he commenced to erect, in 1736, a playhouse in Carrubber's Close. In his advertisement in the _Caledonian Mercury_, announcing the prospective opening, he states, he had built the house 'at vast expense,' in order that, during the winter nights, the citizens might enjoy themselves in hearing, performed by competent actors, dramas that would amuse, instruct, and elevate. His advertisement, in the issue of the _Mercury_ for September 15, 1736, reads:-- 'The new theatre in Carrubber's Close being in great forwardness, will be opened on the 1st of November. These are to advertise the ladies and gentlemen who incline to purchase annual tickets, to enter their names before the 20th of October next, on which day they shall receive their tickets from Allan Ramsay, on paying 30s., no more than forty to be subscribed for; after which none will be disposed of under two guineas.' Meantime the clerical party and the enemies of Ramsay had joined hands in common opposition to his plans. 'Hardly had he begun operations' (writes Professor Masson) 'when there came the extraordinary statute of 10 Geo. II. (1737), regulating theatres for the future all over Great Britain. As by this statute, there could be no performance of stage plays out of London and Westminster, save when the king chanced to be residing in some other town, Ramsay's speculation collapsed.' In fact, the municipal authorities, at the instigation of the clergy, employed the force of the statute peremptorily to close his theatre. In vain he appealed to law. 'He only received a quibble for his pains. He was injured without being damaged,' said the lawyers. In vain he appealed in a poetical epistle, to President Duncan Forbes of the Court of Session, wherein he says-- 'Is there aught better than the stage To mend the follies o' the age, If managed as it ought to be, Frae ilka vice and blaidry free? Wherefore, my Lords, I humbly pray Our lads may be allowed to play, At least till new-house debts be paid off, The cause that I'm the maist afraid of; Which lade lyes on my single back, And I maun pay it ilka plack.'