 | Henry and Emma |  |
ADVERTISEMENT.
It needs the most humble apology from the Compiler of this little Interlude, for the liberties he has taken with a Poem so universally, and justly admired. The different prunings which he judged necessary for his purpose, were as sensibly lamented by the hand that performed them, as they can possibly be by the most zealous advocate for the ingenious Prior. These however, with various other alterations, far from being the result of self-consequence, arose from absolute necessity, in order to give the whole an appearance, somewhat conformable to the laws of our drama. It was therefore found expedient likewise to introduce the two new, though trifling characters of VENUS and EUGENIUS; and to conclude the whole with an AIR and CHORUS, which are here tacked to the piece, with every conviction in the breast of the author for his presumption.
A transposition of some lines, an occasional addition of others, some variation of the personal pronouns, &c. were judged proper to accommodate the performers, and prepare the piece for stage representation.
Under these circumstances it is hoped that this temporary sacrifice of Prior will be candidly overlooked by the Public, since it was made but to assist in some measure the modest merit of Mrs. HARTLEY, and to gratify no other desire in the COMPILER.
| Henry and Emma | |