The last of the long line of ICEMBLES has disappeared
from the stage ; and a name rendered illustrious in theatrical annals by the histrionic talents of the family who bore it, has ceased to be connected with the theatre which those talents have adorned for nearly a century. Miss ADELAIDE KEMBLE took her final leave of the profession last night, in the part of Norma, in which she made her first appearance little more than a twelvemonth ago. Her success has been triumphant, and her popularity unabated to the last ; yet during the brief term of her en- gagement Covent Garden has experienced greater vicissitudes than in any similar period previously, having had in these few months three dif- ferent managements. Miss KEMBLE has not advanced her reputation beyond the point from which she first started on her London debfit she has maintained the high ground she took at once as a dramatic singer, but has not extended her range beyond the limited circle of a few garbled versions of Italian operas. A wide field was open for the exercise of her splendid powers in English music, in which she might have gathered fresh laurels ; but she has been content to wear the faded chaplets of her Italian rivals, instead of emulating the example of her distinguished countrywomen of bygone times. For English opera ADELAIDE KEMBLE has done nothing ; to her it has been as though it had no existence. We say this more in sorrow than in anger ; though it lessens our regret at the premature termination of her career.
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