“You reproach me, my dear Mr. Crisp, for not sending you an account of
our last two concerts. But the fact is, I have not any thing new to
tell you. The music has always been the same: the matrimonial duets are
so much _à-la-mode_, that no other thing in our house is now demanded.
“But if I can write you nothing new about music—you want, I well know
you will say, to hear some conversations.
“My dear Mr. Crisp, there is, at this moment, no such thing as
conversation. There is only one question asked, meet whom you may,
namely; ‘How do you like Gabrielli?’ and only two modes, contradictory
to be sure, but very steady, of reply: either, ‘Of all things upon
earth!’ or, ‘Not the least bit in the whole world!’
“Well, now I will present you with a specimen, beginning with our last
concert but one, and arranging the persons of the drama in the order of
their actual appearance.
“But imprimis, I should tell you, that the motive to this concert was
a particular request to my father from Dr. King, our old friend, and
the chaplain to the British—something—at St. Petersburgh, that he
would give a little music to a certain mighty personage, who, somehow
or other how, must needs take, transiently at least, a front place in
future history,—namely, the famed favourite of the Empress Catherine
of Russia, Prince Orloff.
“There, my dear Mr. Crisp! what say you to seeing such a doughty
personage as that in a private house, at a private party, of a private
individual, fresh imported from the Czarina of all the Russias,—to sip
a cup of tea in St. Martin’s-Street?
“I wonder whether future historians will happen to mention this
circumstance? I am thinking of sending it to all the keepers of records.
“But I see your rising eyebrow at this name—your start—your
disgust—yet big curiosity.
“Well, suppose the family assembled, its honoured chief in the
midst—and Tat, tat, tat, tat, at the door.
_Enter_ DR. OGLE, DEAN OF WINCHESTER.
“_Dr. Burney_, after the usual ceremonies.—‘Did you hear the Gabrielli
last night, Mr. Dean?’
“_The Dean._—‘No, Doctor, I made the attempt, but soon retreated; for
I hate a crowd,—as much as the ladies love it!—I beg pardon!’ bowing
with a sort of civil sneer at we Fair Sex.
“My mother was entering upon a spirited defence, when—Tat, tat, tat.
_Enter_ DR. KING.
“He brought the compliments of Prince Orloff, with his Highness’s
apologies for being so late, but he was obliged to dine at Lord
Buckingham’s, and thence, to shew himself at Lady Harrington’s.
“As nobody thought of inquiring into Dr. King’s opinion of La
Gabrielli, conversation was at a stand, till—Tat, tat, tat, tat, too,
and
“_Enter_ LADY EDGCUMBE.
“We were all introduced to her, and she was very chatty, courteous, and
entertaining.
“_Dr. Burney._—‘Your Ladyship was certainly at the Opera last night?’
“_Lady Edgcumbe._—‘O yes!—but I have not heard the Gabrielli! I
cannot allow that I have yet heard her.’
“_Dr. Burney._—‘Your Ladyship expected a more powerful voice?’
“_Lady Edgcumbe._—‘Why n-o—not much. The shadow can tell what the
substance must be; but she cannot have acquired this great reputation
throughout Europe for nothing. I therefore repeat that I have not
yet heard her. She must have had a cold.—But, for me—I have heard
Mingotti!—I have heard Montecelli!—I have heard Mansuoli!—and I
shall never hear them again!’
“_The Dean._—‘But, Lady Edgcumbe, may not Gabrielli have great powers,
and yet have too weak a voice for so large a theatre?’
“_Lady Edgcumbe._—‘Our theatre, Mr. Dean, is of no size to what she
has been accustomed to abroad. But,—Dr. Burney, I have also heard the
Agujari!’
“_Hettina_, _Fanny_, _Susanna_.—‘Oh! Agujari!’ (All three speaking
with clasped hands.)
“_Dr. Burney_ (laughing).—‘Your ladyship darts into all their hearts
by naming Agujari! However, I have hopes you _will_ hear her again.’
“_Lady Edgcumbe._—‘O, Dr. Burney! bring her but to the Opera,—and I
shall grow crazy!’
“I assure you, my dear Mr. Crisp, we all longed to embrace her
ladyship. And she met our sympathy with a good-humour full of pleasure.
My father added, that we all doated upon Agujari.
“_Lady Edgcumbe._—‘O! she is incomparable!—Mark but the difference,
Dr. Burney; by Gabrielli, Rauzzini seems to have a great voice;—by
Agujari, he seemed to have that of a child.’—
“Tat, tat, tat, tat, too.
“_Enter_ THE HON. MR. and MRS. BRUDENEL.
