Garrick lost no time in replying. On the same day he wrote to Dr. Arne: "SIR,--There are many mistakes in your letter; and first I did not charge you with hissing Master Norris; but when Mrs. Cibber spoke to me about that affair, I told her the truth, that you was charged with being in the company of hissers, and though you might not hiss, the persons averred that you were pleased, and laughed at the malcontents about you. I thought this affair of so little consequence, and so little willing am I to hear Pickthanks, as you politely call them, that I never spoke to the person who accused you. Mr. Lacy did, and will inform you of the whole. When you know and see the person in question, you may deliver your own messages, for I have too much to do to trouble myself about these matters. Your assertion, that _neither you nor your abilities_, &c., have had a smile of favour from me, has no foundation; for everybody who knows me, knows that I have always given you your due, as a man of genius, but at the same time I had no great reason to applaud your behaviour to me. I never ill-treated a man of genius in my life, and I was so far from returning ill-will towards you, that I agreed, contrary to my judgment, and against all rules of reason and policy, that you should make new prices at our theatre for your Oratorio. Therefore you will be much at a loss to particularise the _ill-treatment_ you mentioned; nor know I of any transactions between us, but your indulging us with an engagement with Mr. Fawcett, when you entered into articles with the other house for Miss Brent. "I am, SIR, "Your obedient servant, "D. GARRICK." [Illustration: RIOT AT COVENT GARDEN THEATRE, DURING THE PERFORMANCE OF "ARTAXERXES."]