THEATRICAL CRITIQUES.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 7, 14 October 1871, Page 2

THEATRICAL CRITIQUES.

To the Eilitor of the THAMES Gcahoiax. Sir, —The passage in my letter which referred to “ Ilistriomastrix,” was written under the eroneous impression that the article of which I spoke, had that noni de plume appended ; hut as I have been repeatedly informed, on the most reliable authority (it would be decidedly unpleasantto “ Histriomastrix” were I to mention names,) that all the critiques which appear in the Star, eminates from the same prolific pen—an opinion, which, 1 frankly confess, I slill entertain, perhaps the mistake I made is of very little consequence.' However, lie gives my statement a most unequivocal denial; but reference to the Eceniuy Star of the sth, 7th or 9th inst., will manifest my veracity with regard to the credit given Mr. Burford, although as I have said, it did not bear bis signature. Of course I feel proud that my pffcriug had the power of extracting an answer (even a contradiction), from a writer of such pre-eminent literary fame and spotless reputation as the great master of history possesses ; and have to thank him for the application of the Shaksperian

quotation, which, however, in this case comes singularily inappropriate ; but, in my turn, I desire to congratulate “him,” ou the! thorough manner in which “ he,” in writing that letter, has imitated one of Mr. Thoms Traddle’s most ludricrons proclivities. This remark will nnqucstonably he quite unintelligible to many of your readers, but as the person to which it is applied quotes so freely from the works of the immortal biographer of that character, (Dickens) —I need not he more explicit. I refer the curious to “ David Coppcrfield,” where an ample explanation will be found. In conclusion, I h(iyO- to. thank you, and “ Histiomastrix,” on belialf of Mr. Burford, (though I have never spoken with that gentleman), for the amount' of gratuitous advertisement, you r „.have., conceded him, which cannot fail to augment the popularity he lias already gained—my only object in writing my first letter. —I am, &e. Tybalt. Grahamstown, October 13th, 1871.