and fentimental, and would fuit much thofe abfurd melo-dramas, which, at better the phlegmatic gloom of a Ger- beft, are only fit for the Christmas-ho man audience. Although it was given out for a fecond reprefentation, without a diffenting voice, we think it cannot laft long, and when it falls, it Falls like Lucifer-never to hope again.' Covent-garden, Nov. 23.] The Country Girl, by mifs Mudie -A word or two will fuffice refpecting the performance of this evening. There was nothing pleafing in the perfon or manners of the child; no fhew of talent that any other little girl might not, with inftruction, difplay; the general fentiment excited among the audience was that of difguft, not unmingled with pity for the unhappy little object placed before them; and the difapprobation which manifested itfelf, after the first fcene, rofe in the fourth act to a height which required mr. Kemble's appear. ance on the stage, to affure them, that if permitted to fuith the character, mifs Mudie fhould not again perform. On her re-appearance in the fifth act, the uproar was revived, and mifs Searle finished the character amidit the fame aoife and confufion which had prevailed through the whole play. The theatre, perhaps, never exhibited a feene fo little to the credit of the managers; fo humiliating to the actors; fo painful and offenfive to the audience; or fo truly and irrecoverably difgraceful to the British flage. On Friday night, the 6th of De cember, was reprefented at Drury-lane, a grand melo-drama, called the Sleeping Beauty. It is the avowed production of mr. Skeffington, whofe tafte and genius have been vaunted forth to the public in fuch encomiaftic ftrains, that we augured much from the reprefenta. tion; and we must acknowledge that we were moft miferably difappointed. From those who love to enter into the fpirit of the tales of mother Bunch, or the fanciful effufions of mother Goose, this melo-drama may obtain a confiderable degree of applaufe; but now that the town is emerging from its follies, or rather its rage for infantifm, we must certainly wish that it would go a step further, and banish from the ftage lidays. They have neither the drollery and humour of panto nime, nor the dignity of farce. The story is founded upon the tale, familiar to all our nurfes, of the king's daughter, who pierced her hand with a spindle, and, from the malediction of an evil fairy, was to have died, but from the intervention of a good one, fuperior in power to the other, the confequences of the accident are changed to a deep fleep, which charm is not to be dissolved, until fome knight, who had never known the impulfe of love, fhall come to break it. The actors performed their parts with great addrefs; and no part of the performance fuffered from their inattention. Mifs De Camp's Old Woman, of 117 years of age, claimed universal. applaufe. Mademoiselle Parifot's part was ill adapted to fhew her graceful attitudes, and was totally uninterefling, except in the pas feul, which she gave in her bet ftyle. The fongs which are given in this heterogeneous production, poffefs neither humour nor poetry. The eating fong, by Mathews, contains dullness fufficient to fuporize, but from the fetting is made to be bearable. ferious fongs are dolorous; but to put it out of the queftion, take a fpecimen: Rondeau-Mrs. Mountain. Where is Ellen, rural beauty? Well the claims a heart of duty, Ah! in pity tell me where : Ardent love and tender care! The Though time fhould fade the role of youth, The mind may ftill be vernal; Increase of years but itrengthen truth, But virtue is eternal! Where is Ellen, rural beauty? Reafon fanctions fondeft duty, Point the path, conduct me there; Ardent love and tender care! Some graces time will deal away, Some graces nobly cherish; Beauty, like flowers, mult foon decay, But fenfe can never perith! Where, Where, then, is rural beauty? Ellen pure, is Ellen fair! Mine is fill a heart of duty, Ardent love and tender care! At Drury-lane, on Monday, Decem; ber 10, was performed a comedy, called the School for Friends. This piece is profeffed, both in the prologue and epilogue, to have been written by a female and with fome curtailments, it promifes to become a favourite with the town. The whole is of the fombre kind, and would more properly make a narration, than a dramatic entertainment. It will make an excellent come dy for the clofet; but the public has been fo long the victim of nonfenfe, that we cannot but rejoice at seeing any thing like good fenfe once more among us. The ftory is as followsSir Edward Epworth, who has made an imprudent connection in marriage, is an unfortunate victim to the propenfity of gaming, and allows his deferted wife a feanty annuity. The wife affumes the name of Hamilton; and, through fome irregularities in the payment of her fettlement, fhe is expofed to all the infults of the perfon in whofe houfe the lodges, but is relieved from her embarraffments by the interference of a quaker, a watchmaker. Her hufband, in the mean time, takes up his abode in the houfe of Lady Courtland, a woman of fashion, who keeps a gam. ing table. Lord Belmore, the intimate friend of Sir Edward, endeavours to divert his friend from the vortex in which he is about to be fwallowed up, and offers to, put his affairs into fome train of amendinent, and to pay his debts, which the other refufes. Word is brought to Lord B. that the unknown fair obfcure' is found, who is Mrs. H. with whom he is fecretly enamoured, and is refident in the neighbourhood of Lady Courtland's abbey, where Sir Edward is quite en famille.He goes to her lodging, and endeavours to relieve her diftreis, but is rejected; however