Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from LYRASIS Members and Sloan Foundation http://www.archive.org/details/shortaccountofne00shie A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE NEW PANTOMIME CALLED OMAI, OR, A Trip round the World; PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL IN COVENT-GARDEN. WITH THE RECITATIVES, AIRS, DUETTS, TRIOS AND CHORUSSES; AND A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESSION. The Pantomime, and the Whole of the Scenery, designed and invented by MR. LOUTHERBOURG. The Words written by MR. O'KEEFFE; And the Musick composed by Mr. SHIELDS. LONDON: Printed for T. CADELL, in the Strand. M.DCC.LXXXV. CHARACTERS. Towha, the Guardian Genius of Omai's Ancestors, and Protector of the legal Kings of Otaheite,} Mrs. RIVERS. Otoo, Father of Omai, a Descendant from the legal Kings, a Priest and a Magician,} Mr. DARLEY. Omai, his Son, —— Mr. CUBITT. Harlequin, Servant to Omai, Mr. KENNEDY. Oediddee, Pretender to the Throne, Mrs. KENNEDY. Oberea, Regent and Protectress of Oediddee, an Enchantress,} Mrs. MARTYR. Britannia, —— —— Mrs. INCHBALD. Don Struttolando, Rival to Omai, in his love to Londina,} Mr. PALMER. Clown, his Servant and Rival of Harlequin,} Mr. D'ELPINI. Father of Londina, —— Mr. THOMPSON. Mother, ——— Mrs. DAVENETT. Londina, the Consort destined to Omia, ——} Miss CRANFIELD. Colombine, Maid to Londina, Miss ROWSON. Old Fairy, Friend to Harlequin, Mr. WEWITZER. English Captain, —— Mr. BRETT. Justice, ——— Mr. DAVIES. Constables, Messrs. {DOYLE, MEADOWS, SWORDS. Good and Evil Spirits, Custom-House Officers, Sailors, & OMAI. PART I. SCENE I. A Morai (1) in Otaheite by Moon-light. Otoo discovered making Invocations to the Genii of his Ancestors for their Assistance to fix his Son on the Throne. RECITATIVE.——Otoo. HAIL to this awful place! sacred Fiatooka (2) hail! Where Otaheitean Chiefs in everlasting moe (3) lie; warriors renown'd, On Eimeo's (4) sanguine plains with hard-fought victory crown'd; Tho' here in death ye moulder, yet the royal line can never fail, Preserv'd by Towha's power divine; And the illustrious name, By glorious actions dear to fame, In my belov'd Omai shall never die. (1) A temple, or burying place. (2) A repository for the dead. (3) Sleep. (4) One of the Society Islands, generally at war with Otaheite. B AIR I.——Otoo. God of Bolabola (5) hear! Accept this plantain, yam, and hog, well roasted, Offerings to thy Godship dear, With mahee (6) sweet as ever boasted; And while thus I lowly bend, Let my humble suit ascend. [The sacrifice blazes up. The flames arise, Blest sacrifice! Towha snuffs the savour; Propitious sign Of grace benign, Sure token of his favor. RECITATIVE. Say, shall my son Omai reign? Great Towha now an answer deign. Towha assumes the Appearance of a Chief Mourner. RECITATIVE.—Otoo (appalled). My quiv'ring flesh, my limbs bedew'd all o'er; Each feeble sense---my eyes---my voice---no more! [Falls prostrate. (5) Another of the Society Islands, the most ferocious in war, conquerors of Ulitea, which was anciently subject to Omai's ancestors. (6) Bread. AIR II.——Towha. Spirits of peace that hover round, Oh, chear his mortal sight! Dispel with sweet responsive found The horrors of the night. [Celestial music. My aerial band, ar't ready? Chorus of spirits. Ready. Tow. To run, to swim, to fly, at my command? Cho. Command. Tow. To run? Cho. To run. Tow. To swim? Cho. To swim. Tow. To fly? Cho. To fly. Tow. At my command? Cho. Command. Spirits appear. Tow. His darling son with motion soft as Maoaian (7) gales, hither convey My gentle spirits away. Cho. Away! [Disappear. RECITATIVE.——Towha. Sweet, soft soothing airs attend, Thou'rt mine, and I'm Omai's friend. (7) Western breezes. B 2 Soft Music, and Omai brought in. AIR III.—Spirits, Otoo, and Towha. Cho. (Spirits.) Happy father---Otaheite's heir! [To Otoo and Omai. Otoo. Otoo's hope, Tow. And Towha's care. RECITATIVE.