صور الصفحة
PDF
النشر الإلكتروني
[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]

fwer'd I ;

And you'll return to us as melancholy "As an old lion, cr a poor lugg'd bear, “Or a Moor-ditch, a Gib-cat, or a hare :" This was of friendly monitors the cry.But "Plague upon all cowards, an[" Go ye"A London audierce can't affright me "Think ye, my maflers, that I did not ·know ye?" Tho' true, indeed, had I mifcarry'd here, [beer; My fack had turn'd as flat as dead fmall A failure here had driven me from my [vocation." Afham'd henceforth to fay" Tis my But my refolves ill-bodings could not daunt,. [of Gaunt." "For I'm no coward-the not John 'Twas inflinct gave a firmness to my mind,

itation,

[merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

Lady Selina Su"garcane Betty Lilly

Mrs. MATTOCKS.

Mrs. MARTYR.

The firft fcene prefents a romantic view of a village, in which the adjacent manfions of the two families, whofe quarrels give a title to the piece, are beautifully pourtrayed; in the foreground is a ruftic bridge, and a calcade in motion. The piece opens with an affemblage of fportfmen, anglers, and huntimen, one of whom (Squire Foxglove) relates, that Sir Peppercorn Crabítick has broken off a match between his daughter Caroline and Charles, the fon of Mr. and Mrs. Supplejack, because the latter, proud of her own honourable origin, has looked down upon the newly-acquired title and fortune of Sir Peppercorn, whofe greatest pride is to own his obligations to trade and the fuccessful ef forts of his own indefatigable industry.

In their mutual anger, the heads of the two families introduce new plans of marriage for their respective offfpring: Lady Selina Sugarcane, the chattering widow of a Weft India Nabob, is brought from town as a match for Charles, and Mifs Caroline is destined by her father to meet the addresses of Matthew Muthroom, Efq. a rich Yorkfhire clothier, who is preferred by Sir Peppercorn for his great fortune, and for the obfcurity of the family he fprings from. Charles, however, by the affiftance of his friend Foxglove, procures an interview by moon-light with Caroline, which is discovered by the vigilance of Argus, a trufty fervant of Sir Peppercorn's, who fuddenly catches the lovers together, and forbids her admirer and his friend ever to approach his houfe in future.

clofe prisoner to her chamber; her In A&t 2d, Caroline is configned

maid Sufan, however, contrives in the difguife of a Giply to convey a letter to Charles, whofe parents and intended bride the amules by pretending to tell their fortunes. Peter Proteus, who is actuated by gratitude to Charles, and an antipathy to Argus (who had fuperfeded him in Sir Peppercorn's fervice), deceives the latter in the disguise of a Jew pedlar, and effects the escape of Caroline, who, to avoid being seen in her flight, rides from her father's in à poft chaife, which Mrs. Supplejack had prepared to convey Charles to London, in hopes that abfence might detach

detach his affections from Caroline, who by this accident is fent away in the self-fame conveyance, and with the very man it was designed to take away from her.

Act 3d, after fome preparatory fcenes, difcovers to the enraged parents the joint flight of their children, at a time when each was applauding their own fagacity in preventing the union. -Charles and Caroline are received by Squire Foxglove, the common friend of all parties, who employs his influence with the old folks in their behalf. Mr. Mushroom and Lady Selina, finding themselves equally difappointed in the event of their journies to the village, make a match of it. While Sir Peppercorn Crabitick and Mrs. Supplejack, finding all their plans fruftrated, agree to drop their abfurd difputes about ancestry and trade, and, after the union of the two young lovers, to put an end to family quarrels. Mr. Supplejack and Lady Patience Crabítick moft heartily affent to the arrangement, having been perfectly paffive through the bulinefs, while the joint fervices of Proteus and Sufan are rewarded with a marriage portion.

This piece we can only confider as a vehicle for the conveyance to the public ear of fome very charming music by Reeve, Moorhead, Davy, and Braham, which we have no doubt will long continue to be heard with delight. Of the merit of the Opera as a dramatic compofition, the lefs that is faid the better; for it is certainly inferior in plot, intereft, or originality, to any former production of its Author, to whom the Public has been indebted

for much theatrical amusement.

