The Express.
London, England, 1850-02-19 00:00:00

THE OLYMPIC.

A tragedy. in three aced,entitled "The Noble
Heart," by Mr. G. H. Lewes, was produced, for the first
time in London, last night at this theatre, with complete
success. Theocrats is laid in Soda, during the period of
the wan with the Moore. Dow Games de to Vega, •
Spanish noble of the highest clue, and one of the most
valiant warriors in support of the monarchy, hsa received
smne injuries from the sovereign, In consequence of which
be refuses to obey the royal summate to tale the field in
the approaching campaign, but sends his son, Don
Loon, a gallant young knighl, to join the army at
the head of his vassals. Leos loves Joanna, the
daughter of a merchant, and in the character of an adven-
turer of humble rank has obtained from her a return of
'Braden. Before his departure the lovers meet and ex-
change vows of coastaney. Don Gomm, having accidentally
seen this young lady, becomes, notwithstanding his ace, pas.
'innately enamoured of her. He discovers her family and
residence, and, notwithstanding his pride of bir'h, resolves
to offer his band in honourable marriage to the daughter of
the obscure merchant. Remo/dos, the merchant, is ruined 1
by commercial calamities, and it afoot to be torn from his
daughter's arms by officers of the law, when Don Gomes
Gomm to urge hie suit. The usual consequent", of this stage
situation ensues ; Joanna, after a struggle with her hollers,
sacrifices herself on the altar of filal duty by accepting the
hand of het rich and powerful lover. The marriage takes
place, and the certainty is hardly concluded when Leon re•
turns from the army, where he has won honour and renown.
Beene, of passion, such as might be expected, take plea, till
at length the old man, who at first has given way to pa-
Tenpins of fury against the 'apposed treacherous pair,
discovers the truth—that his eon has long loved Joanna,
and that she nes sacrifieed her love to save her
father from destruction. His noble nature gains the
ascendancy ; his tenderness revives he resolves to
sacrifice his own happiness to theirs, by obtaining • dispensa-
tion annulling his owu marriage, and to seek consolation for
his bereavement is the tranquillity of the cloister.
This simple story has ni feature of novelty, but it is inte-
resting, end produces several very pathetic scenes. The
fault of the Flay is, that the incidents are not sufficient to
allied matter tor three acts of more than ordinary length,
and that consequently a great deal of the dialogue consists
of refection and interchange of sentiment. Hence, notwith-
standing the elegance of the langalge throughout, end fre-
quently its great poetical beauty, impatience i produced by
the action so often standing stalL Considered as a dramatic
poem, it would be l, at liable to this ohjeotioe, and we have
no doubt that it would be even Mire pleasing is the closet
than on the stage.
Mr.. Mowatt's Joe/onyxes' a charming piece of acting ;
truly feminine, full of tenderness, and often highly impas-
sioned. Mr. Davanyet looked the youthful height ex-
tremely well, and performed the part with manliness and
feeling. Mr. Brooke, as Don Gown's. was often excellent,
especially in the softer engages; out, in the ocean of strong
passion, his violence was extravagant, and his declamation
frequently to the last degree harsh and grating. This last
besetting sin, we conceive, he might avoid, for the tones of
ids voice, when not overstrained, are far from unmusical.
The reception of the play was most favourable; the applause
was constant during the performance, and i s close was fol-
lowed by all eke usual marks of approbation.