Some
trifling liberties are taken with history, but what liberties will not
the merry genius of pantomime permit himself? At the battle of Hastings,
William is on the point of being defeated by the Sussex volunteers, very
elegantly led by the always pretty Miss Waddy (as Haco Sharpshooter),
when a shot from the Normans kills Harold. The fairy Edith hereupon
comes forward, and finds his body, which straightway leaps up a live
harlequin, whilst the Conqueror makes an excellent clown, and the
Archbishop of Bayeux a diverting pantaloon, &c. &c. &c.
Perhaps these are not the pantomimes we really saw; but one description
will do as well as another. The plots, you see, are a little intricate
and difficult to understand in pantomimes; and I may have mixed up one
with another. That I was at the theatre on Boxing-night is certain--but
the pit was so full that I could only see fairy legs glittering in the
distance, as I stood at the door. And if I was badly off, I think there
was a young gentleman behind me worse off still. I own that he has good
reason (though others have not) to speak ill of me behind my back, and
hereby beg his pardon.
Likewise to the gentleman who picked up a party in Piccadilly, who had
slipped and fallen in the snow, and was there on his back, uttering
energetic expressions; that party begs to offer thanks, and compliments
of the season.
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