again let loose, rushed into extremes which called for the just though severe reprobation of Collier. Charles and his courtiers floated on that sea of pleasure, loving to behold their gay images reflected in the flattering tide.

Pity it was that the drama's patrons should require dramatic talent to prostitute itself to please themand that writers of genius should have been found so little worthy of that gift, or so insensible to their high vocation, as, by a misapplication of their talents, to injure their fame and bring more disgrace on the drama than all its avowed enemies could inflict. Dryden, Wycherly, Congreve and others were the felo-de-se's of the stage. They drove away the very men whose sanction they ought to have been most anxious to secure, and wantonly outraged the scruples of the conscientious in order to pander to the vitiated tastes of the profligate and profane. They made the theatre a school of vice, instead of virtue. No good husband or father could permit his wife or daughter to come within the sphere of their contamination-it seemed as if their aim was to corrupt morality, to convert the blush of modesty into the impure glow of prurient desire. The stage earned a notoriety which the pulpit did well to denounce-and which the bench ought to have chastised. From the effects of this, it has not yet recovered-nor indeed has it sufficiently purged itself to deserve free pardon and encouragement.

Dryden's miserable excuse was that he must live; but he outwent in vice and immorality even the taste of the times. Several of his plays were hissed for their licentiousness; and it is worthy of remark that of all his dramas the one which the king delighted most to honour was the one which was the most free from impurity, namely "The Maiden Queen." This King Charles called his "own play," and Dryden ought to have taken it as a hint to endeavour rather to strengthen and purify the public taste, than to corrupt and debase it But Dryden was rewarded by his patrons with neglect and contempt in his latter days; for the friendship of the vicious is never to be depended on; and no wise man will sacrifice the constant respect of the good for the fleeting favours of the wicked.

Shakspere himself is occasionally coarse and indelicate but there is this observable difference between him and his contemporaries or followers, that he is never designedly so. He is so incidentally, or when speaking in character; but never by way of precept and example.

It was the double misfortune of Dryden that not only were his morals corrupt; but likewise his taste and judgment. Shakspere sometimes rhymed in his tragedies, fortuitously, by way of flourish in an exit, or to conclude an act with a better grace, or to give a sentiment an air of currency on conclusiveness; bat Dryden rhymed throughout, as if blank verse was not sufficiently removed from undignified prose. Exalted sentiments call for exalted diction but to rhyme is to step from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Can any

heroic, except the mock heroic, speak in rhyme ? For passion to jingle thus would cause laughter instead of tears. This poetical sing-song or playing at echoes has been banished since Dryden's time to its fitting sphere-the opera.

Dryden sought to mend Shakspere; but he never appears to greater disadvantage than in those plays which he altered from Shakspere, certainly for the worse. By mixing his own alloy with the metal of Shakspere, he shews the contrast. His learning enabled him to correct some faults in Shakspere and in this he founded a claim to superiority, but Shakspere'

genius eclipses his own faults, as well as the most shining excellencies of others. Dryden was more a didactic than dramatic poet-he possessed more intellect than imagination. His wit was purchased rather than inherited. His passion was artificial. But it is time we had done with Dryden. JOHN.

THE PROSPECTS OF THE DRAMA. "THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE DRAMA" is a subject on which much needless lamentation has been wasted: for we own that we perceive no symptoms of catastrophe so deplorable; but on the contrary perceive a reaction the most auspicious.

a

It is not to be supposed that people will go night after night to witness the same plays performed by the same second-rate actors; but let another Garrick arise, and we shall have no cause to deplore the badness of public taste in not patronizing the legitimate drama. It is high time however that we should not be utterly dependent on great actors for the sustentation of the poetic drama; but a new drama should create new actors and give a different tone to the histrionic profession and an impetus to the stage that it has long required. It is very palpable that the production of new plays in rapid succession would have a more potent influence in creating a permanent taste for the drama than if another Edmund Kean were to arise. We do not wish to depreciate the actor, but surely all the tragedians that ever lived have not exercised the same vast influence on society as a single Shakspere?

