a metal, a certain change occurs which is pronounced to produce an improvement in the taste of the beer. The change is not imaginary, for a change does occur by such heterogeneous contact, exactly analagous to that observed in the experiment, though exhibited in a different way.

To collect these phenomena into one class: it appears that nothing extraordinary occurs between two bodies in contact; but, when three are concerned, one at least of which must be a liquid, some kind of power is developed. We will consider this power more in detail.

THEATRICAL NOVELTIES EXTRAORDINARY.

SEASON the third, under Mr Wallack's management, opened on Monday, and will probably have closed by the time this number of the Mirror' is published. Finding old plays indifferently acted, even with the "alternating" mediocrity of Mr Vandenhoff, Mr Anderson, and Mr Phelps, did not pay, he seems to have imagined something inferior would succeed. The lover, who found his mistress unkind, was asked,

"Will, when looking well can't move her,
Looking ill prevail?"

Mr Wallack seems to have thought it might. He tried the experiment, and finding himself as far off the mark as ever, if the newspapers may be depended upon, lost his temper (his wits he could not), called a portion of the audience blackguards from the stage, and intimated that he was ready to fight so many of the said blackguards as wished to claim the satisfaction of gentlemen!

Such conduct might be very valiant, but it was not a little deficient in that which one great theatrical authority calls "the better part of valour." Wallack was deservedly laughed to scorn, and his group of children, his antiquated ballet, and French drama, all failed to find favour in the eyes of the public.

Mr Wallack has made himself very ridiculous, and his absurdities will be the source of annoyance and loss to not a few beside himself. He, however, is not worse than many other theatrical potentates, who, taken as a class, though not without talent, are in the position which they venture to assume, among the stupidest of mankind. On a recollection of some, and traditionary report of former stage successes, they aim at renewing them by certain pet expedients. They think they cannot afford to make the stage what it ought to be, but bring forward what, under peculiar circumstances, has paid, and what, under different circumstances, they conclude must pay. A startling drama makes a hit in Paris. They at once conclude it must delight all London, and "the indefatigable manager," as

he calls himself in the newspapers, starts off for France at midnight, and returns with all the costumes and effects. Then some vamping hack is set to work to put it not into English, and a few green-room jokes render the thing complete. This sort of hashing has gone on, year after year, till men who could write plays worth seeing have abandoned the attempt in despair. The way in which they are mutilated while preparing, and frequently marred in representation, is too much for endurance. An actor of moderate standing deems it servile to keep to the author's text, and the vamper of the house rejoices in everything that can abate the pretensions of those who aspire to be original.

Managers are misled in these matters by subordinates. They are invariably so much engaged that they can never attend to what is of most importance. To responsible ministers they leave everything. They please themselves by affecting the monarch, to find in the end that they have been playing the fool.

A good play, a play admitted to be good, is not accepted because it will not suit the company. "Your play is admirable," said one manager to an author not long ago, "but it will not suit us; put it away, and consider you have a bank bill in your drawer for 500l.!" This was uttered with apparent sincerity. A noble reward for authorship! What shall we say to a national theatre that could not represent a drama which deserved such praise? If stage directors are to act on this principle, Shakspere, were he now among us, would stand no chance. His Hamlet, Macbeth, and Othello "would not suit the company of either house." Characters, forsooth, must be written for players. This ought rarely to be countenanced. The persons of a drama ought to be drawn from life, and those actors who cannot effectively "imitate humanity" ought not to be lauded as masters of the histrionic art, but set to some handicraft business, as belonging to a race made by "Nature's journey men."

L.

ROYAL VISITS TO CAMBRIDGE. THE visit paid to Cambridge in the last week has created a great sensation in that ancient seat of learning. Cooper's Annals' show that it has received the same honour from many former monarchs. Guthrum, Oskytel, and Anwind, Danish kings, went to it with a large army. King Stephen was there in 1139, as was King John in 1200-1201; Henry III passed through it in 1252. In April, 1270, the King, ac

