My chief motive for writing this book, was to procure for myself that occupation, which my medical advisers prescribed as the only remedy for the severe nervous disease, with which I was so long afflicted. I trust, however, that in this attempt to cure myself, I have not annoyed others; at least, I can truly add, no such intention ever even crossed my imagi
If I have preserved character, that, otherwise, might have sunk into obscurity, (I mean literally preserved, not injured it,) and if I have rendered those, who were entertaining during their lives, not dull in my life, surely, I may hope to be numbered among the many, who have occasionally contributed to the "harmless stock of public amusement."
The subject of this work, not being solely confined to the Drama, but, comprising numerous anecdotes relative to fashionable, legal, and political character, I have been compelled (from the dread of unnecessary length, to forbear from noticing, or criticising any performer, now on the stage. Thus, I trust, I have avoided offending all: but, I beg leave to add, that, having for many of the profession, a most sincere esteem, I lament that this necessary rule compels me to pass them over in silence.