peerage is, in my opinion, purchased dearly. I was in hopes that his Chinese work would have been published long since.
Towards the close of the year, his good offices in the introduction of a new tragedy, The Conspiracy, to Drury Lane, were again sought by his friend Jephson. It was taken from Metastasio, and ran only three nights. Of other details Malone must be the historian.
“On this story, from Clemenza di Tito, Mr. Jephson produced a tragedy. It was performed twice (an error, thrice) at the theatre in Drury Lane, in 1796, and then laid aside. The proprietors of the theatre having determined that authors should no longer have their third nights, but the ninth part of 300l. for each night of performance, Mr. Jephson was entitled to 66l. 13s., for which Mr. Sheridan, after repeated delays, gave his draft on his banker, which was never paid; being the ‘New way of paying old debts’ adopted in that theatre since he became possessed of it.”
Occasionally, Lord Orford and Malone continued their former meetings; for who could resist so attractive a story-teller, or doubt so retentive a memory? At seventy-nine, with much bodily infirmity, two months before death, we find it as vivid as ever.
“January 3rd, 1797.—Lord Orford told me that he had seen the letter of Anne Clifford, Countess of Dorset, &c, which he had inserted in the World, without mentioning his authority. It was shown to
