Dramatic Works, Vol. 1 of 3 (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

Inhaltsangabe

Excerpt from Dramatic Works, Vol. 1 of 3

I believe few plays have ever adventured into the world under greater disadvantages than this. First, as it succeeded a comedy which, for the continued Space of twenty-eight nights, received as great (and as just) applauses, as ever were bestowed on the English Theatre. And secondly, as it is co-temporary with an entertain ment which engrosses the whole talk and admiration of the town.

These were difficulties which seemed rather to require the superior force of a Wycherley, or a Congreve, than of a raw and unexperienced pen; for I believe I may boast that none ever appeared so early upon the stage. How ever, such was the candour of the audience, the play was received with greater satisfaction than I should have promised myself from its merit, had it even preceded the Provoked Husband.

But after having returned thanks to the spectators, I cannot rest till I have been in some measure grateful to the performers. As for Mr. Wilks and Mr. Cibber, I cannot sufficiently acknowledge their civil and kind be haviour previous to its representation. How advantageously both they and the other personages set off their respective parts, at that time, has been spoken of by much politer and better judges than myself.

Lastly, I can never express my grateful sense of the good nature of Mrs. Oldfield; who, though she had contracted a slight indisposition by her violent fatigue in the part of Lady Townly, was prevailed on to grace that of Lady Matchless; which placed her in a light so far inferior to that which she had in the other. Nor do I owe less to her excellent judgment, shown in some corrections, which I shall, for my own sake, conceal. But the ravishing perfections of this lady are so much the admiration of every eye and every ear, that they will remained fixed in the memory of many, when these light scenes shall be forgotten.

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