2 line of the Route; and certainly infused no inconsiderable degree of life and spirit into this part of the Pageant. Peter and the Nurse, by Mr. and Mrs. WATSON, also contributed their share of amusement to the spectatorsPeter, with a ludicrous expression of countenance, and walking backwards through the whole of the Procession, was continually employed in fanning the lady-nurse, which polite attention she received with disdainful smiles and contemptuous tossings of the head. That favourite comedian, Mr. GILL, with his laughtermoving phiz and extraordinary costume, bedecked with playing cards, &c. excited considerable notice; and Bottom (the Weaver) kept the by-standers in a roar by his ridiculous self-importance. Titania and Oberon, with Puck and their attendant Fairies, seemed not of mortal mould. "I took it for a fairy vision "Of some gay creatures of the element, "And ply i'th' plighted clouds!-Milton's Comus. And last, though not least, we should be committing ourselves were we not to say that MASTER GROSSMITH, (of Reading) the young Roscius, most ably personated the character of Prince Arthur, in a manner highly creditable to that distinguished youth. We repeat, it was an imposing, grand, and interesting spectacle; and we venture to predict that when again brought forward, the patronage of Royalty will be again secured: nor should we feel surprised (now the first difficulties have been overcome) to see those eminent professional and literary men who have hitherto been content to keep in the background, come forward in a body, and take lively interest in the details of a scene which ought to be dear to every British heart, whilst commemorating the birth of a poet who is an honour to his country. The whole of the dresses, which were of the most spleng did description, were made expressly for the occasion, by K MR. PALMER, of Tavistock-street, Covent Garden; and reflect the highest credit upon the taste and liberality of that gentleman. Perhaps as regards the beauty and exquisite workmanship of the armour; the costliness and accuracy of the costumes; they were never surpassed. They were made at a cost of several hundred pounds, and the sum given for the loan of them for the first and third days' festivities, was £185. The greatest praise is due to the Committee of the Royal Shakspearean Club for the very excellent regulations they adopted to prevent the Pageant, in its passage through the town, being annoyed by the pressure and curiosity of the multitude. Constables, at a great expense, were placed at intervals throughout the whole line of procession, and to keep the town clear of bad characters; and notwithstanding the crowded state of the streets, more particularly that in which the Poet's Birth-place is situate, which, during the ceremony of crowning the Bust, presented on each side of the Procession a dense and almost impenetrable mass of human beings, the Dramatic Characters walked at perfect ease, and not a single accident occurred to mar the general joy. To Mr. ASHFIELD, the chief constable, who headed the Procession, and to all those who took an active part in it; to Mr. GWINNETT, the Secretary of the Club, who had been indefatigable in his exertions both at and previous to the Festival; to Mr. RAYMOND, and his Company, for the efficient manner in which they managed every thing connected with the dramatic part of the proceedings; to the worthy Chief Magistrate, T. ASHWIN, Esq. who warmly seconded and supported the exertions of the Committee; to Mr. C. WRIGHT, for his unwearied personal exertions and for the loan of his beautiful stud of pie-bald horses; and to those who, by their pecuniary contributions assisted to raise the necessary funds for the arduous undertaking; are the public indebted for a dramatic spectacle, unique of its kind, and not more honourable and praiseworthy in design than it was brilliant and successful in execution. THE DINNER. About half-past 4 in the afternoon nearly 300 gentlemen had assembled at Shakspeare's Hall, the great room of which fine edifice was elegantly fitted up for the occasion. This noble appartment, admirably adapted from its size and proportions for a convivial banquet, was profusely decorated with festoons of laurel and other evergreens, flowers &c.; immediately opposite the entrance was placed a fine full-length Portrait of the august Patron of the Festivities, His Majesty, GEORGE THE FOURTH in his Coronation Robes, encircled with laurel; a half-length also of our Gracious Monarch was hung near the seat of the Mayor, similarly ornamented. At the upper end of the room appeared the beautiful full length of SHAKSPEARE, by Wilson, and just above the noble frame which contains the painting, was a white drapery extending the whole width of the room, with "We shall ne'er look upon his like again," inscribed in large characters. Directly opposite, the fine full-length of GARRICK, by Gainsborough, was surmounted by a similar scroll, whereon appeared "He suited the action to the word." Over the folding doors of the entrance, was an elegant. transparency of the Immortal Bard, as issuing from the clouds, with the motto "Thus dying clouds contend with glowing light." This very pleasing and appropriate design, was lighted up during the evening and had a most enchanting effect. Three large and richly-cut glass chandeliers, suspended from the ceiling, were filled with a profusion of wax lights, and gave additional effect to the tasteful and characteristic decorations. The tables, three in number, were laid out in the best possible manner, and the extent and variety of the devices displayed the perfection of the confectionary art; the bill of fare presented all the delicacies of the season-and they were spread in abundant profusion; the desert and wines were also of the first order; and we think that the well known abilities of "Mine Host of the Falcon," Mr. Ashfield, who personally superintended the gastronomic arrangements, were never exerted with more brilliant success than on the present occasion. Long before dinner was served up, the room was crowded to excess, and inany gentlemen applied at the bar for tickets who could not be upplied-those who had obtained a seat being actually incommoded by the great number of persons present. Exactly at five o'clock the worshipful the Mayor, THOS. ASHWIN, Esq. took the chair; he was supported on his right by the Rev. DR. WADE, ROE, Esq. (Recorder of Macclesfield), J. G. LLOYD, Esq., GEORGE LLOYD, Esq. and Mr. Alderman BURMAN: on his left by J. MILLS, Esq. EDWARD GREAVES, Esq. JAMES BISSET, Esq. and several members of the Corporation. The Vice-President at the centre table was Mr. JAMES ‹ GEORGE, (Treasurer of the Club). RICHARD GREAVES, Esq. presided at the table on the right of the Mayor; Mr. GEORGE WRIGHT, Vice-President. The chairman at the table on the left, was Mr. EDWARD ASHWIN; VicePresident, Mr. THOMAS UMBERS, Solicitor. As soon as the tables were covered, the worthy chairman whose urbanity of inanners and gentlemanly attentions throughout the proceedings of the day, gained for him the approbation of all present, said the Grace from Macbeth ;"Now good digestion wait on appetite, "And health on both." The cloth being withdrawn, Non nobis Domine, was finely sung by Messrs. Bratt, Riley and Greaves, accompanied by the band of the 2nd Warwickshire Local Militia, who were in attendance during the evening, and by the occasional performance of patriotic airs and choice pieces of music contri--buted to the entertainment of the company. ♦ The Dinner Tickets (not transferrable) were 7s. 6d. each, but did not include wine. The MAYOR then rose to propose the first toast"The King;" this was drank with the customary honours; and the shouts of applause were generally and feelingly intermingled with fervent wishes for his restoration to health, "God save the King" was then sung by the professional singers in attendance; the whole company enthusiastically joining in the chorus. Toast--"England and St. George." Toast "The Duke of Clarence, and the other Members of the Royal Family." (Drank with the greatest enthusiasm.). Glee" Hail Star of Brunswick." (By Messrs. Bratt, Riley, & Greaves. Toast "The Army and Navy." Air-"Rule Britannia." Toast-The immortal memory of Shakspeare." (Drank with profound silence) Song "Rule, Great Shakspeare." (By Mr. S. Gwinnett.) Toast "The Memory of Garrick, and the Jubilites of 1769." Song "The birth-place of Shakspeare." (By Mr. Wm. Cooper) 'Toast-"The Warwickshire Lasses." Air-"Ye Warwickshire Lads." Mr. J. CRUMP, of Birmingham, then presented himself and spoke as follows:-Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen, the honourable task has fallen upon me to introduce to your notice, an address to his Majesty the King, purporting to emanate from the Mayor, Aldermen, Capital Burgesses and Visitors of Stratford-upon-Avon, thanking his Majesty for the signal favour he has granted the town by sanctioning the present festivities, and for the honour conferred on the members of the Shakspearean Club, by graciously consenting to become their Patron. This Address, Gentlemen, will lie for signature during the Festival at the Town Hall, and I doubt not but that every Shakspearean now present, will eagerly join the Constituted Authorities of the Borough, in paying this proper and grateful tribute of respect to our beloved Sovereign. Gentlemen, I am truly sorry to find that our illustrious Patron is suffering from severe indisposition but favourable accounts have been received, and I am fully persuaded that every one who hears me will concur most heartily in wishing that George the Fourth may be speedily restored to health, and long, long continue to reign in peace L |