It is the interest of actor-managers to think otherwise; and accordingly it is a notorious fact that the unknown dramatist has hardly a chance of getting a hearing at any of the theatres. What do managers care whether their treasuries are filled by the plays of a Shakspere or a Reynolds? They are quite indifferent about the dramatists, and are actuated only by a sordid desire of profit in all that they do. If we have had no remarkable plays of late years however, there is abundant evidence that there is no lack of talent among our contemporary dramatists. The names of Knowles. Talfourd, Marston, Browning, Lovell, Troughton, Leigh Hunt, and White, preclude the notion that the drama is sinking because no one can write plays. But many of these poets are deficient in art and stage tact, and the consequence is that inferior dramatists often reap a golden harvest which they do not so justly deserve. There are few who would compare the tinsel of Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton with the fine gold of Knowles, and as a poet he is very inferior to Talfourd and Browning; yet we all know that the element of popularity is greater in the author of "The Lady of Lyons" than in the author of "Ion" and "The Athenian Captive."

The novelist (and Sir E. B. Lytton is the best now alive) can hardly become a great dramatist. It is not necessary for the one to have an imagination capable of the highest flights and great power of condensing and concentrating; while the other need not possess the same resources of incident and description, without which fiction fails. Shakspere could not have written a long and interesting novel like Ivanhoe and Waverley, any more than Scott could have written Hamlet and Othello. Perhaps Gerald Griffin and Victor Hugo are the only men who have succeeded to any extent in fiction and the drama; for there is not a single play by Sir E. B. Lytton that is worthy of the name of a poetic drama. It is not true that we have no good actors now, although it must be owned there is a lamentable dearth of greatness and of Shaksperian performers.

PRINCESS'S.

On Wednesday the American actress, Mrs. Mowatt, made her debut here. She is a woman of ability, her

acting being distinguished by fine taste and considerable pathos. She is somewhat in the school of Mrs. Butler, and of the order of Mrs. Warner or Miss Fortescue. In person she is diminutive, with a very pretty face, and an agreeable voice. She was much applauded by the audience, and is a decided acquisition to the theatre, being free from coarseness and Americanisms. A Mr. Davenport played Sir Thomas Clifford respectably, Cooper was a tolerable Master Walter, and Miss Montague a lively Helen. An apo. logy (which was quite unnecessary) was made for the latter personage on the score that she had only studied the part since the preceding night.

OLYMPIC.

On Monday evening last, Mr. G. V. Brooke, whose provincial reputation has long made him an ob. ject of attraction to London managers, debuted here in the character of Othello. His success was complete : never, perhaps, since the appearance of the elder Kean, has so great a triumph been achieved. The house

was filled to overflow immediately on the opening of the doors, and hundreds who tendered their money, had to return home, or seek amusement elsewhere. To a highly personable figure, dignified action, and finely moulded features, in Mr. Brooke is combined that prime advantage to the actor-a beautiful voice, capable of great modulation. His personation of Othello was in many respects original-unlike any actor of the present day, reminding us, occasionally, of Edmund Kean; whose tenderness in this character all play-goers remember so well. On many future opportunities we hope to have the pleasure of analysing Mr. Brooke's various performances. We never saw Iago better played than by Mr. Stuart, whose powerful support must have been a great assistance to Mr. Brooke. Mr. Kinlock made a respectable Roderigo, Mr. Holl a tolerable Cassio, Miss Stuart a pleasing Desdemona, and Mrs. Brougham an effective Emelia. On Tuesday Mr. Kinlock appeared before the curtain announced "Othello" for repitition every evening until further notice.

STRAND.

The pantomime at this house is preceded nightly by a variety of amusing pieces, in the versatile talents of Mr. Fredericks and Miss Terry are displayed. 14r. Huntley's acting as Thomas, in the farce of "The Secret" is a piece of original and quaint humour. The pantomime goes briskly, and is one of the best produced this season.

STANDARD.

