' * *
'I went to see Vandenhoff twice, in Brutus and Virginius.
Another fine specimen of the conscious school; no inspiration,
yet much taste. Spite of the thread-paper Tituses, the
chambermaid Virginias, the washerwoman Tullias, and the
people, made up of half a dozen chimney-sweeps, in carters'
frocks and red nightcaps, this man had power to recall a
thought of the old stately Roman, with his unity of will and
deed. He was an admirable _father_, that fairest, noblest
part,--with a happy mixture of dignity and tenderness,
blending the delicate sympathy of the companion with the calm,
wisdom of the teacher, and showing beneath the zone of duty
a heart that has not forgot to throb with youthful love. This
character,--which did actual fathers know how to be, they
would fulfil the order of nature, and image Deity to their
children,--Vandenhoff represented sufficiently, at least, to
call up the beautiful ideal.'
FANNY KEMBLE.
'When in Boston, I saw the Kembles twice,--in "Much ado about
Nothing," and "The Stranger." The first night I felt much
disappointed in Miss K. In the gay parts a coquettish, courtly
manner marred the wild mirth and wanton wit of Beatrice.
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