The Sun. — 1832-03-19 (London, England)

CON' FNT-GARDEN THEATRE.  There was a full house on Saturday night to witness a repetition of Francis the First, which, in many parts, met with especial favour, and, on its announcement fur future representation, was hailed by loud and general testimonies of approbation. The tragedy was followed by a new afterpiece, concocted, it is said, by Mr. Power, the comedian. The following is a slight outline of the plot :—A mutual attachment exists between Caradino (Mr. Ditruset) and Margarctta (Miss Cause), for whom also Count Manfredi (Mr. Diddear) indulges a hopeless passion. Inspired by jealousy, and hatred of his rival, the Count hires two assassins, Rufo and Carlo, to waylay and murder him. Considering the enterprise a hazardous one, they offer a purse to O'Raft?rty to become a participator. This, not knowing their purpose, he at first accedes to; but, on ascertaining it, throws down his wages in disgust, and beats them off, after the Connaught fashion. O'Raffhly, whilst lamenting his destitute condition—for he is hungry and pennyless—is be. friended by a Count 3falfi (Mr. F. Matthews), who takes him home, that he may render him available in some scheme which he is about to contrive to avenge himself of the slight he had recently received from the Countess Molinga (Mrs_ Tayleure), who had refused the offer of his alliance. They reach home at a critical juncture, just as the assassins set upon Coradino. The Count falls down from fright, whilst Coradino bravely defends himself, and, with the timely and able assistance of O'Ratkrty and his shilelah, is brought off victorious, which terminates the first act. At the commencement of the second we see Oliafflrty bedizened in a suit of velvet, richly embroidered, with bag-wig, sword, &c., for the purpose, instead of carrying—his previous occupation—of being carried in a sedan, to make love to the Countess Molinga, in fulfilment of Count Magi's design. The Countess, who has long repined at " single blessedness," is unable long to withstand the ardour of his passion, engages to come to Count Maid's ball that evening, where a Priest is to unite them. O'lle(Nrty, about to re. turn, observes Manfredi and Rufo, his fonner antagonist, in earnest conversation ; he conceals himself in the sedan, and overhears their plot to disarm and seize upon Coradino at the conclusion of the ball. Manfredi having left info behind, he soliloquizes his intended revenge on O'Roffirty—the latter springs upon, disarms, and, finally, forces, him into the sedan, which he assists to carry off to the residence of Count Malfi, with whom he concerts measures to defeat his intentions, and secure the person of Manfredi, who, at his appointed signal with the assassins, is himself arrested, and borne off by soldiers. The Countess is somewhat displeased on discovering the trick which has been played upon her, but becomes reconciled, on assurance that O'Rcriferty is really a legitimate descendant of one of the Kings of that first flower of the earth, first gem of the sea"—old Ireland: Power's great animal spirits and rich brogue enabledjilm to give a very animated portraiture of this genuine son of Tlibernia ; nor was his Irish jig, which he danced with Miss Harriet Cause—who very properly subdued her share of the performance, the better to set-off the apparent impetuosity and love-making on his—the least happy, having been unanimously encored in it. The other parts were well sustained.