But the Presbyteries of Edinburgh and Glasgow speedily denounced author, play, dramatists, and dramas generally, as instruments and children of Satan; and excommunicated, not only Home, but actors and audiences, and all abettors and approvers! The triumph of the play compensated for everything. The nation confirmed the sentiment of the critic in the pit, whose voice was heard in the ovation of the first night, exultantly exclaiming, "Weel, lads, what do ye think o' Wully Shakspeare noo?" The tragedy was offered to Garrick, who refused it. Mrs. Cibber, in Lady Randolph, would extinguish Norval! Rich accepted it, as readily as Garrick had declined it; and in March 1757 London confirmed the judgment of the city in the north. Gray declared that Home had retrieved the true language of the stage, which had been lost for a century. The Prince of Wales conferred a pension on the expelled minister, and Sheridan sent to Home a gold medal, worth ten guineas. Just a century before Home was denounced by the Presbytery, Adam Seaton, dwelling near John O'Groats, where Cromwell's troops were encamped, on their way to the Orkneys, was condemned to make public confession in the Kirk, for "having masking playes in his house for the Inglishe men." This extract from the old Session record of the parish of Canisby (quoted in Calder's _History of Caithness_), shows how the drama "looked up," in remote Scottish localities, in spite of the decree of 1647. A Presbyterian, lending his house to amateur, or professional, actors in Cromwell's army, is a novel illustration in the history of the stage. Much might be said thereon; but Margaret Woffington, the original Lady Randolph in England, now retires from the scene, and waits the telling of her story. FOOTNOTES: [62] I do not understand what is meant here. Mossop could not be said, in any sense, to succeed Quin. [63] This conveys a very wrong impression. "Athelstan" was played thirteen times; that is, it was a great success at the time. Dr. Browne did not destroy himself until ten years after "Athelstan's" production. [64] These lines were written by Berenger, Deputy-master of the Horse. [65] March 1574-75; that is, as we should say, March 1575. [66] The Fountains had their patent as early as 1673. [67] This performance took place in 1719; four years after the above date, not eleven. [68] There was no connection between these two events, as the theatre in Carrubber's Close was not built till 1736. [Illustration: MRS. GARRICK.] CHAPTER XII. MARGARET WOFFINGTON. That good-tempered woman, who is looking with admiration at the pretty and delicate child who is drawing water from the Liffey, is Madame Violante. She is mistress of a booth for rope-dancing and other exhibitions in Dame Street. As the young girl turns homeward, with the bowl of water on her head, the lady follows, still admiring.