ILLINOIS
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
Production Note
Project Unica
Rare Book & Manuscript Library University of Illinois Library at Urbana-Champaign 2015








THE
The Music Composed by Mr. SMART, The Scenery, by Mr. GREENWOOD. The Tricks & Properties by Mr. MORRIS.
lonirnn*
Frintwil by Lowndes & Hobbs, Marquis Court, Druff-Lan.«,
Price Qn& Shilling.
SONGS, RECITATIVES,
i	‘i
CHORUSES &c.
IN
THE WHITE CAT;
OR,
HARLRQUIN IN FAIRY WOOD,
A
New Comic Pantomime,
PERFORMED AT THE
Cljeatre &oyal, Lyceum,
WITH UNBOUNDED APPLAUSE.
*
By JAMES KIRBY.
To which is prefixed, a Prospectus of the Pantomime.(LeJ:. !>//? / y / 3 y
V

/
PROSPECTUS.
Prince Paladore being out hunting, loses his companions, and mistaking his way, wanders into a gloomy forest, where being benighted, he repeatedly sounds his horn, in hopes of bringing * some one to his assistance, but in vain.
Alarmed by a Thunder-Storm, he endeavours to return but the Lightening flashing full in his face, overpowers him, and he throws himself on a bank, in despair.4
He is aroused by the sound of Voices, proceeding from invisible Sprites, and is surprised op rising, to behold the gloom dispersed,—a bright country around him, and the weather-beaten vestiges of decayed trees transform themselves to the word
FAIRY.
by which he understands he is in Fairy JVood, the resort pf Good and Evil Genii.
His ears are again assailed by the Voices, which bid him observe a Fiery Meteor, and follow it. He obeys, and the Meteor leads him to a Castle on the wood-side, and enters the Portal.
The Prince here hesitates, and seems undetermined whether he shall follow it or desist, when he is again enjoined by one of the Voices to persevere.
He resolves to explore the Castle, but, when in the act of entering, is attacked by the Guardian Dragon of the Evil Genius, which after a dreadful conflict he subdues, and enters the Castle triumphantly.
utuc5
He paces the building till he, arrives in an elegant saloon, inhabited by none but Cats . truck at their appearance he is about to draw his sword, which they desire him to withhold. The Chief,
( a IVhiteCat), telling him their dispositions are friendly, and trusts that his will prove the same ; they bring him refreshments, of which he partakes , and offers to serve them in return.
The White Cat accepts the offer, telling him it can only be done by cutting off her head Perilous as this may appear, he is at length induced to comply, and reluctantly performs the office. But as “ Out of" Evil comes Good”, so this was the only alternative to regain a long lost human form, of which the Fairy Arborella and her at endant Genii had long been deprived, by the Evil Genius inhabiting that Castle, by transforming them to Cats.
Arborella exults in her triumph over her adversary, and tells the Prince an unequalled Beauty shall be his reward ; but before he can possess her securely, he must overcome a rival; and to accomplish which he must assume another Garb. She then transforms him to Harlequin, and, investing him with a Magic Sword, bids' him hie to Sir Toby Touchy’s Mansion, and takes leave of him.6
Harlequin repairs to Sir Toby’s, and arrives just alter the announcement of Dionisius Dazzle, Esq. the intended suitor to Sir Toby’s daughter, who on beholding Harlequin, rejects the offer. TheSquire arrives, is welcomed by Sir Toby, and introduced to Columbine, but to no purpose.
Squire Dazzle, finding Harlequin is the bar to his happiness, complains to Sir Toby, who assists the 'Squire to1 expel him.
But their efforts are impeded by the appearance ot Aiborella ; who to punish Sir Toby for his avarice, and the Squire for his presumption, resolves they shall be harrassed till they consent to the union of the affianced Lovers. Then giving each a grotesque appearance, and raising a Clown to torment them, re-assures Harlequin he shall triumph, and leaves them to encounter the difficulties and vicissitudes to which they are destined.
Ihe I antomimical pursuit then commences, and is carried thro’ many Scenes, Architectural and Picturesque, and interspersed with a variety of 1 neks and Mechanical Changes, till the lovers are united by their guardian Genii, in a
Splendid Subaqueous Translucent
temple.CHARACTERS.
Prince Paladore, [afterward* Harlequin).... Mr. Hartland, Sir i oby 1 ouchy, [afterwards Pantaloon).... Mr. Barnes, Dionysius Dazzle, Esq. [the retccted Loner).. Mr. Hope,
Image-Hawker............................ Mr.	Evans,
Burlesque Hussar Officer,................Mr.	Buxton,
Landlord,.............................   Mr.	Wells,
Artist,................................. Mr.	Goodman,
Pieman, ..............................   Mr.	Franklin,
China-Vender,........................... Mr.	W'ebb,
Spruce-Beer Carrier,..................Master	Jamieson,
Potboy, ...........................  .Master	Seymour,
Clown,.................................  Mr.	Kirby.
