Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/417

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MACKLIN. 413 to confirm the written declaration in person. To pacify them, Mr. Fisher made his appearance, but was hooted off. Matters now became very serious. The ladies were desired to withdraw, and the gentlemen in the pit and boxes united. On their beginning to tear up the seats, Mr. Colman advanced. The house became quiet: and the manager began with observing, that, “as this was his first appearance on any stage, he hoped for their indul gence.” —This seasonable piece of wit conciliating the general favour, he told them with an audible voice, that “it was the intent of the proprietors of that theatre to comply with the commands of the public even to the minutest particulars, and asked them if it was their pleasure that Mr. Macklin should be discharged " The whole, as with one voice, cried “Yes.” Mr. Colman replied, “he is discharged,” and begged to know," whether it was their pleasure that the play of She Stoops to Con quer, should be performed f" “No, No, No,” was the universal cry. “Since this is the case,” replied Mr. Col man, “the money must be returned, for it is not in our power to perform any other;” he then retired. However, the house still seeming dissatisfied, a fresh attempt was made to perform i t , but i n vain; the clamour continued, and nothing remained but Mr. Lewis t o give out the play for the next day, which h e did with, “Gentlemen, (for the ladies were gone) to-morrow will b e performed “Love i n a Village:” This ended the altercation o f the evening about eight o'clock. Macklin now went t o law with his adversaries, Lee, James, Aldus, Miles, and Clarke, and substantiated his losses. May 11, 1775, the court pro ceeded t o state the judges' report, i n order t o pronounce judgment against the offenders; and after i t was deter mined that they should make Macklin a reasonable com pensation i n damages for two years’ salary a t 100t. each, two benefits a t 200l. each, and the whole o f his expenses out o f pocket, — Macklin generously relinquished the whole o f his damages, upon the following terms: “To have his law expenses reimbursed him; the gentlemen t o