Imágenes de página
PDF
ePub

wide.

which has good water, is famed far and honour, which it is said was never before
conferred in Persia, namely, a chair was
The surrounding villages were soon placed for him, and we all appeared in
cleared of provisions. We left Sengilabat boots. [Here the writer gives an account
on the 20th, made several short days jour-of the audience, in substance the same as
nies, and passed the town of Miana on the that which has already appeared in the
24th, which is celebrated for its bugs, the newspapers.]
bite of which proves mortal in a few hours,
but is said not to affect the inhabitants.
They only shew themselves by night, are of
an ash colour, quite flat, and have eight
feet. They are not mentioned in any natu-
ral history. We have taken some of them
with us in spirits. We quickly passed through
this town of bugs, and did not stop till we
reached a large and beautiful bridge, built
by Schah Abbas, 5 wersts further.

a

The scene was in a great tent at the bottom of the mountain on which the palace stands: round about was an open space surrounded with curtains, on which were painted some thousand, of Persian soldiers. From hence to the tent stood the persons of distinction, in two rows, broiled by a sun in 23 of heat. At the entrance of the tent stood a long-bearded fellow, with a thick silver staff. The form of the throne resemThe following day we passed over the bles our old arm chairs. At the right side Caplantic mountains, and enjoyed the beau- of the Schach stood one of his sons, tiful prospects, among which I particularly child, by whose appearance it might be remarked the Virgin's Castle, which was judged that his elegant dress was too built by Artaxerxes, and is said to have re-heavy for him. Seventeen older sons had ceived this name from a beautiful but nothing particular in their physiognomy. haughty virgin, who was here imprisoned. Beyond the mountains we met with another handsome bridge over the river Kosilusan. Every thing worth seeing in respect to architecture, is from the time of Schah Abbas the Great. His successors have ruined much, but built nothing.

When the ambassador was personally
presented to the Schach, he paid us all the
compliment of saying, that we were now
as good as in his service, as eternal friend-
ship was made with our Monarch. To
young Count Samoiloff, he said, he was a
handsome boy; and to our Doctor, that he
He always
should now be his doctor.
spoke in the third person; and to me he
said, when he heard that I had sailed round
the world, "The Schach congratulates
you, now you have seen every thing." He
then mentioned, that as our Emperor was
a friend to travelling, he should expect him
in Persia. "I will even go and meet him!"
cried he repeatedly, very loud.

The country now became more desolate, the heat greater, and we thanked God when we arrived on the 30th in the town of Sangan, where Abdul Mirza, another son of the Schach's, governs. The people here seemed less shy than those in Tauris. We saw many women, though wrapt up in veils; yet they knew how to throw them aside on occasion. But they would have done better to have let it alone, for then we Among the presents, a large toilet glass should still have fancied them beautiful: pleased him so much, that he said, "If any we thought their large black eyes hand-body was to offer the Schach his choice besome, although they have more of a savage tween 500,000 (most likely pieces of gold) than a feeling expression. Their dress, and this looking-glass, he would choose the especially their pantaloons, spoils their latter." figure. Our habitation was close to that of the prince, whose women appeared every evening on a tower, to hear our evening music; but the tower was so high, that we could see nothing but painted eye-brows.

On the 5th of July, we left Sangan, and encamped five miles further on, near the ruins of a village, where we had good water, and cool breezes. We were now ten wersts distant from Sultanie, and the Ambassador determined to wait here for the Schach. The second minister came to compliment us. During our stay here, I took a ride to Sultanie, and found the palace miserable, the neighbourhood dreary and desolate, but covered with most magnificent ruins, such as are no where else to be found, except at Persepolis. I have myself counted the trees round the country seat. There are no more than fifteen.

On the 19th of July, the Schach came with 10,000 men, and two Englishmen, (Wilok and Campbell.) On the 26th we repaired to a great camp, half a werst from the palace. On the 31st we had the first audience, when the ambassador received an

* Evidently mispelt. ED.

A great saloon is to be built at Teheran,
purposely for this glass, and the first who
brings the welcome news of its safe arrival
is to have a reward of 1000 Tuman, (2500
Ducats.) But on the contrary, who ever
breaks any of the presents, is to have his
ears cut off. It is not yet settled when we

shall return home. The Schach goes daily
a hunting, and very often sends us game,
which he has shot with his own royal hand.
We made the whole journey on horseback,
and have suffered very much from the heat.
I endured the most from the astronomical
watches, which I have in my care, and
which will absolutely not bear the horse to
go more than a walking pace.

