Part 6

"Cou'd I possibly have suppos'd that after my being so long in no way of earning a Guinea, which (till this Job of Mr. Colman's) was ever since the end of last March, and being involv'd in debts on that account that you--my Wife, shou'd be the only person who sought to distress me? If other people had been as inhuman, what must have become of a Man, who is a laborious Slave to support his necessary Dependants; insomuch that he does not enjoy three days' ease and pleasure the whole year round?

"As peace and quiet are all the enjoyments which a man of my age can hope for, if he is in his senses, which, in spite of base and wicked minded people, I thank God I have not yet lost, I shall not fly in a passion at your very ungenerous treatment; but with the temper of a Philosopher explain to you the consequences of your following the ill advice, which may have been given you, and I know from whom.

"When Mr. Tyers refus'd to engage Polly Young, unless you cou'd produce a Bond sign'd by me, whereby we were both impower'd to live and act seperately, did not I directly on your express solicitation, enter into such Bond, impowering you to recieve her whole income? Did I ever desire a shilling of all she got before and after or wish otherwise than that it had been ten times as much for your sake?

"Well, after this, you having married your Niece to Mr. Bartelmon, which threw you out of a good income, having besides impoverish'd yourself, by lending your Money in large Sums to an extravagant, unprincipled Whore, and to others, who only meant to defraud you of that and other valuables, you applied to me by Mr. Forest, to pay you an annual allowance for your support: I, who was ever desirous and ready to do all within my power, ent'red immediately into an Agreement to pay you £40 a year, though I had no certain income of my own to do it with, and through years of distress, for want of something weekly coming in, made up my payments to you, in one week, fortnight, or month, whenever I cou'd scrape your money together, till lately, meeting with no employment for a considerable time,--encumber'd with an expensive house at Chelsea, which I have prudently quitted, and being robb'd by an abandon'd infamous Whore and Thief of a Servant, my Necessities oblig'd me to be behindhand in my payments; yet you very well know that whenever I had two, three, or five Guineas, I never fail'd to give them to you, in part of payment, and that but a trifle now remains due.

"Is this a Man to recieve the treatment you now give me? Fie, fie, Mrs. Arne! don't drive me to resentment, when I am willing to act conformable to the laws of religion, peace and love; if you do, by Heaven you'll have terribly the worst of it; for I can prove that having no regular income, whenever I recieve any money, it is always consum'd in debts, and that I am actualy not in a capacity to allow you £20 a year.

"If, on the contrary, you chuse to continue in love and friendship, send a line immediately to Mr. Rennett, that the affair is amicably accommodated, and though I may be never so distress'd, I will cheerfuly pay your allowance, and remain,

Your affect^{te} Husband, "THO^{S.} AUG^{NE.} ARNE. (Seal.)

"Saturday Morn^{g}. "One o'clock "Nov^{r}.-y^{e}-23^{d}."

Evidently Mrs. Arne left the matter in the Attorney's hands; accordingly he wrote a reply as follows:--"Mrs. Arne is Extremely sorry to hear of any Distresses of Dr. Arne's and wishes 'twas in her power to Avoid calling on him, for a subsistence. Her loss of Doctor Arne's affections has been a misfortune she has labour'd under too many years and that without doing him ye least injury but on the Contrary behaved with that affection and Justice that will give her Satisfaction in her last Moments. She hopes Doctor Arne has not so little humanity as to add to her Misery by refusing her a Necessary Subsistance if not Equal to Dr. Arne's wife yet Sufficient to provide her with Common Necessaries which 'tis impossible for her to do for less than a Guinea a week. If that is paid into Mr. Rennett's hands Weekly who will have the Receipts ready Mrs. Arne must Content herself with wearing out an Unhappy Life depriv'd of that Comfort which She had a right to expect from her Husband. Doctor Arne threatens to proceed to Extremities with his wife she is sorry to hear it But must be Contented with her fate and rely upon the justice of her case."

