Chapter 21

GOING TO THE THEATRE.

Nat's desire to witness a tragedy played--resolve to go and hear Booth--talk with his companions--what would be said--the evening of his visit--the play--after conversation with his companions--the bar--why vices connected with theatres--can they be severed from it--Nat wants to hear more--at home at one o'clock--outside remarks afterwards--his course criticized--went a number of times thereafter--his object in going good--yet it was not safe---the Roman youth at the amphitheatre--so with theatre-goers--theatres always been schools of vice--acts of Congress against--vain attempt to make theatres respectable in Boston--the legend of Tertullian--the actor Macready exposed the vice of theatres--Judge Bulstrode's charge--Sir Matthew Hale's experience in boyhood--opinion of the infidel Rousseau 214-225