eris Sin illum potius Phaebum velit esse Britannum Tum Daniele mihi tu Maro noster eris Nil Phaebo ulterius si quid foret illud haberet Spenserus Phaebus tu Daniele fores Quippe loqui Phaebus cuperet si more Britanno Haud scio quo poterat ni velit ore suo Sir William DAVENANT A Person sufficiently known to all Lovers of Poetry and One whose Works will preserve his Memory to Posterity He was Born in the City of Oxford in the Parish of St. Martins vulgarly call'd Carfax near the End of February in the year 1605. and was Christned on the Third of March following He was the Mercurial Son of a Saturnine Father Mr. John D' Avenant a Vintner by Profession who liv'd in the same House which is now known by the Sign of the Crown He was formerly of Lincoln College and instructed in Logick and Physicks by his Tutor Mr. Daniel Hough Fellow of that Society tho' his Genius rather inclin'd him to walk in the more flowry Fields of Poetry in which he made a Prodigious discovery advancing even without any Guide but his own Wit and Ingenuity as far as the Herculean Pillars if any such bounds are to be set of Poetry He was Poet Laureat to Two Kings whose Memory will always be Sacred to all good loyal and witty Men I mean King Charles the First the Martyr for and King Charles the Second the Restorer of the Protestant Religion according to the Church of England During this Honour of which his Wit and Parts render'd him Worthy he writ as I suppose his Dramatick Pieces of which I shall give some Account To speak of them in general I need only say that most of them have appear'd on the Stage with good applause and been receiv'd with like success in Print the greatest part publisht in the Authors Life time in Quarto and all since his Death collected into one Volume with his other Works printed in Folio Lond. 1673. and dedicated by his Widow to his Royal Highness the late King James Albovine King of the Lombards his Tragedy printed first in quarto and dedicated to the Right Honourable the Duke of Somerset This Play is commended by Eight Copies of Verses For the Design it is founded on History You may read the Story in several Historians See Paulus Diaconus de Gestis Langobardorum lib. 2 c. 28. Gregorius Epise Turonensis Hist. Francorum lib. 2. c. 28 Heylin's Cosinoraphy Part 1. Book 1. p. 57. This Story is likewise related at large in a Novel by Bandello which is translated by Belleforest See Histoires Tragiques Tome 4. Nov. 19. Cruel Brother a Tragedy printed first in quarto and dedicated to the Right Honourable the Lord Weston Lord High Treasurer of England Distresses a Tragi-Comedy printed in folio Lond. 1673. First-days Entertainment at Ruthland-house by Declamation and Musick after the manner of the Ancients The subject of the former of these Declamations is concerning Publick Entertainment by Moral Representations the Disputants being Diogenes the Cynick and Aristophanes the Poet. The later Dispute is between a Parisian and a Londoner who declaim concerning the Preheminence of Paris and London The Vocal and Instrumental Musick was compos'd by Dr. Charles Coleman Capt. Henry Cook Mr. Henry Laws and Mr. George Hudson Fair Favourite a Tragi-Comedy printed in Folio 1673. Just Italian a Tragi-Comedy printed first in quarto and dedicated to the Right Honourable the Earl of Dorset and commended by the Verses of his Friends Mr. William Hopkins and Mr. Thomas Carew Law against Lovers a Tragi-Comedy made up of two Plays written by Mr. Shakespear viz Measure for Measure and Much Ado about Nothing Tho' not only the Characters but the Language of the whole Play almost be borrow'd from Shakespear yet where the Language is rough or obsolete our Author has taken care to polish it as to give instead of many one Instance Shakespear's Duke of Vienna says thus I love the People But do not like to Stage me to their Eyes Though it do well I do not relish well Their loud Applause and Aves vehement Nor do I think the Man of safe discretion That does affect it In Sr. William's Play the Duke speaks as follows I love the People But would not on the Stage salute the Croud I never relisht their Applause nor think The Prince has true discretion who affects it For the Plot I refer you to the abovemention'd Plays in the Account of Shakespear Love and Honour a Tragi-Comedy which I have several times seen acted with good applause first at the Play-house in Lincolns-Inn-Fields and since at the Theatre in Dorset-Garden This was first printed in quarto Man 's the Master a Comedy which I think I have seen acted at the Duke's House however I am sure the Design and part of the Language is borrow'd from Scarron's Jodelet ou Le Maistre valet and as I remember part from L'Heritier ridicule a Comedy of the same Authors Platonick Lovers a Tragi-Comedy which was first printed in octavo with The Wits Play-house to be Let. I know not under what Species to place this Play it consisting of several Pieces of different Kinds handsomely tackt together several of which the Author writ in the Times of Oliver and were acted separately by stealth as the History of Sr. Francis Drake exprest by Instrumental and Vocal Musick and by Art of Perpective in Scenes c. The Cruelty of the Spaniards in Peru. These two Pieces were first printed in quarto They make the third and fourth Acts of this Play The second Act consists of a French Farce translated from Molliere's Sganarelle ou Le Cocu Imaginaire and purposely by our Author put into a sort of Jargon common to French-men newly come over The fifth Act consists of Tragedie travestie or the Actions of Caesar Antony and Cleopatra in Verse Burlesque This Farce I have seen acted at the Theatre in Dorset-garden some years ago at the end of that excellent Tragedy of Pompey translated by the incomparable Pen of the much admired Orinda Siege of Rhodes in two Parts These Plays were likewise in the times of the Civil Wars acted with Stilo Recitativo and printed in quarto but afterwards enlarged by the Author and acted with applause at the Duke of York's Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields It is dedicated to the Right Honourable the Earl of Clarendon Lord High Chancellor of England For the Plot as far as it is founded on History there are several Historians have writ of it in the Life of Solyman the second who took this City in the year 1522. See Thomas Artus Continuation de l'Histoire des Turcs Giov. Bosio L'Istoria della Sacra Religione Illma Militia di San Giovanni Gierosolimitano lib. 29. Boissardi Icones Vitae Sultanorum Turcicorum c. in Vit. Solym. 2. Knolles History of the Turks c. Siege a Tragi-Comedy News from Plimouth a Comedy formerly acted at the Globe with good success
Poet and I must do Mr. Shirley this Justice to say in his behalf That whatever he borrowes from Novels Loses nothing in his Hands any more than in in Mr. Dryden tho' our modest Author would never have said so much were he living Gentleman of Venice a Tragi-comedy presented at the Private-house in Salisbury Court by Her Majesty's Servants and printed quarto Lond. 1655. This Play is dedicated to the Honourable Sir Thomas Nightinghale Baronet and the Intrigue between Florelli Cornari and Claudiana is borrowed as I suppose from a Novel out of Gayton's Festivous Notes on Don Quixote see Book 4. Chap. 6 7 8. Grateful Servant a Comedy presented with good Applause in the Private house in Drury-lane by Her Majesty's Servants This Play is dedicated to the Right Honourable Francis Earl of Rutland and printed 4o. Lond. Lodowik's Contrivance to have Piero tempt his Wife Artella that he might be Divorc'd is the same with Contarini's Humour and Contrivance Giotto in the Humorous Courtier Hide Park a Comedy presented by Her Majesty's Servants at the Private-house in Drury-lane and printed 4o. Lond. 1637. This Play is dedicated to the Right Honourable Henry Earl of Holland This was the first Earl of that Name created in 23. Jac. Apr. 3. and was Beheaded with Duke Hamilton and the Lord Capel March the ninth dying a Martyr to retrive his former forfeited Loyalty to his Prince To this Earl I presume Hide Park once might belong since the Title was occasion'd by his Command to the Author Humorous Courtier a Comedy presented with good Applause at the Private-house in Drury-lane and printed 4o. Lond. 1640. Lady of Pleasure a Comedy acted by Her Majesty's Servants at the Private-house in Drury-lane and printed 4o. Lond. 1637. This Play is dedicated to the Right Honourable Richard Lord Lovelace of Hurley The Plot of Alex. Kickshaw his Enjoying of Aretina and thinking her the Devil resembles Lodowick in Grateful Servant Love Tricks or The School of Compliments acted by His Royal Highness the Duke of York's Servants at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn Fields and printed 4o. Lond. 1667. Love's Cruelty a Tragedy presented by Her Majesty's Servants at the Private-house in Drury-lane printed 4o. Lond. 1640. and dedicated to Cornet George Porter and Mr. Charles Porter The Concealment of Hyppolito and Chariana's Adultery from her Servant by her Husband Bellamente's Contrivance is borrow'd from Queen Margaret's Novels Day 4. Nov. 6. The like Story is related in Cynthio's Heccatomithi Dec. terza Novella sesta Maid's Revenge a Tragedy acted with good Applause at the Private-house in Drury-lane by Her Majesty's Servants printed 4o. Lond. 1639. and dedicated to Henry Osborn Esquire The Play is founded on a History in Mr. Reynolds his God's Revenge against Murther see Book 2. Hist. 7. Opportunity a Comedy presented by her Majesty's Servants at the Private-house in Drury-lane printed Lond. and dedicated to Captain Richard Owen The Resemblance of Aurelio to Borgia is founded on the same with Measure for measure and other English Plays all which as I have observ'd took their Original from Plautus Politician a Tragedy presented at Salisbury Court by Her Majesty's Servants and printed 4o. Lond. 1655. This Play is dedicated to Walter Moyle Esquire A Story resembling this I have read in the first Book of the Countess of Montgomery's Urania concerning the King of Romania the Prince Antissius and his Mother-in-Law Royal Master a Tragi-comedy acted in the New Theatre in Dublin and before the Right Honourable the Lord Deputy of Ireland in the Castle and printed 4o. Lond. 1638. This Play is dedicated to the Right Honourable George Earl of Kildare and is accompanied with Ten Copies of Verses in its Commendation Traytor a Tragedy acted by Her Majesty's Servants printed 4o. Lond. 1635. and dedicated to the Right Honourable William Earl of Newcastle afterwards Marquess and Duke This Play is recommended by a Copy of Verses writ by Mr. William Atkins a Gentleman of the Worthy Society of Grays-Inn Triumph of Peace a Masque presented by the Four Honourable Houses or Inns of Court before the King and Queen's Majesties in the Banquetting-house at Whitehal Feb. the third 1633. The Scene and Ornament was the Contrivance of Mr. Inigo Jones the Musick was Composed by Mr. William Laws and Mr. Simon Ives The Masque is dedicated to the Four Equal Honourable Societies of the Inns of Court Mr. Shirley being at that time of Grays-Inn The Masquers went in a Solemn Cavalcade from Ely House to Whitehall and the Author himself says That this Masque for the Variety of the Shews and the Richness of the Habits was the most Magnificent that hath been brought to Court in his Time 'T is printed 4o. Lond. 1633. I have a little Piece by me call'd The Inns of Court Anagrammatist or The Masquers masqued in Anagrammes written by Mr. Francis Lenton One of Her Majesty's Poets and printed 4o. Lond. 1634. This Piece not only names the Masquers and of what House they were but