Spirits, attendants on the Evil Genius, Promenades, Labourers), &c. &c.
Messrs. 1 a iby, Cauliield, Cook, Wilton, Mead, Jones, Dibble, Whllmshusrt, Mathews, Goodman, Wells, Gussio, Vials, &c. &c. &c.

Miss Poole,
Arborella, ( Ge',ius *f Fai’J
[ tran formed to the White Cat.
Miss Abigail Antique,.................... Mr. Chatterley,
Landlady, Oyster-women, Fishwoman, &c.
Mesdms. Maddocks, Chatterley, Wells, Jones, Minton, Caulfield, I. Boyce, Barret, Menage, &c. &c.
Attendants on Arborella—Transformed to Cats. Mesdms. Chatterley, Jones, Minton, Cauliield, I. Boyce, &c. Columbine, [Daughter to Sit Toby Touchy).. .. Miss Yalencey.THE
WHITE CAT.
SCENE I.
An extensive gloomy Forest.
Through the interstices of the foliage and openings between the trunks of the trees is seen, here and there, a distant stormy Horison, which shows at intervals several brilliant Meteors and corrusca-tions, such as are usually atttendant on the contention of the Elements in warmer climates, while loud and incessant peals of thunder are heard to roll terrifically..
C10
A Bugle Horn sounds, without.
Prince Paladore enters,—sounds again,—not being answered, and the storm continuing, he throws himself, on a bank in a fit of despair. Soft music salutes his ears, and he rises, discovering the sceise completely transformed, and a bright Prospect a-round him.—Some unknownAroices address him as follows.
CHORUS.
Give', give not to fell despair,
Virtue still is Heaven’s care.
A potent task thou must perform,
Then courage, Prince, nor heed the storm : Yon mystic flame your guide shall be,
Follow it, and set us free.
Ihe Scene resumes its former darkness, a Fiery Meteor crosses him.
The voices repeating the two last lines of the Chorus, the Prince expresses assent to the injunction, and follows it in silent admiration,SCENE II.
Exterior of the White Cat's Castle, decorated with every Mystic Character that is capable of inspiring horror.
The Prince enters, following the Meteor, which after waving to'and fro, enters the Portal. The Prince halts, and pauses ; his attention is arrested by a Voice within the Castle.
“ Pause not, but boldly enter here, i( The truly brave have nought to fear.”
The Prince is about to rush into the Castle, when he is attacked by a Dragon, which he contends with and subdues, and the earth opening receives it—the Mystic Banner falls at his feet. Struck with the favorable omen, he seizes the Prize, and waving it thrice in the air, rushes into the Castle.The White Cat seated on a throne, surrounded by her attendant Cats.
The Prince enters with cautious steps, and is struck with the assemblage around him I he White Cat welcomes him, and begs him to partake of some refreshment, to which he bows assent. The attendants bring refreshment, of which he partakes, and demands what he can do in return. She replies, by opening a book, in which is inscribed “ The White Cat’s favor can only be returned, “ by cutting off her head.”13
The Prince alarmed at so strange a request, refuses compliance ; but being told it was the only way they can serve him, he draws his sword, and, averting his head, cuts off that of the White Gat ; which breaking the Charm, She, and her attendants, resume their natural Form, and appear as the Fairies of the Wood.
CHORUS.
“ The spell is broke, and we are free, “ Hail! all hail, sweet liberty!
RECITATIVE, Accompanied. Arborella.
Thanks, valiant Prince, my form at length regain'd, And life and liberty by thee obtain’d.
To thee we bow, thus lowly bend,
Our champion and valiant friend.
CHORUS.
To thee we bow, &c.V
14
RECITATIVE.
Arborella.
My rival’s power will now be turn’d ’gainst thee, Unless by magic art we set you free ;
In store I have a Magic Sword,
Will what you wish, at any time, afford ;
In time of need, tis certain to befriend you,
In hours of strife, ’twill fail not to defend you. But if you wou’d possess this Treasure, ye,
The motley son of Pantomime must be.
Will you accept the offer?. ...
*..................................then begin,
The fascinating pranks of Harlequin.
Now sprightly boy,
Of fun and joy,
1 o vex Sir Toby straight repair ; There beauty bright, With fond delight,
Awaits to recompence thy care.
He confents.
He becomes Harlequin.
AIR,

[Exeunt.]
'
15
SCENE IV.
Sir Toby Touchy s Villa and Garden, with a Bronze Figure in a kneeling position, supporting a sun-dial.
On each side a niche, with Caricature Figures.
Dionysius Dazzle, Esquire, announced by Sir Toby to his daughter, whom she receives with disgust, being better pleased with Harlequin, with whom she is discovered, and chided for lack of obedience. Arborella appears among them, and pronounces their doom.
RECITATIVE.
