Turning abruptly to William, the proprietor said: "I understand you know something about theatres and acting?"
"Try me; you shall be my judge."
"Then, sir, from this hour you are appointed assistant property man and assistant prompter for the Blackfriars, at sixteen shillings a week, with chance of promotion, if you deserve it!
"Your business hours shall be from noon, every week day, until five o'clock; and from eight o'clock in the night until eleven o'clock, when you are at liberty until the next day!
"Do you accept the work?"
William promptly replied:
"I accept with immeasurable thanks, and like Cæsar of old, I cross the dramatic Rubicon."
The Bard was then introduced to Bull Billings, the chief property man and prompter, who at once initiated William into the machinery secrets of the stage, with its scenes, ropes, chains, masks, moons, gods, swords, bucklers, guns, pikes, torches, wheels, chairs, thrones, giants, wigs, hats, bonnets, robes, brass jewels, kings, queens, dukes, lords, and all the other paraphernalia of dramatic exhibition.
William was now launched upon the ocean of theatrical suns and storms, with Nature for his guide and everlasting glory for his name.
"Lowliness is young ambition's ladder,
Whereto the climber turns his face;
But when he once attains the utmost round,
He then unto the ladder turns his back,
Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees
By which he did ascend!"