not disallow it in
the case of any other gentleman who labours under the disadvantage of a
weak voice. But we think it is not; it would be infinitely better for
the audience to compound with the actor and allow him resting between
the speech times. The majestic Spranger Barry when we last saw him was
not only so decrepit that he hobbled along the stage, and so bent in the
middle that his body formed an angle with his lower limbs, almost as
acute as that of a mounted telescope, but was so encumbered by infirmity
and high living that upon any violent exertion of the lungs he puffed
very painfully; yet even in that state we have heard him speak the part
of _Rhadamistus_ in _Zenobia_, with all the fire, rapidity, and
animation of youth, his fine person all the time raised erect for the
purpose: but as soon as the speech was over, down he sunk again to his
angle, and puffed and blowed, while the audience, with emotions mixed up
of admiration and grief gazed in a kind of melancholy delight on the
finest ruin that ever time made in the works of nature: thunders and
shouts of plaudits filled the house; every female was seen gazing upon
the wonderful man as if her eyes were nailed upon their axes, and were
melting away with floods of tears, while he, from a face of almost
divine sweetness, gave back their love and their indulgence with
interest. He was allowed to take his own time--not in the speeches, but
between them.

Though these remarks are introduced in a part of our criticism dedicated
to the performances of Mr. Wood, we by no means would have it understood
that it applies exclusively, or even particularly to him. There is no
performer on the American stage, perhaps, to whom they less frequently
apply; but we have started the subject with him purposely to point out
by an instance _a fortiori_ how dangerous it is to a young actor, not to
guard against a great imperfection. When he whose sound judgment and
industry may reasonably be supposed to secure him from such errors,
insensibly falls into them, actors of inferior capacity and less
industry will see, or at least ought to see the necessity of standing
upon a more vigilant guard.

Since the subject is started we will proceed with it, though perhaps to
the exclusion from this number of some other matter originally intended
for it. Can those, who, loving the drama, and feeling its beauties with
a true classic spirit, wish to see the public taste won over to the
tragic mu