And there was yet another amusing Caricature of the Prelate, in connection with this subject. In July 1798, Gillray published a picture of "More short Petticoats, or the Highland Association under Episcopal Examination." The Bishop is accompanied by Lord Salisbury, the then Lord Chamberlain, and inspects the Kilts of three Highlanders, who assure him "You'll find them exactly according to the rules of the Highland Association." But the Bishop's modesty is blushing violently, and he replies "Don't tell me of rules, I say it's abominable! It's about half a foot too short according to the opera Standard. Bring the large breeches directly; why, the figurantes would be ashamed of it."
Ecclesiastical Scrutiny.—or—the Durham Inquest on Duty.—1798
MASQUERADES, CONCERTS, &c.
Masquerades were introduced into England by Henry 8th, but, perhaps, at no time were they so fashionable, as during the latter half of the 18th Century, although they do not always seem to have been successful. The Morning Post, Feb. 6, 1788, speaks of a Masquerade at the Opera House, thus:—"The Supper and Wines were consistent with the well known parsimonious principle of the conductor, the provision being very unequal to the appetite, and number, of the guests. The music was very indifferent." Thus we see that these amusements were not of equal quality, and the Critics did not fear to say what they thought of them.
"Pantheon, Jan. 26, 1788. The Nobility and Gentry are respectfully acquainted that the First Masqued Ball, at this place, will be on Thursday next, the 31st Instant. There will be a Supper as usual, with Wines, &c. Tickets at One Guinea each may be had at the Office."—(Morning Post, Jan. 26, 1788.)
This Masquerade seemed to be very popular.
"The Prince's visit to the Brandenburgh-house Masquerade was to have been in female habiliments; but the shortness of the notice did not allow time for preparing them, and neither the shoes, corsette, nor robe, of Mrs. Vanneck, for which his Royal Highness sent, could be made capacious enough for a momentary covering. The sailor's habit was, therefore, adopted without any preparation for the character. The Margravine's Masqued Ball produced many whimsical events, but none more than that from a character representing Acteon, who, in brandishing a huge pair of antlers, run full butt against a French looking-glass of 300 guineas value, and smashed it to pieces. The Margrave being near, endeavoured to give the accident a pleasant turn, by remarking in German 'that there could be no jollity where they let the glass stand.'"—(Times, March 1, 1794.)
"The MASQUERADE.
"The entertainment given by the Manager of the Opera House, on Monday night, was the best attended of any we have seen for many years, and fully answered the expectations that had been formed of it. The space allotted, however, large as it was, with the addition of the new room, and another above stairs, was by no means sufficient for so large a company: and the pressure of the crowd rendered the rooms insufferably hot, as well as prevented the masks from appearing to advantage. For so large an assembly, there were fewer masks than usual, but the hilarity of the company made amends for this deficiency. The Prince of Wales was in a black domino, arm-in-arm with Captain Churchill, and Lord George Conway; the Duke of Clarence was the whole evening with Mrs. Jordan in a private box upstairs. Michael Angelo Taylor was dressed in women's cloaths, but was less talkative than usual. The supper was extremely well conducted, and the provisions better than usual. The refreshments were also liberally supplied. There were about 2700 persons in the rooms, and among them some of the prettiest women in town."—(Times, March 5, 1794.)