companied by his son (afterwards King Edward I) paid a visit to the town, and being informed of the contentions and disputes constantly occurring between the burgesses and scholars, the prince undertook to act as a mediator. Through his intervention an agreement or composition was entered into, which was sealed with the common seals of the University and town, and also with the king's seal. In 1293, Edward I was there on the 25th of March, and stayed two nights in the castle, where no king had been known to have lain before. The King's cofferer had previously deposited 1,000l. in the dormitory of Barnwell Priory against his arrival, and the chancellor, Sir John de Lang, lodged at that monastery during the King's visit, and for four or five days previously. 1325-6, Edward II; in 1328, Edward III visited the town. Richard II held a Parliament there in 1388, and lodged at the Priory of Barnwell. Edward IV attended the Cambridge assize in 1161-2. Richard III was there in 1483 and 1484, and Henry VII in 1485-6, as also in 1487, 1491, 1498, and with his mother, the Countess of Richmond, in 1506. In 1520, Catherine, Queen of Henry VIII, visited the University; in 1522, Henry VIII was there; in 1564, Queen Elizabeth; in 1614, James I; in 1630-1, Charles I; in 1671, Charles II; in 1689, William III; in 1705, Queen Anne; in 1717, George I; and in 1728, George II.

Of the honours thus rendered to Cambridge that which it most gratefully remembered is the visit of Queen Elizabeth. She was there six days, and the details, which have been carefully preserved of her reception, are, in many respects, curious. It will not fail to be remarked that a play was acted before the Queen on Sunday. On her arrival on Saturday, August 5th, we read

"First, at the corner of the Queens College and Martin Gills house, was set a great falling-gate, with a lock and staple. From that place, unto the Kings College west door, stoode, upon both sides, one by one, all the University. From the gate stood the scholars; then the Batchellors of Arts; then the Batchellors of Law; then the Master Regents; then the Nonregents and Batchellors of Divinity. Then, at last, the Doctors in their degree; and every one in habits and hoods. The last Doctor and the Vice-Chancellor stood upon the lowest greese of the west doore. by him the three Bedells.

And

"The whole lane, between the Kings College and the Queens College, was strawed with rushes, and flags hanging in divers places, with coverlets and boughs; and many verses fixed upon the wall.

"Saint Austins lane was boarded up for the keeping of these ways, and for ob

serving of order. And, that no person should stand there but scholars, there were appointed eight men as tipt staves. And the great south gate of the Kings College was kept by the Queens porters; who received such charge that, after the Queens train was entered, they should suffer none to come in.

"All the Scholars had in commandment, at the Queens Majesties passing by them, to cry out, Vivat Regina,' lowly kneeling. And, after that, quietly and orderly to depart home to their respective colleges, and in no wise to come to the Court, the disputations, or to the plays. And if upon some just occasion, they were enforced to goe into the towne, then they should go two and two, upon a great pain.

"The Kings College Church was hanged with fine tapestry, or arras of the Queens, from the north vestry dore, round by the communion table, unto the south vestry dore, and all that place strewed with rushes. The communion-table and pulpit hanged richly.

"Upon the south side, about the middle between the vestry dore and the communion-table (which stood north and south) was hanged a rich travas of crimson velvet, for the Queens Majestie; with all other things appertaining.

"Also a fair closet glazed towards the quire, was devised and made in the middle of the rood loft, if the Queen's Majestie perhaps there would repose herself; which was not occupied.

"The place between the north and south and west doors of the church was strawed with rushes, being not paved. And, in the middle, between the north and south doors, a fair Turkey carpet laid; and upon that, a little joined short forme set, covered also with one other Turky carpet, and one cushion to kneel upon, and one other to lean upon, of cloth of gold; and thereon was laid the Bible in Latin. All these were of the Queen's stuff. Also there was set a chair of red velvet for her Majesty to have set in, whilst she heard the oration, if she had forsaken her horse.

"On the part of the College, Mr Doctor Baker, with all his company, was in copyes, standing in a length from the quire doore, unto the north and south doors, orderly, as in procession wise.

"The bells, both of the Colleges and also of the towne, were rung most part of the afternoon. And such churches as were negligent herein, were afterwards called upon, and were fined, some 8s. 4d., some more, some less. Order also was taken, that upon the Queens coming to the church doore, all the bells should cease, that her Majestie might hear the oration.

"All these things being in this wise ordered, the Queens Majestie came from Mr

Worthingtons house at Haslingfield, where she lay all night, by Granchester. And, by the way, the Dukes Grace of Norfolk, the Earl of Sussex, the Bishop of Ely, and divers other honourable personages, met with her Majestie, and so conveyed her towards the town.

