End of operatic season, and a fine season too. The PATTI
nights exceptionally brilliant. DE RESZKE _frères_,
the accomplished Bicycling Brothers, did not appear, but Sir
DRURIOLANUS sang the old song "_We're going to do without
them_" and did so, uncommonly well. MAUREL, ANCONA,
PLANÇON, were bright particular stars; while MELBA
suddenly shone forth as Comet with magnificent tail, _i.e._ a
great following. CALVÉ held her own against all comers:
and, as _Santuzza_, it was a case of "honours divided" with Mdme.
BELLINCIONI, who, it must not be forgotten, was the original
of the part. The Beneficent BAUERMEISTER, of talent unlimited,
has shown that "woman," like man, "in _her_ time can play many parts."
Mlle. BAUERMEISTER has played them; and all equally well.
[Illustration]
So farewell Operatics till next year, when DRURIOLANUS need
fear no storms, if still provided with his lightning Conductors
BEVIGNANI, MANCINELLI & Co. Nor need the
Liberal-Conservative DRURIOLANUS OPERATICUS think of having
to reckon with any formidable rivalry, should the utterly improbable
happen and a new Opposition Opera be started. Why two Opera Houses
cannot succeed in London may be a problem, but hitherto it is one which
dissolution of the weaker was the only solution. The strong company
went to Covent Garden, and the weak went--to the wall.
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REPORT FROM A MINOR CANON.--Archdeacon FARRAR,
hitherto performing "Archi-diaconal functions" at Westminster, has just
been "installed" Dean of CANTERBURY. There are, clearly, only
two notable installations, one of the Electric Light, and the other of
a Dean. Canterbury has now the chance of being thoroughly enlightened
and electrified.
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[Illustration: A CORRECT EYE.
MRS. BROWN HAS BOUGHT HER HUSBAND TWENTY YARDS OF NATIVE SCOTCH
HOMESPUN, AND HAS SENT FOR THE TAILOR OF THE GLEN TO MAKE HIM A SUIT
THEREOF. THE TAILOR TAKES THE MATERIAL, GIVES A GLANCE AT BROWN, AND IS
ABOUT TO DEPART.
"BUT LOOK HERE," SAYS BROWN; "YOU'VE NOT TAKEN MY MEASURE!"
_Tailor._ "HOOT, MAN, YE'RE NOT DEFORRM'D!"]
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