Scarcely less noteworthy was the first appearance of
the well-known English tenor, Mr. Sims Reeves, in the
part of Carhj on the same occasion. It was in those
days a rare event for an English singer to venture upon
the boards of the Anglo-Italian stage ; and the force of
fashion and prejudice made the venture one of unusual
difficulty. But with his advantages of Italian training
and style, Mr. Sims Reeves was entitled to be fairly
considered as an Italian singer. He had not only a
beautiful natural organ, but expression and passion were
at his command, and there can be little doubt that he
might have permanently justified the enthusiastic wel-
come of what might be termed the " national " portion
of the audience of Her Majesty's Theatre, and might
have battled successfully against prejudice, had not
difficulties, created by himself, arisen, and caused his
secession for the remainder of the season. On the re-
petition of the opera of " Linda," on the Monday fol-
lowing, a public notice appeared, placarded in all parts
of the house, stating that at a late hour Mr. Sims
Reeves had refused to sing the part of Carlo ^ and that
Signer Gardoni had undertaken, "at a very brief
notice/' to supply his place. The change was not



224 REMINTSCENCES OF THE OPERA.
