THE SCOTT SCHOLARSHIP ENTERTAINMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 3581, 14 August 1874, Page 2

THE SCOTT SCHOLARSHIP ENTERTAINMENT.

The members of the Press Amateur Dramatic Club gave a second performance at the Princess’ Theatre last night in aid of the fund for establishing the Scotc Scholarship. Every part of the house, though not crowded, was well attended, and the affair passed off satisfactorily. Mr V. Pyke, president of the club, opened the proceedingsjby delivering an original prologue, which had the merit of brevity, and was received with applause, as was also a spirited poem composed by Mr Bracken for the occasion, and recited by him during the evening. The comedy of “ The Serious Family ” was, after the first scene, gone through in good style, Mr Mitchell’s idea of Mr Aminadab .'leek being evenly carried out. Mr Bracken, as Captain Murphy Maguire,, had a part that suited him, and if he could manage to address his co actors without necessarily putting his hand on his or her shoulder, very little fault could be found with him. Charles Torrens was represented by Mr E. Le Grove, a gentleman who made his first appearance on a stage last night, and who will undoubtedly, with care and application, be a most, powerful acquisition to the Club. Mr Hunter (Frank Vincent) had only a small part. Mrs Hill (Mrs Ormesby Definable) acted in her usual irreproachable style ; and Miss Vivian gave a fair representation of the sanctimonious Lady Creamly. Miss Willis (Mrs Charles Torrens) had an uncongenial part, but made the best of it; and Miss May was as lively as ever. *• Urgent Private Affairs” brought the entertainment toa close. Mr Mitchell received great applause for his Dentatua l)otts, and Mr Humphries was amusing as Joe Jumbulls, though perhaps both gentleme i slightly overdid their parts. The other male characters were not very prominent parts, and were therefore easily tilled by members of the club. Misses May, Willis, and Vivian weie of great assistance in keeping up the spirit of the farce. Between the pieces Miss Martineau danced a Highland fling, and was honored by an encore. The following are the prologue and poem delivered : PROLOGUE. My conscience !—here’s a crowd of handsome ladies ! (Aside—l only hope they haven’t brought their babies.) Ladies and gentlemen ! — (A voice from behind the scenes. “ Ah ! that’s the style !”) (I wish that fool would hold his peace awhile.) The brethren of the Press, with ardour burning, Are here to-night to aid the cause of learning. ’ 1 heir case is right—they men of letters are, Staunch 1 Guardians’ of the ‘ Times,’ and each a ‘Star.’ ‘Heralds’ of progress —‘Leaders’ of—(a voice from the pit, “The blind”)— Your interruption, sir, is most unkind. And, since the Press thus wrongly you accuse Your eyes I’ll open to our present views. ’ In honored memory of good Sir WattRevered as poet, novelist; and Soot, (Three qualities, of which the last’s not least,) borne citizens assembled at a feast, By sparkling wine and wit post - prandial warmed. To found a scholarship the project formed. Some freely gave their guineas to the cause ; Some, frugal-minded, gave their loud applause; Some gave their names, and quite forgot to pay When the enthusiasm died away ! And some, who acted with the best intentions, Laid pavements in a place which no one mentions. In short, the scheme, commenced with such ambition, Was slowly perishing from inanition, When sprang the gallant Amateurs to aid, And thrice to swell the funds their art essayed’ For the fourth time they now come forth before ye,. Helping to raise a trophy to Scott’s glory. Rind friends, the fact permit me now to mention, A “Serious Family” craves your attention. Urgent Affairs” call mo away from this Give me your hands! That’s rights Good night,— Don’t hiss. ADDRESS. Why meet we here to-night? What magic name Is on our lips, and in our hearts enshrined ? Frond Caledonia, raise the torch of fame, And light the offspring of thy wizard’s mind into our presence. Bring the mail-clad throng From “Mamion’s towers” and from Ettrick’s braes ; From Newark’s call the last old chief of song With soul-inspiring chants, and warlike lays, ien thousand ancient heroes leave their tombs, And march, to battle at the Bard’s command, With helms and hauberks, casques and nodding plumes. And martial music, stirring, wild, and grand. Hark to the clanging of the border shields, Pioudly advance the clansmen of Buccleuch, 0n 01 - above tbe southern fields Clan Alpine s warpipe hails fierce Roderick Dhu. And who was he that painted at his will a j os f livi "S pictures of the distant past, And robed in wild romance each glen and hill, And brought weird phantoms on the midnight blast, raised the curtain on the knightly age, With its chivalrous, brave, and gallant men : ™ j °’ on bist’ry’s most prosaic page, ed ? olden lustre with his magic pen ? W Aj glant turned distant tide of time, And swept the vessels back, which sailed of yore Down its swift current to the shadowed clime, With freights of rich romance and 'ancient lore ? Ask Fame, and she will point with loving pride Across the Ocean, to that island spot, Where Poesy and Genius, side by side, Embalm the memory of Walter Scott.