It was really too bad of the author of Harold, to christen it a Tragedy;' for we have laughed heartily at it from the beginning to the end. However, we conclude the writer of it to be yet in his teens, and can therefore relish the joke. His attempts at description are awfully sublime; witness the following rhapsody uttered by a Duchess, while watching over one of her "bread and butter innocents :" "Ah, he awakes! look at his rolling eyes! We conclude, by the last sentence, that Master Tom is going to "wet nurse," as the grannies have it. We come now to the last two lines in the book. They are replete with truth; as many a worthy cheesemonger, and vendor of tripe, will be able to testify for ages to come : "This tale shall never die, but it shall go NOTICES. better than his Shylock-not only because he is more perfect in the part, but because he seems better to understand the meaning of his author. The opening scene was very tame; but the interview with Wilford, about Alexander, was more impassioned and more true to nature. In the scene, too, with Wilford, after the discovery of the murder, his acting was good because it was not overdone. The curse was denounced too much after the fashion of a schoolboy to be effective; but this was in some measure redeemed by the dying scene, which was managed better, we confess, than we expected it would have been. Altogether, Mr. PHELPS may be considered a respectable actor; and when he has forgotten some few of the absurd practices he has acquired in the provinces, he may probably become a favorite in London. POWER has been re-engaged,—a most wise step on the part of the manager-and FARREN has left. The latter gentleman can well be spared; for we do not think, as far as pounds, shillings, and pence, are concerned, that he has, individually, drawn a farthing to the treasury: at all events he was sadly over-paid at £36 per week. Mrs. WAYLETT still forms the magnet of attraction here. It is worth the price of admission to hear her warble two or three of her favorite ballads,-" provided always," the orchestra are silent. The discord produced by the harmony of these gentlemen is such, as to set one's teeth on edge for a week. They seem to play just what they like, and just how they like; regardless alike of time and tune. To use the words of a contemporary, "WAYLETT, PART 4 of THE IDLER, containing the numbers for accompanied by a cat-gut-tearing orchestra, is, the Month of August, is now ready. Also New Editions of all the early numbers. THE IDLER is published EVERY FRIDAY MORNING at 10 o'clock, at the office, 7, TAVISTOCK STREET. Our COUNTRY CORRESPONDENTS will greatly oblige us by forwarding their LOCAL NEWSPAPERS,-intelligence of Country Theatricals being always acceptable to our London Readers. All Books, &c. intended for EARLY Review, should be sent in, not later than WEDNESDAY. ADVERTISEMENTS will be received till TWELVE O'Clock on Thursday, and only a LIMITED number taken. Haymarket. The only novelty here, since our last, has been the appearance of Mr. PHELPS in the character of Sir Edward Mortimer in the Iron Chest. Concerning this gentleman, the press, with a few exceptions, are all agreed. He is possessed of a good person, expressive features, and a good voice; for all which he is indebted to nature. We see little reason to alter the opinion we have already given of his histrionic abilities. He is generally respectable, and what may be called a useful actor; but first-rate characters are quite out of his reach, owing to the unevenness of his performance. His Sir Edward Mortimer is far to us, as gross an inconsistency as it would be to fiddle and drum to a choir of nightingales." English Opera.