, the collaborator, with
Boucicault, in so many plays. Then the company heard it, after which
Jefferson proceeded to study it, literally living and breathing the part.
Many are the humourous records of the play as preserved in the Jefferson
"Autobiography" and in the three books on Jefferson by Winter Frances
Wilson and Euphemia Jefferson.

On the evening of September 4, 1865, at the London Adelphi, the play was
given. Accounts of current impressions are extant by Pascoe and Oxenford.
It was not seen in New York until September 3, 1866, when it began a run
at the Olympic, and it did not reach Boston until May 3, 1869. From the
very first, it was destined to be Jefferson's most popular ri?1/2le. His
royalties, as time progressed, were fabulous, or rather his profits, for
actor, manager, and author were all rolled into one. He deserted a large
repertory of parts as the years passed and his strength declined. But to
the very end he never deserted _Rip_. At his death the play passed to his
son, Thomas. The Jefferson version has been published with an
interpretative introduction by him.

When it was first given, the play was scored for the apparent padding of
the piece in order to keep Jefferson longer on the stage. The supernatural
elements could not hoodwink the critics, but, as Jefferson added humanity
to the part, and created a poetic, lovable character, the play was greatly
strengthened. In fact Jefferson was the play. His was a classic
embodiment, preserved in its essential details in contemporary criticism
and vivid pictures.

[Illustration:
THEATRE
-------
FOR THE BENEFIT

OF

Mrs. SHARPE
AND HER LAST APPEARANCE, prior to her departure for
the South--on which occasion

Mr. Hackett
Has kindly consented to perform.
--------------------------------
On Wednesday Evening, Oct. 18

Will be produced, 1st time in America, the Tragedy in 5 acts, of

THE BRIDAL

_As altered from a Tragedy of Beaumont & Fletcher, by_ WILLIAM
MACREADY _and_ SHERIDAN KNOWLES, _and now performing
in London with great applause._

Areanus, (King of Rhodes) Mr. Richings
Melantius Fredericks
Amintor Mason
Lysippus (brother to the King) Wells
Diphibus, (brother of Melantius & Evadne) Nexsom
Cleon, Garland
Caltranex, (Kinsman o to Aspasia,) Wheatley
Archas (Keepe