| Citation |
VGW(HU.769.128
7 Dec 1769:12 (968)
To the printer. Sir, Sept. 6, 1769. As I naturally
suppose the Stratford jubilee will engross not a little of
the public attention, I send you an account of the first
day's entertainment. . . [14 lines] These reflections, Sir,
occurred to me about five o'clock this morning, just as a
number of young fellows belonging to the theatres,
fantastically dressed, came serenading the ladies through
the street in which I lodge, and addressing them in songs.
The whole town of Stratford being roused by these
performances, . . . [7 lines] Mr. Garrick, the steward,
came to the breakfast room at a little after eight, to see
that every thing was properly prepared for the reception of
the company, as well as to be himself in readiness to
receive them. Previous to the coming of the company,
however, the Mayor, at the head of the Corporation, in their
formalities, waited upon Mr. Garrick, and in a polite
speech, delivered by the Town Clerk, presented him with a
medallion of Shakespeare, carved on a piece of the famous
mulberry tree planted by the immortal poet's own hand, and
richly set in gold. Mr. Garrick, to this elegant mark of
attention, made a suitable reply, and fastened the present
about his neck. . . [5 lines] During the interval of
breakfast a party of drums and fifes performed several
pieces opposite the town hall, and gave universal
satisfaction. From the town hall the company were to retire
at half after ten to the church, where the oratorio of
Judith was to be given, conducted by Dr. Arne. This piece
opened at eleven; the singers were Mr. Vernon, Mr.
Champness, Master Brown, Mrs. Bartholemon, a young lady
pupil to Dr. Arne, and Mrs. Baddely; the chorusses were very
full; the band was excellent, being composed of the whole
Drury Lane orchestra; and at the end of the first act we
were obliged with a solo on the violin by Mr. Bartholemon.
When the oratorio was finished Mr. Garrick, at the head of
the performers, walked in procession to the amphitheatre
erected on the occasion. Mr. Vernon, and the rest singing
the following chorus to an accompanyment of proper
instruments.
This is the day, a holiday! a holiday!
Drive spleen and rancour far away,
This is the day, a holiday! a holiday!
Drive care and sorrow far a way.
. . . [4 lines]
Now, now, we tread enchanted ground,
Here Shakespeare walk'd and sung.
At three a publick ordinary for ladies and gentlemen was
kept in the amphitheatre, where they were likewise
occasionally entertained with songs and catches adapted to
the purpose of the jubilee, until the necessary hour of
retiring to dress for the assembly. To the assembly I am
going this minute; the whole town is illuminated; the drums
are now beating under my window, and all is a tumult of
perfect satisfaction.
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