PRIVATE THEATRE OF KILKENNY. Prologues in formal state precede their Plays, But we, who scorn in practis'd paths to move, Plead in our own, not in our bard's behoof, B Nor shall we waste, in zeal for Otway's doom, Nor hear old Otway, you've heard o'er and o'er; Since heaven, relenting, deigns at last to smile, The only two Plays performed at the first Meeting were written by Otway, +The original purpose of these Plays was to collect the means of contributing to the Charitable Societies of the City of Kilkenny; and how far this object was obtained, will best appear from their subsequent acknowledg ments. ↑ The preliminaries of a Treaty of Peace had been signed about this period. The hospitable Mansion of KILPANE was not long since enlivened by a few Theatrical Representations, that were got up by the highly-gifted Family there, with the aid of some of the principal Gentlemen of our County. Their little labours, undertaken for the mere purpose of their own private amusement, have led to a public result of a very interesting nature, for the same Gentlemen have been prevailed upon to exert those talents for the Drama, which they lately evinced at Kilfane, to promote the cause of Charity in Kilkenny. This last week has been devoted to this benevolent purpose, and seldom has our Town exhibited a scene of greater happiness. The novelty of such an Exhibition, as well as the purposes of it, attracted an overflowing Audience every Night of Representation, among whom we numbered every Family of distinction in the Neighbourhood. There were three Plays, with an interval Night between each, on which there was a Ball. The Gentlemen, who have devoted their time and their talents to support our little Charitable Theatre, have secured for themselves the admiration of their Friends, the respect of the People, and the gratitude of the Poor. The Mornings have been given to the pleasures of the Chase. Mr. POWER'S Fox Hounds, admitted to be best in the Kingdom, remained in the_Town for the whole of the week.-Kilkenny Paper, February, 1802.] Written by Mr. Langrishe, and spoken by Mr. R. Power, To you, my Friends depute me to convey SCOUT Mr. Crampton. Mr. H. Tighe. Mr. G. P. Bushe. of Peace? No news from Egypt now, or France, or Greece; Nelson no more diffuses proud delight, KING ARTHUR Nor Bonaparte's victories affright ; TOM THUMB Morning or Evening Post no longer charms, NOODLE Success elates not-nor Defeat alarms: Then to seduce you to these scenes, is kind, And saves from stagnating the vacant mind: And sure, such well-meant efforts to amuse, No wit should ridicule-nor zeal abuse. DOODLE GHOST QUEEN DOLLALOLLA PRINCESS HUNCAMUNCA GLUMDALCA Guards, Rebels, Courtiers, Magicians, Musicians, Maids of Honour, and others. |