The only novelty at any English theatre is an adaption
at the Lyceum of a semi-sentimental piece, called tin Paysan, produced somewhat re- cently at Paris. Two fashionable young men, who take up their re- sidence in a farm-house, try to amuse themselves at the expense of the farmer ; but find that he excels them in the knowledge of Latin and the art of fencing, and is an overmatch for them when they would make love to his wife. The triumph of the honest man over two empty-headed and hollow-hearted coxcombs leaves a pleasing impression ; but still the piece belong,s to the weakest order of dramatic works. Although the scene is transferred to England, Only a Clod (so is the version named) acquires nothing English in its character ; and the principal personage, the farmer, is not remarkably well suited to Mr. Charles Mathews. When the French piece was produced at the Odeon, the part was played by 31. Tisseraud.
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