LEARNED SOCIETIES.

OXFORD, Feb. 28.-On Wednesday last the Rev. Noel T. Eilison, M.A. Fellow of Balliol College, and Mr. W. Dalby, M.A. Fellow of Exeter College, were appointed in Convocation, Public Examiners.

The same day the following gentlemen were admitted to Degrees :

BACHELORS IN DIVINITY.-Rev. Francis Swan, Rev. Wm. Chambers, Rev. Henry Dawson Roundell, Fellows of Magdalen College.

BACHELOR IN CIVIL LAW.-Rev. Charles Bertie Rawbone, of St. Mary Hall.

MASTERS OF ARTS.-Rev. Francis Litchfield, of Merton College; Mr. S. P. Shawe, of Christ Church; Mr. William Seymour, Rev. Tatton Brockman, of Oriel College; Rev. Edward Covey, of Trinity College.

BACHELOR OF ARTS.-Mr. "Robert Gosling, of Christ Church.

Yesterday the Rev. John Brickenden Frowd, M.A. Fellow of Corpus Christi College, was admitted Bachelor in Divinity; and Mr. Stephen Sanderson, of Pembroke College, Bachelor of Arts.

CAMBRIDGE, March 6.-The Chancellor's gold medals for the best proficients in classical learning among the commencing Bachelors of Arts, were on Friday last adjudged to Mr. Connop Thirlwall and Mr. George Stainforth, both of Trinity College. The other candidates, whose names are mentioned in the order of the Tripos, are considered by the examiners to have done themselves great credit.

Malkin, Trin. coll. | Ellis, Trin. coll. Fisher, Trin. coll. Hildyard, St.John's. The subject of the Seatonian prize poem for the ensuing year is Deborah.'

The University of Casan is the most celebrated Academy in Russia. At the last festival of its inauguration, diplomas were sent to several learned foreigners, among whom were the distinguised orientalist Syl vestre de Sacy, and Muhammed-Dshan, the son of Hussuim, Mufti of the Mahometans of Russia. Etiquette requiring that his Excellency's diploma should be in Arabic, which is the learned language of the Mahometans, Dr. Fruchu wrote it out in a sort of poetic prose, styled sedsha, to which the Mahometans are much attached, because it occurs in the Koran. The diploma contains a doxology in the style of the Mussulmans.

ARTS AND SCIENCES.

THE ROYAL INSTITUTION.

PROFESSOR MILLINGTON proceeds with his Lectures on Magnetism, and has entered into the consideration of the Poles of the Magnet. In his second, all the various magnetic phenomena which are obviously visible were pointed out, and the deductions which have been made from them stated, together with the difficulties which occur in reconciling them with facts. An Hypothesis (derived from the observation of electrical effects) was modestly advanced, that those bodies which shew no. symptoms of Magnetism, but which transmit its effects, may be conductors of it, and would evince its effects if they could be insulated; while iron is a less perfect conductor, and steel perhaps the worst of all, and therefore retains permanent magnetism.

This led to an examination of the composition of steel, which only differs from iron in the carbon it contains, and carbon may therefore be hereafter found to have some connexion with magnetism.

On Wednesday the able Lecturer mentioned an interesting fact: he said, it was now clearly ascertained, that the declination of the Needle, which had reached something more than 24 deg. W. had ceased; that it was now stationary, and that there was every reason to believe that it would soon begin gradually to return to the East. He observed, with respect to the declination or variation of the Needle, that, although its cause could not be discovered, yet there was reason to believe that its course was regularly progressive from East to West, and vice versa. The first time the variation was accurately noticed was in 1575; the declination was then about 11.50 East, that is to say, the Magnetic Pole was so much to the East of the North Pole of the Earth. That declination gradually diminished; and in 81 years, viz. in 1656, there was no variation whatever. From that time the Needle had regularly declined to the West, and as he before stated, had now become stationary, having reached 24 West. From this statement it would appear, that (speaking in round numbers) the variation is about 12 degrees in 82 years.

