The National Register. — London, England, 1816-10-07 00:00:00

'2;B THE DRAMA. • DRURY-LANE. On Monday night, Mr. Kean supported the part of Othello, in which he displayed all that unremitting, overwhelming force, for which he is. so remark ably distinguished. Mr. Bengough pertbrmed logo, but he was cold, feeble, and powerless. Being respec table in an humbler line, he should endeavour to keep his respectability by not attempting characters beyond Lis reach. On Thursday evening, Mr. Kean acted Macbeth to a crowded house. As usual, he was rapturously ap plauded : and Mrs. Bartley received many tributes to her merit in the bold and difficult character of Lady Met he! h. To the play succeeded O'Keefe's farce of The 1 ilacksinith of Antwerp. The plot is simply this : Quintin Matey', who leaves the trade of a blacksmith for the pro fession of an artist, is enamoured of the daughter of VW? Dinentherk, with whose son ANTI iv,goes to Home for four rears, at the end of which time he returns the first painter in Flanders. lie and his companion reach Antwerp, just as old Dip.ntherk is about to give his daughter to a Dutch Knight of the pencil, Van Dmadeinna, whom the Blacksmith eventually supplants, by giving proof of superior talents. The music is composed and selected by Mr. T. Cooke, and the following song, delightfully sung by Mrs. Co,:ke, was loudly encored. SONG—Ade/a, Mrs. COOKE. Beside the low grot, where the streamlet meanders, Methought. as soft slumber, o'ershiulow'il mine eye. Lightly wing'd as the zephyr from Heaven that wanders, Young love, crown'd with roses, flew playfully by. From his infantine brow, by the Graces anointed, All dropping with odours the chaplet he drew; W ith a soul.beamingtanile,to the flow'rets he pointed, And said •• lovely maid ! shall I leave thtxn with you ?" I had heard of his arts, but now thought not of danger, His arrows he wore not, he wielded no bow; I grin in return to the air-tripping ranger, And blush'd like the roses lie wanton'd to throw : 1 caught them—l press 'd to my Bosom the treasure — Alas ! the sharp sting to its mission was true : 4. Ah, the thorns !" I exclaim'd, while he shouted with pleasure'— Adieu, pretty victim! I leave them with you I" The piece was well received throughout. COVENT-GARDEN. The Tragedy of The Italian Lover ha; been revived at this Theatre for the purpose of ex hibiting- Mr. Alacready in the character of Mentevole. This Drama has been so seldom acted on the London stage, that a history of the plot may not be unaccepta ble to many of our readers. /t is, however, proper first to remind them, that this piece was written by Mr. Jephson, and produced in 1787 ; and that it is founded on an occurrence, which took place many years ago in Italy. _ _ . Mentevole, a Nobleman of Genoa, the lover of Julia, has assas sinattl his favourite rival, Clawlino, and continues unsuccessfully to jolead his cause with the lady. Marcellus, the brother of Claudio, returns from the wars, and also sues for the hand of Julia. This in flames the jealousy of Mentevole, who challenges Marcellus, and urges the fiery temper of Fulvia, the mother of his rival, to break off all communication with Julia, by slanders which he propagates against her. Mentevolc, in his combut with Alarcellus, is disarmed. Mean while Olympia. sister of Mentevole, having found a picture (which her brother had dropped) of Julia, lavishly adorned with, jewels, lays it in the chamber of the lady, in the hope of moving her by this in stance of his fondness picture is found there by Fulvia, who recognizes it as one which her murdered son had woo. In the heat of passion she accuses Julia as well as Mentevole to the I)uke. The innocence of Julia and the guilt of Mentevole are discovered—but the assassin in despair, after upbraiding his mistress as the cause of his guilt and of his misfortunes, stabs her." The merits of this piece consist chiefly in the smooth ness and poetical elegance of its style. The characters of Nentevolx, Julia and Fulvia, however, are ably drawn. Indeed Julia has been esteemed one of the most perfect ho mines on the stage. Mild, grateful, anti affectionate, she is a miracle of constancy to the lost object of her love ; and only roused to assert herself where she feels, that vio lence has bean offered or is threatened to that melan choly and sacred passion. Fiilria displays lofty and dignified passion ; while the character of Men/mile, a emnpomul of ardent love and furious jealousy, is, sketched. with a bold and discriminating hand. The moral of this piece teaches, that, however se oretly crimes may be committed, there is a power from whom nothing is hidden, and who, in his own peculiar time, will avenge the innocent, and reward the guilty with a punishment commensurate with their crimes.