a message on the stage, and he could not control his emotion at having at last an opportunity of distinguishing himself. As the eventful moment approached, however, he grew so timid, and in the end acquitted himself so ill, that the whole scene was disconcerted by his awkwardness. Betterton asked angrily who the fellow was that had so bungled. "Master Colley," was the reply. "Master Colley, then forfeit him." "Why, Sir, he has no salary," said the prompter. "No?" said Betterton, "then put him down ten shillings, and forfeit him five." This, Cibber tells us, he thought "a most plentiful accession, and himself the happiest of mortals. Not Alexander himself," says he, "nor Charles XII. of Sweden, when at the head of their victorious armies, could feel a greater transport in their bosoms, than I did then in mine, when but in the rear of this troop of comedians."
The first part in which he obtained any decided success was in the Chaplain, in Otway's play of "The Orphan." He was almost overpowered with delight on the occasion, and the praise of Goodman at rehearsal took away his breath, and drew tears from his eyes. A most extraordinary story is told of this Goodman. Finding his salary as an actor too small to satisfy the demands of his appetites, he boldly took to the highway, as a means of increasing his income. Being convicted of his crime, he was fortunate enough to obtain a pardon from King James. Goodman was so impressed with this instance of the royal clemency, that years afterwards, in 1696, he offered to assassinate William III., in order to testify his gratitude!
Cibber's success was assured by an event which brought him forward in a prominent part. The Queen had commanded "The Double Dealer" to be played. Kynaston was to act the part of Lord Touchwood, but before the evening of representation arrived, that eminent actor fell ill and was unable to perform. By Congreve's advice,