——Towha. My precepts still from folly shall direct him, This potent talisman from harm protect him. (Places the talisman by the side of Omai —Thunder—Britannia is seen bolding Londina.) Britannia speaks. Mark, votive Islander, thy fate is mine, For mine The Queen of Isles, the mistress of the main! Upon my sea-girt shore, by Neptune fenc'd, Kind greeting, pleasure, welcome sweet receive: Still shall my sons, by Cook's example taught, Thy new-found world protect and humanize. In soft alliance bound, this British maid Be thine, and Love, a radiant throne shall fix Firm as my rock, where sits bright Liberty. RECITATIVE.—Otoo. The splendid vision, oh, my son obey, Towha commands, for England quick away. 4 But ere, lov'd youth, you quit your native shore, Your rival Oediddee shall restore The Royal Ensigns, Britain to convince That in Omai she receives a Prince. SCENE II. Inside of a Morai of the antient Aree-de-hy's (8) Ancestors of Omai. Enter Otoo and Omai. RECITATIVE.—Otoo. "Of Oediddee's crimes there's no remission "My vengeance waits to punish his ambition," [Omai kneels. Alas! to spare him you in vain implore me; Quick, fly and bring Oediddee here before me. [Calls to Spirits, who bring on Oediddee. RECITATIVE—Oediddee. Oh, sage Otoo! accept my true contrition, I yield obedience to each hard condition; Your son still loves me, still I love that son, From childhood still the race of life we've run; My smallest grief was anguish to his heart, His slightest joy could every joy impart. AIR IV.——Oediddee. O'er groves of coral, through the deep, Where Mogee (9) fish their revels keep, (8) Grand Chiefs. (9) An excellent species of fish in those seas. Our staunch canoes in consort glide, Tho' stern Farooa (10) swells the tide, Small the danger each could see, Friendship cried, you're safe with me. On the hill, that upward towers, Crown'd with shrubs and sweetest flowers, There we taste eternal spring, While the Wattle-bird (11) shall sing Double joys to him and me, Ever such let friendship be. RECITATIVE. Otoo. Resign, fond youth, each silly vain pretension. Oedi. What good awaits my tacit condescension? Otoo. Your fortunes with my son I'll link for ever So strong, that nought but death your fates can sever. Surrounding isles shall own thy sovereign sway, E'en distant Wateoo* shall tribute pay, Be you their Chief, their powerful Areekee (12) 'T' Omai leave th' Otaheitean crown, this is Otoo's decree. (10) A strong and dangerous wind. (11) The most melodious in the Islands. * The farthest situated from Otaheite. (12) King. 3 To Britain, now, Omai must repair, And many dangers run to win the British fair. AIR V.——Oediddee. Adieu, dear Omai, and gladly receive That true and kind welcome that Britons can give. [General Chorus. Adieu, Prince Omai, and gladly receive That true and kind welcome that Britons can give. SCENE III. A View of Plymouth Sound, with Part of Mount Edgcumb, where Omai, with Harlequin as his Servant, lands; as also does Don Struttolando, with Clown as his Servant: both in pursuit of the Object of their Affections, Londina. Different comic Business is here introduced, with the two following Airs by an old Water-cress Woman, or Fairy. AIR VI.——Old Fairy. Cold and hungry tho' I sing Water-cresses o'the spring; Your money, neighbours, little less is, So buy my nice spring water-cresses; Buy my nice spring water-cresses. AIR VII——Old Fairy. Keep it, prithee keep it, my kind, my generous Boy; And featly, nimbly use it, shou'd surly care annoy. Quick posting on a sun-beam, here potent Towha sent me; His charge "take care of Harlequin" and pow'rful spells he lent me. Be still Omai's valet, he With kind regard Shall well reward Thy care and strict fidelity. Let pity touch thy bosom thro' frolick and vagary, And thou shalt ever find me thy true, thy guardian fairy. [The Scene ends with Omai's losing his Talisman, and their going off to a Justice of Peace for its recovery.] SCENE IV. The Justice Room; where Omai gets back his Talisman, but loses one of his Royal Ensigns, which by some Magic Odour produces the Effects mentioned in the following AIR VIII.