aced to the _Mimas_ of _Pantomimus_.

In the sixteenth century mention is made of a troupe of performers known
as _Amorosos_ or _Innamortos_, appearing in Italy. Those who only
appeared in the female parts were known as Colombina, Oliva, Fianetta,
Pasquella, and Nespella. Columbina's part, the "accomplished companion,"
like the _Vita_ of the Indian Drama, was sometimes that of mistress, and
sometimes that of maid. Up to 1560 women were unknown on the Italian
stage. In England just one hundred years later.

Three generations of the family of Biancolelli, the Harlequin,
grandmother, grand-daughter, and great grand-daughter appeared as
Columbines in France. The most talented was Catherine, the daughter of
Dominique, and she made her _debut_ in 1683, in "_Arlequin Protee_,"
with great success.

About 1695, Columbine appeared in a parti-coloured gown like a female
Harlequin, and in the piece "_Le Retour de la foie de Besons_," acted at
the Comedie Italiene. As the innovation was much liked, the part of
Columbine came to be dressed like the Harlequin. The Columbine dressed
in short muslin skirts is a creation of modern times. In the French
Comedies Columbine was often Harlequin's wife, but she never had the
powers of a magical wand.

In the old form of Pantomime there were many other personages in these
dumb shows which we never had in the English Pantomimes. To note a few
of them:--The Captain, a bragging swash-buckler; the Apothecary, a
half-starved individual with a red nose; and a female _soubrette_, who
acted for her mistress, Columbine, similar duties as what Clown
performed as valet for his master. The Doctor brought at first on the
stage in 1560, was supposed to be a lawyer or a physician. From 1560 his
dress was that of a professor's, a short, black tunic, stockings, and a
black mask covering the forehead and nose. Another, Facanappa, had a
long parrot nose, surmounted by a pair of green spectacles, a flat hat,
with a broad brim, a waistcoat covered with tinsel, and a long white
coat with large pockets. Like the Clown of our early English plays, and
like his ancestors, the _Atellans_ and _Mimes_, he had the privilege of
making allusions from the stage, in what, I suppose, were something like
the Interludes. Il Barone is another variety. He was a Sicilian lord,
deceived by his daughter, and also duped by his valets. "_Il Barone_"
was a favourite subject for another form of "Miming," that of the
wooden figures call