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mously, a portion of his wealth to Christine, who is by that means enabled to become the mistress of the Inn in which she has been a servant, and the piece opens with Roncelaus' arrival there. He declares his passion without reserve, adds that he has only two hours to spare before he joins his regiment, and therefore begs her to decide at once by saying yes or no. She immediately chooses the latter, alleging as a reason that she is betrothed to another. While Roncelaus is taking some refreshment, Christine's other lover Carlitz arrives, and takes breakfast with his unknown rival. In the course of conversation he relates his love affair with Christine, and says he never can marry her; his companion advises him as a man of honour to write a letter to her acquainting her with his views, which he retires to do. In the meanwhile Christine has been listening, and from the sentiments she has heard Carlitz express, immediately tells Roncelaus that she can now love him, and gives him her promise on condition that he will allow her to call him husband before they are married; in order to punish the peasant, who, having written his letter, returns, and is astonished to see his Christine, and to hear her called wife. He tremblingly asks permission to say a few words in private, which request is granted. He then shews her the letter he had written, and tells her he could not write what his companion wished him, but had involuntarily given vent to new expressions of his old attachment. Christine relents, the lover entreats the soldier to absolve her from her promise, he consents, and all are happy. This piece had the good fortune to be remarkably well played. Miss Booth and Cooper supported their parts with powerful spirit and effect, and Knight was as great a favourite as usual; though perhaps Christine's taste would have been thought rather preferable had Carlitz not appeared quite so boobyish. We must not omit to add, that the new scene of a village landscape was equal to any picturesque display within our memory, and the effect of Roncelaus' detachment marching through the woody copse adjoining the Inn, was more than usually excellent. We have omitted to mention, that both this Bagatelle and the woeful Drama of "* Adeline" have

been done into English" by the compiler of "Brutus,' Mr. Howard Payne. The character of Roncelaus being intended for, and indeed partly studied by, Mr. Elliston, whose visit to Paris precluded his appearance in it.

FEB. 18. To night Mr. Kean apdeared "for the first time these three years" in the character of Rolla in Sheridan's melange of" Pizarro ;" and as that once, we believe, was for his own benefit, when we cared not to risque the skirts of our coat, and the loss of our hat by struggling for a scat, or a sight, this evening's performance had, to us at least, all the novelty of a first performance; and had our popular Tragedian been at all equal in the various scenes, or had he taxed his memory so far as to he perfect in the part, we should have been far better pleased. Were we to judge only from the applause which he received, we might safely announce to our Country friends, and Foreign readers, that Mr. Kean never played better: but our own private opinion is very much the reverse, several of the leading points were given with all. his customary great effect, but several others, had it been a new play, would never have been discovered to be points at all; and his forgetfulness of his author's language, and insertion of his own, certainly deserves both exposure and reprehension. With his colleagues of the scene, we must be brief: Miss Edmiston appeared to conceive the character of Elvira, but failed in executing it, and her most uncouth method of dropping her voice at the close of a sentence, entirely. destroyed the euphony of Sheridan's most polished periods. Cooper's Alonzo was creditable to his continued improvement, and Mrs. West's Cora tender and energetic in their proper places. For the rest, they pleased us not, and we pass them by, Pizarro only excepted, who, in the hands of a Mr. Thompson, deserved the death he met with, long before the moment arrived for his dramatic decease. Mr. Kean has also played Luke in" Riches," with "good emphasis and discretion" since our last report; and is now studying Sir Pertinax Macsycophant, respecting his success in which, public opinion appears very much divided, and to save our credit, we shall not prophecy,

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Dryden's alteration of Shakspeare's Tempest" has been revived here, to introduce Miss M. Tree as Ariel, and Mr. Young as Prospero. Mr. Young's personification of this Ducal Magician will certainly not diminish his fair fame; but it follows also, as the night the day," that it will not encrease it and to our "poor thinking," Macready's entire performance, more particularly his delivery of the inimitable passage of "the cloud capp'd towers," is, both in conception and execution, infinitely superior. Miss Tree's Ariel is throughout a most bewitching representation; and never since that " tricksy spirit" was delivered from

