To melt the heart with sympathetic woe, Although some difference of opinion exists as to the relative merits of male tragedians, yet, by common consent, Mrs. Siddons is allowed to be the greatest actress that ever trod the British stage. This lady, who is a sister of Mr. Kemble, first became a candidate for public favour as a singer; but she soon abandoned the operatic line, for the most sublime department of the drama-tragedy. It was on the 12th of October, 1782, that Mrs. Siddons first appeared at Drury Lane Theatre, in the character of Isabella. The excellence of her performance was universally acknowledged and applauded; but the surest test of its merit was in the sympathy of the audience, which was not only evinced by tears, but such was the “ cunning of the scene," that several ladies actually fainted. Her fame was at once established as the first tragedian in Europe; and the numerous characters which she successively added to that of Isabella, fully justified the first decision of the public. Testimonials of her transcendent talents were poured in from all quarters; and the gentlemen of the bar subscribed a purse of one hundred guineas, which was presented by Mr. (afterwards Sir Arthur) Pigott and Mr. Fielding, accompanied by a very polite letter, expressing their high admiration of her talents. From the period of Mrs. Siddons's first appearance, to her quitting the stage, she had "no rival near her throne," nor did she wait till her powers were impaired, for though advanced in years, retired in the full blaze of popularity. Not many years before her retirement, this celebrated actress went down to Bath, to play a few of her favourite characters. One morning coming from rehearsal, she called in at a shop to purchase some article of dress. Wholly absorbed in the part she was to perform, whilst the shopman was displaying his muslins, &c., Mrs. S. took one in her hand, and fixing her eyes full on the man, exclaimed in a solemn voice, "Did ye say, sir, this would wash ?" The poor fellow, in great alarm, began to think the intellects of his customer were not right; but Mrs. Siddons, recalled to recollection by his astonishment, with a smile, apologized for her absence of mind, and repeated the question in a voice better suited to the occasion. |