Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1890-03-06
GAR2lCK AND DlBDIN.
Tie Former Knew the Value 0f Money
and Did Disagrecnble Things.

Tie Former Knew the Value of Money
and Did Disagrccable Things
In 1868 Dibdn transferred his services TO
Drury Lane, where he lini the usual disa-
ereements with .Garrick III regard to money
matters. One would hardly be justified in
applying the term "unscrupulous" to Gar
rick; but lie undoubtedly knew the value Of
money better than those who served him, and
it was not his fault il he got the worst of a
bargain. Dhdin signalized himself at Drnry
Lane by his writing of the music for 1.-The
Paddock" and yet for his share i'll the work
he received only g45, while bickerstaif, the
author of the words, got LOO.
As he says himself, however, he was OF an
easy and cretlulous temper, aud, rs we may
say for him, he was also extravagant and
improvident, being indeed kind of Gold
smith of his profession. He parted with
most Of his early writings without proper
agreements, and in consequence got hand
souelv cheated. His renowned song, 1.-The
Waterman, d" he sold for two guinnas; Moth
ing Like Grog," for half guinea, Ind 10 on.
Thus, while he was always working hard, his
existence for the greater part of his career
was little better than the hand to mouth one
Of the third rate professional.
Gurrick seems to have found him OF signal
service at the Stratford jubilee, as well as
Mt Drui.y Lane yet they do not appear to-
have ut any time pulled we'll together. The
Young composer had become indebted to the
nctor to the extent of $50, and he tells us
that Gurrick made linn slave at song writing
for the Shakespeare celebration till she had
better gone to Jew for the moLey." On
one occasion tho actor said to him apropos OF
his debt, 81 can take down the pegs that
make this music" to which Didbin replied,
eyes MS honest as you are"
At another time Garrick, having previous
" failed TO satisfy Dibden with some verses
for music, produced the words Of the roll
dcau beginning, "Sisters Of the tuneful
strain" and asked Didbin il the piece would
do Eyes" was the reply, "it is tuned so
unsteady that it sets itself 1t is certainly
the best you have ever written" The ron
deau turned out to be by Jernin.ha and
if Dibdn was unaware of this fact he, at
any rate, got credit for knowing it, for the
famous actor never forgave him the honestly
expressed opinion.
Garrick seems, indeed, to have been tire
some tssk,nasler, al" with the consciousness
of superiority in his own line, at least, Dlh-
din must have felt intensely annoyed at the
AID musical work was subjected by the
manager. This, however, may have had Its
good effect, tn, ugh not exactly IN tn" drec-
ton intended by Garrick. lrritHtel beyond
measure by the frequent improvements"
made on his productions, Dih'.in resolved to
rely ON his memory only i'll composition, and
never toput his work on paper until ali a!tera-
tons had been agreed upon. Feeling certain
that Garrick scarcely knew one air from
another, and that his criticisms were mere
affectation, he was accustomed to pretend to
adopt them with good grace. Then, wait
ing till next morning, he would play over
the air exactly as it stood before, and receive
great praise from Gurrick for the dociity OF
his supposed improvements" Not bad
plan, say we; there are, we suspect, quite
number of modern Garricks upon whom
trick of the kind might well be played, and
with perhaps good results. - Gentlemun's
Mnuayine