the circle. Mr. Cibber
assigns very good reasons, why at this time, theatrical amusements were
so much in vogue; the first is, that after a long eclipse of gallantry
during the rage of the civil war, people returned to it with double
ardour; the next is, that women were then introduced on the stage, their
parts formerly being supplied by boys, or effeminate young men, of which
the famous Kynaston possessed the capital parts. When any art is carried
to perfection, it seldom happens, that at that particular period, the
profits arising from it are high; and at this time the advantages of
playing were very inconsiderable: Mr. Hart the greatest performer at the
king's theatre, had but three pounds a week, and Mr. Betterton, then but
young, very probably had not so much, and besides, benefits then were
things unheard of.

In 1670 Mr. Betterton married a gentlewoman on the same stage, one Mrs.
Saunderson, who excelled as an actress, every thing but her own conduct
in life. In her, he was compleatly happy, and by their joint endeavours
even in those days, they were able not only to acquire a genteel
subsistence, but also to save what might support them in an advanced
age[3].

After Sir William Davenant's death, the patent came into the hands
of his son, Dr. Charles Davenant, so well known to the world by his
political, writings; but, whether his genius was less fit than his
father's for such an administration, or the king's Company were really
superior to his in acting, we cannot determine; but they gained upon
the town, and Dr. Davenant was obliged to have recourse to the dramatic
opera, rich scenes, and fine music, to support the stage on which
Betterton played. The Dr. himself wrote the Opera of Circe, which came
first on the stage in 1675, and was received with, such applause, as
gave hopes of succeeding in this new way. The same year a Pastoral,
called Calista, or the Chaste Nymph, written by Mr. Crowne, at the
desire of queen Katherine, was represented at court; and the ladies,
Mary and Anne, daughters to the duke of York, played parts in it. On
this occasion Mr. Betterton instructed the actors, and Mrs. Betterton
gave lessons to the princesses; in grateful remembrance of which queen
Anne settled a pension of 100 l. per annum upon her. During this time an
emulation subsisted between the two companies, and a theatrical war was
proclaimed a