THE FORMATTON OF ICE IN THE SEA.

In the memoirs of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Mr. Fothergill speaks of the problematical origin and formation of the great masses of ice, sometimes several hundred feet above the surface of the sea, and extending for miles in length, which are frequently seen even in warm and temperate latitudes. According to the general opinion, the masses of ice are driven from the cold regions by the tide, or by currents in the sea; but Fothergill thinks it improbable that they should float so great a distance, through temperate seas, without melting. It being shewn by observations, that the temperature of the sea decreases more and more at great depths, he thinks it probable that it may be so cold in very deep seas, that immense bodies of ice may be found there, from which large masses may be, separated from time to time, and being specificially lighther, rise to the surface.

THE BRITISH INSTITUTION.

No. 5.

No. CLXXXI. CUPID AND PSYCHE
A Study.-No. CLXXXVII. LANDSCAPE,
CATTLE AND FIGURES.-

Rich. Westall, R.A.

The former is a pretty little design, and may be a delightful picture hereafter. With regard to the last, we were obliged to look more than once at our catalogue before we could assure ourselves that this performance was from the pallet of Mr. Westall, and had we been obliged to pro

While

nounce, without book, on the Master, our | less expence of time and canvas.
critical acumen must have received a slight we applaud the warm glow of sunshine pe-
shock-we could not have answered the culiar to almost every production of this
question. Every one acquainted with the Artist, we are inclined to desire in him, as
arts in this country, knows the works of well as in every other painter, an occasional
this master at a glance. Occasionally how- departure from himself. In Landscape
ever he has displayed a versatility of talent composition the artist is doubtless at liberty
not only in varying his subjects, but his to generalize his effect, as well as to select
style; and in the last exhibition at So- his forms; but he is at the same time lia-
merset House, by some of his drawings ble to the encroachments of manner, and
almost put us to a stand; but by nothing that the mechanism of the pencil will add to the
we remember so much as this. There is in artificial in the tout ensemble. We have
it a lightness and clearness of pencil, a re- frequently observed this in pictures of a
lief produced without violence or strong certain description, when painting in pa-
opposition, and a brilliancy and purity of nels or compartments was in vogue-pro-
colouring that diffuses a charm over the ductions now found only in old country
whole, and is sufficient to counterbalance mansions-works of this class were sys-
or rather to cover any minute blemishes in tem throughout the arrangement of the
the composition or drawing. The cow clouds, the colours of the sky, and the
which stands apart, opposed to the clear forms of their composition, were all calcu-
sky, is certainly wanting in this respect; lated upon, and the expertness of the hand-
while the white cow near the centre is emi- ling, and the exactness of pencilling,
nently illustrative of that quality which we gave them in the eyes of ordinary observers
have praised, the sweet blending of similar the appearance of beautiful, when they
tones, producing their full effect without were any thing but nature. Smith of Chi-
the aid of contrast. There should be a chester, Lambert, and even Wootton, some-
breadth in criticism as well as in painting, times came under this character; and we
and when the scale preponderates in favour trust Mr. Glover will have their example
of skill, it is far from our wish to throw before his eyes.
any unnecessary weight into its opposite;
and when we notice defects, we can safely
declare that it is from no wish to depre-
ciate but to raise the art, and still less
to hurt a private feeling, or damp a gene-
rous ardour in the artist, whom we would
amend, not depress. In the present in-
stance we may congratulate Mr. Westall
on having produced a picture which must
always give pleasure, and belongs to that
class which will continue so to do.

CXXII. A STUDY FROM NATURE.

John Jackson, R.A.
That this is a study from nature, we
should, without reference to the descrip-
tion, have readily discovered; but a cha-
racter or name is sometimes useful to give
importance to, and recommend even a
Study like this. It is however, in its way,
a very clever head, and had it been raked
from the lumber of a garret, or the rub-
bish of a broker's shop, might have sup-
plied matter for argument and contention,
both as to the identity of the Painter and
the merits of the performance.

No. XLI. VIEW NEAR CHEPSTOW :-
CXXXIII. LANDSCAPE WITH A SYBILS'
TEMPLE.-CXCVI. and CCLXXXVI. RA-
VENCRAGG, WESTMORELAND. CCLVII.
and CCLXXV. GOODRICH CASTLE.-
J. Glover.