commends each in an Epigram Saint Patrick for Ireland the First part printed 4o. Lond. 1640. Tho' our Title-page calls it the First part I know not whether there was ever a Second part printed tho' the Prologue seems to promise one in the following Lines Saint Patrick whose large Story cannot be bound in the limits of One Play if Ye First welcome this you 'l grace our Poets Art And give him courage for a Second Part. For the Story see Bede's Life of St. Patrick Sigebert Baronius Balaeus Seven Champions of Christendom His Life in English in Twelves Lond. 16 Wedding a Tragi-comedy acted by Her Majesty's Servants at the Phoenix in Drury-lane printed 4o. Lond. 1690. and dedicated to William Gowre Esquire This is an Excellent Comedy considering the Time in which 't was writ Witty Fair One a Comedy presented at the Private-house in Drury-lane and printed 4o. Lond. 1633. This Play is dedicated to Sir Edmund Bushel Young Admiral a Tragi-comedy presented by Her Majesty's Servants at the Private-house in Drury-lane printed 4o. Lond. 1637. and dedicated to the Right Honourable George Lord Barkley of Barkley-Castle These are all the Plays that our Author has in print in Quarto we are now to give an Account of Nine Dramatick pieces printed in Octavo We shall begin with Six Plays which are printed together viz. Brothers a Comedy acted at the Private-house in Black-fryars printed 8o. Lond. 1652. and dedicated to his Noble Friend Thomas Stanley Esq Cardinal a Tragedy acted at the Private-house in Black-fryars printed 8o. Lond. 1652. and dedicated to his Friend G. B. Esq Court Secret a Tragi-comedy prepared for the Scene at Black-fryars but not acted till after it appeared in print it being printed 8o. Lond. 1653. and dedicated to William Earl of Strafford Son and Heir to that Great Soul of Honour Thomas Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and the Proto-martyr for Religion and Loyalty in the Year 1641. Doubtful Heir a Tragi-comedy acted at the Private-house in
he is stiled Servant to Queen Elizabeth Councellor to King James and Friend to Sr. Philip Sidney Dying Anno 16 without Issue and unmarried Those who would read his Character more at large may have recourse to that excellent Author above-mentioned Henry BURKHEAD This Author liv'd in the Reign of K. Charles the Martyr being a Merchant in Bristol He writ a Play in the year 1645. called Cola's Furie or Lirenda's Misery a Tragedy dedicated to the Right Honourable Edward Somerset Lord Herbert The Subject of this Play is the Irish Rebellion which broke out the twenty-third day of October 1641. 'T is couch'd under feign'd Names as Osirus for the late Duke of Ormond Berosus for Sr. John Borlace c. the other Characters are easily discovered by reading Sr. John Temple's History of the Irish Rebellion printed Lond. 1646. and Sr. John Borlace his History on the same Subject Folio Lond. 16 This Play was never acted but introduc'd into the world by two Recommendatory Copies of Verses written by his Friends both which may seem to the Reader to be too partial in their Judgments as may be judg'd by the following Lines which are part of a Copy writ by Mr. Paul Aylward What tho' of Terence Seneca we hear And other modern Scenicks in our Sphere You I prefer Johnson for all his Wit Could never paint out Times as you have hit The Manners of our Age The Fame declines Of ne're enough prais'd Shakespear if thy lines Come to be publisht Beaum Fletcher's skill Submits to yours and your more learned Quill Henry BURNEL Esq This Gentleman liv'd in Ireland in the Reign of King Charles the First He writ a Play called Landgartha a Tragi-Comedy presented in the New Theatre in Dublin with good applause being an ancient Story printed in quarto Dublin 1641. and dedicated To all Fair indifferent Fair Virtuous that are not Fair and magnanimous Ladies This Play is usher'd into the world with Four Copies of Verses three Latine and one English but being guilty of the same partiality with the former I shall omit to insert any The Play it self was first acted on St. Patrick's-day 1639. with allowance of the Master of the Revels The Author it seems miscarried in a former Play and therefore in imitation of Ben Johnson whom he stiles The Best of English Poets he has introduc'd his Play by a Prologue spoken by an Amazon with a Battle-Ax in her Hand which succeeded to the Author's satisfaction The Plot is founded on the Conquest of Fro which the Author calls Frollo King of Suevia or Suethland by Regner or as the Author calls him Reyner King of Denmark with the Repudiation of Landgertha Queen to Regner See Krantzius lib. 4. c. 6. Saxo Grammaticus lib. 9. Jo. Magnus lib. 17. c. 4 5. c. C. Lady Elizabeth CAREW A Lady that flourisht in the Reign of Qu Elizabeth of whom I am able to give no other Account than what I collect from the Title-page of a Play call'd Mariam the Fair Queen of Jewry her Tragedy written says the Publisher by that Learned Virtuous and truly Noble Lady Elizabeth Carew and printed in quarto Lond. 1613. The Play is writ in the same measure of Verse with the Tragedies of the Earl of Sterline viz. in Alternate Verse and the Chorus is writ in Settines or a Stanza of Six Lines four interwoven and a Couplet in Base For the Play itself it is very well Pen'd considering those Times and the Lady's Sex I leave it to the Readers to compare it with that modern Tragedy of Herod and Mariamne Her Story is written at large in Josephus his History of the Jews See lib. 14 and 15. Salian Tom. 6. A.M. 4012. c. Torniel Tom. 2. A. M. 4026. Thomas CAREW A Courtier much in Favour with K. Charles the First being One of the Gentlemen of the Privy-Chamber and Sewer in Ordinary He was the Author of a Masque call'd Coelum Britanicum which was performed at White-hall in the Banqueting-house on Shrove-Tuesday Night the Eighteenth of February 1633. by the King's Majesty the Duke of Lenox the Earls of Devonshire Holland Newport c. with several other Lords and Noblemen's Sons He was assisted in the contrivance by Mr. Inigo Jones that Famous Architect and all the Songs were set by Mr. Henry Lawes Gentleman of the King's Chappel and one of the private Musick to King Charles the First It being written by the King 's express Command our Author placed this Distick in the Front when printed Non habet Ingenium Caesar sed jussit habebo Cur me posse negem posse quod ille putat He writ besides several Poems Songs and Sonnets which are received with good Esteem by the Wits of this Age and are printed with the foregoing Masque These Poems have been several times Reprinted the Fourth Edition being printed in octavo Lond. 1670. This Masque is not mentioned by either Mr. Philips or Mr. Winstanley because it was formerly through a mistake ascrib'd to Sr. William Davenant Sr. John Suckling that gay Wit who delighted to Railly the best Poets and spar'd not Ben Johnson himself has thus play'd upon our Author in his Sessions of Poets Tom Carew was next but he had a Fault That would not well stand with a Laureat His Muse was hide-bound the issue of 's brain Was seldome brought forth but with trouble and pain All that were there present did agree That a Laureat Muse should be easy and free Yet sure 't was not that but 't was thought that His Grace Consider'd he was well he had a Cup-bearer's Place But this is not to be taken for the real Judgment of that Excellent Poet and he was too good a Judge of Wit to be ignorant of Mr. Carew's Worth and his Talent in Poetry and had he pleas'd he could have said as much in his Commendation as Sr William D'Avenant in those Stanzas writ to him with part of which we shall conclude Not but thy Verses are as smooth and high As Glory Love and Wine from Wit can raise But now the Devil take such Destiny What should commend them turns to their dispraise Thy Wits chief Virtue is become its Vice For every Beauty thou hast rais'd so high That now course Faces carry such a Price As must undo a Lover that would buy Lodowick CARLELL Esq This Gentleman flourisht in the Reigns of King Charles the First and Second He was an Ancient Courtier being Gentleman of the Bows to King Charles the First Groom of the King and Queen's Privy-chamber and served the Queen-Mother many years His Plays which are Eight in number were well esteem'd of and most of them appeared on the Stage at the Private-house in Black-friars notwithstanding the prohibition of the Stage in those days The Names follow Arviragus and Philicia a Tragi-Comedy in two parts acted at the Private-house in Black Friars by his Majesties Servants and printed in octavo Lond. 1639. This Play was
the Compilers of former Catalogues because it consists of Speeches of Gratulation as the Author stiles them which were spoke to his Majesty at Fen-Church Temple-Bar and the Strand and therefore besides the presidents of former Catalogues which might in part justify me I might be blam'd should I omit it The Author has plac'd a Comment throughout to illustrate and authorise his Contrivance Entertainment in private of the King and Queen on May-day in the Morning at Sir William Cornwallis's House at High-gate 1604. printed Fol. Lond. 1640. Entertainment of King James and Queen Anne at Theobalds when the House was deliver'd up with the possession to the Queen by the Earl of Salisbury May 22. 1607. The Prince of Janvile Brother to the Duke of Guise being then present printed Fol. Lond. 1640. Entertainment in particular of the Queen and Prince their Highnesses at Althrope at the Lord Spencer's on Saturday being the Twenty-fifth of June 1603. as they came first into the Kingdome printed Fol. Lond. 1640. Entertainment of the Two Kings of Great Brittain and Denmark at Theobalds July 24 th 1606. printed Fol. Lond. 1640. This Entertainment is very short and consists chiefly of Epigrams Every Man in his Humour a Comedy acted in the Year 1598. by the then Lord Chamberlain's Servants printed Fol. Lond. 1640. and dedicated to the Most Learned and his Honour'd Friend Mr. Cambden Clarencieux This Play has been reviv'd since the Civil Wars and was receiv'd with general Applause There is a new Epilogue writ for this Play the latter part of which is spoken by Ben Johnson's Ghost The Reader may find it in a Collection of Poems on several Occasions printed 8o. Lond. 1673. See pag. 29. Every Man out of his Humour a Comical Satyr first acted in the Year 1599. by the then Lord Chamberlain's Servants with allowance of the Master of the Revels printed Fol. Lond. 1640. and dedicated to the Noblest Nurseries of Humanity and Liberty in the Kingdome The Inns of Court This Play was reviv'd at the Theatre-Royal in the Year 1675. at which time a new Prologue and Epilogue were spoken by Jo. Heyns which were writ by Mr. Duffet See his Poems 8o. pag. 72. c. This is accounted an excellent Old Comedy Fortunate Isles and their Union celebrated in a Masque design'd for the Court on the Twelfth-Night 1626. printed Fol. Lond. 1641. Golden Age restor'd in a Masque at Court 1615. by the Lords and Gentlemen the King's Servants and printed Fol. Lond. 1641. Hymenaei or The Solemnities of a Masque and Barriers at a Marriage printed Fol. Lond. 1640. To this Masque are annext by the Author Learned Notes in the Margin for illustration of the Ancient Greek and Roman Customs Irish Masque at Court by Gentlemen the King's Servants printed Fol. Lond. 1640. King's Entertainment at Welbeck in Nottingham-shire a House of the Right Honourable William Earl of Newcastle at his going into Scotland 1633. printed Fol. Lond. 1640. Love free'd from Ignorance and Folly a Masque of her Majesties printed Fol. Lond. 1640. Love Restor'd in a Masque at Court by Gentlemen the King's Servants printed