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 SHERIDAN. 507 father's reputation to build upon, and some very advan tageous proposals made to him upon that head, he had the most flattering prospect of success, and would certainly have entered upon the office immediately after taking his degree of master of arts, but for one objection. He saw a deficiency in the early part of education, that the study of the English language was neglected, and it could not be reduced to any rule, unless the art of speaking was revived. The revival of the long lost art of oratory became therefore the first necessary step towards his design. To obtain this there was but one way open, which was the stage; accordingly he made his appearance at Smock-alley theatre, January 29, 1743, in the character of Richard the Third, with distinguished encouragement and applause. His theatrical career was, however, soon interrupted; for, in the month of June, he was obliged both to defend his own conduct, and repel the attacks of T. Cibber, who took an opportunity of involving him in a controversy, which was carried on with dignity and spirit by Sheridan, and with flippancy and pertness by Cibber. The cause of the dispute arose from the robe in which Cato used to be performed, being taken away by the manager, and without it Mr. Sheridan refused to proceed in his part. On applying to Cibber for his advice, he was treated with impertinent negligence; and continuing his refusal, Cibber went on the stage, and offered to read the part of Syphax. This offer was accepted by the audience; but Mr. Sheridan considering it an officious and insidious interference, appealed to the town, and was answered by Cibber, to whom a reply was printed, which again was followed by a rejoinder. In the progress of this contro versy, much virulence was displayed, and much abuse poured forth. Both parties lost their temper, and pro bably neither had reason in the end to applaud his own conduct. Cibber, or a friend of his, collected a l l the papers published, and printed them i n a pamphlet, entitled, “The Buskin and Sock; being controversial Letters between Mr. Thomas Sheridan, tragedian, and Mr. Theophilus