University of Virginia Library

ADVERTISEMENT.

The following Tragedy was Originally Written in French by the celebrated Monsieur Racine, whose Master-Piece it is justly accounted; and having been translated into English, with considerable Additions, by Mr. Boyer, and pass'd the Correction and Approbation of the late famous Mr. Dryden, and several other Persons distinguish'd as well by their Wit and Learning, as by their Taste and Discernment, was acted with general Applause, towards the End of the Year 1699, and Beginning of 1700. The Reasons why this Excellent Play stopt, on a sudden, in a full Career, are, in some Measure, accounted for in Mr. Boyer's Preface: To which he might

have added, That the Dutchess of Marlborough, who at that Time bore an irresistible Sway, bespoke the Comedy then in Vogue, during the Run of Iphigenia in Aulis; And that this Tragedy receiv'd no small Prejudice, from the Person that acted Eriphile, who sunk under the Weight of so great a Part.

This Tragedy having lain dormant for many Years, was lately revived, in the most Irregular Manner, that was ever known or practised either on Parnassus, by Poets; or on the Stage, by Actors. The Town has already done Mr. Boyer some Justice, by Discovering the Imposition, and by Finding out, that the VICTIM was no other than Achilles and Iphigenia in Aulis. The Publishing a Second Edition of this Play, (which was out of Print) is sufficient to justify the Judgment of the Publick, and vindicate Mr. Boyer's Right. But the manner in which his Performance, and Himself, have been abused is so flagrant and injurious, that he designs, in few Days, to publish a short Dissertation, on the Present Management of the Stage, Addressed to My Lord Chamberlain, wherein he shall set in a true Light,

the Pernicious Consequences of such Unfair Practises both of some Writers and Players; and in particular, inquire into the Reason, Why Mr. Wilks declined to revive, this very Tragedy, for the Entertainment of the Duke D'Aumont, who, by his Secretary Monsieur l' Abbe Nadal, had Intimated to Mr. Boyer, his Desire to see it represented; which Mr. Boyer signified to Mr. Wilks?