| Citation |
PC.772.020
24 Feb-2 Mar 1772:222, 223 (268)
I am (says a Detester of Deception) an utter enemy to all
sorts of deception, and particularly to such as concerns the
welfare of the public: I cannot, therefore, but censure the
wicked practice which the managers of our theatres have got
into, of stationing a number of persons in different parts
of their houses, for the special purpose of clapping and
applauding the King at his coming in and going out. This is
a deception of the most odious nature. It is a base
imposition upon his Majesty, as it tends to make him
believe, the public approve the measures of his ministry.
It is such a pernicious flattery as destroys the use and
benefit of public theatre, and renders them the vile
applauders of vicious actions. The intention of a public
theatre is, to encourage virtue, and discountenance vice, by
displaying the beauty of the one, and the odiousness of the
other, in the conduct of human life; to represent truly, as
in a mirror, the actions of mankind; so that men in the
highest situations as well as in the lowest, may see their
errors and amend them. But this kind of theatrical applause
is so far from representing things truly, veluti in speculo,
that is the most pernicious adulation, . . . [11 lines] But
as our ministers grow worse, and more corrupt, this method
of licensing was found insufficient to cover their evil
conduct from the knowledge of the King; and therefore they
have now ordered the managers of both theatres to station a
number of deceitful applauders in their houses, to clap his
Majesty whenever he makes his appearance there. . .
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