Fol. Lond. 1640. Love's Triumph thro' Callipolis perform'd in a Masque at Court 1630. by his Majesty King Charles the First with the Lords and Gentlemen Assisting the Inventors being Mr. Johnson and Mr. Inigo Jones printed Fol. Lond. 1641. Love's Welcome the King and Queen's Entertainment at Bolsover at the Earl of Newcastle's the 30 th of July 1634. and printed Fol. Lond. 1641. Magnetick Lady or Humours Reconcil'd a Comedy acted at the Black-fryars and printed Fol. Lond. 1640. This Play is generally esteem'd an Excellent Play tho' in those days it found some Enemies amongst which Dr. Gill Master of Pauls School or at least his Son writ a Satyr against it part of which the whole being too long I shall take the pains to transcribe But to advise thee Ben in this strist Age A Brick-kill's better for thee than a Stage Thou better know'st a Groundsil for to lay Then lay the Plot or Ground-work of a Play And better can'st direct to Cap a Chimney Then to converse with Clio or Polyhimny Fall then to work in thy old Age agen Take up thy Trug and Trowel gentle Ben Let Plays alone or if thou needs will write And thrust thy feeble Muse into the light Let Lowen cease and Taylor scorn to touch The loathed Stage for thou hast made it such But to shew how fiercely Ben could repartee on any one that had abus'd him I will present the Reader with his answer Shall the prosperity of a Pardon still Secure thy railing Rhymes infamous Gill At libelling Shall no Star-Chamber Peers Pillory nor Whip nor want of Ears All which thou hast incurr'd deservedly Nor Degradation from the Ministry To be the Denis of thy Father's School Keep in thy bawling Wit thou bawling Fool. Thinking to stir me thou hast lost thy End I 'll laugh at thee poor wretched Tike go send Thy blotant Muse abroad and teach it rather A Tune to drown the Ballads of thy Father For thou hast nought to cure his Fame But Tune and Noise the Eccho of his Shame A Rogue by Statute censur'd to be whipt Cropt branded slit neck-stockt go you are stript Masque at the Lord Viscount Hadington's Marriage at Court on Shrove-Tuesday at Night 1608. and printed fol. Lond. 1640. Masque of Augurs with several Antimasques presented on Twelfth-night 1622. printed fol. Lond. 1640. Masque of Owls at Kenelworth presented by the Ghost of Captain Coxe mounted on his Hobby-horse 1626. printed fol. Lond. 1640. Masque of Queens celebrated from the House of Fame by the Queen of Great Britain with her Ladies at Whitehall Febr. 2. 1609. This Masque is adorned with learned Notes for the Explanation of the Author's Design He was assisted in the Invention and Architecture of the Scenes throughout by Mr. Inigo Jones Masque presented in the House of the Right Honourable the Lord Haye by divers of Noble Quality his Friends for the Entertainment of Monsieur Le Baron de Tour Extraordinary Ambassador for the French King on Saturday the 22. of Febr. 1617. printed fol. Lond. 1617. Metamorphos'd Gypsies a Masque thrice presented to King James first at Burleigh on the Hill next at Belvoyr and lastly at Windsor in August 1621. printed fol. Lond. 1641. Mercury Vindicated from the Alchymists at Court by Gentlemen the King's Servants printed fol. Lond. 1640. Mortimer's Fall a Tragedy or rather a Fragment it being just begun and left imperfect by his Death tho' the Reader may see the Model of each Act by the Argument publisht before it printed fol. Lond. 1640. Neptune's Triumph for the Return of Albion celebrated in a Masque at Court on the Twelfth-Night 1644. printed fol. Lond. 1641. News from the New World discovered in the Moon a Masque presented at Court before King James 1620. and printed fol. Lond. 1641. Oberon the Fairy Prince a Masque of Prince Henries printed fol. Lond. 1640. On
by the Rest of the Audience Henry the Sixth the Second Part or the Misery of Civil-War a Tragedy acted at the Duke's Theatre printed in quarto Lond. 1681. Part of this Play likewise is borrow'd from Shakespear For the Plot read the Chronicles of those Times writ by Graston Hollingshead Trussel Martin Stow Speed Biondi Du Chesne c. Juliana or The Princess of Poland a Tragi-Comedy acted at his Royal Highness the Duke of York's Theatre printed in quarto Lond. 1671. and dedicated to the Right Honourable Roger Earl of Orrery This was the first Play this Author writ which if it be not so well penn'd as several of his later Productions it does but verify his own Observation That there are few Authors but have had those slips from their Prune which their riper Thoughts either were or at least had reason to be asham'd of Sr. Courtly Nice or It cannot be a Comedy acted by his Majesties Servants printed in quarto Lond. 1685. and dedicated to his Grace the Duke of Ormond This Play was written at the Command of his late Majesty K. Charles the Second who gave Mr. Crown a Spanish Play No pued eser or It cannot be out of which he took part of the Name and Design of this This Comedy or at least the Plot as far as relates to the Spanish Plot has formerly appear'd on the Stage under the Title of Tarugo's Wiles Sr. Courtly's Song of Stop Thief is a Paraphrase of Mascarille's Au Voleur in Mollier's Les precieuses Ridicules This Play is accounted an excellent Comedy and has been frequently acted with good Applause Thyestes a Tragedy acted at the Theatre Royal by their Majesties Servants printed in quarto Lond. 1681. The Plot of this Play is founded on Seneca's Thyestes and seems to be an Imitation of that Play I know not whether our Author ever saw the Italian Play on this Subject written by Ludovicus Dulcis which is commended by Delrio or the French Tragedies of Roland Brisset and Benoist Bauduyn but I doubt not but this Play may vie with either of them at least the French Plays which in the Opinion of some are very mean I know nothing else of our Authors writing except that Romance above-mention'd which I never saw D. John DANCER alias DAUNCY AN Author of whose place of Nativity or other passages of Life I am able to give no Account All I know of him is that he liv'd in the Reign of King Charles the Second and that his Translations shew him well vers'd in the French and Italian Tongue He has oblig'd us with Three Dramatick Plays translated from the Originals of three Eminent Poets viz. Tasso Corneille and Quinault Agrippa King of Alba or The False Tiberinus a Tragi-Comedy in Heroick Verse several times acted with great Applause before his Grace the Duke of Ormond then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland at the Theatre Royal in Dublin printed in quarto Lond. 1675. and dedicated to the Right Honourable the Lady Mary Cavendish Daughter to the Duke of Ormond This Play is traslated from the French of Monsieur Quinault an Author well known amongst those that are conversant in French Poetry several of whose Pieces have appear'd on the English Stage as La Genereuse Ingratitude L'Amant Indiscret Le Fantosme amoureux c. I know not whether this Translation be equal to the Original having never seen the later neither can I give any account of the Plot which I take to be fictitious Aminta a Pastoral printed in octavo Lond. 1660. and dedicated to his much Honoured and truly Noble Friend Mr. R. B. Who is meant by those Letters I will not be so bold as to conjecture because our Author has conceal'd his Patrons Name in obedience to his Commands This Play is a Translation of that famous Piece writ by that celebrated Wit Signior Torquato Tasso born at Sorrento bred up at Padua and the Favourite of Charles IX of France He was as I may say the Father of Pastorals being the first that transferr'd them from the Eclogue to Dramatick Poetry and his Aminta is esteem'd by Forreigners a Master-piece of Pastoral Comedy and has been translated into the French Spanish English German and Dutch Tongues This was the Pattern which the admired Guarini propos'd for his Imitation when he writ Il Pastor fido and our Author has since endeavour'd to imitate his excellent Translator the Lord Embassador Fanshaw If it be objected by some that this Translation of Tasso is far short of that of Guarini we may however with justice affirm that at least this Translation exceeds that printed in 1628 if we allow some consideration for his being clog'd with Rhime which forces him more upon Paraphrase and withal that it was his first attempt to Poetry With this Play are printed several Poems of different Subjects amongst which are Love Verses which seem as is they were writ in imitation of Mr. Cowley's Mistriss Nicomede a Tragi-Comedy acted at the Théatre Royal in Dublin printed in quarto Lond. 1671. and dedicated to the Right Honourable Thomas Earl of Ossory This Play is translated from the French Original of Monsieur Th. Corneille and is One of those Pieces which he himself most valu'd There are a great many Beauties in it which he enumerates in the Examen He says the Story is taken from the Fourth Book of Justin tho' I suppose this is an Errata of the Press the Story being in the last Chapter of the Thirty-fourth Book He writ besides there several other Pieces as a Romance call'd the English Lovers printed in octavo Lond. which however commended by Mr. Winstanley the Contrivance is due to Heywood's Play call'd The Fair Maid of the West in Two Parts from whence our Author borrow'd the Story Two other Pieces are mention'd by Mr. Winstanley viz. A Compleat History of the late Times and a Chronicle of the Kingdome of Portugal neither of which I have ever seen Samuel DANIEL Esq A Gentleman living in the Reigns of Queen Elizabeth and King James the First and One whose Memory will ever be fresh in the minds of those who favour History or Poetry He was born near Taunton in Somerset-shire and at Nineteen years of Age in the year 1581. he was enter'd Commoner of St. Mary Magdalen Hall in Oxford and after having three years exercised himself in History and Poetry he left the University His own Merit added to the Recommendation of his Brother in Law the Resolute John Florio so well known for his Italian Dictionary prefer'd him to the Knowledge of Queen Ann who was pleased to confer on him the Honour of being One of the Grooms of her most Honourable Privy-Chamber which enabled him to rent a Garden-house near London where in private he compos'd most of his Dramatick Pieces At last being weary of the world he retir'd into Wiltshire where he rented a Farm near the Devises according to Dr. Fuller tho' Mr. Wood says that his retreat was to