"The Maior of the town, called Robert Lane, with the Aldermen, and all the Bur gesses, with the Recorder, met with her Majestie, a little above Newnham, on horseback; and there alighted, and did their duties, and made by the Recorder an oration in English.

"Then the Maior delivered the mace, with a fair standing cup, which cost 19/. and twenty of old angels, in it; which her Majesty received gently, and re-delivered the mace to the Maior, and took the cup, &c., to one of her footmen, and so came to Newnham Mills (the Maior riding with the mace before her Majestie). And there (being requested to change her horse) she alighted, and went into the millers yard and house for a little space. And so took horse and came forward.

"Sir William Cecyl all this while sat upon his horse at the gate beyond the Queens College, and caused certain of the guard to keep the streete, with strict commandment as was given before; and turned all the trayne into the towne, saving the Lords and chief officers appointed to wait upon her Grace.

"Then came the trumpetters, and by solemn blast declared her Majestie to ap proach. Then followed the Lords in their order and degree. Her almoner, the Bishop of Rochester, bare-headed; with the Bishop of Ely. Then Garter King at Arms, in his Royal cote; with divers Serjeants at Arms. Then the Lord Hunsdon with the sword, in a Royal scabbard of goldsmiths work. And after him, the Queens Majestie, with a great companie of ladies, and maids of honour, who, at the entering at Queens College, was informed, by Mr Secretary, of the Scholars, of what sort they were. And the like he did of all other companies and degrees.

When her Majestie was about the middle of the Scholars or Sophisters, two appointed for the same came forth and kneeled before her Grace, and kissing their papers exhibited the same unto her Majestie. Wherein were contained two orations gratulatory; the one in yerse, the other prose, which her Highness received, and gave them to one of the footmen. The like was observed and done by the Batchellours of Arts; and of two Masters of Arts. And so she was brought among the Doctors; where all the Lords and Ladies did forsake their horses; and her Majestie only remained on horseback.

"She was dressed in a gown of black velvet pinked; a call upon her head, set

with pearls and pretious stones; a hat that was spangled with gold, and a bush of feathers.

"The Maior of the town, riding before her Majestie bare-headed, stayed himself at the Kings College south gate; as acknowledging that he had no authority or jurisdiction in that place. Of this he was advertised the day before by Mr Secretary.

"When the Queens Majestie came to the west doore of the church, Sir William Cecyl kneeled downe and welcomed her Grace, showing unto her the order of the doctors. And the Bedells kneeling, kissed their staves, and so delivered them to Mr Secretary, who likewise kissed the same, and so delivered them to the Queens hands, who could not well hold them all. And her Grace gently and merrily re-delivered them, willing him and other magistrates of the University to minister justice uprightly, as she trusted they did. Or she would take them into her own hands, and see to it. Adding, that, although the Chancellor did hault (for his leg was sore, as is before mentioned), yet she trusted that justice did not hault.

"Then her Highness was advertised, that the University by their orator would speak unto her Majestie. Whereupon she inquired for the orator, and willed him to begin.

"Then Mr William Master, of the Kings College, orator, making his three curtesies, kneeled downe upon the first greese or step of the west door (which was on the walls outward covered with verses) and made his oration of length almost half an hour.

"When he had done, she much commended him, and much marvelled that his memory did so well serve him, repeating such diverse and sundry matters, saying, that she would answer him again in Latin, but for fear she should speak false Latin, and then they would laugh at her. But in fine, in token of her contentation, she called him unto her presence, and offered him her hand to kiss; requiring his name.

"Then she alighted from her horse, and asking of what degree every doctor was, offered her hand to be kissed. And four of the principal doctors bearing a canopy, she under the same, entered into the church, and kneeled down at the place appointed, between the two doors, north and south; the Lady Strange bearing the traine: and all the other ladies followed in their degrees.

