Just a century before Home was denounced by the Presbytery, Adam Seaton, dwelling near John O'Groats, where Cromwell's troops were encamped, on their way to the Orkneys, was condemned to make public confession in the Kirk, for "having masking playes in his house for the Inglishe men." This extract from the old Session record of the parish of Canisby (quoted in Calder's History of Caithness), shows how the drama "looked up," in remote Scottish localities, in spite of the decree of 1647. A Presbyterian, lending his house to amateur, or professional, actors in Cromwell's army, is a novel illustration in the history of the stage. Much might be said thereon; but Margaret Woffington, the original Lady Randolph in England, now retires from the scene, and waits the telling of her story.
FOOTNOTES:
[62] I do not understand what is meant here. Mossop could not be said, in any sense, to succeed Quin.
[63] This conveys a very wrong impression. "Athelstan" was played thirteen times; that is, it was a great success at the time. Dr. Browne did not destroy himself until ten years after "Athelstan's" production.
[64] These lines were written by Berenger, Deputy-master of the Horse.
[65] March 1574-75; that is, as we should say, March 1575.
[66] The Fountains had their patent as early as 1673.
[67] This performance took place in 1719; four years after the above date, not eleven.
[68] There was no connection between these two events, as the theatre in Carrubber's Close was not built till 1736.