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Or, shiv`ring, die upon the leafless branch,
The Swolen victims of stern wint'ry blasts:
While sorrowing dirges oft,

Thou sing'st o'er many a grave.

Sweet care of gracious heav'n! thy future life,
Perhaps the bright celestial fields may glad :
Where thou in evergreens,

May'st thy soft texture weave.

There mark'd, perhaps, by purer eyes than mine,
And there, with never-dying warbles blest,

Thou may'st the shades enjoy

In unmolested bliss.

Plymouth, July 4th, 1801.

N. HOWARD.

MEMORANDA DRAMATICA, &c.

HAY-MARKET.

AUG. 14-The Fairies' Revels, or Love in the Highlands, a piece of the ballet kind, was produced for the first time. The story is founded on a poem called the Ring, written by young Moore, the translator of Anacreon, and published with other poems under the feigned name of the late Thomas Little, Esq. It is dramatized by Fawcett, whose success in these matters has never deserted him. D'Egville, we understand, regulated the dances. It would be a waste of time to give a regular analysis of this pleasing spectacle, and we have not space to insert the official account from the papers. The characters in the piece are principally children, among whom Master Menage and Master Byrne are entitled to particular notice. The whole went off with the most unbounded applause, and must continue a favourite. Fawcett is an admirable caterer; there is a neatness and compactness in his ballets, which we look for in vain in similar productions by others. The songs were written, we believe, by Mr. Colman,

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MR. KEMBLE.-(From a French Paper.)-Mr. Kemble, the celebrated actor, of London, whose arrival at Paris has been announced by all the papers, is a fine figure, appears to be from 36 to 40 years old: his hair dark, and the marked character of his features give him a physiognomy truly tragic:➡he understands and speaks perfectly well the French language, but in company he appears be thoughtful and incommunicative. His manners, however, are very distinguished, and he has in his look, when he is spoken to, an expression of courtesy, that affords us the best idea of his education; he is said to be well informed, and a particularly good grammarian, which must distinguish him from other English actors, who are more attentive to attitude than to diction. The Comedie Francaise has received him with all the respect due to the Le Kain of England;

they have already given him a superb dinner, and mean to invite him to a stil more brilliant souper.

Talma, to whom he had letters of recommendation, does the honours of Paris; they visit together our finest works, and appear to be already united by the most friendly ties. Kemble is frank enough to avow that our mode of theatrical declamation does not suit him, and that he thinks it too remote from nature; but he confesses that some of our actors have great talents. Before his departure, they talk of playing Macbeth, Hamlet, and Romeo and Juliet. This truly French gallantry will have the double advantage of doing honour to a whole people, in the person of their most celebrated tragedian, and of drawing great houses,

NEW ROYAL CIRCUS.

GONSALVO DE CORDOVA, or the Conquest of Granada, is the superb spectacle hinted at in our Mirror last month. The music is by Reeve; the dresses, decorations, and scenery, are uncommonly fine. Cross has attended to every minutiae of costume, and has not a little increased his reputation by it. Mrs. Wybrow's Zoraida is an admirable piece of acting. Betterton and Robarts in the combat are very successful, and Miss Adams in Zora, and Mrs. Roffey, as Inis, are very spirited. This pantomimic spectacle continues to fill the house.

ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE, WESTMINSTER-BRIDGE.

As we predicted, the French Company have been very productive to young Astley. The first night of the Knights of the Sun produced so great an overflow in every part, that the horsemanship was omitted for want of room. They have since exhibited their talents variously, and with equal success. The Female Hussar, or the Heroic Sergeant, is a spectacle of uncommon splendour, and the new pantomime of Harlequin in Lillipo is extremely laughable indeed, Astley has prudently re-engaged this popular troop.

SADLER'S WELLS.

UNDER the direction of Mr. C. Dibdin, Jun. a new serio-comic pantomime called Zoa, or the Belle Savage, in which young Bologna, Grimaldi, Davis, Miss Jenkinson, Madame St. Amand, and Miss Cabanel, sustain characters. The business is very ingenious, many of the tricks novel, the songs by Dibdin possess his usual point, and the music most appropriate by Russell. The Wells flourish better than usual this season.

KING'S THEATRE.

The Opera House next season is to be under the sole direction of Mr. Jewell, who has adopted such prudent measures as cannot fail to give full satisfaction to the subscribers, and the public in general. In addition to Mrs. Billington, an engagement has been sent to Signor Marchesi, and it is probable that Vestris will likewise be engaged for the ensuing season. Signora Banti is in Paris, with Mr. Taylor.