We must notice, however, that the piece had not a fair hearing; for, about the middle of the fecond act much confufion arole. Proteus, reprefented by Fawcett, here affumed the habit of a Jew, felling flippers and various other articles. Offering his articles for fale to Argus, a cunning fervant of Sir Peppercorn's, he received for anfwer, I never have any dealings with your people."-The Jews, who composed a very confiderable part of the audience, (it being Saturday night) took offence at this expreffion; and the tymptoms of resentment on their part were fo great, that not a

• The Jerv and the Doctor,

VOL.XLII. DEC. 1802.

word could be heard from the performers for the remainder of the act. The clamour, which had for a time fubfided, was expected to recommence with the third act. The Manager, therefore, very judicioufly fent Fawcett forward, in his Jewish attire, who addreffed the audience thus :—

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I appear before you on behalf of an Author, who on no occafion has given offence to that part of the audience which, I fear, are now offended. (A long interruption). I with, Ladies and Gentlemen, that you would recollect the other pieces which he has written, containing characters fimilar to the prefent one, in none of which is there a single paf fage that is not rather complimentary than otherwile. (Violent clamour.) The prefent piece contains not a single thought or fentiment in the flightest degree difrefpectful to any part of the audience. (Mixture of biffes and applause.) And, Ladies and Gentlemen, if you fuffer the piece to proceed, I pledge myfelf and its fuccefs upon the truth of what I fay." (Loud applause.) The opera was then fuffered to proceed.

A fresh interruption, however, foon' happened, from the circumftance of Fawcett's going off without finging a particular fong, which was given in the printed book. The call for the fong was very general, on which Mr. Fawcett returned, and, addreffing the audience, affured them that his only motive for attempting to omit the fong was, a with to avoid the pothibility of giving offence; but, as it was called for, he fhould fing it with cheerfulness. This he did, amidit a mixture of murmurs and applaufe, and was encored; and nothing further occurred to interrupt the progrefs of the piece, except a flight allufion by Munden to a black mouch. This, however, paffed off, and the piece concluded with considerable applaufe, the chief oppofition being from the gallery, where the Duke's Place company were for the most part fituated.

Every attention has been paid by the Manager to the public gratification. The fcenery is picturefque and appropriate; and the mufic combines, in an uncommon degree, fcience, talte, and fpirit; and feveral of the airs will, we doubt not, become popular. and The School for Prejudice.

Nnn

18. At

A

18. At Drury-lane, a Mr. BARCLAY, from the Margate Theatre, made his first appearance as Orlando in "As You Like It," which he performed with feeling and judgment. His demeanour wants polish; but he poffeffes talents to make a refpectable actor.

DUBLIN THEATRICALS. MRS. SIDDONS. The Trustees of the Dublin Lying-in Hofpital have publickly contradicted a report of Mrs. Siddons having refufed to perform for that charity, declaring alfo, that no application or request of fuch a nature was made to her.

Relative to this affair, which has occupied the public converfation for fome time paft, Mrs. Siddons thought it incumbent on her to addrefs the Proprietor of the Theatre. The fol lowing is a copy of the letter; and we do not think a more effectual method can be taken to contradict the report alluded to than by the publication of

it :

TO FREDERICK EDWARD JONES, ESQ.

SIR,

Why fo amiable a purpose was not immediately promoted, I cannot even guess-but fure I am that its poftponement cannot be attributed to any backwardness on my part. The fame motives which actuated me then, are no lefs powerful now and it will give me infinite pleasure, if, by the exertion of any powers I poffefs, I can be able to promote an important object of public utility.

And now, Sir, if I may be permitted to speak of myself as a private individual, I have only to regret the fad neceflity impofed upon me of vindicating my character from the imputation of a failing as unamiable as (I truft) it is foreign to my nature. I regret that I thould be constrained from unfortunate circumstances, to endeavour to rescue myself from an obloquy which I hope I have never incurred by my conduct; I regret that the country in which I am obliged to do fo thould be Ireland.

