Mv Archibald Forbes.

Southland Times, Issue 4490, 30 November 1882, Page 2

Mv Archibald Forbes.

This gentleman delivered his second lecture yesterday evening in the Theatre lloyal. The audience wih a good one, but smaller than it would have been but for the change in arrangements, and the occurrence of a soiree th it must have drawn many away. The subject, as announced, was " Kings and Princes I have met," and ih". lecture proved even more brilliant than its predecessor. Mr Forbes was at his very best, and passed figure after figure before his audience, with extraordinary skill and effect. The circumstances under which he had met the potentates and princes of whom he spoke were for the most part of historical interest, and the pictures were not only of individuals, but of battles, of sieges, and of critical moments in the fate of Empires. All the descriptive ability for which Mr Forbes is so famous was conspicuous in this iecture,]and it would be difficult to give an idea of its picturesqueness and power. Among- the most striking figures and scenes delineated w;:s that of the Emperor WiDielin, at Gravelotte, surrounded by Bismarck and Moltke, Prince Frederick Charles and the Crown Prince of Germany. The introduction of the lecturer, after his ride from Shipka, to the Czar, and their colloquy in the Bulgarian hut was a singulai ly effective narrative. And perhaps the most thrilling story of all was that told with such deep emotion of finding the body of the young Prince Imperial in the field in Zululand. But we do not pretend even to indicate the points of interest with which the lecture abouuded. It was overflowing with humor, of which Mr Forbes is a master, and which he uses in a way that puts him on tbc best footing with his audience. His annihilation of the Shah of Persia will not soon be forgotten. The lecture closed with sketches of the Royal Family of England, which were remarkably well received. Throughout-, Mr Forbes was. warmly cheered by the audience. lie was in excellent trim, and added to the force of his address by a very clear and vigorous delivery. No description of these leci'ures can convey a proper impression of the char<n that belongs to them. They must be heard, and ought to be heard by every one that has the least appreciation of strong, polished, and stirring eloquence. This evening Mr Forbes's subject will be '' Warriors I have Met," and we feel sura that, on such a theme, he will be listened to with unflagging interest. The lecture will be in Sloan's Hall, and there are to be accessaries that will enhance in the eyes of manythe attractiveness of the occasion.