_Sev._ I have often begged you to let me shift for myself, let my character sink or swim. Every man who attempts any new thing must allow mankind to talk of him as they please. I do not regard what the world says, but what they should say. _Hum._ It is very odd that we have never happy moments but at midnight, so different are our tempers; and we are made to keep together from no other rule, but that we never expostulate upon past mistakes; to meet again after a misunderstanding, contains in itself all manner of apology, all expostulation; but, if I might, I would complain that the business of the house is neglected while you are attending your amours. _Sev._ No; there is a present leisure to attend anything of that kind, to hear any person or persons that pretend to the stage, to examine scenes or goods to be shown or exhibited there, and give them their answers.--Let us take our places accordingly. _Hum._ It is wondrous to consider the folly of mankind, that think so lightly and so meanly of the faculties of a player.--Roscius had three thousand scholars, and but one only fit for the purpose. _Sev._ There's no arguing mankind out of their humour or their taste; they may be gained upon by skill and labour, but that must be felt before it's seen. _Hum._ Now you begin to philosophise: but let us hear the people, in spite of vernacular dialect or tone, attempting to represent the most difficult characters of state. Mr. Duntaxat, if you please, we will now sit down and hear them. [_They sit down at table accordingly._] Mr. Severn, you see he consents to take out places. [_Rings the bell._] Who waits? _Enter_ SERVANT. _Servant._ A great many people, sir; but none so importunate to be admitted as the Welsh gentleman, who offers to act the character of Hamlet for his own pleasure. _Hum._ Plague on him, whose pleasure will it be besides? _Sev._ Oh, all the world will like him; let us admit him by all means. _Hum._ He, in his vernacular tone, will disparage a scene forever by repeating it; but do as you will. _Sev._ Pray desire the gentleman to walk in: pray, gentlemen, keep your countenance, for he is no fool; or if he is, he is a valiant one, and hath a great estate half-way up the atmosphere. _Enter_ MR. GWILLYN. [_They all rise from their seats._] Sir, we understand the high obligation you lay upon us (pray sit down, sir) in condescending to tread the stage in the character of the Prince of Denmark; in which, sir, you are so far right, that he was a prince of a very ancient family, and not unworthy a gentleman of your character to represent. _Gwil._ I have a respect for him, both for his plutt and his prains, and think I could do him justice. _Sev._ There is no doubt of it, good sir; and if you please to pronounce the sentence, "To be and not to be," you'll mightily raise these gentlemen's expectations and gratitude to you for the favour you intend them.