ILLUSTRATIONS TO OXFORD, a Poem. By Robert Montgomery. By Joseph Skelton, F. S. A. and others. Whittaker and Co. THESE Subjects, twelve in number, are justly entitled to commendation, not only for the correctness with which they represent the objects whence they are taken, but for the admirable manner in which they are (and some more particularly) engraved. They are minute in detail, but mostly rich in pictorial effect. We have not space to notice them seriatim, but amongst others which we admire, The View of Christ Church Tower by Moonlight, drawn by A. G. Vickers, and engraved by Percy Heath, and The North View of St. Mary's Church, drawn by Vickers, and engraved by Romney, are gems which rank highly.

-

THE BLOSSOMS OF HOPE. Drawn by R. A. Clack; drawn on Stone by W. Sharp. Dickenson.

The portraits of two pretty, but not very intellectual-looking, children, drawn after the manner of Sir Thomas Lawrence. If, as regards the subjects, any fault is to be found,

DRURY LANE.

it must be laid to the charge of Dame Nature, and not the artist, for (having seen the originals) we may safely pronounce, that we never met with likenesses in this style pourtrayed with greater fidelity. The spirit of the drawing, however, is scarcely preserved by the lithographer.

THE WATERING PLACES OF GREAT BRITAIN. Isaac T. Hinton, Warwick-square. We have received a Prospectus of this new undertaking, which professes to comprise Views of every Sea-Bathing Place in the Kingdom, taken by Messrs. J. M. W. Turner, Stanfield, Cox, H. Bartlett, &c. and engraved on Steel, in the line manner, by Messrs. Allen, Rogers, Shury, &c. accompanied by a directory of general information regarding each, so as to blend the useful with the agreeable. The specimens before us are ably executed, and should the work be prosecuted with similar spirit, cannot fail of attaining an extended sale; it will be published in monthly numbers, containing three engravings, and 24 pages of letter-press.

A new tragedy at this theatre has been produced during the month, entitled The Pledge, or Castilian Honour. It is taken from the French, and rendered, by the vigour and skill of Mr. Kenny, (to whom we are indebted for this novelty,) by far the most striking and effective drama that we have witnessed on the boards for a considerable time. The plot is too intricate for us to attempt, in our limited space, any thing like an analysis of it, for the incidents and situations are particularly numerous more so indeed than in such a production we ever remember to have observed. Our readers must not infer from this that the story is confused, or in the least overloaded with situations that mar the spirit of it. On the contrary, frequent as the incidents occur, they are mostly very striking, and, far from the spectator being wearied through the intricate turnings and windings of which the play is composed, the interest is forcibly preserved throughout, and the denouement (not at all that which could have been anticipated) is tolerably effective. The feelings of the audience, on the first night of its representation, at the conclusion of the first act, were warmly exhibited in its favour, and, in each succeeding one, as the interest

increased, proportionably evinced, till at length, on its announcement for repetition, the applause was of the most loud and flattering character. There is but one fault we have to object to, and that is in the catastrophe, wherein one of the principal characters, in pursuance of a previously-extracted pledge, (the circumstance which gives rise to the title) yields up his life to preserve his honour, when in the enjoyment of the highest pitch of earthly happiness, being on the point of marriage with the well-tried idol of his affections. The arguments made use of are calculated to excite the mind to the fulfilment of any rea sonable promise, but it appears too impro. bable that human nature, even though vested with the exciting force of Castilian spirit, could be found of such a stern and staple commodity as that exhibited in this instance. The effect of this circumstance destroys a sympathy in the breasts of the audience, which otherwise would be extended throughout. A little judicious alteration in this respect would have rendered the play completely perfect. As it is it must rank very highly; and whether the whim of circumstance, or the anxiety for novelty, occasion the substitution of other pieces to usurp its place on the boards at any early period, we are convinced, whilst

the characters in it can be sustained by the establishment in the admirable manner in which it now is performed, it will long continue a favourite with the sensible and discerning of the play-going public. The character Hernani, being the hero, and the longest in it, was admirably sustained by Wallack. This gentleman has ever ranked high in the melo-dramatic style of acting, but of late he seems to have soared upwards with strong and rapid flight in his profession. His performance in Werner added much to his character as a tragedian, and in the present play he has given a representation which we may pronounce as faultless It was distinguished by vigour, good conception, and talent throughout. Macready's part was a shorter one, but perhaps of greater difficulty. He went through it with an exhibition of the nicest discrimination, and contrived to invest a character that bears in its constitution much that is repulsive with the sympathy of his audience. Cooper, too, did his best, and in nowise detracted from the impression in his favour excited by the performance of Gahor. His enunciation was correct, and his deportment appropriate; more, his part did not admit of his making. Miss Phillips, as the heroine, displayed much taste and feeling. This lady's powers have not been called into exercise very frequently of late, but we are happy to observe that time has served but to mature her talents to advantage. Her conceptions on this occasion were distinguished by sound judgment, and her delivery and deportment exhibited much of chasteness and refinement. There may be observable at times, a trifling deficiency of physical force in her delineations, but no want of mental power to urge it to its best course.

