early I820S, though an obscure chapter of his career, is characteristic of the man, and even of the times; and Irving's assistance in introducing Weber and Auber to the English public enhances the interest of this little-known phase of his life. Percival R. Kirby's article, 'Weber's Operas in London, I824-I826 ',1 does not mention Irving's major part in translation of the librettos. The omission is quite understandable, for Irving succeeded unusually well in concealing his part in the business, and the evidence for it is only to be found scattered in his journals of the years I823-25, a literary by-way which students of Weber's music would hardly explore unless it were suggested. The following summary, therefore, supplements Professor Kirby's valuable article and co-ordinates his discoveries with those of George S. Hellman, who has edited Irving's versions of the librettos and described Irving's relations with the theatre.2 A few details in Mr. Hellman's notes and those