The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1820-11-01 00:00:00

''DRURY-I.4NR THEATRE.

A benefit was given at this theatre last night for
the widow and family of the late Mr. RAZ. The
respectable. and amiable character of the deceased,
professional and private, justly claimed this tribute
of distinction and gratitude—and never, we suppose,
was an appeal made to the best feelings of a British
public with thine complete success. To render the
offering of respect and affection to the memory of
departed worth is one of the most natural impulses
of the heart, and one of the sweetest and most refined
duties of humanity ; but when the honour to
the head is also a work of solid benevolence and
hooray to the dearest living pledges whom lie has
left on earth, how much is the discharge of the duty
purified, exalted, crumbled ! It is therefore not
surprising that a general ardour fur taking a part
in this doubly punts office should have been mania
rested I'v Mr. RAE'S professional brethren and
sisters, sad that au emulation in prousoriog the
success of their efforts should have pervaded the in-
habitants of the metropolis from the very highest
to the lowest rank. His MAJESTY Set the example
by sending a donstron of fifty pound., and giving
up the use of his box for the evening. The list
of pstroriessts hail at its head the tisanes of her Grace
the Mathew. of BEDFORD mid the Duchess De-
c A XES, and comprised those or several other
Peerenver. Mr. ELLISToN liberally proffered the
use of his theatre, to which Mr. RAE hind been
latterly attached, and the performers of Drury-
lane and Cu vent-garden their witted essivtanee.
Signor A MISROGET F 1 also volunteered his services;
cud • selection of entertaininentv, comic and vocal,
was 111.1de, %% all a IrPlSoivallie prospect of support
out of such a concentration of talent, seldom parel-
!elect. The result was as C.rtillable to the reel:ions
of all the peirtiezi, concerired, as the generous and
benevolent feefirigs of the public were grarifyiag to
the. friends and rdativrs of the deceased. For
some time before the doors were opened the
pe.sage !cubic, to the lit and galleries front
Illrytiges.rtreet was coniplt:tely filled with people.
Iu a very few minutes after asittlissiOtt Was given
to those parts of the house not d seat was left un-
occupied, and crowds were obliged to retire in dos-
appoiamient. The poets to the boxes was almost
equally great ; considerably before seven o'clock
every disposelde place was seized, and even parties
who had places engaged, found them pre-octopied
before the end of the first acts The slips did not
preseirt one vacant spot ; chairs and forms were
placed outside, some of skein from which the ',IFS
fortunate occasionally endeavoured to catch a
glimpse of the passing seethe. So oppressive was
the heat in conseqtrence of such a vest Ma's of
people crowded tag-they, that severs' persons, male
as well us female, were compelled to go into the
hies for air. The play fixed upon was the comedy
a The leicule. DOWTON, ELLISTOSI, HA RLEY,
RUSSELL, THollesoti, KNIGHT. Mrs. EDWIN,
and Miss KELLY, were the Drury-lane per-
formers; they were strengthened by Mr. C. K est etz,
who played Fattlklund extremely well, Mrs. DA.
TEMPO RT and Mrs. Dsvisoe from Covent-garden.
Miss KELLY sustained the part of Luc'' for the
first time, and displayed in her acting that ability
which We believe never fails her. With such a
best of adepts in their art for its support, It is
almost needless to star that the comedy was per-
formed admirably, inimitably. The address in-
serted below, from the pen of Mr. W. A. SHARP,
was then delivered Very impressively rod patheti-
cally by Mrs. W. WEST. The line
1' Pardee Cordelie's tears, 1 poor Tom's a cold',"
was much applauded. A Selection of vocal and
instrumental music, from the works of WEBBE,
BISHOP, BRA HAM, WHITTAKER, PIORAVANTI,
Dr. Acne, T. Coors, PUCITTA, &e. was thew
performed. This was one of the most delicious
treats that could lie presented to the lovers of her-
moiry.—The pert* mire comaienced with the
glee, .1 When winds briathe soft," by 11r. lioA HAM,
MOO POVEY, Mr. T. Cooke, and Mr. D. SMITH.
Mies Poiret( then gave the " Echo Song" w the
sweetest arid must delicate manner. She is touch
improved since the last silvan in the management
of her voice, particularly in the shake. The beau-
tiful air, " Oh! rest thee Ade," was sung be
Miss CAREW, her wooled expfesiltiti stud power.
Signor AMBROGITTI, of klie king's *literary, gave
the "Samuel/aria)" (rum the opera of 11 Fanutico,
with great eff-ct areal Luttionr. After • solo on the
harp by Miss SHARPE, introduction end air, "Within
a mile of Edinbtargh futon," and other perform-
ances, one of which cup by Nlarlaine VESTRIS,
the whole coucluired with " Vitus Enrico!" by the
entire band,

When o'er H.' untimely grave where Merit sleep;
Affection droops, mid kindred Sor►ow weeps;
IVlien near that I) Lis voice was wont to cheer;
Or claim fur mimic Woe the starting tear ;
Voices.. be lie., nor bear. our heeds the sigh
Breatlid to his fate by geserous Sympathy ;
What hest may soothe the wiilaw'il 000000 grief?
Wheoce shall the anxious mother hope relief
Wheuee; but from You—the Patron. of his Issue,
His earliest, latest friends—in lame Ilan seam—
Whose smiles e'ess sew a gratal irtliience shed—
(Su chews the fluvr'ret from the grave's luw bed,—
Hope to the living, honour to the dead.