Like all the other things of the theatre, they are not what they pretend to be, nor what they would have the audience think them.

The "book of the play" is something of a mystery.

Let us take for granted, however, that it is rarely interesting to the reader, that it is not one of those volumes which, when once taken up, cannot again be laid down--which thrill, enchain, and absorb.

For otherwise what might happen?
When some necessary question of the play had to be considered, the actor, over-occupied with the volume in his hand, fairly tied and bound by its chain of interest, might forget his part--the book might ruin the play.

Of course such an accident could not be permitted.