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To attempt any thing in Vindication of the following Scenes, wou'd cost me more Time than the Composing 'em took me up: therefore I shall only say in my own Excuse, that if the Play had been what I cou'd have call'd myself the sole Author of, or foretold the kind Reception it has met, I should certainly have taken more pains. And though it may appear like Vanity, I take the liberty to add, it was in my power to have made it much better than it is, both in the Sentiment and Expression: But without a Prospect of some Applause, I shou'd never imagine, if the Example of many Authors did not convince me, that any meaner Views cou'd wing the Poet's Flight.

This Tragedy was originally writ by Capt. Hurst, and by him deliver'd to Mr. Rich, to be acted soon after the Opening of the New House; but the Season being a little too far elaps'd for the bringing it on then, and the Author oblig'd to leave the Kingdom, Mr. Rich became the Purchaser of it, and the Winter following order'd it into Rehearsal: but found it so unfit for Representation, that for a long time he laid aside

all thoughts of making any thing of it, till last January he gave me the History of his Bargain, and made me some Proposals concerning the new modelling it: but however I was prevail'd upon, I cannot say my Inclination had much share in my Consent; knowing well, that the Consequence of altering a Manuscript, is to dare the Tongue of Censure without the least View of acquiring Reputation. On reading, I found I had much more to do than I expected; every Character I was oblig'd to find employment for, introduce one entirely new, without which it had been impossible to have guess'd at the Design of the Play; and in fine, change the Diction so wholly, that, excepting in the Parts of Alphonso and Isabella, there remains not twenty Lines of the Original.

After what I have said, I hope nobody will believe the Pride I take in what I have done, induces me to give this particular Account; since I have no other Reason for it, than to assure the Readers I shou'd have more consulted their Satisfaction, if I cou'd have thought the Scheme I was oblig'd to follow, was worthy of embelishing, or that the Ambition of pleasing them wou'd have been imputed to