after this refusal, would be madness: besides, I have sufficient proof that they wish to get rid of me as soon as possible. But shall I be so easily disconcerted? No! I will make another effort I am resolved to leave no stone unturned." By accident I heard of a man in the suburbs of the town, who, among other things, procured engagements for those who were ambitious

:

"To strut and fret their hour upon the stage."

To him I immediately repaired. His abode was a miserable hovel in a dirty and almost deserted street. I found him at home. He was poring over a musty play-book, for he was himself a disciple of Thespis. That night he was to represent the lean apothecary in Romeo and Juliet; and, perhaps, there never was a better personation of the character. I was almost startled at his spectral and ghost-like appearance-surrounded as he was by masks, suits of armour, rusty swords, and all the paraphernalia of his trade. When I made known my errand, he said, in a hollow and deathlike tone

"You had better desist, young gentleman. Let me tell you, playing is bad business. I have made it a profession for twenty years; and I am now no better off than when I began-nay,

I am worse, for then I was fat and portly; now, as the poet says—

Sharp misery hath worn me to the bones.'

My salary does not exceed six shillings a day; therefore I am compelled to be economical. I drink but a single glass of ale in a week-unless it be at a friend's expense. A twist of tobacco will last me a fortnight; and a peck of potatoes, with an occasional draught of milk, will keep me alive for a month. Nor do I expend much for dress. I can wear a coat seven years—a pair of boots as long; and, as to washing and mending, I follow the example of Ben Jonson, and do it myself."

The melancholy picture which the actor had drawn of his past life, filled me with despondency. The sources of consolation, however, were not éntirely closed. If he was unsuccessful, was it not because he was unqualified? and why should this be permitted to cloud my "earthly visions?" It was thus that I briefly and logically reasoned. "You give me but little encouragement," I observed.

He did not reply, but shook his head in mournful silence, as much as to say, "You would do well to think of some other occupation."

"If you can render me any efficient service in this business," said I, "you shall be liberally rewarded."

Gods! what magic there was in these few words! His eyes brightened, and a smile-like sunshine in winter-settled upon his withered

countenance.

"It will afford me great pleasure," said he, "to render you every possible assistance."

"Thank you thank you!" I replied. you-thank

"May I inquire your name ?" "Certainly-Paul Ulric."

"The son of—"

"A baronet."

"True! Now residing at Essex ?"

"The same."

"I have a relation at Essex, who has often spoken of Sir John-that, I believe, is his name. Well, now to business: and, first, of your prospects. I think, sir, they are flattering; that is, if you are disposed to profit by those circumstances in your favour. I will speak of this hereafter; other matters deserve our more immediate attention. As to your abilities, I have not had an opportunity to judge; perhaps you will favour me with a recitation.

"With all my heart! What shall it be?"

"Any thing: make your own choice."

"The tent scene in Richard ?"

"Ay, excellent! nothing better."

Shade of the illustrious Garrick! couldst thou have beheld my starts, my grimaces, my contortions, on this memorable occasion, it would have made

66 Thy two eyes, like stars, start from their spheres ;
Thy knotted and combined locks to part,

Like quills upon the fretful porcupine.”

Heighho! I had never read Hamlet's instructions to the players; but if I tore "a passion to tat- ters," what of it? My auditor was delightednay, he was in ecstasies; what more could I desire? He took me by the hand, saying

"At an early day, Master Ulric, I will make you acquainted with the managers. Meanwhile, if I can effect a project I have in view, you need not doubt of complete success. I would further suggest the propriety of your assuming a new name. Perhaps there is none more appropriate than that of Le Brun. There is much in a name. If you have no objections, I will make you known to the public as Master Le Brun-the celebrated Master Le Brun ?"

CHAPTER VIII.

Such a noise arose,

As the shrouds make at sea in a stiff tempest,
And loud, and to as many tunes: hats, cloaks,
(Doublets, I think,) flew up; and had their faces
Been loose, this day they had been lost.

THE time arrived when I was to be ushered into the august presence of the manager. I joined my friend, the poor player, by appointment, and went directly to the greenroom, where we found him lying upon a sofa, partly disabled by the gout.

"Here is the young gentleman of whom I was speaking-Master Le Brun," said my companion to the manager.

VOL. I.-G