DILLETANTI SOCIETY, LYCEUM.

A new dilletanti society is to be established upon a very enlarged plan, and to be confined entirely to the higher classes of the community, together with eminent artists in the polite branches of literature and science. The fashionable amusements are to be brought in aid of the arts. The society is to be composed

equally of ladies and gentlemen; and foreigners of distinction are admissible through their respective ambassadors. If this establishment is properly conducted, it may in a great measure be the means of reviving decayed manners, of affording protection to talents, opposing a mound against the admission of unprivileged persons into society; and on such grounds it will deserve encouragement and success.

GALLERY OF PAINTINGS.

A gallery of paintings in London is proposed to be established on a scale that must prove highly beneficial to this nation. Count Truchsess has already issued a prospectus of the plan on which it is to be created and conducted, usefully to the arts, and inter, sting to the public. Subscription is to be the principal support, on terms of proprietorship, with such advantage, generally applying, as must render the design worthy of the patronage of the opulent part of the British nation.

PROVINCIAL DRAMA, &c.

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Theatre ST. NEOTS.-The Assembly Room in this town has been fitted up by Mr. Lacy, as a theatre; and, notwithstanding the accommodation before the curtain is but very indifferent, and the scenery none of the best; yet, as we are informed it is all the work of his own hand, we must allow it does credit to his industry. The company consists of, first, Mr. Lacy the manager, who, of Course, manager-like, plays every thing, Shakespeare cannot be too heavy, nor O'Keefe too light." In tragedy he certainly has considerable merit-his decla mation is extremely judicious, but we must confess his figure is but ill adapted to many of the parts in comedy to which he aspires. A Mr. Hawkins has been. thrust upon the good people of St. Neots, as a theatrical hero! He has nothing (in our opinion) to entitle him to that appellation, save a huge cocked hat, which be takes much paints to exhibit to the audience for their gratification, as it is made upon the new principle of closing up together, for the convenience of package→ To Mr. Hawkins this convenience must be particularly agreeable, as he can wrap it (with the rest of his wardrobe) in a sheet of brown paper. We saw this gentleman in Bob Handy. If he is handy at any business, we would advise him to resume it, for we are certain (to use a vulgar expression) that he will never make a-hand of the stage. Mr. Bristow is by far the best, indeed [he is the only actor Mr. Lacy has got. We witnessed his representation of Farmer Ashfield with much satisfaction. In many other characters too, if he does not excel, he at least reaches mediocrity. Mr. Bartlett is the singer here, and we can only say, he sings with very indifferent judgment and execution. Mr. Heely, in old comic men, displays some talent, but unfortunately he is so fond of distorting his features, to make the bumpkins laugh, that he disgusts all those who are possessed of the smallest degree of discrimination. Mrs. Lacy, following the steps of her husband, attempts a great variety of characters. Miss Taylor is rather a pretty girl, and when she gets a little more accustomed to the stage, may, perhaps, be equal to a decent line of comedy. Unfortunately she has not an opportunity of improvement in her present situation. We could wish to see her translated to another and a better mimic world. Miss Darrell pourtrays the characters of old

maids, shrews, or indeed any light and airy parts that require the Hoyden tone wery respectably, and in the accom pl shed lady seems to be quite at home. Of the rest of the ladies and gentlemen we shall say nothing. If they are conscious of their own defects, we doubt not but they will be pleased at having escaped notice. The theatre has been tolerably well attended. The Duchess of Manchester comananded a play, but did not deign to honour it with her presence: however it served the manager, as her Grace's name proved attractive.

Theatre LANCASTER.-Mr. H. Siddons, with his amiable and accomplished wife, made their first appearance on Tuesday the 17th Aug. for the benefit of Mr. Stanton. Mr. Siddons very judiciously selected for their entré the play of the Stranger, in which he has long been deservedly considered a powerful representative of the care-worn misanthrope, Mrs. H. Siddon's charmed us in Mrs. Haller-her soft plaintive voice, and the elegance of her deportment, gave all the force, dignity, and sweetness, of which the character is susceptible.

Theatre LEWIS.-We were not a little surprised to witness Mr. Claremont of Covent Garden, the hero of Bosworth field, at this theatre, and we should do injustice to our feelings and to truth, were we not to acknowledge that we have seen the crook-backed tyrant more ludicrously pourtrayed. His "smile and murder while I smile," was an attempt at the manner of Cooke; and in the tent scene, he evidently let "fly at higher game." Mrs. Humphreys of Drury Lane is

the heroine.

