Mr. Falkland.—"But can't men of high-toned virtue be induced to enter a profession, which is intended to promote the moral improvement of the age—to make us wiser and better?"
Mr. Talbot.—"Very few. The majority are persons of talent, who go 'through all the vagabondry of life,' and then offer themselves to the stage as a dernier resort."
Mr. Falkland.—"They first become profligate, and then betake themselves to the stage, as a forlorn hope!"
Mr. Talbot.—"They are profligate before they enter on the stage, which is an evil every virtuous man must deplore."
Mr. Falkland.—"And remain profligate after they are on."
Mr. Talbot.—"Too many."
Mr. Falkland.—"The majority, Sir."
Mr. Talbot.—"Perhaps so."
Mr. Falkland.—"Then, Sir, if the tendency of their profession be favourable to the cultivation and growth of virtue, how is it that it does not reclaim these profligate players? How is it that it does not scatter the seeds of virtue among them, and raise it to a high state of culture?"
Mr. Talbot.—"Why, Sir, are there not many who wear the gown immoral?"