-On Monday a new opera, translated from the German, was produced here, under the title of the Exile of Genoa. The plot is this:-Anselmo Lancia (SEGUIN), a Genoese nobleman, is exiled by the machinations of the Doge (S. JONES), and, with his daughter, Florentine, (Miss RAINFORTH) takes refuge in Corsica. Fernando, (FRAZER), son of the doge, being captivated with Florentine, disguises himself as a fisherman, forms a friendship with Anselmo, who is pursuing some humble avocation, and is (though unknown to the old gentleman, known to the young lady) betrothed to his daughter. All this is supposed to have happened before the curtain is drawn up! In the first act, a party of Genoese come in search of Anselmo, who curses the Doge, and requires his future son-in-law to do the same; but to this, the hopeful young man very properly demurs. Anselmo, of course, is in a rage; but is appeased by his intended son-inlaw leading a band of fishermen to attack his father's troops. They meet, fight, and the result is, that Anselmo is wounded. They then fall to singing, and the curtain drops! In the second act, a ship is seen in the distance, tossed about by a furious storm. Florentine, despising all danger, goes alone in an open quadrupeds. HONNER, by the way, has been taking lessons at a certain riding school, not Astley's.-The last five weeks of the season having been announced, crowds are flock boat to the rescue of the crew. One only is saved, and he is the Doge of Genoa,-Anselmo's mortal enemy. The latter, of course, resolves more than 100 miles from the theatre-which on killing him; but is, also of course, prevented will account, in some measure, for his intrepifrom so doing by the entreaties of Florentine:dity and daring spirit. He enacts the hero, as they then sing, as usual-kneel, shake hands, if the character were quite familiar to him. He and are soon friends; and so the curtain drops! wears, we observe, the identical great-coat, in The music, though not original, is very pretty; which he lately played the part of Dandie Dinespecially the grand chorus by Weber, said by mont (in Guy Mannering); this renders his some to be the origin of "Vive le Roi." Miss performance literally unique. RAINFORTH, who is deservedly a great favorite, was in fine voice, and sang her portion of the music delightfully. SEGUIN and FRAZER, too, made the most of their respective parts. The latter gentleman, though he evinces much taste and judgment, has an unfortunate falsetto, which often operates greatly to his prejudice. The scenery, especially in the first act, was beautiful, and does much credit to the talent of Mr. PITT, the artist. In the Little Laundress, which followed the above, we again saw Mr. COMPTON. He may be a very clever, and a very humorous actor; but, for the life of us, WE cannot per ceive it. How the Little Laundress can fall in love with such an animal, surpasses our philosophy to divine; but "there is no accounting for taste." What does Mr. M'IAN mean by making such an egregious fool of himself in this piece? He seems to resemble the "perpetual motion" more than any thing else. The house was crowded in every part; and the success of the opera complete. ing, every night, to witness the grand equestrian spectacles for which this establishment has so long and so justly been celebrated. The performances of the week have been Crichton; or, the Royal Bull Fight; the Female Hussar, by Miss the Flitch of Bacon; the Roman Racers; the WOOLFORD; the Summer's Morn of 1660, or Secret Mine, or the Ruby Cliffs; and a variety of equestrian manœuvres. All these attractions "combined," have proved, as George Robins would say, "irresistible." Victoria.-WRENCH, in I and My Double, has again turned the fortunes of this house; which has been well attended during the week. The popular drama of Lucille has followed; and the laughable farce of "No." On Monday, Mr. James VINING, the worthy stage-manager, takes his benefit, on which occasion Madame VESTRIS and Charles MATTHEWS will appear. This will ensure a bumper. Sadler's Wells.-The grand spectacle, called the Knights of St. Albans, produced here on Monday, was triumphantly successful. There was not a seat to be had in the house, after the rising of the curtain. New Strand.-We have again to record the continued success of Sam Weller; which Queen's. This theatre has been princiseems quite as attractive as ever. It will, doubt-pally devoted to "benefits," since our last; less, run through the season. On Monday, an there is, therefore, nothing for us to comment addition was made to the popular pieces pro- upon. duced under HAMMOND'S able management. It is entitled No Followers; or the Black Image. HAMMOND is, of course, the hero; and on him rests the whole weight of the comic business. We have seen burlettas that have pleased us better; but, on the whole, it is a very laughable affair. HAMMOND's personation of a "nigger" is full of genuine humor; and his "song" particularly happy in the effect it produces on the risible muscles. Miss DALY, Mr. J. LEE, and Mr. Howe deserve honorable mention. They all played admirably. ROYAL SURREY ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. A grand fete was given here, on Monday last, to commemorate the gracious extension of her Majesty's patronage towards the establishment. The entertainments were on the most liberal scale. Surrey.