" "It is a dangerous experiment," said
Horatio. "I know it," replied the fearless Bernard; "but he who fears
danger will never march on to fortune or to victory. I am sure I have a
sincere friend in Charles Kemble, if managerial influence can ensure the
success of my play; and I have cast my farce so strong, that even with
all Elliston's mismanagement, it cannot well fail of making a hit. _Nil
desperandum_ is my motto; so a truce with your friendly forebodings of
doubts, and fears, and critics' _scratches_; for I am determined 'to
seek the bubble reputation even in the cannon's mouth.'" Thus ended the
colloquy, and on the morning of the morrow Bernard was introduced, in
due form, to the _dramatis personae_ of the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden
(see plate).
[Illustration: page366]
There is as much difference between the rival companies of the two
patent theatres as there is between the habits and conduct of the
managers: in Covent Garden, the gentlemanly manners of Charles Kemble,
and his amiable desire to make all happy around him, has imparted
something of a kindred feeling to the ~366~~performers; and hence,
assisted by the friendly ancient Fawcett, the whole of the establishment
has all the united family feeling of a little commonwealth, struggling
to secure its independence and popularity.
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