tempt in both, the satire is in each equally forcible, and both characters are sufficiently striking without being untrue to nature. A remarkable similarity of sentiment in the authors of the two plays cannot escape observation, for in all the exuberance of their humour, and in the keenness of their sarcasm, neither of them appears to have lost sight of that degree of reverence which in point of principle is due to the infirmities of old age, and hence we find some amiable traits in the characters of their respective heroes, calculated to soften our disgust, and to excite feelings of compassion for weakness, rather than those of contempt for folly. The firmness of Sir Peter Teazle's refusal to become a votary at the shrine of Scandal, is inferior only to the magnanimity of Lord Ogleby in offering his protection and support to his supposed rival, at the very moment when his own weakness and conceit are staring him in the face, and all the darling objects of his ambition are cut off at a stroke. It is in the pourtraying of contrasted feelings such as these, that Mr. Farren is peculiarly happy; the dignity of manner, the firmness of resolution, and the amiableness of disposition, are here painted in their liveliest colours, and lose none of their effect in the hands of Mr. Farren. His conception of these characters does him infinite credit, as being wholly original; without any model for imitation he is all that we can wish for, and more than we could expect. If in some respects he is inferior to King, the disadvantages under which he labours should not be lost sight of: his youth, and his comparative want of experience. We are by no means disposed to think that he has arrived to the summit of his excellence; on the contrary, he appears to have improved himself in many essential particulars since his first appearance, and his judgment and conception appear to be so pure and true, that he cannot fail by every fresh exertion to afford new grounds for approbation. At the same time, however, he should be careful of too much comic extravagance, and should not lose sight of refinement, even in scenes of the greatest humour. His Sir Anthony Absolute is too comic, and he seems now and then to forget that Lord Ogleby with all his absurdity is a refined gentleman, a point to which particular attention should be paid, in order to make the contrast between his Lordship and the unmarried citizen the more strik 339 ing. These are faults which maturer experience will rectify, and we congratu late the public, as well as the manager, that so valuable an acquisition to the school has been found, who merits universal thanks for being the means of restoring to us, what we have so long mourned the loss of-genuine Comedy. Our readers will rejoice with us at the return of Mrs. Dickons, who has lately been making a professional tour upon the Continent, from which she has derived considerable improvement. Her reception was peculiarly flattering, and was indeed justly merited. The Barber of Seville is taken from the celebrated Opera of Rossini, and adapted by Bishop, with some original productions of his It forms upon the whole a most delightful entertainment, and has had the peculiarly happy effect of removing (we hope from the Theatre altogether) the Jumpers, who for a few nights disgraced the Theatre, and disgusted the public. own. DRURY LANE. We congratulate our readers upon the improved appearances which the concerns of this Theatre present, and hope that the arrangements now about to be made with the creditors will prove satisfactory, and that we may once more witness Old Drury in all its glory. In the mean time we doubt much the propriety of the experiment made by the managers of a reduction in the prices of admission, and which seems not to have been attended with those good effects that were anticipated. Among the various novelties, Mr. D. Fisher, Mr. Cleary, and Mrs. West, made their appearance in " Venice Preserved" as Jaffier, Pierre, and Belvidera. Mrs. West acquitted herself in a very superior manner, and displayed a full conception of the part; she was interesting throughout, and frequently patheticnothing was overdone for mere effect. Jaffier at best is but a dangerous cha❤ racter for a debut, but Mr. Fisher on the whole met with a very favourable reception, and evinced a general correctness of taste, and even where he erred there was a fire and spirit about him which discretion and study will doubtless rectify. Mr. Cleary is a hearty conspirator, but he did more by the manner of conducting the plot than is set down for him-the conspiracy being solely against the Senate