-The Law of the Land seems to Mrs. Graham, accompanied by her husband, be, that all the world should visit the Surrey-made her ascent in the Royal Victoria Balloon, judging, at least, from the immense nightly in- accompanied by two monkeys in parachutes; the flux of visitors. We never thought that Dr. Bedouin Arabs exhibited their surprising feats Dodd's delinquencies could have imparted such on the lake; and, in the evening, there was a a zest in the 19th century. Of a verity the pub- grand Eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The visilic are strange animals, and their tastes are as tors admitted during the day exceeded 10,000. variable as a weathercock! To give variety to the entertainments, Mr. Davidge has liberally engaged Mr. and Mrs. GILBERT, of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, who have appeared, during the week, in the celebrated ballet of La Sylphide. Richard Turpin, also, has been revived, to afford Mr. HONNER an opportunity for displaying his feats of horsemanship. It has been well got up, and is creditably performed both by bipeds and On Tuesday, there was a GRAND DAHLIA SHOW, given by the South London Floricultural Society; on which occasion there were upwards of 80 medals distributed to the most successful of the competitors. The flowers exhibited were of the choicest kind, and afforded very great gratification to many thousands of individuals; who, notwithstanding the uncomfortable state of the weather (it being very chilly and damp), had determined on being present on this, the last fête of the feason. At dusk, there was another Eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which was grander, if possible, than that of Monday. On both days, the Royal Military Band attended, and played a selection of popular airs, and martial music. ARCHERY FETE, BEULAH SPA. These delightful grounds were, on Monday last, enlivened by an Archery Meeting, under the immediate patronage of the Countess of Essex. On this occasion, her ladyship gave three splendid prizes to be shot for; at 100, 80, and 60 yards distance. The successful competitors were Messrs. Dodd, Fortescue, and Betty. The contest was kept up with spirit, and afforded much interest to a numerous assemblage of beauty, rank, and fashion. The arrangements of the fete were under the superintendence of Mr. A. P. Harrison. VARIETIES, A CONTRAST.-When a female is here saluted with a buss, she puts on her bonnet and shawl, and answereth thus "I am astonished at thy assurance, Jedekiah; for this indignity I will sew thee up."-Lynn Record. The ladies in this village receive a salute with Christian meekness. They follow the scripture rule-when smitten on the one cheek they turn the other also.-Bungtown Chronicle. ROMANCE. Bold Turpin vunce, on Hounslow Heath, Ven there he seed the Bishop's coach A-coming along the road-er. So he gallops close to the orse's legs, And he claps his head vithin ; And the Bishop says "sure as eggs is eggs, Chorus. And the Bishop says, "sure as eggs is eggs, Says Turpin, "you shall eat your words So he puts a pistol to his mouth, And he fires it down his gul-let. The coachman he not likin' the job, Set off at a full gal-lop, But Dick put a couple of balls in his nob, Chorus sarcastically. But Dick put a couple of balls in his And perwailed on him to stop. [nob. NATIONAL GALLERY.-A beautiful broad foot-pavement is laid down on the south side, fronting the new National Gallery. The whole of the stone-work for the handsome iron railing is now ready; and the intended square, the interior of which will be made elegant by shrubberies being planted in it, beautiful gravel-walks laid out, and fountains, will be immediately enclosed. Both the coach and cab stands are to be removed to some more appropriate place.