49G Modern Italian Comedy : MAY, 



This is the story of the widow of Ephesus ; but it is pleasantly 

 and elegantly told; and a variety is given to the main interest by 

 the secondary or subservient characters introduced. The chief of 

 these are " the Marquis Anselmo/' a nobleman who dabbles in 

 science : " Signor Orazio/' a mountebank projector : and " the Mar- 

 chioness Clarissa," the wife of the Marquis Anselmo,, and cousin 

 by marriage to the Baroness ; who, having the experience of an 

 old husband herself, doubts the reality that is, the probability of 

 her lady relative's grief. The plot, moreover, is neatly worked out. 

 Many of the situations are striking ; the action bustling ; and the dia- 

 logue generally sprightly, and sometimes humorous. In the end to 

 make all matters fortunate it appears that the officer who commands the 

 foraging party not he who makes the examination, but his leader is 

 the very colonel whom Signor Erminio fled for killing, and who was 

 wounded only, and has recovered ; and thus nothing is wanting to 

 the general felicity. On the whole, the construction and development 

 of the drama as viewed with reference to the purposes of any 

 theatre has considerable merit: but as a species of version of it has 

 already appeared in print, we refer the curious to that source, in pre- 

 ference to giving extracts. 



The Sccondo Giorno del Matrimomo ; the Sorelle Rivali ; and the 

 Famiglia dell' Uomo indolcnte, are curious, rather from the picture they 

 exhibit of Italian taste and feeling, than from any striking dramatic or 

 poetic merit that can be commended in them. The title of the second 

 piece " The Rival Sisters" explains its interest : but the " rivalry" is 

 of a very odd description. One of the sisters, who is already married, 

 is in love with the gentleman who wishes to marry the other. The 

 " Family of the indolent Man" exhibits another character of a woman 

 not stigmatized as a great deal worse than many ladies of her acquaint- 

 ance, rivalling her own daughter in an amour ; pawning the property 

 out of her husband's house; caballing with servants to borrow money, 

 &c. &c. But the " Day after the Wedding," which turns upon a dif- 

 ferent kind of matrimonial interest from our English drama of the same 

 name, will afford the best example of the freedom with which Signor da 

 Rossi is accustomed to treat his countrywomen. 



The story is that of a silly college student, who has married privately 

 without the consent of his guardians or relations. The name of this gal- 

 lant (who is a youth of fortune) is Giacinto ; and the play opens with a 

 visit from one of his former tutors, " Signor Ernesto," who, being 

 informed of his marriage, calls on the day after it has taken place. The 

 scene lies in the house of the bride's sister, where the wedding has been 

 celebrated ; and, after a conversation with the servant who admits him, 

 by which Signor Ernesto's doubts as to the policy of his pupil's alliance 

 are considerably strengthened, the latter in person makes his appearance, 

 coming directly from his wife's chamber. He seems to be considerably 

 an ass ; but expresses great pleasure at the visit of his quondam pre- 

 ceptor. 



Giacinto. Ha, Signor Ernesto ! Well returned. I rejoice to see you. 

 (Embracing.} 



Ernesto. Many thanks : but it is I rather who ought to give you joy, since 

 I find you married in my absence ? 



Gia. One moment, with your leave (to the Servant, who waits}. Oh, Trim 

 vella ! I want you I must send you to . 



