THE DRAMA. 223 



derstand the appetite of John Bull better than the native cooks. In 

 this age of refinement, the sirloin no longer rules the roast. Side-dishes 

 and entremets, such as never before graced the English board, are de- 

 voured with the greatest possible gusto. The shades of our departed 

 heroes will, doubtless, mourn over the strange appropriation of this 

 theatre of their fame. Mademoiselle Mars divides the bays with Ma- 

 demoiselle Kemble ; and where erst the votaries of melo-drama looked 

 aghast at the naked sword suspended by its single hair, they are now 

 electrified by Paganini and his single string. Many will doubtless 

 regard these changes as little short of piratical ; but we, who know what 

 is going on behind the curtain against the approaching season, are not at 

 all alarmed at these extraordinary symptoms of Gallomania. 



Mr. Morris has, somehow, obtained for himself the reputation of being 

 the most uritractable of managers. We do not speak from experience, 

 for we know little or nothing of the fraternity no communication did 

 we ever make with any, not even to the usual demand for a free 

 admission. But, as we said, Mr. Morris has the reputation of being the 

 very Nero of managers not an author, not an actor, not a critic, not an 

 individual, from Hamlet down to the very cook,- but has some dismal 

 catalogue of crime against him. That portion of his conduct, however, 

 which comes under our observation, may be dispatched in a few words. 

 The French plays and the German operas have, it seems, made sad 

 havoc with the receipts of his treasury and the exertions of the 

 manager have not kept pace with the competition against him nothing 

 but trifles from the French have yet appeared, which have been seen by 

 most, to better advantage in the original costume. Doubtless, there is 

 something in the back ground to astonish us. By the way, the mana- 

 ger's refusal of the ' golden calf/ was not a grand stroke of managerial 

 diplomacy. Mrs. Gore has likewise had a comedy returned. 



Unless there is something better than the present novelties speedily 

 forthcoming, the boxes of the Haymarket theatre will soon be converted 

 into snug little dormitories, for the convenience of gentlemen who have 

 taken their wine and feel dozy 



New pieces have succeeded each other at the STRAND THEATRE 

 in infinite variety; most of them, however, from the French. Mr. 

 Jerrold's " Golden Calf," is a splendid exception, and has drawn an 

 abundance of worshippers. For this piece, however, Mrs. Waylett is 

 indebted to good luck, and Mr. Morris's strong family prejudices, for 

 which combination in her favour, she ought to be duly grateful. It is 

 a very pretty little theatre, and the exertions of Mrs. Waylett, Abbot, 

 and Keeley, have been justly estimated by the public. 



While the present law of dramatic copyright continues as it does, 

 every one has a right to use it to his own advantage how long it is 

 advisable such privileges should continue is another matter. Mr. Osbal- 

 diston has followed the example of others, and has been amusing the 

 lieges on the other side of the water, with Mr. Sheridan Knowles's 

 play of the " Hunchback." The way in which it is sustained speaks 

 well for the ability of the manager. Mr. Elton has a just perception of 

 of the character of Master Walter, and is moreover, one of the very best 

 actors in the best walk of the drama. 



It is likewise, due to say that Mr. Osbaldiston, since his accession 

 to the manager's chair, has exerted himself in every possible way for 

 the gratification of the public, and has deserved the success he has 

 obtained. 