his coming to visit Lyndaraxa in Disguise p. 35. is stollen from the former Story of Elibesis in Cyrus p. 25. c. Abdalla visiting her being Royally attended with Guards p. 39 from the same p. 67 Almanzor's freeing Almahide from Abdalla's Captivity p. 45. is copied from Alm. p. 73. The beginning of the Fifth Act viz. The Scene between Abdalla and Lyndaraxa under the Walls of the Albayzin immediately after his Defeat p. 48. is stollen from Cyrus in the Story aforesaid p. 61. His flying to the Christians p. 50. from Alm. p. 72. Ozmin and Benzaida's flight p. 62. from Ibrahim p. 8. I might proceed through the Second Part did I not fear the Reader to be already as tir'd as my self I shall therefore only acquaint him that most of that Play is borrow'd as well as the former So that had our Author stollen from others in none of his Labours yet these Plays alone argue him guilty of the highest Confidence that durst presume to arraign the Ancient English Poets as Plagiaries in a Postscript to two Plays whose Foundation and Language are in a great measure stollen from the Beginning to the End I would therefore desire Mr. Dryden henceforth to ponder upon the following Epigram which seems to give him better Advice Cum fueris Censor primum te crimine purga Nec tua te damnent facta ne sanda reum Ne tua contemnas aliena negotia curans An tibi te quisquam junctior esse potest There are several Authors that have given an Account of this famous Action as Mariana L. 25. C. 18. Mayerne Turquet L. 23. Thuanus L. 48. Guicciardine L. 12. Luc. Marinaeus Sic. L. 20. Car. Verardus Domingo Baltanas c. Don Sebastian King of Portugal a Tragedy acted at the Theatre-Royal printed in quarto Lond. 1690. and dedicated to the Right Honourable Philip Earl of Leicester This Play is accounted by several One of the best of Mr. Dryden's and was as I have heard acted with great Applause The Foundation of it is built upon a French Novel call'd Don Sebastian How far our Author has followed the French-man I leave to the Readers of both to judge Only give me leave to take notice of that passage in his Epistle to this Play where he endeavours to clear himself from the charge of Plagiarie He says The Ancients were never accus'd of being Plagiaries for building their Tragedies on known Fables To prove this assertion he brings several Instances Thus says he Augustus Caesar wrote an Ajax which was not less his own because Euripides had written a Play before him on that Subject Thus of late years Corneille writ an Oedipus after Sophocles and I have design'd one after him which I wrote with Mr. Lee yet neither the French Poet stole from the Greek nor we from the French-man 'T is the Contrivance the new turn and new Characters which alter the Property and make it ours I have not that I know of any where accus'd the Poets in general or Mr. Dryden in particular for borrowing their Plots knowing that it is allow'd by Scaliger M. Hedelin and other Writers 'T is true I have shew'd whether they were founded on History or Romance and cited the Authors that treat on the Subject of each Dramma that the Reader by comparing them might be able to judge the better of the Poets abilities and his skill in Scenical Performances But tho' the Poet be allow'd to borrow his Foundation from other Writers I presume the Language ought to be his own and when at any time we find a Poet translating whole Scenes from others Writings I hope we may without offence call him a Plagiary which if granted I may accuse Mr. Dryden of Theft notwithstanding this Defence and inform the Reader that he equivocates in this Instance of Oedipus for tho' he stole not from Corneille in that Play yet he has borrow'd very much from the Oedipus Tyrannus of Sophocles as likewise from that of Seneca For the Plot read the French Novel call'd Don Sebastian Roy de Portugal translated into English Vasconcellos his Anacephalaeosis sive Summa Capita Actorum Regum Lusitaniae Anacaeph 20. See besides other Writers of the Affairs of Portugal about 1578 in which year Sebastian was kill'd Duke of Guise a Tragedy acted by Their Majesties Servants written by Mr. Dryden and Mr. Lee printed in quarto Lond. 1683. and dedicated to the Right Honourable Laurence Earl of Rochester This Play found several Enemies at its first appearance on the Stage the Nation at that time being in a ferment about the Succession which occasion'd several Pamphlets pro and con to be publisht The main Plot is borrow'd from Davila Mezeray and other Writers of the Affairs of Charles the Ninth as P. Mathieu Memoires de Castelnau See besides Thuanus L. 93. The Story of Malicorn the Conjurer may be read in Rosset's Histoires Tragiques en la Vie de Canope,80 p. 449. Evening's Love or The Mock Astrologer a Comedy acted at the Theatre-Royal by His Majesties Servants printed in quarto Lond. 1671. and dedicated to his Grace William Duke of Newcastle This Play is in a manner wholly stollen from the French being patcht up from Corneille's Le Feint Astrologue Molliere's Depit amoreux and his Les Precieuses Ridicules and Quinault's L'Amant Indiscreet not to mention little Hints borrow'd from Shakespear Petronius Arbiter c. The main Plot of this Play is built on that of Corneille's or rather Calderon's Play call'd El Astrologo fingido which Story is likewise copied by M. Scudery in his Romance call'd Ibrahim or the Illustrious Bassa in the Story of the French Marquess Aurelia's affectation in her Speech p. 31. is borrow'd from Molliere's Les Precieuses Ridicules The Scene between Alonzo and Lopez p. 39. is translated from Molliere's Depit amoreux Act 2. Sc. 6 Camilla's begging a new Gown of Don Melchor p. 61. from the same Act 1. Sc. 2. The Love Quarrel between Wild-blood and Jacinta Mascal and Beatrix Act 4. Sc. the last is copied from the same Play Act 4. Sc. 3 and 4. The Scene of Wild-blood Jacinta c. being discover'd by Aurelia's falling into Alonzo's Arms p. 73. c. is borrow'd from Quinault's L'Amant Indiscreet Act 5. Sc. 4. Kind Keeper or Mr. Limberham a Comedy acted at the Duke's Theatre by his Royal Highness's Servants printed in quarto Lond. 1680. and dedicated to the Right Honourable John Lord Vaughan In this Play which I take to be the best Comedy of his he so much expos'd the keeping part of the Town that the Play was stopt when it had but thrice appear'd on the Stage but the Author took a becoming Care that the things that offended on the Stage were either alter'd or omitted in the Press One of our modern Writers in a short Satyr against Keeping concludes thus Dryden good Man thought Keepers to reclaim Writ a Kind Satyr call'd it Limberham This all the Herd of Letchers straight alarms From Charing-Cross
as the Reader may see by reading the Story of Encolpius Giton Eumolpus and Tryphaena aboard Licas's Vessel To say nothing of the Resemblance of the Catastrophe with that of Scarron's Rival Brothers Novel the Fifth Secret Love or The Maiden Queen a Tragi-Comedy acted by His Majesties Servants at the Theatre-Royal printed in quarto Lond. 1679. I have already made some observation on this Preface p. 143. and cannot pass by his making use of Bayes's Art of Transversing as any One may observe by comparing the Fourth Stanza of his First Prologue with the last Paragraph of the Preface to Ibrahim As to the Contrivance of the Plot the serious part of it is founded on the History of Cleobuline Queen of Corinth Part 7. Book 2. The Characters of Celadon Florimel Olinda and Sabina are borrow'd from the Story of Pisistates and Cerintha in the Grand Cyrus Part 9. Book 3. and from the Story of the French Marquess in Ibrahim Part 2. Book 1. Sir Martin Mar-all or The Feign'd Innocence a Comedy acted at His Highness the Duke of York's Theatre printed in quarto Lond. 1678. This Play is generally ascrib'd to Mr. Dryden tho' his Name be not affix'd to it But in reality the Foundation of it is originally French and whoever will compare it with M. Quinault's L'Amant Indiscret and Molliere's L'Etourdy ou le contre temps will find not only the Plot but a great part of the Language of Sr. Martin and his Man Warner borrow'd There are several other Turns of the Plot copied from other Authors as Warner's playing on the Lute instead of his Master and his being surpriz'd by his Folly See Francion written by M. Du Pare Lib. 7. Old Moody and Sr. John being hoisted up in their Altitudes is taken at least the hint of it from Shakerly Marmion's Fine Companion Act 4. Sc. 1. The Song of Blind Love to this Hour as I have already observ'd is translated from a Song made by M. de Voiture tho' I must do Mr. Drydeu the Justice to acquaint the World that he has kept to the Sense and the same Measure of Verse Spanish Fryar or The Double Discovery a Tragi-Comedy acted at the Duke's Theatre printed in quarto Lond. 1681. and dedicated to the Right Honourable John Lord Haughton Whether Mr. Dryden intended his Character of Dominick as a Satyr on the Romish Priests only or on the Clergy of all Opinions in general I know not but sure I am that he might have spar'd his Reflecting Quotation in the Front of his Play Ut melius possis fallere sume togam But the truth is ever since a certain Worthy Bishop refus'd Orders to a certain Poet Mr. Dryden has declar'd open defiance against the whole Clergy and since the Church began the War he has thought it but Justice to make Reprisals on the Church Mr. Dryden who is famous for collecting Observations and Rules for Writing has learnt this great Arcanum from his Brother Poet the Tutor to Pacheco in the Comedy of the Reformation That this one piece of Art of Reflecting in all he writes on Religion and the Clergy has set off many an indifferent Play by the titilation it affords the Gallants who are sure to get those Verses all by heart and fill their Letters with them to their Country Friends But whatever success this way of Writing may find from the Sparks it can never be approv'd on by sober Men and there are none who have any sense of Religion themselves that can without concern suffer it to be abus'd and none but Apostates or Atheists will be so impudent to attempt it and the real cause of their Envy and Malice is the same with that of the Emperor to his Son Aureng-zebe which with Reference to the Clergy may be thus apply'd Our Clergy's sacred Virtues shine too bright They flash too fierce their foes like birds of night Shut their dull Eyes and sicken at the sight The Comieal Parts of the Spanish Fryar Lorenzo and Elvira are founded on Monsieur S. Bremond's Novel call'd the Pilgrim State of Innocence or The Fall of Man an Opera written in Heroick Verse printed in quarto Lond. 1678. and dedicated to Her Royal Highness the Dutchess Whether the Author has not been guilty of the highest Flattery in this Dedication I leave to the Reader 's Judgment but I may presume to say that there are some Expressions in it that seem strain'd and a Note beyond Ela as for Instance Your Person is so admirable that it can scarce receive addition when it shall be glorified and your Soul which shines through it finds it of a Substance so near her own that she will be pleas'd to pass an Age within it and to be confin'd to such a Pallace This Dramma is commended by a Copy of Verses written by Mr. Lee and the Author has prefixt an Apology for Heroick Poetry and Poetick Licence The foundation of this Opera is fetcht from Mr. Milton's Paradise Lost. How far our Author has transcrib'd him I shall leave to the inquiry of the Curious that will take the pains to compare the Copy with the Original Tempest or The Inchanted Island a Comedy acted at His Royal Highness the Duke of York's Theatre and printed in quarto Lond. 1676. This Play is originally Shakespear's being the first Play printed in the Folio Edition and was revis'd by Sr. D'Avenant and Mr. Dryden The Character of the Saylors were not only the Invention of the former but for the most part of his Writing as our Author ingeniously confesseth in his Preface 'T is likewise to his Praise that he so much commends his deceas'd Predecessor But as to his Reflections on Mr. Fletcher and Sr. John Suckling for having copied the One his Sea Voyage the other his Goblins from this Play I believe were Mr. Dryden to be try'd by the same Standard most of his Plays would appear Copies Troilus and Cressida or Truth found out too late a Tragedy acted at the Duke's Theatre to which is prefixt a Preface containing the Grounds of Criticisme in Tragedy printed in quarto Lond. 1679. and dedicated to the Right Honourable Thomas Earl of Sunderland This Play was likewise first written by Shakespear and revis'd by Mr. Dryden to which he added several new Scenes and even cultivated and improv'd what he borrow'd from the Original The last Scene in the third Act is a Master-piece and whether it be copied from Shakespear Fletcher or Euripides or all of them I think it jnstly deserves Commendation The Plot of this Play was taken by Mr. Shakespear from Chaucer's Troilus and Cressida which was translated according to Mr. Dryden from the Original Story written in Latine Verse by One Lollius a Lombard Tyranick Love or The Royal Martyr a Tragedy acted by His Majesties Servants at the Theatre-Royal printed in quarto Lond. 1677. and dedicated to the Most Illustrious Prince James Duke of Monmouth and Bucclugh This Tragedy is writ in Heroick
