"If any fuch be here

"That love this painting wherein you see me finear'd, "Let him express his difpofition."

I CANNOT quit Stratford without adverting to the celebrated Jubilee held here in honour of Shakspeare, in September, 1769. under the conduct of the late Mr. Garrick. The annexed view of the grand Amphitheatre was prefented to me by a friend, who was on the spot at the celebration of this claffic féte. The proceffion of the characters in Shakspeare has been fince added nearly as they were intended to have appeared, had the weather permitted. As I do not remember to have seen a correct view of this fcene in print, it may not prove unpleasant to the admirers of our Bard.

THE Amphitheatre was an elegant octagon ftructure, erected at a fmall distance from the bank of the Avon, in the meadow

adjoin

adjoining to Stratford bridge, as described in the view at the opening of this section. It was, in point of size, not quite fo large as Ranelagh, fupported by a colonade of the Corinthian order, about ten feet diftant from the fides of the building. In the centre was, fufpended from the roof, a large chandelier, confifting of eight hundred lights. The building was handsomely decorated with paintings appropriated to the occafion, and between the pillars were crimson curtains elegantly difpofed. This feftivity was intended to be complete in three days. On the first, the company at tended at the church, where the oratorio of Judith was performed under the conduct of Dr. Arne, its compofer; after which the proceffion, with a band of mufic, led on by Mr. Garrick, proceeded to the hall, where the company dined and clofed the evening with a masquerade ball. On the fecond day the grand proceffion of the principal characters in Shakspeare's plays was omitted, from the exceffive

Engraved by Freeman

David Garrick, Esq.

From an Original Picture in the possession of John Taylor, Esq" painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds.