| Citation |
NYM(G.763.036
16 May 1763:11,12 (602)
London, March 3. . .. [4 paragraphs] Thursday night, as was
expected, a crouded audience, consisting almost wholly of
gentlemen, assembled at Covent-Garden Theatre, in
consequence of the dispute between the managers and the
town.
The music was ordered to play, first, "Hearts of Oak;"
then, "Britons Strike Home;" and afterwards, "Rule
Britannia, &c. When the curtain drew up, the most violent
noise of all kinds, from every part of the house, began, and
continued incessantly, till the players, were obliged to
retire.
The audience then called for Mr. Beard; who addressing
himself to the house, told them, "that he had complied with
their request in public, and came there to confirm it:"
this was received with approbation but it was further
insisted on, that he should "stop all prosecutions:" to
which he reply'd, "that he was willing to comply with that
also, so far as regarded himself." This was not thought
satisfactory, and he disappeared.
After some time, being repeatedly called for, he again
came on, and assured the audience, that, for the sake of
public tranquility, he willingly gave up every point in
dispute, as well on his own behalf, as on that of the other
parties concerned. This was immediately succeeded by shouts
of applause from the audience, and the play began, being
then about 40 minutes after seven o'clock.
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