Star.
London, England, 1819-04-19 00:00:00

lima tap]ie with mattes a4d varietr. The writing
sometimes advances beyond mediocrity, and the man-
ner in which the whole was received affords just
hope that it may be permitted to amuse the town.

COVENT-GARDEN.—Saturday night was produced
a New Musical Drama (in three acts), called The
Heart of Mid-Lothian, founded on the highl. y popu-
lar Novel of that name. The following is a list of
the Dramatis Persona :

Lord Oakdale - - -
Wilmot (his Secretary) - -
The Laird of Dumbiedikes -
George Robertson -
David Deans
Ratcliff -
Sharpitlow -
Saddletree -
Mrs. lialchristle
Effie Deans -
Jeanie Deans
Iladge Wildfire

Mr. EGZITON.

Mr. Cossua.
Mr. LISTON.
Mr. Micas Aim
Mr. Trims.
Mr. Einar.
Mr. DI-ANWAR.%
Mr. Suistoss.
Mrs. DAVENPORT.
Miss STEPHENS.
MI BRUNTON.
Mrs. C. Kum,.

...
I

The Pfece opens with a representation of the rioters clamour-
ing and exulting in the recent murder of Jock Porteous. Dum-
biedikes coming in their way, is'only saved from being made
another victim to their fury by the sudden appearance and in-
terposition of the fictitious Madge Wildfire, George Robertson.
The two sisters, Effie and Jeanie Deans, then appear, and in a
long and affecting dialogue devslope the misfortune and disgrace
of the former, with the loss of her infant. Dumbiedikes, on his
return from Edinburgh, is met by Robertson, who terrifies him
by horrible menaces into delivering a messato to Effie to meet
hint at twelve at night at Muschat's Cairn. Meantime Effie has
been arrested and conveyed to prison, on a charge of infanticide.
Jeanie learning the communication from her sister's supposed
seducer, resolves to meet him at the place appointed. Dumbie-
dikes sets oat to the same place, for the purpose of affording her
protection, should a necessity arise; and Sharpitlaw, with a
guard of soldiers, also proceeds thither, for the purpose of
seizing Robertson, under the guidance of Ratcliff and Madge
Wildfire. Robertson, engaged in explaining to Jeanie the
difficulties of her sister's situation, and the means of extri-
cating her, is alarmed by the boisterous singing of Madge,
who had caught a suspicion of her companion's design,
breaks away, and, aftsr a hot pursuit, effects his escape.—
The distressing interview of the sisters in the Tolbeoth is then
represented, during which Ratcliff suggests the means whereby
the one may save the other's life. Lord Oakdale, who had been
sent down a Commissioner, with full powers to administer the
Law, now admits Deans to an audience. and unfolds on what a
nee thread his daughter's life hangs. The old man reproves hint
for exciting so arduous a struggle between duty and paternal af-
&aloft, and resolves to do his duty. The culprit and the witness
Jeanie are then brought before the Commissioner and his 'Sucre-
tary. Jeanie being asked the important question, in which is in-
volved the existence of her sister, hesitates; old Deans rushing
it, confirins her sinking resolution, and then she makes the fatal
reply. Just as the Judge is about to pass sentence on the wt-
. • •py fair,-.Robertson bursts in before the astonished group, and
'Lord Oakdale, with shame and humiliation, recognizes in hint
s outlawed son, reproaches him with the excesses of his life,
and brands him with the names of a traitor, a murderer, and a
'seducer. He repels the last imputation,
.jay avowing ELL; to be
his lawful wife, and the former, by declaring he had joined the
mob only in the hope of preserving Porteous, which is supported
by the testimony of Dumbledikes and Rlteliff. Raftliff conjec-
turing some incoherent language of Madge Wildfire to rebut • to
the loot child, a vault under Holgrottd House is instantly searchod,
and 'that only remaining source of grief and care discovered..
Lord Oakdale is then reconciled to his son, applauds thechoice
be had made, and all persons are made happy. •
• From this slight sketch it will be seen, that, in
preparing this drama for the stage, very material
variations have been made from the work on tehich
'it is founded. Every advantage which a theatrical.;
work can derive from first-rate acting—vocal music
the most enchanting—and scenery the most varied,
splendid, and beautiful, the Heart of Mid-Lothian-
amply enjoyed. Mr. MACREADY'S performance of
Georige • Itobereson, was characterized by as Much
fidelity of conception, energy, and depth of feeling,
at we have witnessed in any of his preceding cha-
racters. Mr. TERRY (the Author of the Piece) gave
.11- most powerful and affecting representation of
David Deans. It is a character perfectly in hh
way and he did it 'Most ample justice. Rake; that:
compound of honesty' and roguery, of treachery'
Wand fidelity, sins ablr-personated by Mr.-Enmity..
The part of Davebiedikes was ridiculous enoup
'in cite hands of. Mr. LISTON, but far too bold and
'spirited for the Laird of our old acquaintance.—
Miss ITSPitztes exhibited a moving image of the in-
noCenticlivoted;self-condemning Elie. All the songi
introduced' were execute& by her, and enthusiastically
applauded. Miss'Bßunrow acted Jeanie with thlt
ease, composure, and collectedness, which distin-
guishes her performing. Mrs. C. KESIELE infused
such strength, wildness, fire, and originality into
Madge Wityfi re, as are rarely seen on the stage. All
the cisaracters were judiciously cast and well played.
Sonic one or two hisses were heard from one corner
of the house so repeatedly, as at length to excite 'the
indignation of the audience. With this exception the
Drama was received with universal applause.