some for an Admirable Poet but it is by those who are not acquainted much with Authors and therefore are deceiv'd by Appearances taking that for his own Wit which he only borrows from Others for Mr. Durfey like the Cuckow makes it his business to suck other Birds Eggs. In my Opinion he is a much better Ballad-maker than Play-wright and those Comedies of his which are not borrow'd are more ally'd to Farce than the true Comedy of the Ancients The Plays to which he lays claim are Thirteen in Number viz. Banditti or A Ladies Distress a Comedy acted at the Theatre-Royal printed in quarto Lond. 1686. This Play was affronted in the Acting by some who thought themselves Criticks and others with Cat-calls endeavour'd at once to stisle the Author's Profit and Fame which was the occasion that through Revenge he dedicated it to a certain Knight under this Ironical Title To the extream Witty and Judicious Gentleman Sir Critick-Cat-call The chief Plot of this Play is founded on a Romance written by Don Francisco de las Coveras call'd Don Fenise translated into English in 8o. See the History of Don Antonio Book 4. p. 250. The design of Don Diego's turning Banditti and joining with them to rob his supposed Father resembles that of Pipperollo in Shirley's Play call'd The Sisters Common-wealth of Women a Tragi-Comedy acted at the Theatre-Royal by Their Majesties Servants printed in quarto Lond. 1686. and dedicated to the truly Noble and illustrious Prince Christopher Duke of Albermarle This Play is Fletcher's Sea-Voyage reviv'd with the Alteration of some few Scenes tho' what is either alter'd or added may be as easily descern'd from the Original as Patches on a Coat from the main Piece Fond Husband or The Plotting Sisters a Comedy acted at his Royal Highness the Duke's Theatre printed in quarto Lond. 1678. and dedicated to his Grace the Duke of Ormond This is One of his best Comedies and has been frequently acted with good Applause tho' methinks the business of Sneak Cordelia and Sir Roger Petulant end but abruptly Fool turn'd Critick a Comedy acted at the Theatre-Royal by His Majesties Servants and printed in quarto Lond. 1678. The Prologue to this Play is the same with that of Mr. Anthony and was I suppose borrow'd from thence The Characters of Old Wine-love Tim and Small-wit resemble those of Simo Asotus and Balio in the Jealous Lovers Fools Preferment or The Three Dukes of Dunstable a Comedy acted at the Queens Theatre in Dorset-Garden by their Majesties Servants with the Songs and Notes to them Composed by Mr. Henry Purcel printed in quarto Lond. 1688. and dedicated to the Honourable Charles Lord Morpeth with this familiar Title My Dear Lord and subscrib'd like a Person of Quality only with his Sir-name D'Urfey Nor is his Epistle less presumptuous where he arrogates to himself a Play which was writ by another and owns only a hint from an old Comedy of Fletcher's when the whole Play is in a manner trascrib'd from the Noble Gentleman abating the Scene that relates to Basset which is borrow'd from a late traslated Novel call'd The Humours of Basset As to part of the first Paragraph of his Dedication 't is borrow'd from the translation of Horace's Tenth Satyr by the Earl of Rochester and any Man that understands French and should read a Place he there quotes out of Montaigne would be so far from taking him to be as he stiles himself Nephew to the famous D'Urffee the Author of the Excellent Astraea that they would rather think he understood not the Language or was extreamly negligent in suffering such Errata to go uncorrected For my part I should rather take him to be lineally descended from the Roman Celsus whom Horace makes mention of in his Epistle to his Friend Julius Florus at least I am sure the Character will fit our Author Quid mihi Celsus agit monitus multumque monendus Privatas ut quaerat opes tangere vitet Scripta Palatinus quaecunque recepit Apollo Ne si fortè suas repetitum venerit olim Grex avium plumas moveat cornicula risum Furtivis nudata coloribus Injur'd Princess or The fatal Wager a Tragi-Comedy acted at the Theatre-Royal by His Majesties Servants printed in quarto Lond. 1682. The Design and the Language of this Play is borrow'd from a Play call'd the Tragedy of Cymbeline In this Play he is not content with robbing Shakespear but tops upon the Audience an old Epilogue to the Fool turn'd Critick for a new Prologue to this Play So that what Mr. Clifford said of Mr. Dryden is more justly applicable to our Author That he is a strange unconscionable Thief that is not content to steal from others but robbs his poor wretched Self too Madam Fickle or The Witty false One a Comedy acted at his Royal Highness the Duke's Theatre printed in quarto Lond. 1677. and dedicated to his Grace the Duke of Ormond This Play is patch up from several other Comedies as the Character of Sir Arthur Old Love is borrow'd from Veterano in the Antiquary Zechiel's creeping into the Tavern Bush and Tilbury Drunk in the Street under it with a Torch Act 5. Sc. 2. is borrow'd from Sir Reverence Lamard and Pimp-well in the Walks of Islington and Hogsden There are other Hints likewise borrow'd from the Fawn so that the Author did well to prefix that Verse of Horace before his Play Non cuivis Homini contingit adire Corinthum plainly implying that he could not write a Play without stealing Royalist a Comedy acted at the Duke's Theatre and printed in quarto Lond. 1682. This Comedy was well receiv'd on the Stage but patcht up from Novels as the former from Plays Witness the Tryals which Camilla put upon her Husband Sir Oliver Old-cut for the Love of Sir Charles King-love which the Author borrow'd from Boccace Day 7. Nov. 9 Les Contes de M. de la Fontaine pag. 47. and other Hints Nay our Author who sets up himself for Madrigals has stoln the Song of Hey Boys up go We c. in the fourth Act from The Shepherds Oracle an Eclogue printed in quarto Lond. 1644. Siege of Memphis or The Ambitious Queen a Tragedy acted at the Theatre-Royal printed in quarto Lond. 1676. This Play is writ in Heroick Verse and dedicated to the Truly Generous Henry Chivers Esq who shew'd himself truly such in defending a Play so full of Bombast and Fustian There goes more to the making of a Poet than capping Verses or taging Rimes 't is not enough concludere versum as Horace calls it but a Poet must be such a One Ingenium cui sit cui mens divinior atque os Magna sonaturum des nominis hujus honorem I would therefore advise all these Poetasters in the words of a Modern Prologue Rimesters get Wit e're ye pretend to shew it Nor think a game at Crambo makes a Poet. Squire Old-sap or The Night Adventurers a Comedy acted
at his Royal Highness the Duke's Theatre printed in quarto Lond. 1679. This Comedy is very much beholding to Romances for several Incidents as the Character of Squire Old-sap and Pimpo's tying him to a Tree Act 1. is borrow'd from the begining of the Romance call'd the Comical History of Francion Trick-love's cheating Old-sap with the Bell and Pimpo's standing in Henry's place Act 4. Sc. 3. is borrow'd from Boccace's Novels Day 7. Nov. 8. The same is related in Les Contes de M. de la Fontaine in the Story intituled La Gageure des trois Commeres Tom. 1. pag. 47. Trick-love's contrivance with Welford to have Old-sap beaten in her Habit Act 4. Sc. the last is borrow'd from Boccace Day 7. Nov. 7. tho' the same is an incident in other Plays as in Fletcher's Women Pleas'd London Cuckolds c. There are other passages borrow'd likewise which I purposely omit to repeat Sir Barnaby Whig or No Wit like a Womans a Comedy acted by their Majesties Servants at the Theatre-Royal printed in quarto Lond. 1681. and dedicated to the Right Honourable George Earl of Berkley This Play is founded on a Novel of Monsieur S. Bremond call'd The Double Cuckold and the part of the Humor of Captain Porpuss is borrow'd from a Play called The Fine Companion Trick for Trick or The Debauch'd Hypocrite a Comedy acted at the Theatre-Royal by his Majesties Servants printed in quarto Lond. 1678. This Play is only Fletcher's Monsieur Thomas reviv'd tho' scarce at all acknowledg'd by our Author Virtuous Wife or Good luck at last a Comedy acted at the Dukes Theatre by His Royal Highness his Servants printed 4o. Lond. 1680. This Comedy is one of the most entertaining of his tho' there are many little hints borrow'd from other Comedies as particularly the Fawn and the Humor of Beaufort is copy'd from Palamede in Marriage A-la-mode Besides these Plays he has written several Songs which if I mistake not were collected into one entire Vol. and printed 8o. Lond. 1682. But I wou'd not have him ascribe all his Songs any more than his Plays to his own Genius or Imagination since he is equally beholding for some of them to other Mens pains Witness the above-mention'd Song in the Royalist And didst thou not promise me when thou ligst by me c. He has writ besides other pieces as Butler's Ghost printed 8o. Lond. 1682. Poems 8o. Lond. 1690. Collin's Walk 8o. Lond. 1690. c. E. Edward ECCLESTON A Gentleman now living the Author of an Opera of the same Nature with Mr. Dryden's State of Innocence but being publisht after it it serv'd rather as a Foil to the excellent piece than any ways rival'd its Reputation This piece first bore the Title of Noahs Flood or The Destruction of the World an Opera printed 4o. Lond. 1679. and dedicated to her Grace the Dutchess of Monmouth This Play not going off a new Title and Cuts were affix'd to it in Hillary-Term 1684. it then going under the Title of The Cataclism or General Deluge of the World Whether Mr. Holford was more successful than Mr. Took in putting off the remainder of the Impression or whether the various Sculptures took more with the Ladies of the Pal-mall than the Sence did with those who frequent Paul's Church-Yard I am not able to determine but I doubt the Bookseller still wants Customers since I again find it in the last Term Catalogue under the Title of The Deluge or The Destruction of the World The Title shews the Foundation of it to be Scripture Sir George ETHERIDGE A Gentleman sufficiently eminent in the Town for his Wit and Parts and One whose tallent in sound Sence and the Knowledge of true Wit and Humour are sufficiently conspicuous and therefore I presume I may with justice and without envy apply Horace's Character of Fundanus to this admirable Author Argutâ meretrice potes Davoque Chremeta Eludente senem comis garrire libellos Unus vivorum Fundani This Ingenious Author has oblig'd the World by publishing three Comedies viz. Comical Revenge or Love in a Tub a Comedy acted at his Royal-Highness the Duke of York's Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-fields printed quarto Lond. 1669. and dedicated to the Honourable Charles Lord Buckhurst This Comedy tho' of a mixt nature part of it being serious and writ in Heroick Verse yet has succeeded admirably on the Stage it having always been acted with general approbation Man of Mode or Sir Fopling Flutter a Comedy acted at the Duke's Theatre printed 4o. Lond. 1676. and dedicated to her Royal Highness the Dutchess This Play is written with great Art and Judgment and is acknowledg'd by all to be as true Comedy and the Characters as well drawn to the Life as any Play that has