PROSPECTIVE ARRANGEMENTS.--Owing to the continued success of
_Hamlet_, it has been decided (by arrangement with the Author)
to postpone, &c.--_Extract from Advertisement in Daily Paper._
SCENE--_Sanctum of Popular Actor-Manager of Theatre Royal
Haymarket, Popular Actor-Manager dozing over a submitted
Play. He closes his eyes and slumbers. When to him enter
Master WILLIAM SHAKSPEARE._
_Master W.S._ (_shouting_). What ho, Sir Player! Wake up, Sir, wake
up!
_P.A.-M._ (_rousing himself_). Delighted to see you, Mr. SHAKSPEARE. I
hope you have been in front and seen us?
_Master W.S._ Yes, I just had a glance. Find you have put in some new
business. When will all you fellows leave me alone?
_P.A.-M._ (_earnestly_). I hope, Sir, that in the cause of Art you do
not object, that--
_Master W.S._ (_interrupting_). Oh, no! It makes little difference to
me what you do. _My_ author's fees ceased years ago! But look here,
What do you mean by this? (_Produces Press-cutting of advertisement
and reads_)--"Theatre Royal, Haymarket, Prospective Arrangements.
Owing to the continued success of _Hamlet_, it has been decided (by
arrangement with the Author) to postpone" another play. Now, Master
TREE, or as I may call ye, "Master up a Tree," what have you to say
to that? You see your advertisement has caught my eye. I am here to
answer it!
_P.A.-M._ Most wonderful! I do not know how or wherefore my pen
slipped, but slip it did, indeed. However, I apologise. Is that
enough?
_Master W.S._ More than enough!
_Enter the Ghost of HAMLET's Father suddenly._
_Ghost_ (_with a glance at W.S._). Ah, the Governor here already!
Still, I may have my chance as well as he! I gave the plot of
_Hamlet_! Why shouldn't I have another shot? (_To P.A.-M._)--
But that I am forbid
To tell the secrets of my prison-house,
I could a tale unfold, whose lightest word
Would harrow up thy soul.
_P.A.-M._ (_eagerly_). The very thing for a melodrama. Delighted to
make your acquaintance--hem--in the Spirit!
_Master W.S._ Nay, good Master Player, this is scarcely business! If
anything in _that_ line is to be done, I should do it. (_To Ghost of
HAMLET's Father_). Begone, Sirrah!
_Ghost._ Nay, this is professional jealousy! (_To P.A.-M._). I find
thee apt--
[_A book falls, and Master WM. SHAKSPEARE and Ghost of
HAMLET's Father vanish together._
_P.A.-M._ (_opening his eyes_). Was I dreaming? (_With a recollection
of "The Red Lamp"_) I wonder! [_Left wondering._
* * * * *