--
"My dear Charles,
I am about to represent, 'with entirely new dresses, scenery, and
decorations,' the Stratford Jubilee, in honour of the sweet swan of Avon.
My scene-painter is the finest artist (except your Grieve) in Europe--my
tailor is no less a genius, and I lately raised the salary of my
property-man. This will give you some idea of the capabilities of the
Surrey Theatre. However, in the hurry of "getting up," we have forgotten
one property--every thing is well with us but our _Bottom_, and he wants a
head. As it is too late to manufacture, not but that my property-man is
the cleverest in the world (except the property-man of Covent-garden), can
_you_, lend me an ass's head, and believe me, my dear Charles,
Yours ever truly,
ROBERT WILLIAM ELLISTON."
"P.S. I had forgotten to acknowledge the return of the _Black-Eyed Susan_
score, and coats. You were most welcome to them."
The letter was dispatched to Covent-garden Theatre, and in a brief time
the bearer returned with the following answer:--
"MY DEAR ROBERT,
It is with the most acute pain that I am compelled to refuse your
trifling request.
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