THE TRUE MAID OF HONOUR. Duke of York to take the first part in " Calista," - that of Diana. Gladly would she have declined the great honour conferred on her, which excited much envy among numerous ladies about the Court ; but she dared not refuse to accept the role assigned to her. There was a brilliant assemblage of rank, beauty, and fashion on the evening of the first performance of "Calista," in the royal theatre at Whitehall, Dec. 15, 1674. The Lady Mary of York took the part of the heroine, Calista ; her sister, Anne, that of Nyphe, the confidant of Calista ; while Anne's inseparable friend, the beautiful, haughty Sarah Jennings, then maid of honour to the Duchess of York, but afterwards Duchess of Marlborough, acted Mercury. Lady Harriet Wentworth performed Jupiter, (in love with Calista) ; and Margaret Blagge played the congenial character of Diana, the most prominent in the masque. The royal and noble actresses were all as remarkable for their beauty as for their high birth. The Princesses were most attractive girls. Mary, a very Stuart, was tall, slender, and graceful, with an elegant outline of features, a clear complexion, almond-shaped dark eyes, and dark hair ; Anne was " a pretty rosy Hebe," with dark chestnut-brown hair, a ruddy com- plexion, strong but regular features, and exquisitely formed hands and arms. The superb Sarah Jennings was as handsome as she was ambitious ; and our charming friend, Margaret Blagge, was as 33'
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