so?  Would not a good cigar during a good piece be on additional “draw?” We have “Smoking Concerts”; why not “Smoking Theatricals”? But how about the Ladies? Years ago there were no smoking-carriages on the Railways.  And what nowadays is the proportion of smoking to non-smoking compartments?  Very small.  The Ladies will decide this question. But how about the Actors? In modern pieces they never lose an opportunity of smoking.  Why shouldn’t the cigar be introduced into Shakspearian revivals?  Anachronism to the winds!—­which is a polite way of expressing “Anachronism be blowed!” ’Baccy be blowed too.  Sir WALTER RALEIGH would have approved its introduction in Elizabethan days.  In Twelfth Night for example, the line, “Help me to some light,” is suggestive; so, also, in Macbeth—­“Give us a light, then”—­out comes the cigar. Titus Andronicus might be revived, with a view to inaugurating the innovation, and the line, “Some of you shall smoke,” would be the signal for the production of many a cigar-case in point. Hamlet could, perhaps, find some authority for reading the line, “Will you play upon this pipe?” as, “Will you smoke this pipe?” And the other actor would reply, “Certainly—­and thank you, my Lord, I have one of my own.”  Mr. EDWARD TERRY has no objection to The Churchwarden in his theatre, and his Churchwarden drew very well.  However, we’ve had this discussion before.  Will it end this time, as it has hitherto done, in smoke?  Let us suppose a Shakspearian play under the proposed conditions:—­

[Illustration:  “Can you play upon this pipe?”]

SCENE II.—­Capulet’s Garden.  After ROMEO’s soliloquy, which, perhaps, has produced a thirstiness among the audience, resulting in several orders for drinks having been given, JULIET appears on balcony.

“Juliet.  Ah, me!” [Popping of corks, and striking of matches.

“Romeo.  She speaks!—­”

Fascinating Female Attendant in Stalls.  One whiskey, Sir?

“Romeo.  Oh, speak again, bright angel!”

Thirsty Party in Stalls.  No; I said B. and S.—­bring it quick.

“Romeo (continuing).  As is a winged messenger of heaven.”

Second Fascinating Attendant.  Which Gent ordered gin-sling? (No one pays any attention.  Attendant sees a mild man listening as earnestly as he can to the play.) Did you order a sling, Sir?

Earnest Listener (irritably).  No, no—­I don’t want anything.  There, I’ve lost the last part of ROMEO’s speech.

    [Steels himself against further distractions, and tries to
    concentrate all his attention on the play.

“Juliet.  O, ROMEO!  ROMEO! wherefore art thou, ROMEO?” &c.

“Romeo (aside).  Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?”

Excited Somebody (in distant Stall, beckoning to Second Attendant).  Here!  Hi!  Here!  I ordered gin-sling.