——Justice, Captain, Constables and Men. 1st Con. Look here, please your worship, this very fine thing; My eye! but it's fit for the knob of a King. 2d Con. As you are to punish whatever's amiss, Pray what's to be done with the owner of this? Just. I wish I may never with venison be stuff't, If ever I saw such a beautiful tuft! And now, by my honor, I've thought of a use For this wing of a turkey, or tail of a goose; 'Twill make a choice top for the head of my wife; It's mine, and so now there's an end of the strife. Oh, dear, what a delicate smell! 1st Con. I vow it is wond'rous pleasing; Just. But why I yawn thus, I can't tell. 1st Con. Oh, zounds, it has set me a sneezing. 2d Con. It's a plume for a royal of France, 1st Man. Or the cap of a Knight of the Thistle. 2d Con. Why what the deuce makes me thus dance, 1st Man. And tho' I've no mind I must whistle, 2d Man. This perfume, good sir, let me try; Capt. A perfume indeed worth the having, 2d Man. Lack-a-daisy, I find I must cry. Capt. By the Lord it has set me a laughing. All. To set me a {sneezing yawning dancing whistling laughing crying} and all by a smell. These feathers contain sure some magical spell. C SCENE V. A View of Kensington Gardens, where Omai and Harlequin meet with Londina and her Maid Colombine, and effect their Escape together. SCENE VI. Outside of the Father's House. Londina and Colombine are seized by Don Struttolando and Clown, but amidst various Situations and much comic Business, Harlequin effects an Entrance into the House. SCENE VII. An Apartment in the Father's House, from whence Harlequin escapes with Londina and Colombine. SCENE VIII. A View of Margate from behind the Pier, where Omai and Harlequin with Londina and Colombine leave Europe and are pursued, which closes the First Part. PART II. SCENE I. Snowy Rocks of Kamtschatka, (on the Eastern Coast of Asia) where Omai and his Party, assisted by the native Kamtschadales, effect a Landing, and the deplorable Situation of their Pursuers is expressed in the following RECITATIVE.—Clown. OH dear! am I in water, fire, air or land? Have I a head, leg, shoulder, foot or hand? "Something within here cries, you've got a belly, "And empty too."—I'm almost beat to jelly. I must turn bird, the devil sure bewitch'd me, Whisk'd me thro' clouds---into the sea then pitch'd me. AIR.——Clown. There Master Death he grinn'd so fierce and frowning, Says I, get out you dog, I was not born for drowning. Ha, ha, ha! the ladies with my dress would much be taken In air and sea, tho'---gad it sav'd my bacon. C 2 [The Inhabitants fall into a laughable mistake with respect to his Appearance, and having secur'd him, pursue Harlequin.] SCENE II. View of Balagans (13) where Harlequin evades his Pursuers. SCENE III. Inside of a Jourt*, where the Manners of the Natives are depicted in their Reception of Omai and his Suit, by dancing and singing the following GLEE.——AIR IX.——Natives. Give me thy paw, my bonny bonny bear, And here come dip thy muzzle; Tho' a good warm coat thy back doth wear, When tempests blow The drifted snow, Oh that's the time for a merry merry sup, So we'll chear our hearts with a chirping cup, And close together nuzzle. When the North wind whistles we dance to the note, We quiver And we quaff, We shiver And we laugh At the chrystal beard that hangs from the goat. [At the end of which, Harlequin having lost Londina and Maid, changes the whole Habitation to (13) The Kamtschadale summer habitations. * Winter habitation. SCENE IV. A dreary Ice Island, where the Parties encounter a Variety of Dangers, and escape to SCENE V. A Village in Tongataboo, the most beautiful and considerable of the Friendly Islands. The Natives enter, fabricating their feathered Garments, and singing the following RONDEAU and CHORUS. Plenty gives, and pleasure smiles, O'er our happy Friendly Isles; While so blest, what should we do But sing, O sweet Tongataboo? On this green and fragrant spot, Down we here together squat, With our scarlet plumage crown'd, While the kava-bowl (14) goes round. Plenty gives, & Here in shades of wharra-palms, (15) Cocoa-milk, delicious yams; Dance the mai, (16) naffa, (17) beat Nimble pagge, (18) tune our feet, Plenty gives & (14) An intexicating liquor. (15) A particular palm. (16) A grand dance. (17) A musical drum. (18) An instrument with which they beat time in their dances. The Clown, amidst Variety of comic Business, sings the following AIR XI.