The following air was sung by Miss STEPHENS,
and with such taste and feeling, as to produce as
universal encore :
•
I'm wearing awe' Jean,
Like snaw-wreaths, in snaw, Jean,
I'm wearing awa'
To the land o the leal !
There's nae sorrnw there, Jean,
There's nae cauld nog care, Jean,
• The day is aye fair
In the land o' the leal !

My good name is gone, Jean,
My joys here are flown, Jean,
My hope is alone,
•
In the land o' the leal !
Then heed not my pain, Jean,
This world's care is vain, Jean,
We'll meet and be fain,
In the land o' the Leal!
• The annexed, said to be written by Mr. WALT=
&Orr, and set to the tune of Tweedside, was also
much admired:
My friends and fame are from me gone,
And I must Dever know them mom ;
The hope, the pride of life are flown;
0, would my life itself were o'er !
Why should a wish for life be mine, . -
.
Since none will love or know me here,
When laid in earth, my woes, my fate,
May claim from Pity's eye a tear! .
Poor suffering heart, that tares not seek ..
The friendship that from death night save ;
In secret weep, in silence break,
•
And hide thy sorroty in the grave!
The grave, the grave, the silent grave,.
Is an the refuge left thee kere,
Then, lost and lone one, die—thy fate
Mny•clahn from Pity's eye a tear !
The scenery, which is taken from Nature, is eases
cuted with great ability. The High-street of WA,
isnrgh all the way to Holyrood-House on the moils
-
ins and evening after Porteous's mob—Salisbury
-Irgua' equal in magnificence to
of '

EXECUTION Or GEORGE WARDEN:

EDINBURGH,`THURSDAY, APRIL 15.