Haine's drama of "Austerlitz; or, the Soldier's Bride," still continues to attract. The title given it in the bill is "The Drunkard, the Gambler, and the Beggar." We think the original title to a popular piece is always best; however the drama is very creditably sustained. Mr. Howard plays Everard St. Louis with judgment, he seems to have a thorough knowledge of the part, and despite his naturally heavy style (for this character especially) was frequently applauded on the night we witnessed his exertions. Mr. J. C. Bird is deserving of much praise for his personation of the thankless, diffi

cult part of Phillipe Marcel. Unlike St. Louis, he has not the audience with him-no startling situations or clap-trap speeches to gain their applause; Mr. Bird evinced a perfect knowledge of the art in his acting of this up-hill character. T. Lee as Pontoon, and Miss Martin as the lively Merial, were amusing as usual. Clayton came in for her share of approbation as Miss Constance, an orphan. Praise is also due to Messrs. Grant, the veteran James, Milbourne, Phillips, Sankey, &c. for the care bestowed on their respective parts; indeed it is gratifying to see so efficient a company at an East-end theatre the entertainments concluded with Mons. Rochezs clever bottle performance and Mr. Nelson Lee's grand comic pantomime of "Past, Present, and Future." It is splendidly got up, well put on the stage, and admirably acted. The clown of Mons. Rochez, Pantaloon of Mons. Saffarini Harlequin, Mr. Stevens, and Columbine of Miss Slaiter, proved each and all to have a perfect knowledge of their duties-they worked together cleverly. The whole evening's entertainments went off extremely well and terminated by about half-past eleven,-late enough for those theatres supported by the working classes, and in our opinion if managers would so arrange as to finish by that time, or a little earlier perhaps, they would find it to their advantage house was crowded to suffocation.

CITY.

The

Then

The pantomime at this house is founded on the ungallant subject of "The Old Woman Tossed in a Blanket," and the consequent fantastic adventures of the chivalric tinker "Arthur O' Bradley." There are effective dissolving views, in which the bright sun himself is resolved into a grotesque figure of humanity. appears the "old woman "-Mother Moonrake, a witch, riding a broomstick in the air." The opening is good, and remarkable for a sort of rustic chorus "O, Rare Arthur O' Bradley O!" which is sung and accompanied in primitive style, capitally interpreting an old English air, well known to Wiltshire folks, who are to this day styled 66 Moonrakers," after the name of the witch of Bradley. The Harlequinade has the benefit of the talents of Dewhurst, the clown, late of Astley's.

BRITANNIA SALOON.

The pantomime at this establishment is called "The Yellow Dwarf; or, Harlequin and the son of the Sunflower." It is from the pen of Mr. Dibdin Pitt and has been produced in a style deserving our warmest approbation. There are some excellent scenes in the opening; the third greatly attracted the eyes of the spectator. In this scene (the Orange Grove and dwelling of the Yellow Dwarf) our attention is drawn to a Sunflower at the back of the stage, which expands and in the centre we behold the Yellow Dwarf; this had a brilliant effect. The comic business was exceedingly good; the hits at the leading topics (of the past year were capital in their way. The Harlequin of Mr. Smith pleased us much; he worked hard and his dancing was excellent. H. Carles was very amusing as Clown, and Clements decent as Pantaloon. Mdlle.

Rose made a pretty Columbine, Mrs. Lane sang several pleasing parodies in the character of the Yellow Dwarf, her dress made her look well, albeit it was not the real thing. The pantomime was, in all respects, very successful.

Provincial Theatricals.

BIRMINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL. (Lessee Mr. H. Simpson.)-Opened on Boxing night with the grand pantomime entitled "Harlequin in England, Ire and, and Scotland; or the Rose, Shamrock, and Thistle" the splendid scenery by Mr. Gordon, and dresses by Mr. Grindall. Harlequin, Mr. Gilmer; Columbine, Miss Gilmer; Clowns, Messrs. Blanchard and Marsh; Pantaloon, Mr. Asbury. The scenery and dresses are very well got up, and several good hits are introduced, and the whole it was very successful. Gilmers are very passable as young aspirants to the ballet, Messrs. Blanchard and Marsh are capital clowns, and Asbury is an excellent pantaloon. houses have been crowded.

The

The

BATH THEATRE ROYAL. (Lessee Mrs. Macready.) -This theatre opened on Boxing night for the season. "The Bottle" has been the great feature of the week with " Box and Cox." The company consists of the following persons:-Messrs. Chte, Grisdale, Lingham, W. H. Angell, T. Fry, Watkins, Edgar, Waldron, Andrews, Barry, Butler, Shenstone, Harrington, Plimmeri, Phelps, Charles, Mesdames Barnett, Macready, Beaufort, Clare, O'Hara, Helen O'Hara, Tyrer, Waldron, Harcourt and Jennings. Business very good. The eminent tragedian Mr. Macready appears on the 3rd.

