University of Virginia Library

The reader will doubtless, consider the suppression of this disloyal verse, as a peculiarly happy illustration of the spirit in which the licenser has wielded his expurgatory pen through the pages of “Alasco.” This vigorous functionary has taken all knaves in place under his especial patronage, wherever they are found, abroad or at home, in posse or in esse:—with the tender solicitude of office, he graciously extends to them his protection against the saucy sarcasms of unplaced, unpensioned, and unprivileged bards. It is to be regretted, indeed, that this sapient personage did not live and reign in the audacious days of the Beggar's Opera. With what a virtuous indignation he would have dashed his official quill through the following licentious assault on all that is moral, wise, good, and gracious in his estimation:—

This expression may possibly not be considered very immoral, irreligious, or uncharacteristic in the mouth of a brave and honorable soldier. To those, however, who are actively employed in endeavouring to rouse into a flame the dying embers of religious animosity and sectarian persecution, it must be particularly obnoxious;—and we cannot be surprised that a pious public officer should eagerly suppress a sentiment so hostile to those principles of division, and dissension, which there would seem to be now such a disposition to revive. For the sentiment here expressed by Walsingham, the author disdains to make any other defence than in the words of Pope:

This must be considered as a most alarming principle!—big with the ruin of empires, and subversive of that long established maxim of political morality—“divide et impera,” which has been found so efficacious in all ages.

The worthy licenser has been, hitherto, only skirmishing, as it were, with the out-posts of political delinquency. He now, however, approaches the main body of offence; lays about him lustily; cuts right and left; and with a vigour worthy of the Knight of La Mancha, assails every windmill in his course. The formidable dialogue which follows this passage, is reported to have produced a panic in the Chamberlain's office, quite unparalleled, since the misdeeds of Molière, in his Tartuffe, and Brooke, in his Gustavus Vasa, stirred up to a similar perturbation, the terrified authorities of other days. To one side of the colloquy, indeed, the official critic is supposed to have had no particular objection, and, like the sagacious animal reported in familiar history to have been somewhat perplexed between opposite attractions, he hesitated some time between his two bundles of hay; till at length, his loyal nature took the alarm, and “turned the scale of fate.”

Thus exclaimeth the bard of “Cato,”—uncensured,—unsuppressed. The pious, moral Addison!

“Mais nous avons changé tout cela;”—according to the new code, the Muse of Tragedy must mend her manners, and speak with more respect of those dramatic bluebeards, tyrants and usurpers.

Of the younger Brutus, the author of Alasco has expressed his opinion in another place; but in the character of a patriot, represented as suffering from the most atrocious abuse of power that ever disgraced the records of oppression, he did not consider himself at liberty to introduce his own sentiments.

Although this passage may not square exactly with that “beau idéal” of patrician perfection, which our judicious deputy delights to contemplate, yet, must the author be allowed to doubt, if there can be found, in this great country, one individual, possessing the spirit, or deserving the name of a nobleman, who will declare, that he considers the qualities and duties here ascribed to that character, as inappropriate, or injurious to its just estimation.

As far as the opinions and principles of Count Alasco are concerned, he will not, I should hope, be considered a discreditable representative of the privileged order to which he belongs;—he will not I trust, be disclaimed by those who would sustain the “Corinthian capital of polished Society,” in unmouldering and unmutilated preservation; by those who, inheriting the high spirit of independence which characterised the ancient Barons of England, remember, with pride, that their ancestors were the first to embody in chartered security, those principles of public right, which at this day, form the best basis for the stability of the throne, and the safety of the people.

'Tis not rebellion, &c. The author would be ashamed, indeed, if, with Englishmen, he could enter into a serious vindication of principles which are bound up and interwoven with their earliest associations;—principles to the adoption and operation of which, they are indebted for every blessing they enjoy. Great must be the degradation of our drama, when, to such a character as Count Alasco, a noble Pole, who has witnessed the desolation of his country, a tragic writer cannot give those sentiments which are suited to his station and his fate, without incurring the censure of authority;—without being considered, as committing an outrage on the interests of a people, amongst whom, the principles here asserted, are still held in such reverence, that even those who would willingly slander and suppress, are yet afraid to disavow them.