" THE PILGRIM OF ETERNITY " AT THE DIKE OF
YORK'S—K. K. ARDASCHIR.
IT is a pity that Mr. Ardaschir's play is so had, for it possesses good qualities—it is straightforward, honest and sincere. Mr. Ardasehir is interested in Byron ; he wants you to be interested in Byron, and consequently writes with a pleasing enthusiasm. He also is interested in " liberalism " and " the rights of man," and wants to enlist your sympathy " on the side of the angels." But he cannot write a play.
Cutting and adaptation could do a certain amount for The Pilgrim of Eternity ; rather better acting, especially of the women's parts, would do much. Anything less adequate in the roles of :grandee dames than the three ladies who took the parts of the Countess Guiccioli, Louise Vicomtesse de St. Nazaire, and Lady Blessington can hardly be imagined. Admittedly the atmosphere was difficult for acting, for Mr. Eugene Leahy felt its effects and never rose to his proper standard—his work has markedly improved of late. Mr. Ilignett -as Lord Byron's valet seemed the least upset, and
gave a perfectly human performance. T.ox.
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