“Mr. Brudenell,[7] commonly called ‘His Honour,’ from high birth, I
suppose, without title, or from some quaint old cause that nobody knows
who has let me into its secret, is tall and stiff, and strongly in the
_ton_ of the present day; which is anything rather than macaroniism;
for it consists of unbounded freedom and ease, with a short, abrupt,
dry manner of speech; and in taking the liberty to ask any question
that occurs upon other people’s affairs and opinions; even upon their
incomes and expences;—nay, even upon their age!
“Did you ever hear of any thing so shocking?
“I do not much mind it now; but, when I grow older, I intend
recommending to have this part of their code abolished.
“Mrs. Brudenel is very obliging and pleasing; and of as great fame as a
lady singer, as Lady Edgcumbe is as a first rate lady player.
“The usual question being asked of La Gabrielli;
“_Mrs. Brudenel._—‘O, Lady Edgcumbe and I are entirely of the same
opinion; we agree that we have not yet heard her.’
“_Lady Edgcumbe._—‘The ceremony of her quitting the theatre after the
opera is over, is extremely curious. First goes a man in livery to
clear the way; then follows the sister; then the Gabrielli herself.
Then, a little foot-page, to bear her train; and, lastly, another man,
who carries her muff, in which is her lap-dog.’
“_Mr. Brudenel._—‘But where is Lord March all this time?’
“_Lady Edgcumbe_ (laughing).—‘Lord March? O,——he, you know, is First
Lord of the Bedchamber!’—
“Tat, tat, tat, tat.
“_Enter_ M. le BARON DE DEMIDOFF.
“He is a Russian nobleman, who travels with Prince Orloff; and
he preceded his Highness with fresh apologies, and a desire that
the concert might not wait, as he would only shew himself at Lady
Harrington’s, and hasten hither.
“My father then attended Lady Edgcumbe to the Library, and Mr. Burney
took his place at the harpsichord.
“We all followed. He was extremely admired; but I have nothing new to
tell you upon that subject.
“Then enter Mr. Chamier. Then followed several others; and then
“_Enter_ MR. HARRIS, _of Salisbury_.
“Susan and I quite delighted in his sight, he is so amiable to talk
with, and so benevolent to look at. Lady Edgcumbe rose to meet him,
saying he was her particular old friend. He then placed himself by
Susan and me, and renewed acquaintance in the most pleasing manner
possible. I told him we were all afraid he would be tired to death of
so much of one thing, for we had nothing to offer him but again the
duet. ‘That is the very reason I solicited to come,’ he answered; ‘I
was so much charmed the last time, that I begged Dr. Burney to give me
a repetition of the same pleasure.’
“‘Then—of course, the opera? The Gabrielli?’
“Mr. Harris declared himself her partizan.
“Lady Edgcumbe warmed up ardently for Agajari.
“_Mr. Dean._—‘But pray, Dr. Burney, why should not these two
melodious signoras sing together, that we might judge them fairly?’
“_Dr. Burney._—‘Oh! the rivalry would be too strong. It would create a
musical war. It would be Cæsar and Pompey.’
“_Lady Edgcumbe._—‘Pompey the Little, then, I am sure would be la
Gabrielli!’
“_Enter_ LORD BRUCE.
“He is a younger brother not only of the Duke of Montagu, but of his
Honour Brudenel. How the titles came to be so awkwardly arranged in
this family is no affair of mine; so you will excuse my sending you to
the Herald’s Office, if you want that information, my dear Mr. Crisp;
though as you are one of the rare personages who are skilled in every
thing yourself,—at least so says my father;—and he is a Doctor, you
know!—I dare say you will genealogize the matter to me at once, when
next I come to dear Chesington.
“He is tall, thin, and plain, but remarkably sensible, agreeable,
and polite; as, I believe, are very generally all those keen looking
Scotchmen; for Scotch, not from his accent, but his name, I conclude
him of course. Can Bruce be other than Scotch? They are far more
entertaining, I think, as well as informing, taken in the common
run, than we silentious English; who, taken _en masse_, are tolerably
dull.
“The Opera?—the Gabrielli?—were now again brought forward. Lady
Edgcumbe, who is delightfully music mad, was so animated, that she was
quite the life of the company.
“At length—Tat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat, too!
“_Enter_ HIS HIGHNESS PRINCE ORLOFF.
“Have you heard the dreadful story of the thumb, by which this terrible
Prince is said to have throttled the late Emperor of Russia, Peter, by
suddenly pressing his windpipe while he was drinking? I hope it is not
true; and Dr. King, of whom, while he resided in Russia, Prince Orloff
was the patron, denies the charge. Nevertheless, it is so currently
reported, that neither Susan nor I could keep it one moment from our
thoughts; and we both shrunk from him with secret horror, heartily
wishing him in his own Black Sea.
“His sight, however, produced a strong sensation, both in those who
believed, and those who discredited this disgusting barbarity; for
another story, not perhaps, of less real, though of less sanguinary
guilt, is not a tale of rumour, but a crime of certainty; namely, that
he is the first favourite of the cruel inhuman Empress—if it be true
that she connived at this horrible murder.
“His Highness was immediately preceded by another Russian nobleman,
whose name I have forgot; and followed by a noble Hessian, General Bawr.
“Prince Orloff is of stupendous stature, something resembling Mr.
Bruce. He is handsome, tall, fat, upright, magnificent. His dress
was superb. Besides the blue garter, he had a star of diamonds of
prodigious brilliancy, a shoulder knot of the same lustre and value,
and a picture of the Empress hung about his neck, set round with
diamonds of such brightness and magnitude, that, when near the light,
they were too dazzling for the eye. His jewels, Dr. King says, are
estimated at one hundred thousand pounds sterling.
“His air and address are shewy, striking, and assiduously courteous.
He had a look that frequently seemed to say, ‘I hope you observe that
I come from a polished court?—I hope you take note that I am no
Cossack?’—Yet, with all this display of commanding affability, he
seems, from his native taste and humour, ‘agreeably addicted to
pleasantry.’ He speaks very little English, but knows French perfectly.
“His introduction to my father, in which Dr. King pompously figured,
passed in the drawing-room. The library was so crowded, that he could
only show himself at the door, which was barely high enough not to
discompose his prodigious toupee.
“He bowed to Mr. Chamier, then my next neighbour, whom he had somewhere
met; but I was so impressed by the shocking rumours of his horrible
actions, that involuntarily I drew back even from a bow of vicinity;
murmuring to Mr. Chamier, ‘He looks so potent and mighty, I do not like
to be near him!’
“‘He has been less unfortunate,’ answered Mr. Chamier, archly,
‘elsewhere; such objection has not been made to him by all ladies!’
“Lord Bruce, who knew, immediately rose to make way for him, and moved
to another end of the room. The Prince instantly held out his vast
hand, in which, if he had also held a cambric handkerchief, it must
have looked like a white flag on the top of a mast,—so much higher
than the most tip-top height of every head in the room was his
spread out arm, as he exclaimed, ‘_Ah! mi lord me fuit!_’
“His Honour, then, rising also, with a profound reverence, offered
his seat to his Highness; but he positively refused to accept it, and
declared, that if Mr. Brudenel would not be seated, he would himself
retire; and seeing Mr. Brudenel demur, still begging his Highness to
take the chair, he cried with a laugh, but very peremptorily, ‘_Non,
non, Monsieur! Je ne le veux pas! Je suis opiniatre, moi;—un peu comme
Messieurs les Anglais!_’
“Mr. Brudenel then re-seated himself: and the corner of a form
appearing to be vacant, from the pains taken by poor Susan to shrink
away from Mr. Orloff, his Highness suddenly dropped down upon it his
immense weight, with a force—notwithstanding a palpable and studied
endeavour to avoid doing mischief—that threatened his gigantic person
with plumping upon the floor; and terrified all on the opposite side of
the form with the danger of visiting the ceiling.
“Perceiving Susan strive, though vainly, from want of space, to glide
further off from him, and struck, perhaps, by her sweet countenance,
‘_Ah_, _ha!_’ he cried, ‘_Je tiens ici, Je vois, une petite
Prisonnière?!_’
“Charlotte, blooming like a budding little Hebe, actually stole into a
corner, from affright at the whispered history of his thumb ferocity.
“Mr. Chamier, who now probably had developed what passed in my mind,
contrived, very comically, to disclose his similar sentiment; for,
making a quiet way to my ear, he said, in a low voice, ‘I wish Dr.
Burney had invited Omiah here tonight, instead of Prince Orloff!’
Meaning, no doubt, of the two exotics, he should have preferred the
most innocent!
“The grand duet of Müthel was now called for, and played. But I can
tell you nothing extra of the admiration it excited. Your Hettina
looked remarkably pretty; and, added to the applause given to the
music, every body had something to observe upon the singularity of the
performers being husband and wife. Prince Orloff was witty quite to
facetiousness; sarcastically marking something beyond what he said, by
a certain ogling, half cynical, half amorous, cast of his eyes; and
declaring he should take care to initiate all the foreign academies
of natural philosophy, in the secret of the harmony that might be
produced by such nuptial concord.
“The Russian nobleman who accompanied Prince Orloff, and who knew
English, they told us, so well that he was the best interpreter for his
Highness in his visits, gave us now a specimen of his proficiency; for,
clapping his fore finger upon a superfine snuffbox, he exclaimed, when
the duet was finished, ‘Ma foi, dis is so pretty as never I hear in my
life!’
