KILKENNY THEATRICALS. 1810. Account of the close of the Theatrical Representations at Kilkenny, in October, 1810, taken from the CORRESPON DENT. "It was with infinite regret that we witnessed the final appearance on our Theatre of the gentlemen whose talents have, for a considerable number of years, so highly distinguished this City. It not unfrequently happens, that what has been habitually viewed with indifference, or has afforded but slight gratification, assumes an important and affecting interest, when beheld for the last time." The last time"--is a sentence falling on the ear in melancholy cadence, which reaches to the heart with dark and powerful influence. If such be the common sensations at parting with that which has bestowed no extraordinary delight, could ours be other than deep, heartfelt emotion, at bidding farewell to an enjoyment, long accustomed, poignant, intellectual, and refined ?" "For ten successive years, Plays selected with the most discriminating taste, have been represented here in a way that does the highest honor to the performers, and, never can be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to witness Shakespeare's sublimest truths, and gayest fancies, displayed as though his own spirit were caught in their delineation. Life's brightest Hours are often those which burst forth in unlooked for splendour, and the sweetest Flowers springing from its paths arise from seeds scattered by the hand of Chance. How seldom does it happen, that distant Pleasure of the fairest promise is not found, when nearly approached, like the Cloud embraced by Ixion, an "unreal mockery?" But such fallacious seeming had no share in our dramatic pleasures.---Here expectation was high wrought, and disappointment never ensued.---Unfailingly as the revolving seasons brought round the period allotted for these entertainments, was the sober certainty of enjoyment realized. The period allotted for them was happily chosen. Just as the falling Leaf conveyed its sad import to fancy's listening ear, and when the darkened Sky disposed the mind to sombre músing on the departed glories of the year, it was attracted by the bright amends which man can make to himself when nature withdraws her loveliness: they came the harbingers of winter, and we no longer dreaded its approach. But those brilliant hours are past, and it is impossible not to deplore that we "ne'er shall look upon their like again." Yet our regrets must be all unavailing, and we have now only to offer the thanks of our community to the gentlemen whose combined talents have so long made this spot the envy and admiration of many a distant and prouder city.--Our theme of boast, it is true, is at an end, but that we have ever been so eminently distinguished, leaves us in possession of no vulgar triumph. "To Mr. R. Power most particularly is our grateful homage due to him we are indebted for the original design, for the zeal and judgment with which he conducted and superintended it, as well as for the pre-eminent and splendid force of dramatic talent which he brought to its support. It was fortunate for the benevolent purposes of the elegant and liberal enterprize, that the arduous duties of the Managerial office were unanimously consigned to him, and by him as kindly accepted. "Indeed in any other hands it could scarcely be expected that the difficult undertaking, however spiritedly commenced, should be for so long a period steadily directed, with never failing success, to the brilliant termination we have witnessed, with such mingled sentiments of regret, admiration and gratitude. We fear not a dissentient voice from this opinion---When the peculiar nature of the undertaking is considered, a number of gentlemen resident in different parts of the Kingdom, uniting to exhibit to a refined audience, long familiar with the best histrionic models, a series of the most celebrated productions of the British stage, it must be admitted that to blend such a variety of untried materials into the delightful harmonious whole we have witnessed, and to give to every variety of talent the appropriate sphere suited to its peculiar powers, required such extensive acquaintance with the world, and with literature; such a critical knowledge and discernment in men as well as books, together with such polished and conciliating manners, as are rarely seen united in any individual; it required, in short, such an assemblage of high personal qualifications as we know not where to find, except in our Accomplished Dramatic Petronius, of whom we must now take leave in this Character, with feelings we should in vain attempt to express; but which shall follow him into the elegant circles of private life, of which we sincerely hope he may long continue the pride and (Copy.) ornament." POETICAL ADDRESS To the Gentlemen of the Kilkenny Theatre, upon the termination of their Plays. BY A LADY. INSCRIBED TO RICHARD POWER, ESQ. To our friends much admir'd, we Ladies in town To see your performance, three weeks have we been But rumour has said, that you'll give up the Stage, But CHARITY pleads in support of our cause, Of the Charitable Societies of