| Citation |
PG-P.735.025
7-14 Aug 1735:21 (349)
From the Political State for April, 1735.
On the 15th of last month the famous Signior Farinelli, the
singer had his benefit at the Opera-House in the Hay-market,
where there was a most numerous audience; for the pit and
galleries were full by 4 o'clock, and the stage being done
up without any scenes, as at a Ridotto, and curiously
adorned with gilt leather, there were several hundreds of
people in seats erected there; so that it is reckoned he had
a most extraordinary benefit; for besides the usual prices
of tickets, his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales gave him
200 guineas, the Spanish Ambassador 100, . . . [6 lines,
other gifts] In the whole, it is computed he made by his
benefit 2000 L. and as he has besides a salary of 1500 L.
for each season, and has got several other presents upon
extraordinary occasions, it may be reckoned he has got at
least 4 or 5000 L. for this season in England, which will be
a lasting monument of the politeness and generosity of this
age; and is a demonstration, that they can easily spare, and
would certainly chuse to pay 4 or 5 shillings, or even ten
shillings in the pound, out of their yearly revenues, toward
the publick expence, rather than to have the poor labourers
or manufacturers of the nation charged with duties and
excises on small-beer, salt, or any thing else that is
absolutely necessary for their subsistence. . .
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