No further correspondence is available, nor is there any record of proceedings at common law; it is therefore reasonable to suppose that an arrangement was concluded. (_See_ page 108.)

In 1772, on the 26th of February, the oratorio "Judith" was performed at Covent Garden Theatre, with women in the chorus, for the first time, as has already been narrated. Shortly afterwards Arne had a performance at the Theatre in the Haymarket; the bill of announcement said, "By desire, for one night only, under the Direction of Dr. Arne. At the Theatre Royal in the Hay-Market, this present Monday, March 16, 1772, will be performed the celebrated Catches and Glees. With a Concerto on the Violin by Mr. Fisher. After which (by permission) will be performed a New Burletta, called 'Squire Badger. Altered and planned for Music, from a favourite Piece. Written by Henry Fielding Esq.; the Music entirely New Composed by Dr. Arne & With a New Irish and Scotch Medley Overture. Fairlove by Mr. Phillips, Sir Thomas Loveland by Mr. Fox, 'Squire Badger by Mr. Smith, Landlord by Mr. Hamilton, Clarinda by Mrs. Jewell, Pert by Mrs. Thompson. Boxes 5s. Pit 3s. First Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. To begin exactly at Six o'clock. Books of both Performances may be had together at the Theatre at 1s. 6d."

In 1775 Arne wrote the following letter to Garrick: "Aug. 21st, 1775. Dr. Arne presents his best compliments to Mr. Garrick, heartily returning thanks for his permission to several of his company to perform in the intended new comedy at the Opera-House, for the Doctor's advantage. He is unluckily, and indeed ungenteelly cut out of, at least, a clear £100, by Mrs. Greville's accepting and promising to perform the principal comic character, and, after keeping it near three weeks when it was too late to substitute another, returning the part with frivolous excuses. The Doctor knows not whether he is rightly informed; but he has heard that Mr. Garrick discharged Mr. Dibdin. If (as he has likewise been told, Mr. Garrick has engaged Mr. Arne[22] in the other's place, the Doctor can better reconcile _his_ being neglected; otherwise should have thought himself at least as capable of the business as any other person, and that his name and credit in the profession would have brought no disgrace on his friendly employer. Cannot help regretting likewise that, though he has ever maintained the most cordial respect and regard to Mr. Garrick for many signal good qualities, as well as for his being incontestably the first genius of this age in all that he professes,) any young person's belonging to _him_, though ever so conspicuous for his abilities, is sufficient cause for his rejection. These unkind prejudices the Doctor can no otherwise account for, than as arising from an irresistible apathy, to which (though painfully) he submits; but will never (notwithstanding) deviate a tittle from that respect, with which he has ever been Mr. Garrick's most obedient servant."

To this letter Garrick replied: "Drury Lane Theatre, Aug. 24, 1775. DEAR SIR,--I am very sorry that Mrs. Greville (to whom I gave free leave to assist you) should behave so ill to you, and more so, that your loss will be so great by her ill-behaviour. The managers of Drury-lane have no intention to employ a constant composer, but to engage with different gentlemen, as business may arise in the theatre. How can you imagine that I have an irresistible _apathy_ to you? I suppose you mean _antipathy_, my dear Doctor, by the general turn of your letter. Be assured, as my nature is very little inclined to apathy, so it is as far from conceiving an antipathy to you or any genius in this or any other country. You ask me why I will not make use of your pupils?--Shall I tell you fairly? because I have not the opinion of them which you have. I tried Mrs. Bradford, Miss Weller, and I have now Mr. Fawcet: the two first (as I in a most friendly manner foretold) did no credit to you or myself by appearing in a piece which you obstinately insisted on bringing out, though you knew it would be the means of making a coolness between us. In short, dear sir, your heart and your genius seem more inclined to the theatre of Covent-Garden than that of Drury-Lane; and when I consider the additional music to 'King Arthur,' and the music to 'Elfrida,' I trust that I am justified in my opinion. Whether I am mistaken or not, I have not the least antipathy, I give you my honour I have not, to Doctor Arne; but on the contrary, if I had a work of consequence, I should wish to employ him, notwithstanding that our theatrical connections have not yet been serviceable to either of us. I am, dear Sir, your very sincere well wisher, and humble Servant. DAVID GARRICK."