Magnitude may sometimes be overlooked, but not when this artist occupies the space, although that space should not be filled up quite to our minds. We have some difhiculty in assinging No. CXXXIII. a place with regard to its merits proportioned to its size. Perhaps we should be better understood in saying, that this picture, from a less experienced artist, would have claimed our admiration, but we cannot dismiss from our minds how much more we have been gratified by Mr. Glover at a

[ocr errors]

The other pictures in the above enumeration have too much sameness. No. XLI. is made out to a leaf, and there is no variation from the tree top to the herbage on the foreground. The eye cannot take in every thing under a certain angle, and this sort of Chinese minutiæ is not fit for so able a painter. Of the rest we shall merely specify No. CCLXXV., an excellent picture, painted with the utmost truth, and with an effect thoroughly panoramic.

VIII. A SAILOR BOY.-John Bouden.

This is a well painted picture, but we cannot tell why it is called a Sailor Boy, unless Mr. B. studied nature on the stage. Its marked resemblance to Sir Joshua's Studious Boy cannot escape notice.

XXVI. ANTIGONUS LEAVING THE CHILD

Winter's Tale.-The Same.

A dashing and rather fantastical composition, but, like the preceding, possessing some points of considerable merit.

CCLXX. SKETCHES OF Mr. KEMBLE
IN EIGHT DRAMATIC CHARACTERS.-
The Same.

One of our recent Christmas Pantomimes is evidently the school in which the Artist studied these characters. We have heard of long faces, but, with the exception of the masques in the said Pantomime, we never saw any human visages, or imitations thereof, of such length before. If not. intended for caricature, these joktoleg figures are very bad.

XII. THE GREEDY GIRL.-CXXIII. SQUARING THE ACCOUNT.-CCLIV. THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA.-L. Cosse.

Of the first of these subjects we have merely to say, that it possesses a great deal of good character, though expressed in a slovenly way. The perspective is miserably bad, and there are (taken altogether) parts which shame the adjoining parts as severely

as can be conceived. It is very unequal. Squaring the Account has more uniform merit; but as for the Woman of Samaria she is entirely out of Mr. Cosse's line.

XIII. FOREST SCENE FROM ARIOSTO. CXIII. VIEW OF CNIGHT, MERIONETHSHIRE. C. V. Fielding.

The style of both these landscapes is truly classical, and applies to subjects of a historical character. In the latter, Mr. Fielding has been remarkably fortunate in his choice, as it might, without risk, enter into competition with the best arranged compositions of ancient art. Nor is he less happy in his tone of colouring, which is perhaps more exclusively his own than the spot which it is employed to represent. Be that as it may, it is suitable to the subject, which is in every respect a scene to justify deviation from the beaten track. Had we not been assured of the reverse, by having "a local habitation and a name for this picture, we should have set it down as a composition. Whichever it is, we would merely suggest, not as a censure but as a hint, that an occasional recurrence to the local colouring of nature is the best corrective for monotony, as indeed it is for error in every other branch of the

[blocks in formation]

On his Picture of Jerusalem at the time of
the Crucifixion.

Jerusalem! and at the fatal hour!

No need of dull and frivolous question here; No need of human agents to make clear The most tremendous tale of human power; The distant Cross-the rent and falling towerThe opening graves, from which the dead uprear Their buried forms-the elemental fear, When horrid light and horrid darkness lour, All tell the holy tale-the mystery And solace of our soul. Awe-struck, we gaze On this so mute, yet eloquent history; Awe-struck, and sad. At length our eyes we raise To go-Yet, Hofland, oft return to thee, Too full of thy great scene to think of praise. Tavistock House,

Feb. 24, 1818.

M.R.M.

[blocks in formation]

Cease, Fool, to mourn life's little span,
And hush that impious cry,

For what an abject thing were man,
If he were ne'er to die.

Yet grant thee all thy soul's desire,
A free, immortal state;
Soon immortality would tire,

And thou would'st curse thy fate:

Wealth, honors, all the world can give, And soft luxurious case,

The charms for which men crave to live,
Would lose their pow'r to please.

But Death, tho' harsh to worldly ears,
To Misery and to me,
Sounds like the music of the spheres,
Celestial harmony!