— There is one defect, however, in this play, seldom to lerated by un English audience. It has little to strike the imagination ; and no episode to relieve attention : the story is languid ; and having but one incident, and that ihreseen from beginning to the end, there is, as some. of the critics have observed, much to be said, but too little to be done. It now remains to estimate Mr. Macready in the cha racter of Menlevole. His powers, unquestionably, are of the first order; but Menlevole has not sufficient variety to elicit them. He frequently succeeded in warmly exciting the feeling of his audience ; he co lours highly, but not always with sufficient judgment : in the first scene with Darazzo, and in that with 0/ym pia ; in his reneountre with Marcel/us ; and above all. in the trial scene, he displayed fiweible exhibitions of scenic talent. But he has one limit, imitated from Kean, viz. a sudden transition from the highest pitch of lofty and impetuous utterance, to a low, hurried, and familiar xrllich we might almost call a •1 THE NATIONAL RF,GISTFIL was given out for another repreitcntation with consi derable applause. On Wednesday night, Shakespeare's beautiful play of As you like if was pertinmed for the purpose of exhibit ing Miss Boyle, in the character ~f the fascinating Rosalind. In this essay she fully confirmed the fiivourable impression made by her liolanle ; as she entered with full spirit into the wit and frolic of the character. The cuckoo song was given with much delicacy and sweetness ; and there was some thing so delightfully arch in her deportment, and the omission of those caresses, which some of our actresses bestow on Orlando so plentifully, harmonized so well with the 'taste of the audience, that she " was loudly encored. Her conscious laugh, averted face, and naivene of manner, wltilc she repeated the word "cuckoo," told with great effect. Site has, however, a thickness of articulation, which renders it difficult, occasionally, to catch some of her words. But prcetice may, and we hope will, remove this difficulty, as it will assuredly give more fullness and roundness to Lei voice. she de livered the epilogue with a grace, spirit, anti humour, that obtained for her a rich and well deserved applause. ENGLISH OPERA LYCEUM. This Theatre closed on Saturday, with the Qltaker, Free awl En.sy, and The Devil to Pay, for the benefit of Mr. Bartley. The following Address, dclivered by that Gentleman, spoke the feelings of the Proprietor, and the gratitude of the performers:—lt was very favourably received. " LADIES ♦ND GENTLEMEN—This evening will close a short season of unprecedented exertion. In all that relates to the public, the Proprietor has had every reason to be satisfied and grateful. A full share of favor and patronage has been extended to the New The atre; and he respectfully boasts, that general approbation has re warded the endeavour to provide you with a place of amusement, such as it was thought the metropolis appeared to require, in all re spects calculated for the purposes, and the enjoyment, of dramatic re presentation. " The Proprietor was fully aware that the endeavour to collect a company, almost entirely new to the London audience, was a bold and hazardous ont. He has, however, on his own part, and on their's, to acknowledge, with pride and gratitude, that the collective efforts of the new company have been received with the most encouraging kindness. " They had a fearful task to perform in following the many dis tinguished favourites, whose talents have ripened on this spot, in the fostering sunshine of your favor ; but from the liberal notice bestow ed on many individuals, the Proprietor sees every reason to hope that the same spot may still successfully continue to bring forward candi dates for your approbation, and to rear fresh objects for your gratifi cation. The unexpected limitation. Ladies and Gentlemen, which has been iinposisl on the licence to this Theatre, has rendered abortive the best exertions of the Proprietor, so far as relates to a fair and just view to his personal advantages—but in no one instance has it paralized or relaxed his endeavours to afford you entertainment. 6 ' He has had to contend with powerful enemies; and those ene mies have hitherto so far triumphed as to deprive him of a portion large of talent, as well asalargeportion of the means, of encouraging and re warding it. He lives, however, in the confident hope, that brighter prospects are before him ; and that he may still be enabled to rea lize his original plan, and to gratify his fondest wishes, by establish ing this Theatre as a school for English dramatic music, and for the better encouragement of native talent. And now, l.adies and Gen tlemen, in the name of the Proprietor.—of all the l'erformers, and in my owa—l respectfully thank and hid you farewell." THE BEE-HIVE. No. I. [The following Letter and Poem, M e are assured, were written by the Author Of AMUSEMENTS IN RETIREMENT.] As we sailed up the Severn, on our way to Clifton, we were visited by a dreadful thunder -storm, just as we came near the small island in the middle of the channel, between the English and Welch coasts, called the Steep-Hohnes. We had long observed the clouds to gather along the sides and summit of Twmbarlym; and had, in consequence, prepared for rain. But we had no conception of so violent a storm, as that which awaited us. When it was nearly over, I composed the following lines : THE STORM. The waves run high ;—wild tempests rage The fears of death my heart engage.— What?—close the scene so far from shore, And ne'er been seen, or heard of more ? Oh! sure this ocean's furious breast Can never lull me to my rest!- 11. Ah ! I had wisli'd the humble lot, To live in some sequester'd spot, Where,— studious of divine repose,— Life's weary journey ! might close ! 111. And does stern fate that lot deny?- -- Well !—Let no tear disgrace thine eye!— The power, that roles this raging sea, Is master of futurity :-- And of each wild and angry wave, Can form as soft, as sweet, a grave, As that, on which wild roses glow, Or that, where groupes of 'Nets grow!