The Sun.
London, England, 1859-07-28 00:00:00

ITALIAN OPERA, DRURY-LANE.

Another remarkable novelty, iu the shape of Signor
Verdi's grand serious opera, " Les Vepres Siciliennes"—un-
der the Italian title of " I Vespri Siciliani"—was produced
last night, for the first time in this country, with incon-
testable success. The " Vepres Siciliennes," brought out
at the Academie Imperiale in 1854, is the only work which
Signor Verdi has written for the great national Opera of
France—his " Jerusalem" (1847) being one of his earlier
compositions (I Lombardi), with alterations and additions
for the occasion. The part of the heroine—the Duchess
Helen—was composed expressly for Mademoiselle Sophie
Cruvelli, to whose magnificent voice and means it was ad-
mirably suited. Others have attempted it since (including
the promising Mademoiselle Moreau Sainti), but none with
anything approaching the same effect. Last night, how-
ever, Mademoiselle Tietj ens, by her splendid dramatic energy
and brilliant execution, proved that Signor Verdi might
have done worse than select her for his prima donna. Her
performance was remarkable throughout. Signor Mongini
won fresh laurels as Henri Arrigo, Helen's lover, and the
victim of Giovanni di Procida (Signor Vialetti), the Sicilian
patriot. Signor Fagotti exhibited his accustomed talent as
De Montfort. The famous ballet divertissement, entitled
"Les Quatre Saisons," including the Sicilian national dance
—in the music to which Signor Verdi has been so sparkling
and happy—was perfectly executed by Madlle. Boschetti
(Autumn) and her companions ; and the mist en scene was
complete and splendid throughout. Madlle. Tietjens and
the principal artists were more than once recalled, and after
the fourth act, in obedience to a unanimous summons, Mr.
E. T. Smith came forward and was loudly cheered. The
general execution of the opera was creditable to all con-
cerned. Signor Arditi presided in the orchestra.

Mr. Pease and Mr. Ingram were among the mem-
bers who were prevented voting with Sir J. Trelawny by
the non-ringing of the division bell in the committee rooms.
THE H. P. C. NUISANCE.—The present Duke of
Wellington has done one thing which his heroic father never
did. He has made an unsuccessful attack upon a French
column.—Punch.

CRYSTAL PALACE.—HALF-CROWN Day, Wed-
nesday, July 27.—Admissions on payment, 3,098; ditto by
season tickets, 1,240 ; total visitors, 4,333.
PALPABLE.—Two men were convicted, on a re-
cent Friday, by Mr. Broughton, of having endeavoured to
obtain money from the Marquis of Westminster. The poor
demented wretches have been sent to a criminal prison.
Where is the Lunatics' Friend Society ?—Pinch.
THE FIRE AT TILE LONDON DOCKS.—The extent
of the damage sustained at the brandy vault by the fire we
reported yesterday, is now pretty well ascertained, and is
found to be very moderate considering the nature and vici-
nity of the danger.
THE MAlLS.—According to a Post-office notice
just issued, mails for America, India, Spain, and Portugal
will be made up in the Genera! Post•office to-day; for
America on Friday ; for the West Indies, Pacific, and
Canada on Tuesday next ; for America and India, Aug. 3 ;
and for India and China, Aug. 4. Mails from China, India,
Alexandria, Malta, and Canada will be due at the General
Post-office to-day ; from the Pacific, West Indies, Mexico,
Portugal, Spain, and Cape of Good Hope on Monday next ;
from India, Alexandria, and Malta en Tuesday next ; from
Canada, Aug. 3; from New Zealand, Australia, Mauritius,
Bombay, Alexandria, Malta, America, and Bahamas, Aug.
4. The Behar is to take out the Bombay mail, and the
Tagus the Peninsular mail, to-day; the Arabia the Ameri-
can mail of Friday ; the Atrato the West India mail next
Tuesday ; the Indus the India mail Aug. 8 ; the Phcebe
the Cape mail Aug. 5 ; and the Tyne the Brazil mail Aug.
9. Ship mails are to be despatched by the steamer Warrior
Aug, 1, for Lisbon, Cadiz, Mogador, and Canary Islands, -,