guard against the decline of life
when the 'winter daisies' shall crown his head, and a new race of
performers have started up and driven the others from their posts?
We have some rare instances of very large fortunes being made and
retained by members of the profession it is true, but they were
instances of dazzling genius, or had the world's belief that they
possessed it. I will take names within the memory of us all: Mrs.
SIDDONS, Mr. KEMBLE, Miss O'NEIL, the 'Young Roscius,' and the
late Mr. LEWIS; and I will add to that list men of accomplished
talents and great honor to the profession; YOUNG, BANNISTER,
MUNDEN, BRAHAM, WROUGHTON, LISTON, HARLEY, JOHNSTONE, POWER,
JONES; and I am sure the reader will believe me when I state, that
I heartily wish I could place my own name in the list. Take the
members of any other profession, however honorable, limit their
numbers and means to the same proportion, and I ask if you would
be enabled to produce a greater list of independent persons. The
great advantages to be derived from a Theatrical Fund are here I
trust made apparent; and after many suggestions, I believe it fell
to the lot of CHARLES TAYLOR to propose an annual public dinner;
and it proved a most fortunate idea. The first great point to be
obtained was a patron, and then a president for the dinner. Our
application met with immediate success, and His Royal Highness the
PRINCE REGENT condescendingly gave his name at the head of our
undertaking, accompanied by a solid mark of his favor in the
donation of one hundred pounds. We then had the gracious consent
of the DUKE OF YORK to be our President, aided by his Royal
brothers KENT and SUSSEX. The list of vice-presidents embraced
many of the most distinguished noblemen and gentlemen in the
country. In what an amiable point of view do the Royal Princes
place themselves before the public in so thoroughly identifying
themselves with the many interesting charities to which London
gives birth! The grateful spirit of joyousness which they
invariably displayed on these occasions, gave an interest to the
festive scenes, and confirmed many a heart in its loyalty to their
illustrious house. The late DUKE OF GORDON sat on the right hand
of the Royal President, and favored the company with a song, which
greatly surprised them, and elicited a