University of Virginia Library

PREFACE.

The City Madam of Massinger, like most other
plays of the same period, presents so strange a
mixture of good and bad writing, of exalted sentiment
and gross obscenity, that it is less surprising
it should have been so long banished from the
stage, than that its representation should ever have
been suffered. Nor was its contexture better than
its morals; its plot was extravagant and improbable,
its characters were ill supported, and
any interest, which might have been created in
the course of the drama, was effectually stifled
by the absurdity of its conclusion. To alter or
adapt such a comedy for a modern audience
was impossible; but to suffer the beauties which
it contained to remain concealed in the impure
mass which enveloped them, was unjust alike
to the fame of Massinger, and to the good taste
of our own time. The only way, by which they
could be properly brought forward was that
which has now been adopted; by writing a new
play, in which might be incorporated those

passages of the City Madam, which were considered
as deserving of preservation. It remains
for the reader, by comparison of this play with its
prototype, to decide on the difficulty of the undertaking,
as well as on the manner in which it has
been executed. I have only to express by thanks to
the public, for the indulgence with which it was received
—to Mr. Arnold, the manager of the Lyceum
Theatre, for having brought it forward with such
advantage, and to the several performers, especially
Mrs. Edwin, and Mr. Raymond, to whose
talents and zeal I am sensible much of the applause
bestowed upon it must be attributed.