"I open with a clock striking, to beget an awful attention in the audience - it also marks the time, which is four o clock in the morning, and saves a description of the rising sun, and a great deal about gilding the eastern hemisphere"

This quote by Richard Brinsley Sheridan speaks with the power of theatre and the importance of creating an atmosphere of suspense and anticipation. By having a clock strike at the beginning of the play, Sheridan is able to produce an "horrible attention" in the audience, as they are instantly drawn into the story. The clock also serves to mark the time, which is four o'clock in the early morning, and hence conserves the audience from needing to listen to a lengthy description of the rising sun and the gilding of the eastern hemisphere. Sheridan's quote speaks to the power of theatre and the significance of creating an environment of thriller and anticipation. By using a clock to mark the time, Sheridan has the ability to draw the audience into the story and create a sense of seriousness and anticipation. The clock also serves to save the audience from having to listen to a lengthy description of the rising sun and the gilding of the eastern hemisphere. Sheridan's quote is a testament to the power of theatre and the importance of creating an environment of suspense and anticipation.