The Sun.
London, England, 1808-05-04 00:00:00

.
Dr4ry-Zaith.
The new Opera that last night was represented
for the first time, is entitled The Jew of Mogadore.
DRAMATIS PERSONAE.
Selim (the Prince) . . . Mr. Holland,
Abdulah .
Hassan . . . .
Nadab (the )ew) , . • Mr. Dowron,
Sicilian Officer . . . . Mr. Brahatn,
British Officer . . . . Mr. Smith,
Rooney, Mr Johnstone.
Zelma
s English Captive . . Mrs. lit:in:l,
bttminora .•. . . Signora Storace. _
Seariz.—Mogadore and Morocco..
• • .
The scene principally IiesFABLE its' Morocco, and the Fable
Chiefly relates to till loves of Selim and Zelma ; the former
is the Heir Apparent tto•the Throne of Moroccp, and the lat-
ter a native of Cyprus, for whom the Prince had entertained
en early atfeetion. Atter some common incidents; Zclma suf-
fers shipwreck, and is, save,l and, protected by the Sicilian
Officer, who lands her safely in Cyprus. Zelma is after.
wards captured by Abdulah, who, with his crew of pirates,
makesa descent on Cyprus, and runs away with Zelma. On
her appearance at Morocco, she is soon discovered, and com-
mences her reign over the heart of Selim. At first he is tearful
of irritating his Father Muley Ismael, the then Emperor of
Morocco; but he suddenly dying, Selim, who is actuated by
humanity and honour, openly espouses Zelme, who becomes
the partner of his throne. Antither part of the story consists
of the Under P let, or loves of Rooney, an Irish slave, and •
Mammora, a Portuguese Captive, both the property of
hradab (the few of Mogadore), eminently conspicuous for
the finer virtues,' and whose Immense wealth is :applied by
_him ter the relief of the distressed and forlop) Sensible
of the honour and integrity of Rooney, his slave, the
Jew annontices his intehtion of setting him not only tree, but
of making itim.his agent .or laaor in England. Although
Rooney is rejoiced at this happy change, yet he assures his
kind Master, that he cannot leave Attica unless he consehts
to release his Sweetheart Nl.iinnt ,i'a also. The tender-hearted
Jew srdtties wiahos, when they are suddenly interrupted
an their departure by news of the death of Muley, the Old
Emperor, and an alarmina' rebellion among the troops. It is
then that the kw ii.is opportunities of professing his semi..
meats of resped and loyalty to the Young Prince, offering, if
wanted, the use of all his vast wealth, even to the very last
farthing. The courage and capacity of Selim..however,'soon
surmount every difficulty, the rebellion is extinguished, and
all the parties arc made happy.
As this Opera is the produaion of Mr. CUMBER-
LAND, to whom the public are under many obliga-
tions for works that have " taught the Passions to
move at the command of virtue," and has in no
small degree contributed to itnprove the moral ten-
dency of the drama, it would shew a narrow and
illiberal spirit if we were to try the present compo-
sition by the rigid laws of criticism. It is certainly
Dot entitled td rank with his best works, but as he
has written more dramatic prodtkclions t han any other
living author, it is not. to be expected that his'inental
resnonces should betas fertile and vigorous as ever.' It is
sufficient that on the present Occasion he has produced
a work that is amusing, if it• does not excite any
powerful interest.—The Fable has nothing. very no-
vel, bat it has nothing very improbable, and as the
sentiments are generous and impressive, bud the dia-
lope neat, chaste, and sometimes elegant.; as the
piece is supported by some very good scenery and
some very pleasing music, the public will doubtless
thew their respo& for the veteran Dramatist, to
Whom 'they have Often been indebted, by patronizing
this effort of his muse.
One of the main objetls of this work is to place
in an amiable point of view 'a- people who have long
been persecuted in every nation ; but who, if we .
may judge from many individuals who have raised
themselves into opulence, and have distinguished
themselves by benevolence, have so much improved
•nr.iral charaaer as to deserve a more favourable
estimation in the eyes of mankind, The Jew of
•illagadore Is another Shun, and his wealth is ex-
pended with se much gencrosiv that we must ad-
mire rather than condemn the parsimony:by which
Tawas acquired;
The music
is wholly the• work of KELLY ; it is
of a pleasing and popular cast, and was very much
applauded, •

le a6l i 7
ng was uniformly good. Vol. Litritrsnever
appeared to so much advantage. DowTou was
quite a home in his part, which he supported with
great humour and feeling. . RAYMOND was very
energetic., Jousisrrotax, in an Irish part, displayed
ell his usual spirit. iiituArd sung delightfully, and
so did Mrs. Muutimitq, SMITU exerted his fine
voice with good'elt'eEt.
The Piece was tolerably well received through its
Progress, by 4 eery numerous audience, but when
announced Ibr this evening had several dissentient
voices, which, however, were manitestly against
the sentiments of a considerable majority.

Covent-Garden.
The fine old Play of Bonduca, originally written
by BEAUMONT and FLETCHER, and altered by the
elder 'COLMAN, -was last night revived for the bene-
fit of COOKS. He performed the part of Caratach,.
which is very well suited to his powers, with as
Ouch spirit as a very severe cold and hoarsenesi
would admit. This Drama contains such impres-
sive and patriotic sentiments, that it could not have
ben revived at a more suitable period than the pre-
Lent ; and, to the honour of the Proprietors of the
Theatre, they have brought it forward insa manner
very
cmtulated to give effeet to its inherent
Tile Sethcry is pauresque and striking,
and the music is
of grand and appropriate, and worthy
its author *Mr. SHIELD. The °Play too hi well
cast, and if the Public are animated by 00l taste as
yvell as by the patriotic feelings which become
Britons it will be very popular. and attra6tive. .

Crab, the new four-tooted Performer of Covent-
garden Theatre, who made his first appearance in
The Two Gentlemen of Verona , displays all the mo-
dest terrors of a yining adventurer, and is by- no
means so well calculated for the theatrical profession
us hi's great predecessor Carlo. r,-lOwever,, as Mom
11)4Ns vohO is a second Dogget,'-is his tutor, he may,
r1'41)11, improve by practice, and eclipSe many of
“Is 04)0 rivals in the graces of dumb-sh&v.
ricalnf hal true, as mentioned in one of the Ameri-
Jit ha
entitled The lialtimbre North .dmeri-
can' that dispatches from General MOREAU have
been intercepted; it is probable that MoREAU wishes
to ;;et back to France, and endeavours to make his
Peace by treachery against, the country which has
Protected him in his exile.. Th is ,s
the modern race of Frenchmenere that renders itmething ithe
extreme of folly to trust them, 'and of impoliey to
give them any, shelter.—The more they rail against
they'
pre4eilt Government in France, the. more ought
In!), to t e,suspeeted of harbouring designs in ~its
INUt.