Be pleased, Sir, to print this letter, that when I am oppressed in this manner at such an interval, a certain part of the audience may not think I am out; and I hope with this allowance, to do it with satisfaction .-- I am, Sir, your most humble servant, GEORGE POWELL." Poor dashing, dissipated, brandy-bibbing George! Perhaps you had as keen an eye to the value of advertising as have certain players who never heard your name.[A] [Footnote A: The original cast of the "Distressed Mother" included Booth (Pyrrhus), Powell (Orestes), Mills (Pylades), Mrs.Oldfield (Andromache), and Mrs.Porter (Hermione).] The production of the "Distressed Mother" (March, 1712), was accompanied by an exciting popular demonstration which must for the nonce have made Powell quite forget those lines which gave him such exquisite sorrow.

It all came from the jealousy of Mrs.Rogers, she of more virtue on the stage than off, and who always cherished, with the assistance of kind friends, a very sincere belief that her powers far exceeded those of Oldfield.[A] [Footnote A: The rivalry between Rogers and Oldfield once reached such a pass that Wilks sought to end it, and stop the complaints of the former's admirers, by a severe expedient.

"Mr.Wilks," says Victor, "soon reduced this clamor to demonstration, by an experiment of Mrs.
Oldfield and Mrs.Rogers playing the same part, that of Lady Lurewell in the 'Trip to the Jubilee;' but though obstinacy seldom meets conviction, yet from this equitable trial the tumults in the house were soon quelled (by public authority) greatly to the honour of Mr.
Wilks.

I am, from my own knowledge thoroughly convinced that Mr.
Wilks had no other regard for Mrs.Oldfield but what arose from the excellency of her performances.

Mrs.Roger's conduct might be censured by some for the earnestness of her passion towards Mr.Wilks, but in the polite world the fair sex has always been privileged from scandal."] So when Nance was cast for the distraught Andromache there was trouble.