ADVERTISEMENT.
Though the mixed Drama of the last Age,
called Tragi-Comedy, has been generally condemned
by the Critics, and perhaps not without Reason;
yet it has been found to succeed on the Stage:
Both the Comic and Tragic Scenes have been applauded
by the Audience, without any particular Exceptions.
Nor has it been observed, that the Effect of
either was less forcible, than it would have been, if
they had not succeeded each other in the Entertainment
of the same Night. The Tragic Part of this Play has
been always esteemed extremely Natural and Interesting;
and it would probably, like some others, have
produc'd its full Effect, notwithstanding the Intervention
of the Comic Scenes that are mixed with it: The Editor
therefore, would not have thought of removing them,
if they had not been exceptionable in themselves, not
only as indelicate, but as immoral: For this Reason, he
has suffered so much of the Characters of the Porter
and the Nurse to remain, as is not liable to this Objection.
He is, however, to account, not only for what
he has taken away, but for what he has added. It will
easily be comprehended, that the leaving out Something,
made it absolutely necessary that Something should be
supplied; and the Public will be the more easily reconciled
to this Necessity, when they are acquainted that the
Additions are very inconsiderable, and that the Editor
has done his utmost to render them of a Piece with the rest.
Several Lines of the Original, particularly, in the Part
of Isabella, are printed, though they are omitted in the
Representation. Many Things please in the Reading,
which may have little or no Effect upon the Stage.
When the Passions are violent, and the Speeches long,
the Performers must either spare their Powers, or shorten
their Speeches. Mrs. Cibber chose the latter; by
which she has been able to exert that Force and Expression
which has been so strongly felt, and so sincerely
applauded.
