or the Man in it,—­probably a lime-lighterman,—­ought servilely to follow the movements, in order to throw light upon them, of the Principal Performer.  The Professor will observe—­“Such a course, on the part of the Direction of the Moon, can only be considered beneficial to Art, when it is directed against ‘The Star System.’  As each theatrical Star has its own particular brilliancy, why lug in the Moon?  SHAKSPEARE, no doubt, had the Stage Moon in full view when he makes Juliet roundly exclaim, ’Oh, swear not by the Moon, the inconstant Moon!’ as, of course, a Moon bound to illuminate the business of any one actor must follow him about, and so, though ‘constant’ to him individually, would be open to a general charge of inconstancy from the spectators in front.  Such a course for the Moon to take is, as some of the better instructed among you may possibly be aware, quite unwarranted by the lunar laws of Nature, &c., &c.”

This interesting entertainment will wind up with a dialogue between Arthur (JONES) and Hubert (HERKOMER), of which we give an extract.  It represents Arthur as wishing to produce a piece, which Hubert forewarns him will be a failure unless he (HUBERT) paints the scenery and manages it generally.

  Arthur. Is there no remedy?

  Hubert. None, but to use my eyes.

  Arthur. O HUBERT!  If you will, cut down my ‘lengths.’ 
    And I’ll be merry as the day is long,
    So you don’t interfere.  You’ve other irons
    Hot in the fire.

  Hubert (aside).  With his innocent prate
    He will awake my mercy which lies dead.
    (Aloud.) Read this, young ARTHUR!

    [Gives him a Manuscript.

  Arthur (opens it.  Starts).  What! a play by YOU! 
    To be produced by me!  O HUBERT!! [Faints.

We regret that want of space prevents our giving any more of this charming work at present, but no doubt it will not be long ere the Public has the gratification of hearing and seeing it all.

* * * * *

A PARAGON FRAME (OF MIND).

    ["I never took anybody’s umbrella.”—­Plaintiff (a Cook) in a
    recent Breach of Promise Case.]

  Common are Cooks, professed, plain alike
    And common, youths their sustenance who feed on,
  Common (I’m told) a breach of promise suit,
    And common, damages, in courts agreed on;
  Common are briefs as blackberries; and fees
    Are common quite as “leather and prunella”;
  Common are “unprotected” witnesses
  ("Credat”—­as HORACE somewhere sings—­“Apella!”)
  But most uncommon seems a lowly Cook
  Who with sincerity can kiss the book
  And swear (to shame her betters!) ne’er she took
  By sad “mistake or otherwise,” by hook;
  Or, as will eventuate, by crook,
    Be it silk or gingham—­any one’s umbrella!