"To the proprietors of this theatre, the performers, the gentlemen of the band--in fact, to every individual connected with it, I likewise owe and offer my sincere thanks for their assistance this evening. And now, ladies and gentlemen, it only remains for me to utter one dreadful word, ere I depart--Farewell!--God bless you all! may you and your families ever enjoy the blessings of health and happiness!--Farewell!" He was received and listened to in the kindest and most encouraging manner; but his spirits met with so severe a shock in bidding a formal farewell to his friends, that he did not entirely recover from the effects of it for some days, and so completely dreaded going through a similar ordeal at Covent Garden, that had not Miss Kelly kept him firm to the task, he would have abandoned his intention with regard to the latter place altogether. The receipts of this benefit were 230_l._; but he received a great number of anonymous letters, containing remittances, which amounted in the whole to 85_l._ more; so that he cleared by the night's performance, a total of 315_l._, which was a well-timed and most fortunate assistance to him. Some short time after this evening, Mr. T. Dibdin left Sadler's Wells. He was succeeded in the capacity of stage-manager by Mr. Campbell, who retained the situation with credit to himself and satisfaction to the proprietors for several years: remaining in it, in fact, until the establishment was again let. On the 25th of March, being a little recovered, and having at last made up his mind to take the second benefit, Grimaldi walked to Covent Garden, and having been warmly welcomed by the performers, went to Mr. Charles Kemble's room, and was received by him in the most friendly manner. "Well, Joe," said he, "I hope you have come to say that you feel able to be with us again?" "Indeed, my dear sir, it is unfortunately quite the reverse; for I am come to tell you that I never shall act more." "I am very sorry to hear you say so, Joe; I have been in hopes it would be otherwise," returned Mr. Kemble. "We have known each other a good many years, sir," said Grimaldi. "We have indeed, Joe,--many years!" "And I think, sir," continued Grimaldi, "that if it were in your power, you would willingly serve me?" "Try me, Joe, try me!" He then stated his intention of taking a farewell benefit at Covent Garden, and requested Mr. Kemble's assistance in obtaining the use of the house, if possible, at a low price; but if not, then upon the usual terms. Mr. Kemble listened until he had finished, and said, "My dear Joe, I perfectly understand you; and if the theatre were solely mine, I should say, 'Take it--'tis yours, and without charge at all:' but, unfortunately, our theatre is in Chancery, and nothing can be done without the consent of others. However, Joe, the proprietors meet every Tuesday, and I will mention it to them. So after Tuesday you shall hear from me."