2

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
S. SIDDONS.

Dublin, Dec. 8, 1802.

ADDRESS

UPON THE OPENING OF THE NEW THEATRE, AT WARWICK, SEPTEM'BER 7, 1802.

Spoken by Mr. RICHARDS. WHAT fairy ground, by hov`ring vifions ied, [tread; With fond remembrance should THALIA Where breathe MELPOMENE her plaintive woes, [Hows;

"I take the liberty of addressing you. on a fubject which has caused me much uneafinefs. Public concern is, under any circumstances, well calculated to wound our feelings, but it is peculiarly diftreffing when it is, heightened by injuftice. That reports molt injurious to me have been circulated can ne Jonger be doubted, when I affure you that I understand it is generally believed I refuted to play for the Lyingin Hospital. On this fubject you will, I am fure, be as anxious to do me juf- But thro' the meads where facred Avon tice, as I am folicitous to vindicate Where rife their temple on more hal. myself in the eyes of the publick. I low'd earth [SPEARE birth? therefore beg leave to bring to your Than that which gave immortal SHAKErecollection, that you did me the ho- Here strength and courage manly genius nour of calling on me at my house in fires, [pires; Park street lait fummer, when it was liberally propofed on your part, as it was cheerfully accepted on mine, that I should perform for fome charity: you alfo recollect, that it was confidered by us both as a compliment justly due to Lady Hardwicke, that the thould have the choice of the particular charity for which I was to perform-and you thought it likely that her Exceliency would give her preference to the Lying-in Hofpital. You alfo, Sir, mutt remember, that I was not only willing but defirous of exerting myself for the benefit of fo laudable an inftitution.

Here grace and beauty native wit in-
Judges and Statesmen hence, and War.
riors b. ld

The mighty master-glories to unfeld ;
Edwards and Henrys, York and Hotspur
brings,
{made Kings!
And Warrick tout, who made and wa--
Here learn, brave youths, with dear-
bought laurels crown'd,
Your father's deeds, tho' yours thro'
earth refound:
[drew,
Lovely and suffering woman hence he
In many a varied form to Nature true-
Wrong'd Desdemona, Juliet's timeless bier,
Cordelia's kind, Ophelia's frantic tear ;

[blocks in formation]

Blushes that Hero's innocence approve,
And witty Beatrice enfnar'd in love;
The paffion Rofalind's disguises speak,
That fed, O Viola, on thy damask cheek;
The flame that Perdita might purely fan,
Miranda's sweeter ignorance of man ;
High-minded Label, and Portia's powers,
And Imogen, the fairest of his fancy's
flowers:

In all their brightness, O, could beauty
glow-

array,

No killing froft, no blast of forrow know!
Here might he view the battle's proud
[gay;
And tilts and tournaments, and pageants
Yon "gorgeous palace, and thofe cloud-
capt Towers *,”
[lowers,
Where now no ftorm of civil difcord
But antique state, and shades of mellow'd
art †,
[heart!
And peaceful grandeur footh the foften'd
Oft from the maffy gate's uplifted bar,
Then pour'd the pomp of gallantry or
[calls
Still fend, when Britain's weal or glory
The patriot leader from the echoing
walls.

war ;

Here rofe the cloifter'd domes with
gloomy awe, [tyrant's law;
That mock, in Shakspeare's verfe, the
Still in the folemn dirge the fathers weep,
And the pale fifterhood their vigils keep;
Still Benedicite's and counfel give-
Their follies perish, but their virtues
live!
[Barons reign,
Now, when no more the haughty.
Nor Superftition's vifionary train,
May noble Bounty to thefe fcenes de-
fcend,

While we to worth of ev'ry order bend;
Nor, tho' the hypocrite may damn our
trade,

Let pure Religion fpurn our honeft aid!
When fmiles on wanton fooleries we caft,
To mend the future we forgive the past,
But point the moral, righteous deeds ap-
plaud,

And hold the rod for cruelty and fraud !
We urge the foul in Honour's path to
climb,
[crime.