he contrives to leave a two hundred pound note upon the table. Sir Edward, informed of his friend's attachment, wishes to break it of, manner. Sir thinking it dangerous; but, finding been left by Lord B. which bearing friend whom he wishes to feduce, and projects a plan for their reconciliation. He begs of Sir Edward to go and fatisfy himself of the attractions of the his power to be infenfible. He accorfair one, and judge whether it was in dingly goes in difguife, and perceives that he wished to debauch his own wife. A molt affecting interview takes place : trieved, and matters end happily and they are reconciled, his affairs are reThe return of Lady profperously. Epworth's uncle, and the marriage of ther which the reader will perceive does not Such is the ground-work of the plot, go The moral is every where unquestiona- Romanie 1 1 Romance of the Pyrenees. By a Lady. (Continued from Page 749, December Magazine, 1805. CHAP. XVIII. SOON as Victoria's toilet was completed in the morning, and that he had performed the most important duty of her life, he waited with fome impatience for Terefa's re-appearance, who at length arrived at the ufual hour, attended by Diego, to fummon our heroine to breakfast. Victoria now felt the most fincere regard for Diego, from his having been beloved by her father, and from the ftrong attatchment he ftill bore the memory of her refpected parent; and that regard, in addition to her grati. tude, now led her to extend her hand to him, as she was about to congratulate him upon being fufficiently recover. ed to leave his chamber: but the moment his hand met her touch, the burning fever it indicated gave her inftant alarm; and looking upon his counteDance, he was at once confirmed in her apprehenfions of ferious illness. My good Diego,' said fhe, are not well. Why did you leave chamber?' your way, Victoria's countenance expreffed fo much concern, that Diego ftrove with all his power to combat an indifpofition that was visibly fubduing him.With great ingenuity he now fastened the chamber-door to prevent the poffibility of the locks being again damaged; and defiring Terefa to lead the he, with tottering fteps, attempted to follow. Victoria down the stairs: but his head felt so much difordered by indifpofition, he was compelled to catch and hold fast the balustrade to prevent his falling. All this was obferved by Victoria, whofe compaffionate eyes had paid ftrict attention to him; and the now ftopped, defiring him to lean upon her and Teresa. I cannot afford you much affiftance,' faid fhe, in the sweeteft accents of pity; but my little, aided by Terefa's lefs, may equal one tolerable supporter.' This, this is too much!' Diego exclaimed, while large drops ftole down his cheeks. you 'Such kindness and condefcenfion, fo truly inherited from my dear young lord Altidore, quite opprefs me. Conte Ariolto's child to humble herself thus in compaffion to her father's vaffal !-a wretch, a mifereant, who affifted in the villainy of bringing her to this fatal, fatal place!" To wipe away fome of my offences, lady Victoria, by evincing my gratitude to my dear lamented lord, affordding that little protection in my power to his innocent, perfecuted, hapless child,' he replied in a languid and tremulous voice. I am thankful for kind intentions, Diego; but effectually to ferve me you fhould be careful of my friends. You must not therefore, by inattention of your own health, deprive me of that protection fo effential to my fafety. You are ill, very i, and you neglect yourself in your folicitude for me.Has feignor Sebaftian feen you this morning? I wish you would go to bed, and allow feignor Pedro to attend you.' 'Diego,' faid Victoria with that commanding dignity the could with fo much native grace affume, Diego, take my arm. Trembling with confufion, but irrefiftibly awed into obedience, the poor invalid complied.-The child of Ariofto,' continued the, cannot be humbled by the performance of her duty, in affording affiftance to thofe who require it; and him, Diego, whom my father loved, his children must refpect; and it is not for me to contemn thofe whom a fincere contrition for their errors raifes in the eltimaItion of our Redeemer. Befides, to you I owe innumerable obligations; and gratitude knows no diftinctions, because it has no pride but in evincing itself." Alas! lady Victoria forgets in her humanity, her own fad, fituation. muft accompany you to feignor Sebafti. an and fhould he think it fafe for me to leave you, I will then go to my , January, 1806. An expreffion of the moft animated joy beamed over the pallid face of Diego, whilft joy's large drops gufhed from his heavy eyes, as he raised his hands in thankfulness to heaven: and Victoria declaring her aftonishment at Francifco's kindnefs, Sebaftian informed her Diego was too much overpowered to protect her until don Manuel's reby fickness and our heroine's kindness turn.