It is quite a rural and pleasant situation; for here I
either do, or fancy I do, already breathe a purer and freer air than
in the midst of the town. Of his great abilities, and particularly
in oriental literature, I need not inform you; but it will give you
pleasure to hear that he is actually meditating a fac-simile edition
of the Alexandrian MS. I have already mentioned the infinite
obligations I lie under to this excellent man for his extraordinary
courtesy and kindness.
The Theatre in the Haymarket.
Last week I went twice to an English play-house. The first time
"The Nabob" was represented, of which the late Mr. Foote was the
author, and for the entertainment, a very pleasing and laughable
musical farce, called "The Agreeable Surprise." The second time I
saw "The English Merchant:" which piece has been translated into
German, and is known among us by the title of "The Scotchwoman," or
"The Coffee-house." I have not yet seen the theatres of Covent
Garden and Drury Lane, because they are not open in summer. The
best actors also usually spend May and October in the country, and
only perform in winter.
A very few excepted, the comedians whom I saw were certainly nothing
extraordinary. For a seat in the boxes you pay five shillings, in
the pit three, in the first gallery two, and in the second or upper
gallery, one shilling.
