or resorting to this their
habitual lounge.

The Barbiere di Seviglia should, however, be witnessed here by every
amateur. It is only here that justice is done to the _libretto_ of
Rossini's masterpiece. Figaro becomes a real barber, and scorns all
velvets and finery; and Almaviva leaves his court-dress at home, and
takes a good _capa_ of _pano pardo_ for his nocturnal excursions. The
scenery represents the actual streets of Seville. Local customs are
introduced, and local expressions interspersed in the Italian dialogue.
On this occasion one spirit animates boxes, lunetas, orchestra, and
stage. At the opening note of the first melody the allegro, passing like
electricity from the corner of the page through the eye, brain, and arm
of the leader, appears as though it spirted like wildfire from the
extremity of his bow over stage, boxes, stalls, and galleries, lighting
up in an instant all eyes with animation and pleasure.

In the scene of old Bartolo's discomfiture the melodies of the _maestro_
are totally extinguished beneath the din of overturned tables and
chairs, and cracking furniture; and the joyous exclamations of the
entire assembly, unite with the jibes of the actors, and seem to pursue
the poor old guardian with one overwhelming peal of derision.

But it is only in this one instance that representations come off in
such a manner. On the contrary, the company exhibit habitually all the
aristocratic _nonchalance_ of larger capitals. Their business there is
society. It is there that _les affaires de coeur_ hold their Royal
Exchange; and observation, conjecture, and speculation,--but usually
without ill-nature,--sufficiently occupy those who are not actors in
this general by-play. The youth of these climes do not put in practice
the same arts of concealment and reserve as are adopted in colder
cities; but each, unconscious of evil, makes for the box of his
_enamorata_; or, if that is impossible, for the nearest vacant
situation. Advise, therefore, any friend who may intend visiting
Seville, not hastily to pay his visit of curiosity to the opera, but to
wait, if possible, until offered a seat by some _habituee_ in her box.
This _Senora_ may possibly not have any _affaire_ of her own on hand; in
fact the married ladies of course form an exception, if not in all
cases, at least as far as regards such undisguised manifestations of
preference:--in this case she will take delight in putting him _au fait_
of all those