PREFACE.
The materials of the following Tragedy are taken
partly from the splendid narrative of Gibbon; partly
from the still more graphical and interesting account of
Rienzi's eventful career, contained in the second volume
of L'Abbé de Sade's Memoires pour servir à la Vie de
Petrarque; and, as far as the female characters are concerned,
entirely from invention.
So much for the play. To such of my readers as
may have witnessed Mr. Young's performance of its
hero, my feeble eulogium would, indeed, be superfluous,
especially as, by the publication of the piece, I have
enabled them to appreciate the delicate touches which
belong exclusively to the performer. Still, I cannot
refrain from adding to my cordial thanks, one tribute,
which none but the Authoress can pay; by declaring,
with unfeigned sincerity, that the image present to my
fancy, when writing that long and arduous part, has
been perfectly and vividly embodied by the great actor
to whom it has been so fortunately entrusted. To Mr.
Cooper, I owe a double debt: as an actor, for his pure
and affecting performance of Angelo; and, as a manager,
for his ability in arranging the complicated business of
the scene; and for the kindness and courtesy with
which he lightened the labour of the preparations, to
all who had a share in them. To Mrs. Faucit, I would
in particular express my acknowledgments, for the discrimination
and energy which she bestowed on a
character important in the piece, but not calculated to
reward the actress; whilst, to Miss Phillips, I owe an
obligation of a different sort, for the pathos, the intelligence,
and the modest sweetness, which, on their first
development, have so enchanted the theatrical world.
It is to me one of the most gratifying circumstances
attendant on the production of Rienzi, that it has been
the medium of introducing to the acted drama, a young
lady so fitted to adorn it, by every womanly grace. In
short, to all the Performers, not only for the ability with
which they filled their parts, but for the interest that
they took in the general effect of the Play, I beg leave
to offer my sincerest and warmest thanks.