Kilkenny, to Richard Power, Esq. and the Gentlemen of the Kilkenny Theatre, at the conclusion of the Plays. SIR, Delegated by the CHARITABLE SOCIETY, and the other CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS OF KILKENNY, we beg leave, in the name of those whom we represent, to address you, with mingled emotions of Gratitude and painful Regret; and to return you the warmest thanks which sincerity can offer, for the signal support they have now, for TEN YEARS, experienced from your liberal exertions, and those of the Gentlemen whom your indefatigable industry has associated with you in the work of mercy. Hitherto has every Return of those rational, and refined Entertainments been annually hailed, by the WEALTHY, for their Pleasure, and the Poor, for the Blessings they bestowed. While we estimate their value in their beneficial effects-in the diffusion of Wealth, the enlivening of Commerce, the enriching the Manufacturer, and rendering the Pleasure of the Rich subservient to public benefit; but, above all, in imparting "bread to the hungry," and administering to the bed of sickness comfort and support," we cannot but regard with the more painful Regret, the approaching moment of their Discontinuance; a moment of serious loss to the Community, and of despondence to the Poor, when the source of Charity shall fail, and the Spring of Benevolence be run dry.-Not insensible to the Privations to which you have so cheerfully submitted, the Expenses you have incurred, and the labours you have undergone, permit us yet to hope, that you have not unalterably decided.-The voice of the poor, the destitute, and friendless, is united with ours in deprecating the event. -In your bounty, they have hitherto found a resource under the miseries of life, and felt the visitation of God softened by the humanity of man. Whether they shall experience a sad reverse, and the curtain close upon their prospects for ever, now rests with you. Filled with gratitude for the past, and looking to the future not without hope, they invoke the sovereign Arbiter of life and death, to dispense his blessings bountifully on their Benefactors' heads, and that whatever doom may be reserved for them, their day may remain unclouded. SIR, REPLY To the foregoing Address. I have communicated to the Gentlemen of the Kilkenny Theatre the Address, which you were so kind as to present to me from the DELEGATES of the CHARITABLE SOCIETIES of this City; and be assured that we feel most sensibly this very flattering tribute to our Institution. Among the many interesting recollections, which, at this moment, occupy all our hearts, there is none so delightful as the consciousness that we have been useful to the cause of humanity, and that we have been able to combine the object of amusing ourselves, with the much nobler task of alleviating the misfortunes of others. To encourage a taste for the rational Pleasures of the DRAMA was, in itself, we trust, no unworthy undertaking; but to have mingled those gay pursuits with the serious offices of Benevolence, was such a happy mixture of Pleasures and Duties, as is not very often, in this life, attainable. To you, however, Gentlemen, are chiefly to be attributed the beneficial effects, which have attended our association. Whatever little talent may have appeared among us, to the gentleness of your criticism we owe its encouragement; and whatever difficulties we may have had to encounter, by the zeal of your co-operation we were enabled to surmount them. With respect to the future continuance of our Meetings, though I should consider it not only unwise, but unfeeling, to declare, by any irrevocable decision, that an Anniversary, whose return we have so often hailed with delight, should from this moment cease for ever, yet I cannot at present answer for the intentions of my friends and associates further, than to assure you that the interest which we all take in the pleasures and prosperity of the City of Kilkenny, is as lively as it was at the Commencement of our career,-and that I hope it may be yet in our power to prove the sincerity of this declaration. 1812. The Orchestra principally filled from that of the Theatre Royal, Dublin. Leader, Mr. T. Cooke. And, now, replete with classic pride, we find, And now, when Famine scarce has left the Land, But Metaphor apart, 'tis yours to say, The favorite Actor, and the favorite Play. Be kind, and candid, make your own selection, Choose which you like, but Silence is rejection. 'Tis then to you, we for instruction look--. Your Hand our Prompter--and your Face our Book. Monday, 5th October, 1812. THE POOR GENTLEMAN. LIEUTENANT WORTHINGTON Mr. Gore. Mr. T. Glascock. PROLOGUE, Written by Mr. Langrishe, and spoken by Mr. R. Power, At the opening of the Theatre, the 5th of October, 1812. We meet again.-Oh! for a strain inspir'd! To breathe the bliss, with which my bosom 's fir'd! Mere zeal was mine, yours was the fostering grace, You'll ask, perhaps, why did these pastimes cease? Give Time for Transport, satiate not with Bliss, E'en Cupid slacks his bow, and Venus half retires. Mr. Crampton. SIR CHARLES CROPLAND WARNER Mr. Becher. |