LIONEL AND CLARISSA: OR, A SCHOOL FOR FATHERS: A COMIC OPERA, IN THREE ACTS. BY ISAAC BICKERSTAFF, Esq. REMARKS. THIS opera was first performed at Covent Garden, in 1768; and afterwards altered and revived at Drury Lane, with the new title of the School for Fathers, which is now usually added to its original name. The Author asserted the entire originality of his production, having borrowed neither character, language, nor incident, from any other writer. Be this as it may, the piece has considerable claims, not merely as a medium for vocal ability, but from its good sense. Lionel and his Clarissa, whose delicacy of love is well portrayed, are sure to gain the sympathy of their younger auditors and readers.-Colonel Oldboy supports the old Engli h strength of character, in admirable contrast with the effeminate Mr. Jessamy, who is a good caricature of the modern breed of useless triflers, neither male nor female in their ideas or pursuits, but a nauseous compound of the worst parts of both.-Diana, Sir John Flower. dale, Lady Mary Oldboy, and the other characters, are in good keeping with the general tone of this agreeable drama. ACT I. SCENE 1-A Chamber in COLONEL OLDBOY'S House. COLONEL OLDBOY is discovered at breakfast, read- Diana. Ah, how delightful the morning, The gardens, the groves, and the fields. Be grateful to the season, Col. O. Well said, Dy, thank you, Dy.-This, Diana. Lord, papa, you call one such names— Col. O. A fine girl, Master Jenkins, a devilish fine girl! she has got my eye to a twinkle. There's fire for you-spirit !-I design to marry her to a ! |