A

"It appears that the man possessed considerable skill as a tumbler, and labouring still under the excitement of the samshoo and of the desperate circumstances in which he stood, he burst from the soldiers, bounded through the throng of spectators, and stood in the enclosure a free man. hasty glance showed him that at one end, upon an elevated platform, there was seated a great mandarin, who had evidently been president over the scene of blood. He accordingly ran towards him, and throwing a somerset upon his hands, alighted at the footstool of the chief, and stood upon his head before him. He then prostrated himself at his feet, and uttered loudly all the honorific and laudatory Chinese words which he could call to mind, and by signs and exclamations exorted the mandarin to spare him. What happened after this he but indistinctly remembered; but the result of his singular fate was that the mandarin, whether sated by the blood on which he had gorged his senses during the long hours of this horrible massacre, or struck with compassion for the Swede, ordered him to be removed from the enclosure; and when the man recovered the use of his understanding again he found himself once more alone in his cell."

CHARLES S. STRATTON,
THE DWARF.

ONE of the most extraordinary exhibitions ever witnessed in this sight-loving metropolis, is about to open for the gratification of the curious-that of Charles Stratton, the American dwarf.

With the idea of a dwarf we generally connect the idea of stunted deformity, and expect to gaze on some ill-featured, miserable abortion, which we behold with wonder but recoil from with disgust. Such is not the case in the present instance. This little being we are about to describe is in every respect perfect in his formation. Rosy health and laughing mirth are his. He seems a happy, fairy creation. He was born at Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S., January 11, 1832, and is consequently twelve years old. His parents are people of the common size, with nothing at all remarkable in their physical or mental organization. At his birth, the General, as he is sportively called, weighed nine pounds two

ounces, which is rather greater than the average weight of children at their birth. There were no extraordinary circumstances attending his advent, or preceding it, and he was considered a very handsome, hearty, and promising boy. Nothing remarkable was noticed until he was about five months old, when he weighed fifteen pounds, about which time his parents and their neighbours began to remark that he did not continue to grow. Still there were no indications of disease-the child grew in maturity if not in dimensions, and expecting that he would soon take a start, his parents thought little of the matter. Time passed on, however, and in stature he remained the same. For his size he became remarkably strong, playful, active, and intelligent; he has always enjoyed a fine appetite, partaking freely of the ordinary dishes found upon the tables of the labouring classes, has sound refreshing sleep, and has constantly been in the most perfect health, with the exception of slight colds. Subsequent to his birth, his parents have had two other children, who are now wellgrown and interesting girls, of nine and seven years of age. There is nothing in his history or appearance, or of his family, to give the least clue to the astonishing phenomenon which he exhibits.

Master Stratton is much shorter than any other dwarf of which we have authentic accounts. The celebrated Sir Geoffrey Hudson, the dwarf of Charles II, who was concealed in a pie, and served up for the gratification of the guests of royalty, was three feet nine inches high when he reached his full growth. He is said to have been not more than seven or eight years of age when he appeared on the king's table, and it is presumed he continued to grow like other children, though not so fast. Young Stratton measures but twenty-five inches, and seems to have reached his full size, for, as already stated, he has not increased in height or weight since he was five months old.

His hair and complexion are light; he has handsome dark eyes, and a well-formed mouth. His disposition is said to be most amiable and affectionate.

In the United States there is a very diminutive person who is called Major Stevens. This person, we are told, who had long been exhibited as a dwarf, is twice Stratton's height, and four times his weight.

The first time that Stevens saw his awful rival, he was as much astonished as any other visitor, and after looking down on him awhile, pleasantly remarked, "I may be exhibited hereafter, perhaps, but it will be as a giant!" This youth's contrast in size, with other dwarfs and with children, shows his extreme littleness more markedly, if possible, than when standing by a grown person.

The representations we have seen of him are monstrous caricatures. His limbs are of elegant proportions; his head of the proper size, and beautifully developed. When standing upon the floor, and walking about the room, which he does, dressed in the most elegant and fashionable manner, with all the grace and dignity of the finished gentleman, his head scarcely reaches to the knee of a person of ordinary stature, and is about on a level with the seats of the chairs and ottomans of the drawing room.

He receives his visitors with an easy, unembarrassed air, and answers questions rapidly but without confusion. When the writer was introduced to him the following conversation passed:

"What do you think of this country, General?"

"First rate."

This astonishing miniature of humanity has been staying for some time in Grafton street. It is expected that he will shortly be presented to her Majesty, and not till then will he again appear in public. He will no doubt be one of the great lions of the season.

