Edwin and Angelina ; or the Banditti | ||
PREFACE.
An Author, of some reputation, has declared it as his opinion, that every Preface should be historical; and explain, not only the design of the work it precedes, but the circumstances and motives which led to its composition. It would ill become me to controvert a doctrine so convenient for my present purpose. Authors, it is true, are apt to measure the respect of others for their productions, by the estimation in which they are held by themselves. In this they may be, and often are, deceived. Yet, perhaps, they do not greatly err, when they suppose the history of their performances would not be unpleasing to those who have thought the performances themselves worthy of their attention. Such an error, at least, is venial; and will, I hope, be pardoned by those who may deem the succeeding statement unnecessary.
The principal scenes of the following Drama were composed in March, 1791; as an exercise, to beguile the weariness of a short period of involuntary leisure; and without any view to theatrical representation. From that time, till the month of October, 1793, they lay neglected, and almost forgotten. An accident then bringing them to recollection, several short scenes were added, agreeable to my original design; and the whole adapted to the Stage. The piece was presented to the then Managers of The Old American Company, for their acceptance, the December following; but the peculiar situation of the Theatre prevented any attention to this application, till June, 1794; when, on a change in the management, it
Edwin and Angelina ; or the Banditti | ||