Mary Stuart

“Tomorrow (Saturday) Ristori will appear as Mary Stuart at the first and only matinee which will be given during the engagement. On this occasion a very interesting episode will be introduced, which will enhance the historical fidelity of the play. A lady of this city has presented to Ristori a copy of the score of the original funeral march which was played at Fotheringay castle while the unfortunate Queen of Scots was conducted to the scaffold. The manuscript was accidentally discovered at Oxford several years ago, and a copy of it has now been most opportunely placed at the disposal of Ristori. It has been arranged for orchestral instrumentation, and will be played at the performance tomorrow.

The following acrostic, written by the distinguished actor and dramatist, John Brougham, was inspired by his first visit to Ristori’s performance of Elizabeth, in Brooklyn on Tuesday evening, and has been sent to us for publication: - 

An Acrostic Sonnet.

By John Brougham.

Art has but little share in thy renown;

Direct from heaven above the God gift came, 

Enkindling intellect’s celestial flame.

Lady, born wer’t thou to the starlit crown

At whose effulgence all the world bows down;

Imperial Genius, thus compelling Fame 

Despite itself to glorify thy name,

Enforcing homage thou alone could’st claim.

Resist who can thy soul subduing sway,

In rapt and sympathetic thralldom bound,

Smiling or sorrowing by turns with thee,

Through every phase of passion’s varied round,

On waves impulsive tossed as on a sea,

Responsive to the deep heart-love that we

Instructive yield to Nature’s sovereignty.”