y
representations of this kind in London. There are no such actors, at the
principal theatres, as Matthews, or Liston, or Bannister, or Munden, or
Emery, whose principal merit lies in mimicry and buffoonery. There are
hardly any entertainments corresponding in character to our farces; the
after-pieces are short comedies, and characters in low life are
introduced into them, not as objects of derision, but of interest and
sympathy.

On the other hand, operas and genteel comedies, which are esteemed only
by the higher ranks in England, are a favourite amusement of all ranks
in France. The qualities which are most highly prized in the comedies,
are, interest and variety of incident and situation, wit and liveliness
of dialogue, and a certain elevation and elegance of character.

Regarding the character of the French tragedies, there will always be
much difference of opinion; and many, probably, of those who have had
the best opportunities of studying them, as performed upon the stage at
Paris, may yet retain nearly the same judgment concerning them which
they formed in reading them in the closet. And we are willing to admit,
that admirable as they appear to us in many respects, they are not well
adapted to become popular in this country. But the excellencies and
unrivalled elegance of the French comedy, have been at all times
universally admitted, while there is this great distinction between
them and the tragedies of the French school, that however great the
pleasure we may take in reading them, no one ever saw them well
performed, without acknowledging, that until then, he had no conception
of the astonishing field which they afford for the display of the
actor's power, or of the innumerable charms which they possess as
dramatic compositions.

Everything that ever was amiable and engaging in the character of the
French people; the elegance and _bon-hommie_ of their manners, which
served as a passport to the French in every country in Europe, and
softened the feelings of national resentment with which their ambition
and their arrogance to other nations had taught many to regard them as a
people; their well-known superiority to other nations in those
circumstances, which render them agreeable and pleasant in society, in
their constant attention and accommodation to the wishes and pursuits of
others, in that anxiety to please, to entertain, and to promote the
interests and happiness of others, which costs so little to tho