“It is many years since I resided in London, or even saw a play there, and such marked changes have latterly occurred in the conduct of our theatres and the dramatic taste of the public, that I feel some hesitation in offering an opinion upon this comedy as adapted to an audience of the present day. But I have no difficulty whatever in declaring that, when measured by the very best works of a similar class that I have either seen or read,† it seems to me to be one of those genuine and legitimate comedies that ought to command a great and undoubted success. Its merits are of a high order—sterling—indisputable; and, if they be not recognised as such, I can only repeat that the public taste must have been changed very much for the worse.
“So much for the general impression pro-
* This comedy has just been published, under the title of “Marriage in May Fair.” † The italics are the writer’s own. |
| 234 | HORACE SMITH. |
“I don’t like the title, which will tempt the wags to turn the play into ridicule, should it not be very favourably received, and which may be avoided by prefixing the word ‘assumed,’ or ‘affected.’
“The first act, I think, would bear a little compression. In these days, when so much bustle is required, I would not make the whole act (however the unities may be preserved) consist of only one scene. Change of scene, even from one room to another, keeps attention awake, and assists an audience, just as a frequent division into chapters enlivens a reader.
“Act ii., p. 2. I agree with Mr. Ward, in thinking that it is rather hazardous to say too
much about Belton’s wit; for it makes it deuced difficult to write up to
your own character. Parts of this act recal ‘The School for Scandal;’ and, in the
next act, I was reminded of ‘The Road to Ruin;’ but in neither case is there anything more
than
| HORACE SMITH. | 235 |
“Act iv., p. 1. Lady Falkland’s talking of a separation, on so very slight a foundation, is too strong. Might she not say,—‘Some wives, if they were thus treated, would insist on a separation,’ &c.
“Act v., last scene. If Belton is to be dismissed without any redeeming traits, or feelings of repentance, I think he gets off too cheaply. Couldn’t he be more completely humiliated and exposed? Nor would I dismiss him with a threat that points to a duel, and leaves a doubt upon the minds of the audience whether the comedy, after all, may not have a tragic conclusion.
“I agree with Mr. Ward in thinking that more might be made of Emma,—particularly in some scenes with her brother, and that she is unnecessarily lowered by being so very easily bestowed upon Wildgoose. I am also of opinion, that the audience ought to be let into Madame Beaumonde’s honest intentions, that they might sympathise with her, as she proceeds to carry them into effect, and enjoy more the defeat of Belton.
“I have now stated every objection that
| 236 | HORACE SMITH. |
