University of Virginia Library

PREFACE.

I hold it an indispensible Duty to mention some Circumstances, which gave Birth to the following Scenes, wherein I shall not only indulge my Pride, but, perhaps, in some Degree, palliate the Boldness, and (as it may be thought by many) Presumption of my Understanding.

The Fable and Conduct of this Tragedy were projected as long ago as the Year 1761, by the late Mr. Shenstone, at his sweet Retirement, the Leasowes, in Warwickshire. Herein consists my Pride, that I enjoyed a happy (but too short) Intimacy with that amiable and accomplished Man.

In the Summer of that same Year, Mr. Shenstone had been present at the Performance of a hasty Alteration of Mr. Hawkins's Tragedy of Henry and Rosamond, which I produced at the Theatre at Birmingham, for the temporary Use of a particular Friend. Undigested and imperfect as it was, that excellent Judge said, there was a Pathos in the Story, which, notwithstanding the Defects of the Drama,

made the Representation very pleasing; and he signified his Wonder that such an affecting and popular Tale should not have found its Way to the Stage. Hence arose many Conversations on the Subject, all which terminated in his advising me to make the Story my own. The known Kindness of his Heart, perhaps, gave me Credit for greater Abilities, than I really possessed. He continued to encourage me with a Warmth which flatters me in the Recollection; and, after I had left Warwickshire, obliged me with several Letters to the same Purpose, which I still preserve as valuable Relicts.

In one of those Letters he suggested the Character of the Abbot; in Order, as he said, to add a little more Business to a Story, which otherwise might be too barren to furnish Matter for five Acts. It may easily be supposed I forthwith adopted his Idea, and carefully treasured in my Mind every Sentiment he let fall on this, as well as other Subjects; and I can say, with great Truth, that among the many Conversations I enjoyed with that excellent Man, I never knew one from which I did not derive considerable Instruction, as well as Delight.

The unexpected Loss of this most estimable Friend (which will ever be lamented by all who knew him) dispirited me from the Undertaking,

and I laid aside my Plan, together with all his Letters, till the Beginning of last Year. The Scheme itself, it is true, had often, in the Interval, occurred to my Remembrance, but a Doubt of my Ability to execute it, even in a passable Manner, deterred me from the Attempt.

Mrs. Hartley's Arrival at Covent-Garden Theatre, and the warm Solicitations of a Friend, induced me once more to resume the Design. The happy Suitability (if I may be allowed the Phrase) of her Figure, to the Description of Rosamond (as may be found in Dr. Percy's amusing and instructive Collection of old Ballads, Vol. ii Page 137) viz.

assisted by the Softness and Gentleness of her Demeanour, encouraged me, at length, to make the Attempt; and the unniversal Aprobation given by the Public to her Appearance, Manner and Performance, on the first Representation of this Play, happily convinced me I was not singular in my Opinion.

In the general Execution of the Piece I have paid a particular Attention to the old Ballad, and endeavoured at a Simplicity of Style, both which Mr. Shenstone earnestly recommended. I am not conscious of any further Helps, except having

adopted the Idea (not the Matter) of an Interview between the King and Clifford in the Monastery, from Mr. Hawkins.

I had originally made Clifford die of a broken Heart, under the Sanction of the Death of King Lear, as originally drawn by that great Master of human Nature, Shakespeare; but the general Opinion of the Public, and the Persuasions of my Friends, induced me to vary my Design in the Representation.

I have little further to add, but my Intreaties that the Reader will be pleased to judge with Lenity, what was undertaken with Diffidence.

Advised, assisted, and encouraged as I was originally, to this Undertaking, by the Possessor of such eminent Abilities, and such Benignity of Disposition, I seek no living Patron, but pride myself in having this Opportunity to dedicate my humble Production,

With the warmest Affection and Gratitude,