It mingles in one common clay

Th' oppressor and th' opprest;
It wipes the tears of grief away,
And gives the weary rest.

It bids the wretched Miser part
From his ill-gotten store,

It terrifies the stoutest heart,
That never shook before.

It quite unnerves the Warrior's arm,
It makes the haughty bow;
And rudely withers ev'ry charm
On Beauty's heavenly brow.

Its voice unbars the prison door,
And sets the Captive free;
The Slave endures the lash no moro,
But springs to liberty.

It conquers woe, discase, and pain,
All private, public strife;
And snaps at once the heavy chain
That binds us fast to life.

And from a sorrowing world like this,
And Fortune's with'ring frown,
It leads to everlasting bliss,
To conquest and a crown.

[blocks in formation]

On reading the Letter of the Marquis of Stafford to Mr. Carey, on his admirable Critique of Mr. West's Picture, "Death on the Pale Horse."

There is in this a courtesy and grace,

Illustrious Stafford, that become thee well; And sweet it is in social life to trace,

Such beams of honour light the modest cell, Where virtue, talent, genius, love to dwell. Wise too it is, the lofty elm should twine

Rich wreaths of ivy round her, for they swell Her summer glories, and when these decline, Bid winter's cheerless day with glowing foliage shine.

Yes! rank and fortune own death's winter day, But he who wore them boasts a just renown, When,' mid these fading flowers, the poet's bay Its leaves immortal weaves into his crown: And thine shall bloom, when age on age hath flown,

Patron of British art-benignant Gower!

For many a brilliant gem, too long unknown, Hath bless'd the kindly influence of thy power, And placed thy name on high, in Fame's eternal tower.

Twickenham, Feb. 26, 1818.

SKETCHES OF SOCIETY.

SOUTH OF RUSSIA.

B. H.

A very interesting publication has lately appeared at Dorpat, under the title of "Contributions to the knowledge of Russia and its History," by the meritorious Gustavus von Evers (Professor of History at the Univeristy of Dorpat) and Moritz von Engelhardt. Among other things, a relation of the latter, Gustavus von Engelhardt, has published an interesting and authentie account of the settlements of the German and other emigrants, in the South of Russia, collected on a tour.

"Every well ordered peasant's house has a chimney, and three windows looking to the street, ornamented on the outside with carved work; the surrounding wall is painted red, or kept clean and white by constant washing. The gable end is likewise adorned with boards, cut and carved with great labour. In the better kind of houses, the room is always papered.

"Onentering the Ukraine, orLittle Russia, the stranger fancies himself transported among a different people. Only their language and their churches denote their relationship to Great Russia, from which they are strongly distinguished by character. The white houses of a village in Little Russia are pleasing and inviting, lie between gardens and meadows, and are clean within and without. A vessel with whitewash always stands in the room, and where a spot appears it is directly washed over. The neatness displayed in the habitation, is also shewn in their dress. The linen of

the women, and the handkerchiefs which

was precipitated six nights before its ap

they bind round their heads, are of a pointed time, which was Saturday, into among the former, whom Covent Garden

dazzling whiteness." (Is this a picture of

slavery?)

the oblivious vault of this sepulchral dome. We noticed another instance of the simi"The Duke of Richelieu, who, when he larity between Welsh and Irish customs on was governor-general, zealously promoted this occasion, for though the deceased was the interest of the settlers, is still blessed Welsh, the funeral was somewhat Irish ;in these countries. But though the soil is there was a great deal of howling. every where pretty much the same, yet the Of the departed Drama it would be imcolonists prosper in very different degrees, possible, were it necessary, for us to speak in proportion as they brought with them as a whole; such portions of the two last more or less industry, and knowledge, acts as were exhibited, being rendered utsense, and good morals. The Dantzickers, terly inexplicable by the loud and general near Elizabethgorod, for example, who con- expressions of impatient disgust which the sisted of fishermen, and all kinds of idle imbecility and extravagance of the precedpeople, now first begin to thrive, after their ing three had produced. Of these three grown-up youth have learned and become we could say something, were they not fond of agriculture. Ignorance of this pri- altogether too contemptible for criticism. mary science has also been very disadvan- Plot there is none;-of wit or humour not tageous to the emigrants from Swabia and a single sparkle (unless we except a threat Alsace; while the Transylvanians and the to tumble a woman into a ditch, to wash her Menonists, who settled at the same time clean, as she had a foul mouth !)—the diawith them, prosper wonderfully, from logue a very sink of common-place abhaving been farmers before. The Bulga-surdity-the incidents and costume the rians, who formerly lived in the country vilest of caricature;—and the characters,— south of the Danube, and found here a but to observe upon them would be climate similar to that with which they were acquainted, and who unite with indefatigable activity a frugality bordering upon avarice, thrive best of all. But the Turkish oppression, under which they once groaned, has rendered them so distrustful, that they rather bury their money, than employ it in useful speculation.