"The cloven pine, within which rift Imprison'd, he did painfully remain A dozen years;"

has he had a more graceful and efficient locum tenens than at Coventgarden Theatre at the present moment, and had Ariel's former encagement been in such a Tree as he now inhabits, he had never sighed for a Prospero's power to release him. Our other dramatic favourites retain their original situations, and the entire performance is now a most attractive exhibition. Much criticism has been at various times employed both in censure and in praise of Dryden's alteration of this Drama from the form in which it was written and left by Shakspeare. We consider it as no peculiar “sign of grace” on our parts to condemn the arrogance which would improve our immortal Poet: but as there is no rule without some exceptions, we can also as readily bestow praise upon Mr. Bowdler's retrenchments of the whole series, as upon Dryden's stage alterations of the present drama. In it's primæval state, “The Tempest” could certainly never have been attractive

as an acting play; and feeling, as we trust we do feel, all the unexampled grandeur, and unexceeded magnificence and beauty of it's poetry, we are still most decidedly of Mrs. Inchbald's opinion, that "the human beings of the original drama had too little business on the scene to make human beings anxious about them." - For these reasons, therefore, we exonerate the presumption of Mr. Dryden, and vote for the amendment.

FEB. 14. A very crowded audience this evening welcomed the first representation of a successful new Opera, entitled "Montrose; or, the Children of the Mist," which, not less from the very splendid and correct manner in which it has been brought forward, than from it's far-famed connexion with our mighty Northern Novellist, we cannot doubt will be lastingly popular.

It is scarcely necessary to apprise our readers, that the piece is founded upon "The Legend of Montrose," which has been dramatized with considerable truth, in respect to the preservation of the story, characters, and incidents, by Mr. Pocock, the author of "Rob Roy," and several other pieces of celebrity. The Opera commences at that part of the novel in which the Highland Chieftains attached to the cause of Charles assemble at the house of Angus Macauley (Comer), and there accept as a leader the Earl of Montrose (Connor); who, in disguise, has accompanied Menteith (Duruset) and Captain Dugald Dalgetty of Drumthwacket (Liston), for the purpose of ascertaining the disposition of the Clans. While thus assembled, Sir Duncan Campbell (Egorton), a deputy for the Marquess of Argyll, the leader of the opposite party, arrives, and demands an explanation of this gathering of the

Highlanders, and Dalgetty is consequently despatched by Montrose, with a reply to Argyll (Chapman), who seizes the messenger and commits him to a dungeon, in which is also confined Ranald of the Mist (Yates). They are here visited by Argyll in disguise, who, in endeavouring to gain the Captain to his party, incautiously exposes his own rank; the knowledge of which Dalgetty avails himself of, to secure his own, and his fellow prisoner's, means of escape from the Castle. Ranald then conducts his companion to his retreat and clan, closely pursued by a party of the Campbells. Dalgetty and his friend, however, reach Montrose in safety, when an engagement takes place between the two forces, in which Argyll is totally defeated. During the battle, Ranald stabs Sir Duncan Campbell, whose Castle he had some years previous destroyed, and with it all it's inmates, save a babe, afterwards taken by Allan Macauley (Abbot), and through the interposition of Menteith saved, and bred in her preserver's house as Annot Lyle (Miss Stephens). Ranald is afterwards himself mortally wounded, and in his dying moments declares her relationship to Sir Duncan, by whom she is ultimately given to Menteith, whose life Allan Macauley in jealousy had attempted, to prevent their union. There are some few other characters introduced, though of no very peculiar importance; the principal of which are, Erorcht, the wife of Ranald, by Mrs. Faucit, and Donald by Mr. Taylor: these, however, owed their only exemption from insignificance to the performers. Our friends will observe, that this drama has followed the outline of the novel with all the accuracy stage adaptation would permit, and all Allan Macauley's second sight and jealousy, and

