MEMOIR

OF

MRS R. HONNER.

'Tis pleasing to record the efforts of genius; and, likewise, to uphold the virtuous in their struggle on the path of life. Of late years, the stage has been made the vehicle, at times, of every bad passion that actuates the human heart. Actors have kept their cabs, and actresses their chariots, when their salaries would scarce afford to buy the harness with which the quadrupeds were decked. Lords and dukes, ladies of title, and demireps of fashion, have, at times, degraded the British stage in the eyes of a moral and an intellectual people. A pair of dark sparkling eyes, and a well turned ancle, will fetch more money in the theatrical market, than a sensible head and a knowledge of the profession. Unblushing prostitution rides in her carriage, while honest industry and virtuous talent may walk through

the rain without the shelter of an umbrella. Dancing women, nondescripts without legs, Jim Crows, wandering Arabs, lions, tigers, jackals, and jackasses, usurp the places where genius trod, and intellectual creatures once had sway.

In this gloomy aspect of affairs, 'tis pleasing to view the perseverance of a virtuous life: and it is a sacred duty of the biographer to cheer them on their way, smile upon their exertions, and congratulate them on reaching the goal of fame.

In that famed land where the finest peasantry are found-the land that gave birth to a CURRAN, a GRATTAN, and a MOORE-the present subject of our memoir was born. It was on St Thomas's Day, in the year 1818, in the sweet town of Inniskillen, on a fine Irish morning, that our heroine first saw the light of day. The hours of childhood swiftly passed: and her parents thinking that some education was necessary,—with a heart as light as a feather, she went to Cork, and there began an acquaintance with one Mr Dilworth. It was whilst she was there she experienced that loss which only happens once in our lives a mother's death. Thrown upon the world by this unexpected bereavement, the stage appeared before her in all its glowing colors. In

the prospect of having a brother to support, and depending upon that genius which has never forsaken her in all her trials, she hesitated not; but embraced a profession full of toil and uncertain fame. At a small theatre in the South of Ireland, she first made her appearance; and she never repeated it but the clapping of hands, and the thumping of shillelaghs used to be her welcome from her warm-hearted countrymen. Her father (Mr Eugene Macarthy,) had entered into a second matrimonial engagement; and was desirous to have our heroine under the paternal roof; but the affections of a step mother are such doubtful things, and in this case it proved so; for our heroine shortly after arrived in London. John Farrell at that time was the Bashaw of the Pavilion Theatre; and, wishing to cause what he called "a sensation," he engaged our heroine; and a sensation she caused. She became the greatest favorite the East end ever boasted. Respected and beloved by her professional brethren, applauded by her audiences, she never forgot her duties or presumed upon their kindness. Managers beheld her powers; and, at last, the Cobourg gained her services. The same success attended her there. The Surrey opened; and Davidge secured her. Here she ran one unin

terrupted career of brilliant success and it was here that R. Honner told her, upon his honor he loved her; and she believing it, they seized a pliant hour, and became man and wife. This caused, as Farrell would have said, another sensation and this we have to say, that our friend

:

Honner was not only a happy, but an envied

man.

Sadler's Wells Theatre wanted a tenant; Honner wanted a theatre; the proprietors wanted a clever man to conduct it.

They hesitated not.

Public taste, pro

Honner became the lessee. prietors, theatre, and Honner, found all their wants satisfied.

To a

To sum up this brief sketch-no theatre in London is better managed. Aided by a good company, he is rapidly advancing, we hope, to fame and wealth; while the partner he has chosen is a tower of strength to him. In domestic dramas, Mrs Honner stands unrivalled. strictly virtuous life she owes her advancement to fame. May that fame always continue. As daughter and wife, her conduct is exemplary. As an actress, there are few to dispute the palm with her. And our earnest wish is that, surrounded by her friends, she may long long live, an ornament to her profession, beloved by her friends, and respected by her enemies.