some persons have remarked, and am now only inclined to think it intemperate, because Mr. Kean has himself acknowledged so much.

I have not read the " Italians," and therefore cannot form an opinion upon it. Even if I had read it, and thought it the "worst of the bad," I should not like to say so, fearing I might incur the lash of Mr. Bucke, who probably might call my opinion "a disgraceful outrage on private feeling." Mr. Kean may have felt, on reading this tragedy, what he has so emphatically expressed; he may be wrong in his judgment upon it: but if it be an error in judgment, I think Mr. Bucke, in his preface to his play, has committed a disgraceful outrage upon Mr. Kean's feelings, by his intemperate remarks.

Mr. Kean is charged with not allowing any one "to approach him too nearly in talent." It surely must be in the recollection of the town with what eagerness Mr. Kean seized the opportunity of introducing Mr. Booth upon the boards of Drury Lane Theatre. This, surely, did not show any jealousy; but, on the contrary, an aptitude to encourage talent; for at that time the public were a little divided in opinion upon the respective powers of these tragedians. "If St. Peter's stand upon consecrated ground, this is the truth." What then becomes of Mr. Bucke's charge of

jealousy among the performers," "neither suiting his reputation nor the interests of the theatre?" Why, this is all hearsay, and what Mr. Bucke calls "circumstantial evidence," and which he thinks is "far better than positive!!"

I am, Mr. Editor, a warm admirer of Kean's talents: I think, with the author of the Philosophy of Nature,

that he is "the first tragedian of the day." If then this disappointed author acknowledge so much, it must be admitted that Mr. Kean's conception is good: yet the author of the Philosophy of Nature and this "actor of nature" disagree!!

In the Morning Herald, a paper famous for taking up theatrical squabbles, there have appeared some very severe animadversions upon the conduct of Mr. Kean. In one of them I could not help fancying I discovered a great similarity of style in the observations I saw there, and Mr. Bucke's letter. I may be wrong-I hope it is so I dare not think he would commit a "disgraceful outrage" either on public or private feeling. I am anxious for fair play-I would not have Kean's "noble nature be abused"-I know the generosity of his heart leads him "to think men honest that but seem to be so." He may have written "not wisely, but too well;" and his generous acknowledgment of it to the public must increase their good opinion of him, as it has occasioned the admiration of

AN OLD STAGER.

To CAPTAIN YOUNGE, &c. BRISTOL.

DEAR YOUNGE,

Tavistock Place, April 29, 1819.

66 AUDI ALTERAM PARTEM."

YOUR letter raised in my mind sensations, such as a father must naturally feel; and the conversation subsequently with you, touching its contents, did not, in any degree, remove the impression it had made; but, on the contrary, excited in me a wish, that an opportunity had been afforded me of further explanation.

66

The subject, this morning, I imparted to Mrs. O. generally, and to Miss M. partially. To the first it occasioned surprise and concern; to the latter, agonizing distress. I left them, and went into the city saw Mr. W. as usual: this was about two o'clock. Shortly after my return home (about five), and before I had seen any of my family, Mr. W. met me in my garden, and said, he wished to speak with me. "I understand you have received a letter from Captain Younge, reflecting upon my conduct; may I see it?" Sir, I have Captain Younge's permission to show it, and I have no objection." He read it, and remarked, that it was an impertinent interference, intended to do him an injury, and that it was not the first time you had manifested a like disposition. "A conversation," he said, “had taken place upon the subject of his marriage; but that it was obtruded upon him by yourself, and was to him so offensive, that he did not choose to satisfy your curiosity. The subject upon what I may be supposed to be worth, originated also with yourself, who thought it may amount to; for that I had given about to Mrs. Parrott, upon her marriage!! He admitted may amount to

it

Here I must remark, that any observation of this sort, from either party, does not bespeak a candid conduct in those, who, to a great degree, possess my confidence; more particularly, as I profess to have " a free and noble disposition, and think men honest who but seem to be so," and do not like "to wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at." I would advise both, in future, when they wish to be informed, not to go roundly to work;" but to bring "the matter to the test," and "I will proper answer give."

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I said, I saw Mr. W. in the city about two. I found he had been here shortly after, and found M. in tears. It was the interlude of Lovers' Quarrels; the denouement of which were two letters, written by Mr. W., and left with Miss M.: one to myself, the other to you, with a request that I would forward the latter with your superscription, with which he was unacquainted. This I shall not do. Here let the matter rest. I shall

Nothing extenuate, nor aught set down in malice,"

in this comedy of All in the Wrong; nor will I take any part in the Busy Body, my forte not being in that line. I have played the character of a watchful husband and father many years, and do not want a prompter; and being in possession of the parts, I have no wish to give them up, while I am honoured with applause.

A friend of mine has produced a farce, intended to be brought out at my theatre: the characters are not yet cast, but they are natural, and easily filled. There is a lover and a soldier in the piece, and they are very well drawn. The lover, as usual, is volatile, impetuous, and ardent in the extreme; thoughtless and good natured; frank in disposition, extravagant in professions, and prodigal in expenditure: he thinks that happiness is to be purchased by oriental wealth, and fancies that domestic comfort cannot be complete without the luxuries of foreign climes.

The veteran, on the contrary, would be content with a small pittance: he has seen much of the worldseen its follies endeavoured to amend them, but without success. He is eccentric and well read, assuming a dictatorial authority, mixed up with censoriousness. In retirement he is humble, but in company vain: he there

makes sketches of characters only; but when alone, finishes the portraits after his own manner: he colours those with agreeable tints whom he thinks favourably of, and makes those odious who by others are considered amiable. He can, without being morose, find fault with any one; and fancying himself a perfect gentleman, thinks with Hamlet," that some of Nature's journeymen had made man, and not made him well, he imitates humanity so abominably."

There are subordinate characters in the farce, but too insignificant to be mentioned, except an interesting little girl, who, although the youngest in the family, is supposed to eclipse all her sisters, and throw them completely in the back-ground. I have no great opinion of the success of the piece, which, should I bring out, I will get you (who are so able in drawing characters,) to write a prologue for it.

Yours truly,

B. O.

To CAPTAIN EDWARD YOUNGE, BRISTOL.

DEAR YOUNGE,

Tavistock Place, June 16, 1819.

"Ir is a rule with me, never to suffer a gentleman's letter to remain unanswered."

Among the number of friends you have at Bristol, I should imagine you cannot be without "the consolations of friendship:" if by adding my name to the catalogue, you think you increase your stock, I shall feel proud to have it enrolled.

From the style of your letter, it appears you have kept bad company-the blue devils are spreading themselves every where, and it is as much as I can do to