"The interesting attempts to settle Polish Jews as farmers, with the same advantages as the other emigrants, has entirely failed. The village of Nikolajew is indeed still inhabited by them; but they partly let their land lie waste, and partly cultivate it by hired servants; and in spite of the prohibition, all carry on their favourite occupation of little dealers."

In conclusion, we extract an anecdote, which shews that those are never wrong who speculate on the power of beauty. "A Mr. J. once received from the Crown a donation of lands, but without inhabitants. He himself possessed only one peasant; he was obliged therefore to get some labourers. He did this in the cheapest manner, as follows: He bought in Elizabethgorod, sixteen handsome girls and women, from 10 to 30 years of age, for

whom (because the softer sex is sold cheaper than the stronger) he paid, one with another, only 30 roubles in paper. He then sent them to his estates. Already on the way, many men were induced to join this attractive carravan, and in the space of sixteen years he had no less than sixty, who cost him nothing."

THE DRAMA.

DRURY LANE.

CASTLE OF GLENDOWER;-STATE OF THIS THEATRE.-Little things have great weight with little minds. Monday, pro Sunday, being the anniversary of St. David's day, the new Comedy, the scene of which is in Wales, and chief characters Welsh,

On the quarry of these murdered deer To add fresh slaughter

But indeed we had not an opportunity of getting acquainted with all the Dramatis Personæ, for, after the audience became louder than the actors, there kept popping in a new and grotesque-looking animal every minute

"Come like shadows so depart"

was the motto, for about half a dozen of this sort of Corps de Reserve. Among them we thought we distinguished the Sheriff of the County, but we could not hear his worship, and it was no matter, for justice was done upon the play without him: a parson next appeared, but the judges resolutely condemned even without benefit of clergy.

cannot employ, are driven from the Metropolis, and, instead of the best actors and actresses, we have a parcel of underlings, whom dire necessity forces to be subservient to the caprice, the tyranny, or the ignorance of a tasteless Junta entirely' unacquainted with dramatic affairs, of no very marked intellect in any other way, and which sits on the twin-throne of Dramatic power, like Incubus, to depress histrionic abilities, render it impossible for any writer of common sense or honourable feeling to be connected with the stage, accelerate the ruin of the Theatre, and disgust the public beyond the hope of redemption. This is the lamentable state of Drury Lane, and the last novelty produced, a striking proof of the incapacity of its managers, whoever they are.

We have been assured that Mr. Kean was the patron of the Castle of Glendower, but we can hardly think so meanly of his intelligence; if indeed his heart did not run away with his head. In truth we do not believe that any single man, however stupid, and we mean not to impeach the capability of the Drury Lane Managers, would have been guilty of so gross a mistake as to bring out this play. Mr. Harry Johnston knows better, and of the Committee (or Sub-Committee, or whatever they are called) it is evident that not an individual could individually have been so senseless. It is only from their aggregate wisdom that such folly could proceed-The political information of one, the legal knowledge of another, the gentlemanly acquiescence of a third, and the acquaintance with the world of a fourth, neutralized in the common alembic, sanctioned this miserable piece, and Moore, Wilson, Douglas, Yarmouth and Co. fell below the partners separately, in blunder and absurdity.

A farmer had a dispute with the Dean That an author should be so deceived by and Chapter of - -. The body stood out that self delusion which is common to resolutely for an oppressive rent; but the mankind, as to fancy such stuff a Comedy, farmer was on excellent terms with them is not so surprising; but that the directors all individually, and they would not injure of a great theatre should be so destitute of him for the universe. He had his friends taste and judgment as to offer the rubbish to a sumptuous dinner, and plied them with to a public, which possesses, whatever exquisite wines. These they applauded to they may imagine, at least some ideas the echo. Well, quoth the farmer, since beyond a herd of asses on a common, is you approve so highly of each of the wines not only a matter of wonder, but of evil- separately, I am sure they must be excellent boding to so much of the national drama mixed; and so he jumbled the Port, and as is under their influence and control. We the Sherry, and the Hock, and the Mawill say at once, that no theatre can pros-deira, and the Constantia, and the Claret, per in such hands.