and State of Venice, and not against the taste and patience of the audience, A new serious Melo-drama, called "Sigesmar, the Switzer, was received with loud and decided approbation. Mr. Kean made his first appearance for the season as Richard the Third, and was greeted with tumultuous acclamations. Mr. H. Kemble played Richmond to admiration. Mr. Munden returned to his station, and was heartily welcomed as Sir Abel Handy in "Speed the Plough." He is as rich in humour as ever, and we never expect to see an actor so full of grimace who will afford us so much pleasure. A Lady of the name of Bellgar made her appearance as Don Carlos, in the "Duenna." She seemed overwhelmed with diffidence and timidity, but notwithstanding she shewed herself a very sweet and accomplished singer, and gave the simple songs of the part in a beautiful style; her lower notes are uncom monly fine. [Nov. 1, Her face and figure are well adapted to the stage, and her ac- which have taken place since the opennumerous first appearances ing of this Theatre, prevent our paying a sufficient attention to all, and we prefer noticing such only as are in their progress likely to become favourites with the public. It seems to us to be a mistaken notion which the managers are acting upon to attract the notice of the town by a constant change of actors. A sprinkling of novelties is required to break the sameness even of excellence, but the preponderance of novelty over established merit and fame, is injurious to the profession, and must, we think, be eventually detrimental to any House that adopts it. NEW MUSIC. Concerto da Camera, for the Piano-forte, with accompaniments for two Violins, Flute, Viola, and Violoncello. Composed and dedicated to Miss G. Musgrave, by T. A. Rawlins. No. 4. This is one of a series of Concerti da Camera intended to be published by Mr. Chappell, composed by Messrs. Cramer, Corri, Griffin, Latour, &c. We have seldom been more highly gratified than in playing over this admirable Concerto: the subject is bold and well chosen; the modulation flows so naturally and unrestrained, that we seem scarcely to have quitted the harmony of the first scale, before we find ourselves in a remote key, and from which the return to the tonic is managed with equal skill and dexterity. The term Da Camera, or "Chamber-pieces," was used by the ancients to distinguish these lighter pieces from the Concerto grosso, or "grand Concertos," performed only in theatres or large concertrooms, This important distinction is carefully observed; the flights are less extensive, but equally brilliant; the windings round towards cadences not so long winded, but more compact, and, we think, on that account more effective. Being thus contracted, and all extraneous matter lopped off, nothing seems wanting to render it a complete performance for small partics and pri vate concerts. The Sisters of Prague, a Bohemian Air, arranged with variations for the Piano forte. Dedicated to Mrs. Belcombe, by Philip Knapton. These variations are made by the successful doer of Mrs. Macdonald's Reel, and Caller Herring. If this effort is not quite equal to the two former, it will nevertheless hold a respectable rank in classical music. Yet these are but secondary attempts; let us hope that Mr. Knapton with his abilities will furnish us with something original. Introduction et Petite Bagatelle pour le Piano-forte. Composées par J. S. Peile. A second Introduction and Rondo for the Piano-forte. Composed by J. S. Peile. adapted to the use of young ladies in the - Three Solos for the Flute. Composed by These consist of three airs, with variations to each. They appear to be excellent practice for the Tyro; but they would have been much more complete had a bass been added to them. La Biondina in Gondeletta, air varié for the Piano-forte. Composed and dedicated to Miss Selina Toosey, by J. F. Danneley. Though such a number of variations have been made to this air, they seem not to be exhausted, for we have here another string of them. It is impossible to write otherwise than agreeably on so charming a thema; but these variations require spreading fingers, and will be found very difficult for a small hand. Quadrille Rondo for the Piano-forte. Composed and dedicated to Lady Berwick, by Augs. Meves. We do not much admire the French quadrilles; but as they are the fashion, and as 1818.] The Friends; a Poem, by the Rev. F. Hodgson. this is introduced in the form of a Rondo, so that the subject is relieved by occasional episodes, together with a little embellishment on returning to the tune; it is on the whole very agreeable; and could the long