R530430E. Colombe’s Birthday.
The Illustrated London News, 30 April 1853, p. 327.
As reprinted in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 19, 387.
Haymarket.—Of all the dramatic productions of Mr. Robert Browning, “Colombe’s Birthday,” is, perhaps, the sweetest in sentiment, and the simplest in structure. The heroine is Colombe of Ravenstein [sic], Duchess of Juliers and Cleves; but by the virtue of salique law, one Prince Berthold, has a right to claim the succession. It is Colombe’s birthday, and the lady expects its usual celebration; but the audience-chamber is not crowded as usual, some mysterious cause restraining her courtiers from the wonted renewal of their allegiance. In fact Prince Berthold has put in his claim; which only waits for some one bold enough to present it. The poor Duchess is an object of pity to the mean and the selfish. At this juncture arrives from Cleves one Valence, an advocate (Mr. B. Sullivan), with a petition, full of the misery of the inhabitants. As the price of being admitted to the Duchess’s presence, he undertakes to deliver the paper—ignorant, however, of its purport. The audience obtained, and the document presented, he perceives that he has been made the tool of the Court, and forthwith challenges, for the insult, Guibert (Mr. W. Farren), its agent. Colombe is highly interested by the exhibition, accepts the championship of Valence, whom she recollects as having before made a congratulatory speech to her at Cleves on the part of the citizens. The advocate improves his opportunity; and, for the sake of his native city, implores her not to abdicate. Accordingly, the lady summons up her courage, and determines to maintain her position: as her only loyal subject, Colombe invests Valence with all her authority. Prince Berthold next comes upon the scene; a good-humoured soldier of fortune, who expects to be Emperor, and who desires not to press hardly upon the falling Duchess; and has, indeed, determined to repair her loss by offering her his hand, and thus affording her the opportunity of becoming an Empress. At this offer Valence is startled; for his heart has kindled in the transaction, and he feels that he loves the lady. Howbeit, he does his duty honourably, and bears the mission to the Duchess. Willing is she to accept the compromise; but, in doing so, gives expression to feelings which encourage Valence to a declaration of love. This scene, one of the most delicious in our dramatic recollection, was admirably acted. Miss Faucit in it manifested all her delicacy and power. Nothing ever more excited the tender sensibilities of our nature, and those delightful emotions where we sympathise tearfully, yet not painfully. In the fifth act, Colombe, having survived the struggle of feeling, yields to the pleadings of true love, and, for Valence, surrenders not only her present petty dignity, but the hopes of empire. Thus Love conquers, and his victory is the triumph of the moral over the material.
The production of a piece so pure in its purpose, theme, and treatment, is highly honourable to the management, and cannot but have the most beneficial influence on the public taste. It was placed upon the stage with the utmost care: the scenery was beautiful; and the acting of Miss Faucit graceful and exquisite in the extreme. Its success was decided.
Reviewed:
Colombe’s Birthday (RB), performance, London, 25 April 1853.
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