Annot Lyle's innocence and melody, and Dalgetty's military science, and even his horse Gustavus, are faithfully preserved. The fight was most admirably managed, and a troop of fine horses gave it an additional appearance of reality. These were, however, a little objected to on the first evening, though not afterwards, and the piebald coursers now gallop and curvet in undisturbed agility. The new scenery was splendid and excellent in all the splendour and excellence for which this theatre is so justly famous, and that in which the Mist rises from the craigs and rocks, which shelter the clans that bear it's name, was surpassingly beautiful. The principal characters were all well, and some admirably sustained; although Liston's Dalgetty merits separate and distinct encomium, as his peculiar humour was never more conspicuous, nor more applauded. Miss Stephens' singing was as it always is,

"like the soft South Upon a bank of violets, stealing And giving odour."

She, indeed, looked and sang like the lovely Orphan whom she represented; whose charms must so interest all bosoms in her behalf,— "That friends in all the aged she'd meet, And brothers in the young."

Her songs of "We're a' nodding in our house," and "Charlie is my darling," must become popular from her style of singing them, without the merit af their music. Our account of this drama has now, we trust, been sufficiently recommendatory to induce our friends to lose no time in following our example to judge for themselves, staking our critical responsibility upon their acquiescence in our favourable opinion.

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SURREY THEATRE.

Overflowing Houses which must have been Benefits to the Proprietor, and Benefits which have proved overflowing Houses for the Performers, form the brief record of this Theatre's proceedings since our last notice. The Summer Campaign commencing at

Easter, has, however, already conmenced, both in anticipation and preparation, behind the curtain; nor have we a doubt, but that the public patronage will then equal the spirited endeavours already making to deserve it.

PARLIAMENTARY REGISTER.

The days omitted were distinguished by no business of Public importance.

HOUSE OF LORDS.

TUESDAY, FEB. 5.

This day Parliament being assembled, pursuant to the last prorogation, his Majesty came to the House about two o'clock, in the usual state, and having taken his seat on the Throne, the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod was ordered to summon the Commons, who soon after appeared at the bar, when his Majesty read the following speech :

"My Lords and Gentlemen,

"I have the satisfaction of informing you, that I continue to receive from Foreign Powers the strongest assurances of their friendly disposition towards this country.

"It is imposible for me not to feel deeply interested in any event that may have a tendency to disturb the peace of Europe. My endeavours have, therefore, been directed, in conjunction with my Allies, to the settlement of the differences which have unfortunately arisen between the Court of St. Petersburgh and the Ottoman Porte; and I have reason to entertain hopes that these differences will be satisfactorily adjusted.

"In my late visit to Ireland, I derived the most sincere gratification from the loyalty and attachment manifested by all classes of my subjects.

"With this impression, it must be matter of the deepest concern to me, that a spirit of outrage which has led to daring and systematic violations of the law has arisen, and still prevails in some parts of that country.

"I am determined to use all the means in my power for the protection of the persons and property of my loyal and peaceable subjects. And it will be for your immediate consideration, whether the existing laws are sufficient for this purpose.

"Notwithstanding this serious interruption of public tranquillity, I have the satisfaction of believing that my presence in Ireland has been productive of very bencficial effects, and all descriptions of my people may confidently rely upon the just and equal administration of the laws,

and upon my paternal solicitude for their welfare.

"Gentlemen of the House of Commons, "It is very gratifying to me to be able to inform you, that during the last year the Revenue has exceeded that of the preceding, and appears to be in a course of progressive improvement.

"I have directed the Estimates of the current year to be laid before you. They have been framed with every attention to economy, which the circumstances of the country will permit; and it will be satisbeen able to make a large reduction in factory to you to learn, that I have our Annual Expenditure, particularly in our Naval and Military Establishments.

"My Lords and Gentlemen,

"I have the greatest pleasure in acquainting you, that a considerable improvement has taken place in the course of the last year, in the Commerce and Manufactures of the United Kingdom, and that I can now state them to be, in rishing condition. their important branches, in a very flou

"I must at the same time deeply regret the depressed state of the Agricultural Interest.

"The condition of an Interest, so essentially connected with the prosperity early attention; and I have the fullest of the country, will of course attract your reliance on your wisdom in the consideration of this important subject.

