the Beggars' Opera, is doubtful, but there was never a
chance for comparison, as the Lord Chamberlain re-
fused to license the sequel.
Everything was in readiness for the introduction of
Polly when the decision was announced. Rich and
Gay were deeply disappointed and mortified at so un-
expected a blow. Some uncharitable enemies of Cib-
ber charged that the refusal of a license was due to his
jealousy of Gay and his own ambition to bring out a
piece on the order of the Beggars' Opera, and so justice
demands that we give Colley a hearing on the subject.