"Then the Provost, revested in a rich cope of needlework (standing about four yards from the Queen, directly towards the quire, in the middle of his company kneeling of both sides) made his obeysance and curtesies three times, coming towards her Majestie. At the last, kneeling hard at

her stoole, he kissed her hand, and so pointed out the psalme, Deus misereatur,' inquiring whether it would please her Majestie to answer and say with him? And understanding that she would pray privately, he likewise privately said the said psalme and after that a collect for the Queen. Which done, the whole quire began to sing, in English, a song of gladness; and so went orderly into their stalls in the quire, the Queen following, and going into her travys, under the canopy; and marvellously revising at the beauty of the chapel, greatly praised it, above all other in her realme. This song ended, the Provost began the 'Te Deum' in English, in his cope: which was solemnly sung, the organs playing. After that, he began even-song, which also was solemnly sung; every man standing in his cope.

"Which being ended, the Queen's Majestie came forthe of her traverse, and went towards the lodging by a private way, made through the east window of the north vestry door as before. And as she went, she thanked God that had sent her to this University, where she, altogether against her expectation, was so received, that she thought she could not be better.

"During all this time of prayer, the Lords and other honourable persons, with the Doctors, sat on the high stalls. And afterwards betwixt the doors and walls of the vestry and the porch of the Provosts place (which was now the Court) stood the two Proctors, and by my Lord Robert and Mr Secretary, presented unto her Majestie, in the name of the University, four pair of Cambridge double gloves, edged and trimmed with two laces of fine gold; and six boxes of fine comfitts, and other conceits (devised and provided at London by Mr Osborne of the Exchequer, late a scholar of Cambridge at the appointment of Mr Secretary); which she thankfully took, and so went to her chamber. And the Bedells, receiving Mr Chancellor at the same place, went before him with their staves to his lodging, he riding upon a little black nagg.

"On Sunday, August 6, her Majesty at tended matins, after which a sermon was preached by Dr Andrew Perne.

"At evening prayer the company of King's College, being informed that the Queens Majestie would not come unto the same, began and did sing. And then, being advertised that her Grace was coming, staid. And when she was come unto her travys by the secret way, they of new did begin the even-song. Which ended, she departed back by the same way, to the play, Aulularia Plauti,' for the hearing and playing whereof, was made by her Highness surveyor and at her own cost, in the body of the church, a great stage contairing, the breadth of the Church from the

one side to the other, that the chappels might serve for houses. In the length it ran two of the lower chappels full, with the pillars on a side. Upon the south wall was hanged a cloth of state, with the appurtenances and half path for her Ma jesty. In the rood-loft, another stage for ladies and gentlewomen to stand on. And the two lower tables, under the said roodloft, were greatly enlarged and rayled for the choyce officers of the Court. There was, before her Majestys coming, made in the Kings College Hall, a great stage. But, because it was judged by divers to be too little, and too close for her Highness and her company, and also far from her lodging, it was taken down.

"When all things were ready for the plays, the Lord Chamberlayn with Mr Secretary came in; bringing a multitude of the guard with them, having every man in his hand a torch-staff for the lights of the play (for no other lights were occupied); and would not suffer any to stand upon the stage, save a very few upon the north side. And the guard stood upon the ground, by the stage side, holding their lights. From the quire doore unto the stage was made as 'twere a bridge, rayled on both sides, for the Queens Grace to go to the stage, which was straightly kept.

"At last her Highness came, with certain Lords, Ladies, and Gentlewomen; all the Pensioners going on both sides, with torch staves. But the sword was not carried, neither the maces. And so took her seat, and heard the play fully. Which was played by certain selected persons, chosen out of all Colleges of the towne.

"On Monday the Queen attended a Divinity Lecture, a disputation in art, and disputations, at St Marys church.

"On Tuesday, the ordinary lectures, disputation, and frequenting of the same, was done as the same day before.

"At night, about the accustomed houre, and in the same manner, her Highness came to the play called 'Ezechias,' in English, which was played by the Kings College, and the charges thereof by them born. And then her Majestie went to her rest.

"This day also order was taken, that her Majestie should remain here one day longer than at the first it was appointed. For her jestis were to depart upon the Wednesday. And a saying was if provision of beer and ale could have been made, her Grace would have remained till Friday; her Highness was so well pleased with all things.

"Wednesday, the ninth of August, after the ordinary lectures and disputations were done, about six of the clock in the morning the Queens Majestie took her progress about to the Colleges riding in

state royall; all the Lords and Gentlemen riding before her Grace; and all the Ladies following on horseback. The Bedells waited upon her Highness, and in the same manner and order as on Sunday before.