Theatre MARGATE-Wilmot Wells, one of the proprietors, and the acting manager, availing himself of the talents of Mr. Raymond, of Drury-Lane theatre, that gentleman has performed with universal approbation, and to crowded houses, Octavian in the Mountaineers, Rolla, the Stranger, and Shylock. Mrs. Second has also been engaged in the vocal department.

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Theatre-Royal RICHMOND.-Mr. Diddear has again enlisted under his banfor a few nights, that favourite of Thalia, Mrs. Jordan, in whose superior talents time seems to make no inroad. Mrs. Jordan's private character is so estimable, that were we to divest it of its great public excellence,, which is certainly unrivalled, the countenance and support this lady receives from the nobility and gentry round Richmond, would not be unmerited. Mr. Evatt has great merit in various departments of the drama, and the musical talents of Mrs. King add considerably to the vocal excellence of the company.

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Theatre TUNBRIDGE WELLS.-Mrs. Baker has just opened a new theatre, erected by herself at an expence little less than three thousand pounds. would recommend this public spirited manager to lavish a little more money in talent for the gratification of those persons who visit the Wells, and, during the winter, are in the habit of seeing the best performers in town. A more contemptible company than the present certainly never was collected.

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Theatre BRIGHTON,-Under the direction of Mr. Haymes, the theatre has this season been less successful than the last, when Swendall managed the conSwendall has judgment, and good discrimination. Madame Frederick treads the "light fantastic toe," and is a favourite. Quick has been performing here very successfully, for a number of nights, and we have great satisfaction in stating that the manager has engaged Mr. and Mrs. Pope from London, who have performed in the Conscious Lovers, Othello, School for Scandal, &c, with great applause, and to crowded houses. Mrs. Pope's taste for dress is the subject of general admiration.

Theatre BIRMINGHAM.-Mr. Cooke's first engagement at this theatre was given out for Monday, July 10, in the character of Richard; but, being indisposed, the public was disappointed: and on Tuesday night he performed his lago to a very thin house. Though very far from being recovered, he went through his part with great spirit, and with his usual happy effect. Upon the whole, he appears not to be so great a favourite with the Birmingham people as Mr. Kemble. Perhaps their most striking excellencies are in very dissimilar characters. Mr. Cooke is inimitably fine in the representation of subtle and intricate villany Mr. Kemble in the philosophical recluse, that turns, with the most unvarying misanthropy, from the follies of men, and whose brow, if for a moment it relax into mildness and suavity, will suddenly shut up in silent and impenetrable reserve. There is a slight inequality in the performance of Mr. Cooke, and, to some people, a sombre uniformity in that of Mr. Kemble.Perhaps a phrase of Dr. Johnson's will most correctly convey an idea of their various merits-"We see Cooke with frequent astonishment, and Kemble with perpetual delight." Mr. and Mrs. Sidd ons Jun. in Othello and Desdemona, excited a strong interest in the audience, and received the strongest proofs of general approbation. The former went through the most empassioned scenes with uncommon effect, and the latter, in her tender solicitations for Cassius, and when labouring under the Moor's unkindness, was surpassingly fine, and painfully interesting. Mrs. Litchfield, in Emilia, though a character that gives little scope to her great powers, received the loudest and most general applause we ever remember to have heard. The distinct clearness of her voice acted like electricity on the audience, and their hands and feet fell mechanically to work, as if by instinct. CIVES

Theatre Royal CHELTENHAM.Mrs. Litchfield has performed six nights here with great success. Her performances were much admired, and her benefit was attended by the principal fashionable visitants of the place. On this occaSion she gratified the town with the Voice of Nature, in which she performed Lilla, with very great effect. Miss Mellon also made her first and only appearance in this theatre, in Maria in the Citizen, and Nell in the Devil to Pay, and was received with the highest applause. There are several good actors among the regular company. Mr. Cunningham, from Bath, is a lively and spirited comedian, and is deservedly a great favourite with the inhabitants. Mr. Chapman is a sound and judicious actor, with a good voice, and other requisites of the best kind. He played Shylock, on the night of Mrs. Litchfield's appearance, in a masterly style. Both these gentlemen are worthy of the attention of the London managers. Mrs. Charlton (wife of Mr. Charlton the acting manager at Bath, and sister to Mr. Glassington the prompter of Covent-Garden theatre) is a most respectable and attentive actress, and there are several other performers of merit in the company; Mr. and Mrs. Field, Mr. Buckle, Mr. Hardy, Mrs. Cunningham, &c. Mr. Richer, who is the son-in-law of Mr. Watson, the manager, has displayed his astonishing feats on the tight rope, with the most unbounded applause.

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