offfioe Hnrci,
etgh,Ghewe
Cocarrosgi
crime
tel foorfaf r
executedadjbiusntshr,t
eail
ttiernpygCu ct of taeht
pursuant
to the se
Ittll' e t
sentenceoAberdeenfermdaaYr
c la?Prflt°saerntshtt
s
tontaining money from the mail-bags passing through
theT.Pheost;iorfficucme,stAanbecerds
"n
under. which this unfortunate
young man was convicted, excited an extraordinary
degree of sympathy in his behalf, and mat y indulg-
ed hopes of a commutation of his sentence till the
latest possible period. This general interest Opel ated,
probably along with a recollect on of the unhappy
circumstances attending the last spectacle of the kind
in Edinburgh, to draw an immense multitude to the
place of execution. The spot selected for this purpose
was in the Lawnmarket. A drop was erected at the
bead of Libberton's Wynd, and the crowd extended
is a compact body from th &Wei qh-house to the Cross;
so that there could not be fewer than 20,000 spectators:
At half-past two o'clock, the Magistrates, in their
robes, went from the County-hall to the lock-up-house,
where the prisoner was confined, and where the Rev
Mr. PoRTEOUS' Chaplain to the Jails, and the Rev.
Dr. BRUNTON, of the 'lron Church, were attending
him. Mr. PORTEOUS then read a portion of the 51st
Psalm, which Warden joined in singing ; and after a
prayer by the same Reverend Gentleman, the whole
moved from the lock-up-house, through the lower
part ktf the County-buildings to Libberton's-wynd,
from the top of which a stair led up to the scaffold,
on which the prisoner appeared at a quarter before
three o'clock, supported by the two Clergymen, and
attended by Baines ANDERSON and BROWN. ircrcien
behaved throughout the remaining part of the tragi-
cal scene with becoming firmness ; his countenance
seemed to express pensive resignation to his fate, but
exhibited no marks of terror or dismay. At his own
request, Dr. BauxToN read out.the sth Hymn in the
'collection used in the Church of Scotland, which he
joined in singing; and after an impressive prayer by
the Reverend Doctor, Warden shook hands cot dially
with all around him, and walked up to the drop,,,,s;
sisted by Mr. PORTEOUS. The last shocking duty was
then performed by the Glasgow executioner, and in
few minutes this unfortunate young man was launched
into eternity. During the service the Reverend DOc-
tor was more than once almost overcome by his
feelings; and while he prayed, the majority of the
crowd, within hearing, remained uncovered. Just
before the drop fell, a circumstance occurred which
excited considerable alarm among a portion of the
crowd, but fortunately no serious result followed.
When the executioner and his assistants descended
from the drop, the unhappy sufferer fainted, and
swung tipon the rope-, while the handkerchief, unper-
ceived for an instant, fell from his hand. A loud cry
let down the drop !" issued from those close by ;
while others, at a great distance, alarmed by the
shout, ran with violence in different directions from
the scene. In a moment, however, the drop fell ;
and in less than two minutes Warden's sufferings were
at an end.
Warden was only 21 years of age, and previous to
the commission of the crime tor which 'he suffered,
appears to have borne an ucblemished character and
to have been much respected for his obliging atten-
tion to those who had business to transact with him.
He has leftgca widowed kother and two sisters to la-
ment his utiptmely fate, one oe.whorn is
,15 and the
Other five years of age. The youngest one, With his
'mother, attended him in jail i,hese some weeks past,
dtiring Which time he has inaintained.a MOSI pious
r;iignation.: On Tuesday night, about ten O'clock,
he took an affectionate farewell of them`;, and the
:Scene, to use the expressiOns of the very humane go-
vernor of the jail, Mr. S on A LI), was even more heart-
rending than that c f the execution. He embraced his
little sister in his arms, kissed her repeatedly, and
exhorted her, in te;rmi suited to her capa,:ity, to Walk
in the paths of virtue; and in taking farewell bf bis
mo.liec, Le recommended his sister stiong#:tO her
ma:.; nal care ; intr-rating her, evert, he said, if she
should bqr. icr it, to endeavour to rocure for ttu.m
such instruction and education as might enable them
to prosecute a reputable line of life. The anguish of
.the mother, during this last interview, will not adm.t
Of description.
On the same day, in presence of Bailie SMITH and
Dr. BaustroN, Warden emitted and signed the fol-
ig declaration :

" Edinburgh, April 15, 1819.

" In order that the truth may hereafter be investigated, and
that injustice may be prevented to the young men, clerks in the
different Post-offices and that they may not be tempted by poverty,
or the oppression of their superiors, to break their trust, and,
like me, to expiate their guilt on a gallows, I deem that it may be
of use that I leave behind me on record, a declaration of the truth
as to the actual amount of my allowance from the Post-offiee of
Aberdeen, which was only £4O. lamby nu means actuated,
in this my last declaration, by any feeling of malice er revenge
against the person of Mr. Dingwall; but I do so with the hope
of saving others from being in any way under the necessity of
committing a similar crime; because, had I been paid the salary
allowed by Government, the temptation in my power would not
have been availed nf. At the same time, I return my most sin-
cere thanks t* the Clergymen and others, for their kindness in
visiting me while under sentence; and, in justice, I cannot omit
to mention the kind treatment I received from the Governor,
Mr. Sibbald, in making me as comfortable as my situation would
admit of. I die in uace with all men, and in the humble hope
of pardon from Con for my sins and offences against the Public.
(Signed) " GEORGE WARDEN.
• RORTZT SMITH, Bailie.
• ALICIANDRA BRUNTON, Minister."

" P.S.—I have to contradict the printed Poem that was sold
through the city of Edinburgh, as it was never written by me.
I also deny that ever I abstracted but £5 from letters coming
through the Post-Office of Aberdem. " cantor wasurn.
Every precaution was taken to prevent the recur-
rence of the disgraceful scene so lately witnessed in
Edinburgh. A considerable area in front of the drop
was smugly staked in, and lined inside by a strong
body of the police. The high constables were as-
sembled in the aisle of the adjacent church ; and, in
the County-hall, a bugleman of the 88th was sta-
'tioned, to sound an alarm to the garrison in case of
necessity. But no feeling seemed to actuate the mul-
titude assembled, but that of silent compassion for
the unfortunate suffer.er; and in a short tune after
the sentence of the law was carried into erect, the
streets were quite clean
- o'clock last night, Warden's body •