“General Bawr, also, to whom Mr. Harris directed my attention, was
greatly charmed. He is tall, and of stern and martial aspect. ‘He is a
man,’ said Mr. Harris, ‘_to be looked at_, from his courage, conduct,
and success during the last Russian war; when, though a Hessian by
birth, he was a Lieutenant General in the service of the Empress of
Russia; and obtained the two military stars, which you now see him wear
on each side, by his valour.’
“But the rapture of Lady Edgcumbe was more lively than that of any
other. ‘Oh, Doctor Burney,’ she cried, ‘you have set me a madding! I
would willingly practice night and day to be able to perform in such
a manner. I vow I would rather hear that extraordinary duet played in
that extraordinary manner, than twenty operas!’
“Her ladyship was now introduced to Prince Orloff, whom she had not
happened to meet with before; and they struck up a most violent
flirtation together. She invited him to her house, and begged leave to
send him a card. He accepted the invitation, but begged leave to fetch
the card in person. She should be most happy, she said, to receive him,
for though she had but a small house, she had a great ambition. And so
they went on, in gallant courtesie, till, once again, the question was
brought back of the opera, and the Gabrielli.
“The Prince declared that she had not by any means sang as well as at
St. Petersburgh; and General Bawr protested that, had he shut his eyes,
he should not again have known her.
“Then followed, to vary the entertainment, singing by Mrs. Brudenel.
“Prince Orloff inquired very particularly of Dr. King, who we four
young female Burneys were; for we were all dressed alike, on account of
our mourning; and when Dr. King answered, ‘Dr. Burney’s daughters;’ she
was quite astonished; for he had not thought our dear father, he said,
more than thirty years of age; if so much.
“Mr. Harris, in a whisper, told me he wished some of the ladies
would desire to see the miniature of the Empress a little nearer; the
monstrous height of the Prince putting it quite out of view to his
old eyes and short figure; and _being a man_, he could not, he said,
presume to ask such an indulgence as that of holding it in his own
hands.
“Delighted to do any thing for this excellent Mr. Harris, and quite at
my ease with poor prosing Dr. King, I told him the wish of Mr. Harris.
“Dr. King whispered the desire to M. de Demidoff; M. de Demidoff did
the same to General de Bawr; and General de Bawr dauntlessly made the
petition to the Prince, in the name of _The Ladies_.
“The Prince laughed, rather sardonically; yet with ready good-humour
complied; telling the General, pretty much _sans ceremonie_, to untie
the ribbon round his neck, and give the picture into the possession of
The Ladies.
“He was very gallant and _debonnaire_ upon the occasion, entreating
they would by no means hurry themselves; yet his smile, as his eye
sharply followed the progress, from hand to hand, of the miniature, had
a suspicious cast of investigating whether it would be worth his while
to ask any favour of them in return! and through all the superb
magnificence of his display of courtly manners, a little bit of the
Cossack, methought, broke out, when he desired to know whether _The
Ladies_ wished for any thing else? declaring, with a smiling bow, and
rolling, languishing, yet half contemptuous eyes, that, if _The Ladies_
would issue their commands, they should strip him entirely!
“You may suppose, after that, nobody asked for a closer view of any
more of his ornaments! The good, yet unaffectedly humorous philosopher
of Salisbury, could not help laughing, even while actually blushing at
it, that his own curiosity should have involved _The Ladies_ in this
supercilious sort of sarcastic homage.
“There was hardly any looking at the picture of the Empress for the
glare of the diamonds. One of them, I really believe, was as big as
a nutmeg: though I am somewhat ashamed to undignify my subject by so
culinary a comparison.
“When we were all satisfied, the miniature was restored by General Bawr
to the Prince, who took it with stately complacency; condescendingly
making a smiling bow to each fair female who had had possession of it;
and receiving from her in return a lowly courtesy.
“Mr. Harris, who was the most curious to see the Empress, because his
son, Sir James,[8] was, or is intended to be, minister at her court,
had slyly looked over every shoulder that held her; but would not
venture, he archly whispered, to take the picture in his own hands,
lest he should be included, by the Prince, amongst _The Ladies_, as an
old woman!
“Have you had enough of this concert, my dear Mr. Crisp? I have given
it in detail, for the humour of letting you see how absorbing of the
public voice is La Gabrielli: and, also, for describing to you Prince
Orloff; a man who, when time lets out facts, and drives in mysteries,
must necessarily make a considerable figure, good or bad—but certainly
not indifferent,—in European history. Besides, I want your opinion,
whether there is not an odd and striking resemblance in general
manners, as well as in Herculean strength and height, in this Siberian
Prince and his Abyssinian Majesty?”