Memoirs Of Joseph Grimaldi

MEMOIRS OP JOSEPH GEDIAIDI.

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He was received and listened to in the kindest and most
encouraging manner; but his spirits met with so severe a shock
in bidding a formal farewell to his friends, that he did not
entirely recover from the effects of it for some days, and so com-
pletely dreaded going through a similar ordeal at Covent Garden,
that had not Miss Kelly kept him, firm to the task, he would
have abandoned his intention with regard to the latter place
altogether.

The receipts of this benefit were 230Z.; but he received a great
number of anonymous letters, containing remittances, which
amounted in the whole to S5l. more ; so that he cleared by the
night's performance, a total of 31o£, which was a well-timed
and most fortunate assistance to mm.

Some short time after this evening, Mr. T. Dibdinleft Sadler's
"Wells. He was succeeded in the capacity of stage-manager by
Mr. Campbell, who retained the situation with credit to himself
and satisfaction to the proprietors for several years: remaining
in it, in fact, until the establishment was again let.

On the 25th of March, being a little recovered, and having' at
last made up his mind to take the second benefit, Grrimaldi
walked to Covent Garden, and having been warmly welcomed
by the performers, went to Mr. Charles Kemble's room, and was
received by him in the most friendly manner.

" "Well, Joe," said he, " I hope you have eome to say that you.
feel able to "be with us again?"

"Indeed, my dear sir, it is unfortunately quite the reverse;
for I am come to tell you that I never shall act more,"

"lam very sorry to hear you say so, Joe; I have been in
hopes it would be otherwise," returned Mr. Eemble,

" "We have known each other a good many years, sir," said
Grimaldi.

"We have indeed, Joe,—many years!"

"And I think, sir," continued Grimaldi, "that if it were in
your power, you would willingly serve me?" your families ever