amusement, in the perusal of the play, himself to find out. It cannot be, however, any diminution of the pleasure of reading this comedy, to be told--that, although it may bestow no small degree of entertainment in the closet, its proper region is the stage.— Many of the characters require the actor's art, to fill up the bold design, where the author's pen has not failed, but wisely left the perilous touches of a finishing hand to the judicious comedian. Of the persons, who acted originally in this play, it is melancholy to reflect how few are now living: yet its author not only survives but flourishes!-King was the original Belcour; and, strange to say, that, although the play had brilliant success, the hero was not properly represented. King was, at that time, above fifty years of age, and looked to be so he had other impediments to prevent his exactly personating the young, high-spirited, open-hearted, inconsiderate West Indian; though, in almost all the other characters which he performed he was perfectly a good actor. Moody's O'Flaherty was in high repute-Johnstone's can scarcely be thought superior by the audiences of the present century. Yet Johnstone's Irishmen, Patrician or Plebeian, are so excellent, they are in danger of bringing the whole group into disrepute; for they tempt authors to write bad parts, in imitation of good ones, and to comprise every degree of Irish character, in the mere tone of the voice. Mr Cumberland has not always the talent to make his female characters prominent. Elegance in Char lotte Rusport, and beauty in Louisa Dudley, are the only qualities which the two actresses, who represent those parts, require; and these gifts were perfectly in the possession of the original performers—Mrs Abington and Mrs Baddeley. In the Spectator is a letter with this question"Mr Spectator, be so kind as to let me know, what you esteem to be the chief qualification of a good poet, especially of one who writes plays?" Answer "To be a well-bred man.' On this position-Mr Cumberland is a man of perfect good breeding. rich man, and you be the poor.-Od rabbit it I be glad on't; for I can now please myself wi' serving my friends. Henry. Who is this, Caroline? Car. An honest creature, Henry;-brother to this simple girl. Their affection to me, in my distress, has been most piercing. Henry. Then it shall not go unrewarded, my Caroline. Zek. Wi' humble submission, sir, kindness to a fellow-creature in distress do reward itself. Thanks to the lottery, we be rich enow. But, as Dick Dowlas be to marry sister Cicely, if you would just lend me a helping hand, for his father and mother here- Henry. Oh! rest contented, honest friend; I shall not dispossess them without making a proper pro vision. Pang. My lord-hem!-If a boy should bless your nuptials, which I conjecture are about to take place, he will, doubtless, need a tutor.-Three hundred per annum are the terms of your lordship's obsequious servant, Peter Pangloss, LL. D. and A double S. Henry. You are not one of those, it seems, sir, who lose an appointment for want of an early application. Pang. The human mind, my lord, naturally looks forward- 66 Animus prævidet futura.' -Cicero.Hem ! Henry. If I should need such a person, sir, depend upon it, I should be very particular in my choice; for I suspect there are some among those to whom youth is entrusted, who bring the character of tutor into disrepute; and draw ridicule upon a respectable situation, in which many men of learning, and probity are placed. Pang. This man will never do for me. Again must I retire to Milk Alley, and spin my brains for a subsistence." Pangloss's occupation's gone.”—Shakspear.-Hem! Henry. In calmer moments, my Caroline, I will explain the circumstances of my preservation;-and when I have paid the mournful tribute due to a much-lamented father let me call you mine, and place you above the reach of future sorrow. Car. Little sorrow can reach me when you are safe, Henry. Zek. And we'll get into the country, take a bit of a farm, and all be as merry as grigs, Dick. Dick. Agreed, Zekiel.-Come, Cicely! I have seen enough already of splendour to seek for happiness in quieter scenes; and I have learnt, Zekiel, that, in spite of all the allurements which riches or titles may boast, the most solid and valuable possession is a true friend. THE END. Printed by A.aud R. Spottiswoode, |