Page:The Scourge - Volume 5.djvu/54

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4£ Theatrical characters',


ble in a very Few months to Tommy Thumb, though by far too great a compliment, that was used by Paine 8 upon tantararara, Burke's celebrated philippic, " as it rose like a rocket, so it fell like the stick." Nottingham, Dec. 12th, 1812. Pinchee*

THE TWO COMIC PERFORMERS.

A CONTRAST.

Public men are the objects of our most particular notice — their virtues call forth our deserved and honest praise— their vices will constantly come under our lash, until, if it be possible to bring them to a sense of shame, they turn from the error of their way and fall into th* delightful path of rectitude and of honour.

In whatever light we view their crimes and 'their errors, those crimes and errors are alike fit subjects for the movements of our pen. Domestic and filial affection in private men are the criteria of their public good conduct — the precursors of their enrolment in the records of fame and of honour. One step from the direct route which leads to the temple of virtue, is the sure and certain faux pas of licentious freedom, and the falling off from the height of honour in general the invariable pledge of a continuance in vicious inclinations and vicious habits.

Public vices are a most detestable object for society to contemplate— example often induces similar habits in every stage of life. At the theatre, where moral rectitude, filial affection, and traits of honorable conduct, should be shewn, the audience expect to find in the exhibitor, when enquiry prompts to trace the private conduct of the individual performer who presents himself for approbation or contempt, something at least commensurate with that morality which he is en-

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