MRS OLDFIELD AND MRS
BRACEGIRDLE.

In the last portion of Mr Ainsworth's 'St James's, or the Court of Queen Anne,' a pleasant struggle between two celebrated actresses is given with great effect. They are in a festive party, at which most of the wits of that Augustan age "assist," as the French have it; and as the day wears away, the spark of envy which their charms and powers had severally kindled,

"To see her Majesty the Queen." "How many ladies may you have kissed

in America or elsewhere?"

66 Half a million."

says:

66

kiss?"

"All I can.

He seems disposed to be waggish. Sometimes he conceals himself in a lady's muff. In his printed history we are told

"At Boston he was carried a considerable distance in a lady's work basket; and it will be seen, by his dimensions, into how small a space he could shrink himself.

66

Unprecedented, inexplicable, and wonderful as he appears, there can be no doubt that his age is precisely what it is represented to be. His intelligence, manners, and physical strength, indicate his age, and the most scientific observers have agreed that in his second set of teeth, and other physiological indications, he clearly exhibits every mark of the age which our date of his birth would give him, while in many other points he exhibits a still greater maturity. It could not be expected that his voice would be of full depth of manhood; as this is not only never the case at his years, but probably never can be, from the size of the organ; and those who have seen Major Stevens, will remember that although he is forty years old, and much larger than the General, his voice is still pitched in childish treble.'

"In strength, activity, and vivacity, the General is remarkable. He often amuses himself by taking hold of a cane with one or both hands, and being carried about the room, which a man can easily do with one hand. He is constantly engaged in walking about, talking, and in various pastimes and employments, from early in the morning till late at night, without showing any signs of fatigue, and seems the happiest little fellow in the world."

observed; but there were more talkers than listeners, and Tom D'Urfey, in spite of the assistance of the host, could not obtain attention for another stave. To hide his disappointment, during a momentary lull of the clatter, he called upon Mrs Oldfield, but an opposition was instantly made by the supporters of Mrs Bracegirdle, who said she was under a promise to them, and their rights

could not be deferred. In vain Saint-John interposed; the dispute instantly rose to a fiery heat, and many sharp speeches were interchanged, when a happy idea occurred to the host.

"A means of settling this matter occurs to me, ladies,' he said. Will you leave it to Mr Masham to decide who shall sing first?' "Both immediately expressed their assent, and turned to the young equerry, who looked as much puzzled as the shepherd Paris, when required to bestow the golden apple upon the fairest goddess. Without giving himself, however, more than a moment's consideration, he named Mrs Bracegirdle, who, radiant with triumph, began to pour But she forth strains like those of a syren. field, who was deeply mortified, began to talk was not allowed to proceed far, for Mrs Oldand laugh aloud to Maynwaring, upon which the fair singer instantly stopped, and in spite of Saint-John's entreaties refused to proceed, -her anger being increased by the insulting looks of her rival.

"We have been talking of duels just now,' she cried; I wish they were allowed amongst women. I should like to punish the

insolence of that creature.'

"Don't baulk yourself, if you are so disposed, my dear,' rejoined Mrs Oldfield, with a sarcastic laugh. I will meet you whenever and wherever you please; and as we are both accustomed to it, we can put on male attire, and fancy ourselves of the opposite sex for the occasion.'

66 6

Agreed,' replied Mrs Bracegirdle. 'I am as good a shot as yourself.'

"What say you to arranging the affair in this way, ladies?' interposed Masham. You both profess to be good shots. I will hold a candle, and you shall post yourselves at the extremity of the room, and she who snuffs it hall be adjudged the victor.'

"I assent,' said Mrs Oldfield.

"But you will run a great risk, Mr Masham,' cried Mrs Bracegirdle.

Oh! I'll take my chance,' he replied, laughingly. 'Better I should receive a slight wound than the stage be deprived of one of its brightest ornaments.'

"The young equerry's gallantry was much applauded, and Mrs Bracegirdle assenting with some reluctance to the arrangement, a brace of pistols were produced, and all impediments being quickly cleared away, Masham took up a candle, and marched to the further end of the room, where he took up a position and stretched out his arm. All being now ready, Mrs Bracegirdle begged her rival to take the first shot. Mrs Oldfield instantly raised her pistol, levelled, and fired. "The shot was so true that the flame wavered, and a burst of applause followed.

"As soon as this had subsided, Mrs Bracegirdle took her rival's place. But just as she had levelled the pistol, a trembling seized her, and she dropped her arm.

"I cannot do this,' she cried. I should never forgive myself if I hurt that young man, and would rather own myself vanquished than put him in danger.'

