Event Comment: Benefit Lacy. Afterpiece: A
new Satyrical, Allegorical, Political, Philosophical Farce, [Apparently by Lacy.]
Daily Advertiser, 30 April: Yesterday I accidentally call'd in at
the Theatre in
the Hay-Market, and saw
the Rehearsal of a
new Farce call'd
Fame...Which is to be acted
there on Wednesday next...for
the Benefit of Mr Lacy
the Author. As I am nei
ther acquainted with him, nor
the Master of
the Playhouse, I cannot be accus'd of Partiality, in affirming, that I think this
the best Farce this Age has produc'd. It seems to be writ in Imitation of
Shakespear, and entirely calculated for
the present Taste.
The Characters are strong, lively, majestic, and just;
the incidents natural and moving;
the Conduct regular;
the Distresses extremely affecting;
the Stile sublime;
the Sentiments grand, full of Patriotism; and
the Catastrophe so masterly wrought up, that, I am persuaded, no Farce whatsoever, now acting, will draw more Tears than this. But what affected me beyond all, was,
the Zeal,
the exemplary Zeal of a worthy Magistrate, who so strictly adheres to
the very Letter of
the Law, as to send a rich and honest Merchant, and Freeholder, to
the House of Correction, as a sturdy Beggar, or Loiterer. I could enlarg in its Praise, but fear I may do
the Author wrong, in raising your Expectations too high. See it, and I am convinc'd you will entertain
the same Sentiments of it, as does Your Humble Servant,
James Lacy. Alias
Fustian, alias
Sour-Wit, alias--But hold:--If I should be arraign'd for
the Murder of this Farce, so many Alias's will half condemn me before I am heard