BRADFORD THEATRE. (Lessee Mr. John Mosley.) -On Monday "Der Freischutz" was revived, with the new farce of " Box and Cox" and "The Pacha's Pets." On Wednesday, for the benefit of Mr. Mackay, Blanchard's drama of "Faith, Hope, and Charity" and "Mary Queen of Scots" Mr. Mackay, in his favourite character of Sandy Macfarlane, acquitted himself very respectably; it is the best character he has played this season. The house was not good, owing partly to the inclemency of the weather. Being himself an Odd-fellow, it was but little to the credit of his brethren that he was not better supported by them. Miss Cushman is announced to appear for two nights previous to the conclusion of the season which is expected to terminate in about a fortnight.

CARLISLE THEATRE ROYAL. [Lessee Mr. John Daly.]-Barrymore's pantomime of "Love and Hope" has been played every evening since Christmas. "The Rag Picker" was produced on Monday last.

DUBLIN QUEEN'S THEATRE. [Lessee Mr. John Harris] The pantomime has been produced in a style of great splendour and effect, considering the limited capabilities of the theatre for that purpose; the scenery, dresses, and properties are all new, and there is an air of freshness about the opening that is quite delightful. We have a host of pretty fairies tripping about in all directions-now singing-now dancing, and performing all the fantastic flights that by-gone ages used to witness in reality. At the head of the etherial sprites is Mrs. W.JH. Eburne, the Queen of all the fairies, who looks and acts the little despot with charming simplicity, the usual transformations take place, and we are introduced to "the fun of the thing." Harlequin, Mr. Alexander; Columbine, Miss Rosina Proctor, this young lady has thrown off that restraint which used to apparently mar her efforts, and enters into the spirit of the pantomime so as considerably to ensure its success. Mr. Blanch

ard as Clown, and Mr. Jonas as Pantaloon, are very happy in their respective characters. The pantomime has become very popular and is pronounced by many to be far superior to what we have seen in this city for some few seasons. "The Female Bluebeard,' with an interlude, have been added to the entertainment each evening, in which Messrs. Burroughs, Bruce, Rae, Elmore, Anderson, with Miss M. A. Walton, Mrs. Bruce, Mrs. W. H. Eburne and Miss Julia Nicol appear to great advantage. "The Jewwas produced on Monday.

ess

EXETER THEATRE ROYAL. [Lessee Mr. W. H. Maddocks.] opened on Monday Dec. 27 with "The Lady of Lyons"-Claude Melnotte, Mr. Maddocks. The company consists of Messrs. Rourke, C. Mulford, Channing, T. Reeves, Gladstone, Simmons, Darley, Marsh, C. Forrest, and T. W. Paulo, Mesdames Maddocks, C. Mulford and Mills; and Miss Cross.

GLASGOW THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI. [Lessee Mr. D. P. Miller.]-The manager of this theatre has engaged the Mdlles. Therese and Annie Cushnie, and Mr. Arthur Webster for the Christmas attraction. The bills of the day are very right in calling them "the three best dancers of the British stage," for we do not remember any artistes that have created more excitement than they have in this town. They have already gained a host of admirers here with their exquisite dancing. The pieces have been "Pedlar's Acre," "Margaret Catchpole, the Female Horse Stealer," and a new drama called "Irishman's Home; or, the Middleman and the true born Irishman. Business good.

man.

The

LIVERPOOL THEATRE ROYAL. [Lessee Mr. H. Colean.]-" Harlequin Gulliver' has attracted crowded houses at this establishment during the past week. It is a well" got up" pantomime with the original dresses &c. as when produced in London last season. The Lilliputian part was excellent, the 150 juveniles doing their work in a most superior manner. pantomime after the transformation did not go on so well. The clown and pantaloon are decidedly "dull" they are surpassed by those at the Minors. The harlequin, Mr. H. Williams, and columbines, Misses Davie and Raymond; are very superior and graceful dancers, and as such, met with much applause. Harlequin Gulliver" is announced for repetition during the present week. Mr. Macready is engaged for a limited period and makes his first appearance on Monday next in his favorite character of Werner.

