Small by Degrees and Beautifully Less.—Our excellent contemporary the Northern Whig allows a correspondent to call attention to the nuisance of cycling in Malone Park. Apparently our "fellow-subjects of the sister kingdom" have followed the lead of "the beginners of Battersea," and "made themselves a source of annoyance to the majority of people resident in the locality." If "the nuisance" is permitted, the correspondent suggests the Park will soon be deserted. When this happens, the cyclist can appropriately alter his ride (by cutting off a letter) around Malone to Alone.
OPERATIC NOTES.
Zerlina Patti accompanied by her Squire on the violoncello.
Another two "turns" and Patti is off. Delightful to see and hear her as Zerlina in immortal Opera Don Giovanni. "Patti Patti" with "Batti Batti," "La ci darem," and all old friends admirably given and heartily encored. After one of the encores Maggie Macintyre walks off suddenly as if in search of lost pocket-handkerchief. In most serious moments ever a twinkle in Maggie's eye, and twitch at the corners of Maggie's mouth, as if giving audience clearly to understand that she is "only purtendin'."
Second Act. Enter Patti; sings, pauses; wonders; sings note, like nightingale summoning mate; pauses; again wonders. "Some one had blundered!" Bevignani beaming but bothered. "He cometh not," they said. Exit Patti, shrugging shoulders. Curtain drops. Very short Act. Audience, amused, applaud. Curtain up again. Bevignani brightens. Re-enter Patti with merry Masetto, who privately explains that for a few moments he had lost his voice and had been looking for it. Fortunately, voice found; in chest; quite safe. Surely a little modern dramatic polish might be used to furbish up utterly idiotic old-fashioned stage-business of this ancient Italian Opera? Eh, Signor Druriolanus?
In the trio at end of Act II. somebody got off the line, and audience, determined that they would be better for a little more practice, called Ma'am Adini, Miss Maggie, and Master Brozel before the curtain, and then made them go through their exercise once more. Nothing like practice, to make perfect.
The Statuesque Commendatore to be highly commended as represented by aristocratic Manners. New Italian Opera proverb "Manners makes the Commendatore." Patti at premium. Royalty Restored to Box. Brilliant night. Crammed, jammed house.