abode on the minor key be somewhat contracted in another edition it would be still further improved. The pleasing Vision; a Divertimento for the Piano-forte. Composed and inscribed to Miss A. Carlisle, by C. Nielson. Whether this vision haunts the lady by night or by day, whether it occupies her waking thoughts, or pervades her somnific hours, she must no doubt be happy at being surrounded by such light and airy thoughts as those with which these strains are imbued, which, like the swallow, skim the stream of harmony without plunging to any great depth. Romance, with variations for the Pianoforte. Composed ant dedicated to his friend, Mr. Lord, by Augustus Meves. This gentleman, half amateur and half professor, puts forth many pretty things; and as he does not write for bread, has time to digest and finish off whatever he intends to lay before the public. The piece before us is one of his happiest efforts; and so good a judge as his friend, Mr. Lord, knows how to appreciate it. An Air, with variations for the Pianoforte, with an accompaniment for the 341 Dear Louisa, a favourite Ballad. Dedi cated to the Ladies of the British Em pire, by J. Jay, Mus. Doc. This is a very pretty song in the Scotch style, and does the doctor much credit. From the dedication, we anticipated something of a national kind : Oft by the wild wood musing slow, Where Devon's silver waters wind, Thy lovely image haunts my mind. In search of wreaths of love for thee, As there are so many young gentlemen who never think at all, the ladies of the British empire" will be much obliged to this swain for his musings, though they are but slow. NEW PUBLICATIONS, WITH CRITICAL REMARKS AND EXTRACTS. The Friends: a Poem by the Rev. Emerged from the unpleasing and unsatisfactory task of criticising the corrected system of versification recently discovered by Mr. Leigh Hunt, and exemplified in his Rimini and Foliage, with what real feelings of delight and satisfaction do we enter upon a review of the volume before us!" A simple," though not "unadorned tale," in which are painted, in their loveliest colours, those noble passions of the soul, by which our admiration is excited, and our sympathy awakened. Every succeeding effort of Mr. Hodgson's pen serves to exalt his standard in the ranks of literature, and to erect a monument to his poetic fame, which, like that of Horace, shall be "ære perennius." This interesting little tale is an offering at the shrine of Friendship-a developement of the lives and characters of two 342 The Friends; a Poem, by the Rev. F. Hodgson. High soars the imperial aqueduct, and Dee Roll their long murmuring round, and sooth Retirement's dreams. There warlike Dinas-Bran recalls the day Of bright embattled power, or feudal feast: There, where the wood-girt waters idly stray, From glittering cares, from toils of pomp releas'd, Some weary heart in Valley Crucis' towers, Gave to repose and prayer her happier evening hours. Nor to the smiling surface of the land Their pleased career the youthful wanderers bound: Eager they dive, where man's resistless hand Has raised a throne of darkness under ground: Where, from the mouth of yon abhorred descent, Conquered by lustral fires, empoisoned airs are sent. They reach the guardian flame—and round it stand With eyes that doubly sparkle in the light, In ghastly merriment, a blackening band, The freeborn tenants of this reign of night: Diverging far around, full many a road, Through low and narrow rocks, runs o'er the pale abode. A distant sound approaches-louder yet Ring on their iron path those iron wheels: By yon faint lamp, in lonely station set, A boyish hand that guarded door unseals, The car has past in rapid thunder, back Falls th' rebounding gate, and shuts the infernal track. But ampler realms of subterranean wealth health Breath from the crystal rock; and still and fair Th' illuminated scenes of wonder shine, As like some sacred roof upshoots the magic mine. But as they lower sink, what strange delight Awaits them, rapturous! wide that pavement spreads, Broad those dark columns; while in circle bright Lamps glitter round the hall, and o'er their heads Reflect the roof of salt-some patriot band, In council here might meet, and save their injured land. p. 21. Ferdinand, whose spirit for enterprize appears, throughout, impatient of controul, embraces at length the military [Nov. 3. profession, and sets out to join the expedition to America, (the date of the poem commencing about the middle of the last century). The opening of the the British army before Quebec, is full second book, describing the march of of animation. The author then