The New York herald., 1844-09-28
Mr. Macresdy's Farewell Address at tho
Park last night.

Park last night.
The Park was crowded last night. 1t was the
last appearance of Mr.. Macready. The play was
King Lear, and il went of rather heavily. Miss
Cushman, as "Cordella," was deservedly much
applauded. Immediately on the fall of the curtain,
the call for "Macready" was general. Mr.. Lowell
came before the curtain and stated that Mr.. Ma
cready would in few minutes express his ac-
acknowledgements to the house, and till then, he so-
ted their indulgence. In about ten minutes, Mr..
Macready made his appearance, and was greeted
with loud and continued plaudits After the ap.
plause subsided, he delivered the following eo-
quent, egotiscal, feeling grateful, and character
istic address,
LADIES AND GESrLEMEx On occasions like this it Is
expecled that the player should Offer few words as
parting testimony of respect to his audience. There is
nothing restrain in this grateful yet melancholy
duty but the consciousness. Of my inability to do justice
either to render just tribute to you and TO do justice
my own feelings The retrospect Of year since first
bowed my acknowledgements Of your cordial welcome
happier oy the hospitality and the most
friendly attention These memories Of past enjoy
they always will be gratefully cherished BY me- ZAP
plause) In contemplating professional visit TO this
country was at times discouraged by accounts of
theatre deserted by almost all it's old requcntes.
II these accounts were even partially correct gives
which, individually, have been hcnoied For nearly
fifty nights over which my in this city have
extended no signs Of declining support nor Of that in
difference with which was threatened have appeared,
either in the number Of each nights attendance in
the want Of interest in those who made up my audiences
proof that the taste for the Shakspersn drama has
fact been dead, but merely slumbered? And may
guage can the taste for such drama ever diei
(Great aprlanse) Whydupon your drawing room tables
on Is
where ought such usra ions of the poetic he made but
that stage which he built u by the great verse: that
painters magic power, nor his
" who moulds with lingering touch the tardy grace"
to give to the conceptions Of the poet that kindlipg
reality which the ac,ed scene displays. 1t Is not
nor from the marble to produce that embodiment of the
poets thoughts, which acting presents to u.s.
"The youngest Of the sister arts,
Where all the beauty li9s"
Let me express a parting hope that each performer
whom leave behind me-'tis with regret-in this coun
try, thus consider his vocation The object OF the
whom lie is among the oftest in the scope Of
literature
To wake the soul by tender strokes of art;
To raise the genius and to mend the heart
To make mankind in conscious virtue bold
Live oer each scene and be what they behold.
For this the tragic muse first trod the stage.
frIf then the player does feel that he tool has his
mission to fulfil minister to such high purposes
if he has not faith in what he strives for-t0 make
his art that elevatng and instructive recreation
to raise up as an instrument OF good to make 1t
the instructor Of the public taste-i hs be not con.
tent to his thoughts in search of the depths
and springs OF passOnt0 educate his mind to his stu
desto qualify himself the enupcator and expounder
of his poets text that hghpries Of nature, the Shaks
peare whom we glory init is plain that he uses his art
merely sorded art of gain consenting to make him
self mctley to the view" only to avoid his prescribed
sha Of labor merng not only the indifference, but the
obloquytoo often upon his profession
These remarks make to animate and encourage those
whose destiny has placed them the indulge in
worthier aspirations And II true TO themselves and to
the higher objects Of their art believe that the citizens
ains to intellectual and moral culture, will
not be wanting to sustain them Much appause) fear
have trcspassed too long upon your patience c'No"-
mo-. .go on, and applause) Perhaps, too, may have
i merited But anything surely is important enough to
be guarded from abuse7 And the conviction is firm
IN me that the theatre ds-associated from those
vile ndecencies which appended to it, might he
1ered not only innocuous but beneficial in its influence
(Appause) Ladies and gentlemen: leave you as 1
have before said with regret In the enjoyment of your
appreciation, have been truly happy. ] am proud Of it.
Deeply grateful shall never forget it, Most respect
iuy offer you my parting good wishes, and gratefully
bid you farewell
MIR. MacIeady then bowed and retired amid great
applause The call for Miss Cushman then became
universal, and the curtain which had risen for the
farce had to be dropped again. In a few minutes
Miss Cushman was led on the stage by Mr.. Barry,
and was greeted with the most enthusiastic plau-
dts we ever heard in any theatre. Several beauti-
full bouquets were thrown on the stage. and amid
thunders Of applause this excellent and favorite ac
tress retired.
The Meeting OF the Natives Last Night.
w u;vo IN arotbor col,,v,r n occuvuto renoyf of