act of this play was omitted in representation, by order of the licenser; who assigned as his reason— that the distresses of Henry the Sixth, who is killed in the first act, by Richard, would put weak people too much in mind of King James the Second, who was then living an exile in France.

Of this play, in representation, some peculiar circumstances may be observed. An audience, who, it is generally known, hate, even in the person of his representative, the villain of the drama, still hold in their greatest favour, the actor who performs Richard

the Third.

Garrick, Henderson, Kemble, and Cooke, have all in their turn, been favoured with the love, as well as the admiration, of the town, for acting Richard.

Walpole's "Historic Doubts" out of the question, Garrick appears to have been the actor, of all others, best suited for this character.-His diminutive figure gave the best personal likeness of the crookedback king. He had, besides, if tradition may be relied on, the first abilities as a mimic; and Richard himself, was a mass of mimicry, except in his ambition, and his cruelty.

Henderson was received with welcome in the character, when Garrick was no more; and Kemble, and Cooke have been followed on the same grounds.

Cooke holds, at present, the possession of the part, and has popular favour in it, to the highest degree. That he is a very fine actor, all, who see him, acknowledge; but, of his performance of Richard the Third,

it may exactly be said, what Dr. Johnson has said of the play of Richard the Third viz:

"This is one of the most celebrated of our author's performances; yet, I know not, whether it has not happened to him, as to others, to be praised most, when praise is not most deserved."

KING RICHARD III.

ACT THE FIRST.

SCENE I.

A Garden in the Tower.

Enter LIEUTENANT and OFFIcer.

Lieut. Has King Henry walk'd forth this morning? Offi. No, sir; but it is near his hour.

Lieut. At any time, when you see him here, Let no stranger into the garden;

I would not have him star'd at-See, who's that,

Now ent'ring at the gate?

Offi. Sir, the Lord Stanley.

Lieut. Leave me

[Knocking within.

Enter LORD STANLEY.

[Exil OFFICER.

My noble lord, you're welcome to the Tower:
I heard last night you late arriv'd with news
Of Edward's victory to his joyful queen.

Stanley. Yes, sir; and I am proud to be the man,
That first brought home the last of civil broils:
The houses now of York and Lancaster,

Like bloody brothers, fighting for a birthright,

No more shall wound the parent, that would part

them:

Edward now sits secure on England's throne.

Lieut, Near Tewksbury, my lord, I think they fought;

Has the enemy lost any men of note ?
Stanley. Sir, I was posted home,
Ere an account was taken of the slain:
But, as I left the field, a proclamation,
From the king, was made in search of Edward,
Son to your prisoner, King Henry the Sixth,
Which gave reward to those discov'ring him,
And him his life, if he'd surrender.

Lieut. That brave young prince, I fear, 's unlike his father,

Too high of heart, to brook submissive life:
This will be heavy news to Henry's ear,
For on this battle's cast, his all was set.

Stanley. King Henry and ill fortune are familiar; He ever threw with an indifferent hand,

But never yet was known to lose his patience:
How does he pass the time in his confinement?
Lieut. As one whose wishes never reach'd a crown;
The king seems dead in him-but, as a man,
He sighs sometimes in want of liberty.
Sometimes he reads, and walks, and wishes,
That fate had bless'd him with an humbler birth,
Not to have felt the falling from a throne.

Stanley. Were it not possible to see this king?
They say, he'll freely talk with Edward's friends,
And even treats them with respect and honour.
Lieut. This is his usual time of walking forth
(For he's allow'd the freedom of the garden)
After his morning prayer; he seldom fails;
Behind this arbour we, unseen, may stand
A while to observe him.

[They retire.