In 1752 it was found necessary to erect a larger theatre, that in King Street, and we multiplied into two London companies.

The pulpits took the alarm, and in turn, roared after their customers:  But the pious teachers forgot it was only the fervour of a day, which would cool of itself; that the fiercer the fire burns, the sooner it will burn out.

This declaration of war, fortunately happening at the latter end of summer, the campaign was over, and the company retreated into winter quarters, without hostilities.

It was afterwards found, that two theatres were more than the town chose to support; therefore that in Moor-street was set for a methodist meeting, where, it was said, though it changed its audience, it kept its primeval use, continuing the theatre of farce.

In 1774, the theatre in King-street was enlarged, beautified, and made more convenient; so that it hath very few equals.

About the same time that in New-street was erected upon a suitable spot, an extensive plan, and richly ornamented with paintings and scenery.—­Expence seems the least object in consideration.

An additional and superb portico, was erected in 1780, which perhaps may cause it to be pronounced, “One of the first theatres in Europe.”

Two busts, in relief, of excellent workmanship, are elevated over the attic windows; one is the father, and the other the refiner of the British, stage—­Shakespear and Garrick.

Also two figures eight feet high, are said to be under the chissel, one of Thalia, and the other of Melpomene, the comic and the tragic muses; the value one hundred and sixty guineas.  Places are reserved for their reception, to augment the beauty of the front, and shew the taste of the age.

AMUSEMENTS.

Man seems formed for variety, whether we view him in a rational or an animal light.  A sameness of temper, habit, diet, pursuit, or pleasure, is no part of his character.  The different ages of his life, also produce different sentiments; that which gives us the highest relish in one period, is totally flat in another.  The rattle that pleases at three, would be cast into the fire at threescore:  The same hand that empties the purse at twenty, would fill it at fifty:  In age, he bends his knee to the same religion, which he laughed at in youth:  The prayer book, that holds the attention of seventy, holds the lottery pictures of seven:  And the amorous tale that awakes the ideas of twenty five, lulls old age to sleep.

Not only life is productive of change, but also every day in it.  If a man would take a minute survey of his thoughts and employments, for only twenty-four hours, he would be astonished at their infinite variety.

Though industry be the ruling passion of this ingenious race, yet relaxation must follow, as one period to another.  Society is therefore justly esteemed an everlasting fund of amusement, which is found at the tavern, in the winter evening:  Intoxication is seldom met with, except in the inferior ranks, where it is visible in both sexes.