her lover Bertoldo from captivity, demand a very different return from the one she experiences. He is perfidious to her, without having a paffion for her rival Aurelia; and discovers himself to be a dupe, rather than a gallant. The resolution of Camiola to retire to a convent, at a time when she has obtained her fuit, and won her lover back, appears extravagant; and the authority even of a Patriarch of our drama is not fufficient to reconcile the abfurdity to the present age. It is called a tragedy, but it appears to have no death to affix that appellation upon it; unless the refolution taken by the Maid of Honour, to shut herself up in a convent for life, which in fome respects the sense will confider as felf-flaughter, is of a nature to warrant the title. There is a battle, it is true, and a rencounter also takes place between Adorni and Fulgentio, but the event leaves a very flight impreffion on the mind. The character of Camiola is of a confiderable length, but by no means of a complexion to shew Mrs. Siddons to advantage; it is too declamatory, particularly in the last act, to fuit her forte. In many instances, however, it furnished her with opportunities to display with effect the powers of which she is mistress. Adorni was well sustained by Mr. Kemble; it appeared to have been ftudied with attention, and his delineation of it was accurate; but more fpirit would have improved the part. The other characters were decently filled. The dreffes and decorations difcovered too much frugality. Mr. Palmer was habited in a fplendid ftile, but the brilliancy of his dress threw a gloom upon all the reft. Mr. Packer appeared in a Roman toga, but wore at the fame time Turkish Slippers and fable coloured stockings, which occafioned the remark that he was a tragedy black-leg. Mrs. Siddons was beautifully apparelled in a Grecian dress. The play upon the whole was well received; and when given out by Mr. Kemble, the audience, in regard to the good character he suitains in private life, seemed unaninous in their approbation. The prologue, apologizing for the violation of the unities, contained fome good lines, and was well delivered by Mr. Kemble; it was said to be the firstling of the Hon. Capt. Henry Phipps's muse; and if so, will by no means difcredit him. The epilogue is an admirable jeu d'efprit, humouroufly playing on the title of the piece, and happily contrasting a Sicilian with a British Maid of Honour! It was written by Mr. Colman, and spoken by Mrs. Siddons, who, we are forry to add, unfortunately emphasised it out of many of its excellent points! Feb. 2. This night Shakspeare's Macbeth was performed for the benefit of Mrs. Siddons; and she appeared, for the first time in London, in the part of Lady Macbeth. Attached as Mrs. Siddons has appeared to be to characters occupied by fingle passions, to a sonorous versification, and to those dramatic fituations which gave her opportunities of exhibiting a few ftrong expreffions of phyfiognomy, and afforded abundant room for declamation, we could easily account for her avoiding the plays of Shakspeare, where the passions are broken and blended, as they are in nature; and where, to answer the expectations of the public, Mrs. Siddons must have been no longer herself, but received the very foul of the perfonages she meant to reprefent. We have already hinted, that the tranfition from the walk in which Mrs. Siddons has already moved would not be very violent, if she assumed the part of Lady Macbeth: this was done this night; and though there is a fimilarity to herself in her manner of performing every part, which would render a frequent attendance on her much more tiresome to us than the more varied performance of inferior actors, yet the congeniality between the vigour of her mind and that of Lady Macbeth gave her advantages in the character which no lady has poffefsed since the best days of Mrs. Yates. This feems to have recurred to the managers, for they got up the play in a very excellent style; and they will be amply rewarded for their prudence. Feb. Feb. 8. An opera of two acts, called LIBERTY-HALL, composed by Mr. Dibdin, to whom the literary part is by fome also afcribed, this night was represented at this theatre. The cha racters are as follows: Sir Ephraim Rupee Ap Hugh Nettle Lord Lofty Seabright La Fleur Aurelia Lucy Mr. Suet. Mr. Barrymore. Mr. Fawcett. Mr. R. Palmer. Mr. Wrighten. Miss George. The fable lies in narrow limits. Young Rupee, in the idea that Sir Ephraim, his father, is dead, returns from the Eaft-Indies, and launches into a variety of excesses. Amongst other enormities, he feduces, by means of a feigned marriage, Lucy, the daughter of Seabright, his father's steward.His conduct is watched by English, who is an admirer of his fifter Aurelia. After having continued a life of diffipation for fome time, he determines to reform, and even appears defirous of atoning to Lucy for the wrong he has done her; whereupon English informs him that the marriage he had believed fictitious was a real one. At this instant he is told an execution is in his house, and that he has not fortune fufficient to fatisfy his creditors, from his father being yet alive. Sir Ephraim appears, forgives his past errors, is reconciled to his marriage with Lucy; and confents to the union of English with Aurelia. There is no great design manifested in the materials of which this opera confists; neither are the scenes recommended by any degree of interest: but they contain nothing offenfive: and, upon the whole, the dialogue is pleasing. The fongs have confiderable literary merit, and the airs to fome of them possess originality. The rondeau sưng by Dodd in the second act has great novelty. The pathetic air by the fame performer in the first act alfo deserves notice. The air by Miss