Thus were the festivities of the third day brought to a triumphant close, and we think that the most fastidious observer must have acknowledged "that there was something worth seeing." care! Our fingers itch to apply to this wretched scribbler, not exactly the designation he has so liberally bestowed on all those present at the Fete, fools) but a more expressive one!--perhaps we need not speak plainer, our meaning requires no further explanation. Here we might leave this contemptible scrawl, but in common justice we will observe, that the very respectable individual, Mr. Palmer, of Tavistock-street, Covent Garden, Londou, was the person who furnished the splendid and appropriate dresses on the two days when the Pageant was exhibited, and for the use of them he received the immense sum of £185! (many of the dresses being injured by the dirty state of the streets on the first day, which Mr. PHIPPS's pen has so classically described,) so much for the reality of the Gala being intended solely for the purpose of putting money into the pockets of “certain speculators in Bob-wigs, Russet-boots, Roman-candles! Tin-foil and Spangles!!" As to the " Fire-eating Showmen," they, like the other parts of this farrago, were introduced specially for the purpose of rounding a period, Stratford not having been honoured with the presence of even one of these Artistes! Again, quoth Mr. PHIPPS, "all this is capital in its way; but the most capital of all, in this Shakspearean affair, was CHARLES WRIGHT, of the Haymarket, strutting along the dirty streets of Stratford, as the representative of Julius Cæsar! In vino verites!" Now who would suppose after reading the above, that in point of fact, Mr. C. WRIGHT, whose personal appearance was well adapted to the character he represented, stood, during the whole of the Procession, in a triumphal Car, drawn by 3 horses abreast!! and as to the "dirty" state of the "streets," even this is unfairly put, for, although Friday was an unfavourable day, yet Monday was as delightfully fair as ever 'may-day" could be, and from Saturday to Monday was also fine,-so much for "dirty streets."-The very uncommon and classical quotation being in latin, must have well answered the purpose of making country readers stare! 66 Upon the whole, Mr. PHIPPS is called upon for as public an apology as he has given to a studied misrepresentation and deliberate › falsehood, but in which we are happy to state, he has not been supported by a single print, either London or Provincial: which have, we believe, with this single exception, bestowed nearly unqualified praise on this deserving and, honourable testimony in commemoration of the Natal Day of Shakspeare. Y Fourth Day, Tuesday, April 27, 1830. This day like the preceding ones, was celebrated by various species of public rejoicing and festivities among private parties: the beauty of the weather materially contributing to the pleasure of those who participated in them, In the evening, there was a Ball at Shakspeare's Hall, at which nearly 200 of the principal inhabitants in the town and neighbourhood were present. The exterior of the Building was splendidly illuminated; and the interior, particularly the apartment appropriated to dancing, was well lighted up. The ball-room was also beautifully decorated with evergreens; and, in addition to the other embellishments, such as drapery bearing applicable devices, mottos, &c., (already described in the account of the Public Dinner) many of the banners borne in the Dramatic Pageant, were tastefully arranged against the walls; producing, at once, a very splendid and pleasing effect. About half past 10, the ball was opened by Dr. Thomson and Mrs. Dennis, the assembly at that hour presenting a brilliant and most interesting spectacle. The elegant dresses of the Ladies, whose radiant charms fully sustained the reputation so long borne by the " Warwickshire Lasses;”—the variety of costume assumed by either sex, and the graceful specimens they displayed of Terpsichore's fascinating art, all combined to render the assemblage delightfully pleasant and agreeable. The polite, assiduous, and gentlemanly attention of the Stewards, (George Lloyd, Esq., Dr. Thomson, and Thomas Ashwin, Esq.) essentially contributed to the comfort and pleasure of the company. Quadrilles, country dances, and the fashionable gallopade, were kept up with unabated zest and spirit, till Sol's intruding rays gave the animated groups warning to depart. Thus this memorable GALA, which had given so much unalloyed pleasure to thousands, was concluded by a scene of refined but cheerful happiness, where for seven hours, mirth knew no pause,-care was never suffered to intrude, -nor languor for a moment to dispirit. The evening was also celebrated by a masquerade, fireworks, and a performance at the theatre; -on the following day the Pavilion was closed, but previous thereto, the spirited and liberal proprietor had it thrown open for the gratuitous admission of children to view the internal decorations. Here then we close our account, with observing that a small but patriotic band of men, have raised up aspirit in their native town, which will, perhaps, never be destroyed; and long after they are slumbering under the turf which surrounds the sacred edifice, where lie interred the hallowed ashes of the great Dramatist himself, their children's children may justly exclaim in his own inspired language How many ages, hence "Shall this our lofty scene be acted o'er R. LAPWORTH Respectfully informs the Public, he has on Sale a variety of The King's, and Shakspearean Medals, In Silver, Bronze, and White Metal, PORTRAITS OF SHAKSPEARE, Worked on Enamelled Cards, in Gold and Silver. Also, Prints of the MONUMENTAL BUST. A few copies still remain of the DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT of the FESTIVAL in 1827, which may yet be had. A GUIDE TO STRATFORD, Shakspeare's Birth-Place The Guild-Hall and Chapel-Interior of Ellustrations of Shakspeare, Wheler's History of Stratford, The original edition: a few copies of this work may still be had of R. L. BUSTS OF SHAKSPEARE, Of various sizes, from 3s. 6d. each and upwards; and Fac-Similes of his Tomb-stone, In Stratford Church, cast in White Plaster. Several editions of his Plays on Sale, at low prices. Printed and Published by R. Lapworth, Bookseller, &c.. |