The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-06-01

"CIC tiiUol NC iOWitE WIS UlUIiItilld-
rly ensnared in his own net The purity Of
Cliiion's feelings had mingled with the turbid
current Of his; and il was not without an ef-
fort that he resumed his confidence and com
posture.
For him, indeed who debases the uncloud-
ed intellect, the eagle spirit, The lofty soul,
there is liile rest; for the ghosts Of his early
virtues will for ever haunt him with this spec
trail images, like that of Bsnquo, arousing him
from the gayety Of the banquet, and dashng
the jest and the wine-cup together from his
lips
The performances Of the evening consisted
OF a mehnge OF great variety and attraction,
being a choice selection from sterling PLAYS,
N which the powers Of nearly all the most
distinguished actors Of the dav, were exhi-
bted to the utmost advantage. Now Melpo-
meme, with stately form and moisiened lids,
reigned queen Of the hour; anon Thalia,
with wreathed smiles. usurped the throne,
until Menus, broad grin for his sceptre,
suPplanted the rival sovereigns in the affec-
tons of his audience.
As Forrest was displaying his admirable
delneaions of the jealous Moor one Of the
principal actors was at fault, and obliged To
resort TO the promp,er.
How provoking" said Ellngbourne-
while one is dwelling in mute rapture on the
honeyed words Of Shakespeare, to have the
Illusion dissipated in the midst of the most
aosorhlng scene, because some lazyvarlet has
omitted to study his part. Ii | were mat,ager,
such fellows should be put in Coventry
lis indeed vexatious,' replied Clifton
the golden thread that links in sweet com
munion the thoughts of such mind as Shnk-
speare's, should not be rudely severed. fire.
quenlly wonder whether, if his equal were 10
arise in our day, his genius would be fully
appreciated How often has the lot Of those,
whose works from age 10 aye have stood like
beacons on the wach-towers of literature,
illumning the horizonof intellect with their
steady eilulgence, been cast in poverty and
obscuritv'
''lis too often the fate of genius replied
Ellingbourne.
The first part Of the performances being
closed, Ellingbourne and Clifton adjourned 10
the saloon to partake of refreshments. The
former. indeed, felt the necessity of some
stmulant TO relieve his mind from the me-
lancholy which had for the moment en-
shrouded it. In the saloon they met DE LYLE,
who introduced Clifton to DR.. Crabbe, Mat
thison and Mr. Melville, an English gentle
man of fortune who had but recently visited
the country.
After indnlging in due liba,ions to the rosy
god, the whole party adjourned to De Lyle's
box, where they enjoyed the performance of
a lively farce called paris and London" in
which Piacide enacted the character of Jran
Jacques FraacoiS. giving the portrai,ure of the
volatile Frene hman 10 the life.
In my opinion said Clifton, Henry Pla-
eide is the most natural and impressive per-
former that the American public have ever
known. In quiet, genuine humor, he is unri-
vailed, and shali continue ~ Loi:~.. >. t,r.. -
living actor of any land can, in his line Of cha
racters, surpass him. ..
Having been in Europe but few years
since, and seen the principal comic performers
in London and Paris, most decidedly concur
with you in opinion said EIlingbourne.
,'If' replied Mr.. Melville, he should visit
London, | think can assure him most fiat
tering reception. The theatrical audiences Of
the great metropolis are generally candid cri-
tics, and national preiudices will not interfere
to prevent proper appreciation OF your able |
countryman's merit
Percevng,' said Matlhison, addressing
Mr. Melville, that you are a gentleman of
intelligence, win take the liberty of handing
You my card. My room, sir, is No. - Astor
House. am now procuring information Of
the peculiar habits, diseases, and pursuits of
the men of genius of the present aye, and in
tend, by the result, to test a theory which en-
braces principles that. sir, take the liberty Of
as serting, will at no distant day work mighty
resolution in the Philosophy Of Mind and
Metaphysics. Sir, here, here striking the
lore-fnger against the pit of his stomach, is
the seat Of the emotions, the handspring OF
human action, the key that winds up the men
tai clock, the pendulum, the wheels, the pull
leys, the axis nay, for that matter, even the
bell and the hammer. Sir, if you're all right |
here, 90 to sleep contented, sir; you're
made man.
Mr.. Melville, evidently in doubt of the theo-
rsts sanity, made some unmeanihg reply, |
when Dr. Crabbe observed, Stuff, stuff, Mat
,ison; take my advice; 90 home, soak your
feet, put blister on the back Of your neck,
depletc powerfully, take ten grains of calomel,
and in the morning Seidltz powder, and III
warrant a cure OF your unhappy monomania,
which is very annoying to your friends
Mr.. Matthson, in great irritation, flew into
the lobby, when the company INDUCED in n
hearty laugh.
Doctor said De Lyle, you have offended
Mr.. Matthison highly
why, then, does he continue to bore me
with his confouudcd theoryp
At this moment brilliant burst of patriot
ism was heard from the lips Of one Of the ac-
tors, when Elingbourne observed, tn what
glowing colnrs does that master Of the human
heart depict the true patriot. by heavens, II
makes the blood Jingle il, the veins TO listen
to the soul-stirring appeal
''Ts NOBLE replied Doctor Crabbe. but
should have been recied in the days OF the |