University of Virginia Library

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.