-Standard. [A correspondent of the Chronicle warns the public that it is contemplated to make this square a walk only for the privileged few; and recommends attention to frustrate the job. We can hardly believe that it is intended to exclude the public; but the best way of preventing such a project is certainly to make a noise about it.] SEVERE JUSTICE.-Printlace, the late cashier to the Copenhagen Theatre, has been convicted of defrauding the establishment of 70,000 dollars. The sentence is, loss of honor and his right hand, and hard labor in a a fortress till the money be restored or the criminal die! FOREIGN EGGS.-The following is an account of the number of foreign egs imported into Great Britain during the last twelve months (at a duty of 10d. per 120), distinguishing the countries from which the same were imported, with the amount of duty received thereon:-Denmark, 240; Holland, 120; Flanders, 949,263; France, 49,425,124; Guernsey and Jersey, 269,278. Total, 50,644,025. Amount of duty received, £17,587 16s. TO DEATH FROM TIGHT LACING; ADDRESSED FOUR-FIFTHS OF THE LADIES OF ENGLAND.-On Monday, a fine young woman, named Anne Addison, died suddenly, after having taken a long walk on the previous evening. On the same day, a post mortem examination of the body took place; when it was found that she had caused a pressure of the lungs and viscera, from lacing her stays tightly to produce a thin and handsome(!) waist. We hope, but have strong fears on the matter, that this may act as a warning to some of our fair countrywomen.-Nottingham Journal. HARLEY has resigned the management of the St. James' Theatre. We are not yet able to say who is to be his successor. THE MARQUIS OF WATERFORD.-BERGEN.-The well-known Marquis of Waterford arrived here last week on board his handsome yacht. In our streets he attempted to play the pranks by which he has acquired a very equivocal reputation in the United Kingdom, but unhappily encountered a watchman, who is one of the most vigorous of our guardians of the night, and a blow of whose staff felled the Marquis to the ground, where he lay half dead. This happened near to the principal guard-house, where a subaltern officer of the Burgher Guard was on duty. By his care, his Lordship received speedy assistance, but is in such a deplorable condition that our physicians despair of his life. MODE OF CATCHING THE TURTLE.-A turtle is a very lethargic animal, and may frequently be surprised in its watery slumbers. The balsa is placed nearly perpendicularly over one of these unsuspecting sleepers, when the fisherman softly sliding the pole through the water in the direction of the animal, till within a foot or two of it, he suddenly plunges the iron into its back. No sooner does the creature feel itself transfixed, than it swims hastily forward, and endeavors to liberate itself. The slightest motion of the turtle displaces the iron point from the long pole, which would otherwise be inevitably broken, and the turtle would as certainly be lost: but in the manner here described, it is held by ths cord fastened on to the iron which has penetrated its back, till, after it has sufficiently exhausted its strength, it is hoisted on board the canoe by the fisherman, who proceeds to the shore in order to dispose of his prizeHardy's Travels in Mexico. CHIT-CHAT. Mr. TERNAN, and, we believe, Mrs. Ternan (his wife), formerly Miss Jarman, are engaged at Drury Lane. They both stand high in their profession. Mr. Butler, too, is engaged here. The QUEEN's Own Theatre, in Oxford Street, is expected to open on the 26th of next month. we - RICHMOND THEATRE. Our critique on Miss Davenport's 'precocious' performances at this theatre (see IDLER No. 16, p. 124), has, it would seem, given great offence to the young lady's friends; for which are sorry,the object of our critique being altogether mistaken. We did not attack her performance on the score of merit; for, as a child, we readily acknowledge that Miss D. possesses considerable talent; we wished to discountenance an invasion of the regular drama by juvenile aspirants; to whom, on principle, we have a decided objection. Of her private character, we know nothing; nor did we ever see, or even hear of the young lady, till she was announced to play at the Richmond Theatre. We trust this explanation will be deemed satisfactory. In offering MISCELLANEOUS. Elysium; Brydges Street. NEARLY OPPOSITE DRURY LANE THEATRE. it, however, we