Page:Punch and judy.djvu/49

Rh : many living can remember the introduction of "snatches of old songs," and parodies of popular ballads by Punch. Steele makes mention of Powell's "books;" but, in all likelihood, they were not books of his performances, which in our day, and for our purpose, would be great curiosities.

At all events, there is certain ground for concluding that the adventures of Punch, as represented in this country, did not by any means always consist of that series in which they are now usually performed; and although we are not in a condition to adduce distinct proof upon the point, we cannot help thinking that the introduction and popularity of "Don Juan" contributed mainly to the arrangement of the performance as it is now daily exhibited. We have consulted some persons whose age is sufficiently advanced to enable them to supply the information, and they agree that about that period the character of Punch certainly underwent a material change. Although we are inclined to favour this hypothesis, we must allow that the story, as displayed on some parts of the continent at the present moment, bears many features of strong resemblance to the fable of the piece as shewn in Great Britain. We here advert to Punch in the puppet-show, and not on the stage in Italy.

The original of "Don Juan" is generally allowed to be Spanish: in that language, it is called Il Convidado di Pietra, and its author was Tirso de Molina. It was played