From the Act of Parliament which lies upon the bed, we learn that this diabolical drama will be their last performance; and when this abstract and brief chronicle of the times have fretted their little hour upon the stage, and made their exit, the barn will be appropriated to its proper uses:
"Rich harvests bury all their pride has plann'd, And laughing Ceres reassume the land."
"This glittering show Of canvas, paint, and plaister shall lie low; These gorgeous palaces, yon cloud-capt scene-- This barn itself will be a barn again: The spirit-stirring drum will cease to roar, The prompter's whistle will be heard no more; But echoing sounds of rustic toil prevail, The winnowing hiss, and clapping of the flail: Hither once more may unhous'd vagrants fly, To shun the inclement blast and pelting sky: On Lear's own straw gipsies may rest their head, And trulls lie snug in Desdemona's bed."
The original picture is in the possession of Mr. Wood of Lyttlecote, who purchased it for twenty-six guineas!
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MR. GARRICK IN THE CHARACTER OF RICHARD III.
"Give me another horse,--bind up my wounds,-- Have mercy, Jesu!--Soft; I did but dream.-- O coward conscience, how dost thou afflict me!-- The lights burn blue!--Is it not dead midnight? Cold, fearful drops hang on my trembling flesh."
Such is the exclamation of Richard, and such is the disposition of his mind at the moment of this delineation. In character and expression of countenance the artist has succeeded, but in resemblance--he has failed. The features have no likeness to the features of Mr. Garrick, and the figure gives an idea of a larger and more muscular man. The lamp, diffusing a dim religious light through the tent, the crucifix placed at his head, the crown and unsheathed sword at his hand, and the armour lying on the ground, are judicious and appropriate accompaniments. His helmet is crested with _a boar passant_, the armorial ensign of his family. Near it lies a piece of paper, on which is written,
"Jockey of Norfolk, be not too bold, For Dickon thy master is bought and sold."
This paper was put in the Duke of Norfolk's tent the night before the engagement; but not being brought to Richard until after the time represented in this scene, can only be admitted by that poetical licence which has been generally allowed to poets and painters.