To this conciliatory epistle Dr. Arne replied in the following month: "Sept. 3rd 1775. DEAR SIR.--I received the favour of your reply to my letter, which I could not doubt of, you never being deficient in politeness. You are certainly in the right to suppose that, if I wrote the word apathy, I meant antipathy. Did I make the blunder or is it a joke, like Mrs. Cibber's asking you how you could possibly spell King with a Q? I must beg your permission to assure you that you are greatly mistaken in two points. First, when you imagine that I have the least partiality either in favour of the other theatre or its patentees: next in saying that the music in 'Elfrida' is much superior to the music I composed for you in 'King Arthur.' The principal songs, which for air and mastership I have never excelled, have _not_ been performed. They were written for the late Mrs. Arne,[23] and fashioned to her sweet voice, and glaring abilities. Mr. Arne expected, from the music and her performances of it, that they would be productive of the highest pleasure, that a judicious audience ever received from either of our endeavours, and several eminent masters thought as he did: but when those _coups de maître_ came out of the mouths of persons who could neither sing in time nor tune, nor turn out one _jeu de la voix_ in them, the result was much the same as if an approved author had written a fine part for ----. I was near hurting your delicacy, in nominating a gentleman, with whose acquaintance I am honoured, and this part, through an unfortunate event, should be acted by Jemmy Raftor, or Dagger Marr. Champness's songs, the chorus in the first scene of Mr. Vernon's 'Come, if you dare,' and several other things that employed my utmost efforts, were laid aside, in favour of Purcell's music, which (though excellent in its kind) was Cathedral, and not to the taste of a modern theatrical audience. But never was my surprise greater than when I perceived that a drama so fertile of invention and elegant in poetry, which brought so much to Harry Gifford, and lately in Dublin should (though strongly performed at a vast expense at Drury-lane) fail in making that impression on the public, which the managers had an undoubted right to expect. You frankly say that you have not engaged any of my pupils, because you have not the same opinion of them that I have. Be pleased to remember that I did not recommend Miss Weller as an accomplished singer; but as a young girl, with a good person, who would be useful in musical pieces; but whose talents in speaking and acting, might, with your friendly encouragement, in a little time bring so pretty a figure to be a shining object. Had you seen her play Mrs. Cadwallader in Foote's farce at Covent Garden, your candour would induce you to think with that company, who all declared that no young actress ever did better. When I offered you this girl, you wanted an accomplished singer. When I recommended Miss Jameson as such, I was to whistle an angel from Heaven, or you were full; though you brought out a raw nothing last year, and have taken Mrs. Jewell and a Jewess[24] this season. I hope you will, as you have kindly done, excuse this frankness in me, and give me leave to add that I will positively bet a hundred pounds upon Miss Jameson, against any singer you can name in either theatre--I might safely a hundred to one. I wish you would ponder on the contents--not now, because your cast is rather overloaded--but hereafter, when it may not be so. And now, Sir, to the last matter I shall at present trouble you with. Bickerstaff added songs to the Oracle, and brought it out by the title of 'Daphne and Amintor,' at Drury Lane, which succeeded very well. I remember a piece of Mr. Lloyd's, called the 'Capricious Lovers,' when performed in Clive's time. Every body liked the Burletta, but none were pleased with the music--which has induced me to reset it. Now, Sir, if you think it will (with the addition of my new music) fill up a vacancy, till the town fills, the vocal, instrumental, and speaking parts, are ready drawn out: the title may, and should be altered to 'The Country Girl at Court,' being the original one, viz.: 'La Contadina in Cort,' and (for a sixth night) I will attend the getting up of the musical part, and deliver up the composition to your use. If you don't want it, make no ceremony in saying so; for it will be of use to me, with my catches and glees. Have I been studying the longitude? Perhaps so; but if I have tired you, it is more than _you_ could do by _me_, were you to fill a ream of paper.

