THE DOGE OF VENICE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1847, 22 May 1888, Page 4

THE DOGE OF VENICE.

Mr Charles Arnold, an Araerloan actor Trho has recently arrived in Melbourne under engagement to Messrs Brcugh and Bonclcanlt, brought with him a magnificent Newfoundland dog, which takes a silent but Important part In his master's performances. Aa a general tule the deg doea not pUy In Shakespeare, not so much because he ia not capable as o 1 account of the difficulty In getting a park to suit him. Thus it happened thit recently while Mieß Essie Janyr.s was playing In " The Merchant of Venice " at the Bijou Theatre fn Melbourne, the dog lay at the door of one of the ante rooms of the theatre, observing the people *ho crowded along the paasaga in front of him, and donb'.leea cilcuhtl ig (having been in the theatical basintsa novae time) what the house would be worth that night. Presently there came a oertaln individual, neat and trimly dressed, attended by a friend The pair, observing the dog and noting his appearance, com manted thereor, and the friend wondered who he was to whom he belonged, and whether he could be appropriated wlthou r evil consequences. •' Uh," aald the 6rat corner, "tnat dog takts part in the performance." "Wbatperformmce?" 'This to night." "Bat there ain't no dog in Shakespeare except he plays the Doge nf Venice What doeß he do in this play V The explanation waa conclualve and eminently satisfactory. Said the first comer In all aerlousn.'sa, "He eats the pound of f138h,»