been Acted since the Restauration of the English Stage Only I must observe that the Song in the last Act written by C.S. is translated from part of an Elegy written in French by Madame la Comtesse de la Suze in Le Recüeil des Pieces Gallantes tom 1. p. 42. She wou'd if she cou'd a Comedy Acted at his Highness the Duke of York's Theatre and printed quarto Lond. 1671. This Comedy is likewise accounted one of the first Rank by several who are known to be good Judges of Dramatick Poesy Nay our present Laureat says 'T is the best Comedy written since the Restauration of the Stage I heartily wish for the publick satisfaction that this great Master would oblidge the World with more of his Performances which would put a stop to the crude and indigested Plays which for want of better cumber the Stage F. Sir Francis FANE Junior Knight of the Bath A Gentleman now living at Fulbeck in Lincoln-shire and Granson as I suppose to the Right Honourable the Earl of Westmorland This Noble Person 's Wit and Parts are above my Capacity to describe and therefore I must refer my Reader to his Works which will afford him better satisfaction He has obliged the World with two Plays which are equall'd by very few of our modern Poets and has shew'd that he can command his Genius being able to write Comedy or Tragedy as he pleases Love in the dark or The Man of business a Comedy acted at the Theatre Royal by his Majesties Servants printed 4o. Lond. 1675. and dedicated to the Right Honourable John Earl of Rochester The Plot of Count Sforza and Parthelia Daughter to the Doge of Venice is founded on a novel of Scarron's call'd the Invisible Mistress Bellinganna Cornanto's Wife sending Scrutinio to Trivultio to check him for making Love to her is founded on a Novel in Boccace Day 3. Nov. 3. Hircanio's Wife catching him with Bellinganna is built on the Story of Socrates and his Wife Mirto in the Loves of Great Men p. 59 Trivultio's seeming to beat Bellinganna is grounded on a Story in Boccace See Day 7. Nov. 7. Sacrifice a Tragedy printed 4o. Lond. 1686. and dedicated to the Right Honourable Charles
made him Famous all over England Of these he has writ A Discourse of Horsemanship printed 4o. without Date and dedicated to Prince Henry Eldest Son to King James the First Cure of all Diseases incident to Horses 4o. 1610. English Farriar 4o. 1649. Master-piece 4o. 1662. Faithful Farriar 8o. 1667. Perfect Horseman 120. 1671. For Husbandry he publisht Liebault's Le Maison Rustique or The Country Farm Fol. Lond. 1616. This Treatise which was at first translated by Mr. Richard Surflet a Physitian our Author enlarg'd with several Additions from the French Books of Serres and Vinet the Spanish of Albiterio and the Italian of Grilli and others The Art of Husbandry first translated from the Latine of Conr. Heresbachius by Barnaby Googe he revis'd and augmented 4o. 1631. He writ besides Farewel to Husbandry 4o. 1620. Way to get Wealth wherein is compris'd his Country Contentments printed 4o. 1668. To this I may add Hungers Prevention or his Art of Fowling 8o. His Epitome 120. c. In Military Discipline he has publisht The Souldiers Accidence and Grammar 4o. 1635. Besides these the second part of the First Book of The English Arcadia is said to be writ by him insomuch that he may be accounted if not Unus in Omnibus at least a Benefactor to the Publick by those Works he left behind him which will without doubt eternise his Memory Christopher MARLOE An Author that was Cotemporary with the Incomparable Shakespear and One who trod the Stage with Applause both from Queen Elizabeth and King James Nor was he accounted a less Excellent Poet by the Judicious Johnson and Heywood his Fellow Actor stiles him the Best of Poets In what esteem he was in his time may be gathered from part of a Copy of Verses writ in that Age call'd a Censure of the Poets where he is thus Characteriz'd Next Marlow bathed in the Thespian Springs Had in him those brave Sublunary things That your First-Poets had his Raptures were All Air and Fire which made his Verses clear For that fine Madness still he did retain Which rightly should possess a Poet's Brain His Genius inclin'd him wholly to Tragedy and he has obliged the world with Seven Plays of this kind of his own Composure besides One in which he join'd with Nash call'd Dido Queen of Carthage which I never saw Of the others take the following Account Dr. Faustus his Tragical History printed 4o. Lond. 1661. There is an old Edition which I never saw but this is printed with new Additions of several Scenes The Plot or the Foundation of this Play may be read in several Authors as Camerarei Hor. Subcisiv Cent. 1. Wierus de Praestigiis Daemonum Lib. 2. Cap. 4. Lonicerus c. Edward the Second a Tragedy printed 4o. Lond. I know not the Date or the Stage where this Play was acted thro' the defect of my Title-page For the Plot consult the Historians that have writ on those Times as Ranulphus Higden Walsingham Math. Westminster Especially those that have more particularly writ his Life as Thomas de la More Sr. Fr. Hubert c. Jew of Malta a Tragedy play'd before the King and Queen in her Majesties Theatre at Whitehall and by her Majesties Servants at the Cock-pit printed 4o. Lond. 1633. after the Author's Decease and dedicated by Mr. Thomas Heywood the Publisher To his Worthy Friend Mr. Thomas Hammon of Gray's Inn. This Play was in much esteem in those days the Jew's Part being play'd by Mr. Edward Allen that Ornament both to Black-friars Stage and to his Profession to the One on Account of of his excellent Action to the Other of his exemplary Piety in founding Dulwich Hospital in Surrey What Opinion Mr. Heywood had of the Author and Actor may be seen by the beginning of his Prologue spoke at the Cock-pit We know not how our Play may pass this Stage But by the best of Poets in that Age The Malta Jew had being and was made And He then by the best of Actors play'd In Hero and Leander one did gain A lasting Memory in Tamberlain This Jew with others many th' other wan The Attribute of peerless being a Man Whom we may rank with doing no one wrong Proteus for Shapes and Roscius for a Tongue Lust's Dominion or The Lascivious Queen a Tragedy publisht by Mr. Kirkman 8o. Lond. 1661. and dedicated to his worthily honour'd Friend William Carpenter Esquire This Play was alter'd by Mrs. Behn and acted under the Title of Abdelazer or The Moor's Revenge Massacre of Paris with the Death of the Duke of Guise a Tragedy play'd by the Right Honourable the Lord Admiral 's Servants printed octavo Lond. This Play is not divided into Acts it begins with that fatal Marriage between the King of Navarre and Marguerite de Valois Sister to King Charles the Ninth the Occasion of the Massacre and ends with the Death of Henry the Third of France For the Plot see the Writers of those times in the Reigns of these two Kings Ch. IX and Henry III. Thuanus Davila Pierre Matthieu Dupleix Mezeray c. Tamburlain the Great or The Scythian Shepherd a Tragedy in two parts sundry times acted by the Lord Admiral 's Servants printed in an old Black-Letter octavo Lond. 1593. Had I not Mr. Heywood's Word for it In the fore-mention'd Prologue I should not believe this Play to be his it being true what an ingenious Author said That whoever was the Author he might ev'n keep it to himself secure from Plagiary For the Story see those that have writ his Life in particular as Pietro Perondini M. St. Sanctyon Du Bec c. and those that have treated of the Affairs of Turks and Tartars in general in the Reigns of Bajazet and Tamerlane as Laonicus Chalcocondylas Pet. Bizarus Knolles c. He writ besides a Poem call'd Hero and Leander Whose mighty Lines says One Mr. Benjamin Johnson a Man sensible enough of his own Abilities was often heard to say that they were Examples sitler for Admiration than Paralel This Poem being left imperfect by our our Author who according to Mr. Philips In some riotous Fray came to an untimely and violent End it was finished by Mr. Chapman and printed octavo Lond. 1606. Shakerley MARMION A Gentleman born in the Reign of King Charles the First at Ainoe in Sutton Hundred in the County of Northampton about the beginning of January A. D. 1602. He was bred up at Thame-School in Oxfordshire and at fifteen Years of Age was sent to the University of Oxford where he became a Member of Wadham Colledge and in 1624. he took his Master of Arts Degree What further became of him I know not all that I am able to inform the Reader is that he was the Author of three Comedies which have formerly been well approv'd viz. Antiquary a Comedy acted by her Majesties Servants at the Cock-pit and printed quarto Lond. 1641. Aurelio's declaring his Marriage to the Duke and
the greatest Master of Wit the most exact Observer of Mankind and the most acurate Judge of Humour that ever he knew Besides what his Grace has writ in Dramatick Poetry he published during his Honourable Exile at Antwerp the most Magnificent and withall the Best Book of Horsmanship that was ever yet extant How eminent his skill was in that Noble Art of Dressing Horses in the Manage is well known not only to our Countrymen but to all Nations of Europe Persons of all Countries and those of the best Quality crouding to his Manage at Antwerp to see him ride Insomuch that Signior del Campo One of the most knowing Riders of his Time said to the Duke upon his Dismounting as it were in an Extasie Il faut tirer la Planche The Bridge must be drawn up meaning that no Rider must presume to come in Horsemanship after him M. De Soleil one of the best Writers that I have met with amongst the French when he enlarged his Le Parfaict Mareschal borrowed the Art of Breeding from the Duke's Book as he owns in his Avis au Lecteur and stiles him Un des plus accomplis Cavaliers de nôtre temps But having nam'd this Forreigner's borrowing from his Grace I should justly deserve to be branded with Ingratitude should I not own That 't is to the Work of this Great Man that I am indebted for several Notions borrow'd from his Grace in a little Essay of Horsemanship printed 8o. Oxon. 1685. Nay further I think it no small Glory that I am the only Author that I know of who has quoted him in English He has written two Books of Horsemanship the first in French called La Methode nouvelle de Dresser les Chevaux avec Figures Fol. Ant. 1658. The other in English stiled A New Method and Extraordinary Invention to dress Horses and work them according to Nature as also to perfect Nature by the Subtlety of Art Fol. Lond. 1667. The first Book was writ by the Duke in English and made French at his command by a Wallon and is extraordinary scarce and dear The latter as the Duke informs his Reader Is neither a Translation of the first nor an absolutely necessary Addition to it and may be of use without the other as the other hath been hitherto and still is without this but both together will questionless do best I beg my Reader 's Pardon if I have dwelt upon this Subject to the tryal of his Patience but I have so great a Value for the Art it self and such a Respect for the Memory of the best of Horsemen that I cannot refrain from trespassing yet further by transcribing an Epigram writ to the Duke on this Subject but it being the production of the Immortal Johnson I hope that alone will attone for the Digression An Epigram to William Duke of Newcastle When first my Lord I saw you back your Horse Provoke his Mettle and command his force To all the uses of the Field and Race Methought I read the ancient Art of Thrace And saw a Centaure past those tales of Greece So seem'd your Horse and you both of a piece You shew'd like Perseus upon Pegasus Or Castor