66

LIVER TAEATRE. [Lessee Mr. J. C. Hay.]-Harlequin Spirit of the Mersey" has had the effect of drawing more numerous audiences here than has been witnessed for some time past. The pantomime is an excellent one and several new and original jokes in it told immensely with the audience. It is produced under the direction of Mr. T. Pierson who is the clown, and many a worse clown we have seen. The pantaloon, Mr. Bonaker, is the best in Liverpool, he is a great favourite. The harlequin and columbine are also very clever. The pantomime closes the entertainments each evening this week. The first pieces are "Sweethearts and Wives" and

"Poachers and Petticoats."

ADELPHI THEATRE. (Lessee Mr. J. C. Cooke.)The pantomime at this deservedly successful place of amusement is the production of Mr. F. Younge (a member of Mr. Cooke's company and an excellent actor) and Mr. T. Thompson (of Mr. Battys company.) It is entitled "Harlequin Don Quixote" the part of Don Quixote being most ably sustained by Mr. C. Rice whose appearance armed" Cap-a-pie" mounted on his splendid" steed Rosinante, and attended by

his squire Sancho Panza, (Mr. F. Younge) was a decided "hit." "Old Christmas" was most efficiently performed by Mr. T. C. Boddie. The pantomime after the transformation was without intermission full of fun and frolic. The clowns (Mr. Adrian and Mr. Bullock) appeared to fully understand, and enter into, their business. The harlequin, pantaloon, and columbine were also very efficient. In conclusion we may add that the pantomime is entirely successful, and reflects great credit on every party concerned in it. It concludes the entertainments every evening this week, the first piece is entitled "Zelinda or the Heroine of the Cross." The equestrian season terminates in three weeks.

MANCHESTER Mr. Knowles, lessee of the Theatre Royal, has brought out the pantomime of Harlequin Jack the Giant Killer." This Christmas piece was very successful a few seasons back at the Olympic, and the production of it here, will, from all appearances, meet the wishes of the proprietor; it has already gained the approbation of crowded houses. From beginning to end the scenery is first rate. There are some good hits in the comic business. In one scene we have nearly a hundred children brought upon the stage for the purpose of presenting the audience with a group from each of Shakspere's plays. Clown, Mr. Ewain; harlequin and columbine by the St. Louins, A Miss Baker has made a successful appearance at this theatre as Gertrude in "A Loan of a Lover." Three day performances took place on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. A the Queen's theatre Mr. Sloan has provided a very excellent pantomime for the Christmas holiday makers. It is called "Harlequin Money Box," and relates the loves of a butcher's boy and his master's daughter, in which the money-box, as may be supposed, plays no unimportant part. Mr. Polworth is the harlequin; Ilerr Teasdale clown; Mr. Morrain, Pantaloon; and Mdlles. Hendricke, columbine. Mrs. H. Vining has been playing here. A new burlesque extravaganza has been produced at the City Amphitheatre for the sole delight and gratification of the Christmas holiday folks. It is called "Cinderella, or the Little Glass Silpper," and conveys the spectator, amidst much glee, to the now almost forgotten regions of fairy land. The house is tolerably well attended.

MONTROSE THEATRE." The Bottle" has been most capitally and carefully produced here, and drawn good houses. Thornley in Dickinson's hands lacked the bluffness of the artizan. Mark's Dognose, was a character of real life, excellently conceived and acted. Glanville's George Gray is perhaps the best thing he has done, and Fisher's Pike was very good. Anson as Cuddles worked hard to keep the audience in good humour in which he succeeded admirably. Mrs. Edwin as Mary Thornley was good, a little too mechanical, but she made it very effective, the "Tableaus" were well and truthfully managed, and were highly applauded, but the piece is a very bad one. The farces have been admirably selected, being mostly new and all very laughable, of course Anson was the life and soul of them, his humour is rich and racy the fun comes unforced and his almost inimitable expression of face keeps the house in a roar. Miss Lucy Fisher in all she undertakes pleases well, and if we mistake not will soon become a favorite. Mrs. J. W. Anson, delighted the house on Monday in "The Loan of a Lover" as Gertrude; the drama of "Susan Hopley and Buffalo Gals, have been repeated by desire. Business good.

NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL. (Lessee Mr. T. Davenport.) This establishment has been tolerably

well attended during the past week. The company is not first-rate, and the pantomime is not what it ought to be for a theatre with a reputation our Theatre Royal once enjoyed. The manager has another company at Woolbridge. On Monday evening, Mr. Aldridge, the African Roscius, made his appearance here, in the character of Othello. The house was very full, and Mr. Aldridge met with a most flattering reception. He repeated the character on Tuesday, to an equally crowded house.

NORWICH HARMONIC HALL.-Mr. Mackney's establishment is worthy the attention of visitors, and continues to be well attended.

NORWICH ADELPHI THEATRE. [Lessee Mr. R. Gordon ]-This theatre re-opened for a short season on boxing night, when was produced a new pantomime entitled "Harlequin Science; or, the Great Britain Steamer and the Fairies of Dundrum Bay." Most of the tricks are old, but the scenery is very good, and it is likely to have a long run. The audience were disappointed at Mr. F. Phillips (who has left the company) not making his appearance on the opening night. A good light comedian is wanted at this establishment. The following ladies and gentlemen have been added to the company; Misses Annie Lonsdale, Mackenzie and Pauline; Messrs. T. Myers, W. Travers, Coutts, Baublet, and Ozmani.

ROCHESTER THEATRE. [Lessee Mr. J. L. Thornton.]-On Monday last "Virginius" was represented, and in a manner most creditably to all concerned. The Virginius of Mr. Melville was good, and would have been better had he depended on himself, but he has to answer for the besetting sin of many other actors—an imitation of Macready

"I hate e'en Garriek's self at second hand."

Our meed of approbation we can conscientiously give to Mr. Young as Icilius and Mr. Cooke as Caius Claudius; Dentatus we have never seen played so well here as by Mr. Hambleton. Of the ladies we must also report favourably. Miss Palmer was ex cellent in Servia, and Mrs. Ware interesting as Vir. ginia. The after piece was "The Chain of Guilt," excellently performed by all parties; Mr. Ware and Mr. Hambleton by their humour neutralizing the efforts of Mr. Young and Miss Palmer. We must not omit noticing Mr. Ware's comic singing, which is excellent.

SANDWICH THEATRE, Mr. T. S. Dowton is the manager here; he is nephew to the Dowton so favorably known for a lengthened period in London and the provinces. Among the company we find Messrs. Coates, W. Dowton, Chester, Simpson; Mrs. T. Dowton, Miss Simpson, &c.

SOUTHHAMPTON THEATRE ROYAL. (Lessee Mr. W. Parker.)-The lessee has added several new faces to the company but we forbear criticising their per formance till we have fair opportunity of doing so. The last spectacle of "Peter Wilkins" has been brought out with the most splendid scenery, the eye seems bewildered by its fascination. We are sorry the manager should have thrown so much away on an unprofitable piece. Mrs. C. Bland, Mr. Williams. Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. Grosvenor are the addition to the company. On Monday the 3rd January, the tragedy of "Alexander the Great" was produced, and Alexander was correctly delivered by Mr. J. W. Benson.

WHITEHAVEN THEATRE ROYAL opened on Mon day the 27th ulto., under the management of Mr. John Caple. The opening pieces were "The Wonder" and "The Dancing Barber." The company includes Messrs. Grattan Dawson, Procter,

Horsman, Gay, Henderson, Croom, Robins, Woolbridge, Hazlewood, Wade and Webur, Misses Scrimshaw, Holmes, Goddard, &c. The theatre has been crowded every performance, and as the company is a highly talented one, the Whitehaven public will no doubt continue to give them the support they so well deserve.

WOLVERHAMPTON THEATRE ROYAL. (Lessees Messrs. Dillon and Widdicombe.)-The Christmas pieces, have been brought out with great splendour; Miss Glover is engaged to play the part of Leander in" The Invisible Prince" and has been well re. ceived. Miss Julia Harcourt also deserves great praise for the able manner in which she sustained the part of Apricotina, and the songs she sung were very prettily executed, the rest of the parts are respectably filled. The piece promises to run until Macready makes his appearance which s fixed for Monday week.

MISCELLANEA.