"This requires no other answer, than just whether you can, with advantage to your undertaking, make use of my new composition or not. I am, Sir, with due respects, ever your friend and humble servant,

"THOMAS AUGUSTINE ARNE."

There is another letter from Arne to Garrick, without date; it reads as follows:

"DEAR SIR,--Mr. Johnston informing me of your desire to receive my demand for the composition of the music in 'The Little Gipsy,' I beg leave to expatiate a little thereon. I think a musician, with regard to theatrical employment, under an unfortunate predicament, if comparatively considered with the author of any little piece, for the following reason. They should both have learning, invention, and a perfect knowledge of effects; but an author of a _petite pièce_ can instantaneously write down his thoughts as they arise, whereas, the poor musician, when he has conceived an air, in every respect suitable to the sense, and emphatically expressed in every part, has done but half his business; for he has all the instrumental accompaniments to study and write down; insomuch as, that in a composition of ten, twelve, or more different parts, when he has written a whole side of music paper, he has the mortification to have composed but one line; all, except the voice part, being requisite to that one line. And yet an author of a farce will frequently make upwards of £100 by his sixth night, besides £50 by the sale of his copy to the printer; while the poor devil of a crotchet monger is thought well paid with £50 for six times the study and labour. This last observation, though strictly just, is not, in me, productive of a single complaint or grumble; but convictive that I have taken infinite pains to be master of a scurvy profession. As to my bill, it amounts, at my constant and reasonable rule of charging, but to £45 13 6: If you should think I have employed extraordinary time and care to make the composition proper and perfect in its kind, you will not overpay me with £50. But do as you please; I shall be satisfied, and am, with true respects, Dear Sir, your most obedient servant,

"THOMAS AUGUSTINE ARNE."

This letter is endorsed by Garrick, "Dr. Arne, about bill for 'May Day.' I gave him the £50 desired."

"May Day, or the Little Gipsy," a musical farce in one act, by David Garrick, was produced at Drury Lane Theatre on the 28th of August, 1775.

There is much to be learned from the correspondence which passed between Arne and Garrick; the following letter, undated, is full of interest:

"DEAR SIR,--I was never so conceited of any abilities, as _non cedere majoribus_; but then I ever was above servility, and could not pay a compliment to the opinion of Socrates or Seneca, at the expense of my reason. _Humanum est errare_, therefore the main study of every wise man is to arrive at rectitude, which cannot possibly be accomplished by giving an implicit concession to our first determinations. But shall Arne, a _musician_, have the _hardiesse_ to dispute with Garrick, in his _own_ way?--Yes, if Garrick, not giving himself time to debate on the natural effects arising from their causes, peremptorily gives his _ego dixi_ to what does not (to Arne) appear natural. But where Garrick is pleased to exercise his judgment, as in his own parts, by a fair trial of his opinion pro and con? No, Arne would as soon dispute with Sir Isaac Newton (if living) on his doctrine of colours, _sed ad propositum_.

