ADVERTISEMENT.
The
Tancrede of Mr. de Voltaire is the model
from whence the Tragedy of Almida was
taken. Its author has translated her original like
a poet, not like an interpreter. Judging that the
dialogue in the French, however elegant, would
appear too long to an English audience, she has
taken the liberty of shortening some of the speeches.
Her friends flatter themseves that the spirit of Voltaire
has been preserv'd, and that this great author
will not disdain his English dress. The judicious and
friendly hand of Mr. Garrick made a few additions
and alterations, and gave directions for leaving
out some of the least necessary lines in the representation;
which are here marked by inverted
double commas in the margin. Sensible of the
justice of Mr. de Voltaire's remark, and his preface
on the advantage of decorations, our Roscius
spared neither pains, or expence to please the
public in this secondary respect: his care throughout
merits and obtains their approbation, the
thanks of the author, and of her friends. The
tears in every eye of every audience demonstrate
their sense of Mrs. Barry's inimitable representation
of the poet's tender and noble sentiments.
