ENTERTAINMENTS AND EXHIBITIONS. called Curfew, said to be from the pen of the late Mr. Tobin, author of the Honeymoon, was produced at this theatre. The scene is in England, in the time of William the Conqueror, and the characters are Hugh de Tracy Robert Bertrand Walter Philip Dunstan Matilda Florence Fitzharding Armstrong Conrad Herman Normans. Mr. BARRYMORE Mr. COOKE Mr. ELLISTON way to confess the Baron, assumes the dress of the monk, and proceeds to the castle himself in that character, having previously concerted an attack on the castle, with intent to murder the. inhabitants, at the tolling of the curfew. Matilda, the Baron's wife, surviving her wound, and a subsequent shipwreck while on her passage to England with her son Robert, lives in disguise, in a hovel near her husband's castle, over whom and her daughter Florence she watches unknown, the Baron believing her to be dead. To increase his misery, he is now convinced of his wife's innocency, and builds a mausoleum to her memory. His deadly foe still, however, pursues him, and having gained access as a father confessor, the Baron opens his This play is replete with interest whole mind to him relative to Maand deep pathos, possessing many tilda. During this interview, Matilda striking situations and much stage ef- is brought before the Baron as a witch, fect. The Baron de Tracy, one of and, though denying the charge, she the Norman followers of William, yet promises to raise his wife from the having married an English lady Ma- grave, and in the friar recognises the tilda) while he lived in Normandy, captain of the banditti, and deteris so violently instigated to jealousy by mines to watch him. The Baron's certain anonymous letters, that he daughter Florence having eloped plunged his dagger into his wife's bo- from her father, in boy's clothes, to som, caught as he considered in the meet her lover Bertrand, a noble arms of her seducer. The cause of minded youth, educated by the Baron, this misery was Fitzharding, who, but of humble origin, is seized by the when a youth, had entered into the banditti, who determine on her death; military service, under the Baron, and and her own brother Robert, who, having for some trifling offence been through distress, had joined them, is ignominiously branded in the shoul- fixed on to commit the murder, but der,and though apparently reconciled, when she cannot prevail on him to yet he nourished in his breast the spare her, she confesses her sex, and most rancorous revenge against his he becomes her protector, and takes unsuspecting adversary. To facilitate her to his mother's cottage. The Bahis scheme, he has a report of his ron now gives the pretended friar a death circulated, whilst he attacks the private meeting in the chapel, near happiness of the Baron by the pre- the mausoleum, in which "Matilda tended infidelity of his wife; to con- conceals herself, suspecting what Fitzfirm which, he appoints a time when harding had in view, when, having he shall find a man in her chamber, discovered his purpose and on the and contrives to appear there himself point of murdering the Baron, the to the deluded husband, who stabs tomb bursts open, and the Baroness his wife, as above related. The Baron comes forward splendidly drest. An afterwards comes to England with eclaircissement now takes place; the William the Conqueror, and Fitz- Baron offers Fitzharding forgiveness, harding escaping, arrives in the same which he refuses, and is sent inte country and becomes the captain of a confinement. The attack of the banDanish banditti, who infest the woods ditti is defeated by the information adjacent to the Baron's castle. Fitz- of Robert and his sister, who is mar. ried to Bertrand, and the piece con- forms a base design of attempting to cludes with the re-union of the Baron seduce Miss Somers, (whom he had and Matilda. formerly seen) but not knowing her There has seldom been a new play place of residence, in hopes to disso ably sustained by the performers, cover it, tells Cosey he is going the who were perfect in their respective same road, and requests to join his parts. Elliston evinced unusual powers company; failing in this, he follows in Fitzharding, and Mrs. Powell in- him. Cosey, after much personal fused much dignity and tenderness danger, from which he is rescued by into the part of Matilda. The scenes the intrepidity of a stranger, reaches where she undergoes an interrogatory Wales, and recognises his preserver in as a witch, and where she rescues her the person of Reuben Glenroy, whose husband from the revengeful dagger attachment to his ward he discovers. of Fitzharding are worked up with Reuben, called upon by the voice of uncommon skill, and fraught with the distress during a severe storm of snow, deepest pathos; and not less striking rushes out, and in a short time returns, are the scenes where Fitzharding, as supporting Plastic, apparently lifeless, the confessor, proves the conscience of the