"_Tweedle dum_, and _Tweedle twee_--the Soprano, and Tenor, of the Italian Opera are objects equally important, no doubt, in the eye of the public. Instead of _high notes_ they have gone to _high words_. Signor _Tenor_, not having taken the precaution to soap his nose,--Signor _Soprano_ got fast hold, and gave it a musical shake, not perfectly in unison with the feelings of the tenor, who, now, if he wishes to sleep in a whole skin, will, no doubt, alter the _tenor_ of his conduct!!"--(_Times, Jan. 14, 1795._) * * * * * "The Opera.--The Public are acquainted, that on Saturday se'nnight there was a violent disturbance at the Opera House, in consequence of the Subscribers shewing great dissatisfaction at the want of novelty in the Performances. The Manager, having understood that the greatest clamour came from the Boxes of the Countess Spencer, and Mr. Pole, Mr. Taylor (a few days since) sent a letter to her Ladyship, and Mr. Pole, saying, that as they were not satisfied with the Performances, he desired to return them their subscription money, which he did. The Subscribers have taken up this business, which they consider as a gross affront, and disrespect, and yesterday there was a meeting of them at the Thatched House Tavern, the result of which we have not learnt. We are sorry that there should be any misunderstanding respecting an Entertainment, where harmony only ought to prevail: and, we are equally concerned, that the Manager should, so indiscreetly, send such a letter to Lady Spencer, who is the last person in the world who would be suspected of any impropriety of behaviour, for, a Lady of greater accomplishments, and more unaffected manners, is not to be found in the whole circle of Nobility."[10]--(_Times, Febr. 20, 1795._) [Footnote 10: _Feb. 29._--A long Advertisement appeared in the form of an apology from Mr. Taylor to the Duke of Leeds, who presided at the Meeting of the Subscribers at the Thatched House.] * * * * * "The excuse for the _rows_, in a certain box, at the Opera, is, that the Gentlemen come in tipsy. This is an excuse, (whether good, or bad, we will not determine) for the Gentlemen. But, as we take for granted the Ladies are not tipsy, pray what excuse is to be offered them?"--(_Times, Dec. 26, 1796._) [Illustration: Mdlle. Parisot.] The Ballet does not receive so much attention in the public press, as the Opera--and, as far as I know, there are no means of getting at the biographies of the _premieres danseuses_. The first of note during this period is Mdlle. _Guimard_, who was then playing in the ballet of "Ninette." It is _just possible_ that there may be a suspicion of caricature in the illustration.