"When Miss Weller rehearsed part of Polly's character in the green-room, I knew it would be in vain to attempt a justification of her manner, at that juncture, and therefore reserved my sentiments for this occasion. I shall only particularize the soliloquy, 'Now I'm a wretch indeed,' which, in all the Polly's I ever saw, had no effect on the audience, except when Mrs. Cibber played the character, who spoke and acted in the same manner as Miss Weller does; and Mr. Barry had the same idea of it. In _you_ this position is glaringly illustrated. Now, in regard to Polly's situation, it is this. She has been soliciting her husband's life with her parents, which, instead of moving their obdurate hearts, has had no other effect, than her father's leaving her mother with a determination to prepare matters at the Old Bailey for his death. Polly, overhearing this, comes on in an agony of grief, says, 'Now I'm a wretch indeed!'--thinks she sees him already in the cast--that she hears vollies of sighs from the windows in Holborn--then abruptly breaks out--'I see him at the tree--the whole circle are in tears--even butchers weep.' Can it be natural that the sight of a beloved husband at the gallows should excite fainter emotions in a doting wife, than arise in butchers exercised in offices of cruelty? Would not an apple-woman, who should see so fine a youth, merely in the cast, naturally clap her hands together, through depth of concern, and exclaim 'Ah, poor soul! God bless him and take him to his mercy!'--perhaps shed tears? Certainly; then Polly's emotion on figuring him at the fatal tree, where the whole circle, through mere humanity, are in tears, can be nothing short of distraction, and any action, short of the force she gave it, must appear trifling, faint, and unfeeling. You are far from having seen the best of her in that character, which appears in her scenes of love, fondness, fears, and strokes of tenderness with Mackheath. But I was not willing to give you too much trouble, and besides, I plainly saw that you could not divest yourself of prepossession; else, how was it possible that a fine voice both for speaking and singing; action open, easy, and graceful; an unexceptionable person and figure, with a countenance free from the least distortion, could be productive of such faint approbation? You have often said you regarded me--but, as in the case of Miss Brent, were I to produce an angel, her being ushered by _me_ would create coolness and indifference. This observation, which I could more forcibly illustrate, I plainly see has put you out of humour. Give me leave to say, so it has _me_, who am not without my feeling on so mortifying an occasion. You are possessed both of fortune and merit; the one considerable, the other supreme. I pay you no particular respect, on account of the former; but the highest imaginable on account of the latter. Providence, by placing you in this beneficial situation, meant you as the sun and rain, to cheer and water plants of _genius_. Your own talents, and the just encouragement they have met with, demand, as a debt, those beneficent offices from you. The pay given to three _nothings_ would be a suitable reward to a rising, promising genius, whose industry and advancement could never fail of repaying you ten fold in return. Having faithfully kept my promise to take no material step, without first acquainting you with my design, and therefore given you a fair offer of Miss Weller, I will trouble you with no more letters, or applications on her account; so shall only add, that if you are inclined to encourage and cherish _her_, as you have done by _many_ others, with much lesser talents and requisites, I am desirous, and immediately ready to give you the preference; but if otherwise, as I have only my _small merit and hard labour to subsist on_, let it never be a matter of the least difference between us, that I have acted like a man of honour, and you----overlooked a jewel. I am, Sir, as I ever was, your sincere friend, and most obedient servant,

"THO^{S.} AUG^{NE.} ARNE."

No reply to the above can be found. The following letter from Arne to Garrick must have been written soon after the above: "Sept. 3rd. DEAR SIR,--Having just received a letter from the ingenious author of the two operas, and 'Pennyworth of Wit,' under your kind inspection, wherein he begs concealment of his name, till the fate of one or other of his pieces is determined."

Arne enclosed a copy of his unnamed friend's letter, which need not be produced here. He then finished his own as follows: "Now give me leave to wish you would consult your assured friend in the musical productions of your theatre, which (waving your own consequence, undeniably the first with the public) might produce the best second dish at the feast. Though half a ghost myself, I have more honour than the whole ghost in 'Hamlet.' He was forbid to tell the secrets of his prison house----I tell them not, through principle; but this I _may_ say, _in confidence_, you actually want strength for the exhibition of musical performances--and why should you?--Mr. Garrick, though I wish him immortal, to the grief of the discerning world, is not so--sickness, pain, mortality may intervene. Let it not be said, that so great a master of his art is deaf or blind to rising merit. I tell you _bona fide_, that the young woman and young girl [Miss Weller's sister] whom I recommended, are real objects of your notice, as handsome women, complete figures, and promising actresses, abstracted from their utility as singers. Pray be so obliging as to let me hear from you as soon as you come to town, and be assured that if my skill or connexions are of any value, they shall be exerted to the utmost, in testimony of the respect with which I am, Dear Sir, your faithful friend, and humble servant,

"THO^{S} AUG^{NE.} ARNE."

There is yet another letter from Arne to Garrick, and a characteristic reply, both undated, but which probably were written in 1775: