Memoirs of Sir Charles Goodville and His Family: In a Series of Letters to a Friend ...

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D. Browne, 1753
 

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Page 261 - Act, read a Letter, wrote by a French Valet de Chambre, little acquainted with English, in the drollest Manner, and with as high Marks of Comic Humour, as I ever saw executed.
Page 261 - Tragi-Comic Genius continues his Progress, the Town will be much obliged to the Proprietor of that Theatre, for so judiciously distinguishing, and giving Encouragement, to such promising Merit...
Page 260 - ... a judicious Use, as indeed, of every other Feature, which seem all calculated, for the expressing, not only the Impetuosity and Fire, of Richard's Nature, but the Artifice, and Hypocrisy of it. His Action is less constrained, and awkward, than could be imagined, from a new Performer; and to me, it was manifest, great Time, and Care had been taken, to digest every minute Action, and Accent; though great Force of Genius, shewed itself, through...
Page 261 - I saw him in a pert, flashy Character, in a Play, wrote upon the Novel, called Pamela; in which, he discharged himself, with great Life, and Smartness, suitable to what, I conceive, the Author intended...
Page 262 - I purpose making as frequent Visits, to that Theatre, as my Affairs will admit; when this new Adventurer, sets off either the Tragic, or Comic Drama. The enthusiastic author concludes his letter with a defense of the stage against the virulence of its critics, who are "either Jacobites, Nonjurors, or precise, inveterate Schismaticks.
Page 259 - His Stature is low, I think, too low. for the Stage, his Voice, round, full, and manly; but not strong in Proportion; for, toward the fifth Act, he grew hoarse — though, possibly, that might be occasioned by Inexperience, and not judging the proper Modulation. He has vast Spirit in his Manner, and Countenance, which is greatly assisted, by a quick piercing...

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