Baron. Unmixed applause accompanied the performance from the beginning to the end; and when the piece was announced for a second representation, an universal burst of applause succeeded. A glee was introduced, and admirably sung by Messrs. Fitzsimmons, Miller, and Gibbon; and Miss Duncan spoke a lively epilogue with much point and spirit. COVENT-GARDEN, March 10.This evening, a new Comedy, from the pen of Mr. Morton, was produced at this theatre, entitled Town and Country; or, Which is Best? The characters of which are Plastic Mr. C. KEMBLE who, when recovered and finding himself in the same house with Miss Somers, to further his designs assumes the name of Maitland. Unlooked-for circumstances aid his wishes; he not only contrives to carry away Rosalie Somers from the protection of her friends, but also to make it appear that she consented to an elopement with him, and succeeds in bringing her to town. Reuben, after having passed the night on the .mountains succouring distressed travellers, returns, and hearing that Rosalie has eloped with the man he preserved, sinks into apathy, from which he is roused by the intelligence that his brother Augustus, (the captain) by Trot habits of fashionable extravagance, is Cosev on the brink of ruin. Hoping to save Rev. Owen Glenroy him from the vortex of dissipation, Reuben Glenroy into which he is plunged, he consents Captain Glenroy to accompany Cosey to London. RoHawbuck salie, notwithstanding all Plastic's Hon. Mrs. Glenroy Mrs. GLOVER · caution, eludes his vigilance, and acRosalie Somers Miss BRUNTON cidentally meeting with Trot, is by Mrs. Trot Mrs. MATTOCKS that gentleman, placed under the proMrs. Moreen Mrs. DAVENPORT tection of the Hon. Mrs. Glenroy, The following is the outline of the Cosey and Renben arrive in town, and plot:-Plastic, a dissipated young the former furnishes the latter with man of fashion, and Cosey a stock- the means of relieving his brother's broker, accidentally meet at the house necessities. Reuben loses no time in of Mr. Trot, a wealthy cotton-manu- calling at his house,--meets with Mis, facturer, father-in-law of the former. Glenroy, makes himself known, and During their stay at that gentleman's acquaints her with the purport of his country house, Plastic learns that visit. Reuben then goes to a subCosey is on his road to Wales, to visit scription house for play, where he his ward Miss Rosalie Somers, whom knows his brother was to pass the he has placed at the house of the Rev. evening; and while waiting in an anOwen Glenroy. The two families of tichamber, Augustus rushes from the Somers and Plastic are at enmity, on gaming-table, and, goaded by despair, account of a former election contest. is on the point of committing suicide, Plastic, from motives of revenge, when Reuben arrests his arm and pre vails upon him to go home to his fa- OPERA-HOUSE, Feb. 25.-A new mily, having first learnt that he had serious opera, entitled Argenide e pledged his commission for a gaming Serse, was produced here last night. debt to Plastic. Reuben's next inter- It afforded Madame Catalani an opview is with Plastic, from whom he portunity of displaying her talents as redeems his brother's commission, an actress. The plot is of the slight and Plastic wishing to know who he texture, generally found in Italian is, listens to Reuben's story, and finds operas: Xerres, king of Persia, is behe is known; but Reuben still think- trothed to Argenis, the princess of the ing that Rosalie has voluntarily left Parthians, who is in love with his son her friends, and that her affections are the prince Sebastes. The father being fixed on Plastic, and having promised supposed dead, the prince mounts the that his life should be devoted to her throne, and the lovers are upon the happiness prevails on him to sign a eve of being united, when Xerxes written promise of marriage with the returns, and condemns Sebastes to lady. Reuben, in company with Co- death. The princess runs mad, but sey, meets Plastic, according to ap- the king at length relents, and the pointment, at the house of Mrs. Glen- lovers are made happy. The perroy. Rosalie being introduced, an formance of Madame Catalani in Areclaircissement takes place, which genis, displayed much natural simpliexposes the ingratitude of Plastic, city and feeling, and the music by and the young lady bestows her hand and fortune on Reuben Glenroy. The comic parts of this comedy arise from the incidents which are attached to Cosey, a stock-broker and a cockney; Trot, a great cotton-manufacturer, and his wife a would-be woman of ton; Ilawbuck, a lad brought up in a Yorkshire school; and Mrs. Glenroy, a sprightly elegante. Portogallo afforded some charming airs for that distinguished actress. CONCERT OF ANCIENT MUSIC, Feb. 12.