Macklin's farce of "The True-born Irishman" was in course of performance for the first time.

During what was known as "the Drum Scene" ("a 'rout' in London is called a 'drum' in Dublin," O'Keeffe explains),--when an actor, named Massink, had entered as the representative of Pat FitzMongrel--a gentleman, who with a large party occupied the stage-box, was seen to rise from his chair, with the view, as it seemed, of interrupting the performance.
It should be stated that the gentleman was known to have recently inherited a large fortune, and had evinced a certain eccentricity of disposition.

He was now of opinion that an attempt was being made to personate him on the stage.

"Why, that's me!" he cried aloud, pointing to the figure of Pat FitzMongrel.

"But what sort of a rascally coat is that they've dressed me in! Here, I'll dress you, my man!" So saying he stood up, divested himself of the rich gold-laced coat he wore, and flung it on to the stage.