"On this, the applause was louder and more vehement than before, and at its close Mrs Bracegirdle said, "To show that I am not without some skill, I will make an attempt, which can endanger no one. There is a small white spot on the upper pannel of yon door, not larger than a shilling. Be that my

mark.'

"And as she spoke, she again raised the pistol quickly, and drew the trigger. The wood was perforated in the precise spot indicated by the fair shooter."

OLD PLAYERS AND OLD
PLAYHOUSES.

THE following passages from Mr Collier's late publication will be found more interesting to the lovers of theatricals than the never-ending discussions on the way in which Shakspere spelt his name, which,

as was lately shown in the Mirror,' can lead to no result. From the notice given of the manner in which certain players were then rewarded, some inference may be drawn of what was the condition of the

professors of the dramatic art generally before" Immortal Shakspere rose.

"The earliest record of the representation of any plays in Stratford-upon-Avon (says Mr C.), is dated in the year when John Shakespeare was bailiff, the precise season is not stated, but it was in 1569, when the Queen's players' (meaning probably, at this date, one company of her 'Interlude players,' retained under that name by her father and grandfather) received 9s. out of the corporate funds, while the Earl of Worcester's servants in the same year obtained only 12d. In 1573, just before the grant of the royal license to them, the Earl of Leicester's players, of whom James Burbage was the leader, received 6s. 8d.; and in the next year the companies acting under the names of the

Earls of Warwick and Worcester obtained

17s. and 5s. 7d. respectively. It is unneCessary to state precisely the sums disbursed at various times by the bailiff, aldermen, and burgesses, but we may notice that in 1577 the players of the Earls of Leicester and Worcester again exhibited; and in 1579 we hear of a company in Stratford patronized by one of the female nobility (a very unusual circumstance), the Countess of Essex. 'Lord Strange's men (at this date not players, but tumblers) also exhibited in the same year, and in 1580 the Earl of Derby's players were duly rewarded. The same encouragement was given to the companies of the Earls of Worcester and Berkeley in 1581; but in 1582 we only hear of the Earl of Worcester's actors having been in the town. In 1583 the Earl of Berkeley's players, and those of Lord Chandois, performed in Stratford, while in the next year, three companies appear to have visited the borough. In 1586 the players' (without mentioning what company) exhibited; and in 1587 no fewer than five associations were rewarded, viz. the Queen's players, and those of the Earls of Essex, Leicester, and Stafford, with another company,' the nobleman countenancing them not being named."

Not less remarkable is the history of the theatres standing in Shakspere's time. It will be seen in the extract below that the Fortune Theatre is mentioned as "having been between White Crosse streete and Golding lane." This may have been the position of the original theatre in that locality, and in the street called "Playhouse yard," leading from Golden lane to Whitecross street, it probably stood. After the fire of 1618 it was perhaps rebuilt in Golden lane, where it now stands. Though

long since appropriated to business, the aspect of a theatre may still be distinctly traced, and the eye has no difficulty in determining which was the entrance for the box or superior company, and which for the gallery people or "groundlings." Though the inside was destroyed by revolutionary fanatics, the walls were suffered to remain.

"The Globe was pulled down to the ground by Sir Mathew Brand on Munday, the 15th of April, 1644, to make tenements in the rome of it. The Black Friers play house, in Black Friers, London, which had stood many yeares, was pulled down to the ground on Munday, the 6 day of August, 1655, and tenements built in the rome. The play house in Salisbury courte, in Fleete streete, was pulled down by a company of souldiers, set on by the Secretaries of these sad times, on Saturday, the 24th day of March, 1649. The Phenix, in Druery lane, was pulled down also this day, being Saturday the 24th day of March, 1649, by the same souldiers. The Fortune play house, between White Crosse streete and Golding lane, was burned down to the ground in the year 1618. And

built againe, with bricke worke on the outside, in the year 1622; and now pulld downe on the inside by these souldiers, this 1649. The Hope, on the Banke side in Southewarke, commonly called Beare Garden; a play house for stage playes on Mundays, Wednesdays, Fridayes, and Saturdayes; and for the bating of the bears on Tuesdays and Thursdays-the stage being made to take up and downe when they please. It was built in the year 1610; and now pulled downe to make tenements by Thomas Walker, a peticoate maker in Canone streete, on Tuesday the 25th day of March, 1656. Seven of Mr Godfries beares, by the command of Tho. mas Pride, then his Sherefe of Surry, were shot to death on Saturday, the 9 day of February, 1665, by a company of Souldiers."