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108 ANNALS OF THE
place." Never was there a more efficient manager. An
excellent linguist, he possessed the power of arranging
any little differences which might and will occur with the
best regulated companies, in a decided but quiet manner ;
all submitting to his decree, which they felt was always
just. In his social capacity he was a universal favourite,
and his society was much sought for. Great regret was
felt when he discontinued his operatic speculations in
Dublin ; but his " troops of friends " have the satisfac-
tion of knowing that " Walter Maynard" is still well and
flourishing, and that they may, at intervals, have the plea-
sure of seeing their old friend, the impresario, for
many years to come.
An engagement for three nights only commenced on
September, 8th, 1840, with the following artistes : Madame
Grisi, Signer Tamburini, Signora Ernesta Grisi, Signer
Brizzi. Mr. Benedict, conductor. The " charming, the
incomparable Guila Grisi," as the London Times styled
her, made her first appearance in Dublin on Tuesday,
September 8th, 1840, Mr. Calcraft having announced that
he had made the engagement "at an enormous expense."
It is almost unnecessary to record the sensation created
by this wonderful artiste, whose efforts of genius are still
fresh in the memory of the Dublin audience, before whom
she appeared for so many successive years, and whose due
appreciation of her great talent created a lively impression,
as she always looked forward to her visit to Ireland with
the greatest pleasure. Tamburini was the prince of
baritones. To a magnificent voice, possessing the finest
quality and great compass, he added the highest cultiva-