mounted on his Cyllarus Or what we hear our home-born Legend tell Of bold Sir Bevis and his Arundel Nay so your Seat his Beauties did endorse As I began to wish my self a Horse And surely had I but your Stables seen Before I think my wish absolv'd had been For never saw I yet the Muses dwell Nor any of their Houshold half so well So well as when I saw the Floor and Room I look'd for Hercules to be the Groom And cry'd Away with the Caesarian Breed At these immortal Mangers Virgil fed Margaret Dutchess of NEWCASTLE A Lady worthy the Mention and Esteem of all Lovers of Poetry and Learning One who was a fit Consort for so Great a Wit as the Duke of Newcastle Her soul sympathising with his in all things especially in Dramatick Poetry to which she had a more than ordinary propensity She has publisht six and twenty Plays besides several loose Scenes nineteen of which are bound and printed in one Volume in Fol. 1662. the others in Folio Lond. 1668. under the Title of Plays never before printed I shall not presume to pass my Judgment on the Writings of this Admirable Dutchess but rather imitate the Carriage of Julius Scalinger to the Roman Sulpitia by concluding with him Igitur ut tà m laudibilis Heroinae Ratio habeatur non ausim objicere ei judicii severitatem I know there are some that have but a mean Opinion of her Plays but if it be consider'd that both the Language and Plots of them are all her own I think she ought with Justice to be preferr'd to others of her Sex which have built their Fame on other People's Foundations sure I am that whoever will consider well the several Epistles before her Books and the General Prologue to all her Plays if he have any spark of Generosity or Good Breeding will be favourable in his Censure As a proof of my Assertion it may be proper in this place before I give an Account of her Plays to transcribe part of that general Prologue the whole being too long to be here inserted But Noble Readers do not think my Plays Are such as have been writ in former Days As Johnson Shakespear Beaumont Fletcher writ Mine want their Learning Reading Language Wit The Latin Phrases I could never tell But Johnson could which made him write so well Greek Latin Poets I could never read Nor their Historians but our English Speed I could not steal their Wit nor Plots out take All my Plays Plots my own poor Brain did make From Plutarch's Story I nere took a Plot Nor from Romances nor from Don Quixot As others have for to assist their Wit But I upon my own Foundation writ c. I hasten now to give an Account of the Titles of her Plays according to our accustomed order viz. Apocryphal Ladies a Comedy This Play consists of three and twenty Scenes but is not divided into Acts. Bell in Campo a Tragedy in two parts In the second Play are several Copies of Verses writ by the Duke of Newcastle Blasing World a Comedy Tho' this be stil'd a Play in former Catalogues yet it is but a Fragment the Authress before she had finisht the second Act desisted not finding her Genius tend to the prosecution of it Bridals a Comedy Comical Hash a Comedy This Play has not been in any Catalogue before Convent of Pleasure a Comedy Female Academy a Comedy Lady Contemplation a Comedy in two parts Three Scenes in the first and two in the second part were writ by the Duke Loves Adventures in two parts a Comedy The Song and the Epithalamium in the last Scene in the second part was likewise writ by the Duke Matrimonial Trouble in two parts the second being a Tragedy or as the Authress stiles it
a Tragi-comedy Natures three Daughters Beauty Love and Wit a Comedy in two parts Presence a Comedy To this are added twenty nine single Scenes which the Dutchess design'd to have inserted into this Play but finding it would too much lengthen it she printed them separately Publick Wooing a Comedy in which the Duke writ several of the Suitors Speeches as that of the Souldier the Countryman the Spokesman for the Bashful Suitor besides two other Scenes and the two Songs at the End of the Comedy Religious a Tragi-comedy Several Wits a Comedy Sociable Companions or The Female Wits a Comedy Unnatural Tragedy The Prologue and Epigue were of the Duke's making Act 2. Sc. 3. the Dutchess inveighs against Mr. Cambden's Brittannia tho' whether with Justice I leave it to the Determination of others Wits Cabal a Comedy in two parts His Grace writ the Epilogue to the first part Youth's Glory and Death's Banquet a Tragedy in two parts Two Scenes with the Speeches at the first part in commendation of Mile Sans pareille were writ by his Grace so were all the Songs and Verses in the second part The Blazing World Bridal Convent of Pleasure Presence and Sociable Companions are printed together in one Volume and the rest in another As to her other Works I shall only mention the Titles and the Dates when printed and I shall begin with the Crown of her Labours The Life of the Duke of Newcastle in English printed Folio Lond. 1667. and in Latin Folio Lond. 1668 Nature's Picture drawn by Fancy's Pencil to the Life printed Fol. Lond. 1656. at the End of it she has writ her own Life Philosophical Fancies printed Fol. Lond. 1653. Philosophical and Physical Opinions Fol. Lond. 1655. Philosophical Letters Fol. Lond. 1664. Two Hundred and Eleven Sociable Letters Fol. Lond. 1664. Orations Fol. 1662. Poems Fol. 1653. Thomas NEWTON An Author that liv'd in the Reign of Queâ—â— Elizabeth and joyn'd with Jasper Heywood and Alexander Nevil above-named and others in the Translation of Seneca's Tragedies Tho' our Author translated but one Play yet he published all the Ten and dedicated them to Sir Thomas Henage Treasurer of her Majesties Chamber The Play which our Author has render'd into English is intituled Thebais a Tragedy This by some is believed not to be Seneca's because in this Tragedy Jocasta appears alive and in Oedipus she is kill'd and it is not likely that he would wâ—ite two Drammas that should so very much differ in the Catastrophe But if it be Seneca's 't is the shortest of his Tragedies and has no Chorus and is said by One to be Perpetuum Canticum nullis diverbiis incorruptum THOMAS OTWAY Thomas NUCE An Author of the same Time and joyn'd in the same Design with the former We are owing to his pains for the Version of One Play of Seneca's called Octavia a Tragedy This is the only Tragedy of the Ancients that I know of that is founded on History so near the time of the Author I shall not pretend to determine whether it was writ by Seneca or no tho' Delrio and others deny it For the History see Suetonius in Vit. Claud. Nero. Tacitus L.12 C. 14 Dion c. O. Thomas OTWAY AN Author who was well known to most Persons of this Age who are famous for Wit and Breeding He was formerly as I have heard bred for some time in Christ-Church Colledge in Oxford From thence he removed to London where he spent some time in Dramatick Poetry and by degrees writ himself into Reputation with the Court His Genius in Comedy lay a little too much to Libertinism but in Tragedy he made it his business for the most part to observe the Decorum of the Stage He was a man of Excellent parts and daily improved in his Writing but yet sometimes fell into plagiary as well as his Contemporaries and made use of Shakespear to the advantage of his Purse at least if not his Reputation He has publisht ten Dramatick Pieces if we may be allow'd to reckon his Farces as Distinct Plays of which we shall give the Reader a particular Account beginning with Alcibiades a Tragedy acted at the Duke's Theatre printed 4o. Lond. 1675. and dedicated to the Right Honourable Charles Earl of Middlesex This Play is writ in Heroick Verse and was the first Fruits of our Author's Muse He has made Alcibiades a Person of true Honour chusing rather to loose his Life than wrong his Defender King Agis or his betrothed wife Timandra whereas Plutarch gives him a different Character telling us that in the King's Absence he abused his Bed and got his Queen Timaea with Child and that Timandra was not his Wife but his Mistress and Justin sayes That he was informed of the design of the Lacedmoonian Princes against his Life by the Queen of King Agis with whom he had committed Adultery Atheist or the Second part of The Souldiers Fortune a Comedy acted at the Duke's Theatre printed 4o. Lond. 1684. and dedicated to the Lord Elande Eldest Son to the Marquess of Hallifax The Plot between Beaugard and Portia is founded on Scarron's Novel of The Invisible Mistress Cheats of Scapin a Farce acted at the Duke's Theatre printed 4o. Lond. 1677. 'T is printed with Titus and Berenice and dedicated to the Right Honourable John Earl of Rochester This Play is translated from a French Comedy of Molliere though 't is not printed amongst his Plays of the Amsterdam Edition in 5 Tomes which I have by me yet that it is his I collect from M. Boileau's Art of Poetry where speaking of Molliere in the third Canto he says thus Estudiez la Cour connoissez la Ville L'une l'autre est toûjours en Modeles fertile C'est par là que Moliere illustrant ses Ecrits Peut-estre de son Art eust remporté le prix Si moins ami du Peuple en ses doctes peintures Il n'eust point fait souvent grimacer ses Figures Quittè pour le Bouffon l'agreable le fin Et sans honte à Terence allié Tabarin Dans ce sac ridicule où Scapin s'enveloppe Je ne reconnois point l' Auteur du Misanthrope But notwithstanding the Farce in this Comedy Molliere has borrow'd the Design from Terence his Phormio as may be visible to those that will compare them Caius Marius his History and Fall a Tragedy acted at the Duke's Theatre printed 4o. Lond. 1680. and dedicated to the L d Viscount Faulkland A great part of this Play is borrow'd from Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet as the Character of Marius Junior and Lavinia the Nurse and Sulpitius which last is carried on by our Author to the End of the Play though Mr. Dryden says in his Postscript to Granada That Shakespear said himself that he was forc'd to kill Mercurio in the 3d. Act to prevent being kill'd by him For the true History of Marius Senior see Plutarch's Life of C. Marius Lucan's Pharsalia lib. 2. Florus
