Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-04-18
Nj ISC u l. l. A N Y.
"T ESE MAHIAC."

rom an interesting article IN the April NO. ofthe
Southern Literary Messenger, on Matthew Gregg
ry Lewis Commonly called .uonk from the novel
Of that name which he wrote) we take the follow
ing:
Among his poems is that celebrated one The
MANAGE which has Deen lately joirrd 10 thrilling
music and sung by distinguished composer. 1t
was originally L munodrama aud presented by Mrs
Litchieid, tragic actress, al of her benefits
Her character as a maniac, and.her embodiment of
the authors imaginlngs, combined with the scenic
effect, threw portion of the audience into hyster-
les and the whole theatre into confusion and horror
Even the box keepers took fright, and universal
terror clothed the counlenances of boxes, pit and
gallery. Mrs. Litchfeld herself, in acting, was
very near ainting. Ofcourse the piece was with
drawn, but the author was sufficiently compliment
ed by lis effect, if compliment it be, to well nigh
kill whole assemblage. The piece, with Lews's
stage directions and in its original form, is much
more effective than as Bit of poetry OF as a song
In It's primitive dress present it.
The scene represents dungeon in which is
grated door guarded by strong bars and chains
an the upper part is an open gallery leading to the
cells above Slow and melancholy music. The
captive is discovered In the attitude of hopeless
gnef; she in CHAINS her eyes are fixed with
vacant stare, and her hands are folded. After
pause the Gaolcr is passing through the upper
gallery with lamp; he appears at the CRATE and
opens the door The nulse OF the bars falling roUs-
es the captive. She looks around eagerly but on
seeing tn. Gaoer enter, she waves her hand mourn
fully and relapses into her former stupor The
Gaoier repenlshes jug with water. and places a
loaf of bread by her side He then prepares to leave
the dungeon when the captive seems to resolve on
making an attempt to excite his compassion; she
rises from her bed of straw, clasps his hand and
sinks at his feet The music and she speaks
"Stay, Gaoler stay, and hear my woe!
She is not mad who kneels to thee,
For what Pm now too well know
And what was and what should be-
III rave no more in proud despair,
My language shall be calm tho sad;
But yet III firmly, Truly swear
l am no, mad, Kissing has hand I am not mad.
He offers 10 leave her she delains him, and con-
| tinues in tone of eager persuasion.
A tyrant husband forged the Tale
! Which chains me in this dIeary cell.
My fate unknown. my friends bewail,
| Oh Gaoler haste that fate 10 tell.
| Oh haste, my fathers heart TO cheer;
| That heart at once, twill grieve and glad
| 10 know, tho, kept captive here
| am not mad not mad not mad
| Harsh music, while the Gaoler, with look Of
contempt and disbelief, forces his hand from her
grasp and leaves her. The bars are heard repac-
ing.
! He smiles in scorn He turns the key
He quits the CRATE II knelt in vain
Silll-still his gllmmerlng lamp see
| Plantive music the light growing fainter as the
Gaoer retres through the gallery, and the captive
watches his departure with eager looks.
lis lost land all is gloom again.
| She shivers and wraps her garment more close
| ly around her.
Cold !-biter cold mo warmth mo light
| Lille ali the comforts once had
| Yet here Pun chained this freezing night
| Eagerly Atho' not mad no, no, R1,--not mad!
| A few bars of melancholy music, which she in
| tenups by exclaimlng suddenly,
'Tis sure dream -some fancy vain
Proudly II, the child OF rank and wealth
! Am the wretch who cIanks this chain,
Deprived OF freedom, friends and health
Oh while count those blessings fled
Which never more my hours must glad,
How aches my heart how burns my head
InteTrupiing herself hastily, and pressing heI
hands iorclbly against her forehead. 4.
But IT'S not madsrno-'tis not mad
She rssaiafes in this nttlpde. with look
of'fear, tIll s'nus's EangRgv~Nsxs ses that some
tshaer, melsachply f5SsesabDas pas passed her mind
My child !-sh hast thou not forgot by this
Thy mothers iace-thy mother tonpue2
She'll meier forget your parting kiss,
Win smile Nor round her neck how fast YOU
chung,
Nor how you sued with her to stay,
Nor how that suit your sire forbade
WithGgonyl Nor how Win look of terror
III drive such thoughts away
In hollow, hurried voice,
They'll make me mad they'll make me mad
A pause--she then proceeds with melancholy
smile.
His rosy lips. how sweet they smiled!
His mild blue eyes, how bright they. shone,
Was never born loveer child
With sudden burst Of passionate grief, approach.
ing 10 frenzy,
And art thou now forever gomez
And must never sec the more,
My pretty, pretty, pretty, lad
| tWih cnergy] Twill be free'