——Clown. There Miss Londina lolls, how lazy! On the green grass take your rest; But ye conjurors make me a daisy, Then will she slumber on my breast. Was I the breeze these branches rocking, Longing her lily leg to note, Without offence to her white stocking, I'd puff about her petticoat. RECITATIVE. She wakes, she yawns, she stretches, opes her eyes! Come sport, my love, I'll win you by surprise; Behold, sweet mistress beautiful, Your humble servant dutiful. AIR XII.——Clown. Not Spanish Struttolando, Nor Indian Omai, Can do what I can do To love you, oh, may I! I can caper, ah, ah! (capers) I can quaver, oh, oh! (runs cantabile) And want but a lady to make me a beau; I want but a wardrobe to dress very fine; To get roaring muzzy, I want but good wine. If I had but the money, I'd rattle at hazard, And want but a barber to powder my mazard. [Omai and Harlequin, after metamorphosing the Clown, go off with their Ladies; and Don Struttolando, Father, and Clown (being restored) are guided by a Native, in pursuit to SCENE VI. A consecrated Place in the Sandwich Islands, where Oberea the Enchantress stops the Pursuit by RECITATIVE.——Oberea. Forbear, rash mortals, nor with unhallow'd foot profane The sacred morai---stop, on pain Of instant death!— [Indian acquaints Oberea of their pursuit of Omai, to whom she is an Enemy.] RECITATIVE accompanied——Oberea. Cheer thy heart, be not afraid; Trust, by Oberea's aid Londina thou shalt soon recover From her wild and vagrant lover; For my favourite Oediddee, Of Omai's pranks I'll rid ye. They all go off in search to SCENE VII. Another Part of the Sandwich Islands. Omai is driven to great Distress, and to the Exercise of his Magic Power which forms SCENE VIII. Where he escapes from his Enemies to Otaheite, and is pursued by Oberea, & SCENE IX. A Moon-light Scene in a sequester'd Part of Otaheite. Oberea and the Pursuers enter. RECITATIVE, accompanied.---Oberea. Soft and lightly tread, as falling snow upon the Hoohoo's (19) wing. In this delicious spot By sweet Kabulla's (20) op'ning odours richly perfum'd, Where creeping taro (21) and ehoee (22) spring; Where dancing shadows chequer the carpet of this green alcove, Favor'd retreat of wild Omai, Londina fair, and love. Here my spells are planted without number; When sweet delusive airs shall lull each sense to slumber. The amorous youth, and pretty miss, new-fangled In necromantic toils you'll see entangled. A moment now retire to yonder bower, The Lovers soon shall be within your power. (19) A beautiful bird of these islands. (20) A delicate and fragrant flower. (21) Bread-fruit. (22) An aromatic shrub. [They retire, and Omai's followers fall into the snare. SCENE X. Oberea's Dwelling, (full of magical Instruments, &) Oberea prepares to wreak her Vengeance on Omai, but is counteracted by Towha. Towha speaks. Hold! the fatal pooa (23) drop! Vindictive Oberea, calm thy rage; Let proper objects all thy wrath engage; To take Omai's life, you kill your friend, For know, their vital threads I've interwoven— here end Strife, hate, contending emulation, Confirm their generous reconciliation, And on that sordid wretch, his persecutor, hurl thy indignation.} (23) Pahooa, the weapon of n Otaheitean warrior. D Oberea reflects on the Danger her favorite Oediddee was lately in. AIR XIV.——Oberea. Celestial sound! 'tis sure the voice of heaven Prevents a deed cou'd never be forgiven. [Turns towards Father. Light'nings flash, and thunder's roll, Swell the tumults of my soul To wicked Etee's (24) altar bear them, With tooth of shark in piece-meal tear them; Burn, consume, and feast my eyes With the blazing sacrifice.