goes on to recount the martial achievements of our countrymen, of course not forgetting to give an opportunity to Ferdinand to display all his courage and zeal, for the cause in which he was engaged, with a beautiful and pathetic tribute to the memory of our immortal Wolfe. In the third book, we return to sympathize with the almost inconsolable Theodore, who after the loss of his friend, and the death of his parent, seeks support from that consolation which is derived from religious principle; and here, we cannot resist the temptation of laying before our readers the admirable allusion made in the following stanzas to the two most memorable epochs in the history of our country-we mean the reformation and the revolution. Two glorious beacons mark thy stream of years, My troubled, native land! when Nassau's star, Now lit by seraph Liberty, appears O'er the black bigot cloud, and iron car That cloud conceals-and when, in wondrous time, Thine infant church is born, and nursed by hands of crime, What doom is thine, loved Freedom? wil thou keep Thy calm bright course, unfed by meteor fire? Or, while thy natural guardians idly sleep, Shall lawless hands to lift thine ark aspire? Forbid it Heaven!--and oh! that holier ark, Defend its inmost shrine from Error's phan tom dark. 1818.] The Scriptural Doctrine of Man's Salvation. Forbid it Lord! the faith that martyrs sealed, The faith that reason won from papal pride; Where heaven-born learning cleared what truth revealed; Courage its shield, and liberty its guideForbid it Lord! that phrenzy's fearful day Should make that glorious faith Rebellion's second prey. Ob, mark the springs of ruin, plainly traced In her own dreamless and unconscious Whilst awake to all the nobler aspirations of the mind, Theodore is yet not insensible to the softer feelings of love; and his attachment to Ellen forms one of the most prominent features of the poem. From this pleasing dream how ever, he is suddenly aroused to the rescue of Ferdinand, who is taken prisoner by a party of Indians. Every other feeling now yields to the calls of friendship, and the hope of preserving his long lost companion serves to deaden the anguish of his departure from Ellen. He sets out for America, succeeds in rescuing Ferdinand; when the shipwreck of the vessel in which they are returning home, forms the tragical end of the Friends, by consigning them to an untimely grave. Having thus given to our readers a brief sketch of the principal features of this delightful little volume, we shall recommend them to a perusal of it, and conclude by extracting a very remarkable passage in allusion to the dangerous tendency of the taste which has of late prevailed for licentious and unrestrained compositions. And thou,Corruption, heavierfar and worse, Adulterate feeling of a German breedOh! can an English soil sustain thy curse, Conceit thy sire, and Infamy thy seed? Than dulness, see the preceding stanza. 343 Where wondering Vice young Virtue's blush retains, And robbers die like heroes, not in chains! In tribes untaught, where India's waste of food Shelters her houseless savage, hatred then, And vengeance, swift to shed a brother's blood, Were deemed to dwell-but now-'mid polished men The fiends, let loose from 'darkness, rise and claim Nor rest-nor mercy-but applause and fame. Upon this passage we forbear to offer any other comment, than our approbation of the sentiments conveyed in it. By his note Mr. Hodgson seems conscious of the boldness of his attack upon a favorite author," and we must leave those whom it most concerns, only this satire to be received as it may by adding, as an incontrovertible doctrine, that the tendency of all writings should be directed to the support of our moral and religious obligations, and that where, under the fascinating garb of poetry, vice conceals herself, and is divested of her deformity, the poison becomes deadly, and the danger incalculable. The Scriptural Doctrine of Man's Sal cation: a Sermon preached in the Cathedral Church of Chester, before the Judges of Assize, on Sunday, Sept. 6, 1818. By GEORGE HENRY LAW, D.D. F.R. and A.S. Lord Bishop of Chester. Published by request. 4to. pp. 42. To those who have been but indifferent observers of the effect of modern sectarian principles on the mind of man, and more especially at that awful moment when mortality trembles on the threshold of eternity, the necessity of such a dis course as this will appear obvious. The dreadful principles preached in a great number of our conventicles, of exclusive faith without works being sufficient to * W. D. Best, and S. Marshall, esqr serjeants-at-law. |