is still, retained by the exponents of Harlequin.

In this Pantomime, Byrne, as Harlequin, appeared in a white silk
close-fitting shape, fitting without a wrinkle, and into which the
variegated colours of time-honoured memory were woven, and covered with
spangles, presenting a very bright appearance.

Mr. Byrne, also gave the character of Harlequin an entirely new reading.
The colours of Harlequin's dress had every one a significance, as
follows:--Red, temper; blue, love; yellow, jealousy; brown or mauve,
constancy. When Harlequin wore his mask down he was supposed to be
invisible. On his mask he had two bumps, denoting knowledge on the one
hand, and thought on the other, whilst in his cap he wore a hare's foot,
and a worked device on his shoes, indicating flight and speed. Can we
not from the bumps of knowledge and the hare's foot trace the
characteristics of the god Mercury, which, as previously stated, was the
prototype of Harlequin. With the bat, or magic sword, the gift from the
fairies to him, Harlequin was supposed to be invulnerable, and if he
lost his sword he would fall into the power of the Clown.

Byrne's innovation was not resisted, and it was well received, and ever
since this memorable occasion, the character of Harlequin has, for the
most part, been dressed as Byrne dressed it. The significance of the
present-day variegated colours of Harlequin's costume are somewhat
different to the above, and denote: red, fire; blue, water; yellow, air;
and black, earth. These--the four elements--are typical of the regions
governed by Mercury.

Mr. Byrne was at Drury Lane in the time of Garrick. He died December
4th, 1845, in the eighty-ninth year of his age. Mrs. Byrne, who was also
a dancer, pre-deceasing her husband by a few months in her
seventy-fourth year.

Joseph Grimaldi, son of "Old Joe," made, at twelve years of age, his
first appearance at Sadler's Wells in 1814, playing Man Friday to his
father's Robinson Crusoe. For several years both father and son played
together in various Pantomimes; and it was thought that before young Joe
there was a brilliant future. This, however, was soon dissipated, as he
embarked upon vicious courses, and through a blow on the head received
in some brawl "He became a wild and furious savage; he was frequently
attacked with dreadful fits of epilepsy, and continually committed
actions which nothing but insanity could prompt. In 1828 he had a
decided attack of insanity, and w