being too
frequently acted, was worn out, and came to be deserted by the town,
upon the sudden death of Monfort, who had played Alexander with success,
for several years, the part was given to Betterton, which, under this
great disadvantage of the satiety it had given, he immediately revived
with so new a lustre, that for three days together it filled the house;
and had his then declining strength been equal to the fatigue the action
gave him, it probably might have doubled its success; an uncommon
instance of the power and intrinsic merit of an actor. This I mention
not only to prove what irresistible pleasure may arise from a judicious
elocution, with scarce sense to assist it; but to show you too, that
though Betterton never wanted fire, and force, when his character
demanded it; yet, where it was not demanded, he never prostituted his
power to the low ambition of a false applause. And further, that when,
from a too advanced age, he resigned that toilsome part of Alexander,
the play, for many years after never was able to impose upon the public;
and I look upon his so particularly supporting the false fire and
extravagancies of that character, to be a more surprizing proof of his
skill, than his being eminent in those of Shakspeare; because there,
truth and nature coming to his assistance he had not the same
difficulties to combat, and consequently, we must be less amazed at his
success, where we are more able to account for it.

(_To be continued._)

DRAMATIC CENSOR.

I have always considered those combinations which are formed in the
playhouse as acts of fraud or cruelty: He that applauds him who
does not deserve praise, is endeavouring to deceive the public; He
that hisses in malice or in sport is an oppressor and a robber.

_Dr. Johnson's Idler, No. 25._

PHILADELPHIA THEATRE.

_Dec. 6th._--Douglas, _with the_ Shipwreck. Young Norval }
_8th._--Mountaineers--Raising the Wind. Octavian }
_9th._--Lover's Vows--Rosina. Frederick }
_11th._--Mahomet--Spoiled Child. Zaphna } _BY_
_13th._--Hamlet--Weathercock. Hamlet }
_15th._--Pizarro--The Ghost. Rolla } _MASTER_
_16th._--Douglas--Youth, Love and Folly. Young Norval }
_18th._--Tancred and Sigismunda--Farmer. Tancred } _PAYNE._
_20th._--Barbarossa--Too Many Cooks. Selim }
_22d._--Romeo