TO THE READER.
The favourable manner in which the Town was pleased
to receive this Comedy, has encouraged me to commit it
to the Press, and to lay it before the Reader divested of
those aids, which were probably its best recommendation
to the spectator.
In its pilgrimage to the Stage, it has encountered some
adventures, which I could not relate with pleasure; and
others, which I cannot consistently with gratitude pass
over in silence.
It was written under the auspices of Mr. Graham, and
cast for the performers of Drury Lane Theatre. I clearly
understood it to be positively accepted for immediate representation,
till a short note from that gentleman informed
me, “that a material change in the property of
Drury Lane Theatre had taken place, and that all
thoughts of my Comedy for the present season were
given up.” As I knew not where to look for that
material change to which Mr. Graham alludes, I received
it in silent submission as the pass-word for my
discharge; and tendered my Play to Mr. Harris, in
whose word there is no change. His candour disdained
to find any motives for the rejection of my manuscript,
except what his judgement might suggest upon the perusal
of it; and when he had accepted it, I am certain that
no precedent whatever could have tempted him to find a
plea for returning it upon my hands.
For many of the defects, which I do not doubt that
Mr. Graham's sagacity discovered in my composition,
the friendly zeal and judgement of Mr. Harris suggested
remedies, and prescribed amendments. I therefore
avail myself of this opportunity to mark my obligations
to him, and pay to him my sincerest thanks,—
not only because they are justly due, but because I think
it a duty which I owe to my brethren of the Drama, to
add my instance to the numbers upon record of the liberality
and honour of that gentleman, who has for so long
a period conducted the interests of the Theatre he directs,
with an unquestioned character for generosity to Authors
and good faith in his engagements.
To the rehearsals of this Play Mr. Kemble, as Manager,
paid an unremitted attention. To him, therefore,
and to the Performers, I beg leave to return my most cordial
acknowledgements.
I wrote the part of the Irishman expressly for Mr.
Johnstone of Drury Lane Theatre, whose abilities in
that cast of acting are of unrivalled excellence. It was
with difficulty that Mr. Blanchard could be persuaded
to undertake a character so entirely new to him, and attempt
a dialect to which he had never accustomed himself.
I am therefore in a peculiar manner bound to pay
my thanks to that modest and meritorious actor; and
had our public papers vented all their spleen and ill-nature
upon me, and spared him, there would have been
less injustice in their dealings: for I am fair game, as a
voluntary offender—He is not. I am going out of their
reach, and shall soon receive my lasting respite from their
ceaseless persecution. This, although I feel and suffer by
as an author, I can overlook and pardon as a gentleman;
because my heart assures me, that having written more
for the Stage than any one of my nation ever did, I have
constantly studied the propriety of that Stage, nor ever
aimed to catch applause by those arts which are a disgrace
to it.
I have been consistent in opposing myself to the eccentricities
of the modern Drama. These diurnal Critics
have professed to think with me, and combined to act
against me: but there are understandings which they
cannot influence; and times, to which I appeal, when
they will be no longer remembered.
RICHARD CUMBERLAND.