He tells me he believes that, as soon as the King can get a
husband for Mrs. Stewart, however, my Lady Castlemaine's nose
will be out of joynt; for that she comes to be in great esteem,
and is more handsome than she. Wotten tells me the reason of
Harris's [Joseph Harris, a celebrated actor, who first appeared
at the Theatre in Lincoln's inn Fields, 1662. He probably died
or left the stage about 1679.] going from Sir Wm. Davenant's
house is, that he grew very proud and demanded 20l. for himself
extraordinary, more than Betterton or any body else, upon every
new play, and 10l. upon every revive which with other things Sir
W. Davenant would not give him, and so he swore he would never
act there more, in expectation of being received in the other
House; but the King will not suffer it, upon Sir W. Davenant's
desire that he would not, for then he might shut up house, and
that is true. We tells me that his going is at present a great
loss to the House, and that he fears he hath a stipend from the
other House privately. He tells me that the fellow grew very
proud of late, the King and every body else crying him up so
high, and that above Betterton he being a more ayery man, as he
is indeed.
Pages:
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522