Qui Bavium non odit, amet tua Carmina Mevi. Those whose obtuse perceptions do not enable them to distinguish better, can have no feeling for works of real talent or genius. The barley-corn scratched from what a horse has dropped is superior to the "richest gem of Ind" in the eye of a dunghill fowl. But, in sober sadness, this is no jest, neither to the profession, with studies devoted to the stage, nor to the public, which has now, in effect, but one leading Theatre. All that are respectable

all together, and filled the glasses of his tion, and they made mouths and spit and guests. The beverage was an abominasputtered as much as good breeding would permit in persons so dignified as Dean and Chapter. This was what their waggish entertainer expected, and, rising up, he addressed them: Gentlemen, Like my wines, you are all good men apart, and my very best friends; but when you are mixed together into one body, you are so bad that there is no bearing you." The story had its effect, and the farmer had his lease reWe leave it to the newed on fair terms.

66

Sub-Committee, if it has, conjointly, wit
enough to make the application.
Having dismissed this wretched Comedy,
the two or three remarks with which we
shall conclude, may be received rather as
hints to the parties than as critical observa-
tions. If they convince the performers
that they are not overlooked in their faults,
we trust they will also be taken in good
part, as they are meant.

The storm got so high before the close of the 3d act, the pit standing up to put the play down, that Mr. H. Johnston (the ostensible stage manager) came forward to beg the audience would hear the Play out "for the sake of the Performers." This was peremptorily refused; and it ought to be a lesson to Mr. Johnston not to sue

[ocr errors]

thing on the stage to attract an audience,
"the public are respectfully informed that
stoves have been constructed behind the
scenes" for their accommodation!! A new
and splendid Lustre is promised, if possi-
ble, by Easter: the design is said to be very
classical and appropriate. A circle, with
the heads of the Sub-Committee at
the four cardinal points, is the principal
part. From the eye-holes lambent flames
of gas issue, typical of the clearness with
which they view the works submitted to
their perusal; while from their mouths a
terrible stream of fire is emitted, to denote
their fury against Critics.

Marlow's Tragedy of The Jew of
Malta is in preparation at Drury Lane.
The chief character, Barabbas, bears a re-

on

again in the names of those who are not semblance to Shakespear's Shylock, which
interested, and who were thus committed was undoubtedly drawn with this Barabbas
in behalf of an event with which they had in the poet's eye; though, as may be sup-
nothing to do. Mrs. Alsop employed a still posed, he infinitely transcends the original.
It is a horrible piece, and its fate must hang
more disingenuous stratagem to procure a
hearing for the Epilogue which she had to a fine thread; for if a degree of
deliver. She came upon the stage trem-powerful and wild interest be not imparted
bling, sinking with agitation and alarm. to it by the energies of the performers, its
Silence was accorded to a woman's terrors, mad extravagancy and fiendish details must
and they were --counterfeit. In one cause human feelings to revolt against it.
moment the lady proceeded with the Epi-
logue in perfect self-possession. As friends
we admonish her never to stake her credit
with a British audience in this way again.
Should it ever occur that she is really in
the distress she so well feigned, it may be
thought mere trick, and though we can ad-
mire abilities of this order, in personating
others, Mrs. Alsop will herself suffer
greatly in our estimation. It was more-
over bad policy; for as things stood it
did not matter one jot whether the Epi-
logue was heard or not. Speaking to this
excellent actress, we may be excused adding
that her talents are too high to need such
burlesque of dresses as she adopted in the
Play.

Mr. Knight, thou prince of simpletons, and unmatched in thy line of parts, may we venture to approach thee with admonition? When God Save the King is being sung, as it was this night, in compliment to the daughter of your King, it is unseemly to maintain the dramatic character, and play the clown to set on a few barren spectators to laugh. Prithee reform it altogether. Give over looking sheepish while the verse is sung, and comical for the chorus. You are a very good actor 3-act in the proper place. We now bid farewell to Glendower and its concomitants. The old Castle was buried under its own ruins, and so ludicrous was its fall, that even the props among the audience (which was withal deplorably thin) which the Theatre and the Author introduced, could not resist the contagion.

