who fears
danger will never march on to fortune or to victory. I am sure I have a
sincere friend in Charles Kemble, if managerial influence can ensure the
success of my play; and I have cast my farce so strong, that even with
all Elliston's mismanagement, it cannot well fail of making a hit. _Nil
desperandum_ is my motto; so a truce with your friendly forebodings of
doubts, and fears, and critics' _scratches_; for I am determined 'to
seek the bubble reputation even in the cannon's mouth.'" Thus ended the
colloquy, and on the morning of the morrow Bernard was introduced, in
due form, to the _dramatis personae_ of the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden
(see plate).

[Illustration: page366]

There is as much difference between the rival companies of the two
patent theatres as there is between the habits and conduct of the
managers: in Covent Garden, the gentlemanly manners of Charles Kemble,
and his amiable desire to make all happy around him, has imparted
something of a kindred feeling to the ~366~~performers; and hence,
assisted by the friendly ancient Fawcett, the whole of the establishment
has all the united family feeling of a little commonwealth, struggling
to secure its independence and popularity. Here Bernard's reception was
every thing a young author could wish: kind attention from the company,
and considerative hints for the improvement of his play, accompanied
with the good wishes of all for its success, left an impression of
gratitude upon the mind of the young author, that gave fresh inspiration
to his talents, and increased his confidence in his own abilities. At
Drury Lane the case was far otherwise; and the want of that friendly
attention which distinguished the rival company proved very embarrassing
to the early buddings of dramatic genius. Perhaps a slight sketch of
the scene might not prove uninstructive to young authors, or fail in its
intended effect upon old actors. Reader, imagine Bernard Blackmantle,
an enthusiastic and eccentric child of Genius, seated at the green-room
table, reading his musical farce to the surrounding company, and then
judge what must be the effect of the following little scene.

PROGRAMME.

Bernard Blackmantle reading; Mr. Elliston speaking to Spring, the
box-office keeper; and Mr. Winston in a passion, at the door, with the
master carpenter; Mr. Knight favouring the Author with a few new ideas;
and the whole company engaged in the most amusing way, making side
speeches t