A letter by an enthusiastic habitué of the Italian Opera
at Paris, gives the following account of the results of Mr. Lumley's French season : the language is more high/lawn than we deem suitable in our own sober strictures, but we believe the substance of the statement is not untrue.
"The season is winding up here with extraordinary eclat. I don't know whether to compare Mr. Lumley's exit to the expiring swan, fading in. music,' or to the departing dolphin, whose brightest hues arc reserved to the last. Nothing could exceed the skill, industry, energy, and good faith, displayed by the active impresario through his, first and arduous campaign in Paris. Having obtained the theatre only at the last moment, it is astonishing how ho succeeded in getting a troupe around him so complete and efficient as to go on without a single night's failure. The bad reputa- tion of his predecessors was another obstacle in his way. But Mr. Lum- ley has come out of the ordeal triumphant; preserving his own high credit, and maintaining the English character for probity and successful enterprise. "The French are more than satisfied ; and if political events do not in- terfere, we shall see the Italian Opera next year exceed the glory of its pabniest days in Paris. How far Mr. Lumley has been compensated for his heavy expenditure this winter, I cannot say, but he must be gratified at the brilliant assemblages of rank and fashion that have come forward night after night to encourage and reward his zeal and indomitable energy. The French are especially pleased with his quiet and unassuming manners; and the honour is certainly due to the director of Iler Majesty's Theatre of having added another link to the bright chain of good fellowship that happily binds the two nations together. "By way of postscript I may add, that last night witnessed one of the greatest triumphs of the season. Mademoiselle Cruvelli made her dant in Ernani, and her success was complete. To the gratification of his country- men, Sims Reeves nobly seconded her, and won new reputation for himself."
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