-This evening the second Concert was performed. Mrs. Mountain filled the place of Mrs Billington, and met with a most encouraging reception. Mrs. Vaughan sung with great taste and sweetness. Messrs. Harrison, W. Knyvett, and Bartle man, were highly applauded. The Earls of Uxbridge, Fortescue, and Dartmouth, were the presiding directors of the night. The prologue was written by Mr. J. Taylor, and spoken by Mr. Brunton; and the epilogue, written by Mr. Colman, and delivered by Messrs. Fawcett and Blanchard, was highly humourous and pointed. In the second act, there was a charming song composed by Kelly, and sung by Miss Tyrer. At the close, the play was announced for repetition with great ap- INSTITUTION.-This elegant place of plause. The third Concert was on Feb. 18th, under the direction of the Earl of Darnley. The selection was princi pally from Handel and Dryden. ARGYLE-STREET FASHIONABLE amusement was opened on Monday The dialogue of this, play is neat night, the 16th of February, with a and pointed, and the delineations of grand concert of vocal and instru Mr. Morton are, as usual, a faithful mental music. The arrangements and transcript of the manners and fashions decorations of this superb scene exof the day. He is well acquainted ceeded the most sanguine expecta with the stylish moves of what is tions of the public. The grand concalled the fashionable world, and the cert room, which was the temple detraits which he furnishes are therefore dicated to harmony, was lighted by the more valuable, and his ridicule six brilliant Grecian lustres, susmore just and pointed. From the second to the middle of the fourth act, the business of the scene languishes, and the interest which is excited in the earlier scenes might easily be sustained by a judicious curtailment, which would hasten the progression of the incidents. pended from the ceiling, which is painted with emblematical devices. Mr. Weichsel was leader of the band, which included the names of Ashe, Mountain, Smart, C. Lindley, Spagnioletti, Drogonetti, and the Leanders. The vocal performers were Madame Bianchi, Signor Si Vow, (Oft have I tried, and ever found thee true). That, to some distant spot, thou wilt re move boni, and Madame Catalani. The Promise!-and will trust thy faithful selection was Italian, with the exception of a beautiful duet on the violin and violoncello, by Messrs. Weichsel and Lindley. Madame Catalani's execution of "Si la Patria," with the bassoon obligato by Mr. Holmes, was an astonishing display of voice and execution, and was rapturously received by a brilliant audience. This fatal pledge of hapless Emma's love, I know thou wilt!-sad silence speaks assent, It is with pleasure that we for the first time announce to the public, unAnd, in that pleasing hope, I die content.der this division of our work, a dis- Though the pictoral representation play of singular interest and of un- of such a scene, which, to speak the common excellence. What we refer language of Lord Bacon, comes home to, is not another Panorama, calcu- to men's business and bosoms, must lated to excite merely curiosity and be anticipated as intrinsically attracwonder, but an affecting delineation tive, it required the imagination of a of one of the most important scenes genuine poet, together with the masto which humanity is subject; which ter-hand of a painter, to portray it must naturally appeal to the feelings, with fidelity and with feeling. These and rivet the attention, of every one were happily combined in the distinby whom it is contemplated. The guished artist to whose talents we feel subject of this exhibition (of which indebted for the present exquisite we have accidentally been favoured production. We hesitate not to affirm, with an early inspection) is judi- that this Picture will be considered ciously taken from Shaw's Monody as decidedly augmenting the reputato the Memory of a Young Lady' (his tion already so deservedly acquired wife), and has been selected from that by Mr. Westall. period of the poem where the expiring [This Exhibition, we now underEmma, anxious only for the preser- stand, is to open early in the month vation of the pledge (an infant daugh- of April, in Lower Brook-street, near ter!) of their connubial love, exclaims Bond-street.] ADDITIONS TO, AND CORRECTIONS IN, FORMER OBITUARIES. Further Account of the DUKE of RICHMOND, whose death was announced, page 99. HE dition against St. Cas he commanded one of the detachments, and acted a very conspicuous part. He was preE was born on the 22d of Febru- sent at the battle of Minden, where ary, 1795, and at the age of six- he was posted near the commander teen set out on his travels abroad, and in chief, and when Lord George remained some time in foreign coun- Sackville, who commanded the Engtries. At an early period of life he lish cavalry, was ordered to advance embraced the military profession, and and charge the French, the Duke of entered in the Foot Guards in June Richmond noted the time exactly by 1756, and was appointed lieutenant- his wtach between the delivery of the colonel of the 33d regiment of infan- message and the movement made by try, and in 1758 was promoted to the