The building obviously, was devoted for the most part to other purposes, and had to be "made ready" for plays at a considerable expense. Nor was the Prince the only one who took advantage of its small amphitheatre. John Chamberlain, in a letter to Sir Dudley Carleton on September 22, 1612, describing the reception accorded to the Count Palatine by the Lady Elizabeth, writes: "On Tuesday she sent to invite him as he sat at supper to a play of her own servants in the Cockpit."[664] [Footnote 664: John Nichols, _The Progresses of James_, II, 466.] It is clear, then, that at times throughout the reign of James dramatic performances were given in the Cockpit; but the auditorium was small, and the performances must have been of a semi-private nature. The important Court performances, to which many guests were invited, were held in the Great Hall. In the reign of the next sovereign, however, a change came about. In the year 1632 or 1633, as well as I am able to judge with the evidence at command, King Charles reconstructed the old Cockpit into a "new theatre at Whitehall," which from henceforth was almost exclusively used for Court performances. The opening of this "new theatre royal" is celebrated by a _Speech_ from the pen of Thomas Heywood: _A Speech Spoken to Their Two Excellent Majesties at the First Play Play'd by the Queen's Servants in the New Theatre at Whitehall._ When Greece, the chief priority might claim For arts and arms, and held the eminent name Of Monarchy, they erected divers places, Some to the Muses, others to the Graces, Where actors strove, and poets did devise, With tongue and pen to please the ears and eyes Of Princely auditors. The time was, when To hear the rapture of one poet's pen A Theatre hath been built. By the Fates' doom, When th' Empire was removed from thence to Rome, The Potent Caesars had their _circi_, and Large amphitheatres, in which might stand And sit full fourscore thousand, all in view And touch of voice. This great Augustus knew, Nay Rome its wealth and potency enjoyed, Till by the barbarous Goths these were destroy'd. But may this structure last, and you be seen Here a spectator, with your princely Queen, In your old age, as in your flourishing prime, To outstrip Augustus both in fame and time.