Tomlins, F: Garcia, or the Noble Error

Excerpt from Garcia, or the Noble Error: A Tragedy in Five Acts

IT is quite proverbial that prefaces are written for the delight of author! Rather than readers. Since, however, the reader has the Option of passing over what he pleases, the author may surely pen what he prefers. Something, however, it is necessary for me to say by way of acknowledgment for the fine artistic assistance I have received in the production of this play. I believe I have had every aid possible. The power of personation possessed by Mr. Phelps was never, per haps, more vividly shown, and the pathos of the part was represented, as it appears to me, with an effect greater than I had anticipated, even from this admirable actor, fully appreciating as I do his power over the passions. To Miss Glyn I am also indebted for a dignified yet tender delineation of the mother, in a mode that brings back the remembrance of the supereminent talents of that gifted family which may be said to have created a patrician order for the Stage. The grace and grandeur of the Kembles, if not fully developed, is strongly indicated in all the performances of this new and powerful actress. To the remainder of the company I may conjointly express my thanks. And whoever saw Mr. Marston as the reckless young nobleman must acknowledge that he fully portrayed and gave force to the character. To elaborately individualize would, however, be wearisome; and therefore I may say, that this able and well-organized company are fully capable of doing the highest justice to plays of far mightier weight and purpose than mine, as indeed has been proved by their admirable performance of Shakespeare's masterpieces. To Mr. Graham, for his highly forcible and picturesque delineation of the Morisco; to Mr. Mellon, for his extremely judicious and characteristic expression of the polished and crafty churchmen; and to Mr. Hoskins, for his animated utterance of a very tri¿ing part, I am truly indebted. To Miss Bassano and to Mr. Dickinson, I am obliged for their earnest e¿'orts, though the characters were not, perhaps, such as to suit the particular histrionic talents which both possess, in no small degree. Mr. Fenton's picturesque and characteristic scenery greatly aided the effect, and I am obliged by the tasteful care and talent bestowed upon it, as well as upon the costumes.

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