HOW THE LAST ACT OF HAMLET WAS WRITTEN. 73

“ But, I tell you, I hold in my hand a piece that will save the
theatre, an you would but read it. Why not put it up at once, and
let Will, and his vulgar and unlearned trash go hang!”

Master Ben had said that so often within the last five minutes,
that the manager was fain, at last, to pay some attention to it. He
stopped in his distracted walk, and said peevishly :—

“T tell thee, Master Jonson, it may not be. There has been a
large let on the strength of Will’s tragedy ; and, if aught else be put
up, there will be Satan to pay. The young bloods would tear the
benches up; and we should have rare showering of apple-johns and
empty sack pottles on to the scene. And, in sober truth, thy last
comedy drew not two pence; bit was decided—even by thine own
friends—to need judicious application of the pruning-knife. No more,
I prithee !”

Master Ben rolled up his MS. in a huff, and was about to quit the
apartment, when the Earl of Essex entered it.

“ How now, lads?” said the peer, after a hurried greeting. “These
be gloomy tidings. What’s to be done ?”

“T was, even now, pointing out to Master Burbage the means of
saving the theatre, and making his fortune,” said Ben, with dignity ;
* but he would not have it; and so——”

“ Ah, Master Ben! these be not times for men of art and learning,”’
said the good-natured nobleman, winking at the manager. “ Will,
and such like knaves, have so dosed the public with strong dishes —