PREFACE. The close of another Volume renders it again necessary to address our numerous friends in a Preface; a task, which if it is become more difficult by having been often repeated, is also, for the same reason, become more pleasing; because our success, the longer it is continued, is more indubitably the proof of approbation, and approbation is the pledge of success. The favour of the dramatic world, which we have thus obtained, together with the valuable assistance of many histrionic geniuses, will ever be considered by us as an incitement, not only to perseverance, but improvement; that we may still justify the zeal of our patrons, and not be disgraced by the praises we hourly receive. The critical portion of our work has hitherto been regulated by the strictest attention to private interest, as well as public duty; and we shall ever rely with confidence upon the support of those who love the language of truth, and scorn the praise of venality. We shall, in this department, always endeavour to obtain the Actor's confidence, and promote his advantage and success; nor till the STAGE can be more effectually served than by zealous devotion and impartial remark, will we relinquish the fair hope of justifying that support with which our unremitting efforts have been, and we trust ever will be, honoured. The miscellaneous collections, we are happy to say, still maintain the same high character which A, 794689 35771 309 V. has gained for " THE DRAMA" so disti fame, and to which we have ever di strictest attention; and we feel a gratif sation in looking over the volume just which contains some of the brightest g mine of dramatic literature. Our chie been to present, in a convenient form, ject matter of every work relating to now in existence. But we have not onl ourselves of the labours of others; our of histrionic knowledge we have continu thereto; and we pride ourselves on ha duced a mass of information to the drama and collector, not to be found in any p now in existence; a mass of materials reference may be had hereafter, with a fu dance on its truth and correctness. Of those kind contributors who have, i derable degree, enabled us to uphold the of our work, we need say but little; we tender them our sincere thanks: as our in their communications is the highest compl could possibly pay them, and although unavoidable in periodical works of this de may have sometimes caused them disapp and impatience, yet we trust the prompti which we have always endeavoured to our seeming neglect, will be our pass firmer cemented friendship. Until our ne ing, we most respectfully bid them fare 66 July, 1823. THE DRAMA; To the great idol of the tragic fane, e muse, admiring, now renews her strain; thee, who clothed in beauty ev'ry thought, and won each heart, with truths by SHAKSPEARE taught; ho burst at once on the astonish'd gaze, o charm all eyes, and ev'ry ear amaze, In claim upon taste and admiration, as well in relation to the intellect displayed in the arts themselves, as to the utility of their design. Poetry and painting are generally allowed to have a closer connexion with refinement and civilization than any other species of art or science; and, however the vulgar and sanctimonious of mankind may undervalue them, history proves that to whatever degree of perfection these arts have attained in any country, there also, in proportion, have the results been advantageous. The DRAMA, however, may be considered as, in a great measure, blending these two arts into one, and thereby, with the superadded advantages of life and motion, advancing a strong plea to superiority over either. For, if the stage be a 66 mirror," and poetry and action are essential to dramatic exhibitions, representations of this nature may, with strict propriety, be characterised as animated paintings. witnessing a fine play well acted, the spectator feels that interest and gratification doubled, which would naturally arise in his bosom on perusing an excellent poem, or contemplating a beautiful picture. For though a fine imagination and a masterly hand may perform much, yet we are all aware that no representation of either the poet or the painter affects us so sensibly as the events of real life to which the mimic incidents of the drama bear a close relationship. The greatest and most varied talents are necessary to constitute a good performer; and the character of the stage, as above given, resting upon incontestible proof, it it impossible to discern any rational foundation for denying to the histrionic profession as high honours and applause as are bestowed on any other class of the liberal arts. Many and noble characters society and their country have had to boast selected from this profession; but, amidst its living ornaments, no one stands more conspicuously eminent than the subject of this memoir. Mr. ROGER KEMBLE, the father of the present celebrated family of that name, was a Roman Catholic, and originally a barber; he followed his trade for some time at Barnet, and afterwards at Rochester; from thence he went to Deal, and married the daughter of one WARD, manager of a strolling company, and commenced actor. He was, however, thought so meanly of in his new profession, that |