Once a Week (magazine)/Series 1/Volume 2/Ana (May 5, 1860)
ANA.
At a period when the Shaksperian drama was in vogue among the play-going classes, it became necessary to withdraw King Lear from the stage. The unhappy condition to which the then Sovereign of this country was reduced, made it objectionable to present upon the boards a British king in a state of mental aberration. The play was set aside. Upon one occasion, when the Prince Regent was likely to visit Covent Garden, there was a discussion in the manager’s room as to the performance the Prince would like. Hook was present. “He leaves it to yourself,” said Theodore.—“How do you mean?”—“Why, the Court has given you a congé de Lear.”