A new Farce called Nettlewig Hall, or Ten to One, has had a tolerable run here. It is a lively affair, mixed up with several ingenious manoeuvres and ludicrous incidents, and though not perfectly successful, will serve pleasantly enough to hold its reign for awhile. The exertions of the performers, Messrs. Farren, Harley, Vining, H Wallack, Mrs. Waylett, Mrs. Orger, and Mrs. C. Jones, were very meritorious. In less able hands, the piece might have proved a failure, since the voices on the first night of its performance in favour of its re-enactment were met with a considerable share of opposition; however, the "ayes" had it, and several judicious alterations having since been made in the dialogue, it is now going off with more spirit.

A third production has been a new Drama in two acts, called The Legion of Ho

nour, from the pen of Mr. Planché, a translation or adaptation of the French piece Le Cenetaire. The subject had previously been introduced by Mr. Davidge, at the Cobourg, about two years ago, where it met with considerable patronage, under the title of One Hundred and Two, or the Veteran and his Progeny, and we cannot regret the reappearance of it in its new shape at this theatre, for it is certainly a very agreeable affair. Four generations flourish in it, consisting of Phillippe (Farren), an old soldier aged 102; Jerome (Dowton), his son, aged 70; Pierre (Liston), his grandson, aged 50; and Captain Antoine, his great-grandson (Bland). In addition to these are Harley, a gardener and corporal of dragoons; Benson Hill, a drummajor; Miss Poole, a drummer-boy; Mrs. Orger and Waylett, so that with an uncommonly strong force, the piece lacks not for due support. All these exerted themselves with the greatest effect-Farren, as the veteran, especially; it was hardly possible to conceive any thing finer than his acting. Some very pretty music is introduced by Alexander Lee, which was much approved of. A chorus of soldiers in the first act is parti cularly entitled to praise; and Mrs. Waylett sung several songs allotted to her with great taste.

COVENT GARDEN.

The grand attraction at this house this month has been the production of an opera called Azor and Zemira, or the Magic Rose, the music by Spohr, and adapted by Sir George Smart to an English version, by some unknown hand. The musical character of the establishment will be much enhanced by this opera, for it is alike a proof of the judgment, skill, and efficient force to be found in it. The opera is a very fine composition, and though somewhat heavy, and in many respects evincing too much anxiety for intricate passages and the surmounting of difficulty in conception, has much that is effective to recommend it. It ranks highly, and well merits the attention of the adapter, who has effected his task with great judgment and laudable perseverence. The distinguishing character of the music is to be found rather in grandeur of thought and expression, magnificent combinations, and fine harmonies, than in simplicity or striking passages, which the memory may retain. Ilis melodies are few and far from striking, and the whole production seems to excite the admiration rather at the skill and talent of the composer than the pleasurable sensations produced in listening to it. To the musician his production possessed commanding attraction,

but to the general listener, in this respect, probably less than any other that has received an English dress. Notwithstanding this impression, however, the opera has been played to the apparent satisfaction of crowded audiences, and seems likely to have a steady run of public favour. The most striking pieces in it are a chorus of Spirits, which is always encored, a female trio at the commencement of the second act, a song by Miss Inverarity, "Rose softly blooming," and two or three other chorusses which are extremely rich and beautiful. Miss Inverarity sang with the greatest taste and spirit. Her tones were in the highest degree charming, and she went through her task with an exhibition of very great skill. She is daily improving, and we have little doubt will soon reach, if she has not already gained, the loftiest rank in her profession. Mr. Wilson added much to the well-earned meed of praise which the public had previously awarded to him by the admirable manner in which he sustained his difficult character. It serves to place him in a most favourable light as a musician, and to realize all the anticipations excited by the first exhibition at this theatre, of his fine rich and manly voice. His enunciation too claims our praise for its distinctness (though the poetry of the opera is trashy enough); and in his acting and deportment (which were extremely elegant), he leaves all the vocalists of the day at an immeasurable distance behind him. Mr. Morley got on well, and pleased us much, and Mr. Penson did his best. Miss H. Cawse sang charmingly, and her sister respectably. The chorusses were admirably conducted. The scenery and dresses were truly splendid, and the story (the Beauty and the Beast), wanted for no expence or theatrical illusion, to render it quite enchanting.

THE SURREY.

At this Theatre a variety of entertaining new dramas have been produced, which, supported by the best strength of the establishment, have proved highly attractive. We had prepared a particular notice of each, but as our space is unfortunately now confined, we have been compelled to contract our observations to the present limits. The first is a tale founded on the "Heads

man," in Blackwood's Magazine," en titled Alwyn and Bertholdy, which has been very successfully written by Mr. Almar; the second, The Dog of the Convent, by the same writer; and a third is a version of a humorous tale that appeared last year in the "London University Magazine," entitled The Cobbler of Munich, in which Vale, as the hero, was extremely diverting. Mr. Elliston has recently appeared in several of his favourite characters, and whether in the steady part of The Benevolent Jew, or the more active ones of Young Meadows and Dr. Pangloss, exhibited talent of the most sterling character. We, in our humble judgment, could discover neither lack of activity nor buoyancy of spirits where needed; and however light and brilliant might have been his earlier efforts, we may congratulate the theatrical world in being able to witness his performances not only as yet unsurpassed, but assuredly unrivalled.

