OF THE.",BEGGAR'SOPEBA."

Colonist, Issue 19, 25 December 1857, Page 4

OF THE.",BEGGAR'SOPEBA."

At Schomberg House, Pall-mall, was first concocted the "dramatic scheme of the "Beggar's Opera." It was originally proposed to Swift to be named the "Few-

gate Opera," as the first thought: of writing such a, cross and immoral drama originated ■with;him.- Swift, also, who was an ardent admirer of, the poetic talents of Gay, delighted to quote his Devonshire pastorals, they being very characteristic of low, rustic life, and congenial to his taste; for the pen of the Dean revelled in vulgarity. Under the influence of such notions, he proposed to Gay to bestow his thoughts upon the subject, which he felt assured would turn to good.account, namety, that of writing;a work, to be entitled " A Newgate Pastoral;" adding, " and I will, sub rosa, 'afford you my best assistance." This scheme was talked over at Queeusberry House, and Gay commenced it, but it was .soon dropped, with something of disgust. It was ultimately determined that he should commence upon the "Beggar's Opera." This scheme was approved, and written forthwith, under the auspices of the Duchess, and performed at the theatre in Lincoln's-inn-fields, under the immediate influence of her. Grace; who* to induce the manager, Rich, to bring it upon his stage, agreed to indemnify 'him all the expenses he might incur, provided that the daring . speculation should fail. The offer had first been proposed to Fleetwood and,his partners, at Drurjr-Lane Theatre; Ibut it was at once,rejected by them, as>a piece that would-riot be tolerated by a public indeed, they stoutly refusecLit a rehearsal. The success of the "Beggar's Opera" mainly depended iipon two points—the hatred of one party against the Italian Opera, and the hatred of another party against the Court. The ridicule of sing-song, united with operatical acting, was complete, and the satire levelled in the Original against the King, the Queen, and the Court, by Gay, who was a disappointed courtier, was too bitter, top witty, not to.be felt. It was received with applause. ;;