"I am persuaded, that, in whatever measures you may adopt, you will bear conof our public credit, all the best interests stantly in mind, that, in the maintenance of this kingdom are equally involved; and that it is by a steady adherence to that principle, that we have attained, and can alone expect to preserve, our high station amongst the nation of the world."

his Majesty withdrew, and their Lordships The Speaker then retired from the bar, adjourned.

At five o'clock the House having re-assembled, the Earl of Roden rose to move the address, which Lord Walsingham seconded; and which after some remarks from the Marquess of Lansdown, and the Earls of Liverpool and Blessington, was agreed to without a division.

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HOUSE OF COMMONS.

TUESDAY, FEB. 5.

After the House had heard the speech from the throne, the Speaker withdrew, and returned at a quarter before four, when the speech froin the throne having been read, Mr. R. Clive moved an addess, recapitulating the speech, and which Mr. C. Duncombe seconded.

Sir F. Burdett made an amendment, proposing that the speech should be taken into consideration the day after to-mor TOW.

Mr. Hobhouse seconded the amendment, when, after some further observations the house divided, and there appeared

For the Amendment,
Against it,

Majority,

58

186

-128

Mr. Hume then moved a second amendment upon the subject of economy, upon which the leading Members on both sides delivered their opinions, when the house divided, and the numbers were,For the Amendment, Against it,

Majority,

THURSDAY, FEB 7.

89

171

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The Speaker read the order of the house, that no petition for a private bill should be received after Friday, Feb. 22.

Mr. Coke in presenting the Norfolk agrienltural petition, proceeded to make some violent observations, for which he was called to order by the Speaker.

The Marquess of Londonderry rose to call the attention of the house to that part of his Majesty's speech which referred to the present internal state of Ireland, and moved, "That leave be given to bring in a bill for preventing outrage and disturbance, and for putting down rebellion in Ireland."

Much discussion ensued, until the Marquess of Londonderry replied, when the Honse divided on the question that leave be given to bring in the bill,

Ayes, Noes,

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The bill was then brought in, and read the first and second time.

The Irish Habeas Corpus Suspension

Bill was also brought in and read a first and second time.

FRIDAY, FEB. 8.

On the motion for the House going into a Committee on the Bills for putting down the insurrections in Ireland, Sir J. Newport withdrew all further opposition on his part, from a confidence that the Marquess Wellesly would exercise the further powers granted to him solely for the public welfare.

The Insurrection Bill then passed through the Committee, and the Report was agreed to,

On the Order of the Day for the House to resolve itself into a Committee on the Habeas Corpus Suspension Bill, passed through the Committee with some verbal amendments, and the Report was brought up and the Bill afterwards read a third time without a divsion.

TUESDAY, FEB. 12.

Mr. H. G. Bennet moved, "That this House will institute an inquiry into the circumstances which took place on the funeral of her late Majesty the Queen, and into the loss of lives on that occasion."

The Marquess of Londonderry shortly replied; and the motion was negatived.

Mr. Brougham, after noticing an opinion supposed to be entertained on the other side of the Honse, that the reduction of taxation would afford no relief to the agriculturalists, proceeded to examine the state of the country, the causes which had produced the distress which prevailed, and the remedies which in his judgment, could alone afford relief, and concluded by moving, "That it is the bounden duty of this House, well considering the pressure of the public burdens on all classes of the community, and particularly on the agricultural classes, to pledge itself to obtain for a suffering peo ple such a reduction of taxation as would afford them effectual relief."

The Marquis of Londonderry said, that if he felt convinced of the truth of the proposition which had been laid down, he would at once accede to it, but protesting against the plan as impracticable, and he would say, as unparliamentary, he expressed a hope that the House would concur with him in supporting the previous question.

Some other members spoke on each side of the House, and the gallery was then cleared for a division, when there appeared,

For the previous question, 212
Against it,

Majority,

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13.

108

-104

Sir R. Wilson moved, that there be laid before the House a copy of the correspondence which took place between the com mander-in-chief, the secretary of state,

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