New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-11-09

twelfth century in England and France; 1t was very
brilliantly played; and every arpreciative spectator
OF II must have been pleasurably excited exalted
and deeply impressed The manifestations of public
delight numerous ana eInphatlc lhere were
four calls after each act.
The art Of the poet and the dramatlst has been
manifested by Tennyson, In his blending with the
story Of Beckct's rise and fall the story OF Queen
Eleanor and Rosamund Clifford There is no reason
10 suppose that, in actual life the fortunes Of
Pocket were In any way implicated with those Of
Rosamund The theme Of Beckets martyrdom,
however, would be bleak and CHASTITY as the ex-
elusive substance Of a play, and 1t was wise ana
felictous to obtain for it an atmosphere OF ro-
nance through association Of the preates zealotry
with the rnonarch's love. In TennysOns tragedy
accordingly. 1t is assumed that Henry ana ROSA
mund have secretly been married. and that Rosa
inund is lawfully the soverrign's wife 1t is in
cidentally made known that the King has assigned
to her a residence in Anjou. and also residence
Ia England-thc latter being her mysterious
Bower" at Woodstock, near oxford. IL Is sui
further assumed that Reginald Fitzurse one OF the
ruiians who finally murdered Beckett, has PAID MS
addresses TO Rosamund, and, being rcpulsed by her.
has become her bitter enemy. 1t is likewise pre-
missed that Henry has caused Beckett to be chosen
Archbishop OF Canterbury; has communicated 10
him the secret OF Rosamunds Bower; and with
the intention of rowing from England to France.
has in,rusted the person Of Rosamund TO the
Archbshop's care. And it is denoted. prelimi-
nary, that the King has publicly welded with
Eleanor Of Aquitaine, and that Queen Eleanor
hearing of Rosamund. hating dler, and desiring TO
accomplish her degradation and violent DEATH
has set the vindictive Fitzurse upon her TRAIL and
commissioned him to achieve her ruin. Upon that
posture OF circumstances the action proceeds; and
thus the tragedy has a two-fold theme-Beckets
protection Of Rosamund. against the magn, vio-
lence and murderous persecution OF Fitzurse and
Queen Eleanor. and Becket's opposition Of the &C.
c!esiastical power to the secular authority OF the
King One element is fiction; the other is fact
The Prologue shows Queen Eleanor. melting
Fitzurse 10 pursue and destroy Rosamund: and 1t
also shows King Henry, in familiar friendship with
Becket divulging to him. as 10 the most deeply
trusted OF men. the secret OF Rosamund's retreat.
and commencing her to his paterna care. A chart
OF the Bower given by Henry to Beckett, is cas-
ually seen by Eleanor and the sight OF 1t intensi-
nes her fierce and sinister resolve. The death OF
ineobald. Archbishop OF Canterbury Is an
nounced to the King. and IL is made clear that
inc monarch will Beckett TO be Installed his
successor In that great office. Act hrst shows
becket as archbishop. protecting Rosamund from
the pursuit Of Fitzurse. and opposing the royal au-
uiority by refusing chancellor, TO set the great
sea- OF England upon the compact called the Con-
susutons OF CIarendon."-a compact which. IN
'''oou OF compassionate pliancy, he had been per-
su"aed to sign. Act second shows Rosamund' In
happy converse with Henry. In the Bower'-with
.neir boy Godfrey sporting near. The King gives
" Hosamund crucinx. the gift OF Eleanor. Inc