* to attempt any reply. Supported by her and Terefa he reached the parlour where Sebaftian was anxiously waiting for Victoria, who refpe&fully and affectionately paid her atorning compliments to him, as the led Diego to a chair, where the defired him to fit. Seignor Sebaftian will excufe your doing fo, faid the, fince you are ill, and he compaffionate. Il, indeed exclaimed Sebaftian; hallily advancing to him; when he kindly took his hand to examine his pulle: That Francifco, ever tenacious of his power, was highly incenfed at Alonzo's daring to imprifon a perfon whom he protected, and had recommended to don Manuel's fervice; and was therefore determined to secure her from Alonzo's villainy; and that until don Manuel's return the might confider herfelf fafe, as if with her own family.' Then, feignor, he has liberated the Victoria eagerly, the pureft glow of mingled hope and joy thantling over her cheeks. Ah! feignor, I have had a wretch. ed night! for who can rest upon the thorny pillow of compunction? A mind fo difeafed as mine will foon bring on bodily malady :-horror, for--amiable and gallant Hippolyte,' faid row, regret; defpair, all combine to agitate and fubdue me. My dear lord and benefactor's child is in the cattle of don Manuel; and you too well know, feignor, the fecrets of that caftle to wondet at my grief, my anguifh, upon her account, whom I, alas! have little, little hope of evet being able effentially to serve.' We will talk and think of my fi tuation, Diego, when you are more equal to the talk,' faid Victoria: at prefent, for my fake, as well as for your own, you must think only of conquering this indifpofition. Can we do nothing for the poor foul, feignor? Certainly we can, and will,' replied Sebaftian, who ordered Terela to fummon Pedro immediately. 'Diego,' continued he, is ill, but not, I am certain, dangerously fo: and he only requires a little attention to restore him to health. I would advife his going inftantly to bed, and Pedro will adminilter fome compofing medicines.' The world, feignor, could not tempt me to retire to my chamber, whilt lady Victoria's fafety is in dan ger,' faid Diego, with alarming empha fis. Be compofed, my good friend,' replied Sebaftian: lady Victoria's fafety is not for the prefent threatened with any darger; Francifco has undertaken No, my feet, graceful child,' replied Sebaftian: Francifco, although indignant, is too punctilious to interfere with any of don Manuel's laws. He certainly has power to liberate Hippolyto, but he chooses to pay don Manuel the compliment of leaving it to him to do it. In the intermediate time he has ordered that Hippolyto, and his brave companion Thomas, fhall have every comfort affigned to them which a prifon can admit of. However, in respect to Alonzo, he has not flood upon the ceremony of waiting for don Manuel's return to prevent his power of present mischief; for he has placed a ftrong guard over him in the western tower, whither he has been this mor ning removed; while Carlos, with the poor deluded creature your attendant, and every perfon fufpected of confederacy with Alonzo, are in close confinement: and friet orders he has juft issued to all who remain at liberty, to protect you, my child from every dan. ger.' Victoria was beginning to exprefs her gratitude for Francifco's kindnesɑ, when Pedro entered; who finding ftrong fymptoms of a nervous fever about Diego, ordered him inftantly to bed; bed; and as Victoria had now no immediate danger to apprehend, Sebaftian kindly affifted Pedro in leading the poor invalid to his chamber, whither he was attended by our heroine's most fervent good wishes for his fpeedy recovery. In about half an hour Sebaftian re turned with the comforting intelligence of Pedro's only confideriug Diego's illness occafioned by ftrong agitation of mind, which quiet and a little judicious care would foon remove. So much fear and anxiety was now banished from Victoria's mind, that with fomething approaching to appetite fap fat down to table with her interug friend, and partook of an excelebs breakfast Terefa had prepared hem, which was no fooner ended, an Sebaftian informed her he was under the neceflity of leaving her for a few hours to fulfil an appointment with Francifco. Without fcruple or anxiety I now can leave you,' added he; and if the tone of your mind will permit it, you can find amufement in the library, or in sketching that beautiful portrait.' The deepest blushes now tinged Victoria's cheeks, and her confufion was moft pitiably augmented by finding it obferved by her companion, who gazed intently at her with a deeply penetrat. ing eye, as if anxious to develop the caufe of her too apparent perturbation. (To be continued.) of the drefs broad lace: white gloves and fhoes. Parifian Fafbions. NOTWITHSTANDING the intemperance of the feafon, white is fill much worn; and three fourths of the dreffes Bill feen are the fame as in the fummer. Great-coats are worn of the lapis colour, and embroidered with a clouded velvet of the fame colour. The collats are made round and very large, and the great-coat fo fhort, that the embroidery of the robe may appear.With a great-coat, a velvet toque is ufu. ally worn. This toque with refpect to its form has nothing new; but befides the black, rofe-coloured, and brown velvets, which are in common ufe, there are allo frized velvets, that is to fay, fuch as are interfperfed with prominent fmall flowers. As the great-coats do not exclude a handsome hawl, long fhawls embroidered with branches or fprigs, 'in' imitation of cafhmires are in vogue. Pearls in clusters are the faashion, not only for ear-rings, but for the tops of combs. They are placed fometimes to the number of seven or eight on the gold plate which forms the top of the comb. 2 THE following anecdote is told by Lucian, in his treatise again an ignorant man who bought a number of books. When the Thracian bacchanals tore Or pheus to pieces, they fay that his harp was thrown into the river Hebrus, with his bleeding head upon it. While the head fung a lamentable elegy on the fate of its late proprietor, the harp touched by the wind, accompanied it with folemn ftrain; till fwimming down the Ægean sea, the mournful concert arrived at Lefbos. The Lefbians taking them up, buried the head in the fpot where, in Luciah's time, flood the temple of Apollo. Neanthus, the fon of Pittacus the tyrant, who had heard the wonderful qualities of this |