form a considerable volume. In my researches into the early history of the Stage[1], I have been equally successful, and have obtained such curious and valuable accessions to what I formerly published on that subject, as to ascertain, with a degree of precision beyond my hopes, the actual state of our theatres and the performances they exhibited, almost up to the time when Shakspeare appears to have commenced his dramatick career.—With all this ardour of inquiry, and all this mass of information, your lordship will easily judge how much I must have been surprized in the beginning of the last year, when I was informed that many original pieces were discovered, in the hand-writing of this poet, which had never before been heard of; and how much that surprize was increased, when I found from the information of various
- ↑ When the Books of the late Mr. Topham Beauclerk were sold by auction in April 1781, I neglected (I know not by what accident) to purchase or even to examine the lot numbered 4137, which was sold for 3l. 6s. and contained seven small tracts; among which was one relative to our ancient stage, that I have never met with. If these sheets should fall into the hands of the purchaser, (with whose name I am unacquainted, the Sale-Catalogue having been mislaid,) he will oblige me by favouring me with his address.