And those who came to clap, remained to d-n. On Tuesday, the Comedy of The Will was performed, with the usual cast. This was, according to the old proverb, the Will for the Deed." The house was as empty as a barn before harvest.

[ocr errors]

COVENT GARDEN.-Fazio and Zuma continue to be played on alternate nights; and the latter, as we expected, increases in reputation. Some of our contemporaries have animadverted on the parody of the Marseillois hymn, sung by Braham, and generally called for thrice. We cannot say that we enter fully into the disapprobation expressed against this tune, which is a good deal altered in the arrangements of Mr. Braham. No one can hold in deeper detestation than we do the horrors of 1793-4; and we further coincide in disliking the recent hundred days reign of Buonaparte when this chant of evil-associations was revived. But in this country it is scarcely connected with any feeling which can distinguish it from another tune, and we should as soon think of objecting to Over the water to Charley,' as to this edition of the Gallic republican air.

The Dublin Journal informs us, that Miss Kelly has been assailed in that city by a Maniac, who followed her home from the Theatre. It is strange that this actress should not only attract the admiration of all sane persons, but so peculiarly excite idiots and madmen. It may appear to be a paradox, but we could support a thesis upon it, and trace this surprising effect to the matchless nature and consequent pathos of her dramatic performances.

On Saturday a dinner, graced by almost all the literature of the Northern capital, was given to Mr. Kemble, in Edinburgh. The high convivial talents of Walter Scott were demanded for the chair, and Mr. F. Jefferey acted as his croupier. A cup, of the value of one hundred guineas, was presented to the gentleman in whose honour

the feast was instituted.

An American paper states that Mr. Incledon is dead. We would wager any money that this is the prelude to his re-appearance in England.

The Colonnade of the King's Theatre, on the Haymarket side, is now in progress. It will be a great improvement, and beautify at once the Theatre and the Metropolis.

FOREIGN DRAMA.

THEATRE FRANCAIS.

First representation of the revival of Warwick.

Warwick was the first of La Harpe's productions, and it is perhaps his masterpiece. Philoctetes does not possess the merit of originality, it is closely copied from Sophocles; in Coriolanus the unities are violated; and Melanie, which has been so highly extolled, and on reading which the susceptible d'Alembert shed periodical tears, for he never failed to weep whenever he perused particular passages, Melanie would not now be supportable on the stage: so true it is that dramas, more than any other literary productions, are subject to a particular destiny. How many works, now ROYAL CIRCUS AND SURREY THEATRE.- consigned to oblivion, have been received This Theatre closed a short season, of lit- with the warmest enthusiasm at the period tle more than two months, on Monday last, of their publication! How many authors, and remains shut till Easter gives the sig-whose productions were once banished from nal for the summer campaign. The enter- the stage, now enjoy, in public estimation, tainments have been various and well cho- the rank from which they were excluded by sen. We believe there has been a novelty contemporary envy or prejudice. A phifor nearly every week during the time that losophic history, not of the theatre, but of the house has been open. Mr. Dibdin's dramatic productions, from the three doorpen is as prolific as that of the great Spanish keepers who were suffocated on the first dramatist, who wrote many hundred pieces. representation of Corneille's Timocrates, He also avails himself judiciously of the down to the disturbance which arose during published labours of others; and we ought the first and only representation of Gerto notice that Fazio was first, and Zapolya manicus, would indeed be a curious work. only adopted by him. Such a history would serve to demonstrate precisely the systems and opinions which have predominated at certain periods. But to return to Warwick.

THEATRICAL CHIT-CHAT.-Mrs. Davison has been restored to favour; Oxberry suspended, it is thought because his manners were too gentlemanly for the ManaThere is another whimsical announce-gers; Munden has also, we hear, retired ment in the Bills this week: having no- upon a law-suit for salary.

The divisions of the Houses of York and Lancaster, and the factions of the White and Red Roses, are no less celebrated in the history of England, than the colours adopted

« AnteriorContinuar »