KNOWLES'S FAREWELL BENEFIT.
SHERIDAN KNOWLES has been playing at the Victoria this week, in his own dramas, previous to his departure for America, the land of promise for theatrical talent. To make the most of his limited time, he has been " working double tides" playing two characters on one evening—hard work for both audience and actor. We saw him in William Tell on Wednesday, after he had ap- peared in his Blind Beggar. William Tell is the most effective of all his personations ; and he never acted with more genuine fervour than on this night. He gave such spontaneous expres- sions to the feelings which animate William Tell, that we lost sight of the actor and the dramatist—the hardy mountaineer, the patriot, the father was before us ! The audience were fairly car- ried away with the tide of passion; and involuntary exclamations of admiration and delight burst forth at intervals from different parts of the house—even the actors admired.
We would willingly let this impression be the last left by KNOWLES as an actor; but we cannot deny ourselves the satisfac- tion of joining in the shouts of farewell at his benefit on Monday, when he takes his leave of the English public. On this occasion, MACRE A DY will perform Virginius, and KNOWLES the sturdy war- rior Dent utus for the first time. This character is admirably adapted to his person and style of acting. We hope, that this will be a glorious exception to the previous benefits—so miscalled—which KNOWLES has had. IV hen the public lose a favourite, their regret knows no bounds; they are forward to commemorate his worth. Let us anticipate by a day or two the honours intended for KNOWLES when he is gone, and pay them in a substantial shape on Monday night, so as to make up for past remissness; and let him depart with a solid testimony of the regard of his countrymen.
LisroN also lends his services at this benefit.
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