_Mr. Falkland._--"I will not say that every one who appears on the stage is immoral, in the broad acceptation of that term; but I mean to say that the great majority are more depraved in their tastes, habits, and conduct, than the general average of society. This is a fact which I presume no one will attempt to deny, who possesses an accurate knowledge of the character of the performers at our theatres." _Mr. Talbot._--"There is, I admit, too much truth in what you now say; and how will you account for it?" _Mr. Falkland._--"To account for it is not difficult--the moral tendency of their profession is a sufficient reason; and that we may have the most palpable and unequivocal evidence of its nature, it is allowed by Providence to operate in the first place and to the fullest extent on the morals and character of the persons who are engaged in it." _Mr. Talbot._--"There, Sir, I am at issue with you; for I maintain that the moral tendency of theatrical amusements is favourable to the cultivation and growth of private and public virtue; and though some who are touched with the puritanical spirit of the age, may assert the contrary, yet I think they will not be able to prove it." _Mr. Falkland._--"Then, Sir, if the moral tendency of theatrical amusements be favourable to the cultivation and growth of private and public virtue, will you be kind enough to say, how it comes to pass that the very persons who are employed to conduct them, are, in general, the most profligate members of society?" _Mr. Talbot._--"Why, Sir, they are profligate before they enter the profession." _Mr. Falkland._--"But can't men of high-toned virtue be induced to enter a profession, which is intended to promote the moral improvement of the age--to make us wiser and better?" _Mr. Talbot._--"Very few. The majority are persons of talent, who go '_through all the vagabondry of life_,' and then offer themselves to the stage as a _dernier_ resort." _Mr. Falkland._--"They first become profligate, and then betake themselves to the stage, as a forlorn hope!" _Mr. Talbot._--"They are profligate before they enter on the stage, which is an evil every virtuous man must deplore." _Mr. Falkland._--"And _remain_ profligate after they are on." _Mr. Talbot._--"Too many." _Mr. Falkland._--"The majority, Sir." _Mr. Talbot._--"Perhaps so." _Mr. Falkland._--"Then, Sir, if the tendency of their profession be favourable to the cultivation and growth of virtue, how is it that it does not reclaim these profligate players? How is it that it does not scatter the seeds of virtue among them, and raise it to a high state of culture?" _Mr. Talbot._--"Why, Sir, are there not many who wear the gown immoral?" _Mr. Falkland._--"I fear there are, Sir." _Mr. Talbot._--"And yet, I presume, you will admit, that the moral tendency of the clerical profession and duties is favourable to the cultivation and growth of private and public virtue." _Mr. Falkland._--"Most certainly, Sir."