"The Maior that day came not abroad, which was noted of divers, and thought some part of his duty.

"From her Palace she went first to Clare hall; where the Master waited with all his company, and received her Majestie with an oration.

"Then entered her Grace into the Kings College, where the Provost stood, with the whole household, and caused an oration to be made unto her Highness. And then gave unto her a fair book, covered with red velvet, containing all such verses as his company had made of her Grace's coming. There was also compiled, in the same book, an account of the founder of the same college, benefactors; and the names of all such persons, as were of any worthy memory, which had been brought up in that college. Which book she received with a mild countenance, and delivered to one of her footmen.

"From the Kings College her Majestie ridd into Trinity hall. And from thence to Gunvill and Caius College. And, in both places, was received with an oration. "From thence she departed to Trinity College; and riding as in a lane in the midst of her company, came almost to the east gate, where the Master stood, and caused an oration in Greek to be made to her Highness.

"Then she went into St Johns College, and riding into the hall, had there an oration.

"From thence she rode to Christs College (leaving Jesus College because it stood far out of the way; and in her journey next morning she minded to see Magdalen College). At Christs College was made an oration before her Majestie in Greek verses. For the which she rendered thanks in Greek. And the Master presented unto her a pair of gloves, in remembrance of her grandedame, the Lady Margaret Countess of Richmond and Derby, Foundress of that College and St Johns.

"From thence her Grace, by the Market hill and Butchery, came to Benet College. And because the time was passed, she would hear no oration. But the Master gave her a pair of gloves and certain boxes of comfitts. From thence she went into Pembroke hall, and Peter house, and, in both places, heard an oration. And at Peter house she much commended the son of Sir Walter Mildmay; which being a child, made a very neat and trimm oration, and pronounced it very aptly and dis tinctly.

"From thence her Majestie came home by the Queens College and St Katherines hall; only perusing the houses because it was almost one a clock.

"And so returning to her lodging, as her Grace ridd through the street, she talked very much with divers scholars in Latin; and at her lighting off her horse, with Latin dismissed them.

"At three of the clock the University bell rang to the disputations in divinity, unto which her Majestie came, as before.

"Upon Thursday, the 10th of August, early in the morning, was called a congregation against eight a clock; in the which divers Lords of the Garter, and other Noblemen, were made Masters of Arts; who gently accepted the offer of the University, and were admitted, and promised their fidelity to the University in the Chamber of Presence. The parties thus admitted Masters of Arts were, Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, High Steward of the town; Thomas Ratcliffe, Earl of Sussex; Ambrose Dudley, Earl of Warwick; Edward Vere, Earl of Oxford; Edward Manners, Earl of Rutland; the Lord Robert Dudley, Master of the Queen's Horse and High Steward of the University; Edward Lord Clynton, Lord Admiral; Henry Carey, Lord Hunsdon; the Lord William Howard, Lord Chamberlain; Sir William Cecil, knt., Secretary of State and Chancellor of the University; Sir Francis Knollys, knt., Vice-Chamberlain; John Ashley, Esq., Master of the Queen's Jewels; Richard Bertie, Esq.; Thomas Heneage, Esq.; Edward Cooke, Esq.; and William Cooke, Esq. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was also conferred on William Latymer, Dean of Peterborough and Clerk of the Queens Closet

"The Queens Highness, about nine & clock, hasted to horseback. And at the porch of her lodging met her the Provost and certain of his company; where Mr Preston (whome before in all his doings in the University the Queen well liked) made a very goodly oration; taking their leave, and bidding her Majestie farewell. With whom she was then so well pleased, that she made him and openly called him her scholar. And in token thereof, offered him her hand to kiss, and so took her horse and departed.

"Passing from the Kings College by the Schools, Dr Perne, and divers others of the University kneeled, and wished her Grace, in Latin, a prosperous and safe progress. To whom she mildly answered again, with a loud voice, Valete omnes.'

"The Maior on horseback, and bearing his mace, with all the Aldermen, tarryed for her Majestie against the west end of St Marys Church; and so waited upon her to the far end of Howse Causey. And coming by Magdalen College, the