THE COBOURG.

Mr. Davidge has been playing lately the veteran in the drama of One Hundred and Two, with the greatest applause; and really, in contrasting his performance with that of Farren at Drury Lane, we feel quite at a loss to which to assign the title of superiority; in some respects we even fancied it superior to the latter gentleman's, especially the concluding scene; however, in expressing a doubt on the subject, we do not know that we could have passed Mr. D. a higher compliment. Many entertaining dramas have been brought out here lately, which claim our praise, for they have been written with spirit and supported with talent. The latest was entitled The Red Banner, or The Barons of Ubaldo, in which Messrs. Cobham, Harrison, and Gray acted with great effect. The latter gentleman, in an after-piece, played the part of a sailor in a very characteristic manner; with the exception of T. P. Cooke's, we never saw a true tar so ably represented. The theatre has been completely cleansed and embellished, and now assumes a very comfortable and agreeable appearance. The discontinuance of the money-order system has been productive of much benefit. We have no doubt it will continue to prosper.

praised by the Whigs. We, of course, who are altogether anti-political, do not presume to have a voice in the matter, and, in our simplicity, asked the meaning of the grand illumination which took place on Wednesday evening. "Oh! the Reform Bill," was the reply; but, for the life of us, we could not divine after all why this rejoicing should take place for a Bill which is not yet, and may not be, passed. While ruminating on the matter, we caught a young rogue's hand as it was dexterously escaping from our pocket with our best bandanna, and immediately transferred him, hand, handkerchief and all, before the no-way-enticing countenance of the Lord Mayor, who as quickly handed him over to the safe custody of Mr. Wontner, the Governor of Newgate. We should not have mentioned the latter circumstance had it not been to give a very particular account as to the how, why, and wherefore we happened to be in the questionable vicinity of a police-office, and as an introduction to the following facts, which will illustrate, in some measure, the present feelings of the lower orders. While waiting to obtain an audience of the worshipful Lord, two meu made their appearance, the one, a native of Cornwall, charging the other, a costermonger, with knocking him down. "Well," says his Lordship, "what have ye to say in your defence?" Why, your worship," replied the defendant, "I fancy if you had been called such an infamous name you would have done as I did: why," added he, with his hair an end, and a countenance exhibiting the greatest horror, “ why, my Lord, he called me a Boroughmonger!" "Lord bless your Lordship," replies the other," why in Cornwall they thinks nothing of the name-Boroughmongers be as plentiful as cucumbers." How the matter terminated we forget, but dare say that the horrid epithet was duly considered in a subsequent compromise.

His Majesty has expressed his intention of dining with the citizens on the 15th inst. and grand preparations are making for his reception.

A grand dress ball was given by her Majesty on Monday evening, which was, of course, attended by the whole of the haut ton in town.

It is reported that Her Royal Highness the Princess Victoria will shortly change her name to that of Charlotte, an alteration which will awaken pleasing remembrances and tearful regrets in the hearts of all who have "souls to feel."

The past month is to be noted for the death of three illustrious persons. Sir M.

241

Lopez, Bart. remarkable for his wealth and a strange mixture of parsimony and generosity in his habits; Jolin Abernethy, the fame of whose talents and eccentricity has found its way to every corner of the known world; and, though last not least in our esteem, her kind-hearted Grace the Duchess of Wellington, have one and all been blotted from the book of the living.

We copy the following from the Perth Courier:

"COURTING EXTRAORDINARY.-A practice has been prevalent for this some time past among a few of the fair ones of the village of Methven, in assuming the garb of men, and sporting about in the gloamin, pretending that they are in love with the very toasts of the village. Such a sporting with the feelings of the fair is not at all commendable, and much less by their own sex."-[We sincerely participate in the indignation of the journalist, but we know many " an old woman" actually united to a young and beautiful girl, constrained to the vow by the allurements of wealth, or the resistless mandate of insatiate parents.-ED. L. M.]

To those of our readers who may not have as yet been present at the interesting spectacle, we advise by all means to attend church service at the Foundling Hospital, on Sunday the 1st of May, when several young men and women who have been brought up in that excellent charity, and served a faithful apprenticeship, will return public thanks in the chapel to the Father of the fatherless, both in the morning and evening. After morning service they will surround the altar, and each will be presented with a certificate of good conduct and a gratuity in money; on which occasion a suitable address is usually delivered by one of the Vice-Presidents. We remember being present when the amiable Lord Tenterden performed this interesting part of the ceremony, and we shall not soon forget the effect which this address produced as well on himself as on the hearts of all who heard him.

HINTS 10 LAW REFORMERS. -Formerly all the blundering jokes were fathered on Irishmen. The usage seems about to be revived, judging from the following, which we take from " Thoughts on Laughter." An Hibernian being arraigned for felony, the clerk of the court asked him, in his usual audible voice, "How will you be tried?" ، Faith, no how at all, an plase your lordship," answered the prisoner, naturally enough. This is goud, but not better than another of the same class we have lately met with. An Irish officer