[73] Second edition. In this piece Bassanio (Betterton) is the most prominent character; and though the whole piece was converted into a comedy, Dogget is said to have acted Shylock with much effect, and without buffoonery. Granville gave the profits of the play to one who needed them, Dryden's son. [74] This seems inaccurate. The author says it was well received. [75] The _Biographia Dramatica_ expressly says that it was with the profits of this play that she and her husband set up a tavern in Westminster. Whincop also seems to imply that the piece was a success. [76] Clorimon. [77] This is an assumption not justified by the facts. All of this chapter is a mere copying from Genest; and though Genest puts "All for the Better," and "The Patriot" last in his list, it is only because there is no record when they were produced. [78] "Timon of Athens" was performed at Drury Lane, 5th July 1703. [79] Scarcely accurate. Downes says that it was "a very good play for three acts; but failing in the two last, answer'd not their expectation," p. 46. [80] "The Taming of the Shrew" also--5th July 1704. [81] See Genest ii. 296, for copy of this edict. [82] "Abra Mulé" is pronounced by Genest to be a fairly good tragedy. It was certainly very successful, for it was played fourteen times. [83] This is most unfair to Cibber, whose comedies are particularly inoffensive. [84] Incorrect. Cibber's doubts were dispelled by Mrs. Oldfield's playing of Leonora in "Sir Courtly Nice" at Bath two seasons previously. He wrote Lady Betty Modish expressly for her. [85] 23d April 1705. [86] The bill says, "Repairing and fitting up." [87] Should be £5 for every acting day, and not to exceed £700 a year. [88] It was played four times. Genest, ii. 370. [89] Bowen came from Ireland about 1689, nearly twenty years before. [90] In this season the prices for Boxes seem to have been 15s., 10s. 6d., and 8s. [Illustration: THOMAS DOGGET.] CHAPTER XIV. THE UNITED AND THE DISUNITED COMPANIES. The names of Betterton, Booth, Wilks, Cibber, Mills, Powell, Estcourt, Pinkethman, jun., Keen, Norris, Bullock, Pack, Johnson, Bowen, Thurmond, Bickerstaff--of Mistresses Barry, Bradshaw, Oldfield, Powell, Rogers, Saunders, Bicknell, Knight, Porter, Susan Mountfort, and Cross,--indicate the quality of a company, which commenced acting at Drury Lane, and which, in some respects, was perhaps never equalled; though it did not at first realise a corresponding success. Betterton only "played" occasionally, though he invariably acted well. The new pieces produced failed to please. The young Kentish attorney, and future editor of Shakspeare,--Theobald, gave the first of about a score of forgotten dramas to the stage; but his "Persian Princess" swept it but once or twice with her train. Taverner, the proctor, who could paint landscapes almost as ably as Gaspar Poussin, proved but a poor dramatist; and his "Maid the Mistress," was barely listened to.