But Baggs adds that at each benefit performance the actor gained much by the special prices paid for seats, and estimating those extra profits at the benefits above mentioned at £880, he arrives at the conclusion that the six actors named earned £1957 in all during the season, though it was broken in upon by the death of Prince George, and brought to a premature close in June.
[173] Villages near Oxford.
[174] Epistle "To my honoured kinsman John Driden, of Chesterton, Esq.," 204:—
"Two of a house few ages can afford,
One to perform, another to record."
[175] See No. 45.
[No. 72. [Steele.]
From Thursday, Sept. 22, to Saturday, Sept. 24, 1709.
White's Chocolate-house, Sept. 23.
I have taken upon me no very easy task in turning all my thoughts on panegyric, when most of the advices I receive tend to the quite contrary purpose; and I have few notices but such as regard follies and vices. But the properest way for me to treat, is to keep in general upon the passions and affections of men, with as little regard to particulars as the nature of the thing will admit. However, I think there is something so passionate in the circumstances of the lovers mentioned in the following letter, that I am willing to go out of my way to obey what is commanded in it.