The daily papers last week killed off Miss Emma Stanley, of the Princess's, and then brought her to life with astonishing celerity. Miss Stanley has had a sudden and most intense attack of influenza, but is now, we believe, out of danger. A morning cons temporary (The Herald) retracting its unfounded report of the day previous, says, "We are happy to say that the statement was untrue, but that the talented lady continues dangerously ill." We willingly account for this blunder on the theory that has been offered in explanation of Irish bulls-the heart outrunning and bewildering the head.

We have received several letters (most of them very ungrammatical and ill.spelt) on the subject of our criticisms. Every one has a right to his own opinion, and to express it freely; and it is most unjust that our probity should be for an instant caled in question on such grounds. How is it possible for any actor, who is not generally appreciated, to advance in his profession unless his claims are enforced by the press? We have an indisputable right to speak well or ill of any public character on a merely artistical ground, and we shall not desist from the course which we have marked out for ourselves. We do not interfere with the right of private individuals to think for themselves, and will not have our own liberty invaded.

The comparative failure of the Drury Lane pantomime may be attri buted to the fact of being put into rehearsal only one week previous to boxing-night. A few years ago, three months were not considered more than sufficient for a like undertaking.

TOM COOKE, THE LEADER-Tom Cooke is certainly the most facetious of fiddlers, and is the only person connected with theatres who smacks of the olden days of quacks and cranks. Some of his conundrums are most amusing absurdities; for instance- Which is the best shop to get a fiddle at ?' asked a pupil. 'A chemist's,' said he, because if you Once while rehearsing buy a drug there you are sure to get a vial-in.'

a song Braham said to Cooke, who was leading, I drop my voice there at night' (intimating that he wished the accompaniment more piano). 'You drop your voice do you;' said Cooke, I should like to be by and pick it up.'

On

A weekly contemporary which prides itself much upon its knowledge of theatrical matters, contained on Suaday last the following anecdote:"Dry Measure-An amateur performer whose delivery was chiefly remarkable for the prolongations of the syllables of such words as he wished to make particularly emphatic, performed Othello one night in public before a crowded gallery and a very thin pit and boxes. coming to tho passage, I'll wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at,' he laboured very hard to make a point' at the word 'peck,' and dwelt on its first letter, p-p-p-p so long, that an impatient deity called out from above, Hollo Blackey, how many pecks to the bushel?" This joke would, doubtless, tell immensely, did it not unfortunately happen that the sentence quoted is spoken by Iago!

ALBONI IN PARIS.-Another great triumph has been achieved by Alboni in Rossini's "Cenerentola." Great as she proved herself in all characters previously assumed by her, here and in London, it may be

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kean make their appearance at the Haymarket on Monday next, in Lovell's new tragedy-the same which has already met with success in the United States.

A new burlesque will be produced immediately at Strand Theatre-it is written by the son of one of our most eminent dramatic poets.

"Hamlet" will be produced immediately at Sad ler's Wells, with considerable changes from the former

her finest achievement. It was predicted that her embonpoint would tell against her, as it would be difficult to imagine in Alboni's portly form the half-starved Cinderella of fairy fame. Curiously enough, the two well-fed sisters were remarkably thin; so everything was against her, in the first scene at the kitchen fire; but it is reserved for genius to overcome all physical drawbacks; and she had not sung three bars before the audience forgot her obesity, and only recollected that they were listening to the most exquisite tones ever heard from a woman's voice.

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Of a New Edition of

BOOK OF RECITATIONS!

Handsomely printed, on fine paper, in a neat wrapper, embellished with Engravings. CONTENTS of No. 1.-Address of Brutus over the body of Lucretia (Howard Payne-Long Extract from a speech by Robert Emmet-Saul (Byron)-Bobadil's Military Tactics (Ben Jonson)-Henry the 4th's Apostrophe to Sleep (Shakespere)-Bernardo del Carpio (Hemans)-In favour of a Greek Revolution (Henry Clay)-Mac Anthony's Apostrophe to Cæsar's Body (Shakspere)-Speech of Chatham (then Mr. Pittion being taunted with his youth-After the Battle (Moore)-The Leper (Willis) -The Charms of Hope (Campbell)-Ode by Thomas floodThe Sleeping Child (Professor Wilson).

Order early, as a limited number only will printed.

London: S. Grieves, 6, Red Lion Court Fleet St