sequence which partial nature has denied them.

But though the superstructure of dancing and tumbling is thus proposed to be raised on the old theatrical foundation; yet, Sir, it is by no means any part of my plan to discard, or render unnecessary, the present incumbents of the theatre. Their exertions will necessarily be united with their new associates from Sadler's Wells, to get up, as it is called, the pieces which are to be performed in this new manner; and I have too much knowledge of the extent and versatility of their genius, not to be convinced, that they will easily accommodate themselves to the change. Some of the best tragedians of our present company will readily acquire the walk of the tight rope; most of the ladies, I am sure, will have no objection to put themselves under the tuition of the Devil, in the tumbling way; and several of the most celebrated comic performers are already so

excellent in the posture line, as to give assurance of their arriving at the first degree of eminence in that department.

And now, Sir, give me leave to state some of the obvious advantages that will arise from this new and improved mode of conducting the drama,

1mo, As the entertainment would be addressed to the eyes, it would allow perfect liberty to the tongues of the audience: of the restraint, in this particular, which arises from the present method of conducting the drama, the most respectable part of the house have great reason to complain, as the players on the stage speak almost as loud as people of the first distinction in the side-boxes.

2do, There would be none of that improper or unbecoming freedom, or double entendre, against which some of the more rigid moralists inveigh, in the dialogue of our late comic performances. If any part of the pantomime should happen not to

be quite so pure as it ought, (a grievance which even the spoken plays are liable to in the hands of some actors,) it will be easy for the ladies to turn their eyes half aside, or to cover them with the sticks of their fans: putting one's fingers in one's ears is not so graceful an attitude.

Stio, It will very much improve the catastrophe of some of our best English tragedies. George Barnwell may then be played, as I once heard a gentleman of this city propose to a manager, with the hanging thrown into action instead of narrative, as the swing of several actors of the new company can easily be made to imitate that polite entertainment; and some of them, who at present shew such dexterity in twisting their bodies into the collared-eel, and other beautiful forms, will have no difficulty of allowing themselves to be broke on the wheel in the part of Pierre, which being a novelty, and somewhat more natural and affecting than

the mere preparatives at present exhibited, cannot fail of drawing great houses.

4to, It will evidently tend to facilitate the profession of an actor, and to widen the range from which excellence in that line is to be drawn. As things are at present, the British stage, from the circumstance of language, is open only to the natives of England and Ireland; but if plays are to be danced instead of spoken, their language, like that of music, will be universal. This will remove a hardship peculiar to this part of his Majesty's dominions, which, from its provincial pronunciation, is almost entirely excluded from the stage; but in a natural talent for dancing and feats of agility, is supposed rather to have the advantage of its sister kingdoms. If the plan I propose is adopted, I shall not be surprised, if the district of Strathspey should produce a successor to Garrick, and a rival to Mrs Siddons.

Lastly, It will save a great deal of

trouble to authors, who are often exceedingly at a loss how to carry on the dialogue of a piece through the space of five, or even of three acts. In the improved method I have taken the liberty to suggest, an author will not only, like some of our modern dramatists, have no occasion to write well, but he or she may actually compose a very good play, without having ever learned to write or read at all.

Many other advantages might be shewn to result from this proposed alteration of the mode of representing theatrical pieces; but I flatter myself, that even the imperfect announcement of the plan which I have given, will be sufficient to entitle it to the favour and patronage of persons of taste and knowledge; among whom, without flattery, Sir, I class the author of the Lounger in a very distinguished rank.

I have the honour to be, &c.

RICHARD BUSKIN.