beg to observe that, in our pub- THESE SPACIOUS AND ELEGANT SUPPER lic capacity of critics, we shall never consent to be muzzled. ROOMS, which are now open to the Public, will be found replete with every comfort and accommodation that can be required by persons visiting the Theatres, and other places of public resort. STRETTON, late of the St. James' Theatre, is engaged at Covent Garden; being another valuable addition to the operatic department of that just been added to the Establishment. N.B. The PAINTED CHAMBER, whose walls are ornamented with a Series of Continental Sketches, has establishment. WILLIAMS and Oxberry have enlisted under the banners of Mrs. Honey, at the Norton Folgate Theatre. The pretty Ellen DALY is on the list of absentees at the Adelphi. She is about to go on pilgrimage with Hammond, to the Provinces. HALL, who has so signally distinguished himself at the Strand, is engaged by Braham for there years, at the St. James' Theatre. Mr. BURFORD, the indefatigable artist and unrivalled painter of Panoramas, is again in Town; having just returned from Rome. The effects of his magic touch will, we expect, shortly be exhibited to the public. QUANTITY V. QUALITY.-A new weekly contemporary, professedly devoted to the service of the fair sex, thus placards its objects, and its advantages "Four columns and an engraving for one farthing!!" to which is prefixed in large letters-" Quite a miracle!" This is unique! The Paris Italian Opera is to open on the 9th of October and close on the 31st of March. Mesdames Grisi, Albertazzi, and TacchinardiPersioni, and MM. Lablache, Tamburini, Ferlini, and Morelli, are engaged. KEELEY, and his wife, have returned in safety, from America. CHARLES KEAN.-We stated in our last, that this gentleman had wisely declined risking his reputation in London, by accepting an engagement. He has since, however, had weighty reasons for changing his mind; and he now stands enrolled in the lists of "Alfred the Silly," lessee of the T. R. Drury Lane. TAGLIONI is at present giving a series of performances at Berlin, whence she will afterwards proceed to St. Petersburgh. ΚΙ BOOKS. Choice Popular Novelties. IDD'S LONDON DIRECTORY, and AMUSEMENT GUIDE (the ONLY COMPLETE "Picture of London" ever published); containing a Vivid Picture of 'Life after Dark;' and illustrated throughout with 38 engravings, by George and Robert Cruikshank, Seymour and Bonner. 11th edition, price 5s. 6d. elegantly bound. KIDD'S HOW TO ENJOY PARIS. 3rd edition. 1s. 6d. KIDD'S HOW TO ENJOY BOULOGNE. Third edition. 1s. 6d. KIDD'S HINTS TO CARVERS; with 39 Engra1s. 6d. vings of Fish, Flesh, and Fowl. 6th edition. KIDD'S PARISIAN and ENGLISH COOKERYBOOK. 5th edition. 1s. KIDD'S SCIENCE OF ETIQUETTE. 12th edition, 1s. 6d. Beware of Counterfeits and Substitutions. KIDD'S LITTLE WORLD of GREAT and GOOD THINGS. 5th edition, 6s. bound. KIDD'S GOLDEN KEY TO THE TREASURES OF KNOWLEDGE. 6th edition, 6s. bound. KIDD'S PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ART OF ANGLING. 7th edition, Is. 6d. HOW TO MAKE EVERY BODY COMFORTABLE; illustrated by Cruikshank. 8th edition, 1s. 6d. TEASING MADE EASY; by a Lady. Ditto, Is. THE LADIES' and GENTLEMEN'S ORACLE of TASTE and FASHION. 8th edition, ls. BUBBLES FROM THE RAILWAYS, &c. ; illustrated by Cruikshank. 6th edition, 1s. 6d. SIX HINTS TO BACHELORS. 11th edition, 1s. THE BOOK OF COURTSHIP. 10th edition, 1s. 6d. THE BOOK OF MATRIMONY. 10th edit. 1s. 6d. THE MATRIMONIAL SKETCH-BOOK. 12th edition, 1s. 6d. THE LOVER'S OWN BOOK. 12th edition, 1s. London W. KIDD, 7, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden; and George Mann, 39, Cornhill. Also, in Liverpool, by Ross and Nightingale; and in Manchester, by Lewis; and George Simms. Printed by J. Eames, 7, Tavistock St., Covent Garden. Published for the Proprietor by GEORGE DENNEY, at Hetherington, 126, Strand; Strange, 21, and Steill, 20, the Office, 7, Tavistock St. Covent Garden: sold also by Paternoster Row; Purkiss, Compton Street; and James Pattie, 4, Brydges Street, Covent Garden. A NEW AND FASHIONABLE WEEELY JOURNAL OF LITERATURE, FINE ARTS, MUSIC, AMUSEMENT, EXHIBITIONS, VARIETIES, SATIRE, AND THE STAGE. "QUALITY,-NOT QUANTITY."-Common Sense. VOL. I.-No. 20.] SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1837. SKETCHES OF CHARACTER.