Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/521

 SHERIDAN. 517 no impression; they were neglected by the majority; the new theatre was proceeded upon, and, as Mr. Sheridan had predicted, a l l the parties concerned i n i t were ruined. I n the season which began i n October 1757, Mr. Sheridan was obliged t o continue a s before, both actor and manager; but having the assistance o f Mrs. Fitzhenry i n the capital female characters, h e was more prosperous than i n the pre ceding year. He also met with much encouragement from the Duke o f Bedford, the then lord-lieutenant o f Ireland. The favour h e experienced from this nobleman, encouraged him t o hope for success i n his application t o Parliament. But finding, a t length, that h e was t o expect nothing from his solicitations, h e determined t o oppose his enemies o n their own ground, with the best company which could b e collected against them. On December 6, 1757, h e summoned together a very respectable and numer ous audience o f the nobility and gentry o f Ireland, a t the music hall, i n Fishamble-street, before whom h e pronounced a n oration, i n which he, with considerable address and ability, set forth the errors o f the then modes o f education, the advantages which would attend the adopting his pro posed improvements t o individuals, and t o the community a t large. Many o f the first characters i n the kingdom for rank and learning were present. He was heard with respect and attention, and received the plaudits which were due t o the novelty o f his plan, and the intrinsic merits o f i t . Fruitless though his efforts were t o suppress the new adventurers, h e persevered, a s was his custom, with great steadiness until every glimmer o f hope had vanished. He then found i t necessary t o muster his forces t o oppose them i n the ensuing season, 1758-9. He ac cordingly offered terms t o Mrs. Fitzhenry, who, hesitating t o accept them, h e rashly declared against entering into articles with any one o f the company; the consequence was the immediate loss o f Mr. King and Mr. Dexter, two performers o f great use t o the theatre. He then saw his mistake, altered his resolution, and signed a general article with a l l his company, and seemed determined o n a resolute