The Sun.
London, England, 1840-09-22 00:00:00

SURREY THEATRE.

A new tragedy, in five acts, from the pen of the
veteran Kenny, entitled The Sicilian Vespers, was
produced at this theatre last evening. This
tragedy, it will be seen, is on the same subject as
Sheridan Knowles's new play produced on Satur-
day, at Covent Garden. In explanation of this
circumstance the bilk of the Surrey contain the
ollowing announcement :
The Proprietor, to convince his patrons that he does
produce The Sicilian Vespers from any unfair or
vexatious opposition to the management of the National
Establishment alluded to, submits to the public the fol-
owing letter which appeared through the public press :

4' TO THE EDITOR.

France. She entreats him to stay, as his life
is in danger, and as he still refuses, at length
she confesses her love for him. At this instant
Procida and his son are brought in guarded, having
been arrested by Gaston (Neville), an old veteran,
attached to Montford, who has recognised Procida
notwithstanding his disguise. On seeing them,
Leanthe attempts to snatch the letter from one of
her attendants, but is prevented by Gaston, who
hands it to Montford. Montford reads it, and
Loredan, having recovered from his surprise, de-
clares the letter to be his writing ; that from
motives of private revenge he certainly had
intended taking Montford's life, but that there
is no conspiracy, and, as the price of
his candour, demands that his father, against
whom there is no charge, shall be set at
liberty. Montford, however, condemns them both
to exile, and commits them to the custody of Gas-
ton until a ship can he prepared for their embarka-
tion. Procida, under pretence of making disclo-
sures, lures Gaston to a terrace overlooking the sea,
and there dispatches him; after which he retures
to his son, relates what he has done, and urges him
to make use of the liberty thus procured them by
joining the other conspirators at the palace ; in-
forming him that the sound of the vesper-bell that
night is the concerted signal for a general massacre
of the French throughout Sicily. They join the other
chiefs of the conspiracy, and it is determined that
to Loredan shall be committed the charge of de-
spatching Montford. The bell sounds, all hastm
to their posts, Loredan alone remaining, to await
the Viceroy. Montford comes forth unarmed to
know the cause of the tumult, Loredan acquaints
him with what has passed, Montford bares his
breast, desiring Lorendan to strike ; Loredan stands
for some time awe struck, and then, presenting
Montford with his sword, desires him to go forth
and seek a soldier's death, at the same time remind-
ing him that when next they meet it must be as foes.
In the melee which follows, Procida is wounded by
Montford. Loredan, however, rescues his father and
wounds Montford mortally, and Leanthe falls dead
on his body; Loredan falls covered with wounds in the
moment of victory. Nature for a short time asserts her
rights in Procida, who laments over the body of his
I son ; but the Patriot conquers the Father ; he
draws his sword, and places himself at the head of
his followers, to secure the triumph of his country,
and the curiain falls. The piece was given out for
repetitnn every evening by Elton, amidst tumults
of app!ause, and Mrs. 'Vining, Hughes, and Sa-
ville were successively called for, to receive the
plaudits of a delighted audience. -The interest of
the piece does not flag for a moment. Al-
thou2h as a poem it may not perhaps be equal
to The Bride of Messina, yet as an
artistically constructed drama, it is certainly
entitled to the preference. Elton's Procida was a
most spirited piece of actin;, and he was ably sup-
ported by Saville and Mrs. H. Vining. Tne
scenery and dresses were superb, and the whole
getting up of the piece excellent. The house was
crowded to excess long before the rising of the
curtain.

THE MUSICAL FESTIVALS.

HEREFORD.
HEREFORD, FRIDAY MORNING —Yesterday brought
into the old town of Hereford a fresh concourse of visi-
tors, and the day turned out in all respects a propitious
one for the festival. The cathedral was literally
crammed, and every disposable seat found a ready and
an early occupant. The performances commenced as
usual at eleven o'clock, and did not terminate till nearly
four, the programme b,Ang exceedingly lengthy.
SATURDAY MORNlNG.—Yesterday, or rather this
morning at daybreak, the festival terminated, and the
town is now stirred with the bustle of a thousand de-
Fartures. The professionals, and a great number of
nobility and gentry, arc off for Birmingham.
The Collections for the charity (1,029/. 17s. 3d.)
have surpassed any of former years.