Arborella.
Hold, avaricious dotard, and ere too late relent,
Or for your folly you will soon repent;
The youth deserves the maid ; the friend of virtue And the lovers join :. ...
He ebflinatdy refuses.
. .............“ Now hear my firm decree.
Until they freely your consent obtain,
You both shall wander and pursue in vain;
So now prepare my mandate to obey,
In garb grotesque it is my will you stray.”
Changes Sir Toby, to Pantaloon, and Dazzle, to Lr!
26
RECITATIVE, (continued.)
Arborella
For scenes of frolic you must now prepare,
And here is one will drive away all care.
Changes the Figure, supporting the sun-dial, to Clown.
AIR, (to Harlequin.)
Confide in me,
She thine shall be,
Heed them not but fearless stray;
This fool you see,
Their plague shall be,
And teaze and vex them on their way.
[Exit.]
A double engagement.—Catch as cgtfch can. There they are.—An unlucky mischance.— Another attempt, and Miss forced home.
PIT
SCENE V.
An Apartment in Sir Toby’s Villa, decorated as an Egyptian Museum,
Columbine in despair.—An importunity, and unwelcome embrace.— Harlequin’s escape, and Clown in the cupboard.—the Magic Doors, and out of the Chamber into the Garden.
SCENE VI.-
Villa and Garden [as before.)
The Lucky escape.—All in a Bustle—not at home, but somewhere else.
Change to
SCENE VII.
Horse-guards.
All in amazement.—A walk in the Park. No admission.—Toss or buy.—Win one and steal two. —Cock’d-Hat.—Tail and whiskers —Who’s the aggressor ?—Pugilistic science — “ He would be a Soldier”—the captivated Fair.—“ She loves a bold Dragoon’’—a full Purse, Comic Dance, and a happy union.18
SCENE VIII.
A Hamlet.
Very pretty, very fine.— Much admiration—
A foe at hand.— How much?—Whose head’s hardest ?—A Battle Royal—A valiant Soldier, and the effect of Powder and Shot, contrasted with Malt and Hops.
SCENE IX.
Interior of a China Shop.
Safe from pursuit—“ Music hath charms.”-*
a Pas Seul—a Sudden Alarm, and fatal havock made by a Mad Bull.
SCENE X.
Hamlet, (as before)
New Boots, a Charming fit—a Hobgoblin, fisticuffs, and Harlequin “ beat Hollow,”19
SCENE XL
Milbank,
with the fir&t Stone of REGENT BRIDGE.
All at a Stand—a Work of time, done in no time Joy to the Spectators, and Honor to Harlequin for his Goodwill and dexterity—a Magic Festival.
SCENE XII.
A Landscape.
A Procession, and the powers of Iron Glue.
SCENE XIII.
Public House, and Painter’s Shop.
Who’s in the house 1—“Money makes the mare to go.”—an Unexpected Appearance—a Shot at a mark, and the object lost.—Hie to the Painter s— A flight thro* the window—a Change of Heads— The Clown's mistake, and a new way to enter the House.20
SCENE XIV.
Inside of Painter's House.
The Concealment.—the Clown turn’d Painter.—
Pantaloon’s Portrait, and The Beauties of SHAKSPEAR.
SCENE XV.
■	?
Outside of Shop and Public House, {as before.)
Mirth and frolic.—Accommodation.—The Pet and the Pipe.—Clown in a scrape.—The unfortunate tumble.—an attack of the Gout, and a Patent Cure, by virtue of the Eau Medicinale.
SCENE XVI.
Another Apartment in the Painter's House.
The art of painting. — A striking likeness.— Admiration, and Transformation, from sketch to •ubstance.	Change to	fi
SCENE XVII.
Harlequin's Villa.
The Lovers sheltered—Clown’s mistake—Pursuers in trouble, and an odd fish in the frying-pan.SCENE XVIII.
Landscape.
The Clown’s luggage—Contents of the basket—
another Clown---------Eccentric manouvres	•
Come lightly, go lightly-----’Spruce Beer-----
Pursuers determination-------the Mediation--------*
The Consent.
RECITATIVE.
Arborella, (to Pantaloon.)
Your sanction gain’d, ’tis now my sole intent,
To bless these harrass’d lovers with content.
(to Dazzle.)
You all pretensions to the fair resign,
'	(to Harlequin.)
To you I give the faithful Columbine.
(to Pantaloon.)
With your consent to this all strife will cease,
(to All.)
And all your future days be blest with Peace.
She Changes it to
SCENE XIX.
A Splendid, Subaqueous, Translucent Temple. The f overs united, and the piece concludes with a Grand Ballet and Finale,22
FINALE.
Now danger’s fled,
No more you’ll dread,
But peace shall crown your days to come 5 Of blessings sure,
You’ll rest secure,
In concord’s everlasting home.
Painted by Lowndes and Hobbs, Maruuis Court, London.
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