DANGLE.
Why, faith, it is but an ungracious thing for the most part, to—
SIR FRETFUL PLAGIARY.
With most authors it is just so, indeed; they are in general strangely tenacious! But, for my part, I am never so well pleased as when a judicious critic points out any defect to me; for what is the purpose of showing a work to a friend, if you don’t mean to profit by his opinion?
SNEER.
Very true.—Why, then, though I seriously admire the piece upon the whole, yet there is one small objection; which, if you’ll give me leave, I’ll mention.
SIR FRETFUL PLAGIARY.
Sir, you can’t oblige me more.
SNEER.
I think it wants incident.
SIR FRETFUL PLAGIARY.
Good God! you surprise me!—wants incident!
SNEER.
Yes; I own I think the incidents are too few.
SIR FRETFUL PLAGIARY.
Good God! Believe me, Mr. Sneer, there is no person for whose judgment I have a more implicit deference. But I protest to you, Mr. Sneer, I am only apprehensive that the incidents are too crowded.—My dear Dangle, how does it strike you?
DANGLE.
Really I can’t agree with my friend Sneer. I think the plot quite sufficient; and the four first acts by many degrees the best I ever read or saw in my life. If, I might venture to suggest anything, it is that the interest rather falls off in the fifth.
SIR FRETFUL PLAGIARY.
Rises, I believe you mean, sir.