time, convinced me that it was a trick: but if it was not one, the lady, then alive (and now for aught I know), never thought proper to denounce the shameful abuse of her name. Whichever conclusion was the more correct one, it is, beyond question, only a common act of justice to the reputation, personal and literary, of one of the greatest poets to which the world has ever given birth, to submit such a series of interesting documents to the general scrutiny of his countrymen, that they may at all events have an opportunity of judging for themselves. 176 CHAPTER IX. Jephtha's Vow-a rash one-How to make a splendid fortune-The Lord Chamberlain in a dilemma-Three kings-one real one, and two dummies-Mr. Braham and Mr. Maeready-Mr. Liston and His Majesty "ego et rex meus”—The Page and the Peer-A good performer a bad judge-Captain Fitzclarence and his motherHow, in reality, to cast a play of Shakspeare, and to lay out a stage -Difference between profit and expenditure—House of Lords— Marquis of Clanricarde-Duke of Devonshire-Duke of Wellington -Lord John Russell-Another defeat-Saints and sinners-Lord Stanley's notions of compensation very correct. THE impression which, during the management of Monsieur Laporte at Covent Garden theatre, the dramatic representation of the Israelites in Egypt had made upon the town, now led to the preparation of another sacred subject-Jephtha's Vow, on precisely the same scale. The musical part of the task, entrusted to that clever cobbler, Mr. Rophino Lacy,* who had arranged its predecessor, was prepared alto * I do not seek by this expression to under-rate Mr. Lacy's talents, which are considerable :-but from having, in defiance of good taste and justice, made a villainous part of the choice morceaux in some of Rossini's operas, instead of giving any one complete, he gether with great attention; and its announcement continued before the public, until the day preceding its proposed performance, when it was suddenly withdrawn. It is a very extraordinary circumstance, that a repetition of the Israelites in Egypt, which had been so highly popular the preceding season, was this year interdicted; and yet the very same power which issued that interdiction, gave a licence for the representation of Jephtha's Vow. Mr. Lacy and others strenuously advised me to announce, that the licence for the former Oratorio having been revoked, it would be presented without action; but that a licence for the latter one having been granted, it would be presented with action. In times like these, there can be little doubt that an announcement of such glaring incongruity would have drawn on the disposing powers a considerable portion of very deserved ridicule; but in exposing them to its test, the manager would be exposing himself to their resent ment. I can perfectly understand, that the Lord Chamberlain of the day had a very difficult game to playfor, by refusing a licence for the present, he would exhibit the impropriety of having granted one for the past; and by granting a licence at all, he would be thinks himself on a par with that renowned composer; thereby verifying the remark, that a speedy fortune might be made, by purchasing such people, at what you think of them, and by selling them, at what they think of themselves. committing an offence against the religious feelings of a great portion of the community. The error, in my humble judgment, was, blowing hot and cold with the same breath-he should either have peremptorily prohibited, or unhesitatingly granted, both.* There can be no question but the personation of sacred characters, however favourably received by the mob, gave a great shock to the feelings of all serious people; and I very much regret that I ever entertained the idea. The error, if it was one, was however so far redeemed, that when, as late as the eleventh hour, it was pointed out to me by persons high in authority how displeasing even the announcement * It may be as well to state, for the benefit of the rising generation of managers, that the question pro futuro was disposed of, by the receipt of this official communication : "Lord Chamberlain's Office, 66 1 February 18th, 1834. " SIR, "I have to acquaint you that after this year no Oratorios can be permitted in Lent of the nature of those now performing at Covent "Garden theatre. It is therefore to be understood that the licences 66 granted for Oratorios to be represented in character and with scenery and decorations must cease to be available at the close of "the present season. "I am, "Your obedient servant, "BELFAST, "Vice-Chamberlain." "To the Manager of the Theatre Royal "Covent Garden." had been, I did not hesitate one moment in conceding the point, at all risk of the liabilities I had incurred by preparatory arrangements. It is not necessary, and even if it were I should not consider myself at liberty, to mention by name the parties with whom I held conference on the subject. I felt it an equal pleasure and duty to meet their wishes, and consult their feelings; and I never have, and never mean to enlarge upon the subject. The disappointment to the public did not appear to me to be very serious, and that to the performers shared the fate of things, which being "without remedy should be without regard." Although expressly engaged for the principal character in this Oratorio, Braham readily consented either to forego such engagement, or to extend it to other performances, humorously writing word, that ❝he was "willing to fight for me to the last drop of-THE "CURTAIN." 66 It was not altogether clear that the contention which had thus arisen, wherein the Church and the Stage were at cross purposes, might have been unpalatable to the Court; for, with all the spirit of liberality which regulated its opinions and its movements, the utmost respect and veneration was always maintained for the religious observations of the country. It was not, therefore, thoroughly without apprehension that I received, some time afterwards, intimation of a visit from one of our highest officers of state and on his Lordship's arrival, I am not |