* Oediddee delivers Londina to Omai. RECITATIVE accompanied, Oediddee, & Oh, potent Oberea! now extend Thy kind protection to my much lov'd friend. Otoo. Omai's union with the British fair, goddess ratify. Oberea. Content! Otoo. Then peace, Oedid. And love, All. And harmony shall crown the nuptial tie. [Oberea joins their hands. (24) An evil spirit. * Human sacrifice in Otaheite. RECITATIVE. Oedid. Vassals, to your lawful Prince of Otaheite Otoo. Ye tribes of Ulitea, Mataia, Mataeva, Huaheine (25) Hear! Ye people scatter'd o'er the wide Pacific Main. TRIO.——Oediddee, Oberea and Otoo. Nations, warriors, chiefs renown'd, From the distant isles around Assemble all, and hail your King, Sound the Conch (26) let triumph ring. [Clouds ascend and the whole stage changes to the Last Scene. (25) Islands. (26) A shell, used as a trumpet. D 2 A View of the Great Bay of Otaheite at Sun-set. On one side a Magic Palace——the Bay filled With ships and boats, bringing the Deputies from the different quarters of the globe that have been visited by Capt. Cook, & bearing presents and congratulations to Omai, on his advancement to the throne of his Ancestors, and who afterwards approach him dressed characteristically, according to their several countries, in the following PROCESSION. An Eatooa* addresses Omai. * A mad Prophet. TRANSLATION.——" Ambassadors and Plenipo, here swear fealty in the name of all your States to Prince Omai, who has travelled farther than ever canoe paddled, to the Country of mighty George, whose great sword in the hand of Elliott, keeps the Strong Rock from the rich King of Lima, even in his own land. Know all, that Omai is owner of fifty red feathers, master of four hundred fat hogs; he can command a thousand fighting men, and twenty strong-handed women to thump him to sleep; and I, your Prophet, prophecy, that these supreme delights, by George's aid, Omai ne'er shall want! All Reverence!" I. Six Men of Otaheite (as Attendants preceding) II. One Chief of New Zealand. Two Warriors ditto. One common Man, ditto. One Woman with a Child, ditto. III. One Chief of Tanna. Two Men of ditto. One Woman of ditto. IV. One Chief of Marquesas. Two Men of ditto. V. One Chief of Friendly Islands. Four Men of ditto. VI. One Chief of Sandwich Islands. Seven Men of ditto (plain Helmets.) One Chief of ditto (feathered Helmets.) Seven men of ditto (with-ditto.) VII. One Chief of Easter Island. Two Men of ditto. VIII. One Chief of Tschutzki Tartars. Four Men of ditto. One Woman of ditto. IX. One Russian. Two Russian Women. X. One Chief of Kamtschatka. Four Men of ditto. One Woman and a Child, ditto. XI. Two Men of Nootka Sound. One Woman of ditto. XII. Two Men of Oonalashka. One Woman of ditto. XIII. Two Men of Prince William's Sound. One Woman of ditto. XIV. The Otaheitean Girl with Presents to the Captain. XV. The English Captain and Captain gives a Sword to Omai. RECITATIVE.——Captain. Accept from mighty George our sovereign lord, In sign of British love, this British sword. Oberea. Oh, joy! away my useless spells and magic charms, A British sword is proof against the world in arms. Capt. Allay of joy! Owhyee's (27) fatal shore, Brave Cook, your great Orono, (28) is no more! [To the Indians. CHORUS of Indians. Mourn, Owhyee's fatal shore, For Cook, our great Orono, is no more! A Grand Painting descends, and the English Captain sings. AIR.——Captain. Ye chiefs of the ocean your laurels throw by, Or cypress entwine with a wreath; To prove your humanity, heave a soft sigh, And a tear now let fall for his death! Yet the Genius of Britain forbids us to grieve, Since Cook, eve onor'd, immortal shall live. Yet the Genius, & (27) The Island where Captain Cook was killed. (28) A Demi-God, or hero, and the distinguished title with which the natives honoured Captain Cook. The hero of Macedon ran o'er the world; Yet nothing but death could he give. 'Twas George's command, and the sail was unfurl'd, And Cook taught mankind how to live. And the Genius, & He came, and he saw, not to conquer, but save; The Cæsar of Britain was he; Who scorn'd the ambition of making a slave While Britons themselves are so free. Now the Genius of Britain forbids us to grieve, Since Cook, ever honor'd, immortal shall live THE END