I bought your Opera to-day for sixpence--a cussed print.

I find there is neither dedication nor preface, both which wants I approve; it is the _grand gout_." JOHN GAY TO DEAN SWIFT.
March 20th, 1728.
"'The Beggar's Opera' has been acted now thirty-six times, and was as full the last night as the first; and as yet there is not the least probability of a thin audience; though there is a discourse about the town, that the directors of the Royal Academy of Music design to solicit against its being played on the outlandish opera days, as it is now called.

On the benefit day of one of the actresses, last week, they were obliged to give out another play, or dismiss the audience.

A play was given out, but the people called for 'The Beggar's Opera'; and they were forced to play it, or the audience would not have stayed.
"I have got by all this success between seven and eight hundred pounds, and Rich (deducting the whole charge of the house) has cleared already near four thousand pounds.

In about a month I am going to the Bath with the Duchess of Marlborough and Mr.Congreve; for I have no expectation of receiving any favours from the Court.