To Confcience we reflect the latent
No vice fhall ever on our stage intrude;
We boaft one humble virtue-GRATI-
TUDE!

VERSES,

POETRY.

Written by a young Gentleman, on his
Sifter's tranfinitting him a Copy of Dr.
Cotton's Fire-fide."

I.

DEA
EAR Sally, whilft poetic dreams,
To flow'ry vales and purling streams
Confine a happy mind;
Whilft fome in their dear felves poffeft
Of all that's good," cry to be bleft,
Retire, and quit mankind :"

II.

May no fach falfe ideal blifs,
No folitary joy like this,

My focial mind deceive;

But may the world and I agree
La fhort, let others live for me,

Let me for others live..,

III.

When Noah's dove, with reftless mind,
Left fweet fociety behind,

And lonely blifs purfa'd,

She foon the vain excursion mourn'd,
She foon to happiness return'd ·
Unfound in folitude.

IV.

The fad fequefter'd hermitage
May fuit the fleth of hoary age,

Who'e active days are o'er,
To view, with heartfelt true content,
A former life, not idly frent

Whilft bleft with ftrength and pow'r.

V.

Yet who, with youth and vigour fraught,
Can bear th' ignoble selfish thought,
Th' inactive mean retreat?
Can fuch ideas fill the breaft,
Where love or floth have not possest,
And virtue left her feat.
. VI.

The fond, the high enraptur'd youth,
Thinks, fhould the fair reward his truth,
Tho' each blifs else should fly;

. That he shall ever, ever prove
All other joys fupplied by love;
That this can never die.
VII.

In his enthufiaftic brain
Such wild romantic fchemes may reign
Of fome celeftial spot,

Warwick Caftle, which might well fuggeft gorgeous palaces and cloud-capt towers." the old matters in painting."

"Cloud-capt Towers," pointing to to Shakespeare the magnificent idea of ↑ "Mellow'd art," The works of

Nnn 2

Some

[blocks in formation]

The prudent bee, on bufy wing.
Thus lights on ev'ry flow'r of fpring,
And tastes of each he meets,
Nor fpurns the meanest of the field;
But with that little which it yields
Improves his ftore of sweets.
XIII.

Let glory, honour, power, fame,
Be ftyled a falfe and fenfelefs aim,
Delerving ridicule :

If it be wildom to refufe

The honey of the world's applaufe,
May I remain a fool.
XIV.

My paffions let me not defpife,
Ner, treating them as enemies,

Their useful calls oppofe.

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors]

oy to my friend, with pureft glow!

J Such joy as fires and husbands know:
Let Fully laugh, let Fashion roam;
Thy comforts ftill be found at home:
Long may you prove a confort's love;
Long may your children duteous prove ;
Confpiring ftill, as on you go,

To fmooth the paths of human woe --
Long may the Muse propitious fhed
Her choiceft flow'rs where'er you tread;
And long may HE who greets your name
Enjoy your friendship-and your fame!

LINES ON A BROTHER'S GRAVE.

WHY are my eyes with tears fuffus'd?

Why throbs my aching breaft, When I behold a kindred grave

Invite to fweetett reft ?

Is it that I am still denied

This manfion of repofe?
Is it that he, who owns this bed,
Has done with worldly woes ?
No-'tis the meddler MEMORY ftill
Paft vivid fcenes difplays;
Recalls youth's focial hours again,
And childhood's whiter days.
Avaunt with all thy idle dreams!
No joys haft thou to give:
Difturber of my peace, forbear,
And let one comfort live-
SAVIOUR of men ! whose final voice
Shall wake this flumbering duft,
Teach me to look beyond the tomb,
On thee repos'd my truft,

Honour'd as friends, what blifs they That we fhall from our Mother Earth,

yield!

Refifted, they may take the field,

And prove indeed my foes..

XV.

May I receive as if kind Heaven
The world and all its joys had given
For me alone to know:

Yet give as if that Heav'n defign'd
Myself a blefling to mankind,

Thro' whom its grace must flow.

[blocks in formation]
« السابقةمتابعة »