The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1877-06-29
sAeAorTY OF A CIRCUS HORSE.

mchlS VI IuiS ktuu, OuT TeColieCtlOnS 20 OaCS
to Astley's Amphitheatre, near Westminster
Bridge, as it is used to be, thirty or forty
years ago, under the management of the late
Mr.. Ducrow. The feats there performed by
some of the horses were exceedingly won
derful. The animals seemed to possess de-
gree Of human intelligence. They were ac-
complished actors. Their powers of simula-
tion with view to entertain spectators went
far beyond what any one could expect, whose
knowledge is confined to the ordinary class
of horses. We will mention few partcu-
lars regarding the horses at Astlcys as they
occur to our memory. One evening the
performance represented house on fire
All the Inhabitants of the dwelling had man
aged to escape except lady in an upper
story. You saw her at n window, throwing
about her arms wildly, and screaming for
help. Her appeals to the assembled crowd
beneath were heart-rending. The fremen
could not reach her, for the stair was SEEM
7ngly in blaze, and there was no fire es-
cape. The spectators in the theatre were
wrought up to an agony, it being but too
evident that the poor lady was doomed to
perish by painful and violent death. In
the midst Of the commotion, horse which
belonged to the lady rushed upon the stage.
In its stable it had heard the screams of its
mistress, and fastened to do its best to save
her. Without bride or saddle, it was seen
to rush into the house and climb the stair,
amidst flames and volumes of smoke. 1t
reached the apartment where the lady was.
She mounted on its back, holding by the
ma no, and the horse, descending the stair,
brought her safely to tho ground. Pro
longcd sbo1ts of applause rewarded the has::
ardous exploit The whole thing was beau-
tiful piece Of acting, and evoking throughout
sentiments of pleasure and admiration
Nothing but kindness aud long training
could have made the horse so clever in know
ing what to do and to do it well. The feat
was the more surprising, as horses usually
have dread of fire which is not easily con-
quered. 1t will be understood that the fire
had been so adroitly managed as to effect no
injury on the theatre, and that there never
had been any real danger.
On another evening at Astley's, still
more remarkable piece of acting, by white
horse named Prince, was offered for public
entertainment. 1t was play called theHigh-
mettled Racer, The play was in seHeral anis,
and designed to present different stages of
degradation in the career of horse, from
youth to old age. Th, spectacle was pain
full but touching, but unfortunately in too
many cases true to nature. We shall en-
dcavor to describe some of tho scenes.
When the piece opens, we have view of
an English mansion. In front there arc sew
eral mounted huntsmen in scarlet coats ready
to set out on fox-chasc. They are waiting
until a young lady comes out of tho mansion
to accompany them. We see the lady,
properly equipped for riding, descend the
steps to the doorway, and by the aid of
groom mount a young and beautiful shaped
white horse that is in readiness for her
She speaks to it affectionately and calls it
her doar Rxinne. The elegant form of the
animal, its proud bearing, its glossy coat and
the spirited way it prances about, excite
general admiration. After little galloping
to show its pace, tho horse with its fair ri,
dor goes off with the 'huntsmen and hounds
in pursuit of fox, that was also taught
actor in its way, which leads the party
through variety Of difficulties, such rs
climbing up rocks, lcaping over hedges, &C.,
till at length, on the point of being run
down, it dashcs into the cottage of a poor
old woman, who humanely gives it shelter.
She takes up the fox lovingly ia her arms,
and saves it from seemingly impending des-
truction. That may be called the first stage
of the horses career, during which Prince
was we'll attended to and happy.
At the beginning OF the next act. the
horse is to every appearance several years
older, and is no longer fit for racing or hunt
ing. The lady, its first owner, had from
some circumstance been compelled to part
with it. From its swiftness in running, it
had been purchased to run at celebrated
horse races, at which it had, on several oc-
casions, won prizes, and it's sprightlincss OBJ
tanned for it the name Of the High mettled
Racer. After this it was transferred from
one owner to another, always in descending
scale, until poor Prince is seen in the con-
,dition of cabhorse in the streets of Lon
don! 1t has somewhat the look of its former
state, but is terribly broken down in figure
and spirit. Its plump and glossy appear
ance is gone. 1t is dirty and detected. 1t
hangs its head droopingly down Its ribs
shine through its skin. Its joints are stiff
1t stands on three legs, with the other leg
resting on the point of the foot, just as VIC
see cab horses trying TO rest their aching
limbs, when standing in row for hire
Whats wretchcd down-co from that which
princo had oniouod in Df,,o youn,, Jra,n,