six
o’clock
He was likewise distinguished for the kindness , frankness , and cordial manner in which he communicated with the junior members of the profession , to the esteem of whom his splendid talents would always entitle him . Mr. J. MACONOCHIE gave `` The Health of Mrs. Siddons , senior , the most distinguished ornament of the stage . '' Sir W. SCOTT said that if anything could reconcile him to old age , it was the reflection that he had seen the rising as well as the setting sun of Mrs. Siddons . He remembered well their breakfasting near to the Theatre -- waiting the whole day -- the crushing at the doors at six o'clock -- and their going in and counting their fingers till seven o'clock . But the very first step -- the very first word which she uttered -- was sufficient to overpay him for all his labours . The house was literally electrified ; and it was only from witnessing the effects of her genius that he could guess to what a pitch theatrical excellence could be carried . Those young gentlemen who have only seen the setting sun of this distinguished performer , beautiful and serene as that was , must give us old fellows , who have seen its rise and its meridian , leave to hold our heads a little higher .