nson's Idler, No. 25._

_From a Correspondent at New-York._

NEW-YORK THEATRICALS.

We have for several weeks been gratified by the performance of Mr.
Dwyer, lately arrived from England, an actor certainly superior to any
on the London boards in genteel comedy, and highly respectable as a
tragedian. He possesses every requisite for the stage: a fine person, a
good voice, a manly expression of countenance and the most polished
address. His orthoepy seems to have been acquired by the means which
alone can give it perfection: an intimate acquaintance and a constant
interview with the best speakers of the senate, the bar, the pulpit, and
the stage in the metropolis of the British empire.

It is a difficult task for an actor or actress newly arrived amongst us
(even were that actor a Garrick and the actress a Siddons) to overcome,
at the first onset, certain prejudices, which, in spite of a good
understanding, will oftentimes take possession of the human mind; and a
New-York audience seem particularly to require time for a complete
manifestation of their acknowledgment of superior talents, lest they
stand accused of an unjust partiality to a former favourite, or perhaps
thinking with Theseus, "that should the favourite be in the wane, yet,
in courtesy, in all reason, they must stay the time."[K] However this
may be, and strongly as the illiberal mode of proceeding may have
operated against respectable actors at various times, Mr. Dwyer has
carried every thing before him. Those who were desirous of diminishing
his fame, have sneaked from the field.

The fiends look'd up, and knew
Their mounted scale aloft: nor more----[L]

Mr. Dwyer has entirely justified amongst us the flattering reports we
had received of him in the European prints; and our theatrical amateurs
will feel a disagreeable void in their pleasures when he leaves us. He
is engaged on very liberal terms for a few nights in Philadelphia, by
Mr. Warren, who lately made a journey to New-York for the express
purpose of witnessing his extraordinary powers. Thence it is said, he
will proceed to Boston and the other principal cities of the United
States.

It would be needless to point out Mr. Dwyer's particular excellencies:
but we most esteem him for his _originality_. Scorning the degrading
acts of imitation, he has formed himself upon the unerring principles of
nature. In his performance we find that agreement, which, like the soul,
adds life