— Then let no tear disgrace thine eye:— Let tempests howl, and waves run high:- - -They're heralds of eternity. The storm subsided about tbur : and we entered the of tl , f• pivu , t riN in the evening. •• OCTOBER 7. scene, as we sailed un , !er t c rocks near Clifton, be. came truly enchanting. You, who have so often sailed up the sanw river, may well judge of our feelings, when, after so much tittigue and danger, we winded up the Avon by nit:on-light, amid all its woods, rocks, and hanging berbdge. Your's most affectionately. To James 'a ihoot, ! 'q. TIIE KING. The game attentions arc now paid to the King, in regard to State. his Family, and the Medical Gentle men appointed 'to attend him, as in the worst stage of his disorder. Two King's Messengers are sent daily from the Secretary of State's Office to Windsor, to make the necessary inquiries. One of them returns to London the same day, about one or two in the after noon, bringing with him a bulletin as to the state of the King, and his general disposition , this bulletin is taken round in it salmi box to the Prince Regent, and the mcngbers of the Queen's Council, who are ffirnished with keys to open it. Her Majesty also, when in Lon don, receives a daily account from Windsor of the state of the King. On her Majesty's return to Windsor, she in general alights at the door of the Castle, leading to the King's private suite of apartments, and visits him. In regard to his Majesty's present habits, the follow ing facts may be acceptable. His Majesty rises about seven o'clock. After he has dressed, he breakfasts in a room adjoining to that, called the Blue Room. In ge neral, he nrunes what he will have for dinner. He dresses for dinner as usual. He frequently wears a Captain's uniform of the Royal Horse Guards, to which, when in health, he was particularly partial ; and being a Captain of a company in that regiment, an orderly serjeant, or corporal, used to wait upon him for orders. A sunk walk has been made close to his Majesty's apartments at Windsor Castle, with a pathway ; but his Majesty seldom walks there. His principal page continues his attendance. Dr. John IVillis, who is in constant attendance, waits every morning, about half past nine o'clock, on the Queen, to report the state of his Majesty, when the Queen names the hour she will visit her consort, and, at such times, she is usually ac• compunied by Dr. Willis. THE DUKE OF YORK'S LANDED PROPERTY. From the Report of the Commissioners of Woods, Forests, and Land Revenues, we learn, that his Royal Highness has again become one of the landed Propri etors of the country, and that to is considLrable amount. The property purchased by him of the Commissioners consists of— 1. The Manor of flyfleet and Weybridge, with Byfleet or Wey bridge Park, and a capital messuage and offices, and other messuages and buildings these.-2. The Manor of Walton Leigh, and divers messuages and lands therein.--3. A capital Messuage c alled Brook lands, with offices, gardens, and several parcels of land, situated at Weybridge.—s. A Farm House, and divers lands, called Druokhutthi Farm, at Wrybridge.-3. A Mesittage and lands called Childs, near Weybridge.-6. Two Coney Warrens within the Manor of Byfleet and Weybridge. To this property is to be added, all lands and pre mists, which may be allotted to the preceding by Virtue of an act of enclosure. The sale was made to his Royal Highness so long since as May, 1809, at the price of 74,4591. 3s. but the money was permitted to remain unpaid, at the interest of 31 per cent. till the 10th of June, 1815, when the principal and interest (amounting, after the deduction of Property-Tax, and of the rents, which, during the interval, had been paid to the Crown, to 85,1351. ss. 9d.) were paid into the Bank of England to the account of the Commissioners for the New-Street. The Trustees for his Royal Highness arc, E. Majoribanks and J. W. Farrcr, Esqrs. His Royal Highness has also purchased, with the intervention of the same Trustees, about 20 acres of land in Walton, at the price of 1,2941. 2s. 3d. WESLEYAN METHODISTS. The seventy-third Annual Conference of the Preachers in the Connexion established by the late Rev. John Wesley, was held in London, July 29, 1816, and following days. From the Minutes of the conference, lately published, we copy the following (knee,,! Recapitulation of the number of regular tra velling preachers:— In Great Britain !9I,C&) In Ireland • 28,542 In Trance 55 At Brussels. lO At G ibraltar 63 At Sierra Leone 11.9 At the Cape of Good Elope. 42 Kr! In Ceylon In the W est Indies 18,938 Nova Scotia, 6t.e. l,tlste Number of members under the care of the British and Irish Conferences Number of members in America Whites 1107,117R Coloured Total number of members in the :Methodist So cietice throughout the world PREACIIERS.—There are 7V3 regular travelling Preachers now stationed in Great Ilrituin, 13v in Ireland, titi on Foreign Mission , , and 701 in the Aicerican Methodist travelling preachers not incitoled in the preceding account, 1657. The increase of in ninera in Great Britain, in the last year, is stated to be nearly 10000, and the Wert Indies 100. Fxlmordinary Lincirge.—On the Ist of last mouth. a man of the name ot• Green had a child baptized in the church of West Deepiag, by the Rev. Mr. Mos.sop, Jun. to tv►•ich he ..?;xltitther, tht!wr, granAittht.r, and NIP