Transcription
Much credit is certainly due to Astley for his unwearied application to horsemanship, and his son is a most admirable rider. There is a peculiar pleasure in seeing to what a state of docility he has brought the brute creation—in face they seem to have as much reason as their masters, and to be equally well calculated to please society:--but in respect to dramatic performances the Circus is pre-eminent to a great degree, and with justice, when all the world knows that Palmer is prime minister of the Bastile, and that a better assistant manager on the stage there is not than Miel. Astley’s is a pretty little painting of Pont neuf, and one or two other bridges—but the real scene is at the Circus, where the eye perceives above 150 disciplined troops all in motion on the stage, charging with their bayonets, firing their musquetry, and forming the fort with all the enthusiasm of an army determined to conquer or die. It is this, with the inimitable painting of the extensive scenery, the fine acting of the wretches liberated from the dungeons, and the excellent management of the tout ensemble, that draws such overflowing houses. This is not meant as any sarcasm on Mr. Astley, who has done all in his power to please the public, as far as his little theatre and his little company would permit.
