“I have not that fault at least of a veteran, the thinking
nothing equalled to what they admired in their youth. I do
impartial justice to your merit, and fairly allow it not only
equal to that of any actress I have seen, but believe the
present age will not be in the wrong, if they hereafter prefer
it to those they may live to see. Your allowing me to wait on
you in London, Madam, will make me some amends for the loss
I have had here; and I shall take an early opportunity of
assuring you how much I am, Madam, your most obliged humble
servant,
“HORACE WALPOLE.”
* * * * *
“MADAM,--You may certainly always command me and my house. My
common custom is to give a ticket for only four persons at a
time; but it would be very insolent in me, when all laws are
set at nought, to pretend to prescribe rules. At such times
there is a shadow of authority in setting the laws aside by
the legislature itself; and though I have no army to supply
their place, I declare Mrs. Abington may march through all my
dominions at the head of _as large_ a troop as she pleases;--I
do not say, as she can muster and command, for then I am sure
my house would not hold them. The day, too, is at her own
choice; and the master is her very obedient humble servant,
“HOR. WALPOLE.
“STRAWBERRY HILL, _June 11, 1780_.”
* * * * *