[4] Though ’tis possible this piece might be offered to more Printers
    who could read, than could taste, nor is it very surprizing, that an
    unknown author might meet with a difficulty of this sort; since an
    eager desire to peruse a new piece, with a fashionable name to it,
    shall, in one day, occasion the sale of thousands of what may never
    reach a second edition:  while a work, that has only its intrinsic
    merit to depend on, may lie long dormant in a Bookseller’s shop,
    ’till some person, eminent for taste, points out its worth to the
    many, declares the bullion sterling, stamps its value with his name,
    and makes it pass current with the world.  Such was the fate of
    Thomson at this juncture:  Such heretofore was Milton’s, whose works
    were only found in the libraries of the curious, or judicious few,
    ’till Addison’s remarks spread a taste for them; and, at length, it
    became even unfashionable not to have read them.

[5] The old name of China.

[6] Mr. Quin.

[7] The mention of this name reminds me of an obligation I had to Mr.
    Thomson; and, at once, an opportunity offers, of gratefully
    acknowledging the favour, and doing myself justice.

I had the pleasure of perusing the play of Agamemnon, before it was introduced to the manager.  Mr. Thomson was so thoroughly satisfied (I might say more) with my reading of it; he said, he was confirmed in his design of giving to me the part of Melisander.  When I expressed my sentiments of the favour, he told me, he thought it none; that my old acquaintance Savage knew, he had not forgot my taste in reading the poem of Winter some years before:  he added, that when (before this meeting) he had expressed his doubt, to which of the actors he should give this part (as he had seen but few plays since his return from abroad) Savage warmly urged, I was the fittest person, and, with an oath affirmed, that Theo.  Cibber would taste it, feel it, and act it; perhaps he might extravagantly add, ’beyond any one else.’  ’Tis likely, Mr. Savage might be then more vehement in this assertion, as some of his friends had been more used to see me in a comic, than a serious light; and which was, indeed, more frequently my choice.  But to go on.  When I read the play to the manager, Mr. Quin, &c. (at which several gentlemen, intimate friends of the author, were present) I was complimented by them all; Mr. Quin particularly declared, he never heard a play done so much justice to, in reading, through all its various parts, Mrs. Porter also (who on this occasion was to appear in the character of Clytemnestra) so much approved my entering into the taste, sense, and spirit of the piece, that she was pleased to desire me to repeat a reading of it, which, at her request, and that of other principal performers, I often did; they all confessed their approbation, with thanks.