CHRONICLE. 323 



yet when they got into the theatre, and it was evident, from the ap- 

 they were at first silenced by the pearance of pit and boxes, that the 

 beauty of the spectacle they beheld, majority in favour of the managers, 

 After waiting quiet for some time, was at least Twenty to one ! Pre- 

 the band struck up " God save the sently Mr. Kemble appeared to 

 King," and then the call for the speak the opening address, habited 

 song was so general, that no per- in the costume of the part he was 

 former in the orchestra could be about to play, Macbeth. The up- 

 heard but the double-drum player, roar was now greater than ever; 

 The singers then made their ap- Mr. Kemble waited in hopes of si- 

 pearance, and could as little be lence for some time. At last he 

 heard as the instrumental perform- motioned his lips through the foU 

 ers. However, during all this up- lowing address :— 

 roar, applause was predominant. 



In Early Greece, and in a barbarous age, 

 A wretched tumbrel was the Actor's stage : 

 The muse, with cheek reclined in pensive shame. 

 Blush 'd for her wanderers from the path to Fame. 



^schylus sprang ; and storm'd as he arose. 

 His country's passions, like his country's foes. 

 Rough from the battle, Irain'd to vanquish men. 

 E'en as his sword he wielded, so his pen. 

 He smote the heart, the trembling sense oppress'd 

 And gave no quarter to the human breast. 



Yet, stage improvement mark'd the soldier's sway, 

 And ting'd with taste the captives to his la}'. 

 Then, first (the cart of Thespis overthrown) 

 Form'd by rude planks, a Theatre was known, 

 Cop'd by th' Heavens, it o'erspread the lawn, 

 And light on scenic dress appeared to dawn. 



But, all divine, when Sophocles appeared, 

 'Twas then the Drama's majesty was rear'd. 

 Builders and decorators came, — their boast 

 Was who could grace the lofty Poet most. 

 The lofty Poet lack'd not brains to know 

 That Dramatists require the Drama's show. 

 Nature's perfection springs from various parts ; 

 And " Nature's Mirror " needs the Sister Arts. 



Hence grew the splendor of the scene — and hence 

 The handmaids that embellish eloquence : 

 Dance, music, painting, pageantry, parade, — 

 All that gave zest, or yield illusion aid, 



Y 2 Rome 