Phillips, be ginning "When Fairies," &c. is extremely elegant, and the bravura fong by Miss George, " Prepared each army in its way," is a good compofition. But the hunting fong by Bannifter, and the one refpecting the race-horse, are not in fufficient contraft: the former is the worst air in the piece. We must compliment Mr. Dibdin, for the taste and elegance he has difplayed in the accompanyments of the airs; but the horn appears to be rather too freely used. He is highly indebted to the orchestra for their services. The finished performance of Mr. Parke, who played an obligato part in the overture, and produced the most pleasing effect by his accompanyment of fome of the airs, demands particular acknowledgment. Mir. Bannister's fea-fong was delightfully fung. Miss Phillips executed the air affigned to her with neatness and expreffion. Miss George sung with great truth and execution; but we must recommend her not to look fo all-conquering when the makes her congé! less affectation! less folly, if poffible! Dodd was extremely well in the Welsh man. EASTER MUSIC. Feb. 11. The felection of airs and choruffes, &c. with which the memory of Handel was lately celebrated under the patronage of the KING has been judiciously made choice of, and was this night brought forward, to form a part of the facred mufic that is annually offered to the public at this season. Thus are the admirers of harmony, who were prevented attending the Abbey and Pantheon, enabled to partake of that fublime treat. The excellent order of the band, and the ability of the fingers, produced a fine effect. We do not mean to place either Miss Phillips or Miss George in competition with Madame Mara, but they acquitted themselves with confiderable defert. Their Majefties, who, with Prince Edward, and four of the princesses, honoured the theatre, appeared highly gratified with the ftile of performance. Otho Jacob Adela Jaquelette Mr. Wewitzer. Mr. Farren. Mrs. Inchbald. Quintin Matoys having been apprenticed when a youth to a blacksmith at Antwerp, falls in love with Adela, daughter to Van Dipembeck, a man of fome substance, but so paffionately fond of the art of painting, that he determines to give this favourite daughter to none but one of its profeffors. Poor Quintin, thus precluded from all hopes of his lovely mistress in his present trade, is inspired with the idea of turning painter, and departs for Rome, where a laborious study from the best works brings forth the latent sparks of genius, and in the course of a few years he returns to Antwerp, a capital master. At this point, the piece opens. Quintin, in his journey through Italy, commences an acquaintance with Albert, the brother to his mistress, who was likewise returning from his studies-is by him looked upon with the highest admiration, knowing him only as Florio, the name which Quintin had assumed, to bring about his long wished for purpose. The first news, on their arrival at Antwerp, is old Dipembeck's determination that very day to marry Adela to Van Dunderman, only for his having produced the best picture. From a knowledge of Dunderman's brutality, Albert perfuades Quintin to contend the prize, and lay his claim, by pro GARDEN. ducing a most excellent picture of Two Mifers, which he had brought with him, and receives hopes of his fuccess with his fifter, from his likeness to her favourite blacksmith's portrait of her own painting, which he had snatched from her. Jacob, a difcarded fervant of Van Dunderman's, now lays a scheme with Otho (who is likewife turned off by Quintin) to steal his celebrated picture of the Mifers, and by paffing for the painter of it, to obtain the young lady, go shares in her fortune, and compass a revenge upon their feveral masters; but Otho, by his awkward and blundering attempt to carry on this deception, is fufpected by Dipembeck for an impoftor. After many ridiculous mistakes, he is discovered, and consoles himself for the lofs of the mistress, by the hand of her maid Jaquelette, his quondam sweetheart. Quintin was no fooner known to be fo excellent a painter, than he fuperfedes Van Dunderman, and with her father's consent, obtains the sweet reward of his labours. Mr. O'Keeffe is the author of the above farce, and, to speak technically, the outline is defective in drawing; the colouring diffused in unpleasing maffes.; and while the shades of the picture are fombre indeed, the lights are few and imperfect. The author has been fuccefsful in a number of pieces, and therefore he ought not to be disheartened, if he now and then fails; particularly when it is reflected, that he produces his dramas with two much difpatch, to admit of Itudy, or neat writing. The farce was prefaced by a prologue, spoken by Farren, which promised poor Quintin immortality in the bays of the poet, when the traces of his pencil were no longer to be seen. * This picture is now to be feen in Windfor-Caftle. OPERA-HOUSE. Feb. 12. THIS evening the Judgement of Paris was given for the first time, and received with a degree of applaufe which evinced the wish of the public to fee fomething new in the department of the dances, now become the. lickfome gaiety of which dancing is susceptible; and which, indeed, it seems to require, as its very effence: in this opinion we were confirmed by the univerfal applaufe bestowed on Dorival in her pas feul, which was, as it deserved, generally admired, and must have obtained the most flattering preference, had not her pas with Nivelon made it doubtful whether she was more perfect when left to herself, or when joined to so excellent a partner. The music of the pas de deux contributed greatly to its fuccess. It is a kind of duet, if we may fo call it, the two parts of which were executed by that inimitable couple. The airs, and indeed the whole of the mufic, is