-No. 4. THE SWORD-BEARER. THE SWORD-BEARER is a civic contradiction; he is the personification of meekness, carrying the symbol of massacre. He is as a dove bearing a thuuder-bolt. He looks as though he were bound over to keep, at once, the peace and the sword. He is Placidity representing Agitation. Pantaloon playing Sir Paladin. His appearance conjures up ideas, at the same instant, of the Battle of Waterloo and a Quakers' gathering; and when he thinks upon the shining blade, which he bears always, and yet never bares, a quaker he might indeed be deemed, but for his garb, which befitteth the gaiety and grandeur of the state-carriage. The Swordbearer, be it known, is essentially a gentleman. In the course of a recent inquiry, the question was indecently raised-but triumphantly answered in this double barrelled compliment-"Of course he is a gentleman-he rides in the same coach as the Lord Mayor!" Seeing this and who has not seen that it is so ?-he merits a more distinguished prefix than that by which he is commonly addressed-"Mr. Sword-bearer!" And yet, upon reflection, the designation aptly describes his compound character, constituted as it is of the civic and the chivalric-Mr. Sword-bearer! He is a human embodiment of brandy and water-the water preponderating; of war and peace-peace having decidedly the best of it. As he rides along with the Lord Mayor, "in the same coach," you see that he is wondering what the sword is for; and his wonder heightens into an exquisite perplexity, when he reflects that the Lord Mayor accepts no challenge, not even from a magistrate. He concludes that the sword is introduced under such circumstances, upon the principle that applies to the erection of Shakspeare's statues in the national theatres,-to denote the absence of the thing symbolized. As for himself, he surmises that the folks take him for the Duke of Wellington, but he is inwardly conscious that that is a mistake. He feels that, as perils past tend to assure valour, he can carry the sheathed sword year after year with steady hands-one [No. 5. NEW SERIES.] [PRICE ONE PENNY. is insufficient; but to look upon the gleaming steel itself!-he would as soon think of doing it, as a timid girl, forewarned, would dream of peeping into Bluebeard's chamber. True, he can wear a weapon, like some who are seemingly braver; but bid him draw it, and you might as well attempt to cut out an enemy's ship, from under a battery, with a pair of scissors. The city, in fact, has confided to him a sword which is always to remain in its scabbard; as Dr. Primrose intrusted a guinea to his daughter, with strict injunctions not to change it. Temple-Bar was never yet indebted for a head to the instrumentality of the Sword-bearer. His own, should the law of friction, accelerated by the motion of the carriage, in time take effect upon the scabbard, is evidently the only one in danger; and it would scarcely be missed, while the left shoulder remained firm. He would ride back to Guildhall unconscious of a difference, until, duly seated in his place at the banquet, he raised the first spoonful, and discovered his mouth to be an absentee. May an accident so vexatious never befal him! May the Lord Mayor never be elected, who would command him to swallow the sword, like Ramo Samee, for the gratification of the company! May he never need armour less convenient and comforting to his shrunk limbs, than linsey-woolsey; but still be recognised as a warrior on the peace establishment -as a blank letter with a black seal-as a proclamation of war terminating in a treaty of amity-as a great gun, warranted not to go off;-in short, as a very odd specimen of a sword-fish, found only in the Pacific! HIGH AND LOW RUFFIANS.-"It matters little whether the cigar smoked in public, be of pure Havannah or coarse Pigtail. Slang is still slang, whether emitted from between teeth which borrow their enamel from Delcroix's shop, or teeth which have recently escaped the hard impeachment of the Fives' Court. The man brought up disorderly to the watch-house, may return to a bed of down in Curzon Street, or to a garret in the Seven Dials. But the nature of both reprobates is the same. One will end at the treadmill, the other in the Queen's Bench; but the same clay, the same mud, predominates in the frame of both."--Mrs. Gore. |