Lord George. On the court-martial command of the 72d. Previously which sat on the conduct of that offto this he had, while only fifteen cer, the Duke was summoned as a wityears of age, succeeded to the titles of ness, but was not examined. The his father, who died on the 1st of Duke of Richmond was now considered August, 1750. During the seven a rising military character, and he reyears' war he embarked several times ceived the particular thanks of Prince with the troops, who made repeated Ferdinand of Brunswick for his condescents on the coasts of France; and duct and intrepidity at the ever-mein the brilliant, but unfortunate expe- morable battle just mentioned. On his return from his travels on and they retired from their official the continent, he gave great encou- situations. The Duke of Richmond ragement to the artists of that day, was succeeded by the Earl of Shel and in March 1758, he opened an burne, who did not hold the seals of apartment at his house in Whitehall, his office a long time. The Duke of in which was displayed a large collec- Grafton, the ostensible leader of the tion of original plate casts, taken from short-lived ministry, soon surrendered the most celebrated statues and busts his power, and Lord North assumed at Rome and Florence. Every painter, the reins of government, and persesculptor, or student, was freely ad- vered in his system of politics till the mitted; and for the greater encourage- country becaine involved in a war ment of genius, and to excite enu- with France, Spain, and Holland; lation, his grace annually gave two lost America, and doubled the na medals to those artists who produced tional debt. During this momentous the two best models. period, that is, from 1767 to 1782, the Duke of Richmond was one of the most active opponents of all those measures which tended to involve his country in ruin. He was closely united with the Rockingham party, but went beyond most of the whigs in his zeal for the principles of civil and political fiberty. At the coronation of his present Majesty the Duke of Richmond carried the sceptre and the dove, while his sister, Lady Sarah Lennox, was one of the ten unmarried daughters of Peers who supported the train of the Queen at her nuptials. A little before this he had been nominated to the office of lord of the The Duke of Richmond continued bedchamber to the King, and in 1763, unwearied in his parliamentary duty, was appointed lord lieutenant of the exerting himself on various important County of Sussex. In that year he occasions, particularly in what related may be said to have entered upon his to the fortifications of the kingdom, political career, when he was distin- and in the affair of Lord Sackville, on guished as a bold and dignified speaker that nobleman's being raised to the in the house of peers, against the mea- Peerage. In the year 1781, after a sures of Lord Bute and his succes- speech of some length, he introduced sor, Mr. George Grenville. In 1765 into parliament a project for an anthe Marquis of Rockingham and the uual election and equal representation whig interest came into power, and of the people in the house of commons, the Duke of Richmond succeeded which was much applauded by some the Earl of Hertford as ambassador to of the most virtuous characters of that the court of Versailles. By one of the day. His plan was to divide the kingarticles of the peace of Paris, it was dom into five hundred districts, each an express stipulation, that the demo- to contain an equal population, and lition of the bason at Dunkirk should to choose one member; the election take place within a certain period. beginning and ending in one day. As the British ministry wished that The people were to be registered in this measure should be carried into each district three months before the effect, his excellency insisted on the election, with their profession, trade, fulfilment of it, and his conduct on or employment, and the street or place that occasion evinced great spirit, and of their abode. Every male person in was particularly agreeable to the peo- the country, who had attained the ple, though the party of that time, age of twenty-one years, was to be enknown as the secret advisers of the titled to vote, criminals and insane crown, took great offence at his grace, persons only excepted. and he was soon after recalled. At this time his grace was one of the On his return home he was appoint- most popular men in the kingdom, ed secretary of state for the south- and appeared by all the means in his ern department, succeeding the pre- power to court the respect and esteem sent Duke of Grafton in that office; of his fellow citizens. He was at the but the administration being com- head of the constitutional society, a posed of a discordant group of whigs member of the committees of Sussex and tories, they did not agree in any and Westminster appointed to effect measure beneficial to the country, a parliamentary reform, and one of |