the production of Mr. Barthelemon, and is a fresh sprig added to the wellearned laurels of that compofer. CONCERT OF ANCIENT MUSIC, TOTTENHAM-STREET. Feb. 14. The patronage of the King has induced the directors of this concert to enlarge the room, and fit it up with fuitable decorations. A fuperb gallery is erected for their Majesties and the royal family, at the east end of the room. The orchestra is on the model of the one which was conftructed in Westminster-Abbey, for Handel's Commemoration. This arrangement has been made according to the designs of Mr. Wyatt, the architect. Mr. Bates, who has the superintendance of the musical department, to speak technically, officiated at the organ. Mr. Cramer led the band, and is, without exception, the best leader in this country. Mr. Ashly played the first bafsoon, and was affiftant conductor. Mr. Borghi, second violin. Mr. Parke, the principal oboe. Meff. Paxton and Cervetto, the violincellos. Mr. Shield, the first tenor. Garaboldi, the first double bass. Key and Leander are the horns; and the other parts were filled by performers of eminence. This concert is the only subscription one that his Majesty ever honoured with his prefence, and in compliment to their illuftrious visitor, Handel's music will have a preference given to it by the directors. The band has received the addition of twelve German musicians, imported some years fince, to complete the Queen's band, and put the natives of poor Old England out of countenance as much as poffible.-Her Majesty is, no doubt, fatisfied of the loyalty and honesty of her fubjects--and if they cannot please her by their musical abilities, like those of her own country, why, let the want of her gracious fmiles be their punishment! A little past eight their Majesties, the Princess Royal, Princess Augusta, Princess Elizabeth, and Prince Edward, entered the room, when the concert commenced. The following is the order in which the pieces were played: Act I. Overture, Efther. Handel. Glee Canft thou love and live alone." T. Ravenscroft. Song. "Dite che sa." (Ptolemy) Handel. Introduction and Chorus. Ye Sons of Ifrael," (Joshua) Handel. Song. "Se mai turbo." Handel. First Concerto, Op. 3. Geminiani. Song. " I know that my Redeeme liveth," (Meffiah) Handel Handel. Chorus. "He gave them Hailstones," (Ifrael in Egypt) Handel. Act II. Song. "Tra caligine profonde." Handel. Fifth Concerto. Corelli. Gloria in excelfis. Negri. The pieces were performed in a masterly stile. Cramer was exquifite in Geminiani's Solo Concerto; the Adagio was played with great feeling. The folo vocal performers were Harrifon, Dyne, Reinhold, and Tasca, Miss Harwood, the two Miss Abrams, and the Mara, who sung with uncommon expression " I know that my Redeemer liveth!" MASQUERADE INTELLIGENCE. OPERA-HOUSE. Feb. 3. THE regular diverfions of the town having for some years past been broken by the introduction of masquerades, fashion appears at length to have given establishment to them :and as a masquerade may be confidered as a licence, under which all descriptions of perfons are permitted to say what they please, by way of being witty, without any regard to rank or character, or incurring any penalty, it is not to be wondered at, that a masquerade ticket meets a ready fale in London, when even at Rome they are more fought after than the Pope's indulgence. The convention of masques on this evening was, though not numerous, highly genteel; the company consisted of about fix hundred perfons. The Prince of Wales and several of his friends were present. His Highness continued the greatest part of the evening with the Hon. Captain Conway. They were attacked by a brace of Nuns, vestals, no doubt vestals-they feemed a little in the history of court fecrets, and made an enquiry or two respecting Versailles! The Prince appeared in very high spirits, and the retort courteous was directed with good success. Black dominos were the uniform of the night. The characters were so few, that even an orange girl became a diftinguished object: among these, however, a Shylack was observed, his knife and scales were laid afide, but the character was sufficiently strong without them. A milk-woman, of the protuberance of Lunardi's balloon. A tolerable failor; a Carmelite; a hair-dresser, and a few other grotesque perfonages; with the usual proportion of sexes reversed! PANTHEON MASQUERADE. Feb. 8. THE various apartments of this fuperb structure were this evening laid out in a most brilliant style, for the reception of masques. The dome was beautifully illuminated, and every part of the building lighted up, so as to produce a grand effect. A curious new balloon, belonging to Lunardi, was fufpended from the cupola. It contained the union device, and the arms of Great-Britain. The company began to meet at an early hour, and continued increasing till after three in the morning, at which time about twelve hundred persons were affembled. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales did not enter till the night was far advanced. The early part of the evening had been dedicated, with a felect party, to Lady Berwick, whose house was open for the reception of mafques. Among the fashionable visitors were Lord Jersey and Lord Corke; Col. North, Sir J. Nugent, Capt. Conway, Capt. Gardner, Mr. Hanger, &c. &c. Mrs. Haftings appeared amidft the affembly with a display of brilliant trappings! The characters were numerous: Amongst them were a physician, who proposed, as the only means of preserving the CONSTITUTION, that certain limbs of the State should be amputated; a Methodist Preacher, who spoke too familiarly of Dr. Prettyman, ever to obtain church preferment; a commutation Tea-Man, hung round with mottos, which affimilated in a curious manner. The following are a part of them: "Inftruc |