Theatres.
.titer tne tragedy ot Virginin*s, which, considering the hilarity that usually prevails in the gallery at this mirthful sesbon, was ii- tened to with more than ordinary attentioR, a new " tale of enchant. ment," denominated Zoroaster. or The Spirit of the Star, was last night produced. The story cannot challenge praise, either for se- rious or comic interest. It turns on the fortunes of' Gebir, the son of an Egvptian shepherd, who having, through the influence of Zo. roaster, High Priest of Isis, obt3ined " sovereign sway and mas- tery" over the genii of the harp of Alemnon, gives loose to the most unbridled ambition. Not content witis imperial rank, which he causes the genii to confer on him. he pravs for immortality. This lastdeemand enrages Zoroaster, who destroys his palace, and thrusts hiini ferth a wandering outcast. He is seized with remorse, and ac- knowledges the justiceofhisfate; but after his virtuehas been severe- ly tried by Zoroaster, he is again restored to favour, and receives the hand of Pamina, Queen of Memphis. This lady's family had been unjustly driven from the throne, and she was reared, while yet her connexion with royalty was unknown, in the tents of Gebir's father. A mutual attachmenit grew up between her and Gebir ; but the latter, when he became powerful and wealtbyl slighted his early esga emenL The Princess, after sufficiently ringhtenimg her un- wortny lover, pities and forgives him. The story Ls, in fact, a mere vehic e for th introduction of some beautiful scemery, a pretty dance, and one or two tolerably good processions. Roberts has been very succes6ful in several fanciful arcbitectural scenes. Gebir's tIagic Palacce, and the Hall of Pleasure,are excellently painted: the latter is peculiarly fine. But Stanfield has decidedly carried away the palm from all his com.petitors; and a series of moving scenes, Eastern and European, paintedby him,cannot be viewed without strong a miration of his genius. The piece was well THEA TRES. DRtJRV-,ANV.-