Allan Ramsay. [A biography.] - National Library of Scotland

ALLAN RAMSAY 107
idea of becoming a theatre-proprietor, and thus benefit-
ing the worthy burgesses of Auld Reekie by erecting a
house where standard dramas might be performed. The
very proposal raised a storm of indignation in clerical
circles, against which even Dr. Webster and his friends
were powerless. Hitherto the opposition of the Presby-
terian ministers had prevented the erection of any theatre
in the town. The companies of itinerating players who
might chance to visit the town from time to time, were
compelled to hire a hall or a booth for their perform-
ances. Prior to the Commonwealth, histi'ionic exhibitions
were frequent in Edinburgh. But from 1650 to the
Union, fanaticism became paramount and sternly re-
pressed them. One of the earliest mentions of dramatic
representations after that date occurs in 17 10, and again
in 1 715, when a regular company of players performed
certain dramas in the Long Gallery and in the Tennis
Court at Holyrood-house. In the subsequent winter, as
we learn from the Scots G?z^r^;z/ of December 16, 17 15,
the plays were represented in the old magazine-house at
the back of the foot of the Canongate, on which occasion,
said the notice, ' the several parts would be performed
by some new actors just arrived from England.'
On the last night of the year 17 19 Ramsay supplied
a prologue for the performance of Otway's play, 'The
Orphan,' and ' The Cheats ' of Scapin, ' by some young
gentlemen,' wherein he remarked
—
* Somebody says to some folk, we're to blame
That 'tis a scandal and a burning shame
To thole young callants thus to grow sae snack,
And learn—O mighty crimes !—to speak and act '
But let them talk. In spite of ilk endeavour,
We'll cherish wit, and scorn their fead or favour.
;