King of Persia a Tragedy acted at the Duke's Theatre printed 4o. 3 d Edit Lond. 1675. and dedicated to the Illustrious Princess Anne Dutchess of Monmouth This Tragedy is written in Heroick Verse and founded on History For the Plot see Justin Herodotus Ammianus Marcellinus c. Conquest of China by the Tartars a Tragedy acted at the Duke's Theatre printed 4o. Lond. 1676. and dedicated to the Lord Castle-Rizing This is also writ in Heroick Verse and founded on History See Signior Palafax his History of China translated in octavo John Gonzales de Mendoza Lewis de Guzman c. Empress of Morocco a Tragedy in Heroick Verse acted at the Duke's Theatre printed with Sculptures 4o. Lond. 1673. and dedicated to the Right Honourable Henry Earl of Norwich and Earl-Marshal of England This Play Mr. Dryden writ particularly against in a Pamphlet called Notes and Observations on the Empress of Morocco or some few Erratas to be printed instead of the Sculptures with the second Edition of that Play printed 4o. Lond. 1674. This as I have already observ'd was answered by another Pamphlet which shewed Mr. Dryden was not Infallible but that notwithstanding his Bravadoes he himself was as faulty as others and that he had verified the Spanish Proverb No es tan bravo el Leon come le pintan The Lyon is not so fierce as they paint him Fatal Love or The forc'd Inconstancy a Tragedy acted at the Theatre-Royal printed 4o. Lond. 1680. and dedicated to Sir Robert Owen This Play is founded on Achilles Tatius his Romance called Clitiphon and Leucippe see Book the fifth The English Reader may peruse it translated in octavo printed Oxon. 1638. Female Prelate being the History of the Life and Death of Pope Joan a Tragedy acted at the Theatre-Royal printed 4o. Lond. 1680. and dedicated to the Right Honourable the late Earl of Shaftsbury This Play being founded on History see Marianus Scotus Sigibert Sabellicus and for the English he may read Platina translated in Fol. by Sir Paul Ricault and the Life and Death of Pope Joan written heretofore in a Dialogue by Mr. Alexander Cooke a Gentleman formerly a Fellow of University Colledge in Oxford a Piece so much cry'd up and admir'd in those Times that it was translated into French by J. De la Montaigne 'T is now published in a set Discourse 8o. Lond. 1675. The Reader will find there a List of those Authors who affirm and those who deny the truth of this Story Heir of Morocco with the Death of Gayland acted at the Theatre-Royal printed 4o. Lond. 1682. and dedicated to the Lady Henrietta Wentworth Baroness of Nettlested Ibraim the Illustrious Bassa a Tragedy in Heroick Verse acted at the Duke's Theatre printed 4o. Lond. 1677. and dedicated to the Dutchess of Albermarle The Play is founded on M. Scudery's Romance so called Love and Revenge a Tragedy acted at the Duke's Theatre printed 4o. Lond. 1675. and dedicated to the Late Duke of Newcastle 'T is a great part borrowed from a Play called The Fatal Contract and is founded on the French Chronicles see Mezeray De Serres c. 'T is pitty our Author was so little considerate to fall upon Mr. Shadwell in his Postscript when he lay so open to an Attaque himself and if our Laureat reply'd too severely upon him in his Preface to the Libertine 't was but se defendendo and he being the Aggressor ought to forgive it Pastor Fido or Faithful Shepherd a Pastoral acted at the Duke's Theatre printed 4o. Lond. 1677. and dedicated to the Right Honourable the Lady Elizabeth Delaval The Play was written in Italian by Guarini and afterwards translated by Sir Ric. Fanshaw This Translation our Author has follow'd being a stranger to the Italian tho' possibly it may by ill natur'd Criticks be thought a presumption to attempt to improve either the Original or the Copy Our Author I think has several Copies of Verses in print besides Prose but because some of them will not advance his Reputation and of others I know not exactly which he writ I shall omit further mentioning of them in this place Tho. SHADWELL Esq Poet Laureat to their present Majesties A Gentleman whose Dramatick Works are sufficiently known to the World but especially his Excellent Comedies which in the Judgment of some Persons have very deservedly advanced him to the Honour he now enjoys under the Title of Poet Laureat to their present Majesties An Advancement which he ingeniously consesses is chiefly owing to the Patronage of the Noble Earl of Dorset that Great Judge of Wit and Parts in whose Favour it has been Mr. Shadwell's particular Happiness sor several Years to have had an Eminent Share Mr. Dryden I dare presume little imagined when he writ that Satyr of Mack-Flecknoe that the Subject he there so much exposes and ridicules should have ever lived to have succeeded him in wearing the Bays But I am willing to say the less of Mr. Shadwell because I have publickly profess'd a Friendship for him and tho' it be not of so long date as some former Intimacy with others so neither is it blemished with some unhandsome Dealings I have met with from Persons where I least expected it I shall therefore speak of him with the Impartiality that becomes a Critick and own I like His Comedies better than Mr. Dryden's as having more Variety of Characters and those drawn from the Life I mean Men's Converse and Manners and not from other Mens Ideas copyed out of their publick Writings tho' indeed I cannot wholly acquit our Present Laureat from borrowing his Plagiaries being in some places too bold and open to be disguised of which I shall take Notice as I go along tho' with this Remark That several of them are observed to my Hand and in a great measure excused by himself in the publick Acknowledgment he makes in his several Prefaces to the Persons to whom he was obliged for what he borrowed That Mr. Shadwell has propos'd B. Johnson for his Model I am very certain of and those who will read the Preface to the Humorists may be sufficiently satisfied what a value he has for that Great Man but how far he has succeeded in his Design I shall leave to the Reader 's Examination So far only give me leave to premise in our Laureat's Defence that the Reader is not to measure his Merit by Mr. Dryden's Standard since Socrates never was more persecuted by the Inhumane Aristophanes than Mr. Shadwell by Mr. Dryden's Pen and with the same injustice tho' I think whoever shall peruse the Modest Defence of the former in his Epistle to the tenth Satyr of Juvenal will not only acquit him but love him for his good Humour and gentle Temper to One who endeavour'd to destroy his Reputation so dear to All Men but the very Darling of Poets as Ovid says Quid petitur sacris nisi tantum fama Poetis Hoc votum nostri summa laboris habet Mr. Shadwell has
Soul's Warfare and is grounded on the Danger of the Soul in this World S. TUKE A Collonel now living as I have been inform'd in Sussex the Author of One of the best Plays now extant for Oeconomy and Contrivance viz. Adventures of five Hours a Tragi-comedy the second Edition printed 4o. Lond. 1662. and dedicated to the Right Honourable Henry Howard of Norfolk attended with Eight Copies of Verses writ by very Eminent Persons as Mr. Cowley Evelyn Carlisle and others This Play I believe ows its Foundation to one in Spanish Cyril TURNEUR This Author liv'd in the Reign of King James the First and published Two Tragedies viz. Atheist's Tragedy Of the Date of this Play or to whom dedicated I can give no Account the Title-page and Epistle if there were any of my Copy being lost The Plot of Levidulcia her Conveying Sebastian and Fresco out of her Chamber when she was surpris'd by her Husband Belleforrest's Coming is borrow'd from Boccace Day the 7. Nov. the 6. Revenger's Tragedy sundry times acted by the Kings Majesties Servants and printed 4o. Of these two Plays Mr. Winstanley quotes a Distich I know not from what Author as follows His Fame unto that pitch so only rais'd As not to be despis'd nor too much prais'd John TUTCHIN An Author of our Times who has a Pastoral extant call'd Unfortunate Shepherd a Pastoral printed 8o. Lond. 1685. This Play with the rest of his Poems on several Occasions and a Piece in Prose call'd A Discourse of Life were all printed octavo Lond. 1685. W. Lewis WAGER A Learned Clerk living in the begining of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth who was the Author of an Interlude call'd Mary Magdalen her Life and Repentance printed in a Black Letter 4o. Lond. 1567. This Interlude may easily be acted by Four Persons For the Plot take an Account from the following Lines being part of the Prologue and will give you a Taste of the Author's Stile Of the Gospel we shall rehearse a fruitful Story Written in the 7th of Luke with words plaine The Story of a Woman that was right sorry For that she had spent her Life in sinne vile and vaine By Christ's preaching she was converted againe To be truly penitent by hir fruictes she declared And to shew hir self a sinner she never spared Edmund WALLER A Gentleman not many Years deceas'd whose Name will ever be dear to all Lovers of the Muses His Compositions are universally applauded and they are thought fit to serve as a Standard for all succeeding Poems He was a Friend to the Ingenious Fletcher as appears by his Verses printed at the beginning of those Plays and was so far a Lover of Dramatick Poetry that he translated part of a Play in which the Right Honourable the Earl of Dorset and Middlesex was concerned viz. Pompey the Great a Tragedy acted by the Servants of His Royal Highness the Duke of York printed 4o. Lond. 1664. Besides this Play he has a Volume of Poems extant which have been several times reprinted the Fourth Edition was printed octavo Lond. 1682. There is newly publish'd a Second part containing his Alteration of The Maid's Tragedy and whatsoever of his was left unprinted publisht octavo Lond. 1690. George WAPUL An Author whose Writings are as unknown as any of the former to whom is ascribed a Comedy call'd Tide tarrieth for no Man William WAYER An Author of whose Time and Writings I can give no further Account than that he is accounted the Author of a Comedy which I never saw called The more thou liv'st the more Fool thou art There are two other Plays whose Authors are unknown ascribed by Mr. Philips and Winstanley to our Author viz. Tryal of Chivalry and Tom Tyler and his Wife tho' I believe they were never writ by him R. WAVER The Author of a Play which I have never seen call'd Lusty Juventus who or whence this Author was I know not John WEBSTER An Author that liv'd in the Reign of King James the First and was in those Days accounted an Excellent Poet. He joyn'd with Decker Marston and Rowley in several Plays and was likewise Author of others which have even in our Age gain'd Applause As for Instance Appius and Virginia Dutchess of Malfy and Vittoria Corrombona but I shall speak of these in their Order Appius and Virginia a Tragedy printed according to my Copy 4o. Lond. 1659. I suppose there may be an older Edition than mine but this is that which was acted at the Duke's Theatre and was alter'd as I have heard by Mr. Carthwright by Mr. Betterton For the Plot consult Livy Florus c. Devil's Law-case or When Women go to Là w the Devil is full of business a Tragi-comedy approvedly well acted by Her Majesty's Servants printed 4o. Lond. 1623. and dedicated to Sir Thomas Finch An Accident like that of Romelio's stabbing Contarino out of Malice which turned to his preservation is if I mistake not in Skenkius his Observations At least I am sure the like happened to Phaereus Jason as you may see in Q. Val. Maximus lib. 1. cap. 8. The like Story is related in Goulart's Histoires Admirables tome 1. page 178. Dutchess of Malfy a Tragedy presented privately at the Black-fryars and publickly at the Globe by the King's Majesty's Servants and I have seen it since acted at the Duke of York's Theatre 'T was first printed 4o. Lond. 1623. and dedicated to the Right Honourable George Lord Barkeley and since reprinted 4o. Lond. 1678. For the Plot consult Bandello's Novels in French by Belleforest N. 19. Beard 's Theatre of God's Judgments Book 2. Ch. 24. The like Story is related by Goulart in his Histoires admirables de nôtre temps p. 226. White Devil or The Tragedy of Paulo Giordano Ursini Duke of Brachiano with the Life and Death of Vittoria Corombona the Famous Venetian Curtezan acted by the Queen's Majesty's Servants at the Phoenix in Drury-lane printed 4o. Lond. 1612. and since acted at the Theatre-Royal and reprinted 1665. Besides these Plays our Author has been assisted by Mr. Rowley in two others which because he had the least part in their Composition I place to our Author viz. Cure for a Cuckold a Comedy several times acted with great applause printed 4o. Lond. 1661. Thracian Wonder a Comical History several times acted with great applause printed quarto Lond. 1661. Mr. Philips has committed a great Mistake in ascribing several Plays to our Author and his Associate Mr. Decker One of which belong to another Writer whose Name is annexed and the rest are Anonymous As for Instance The Noble Stranger was writ by Lewis Sharpe and The New Trick to cheat the Devil Weakest goes to the wall and Woman will have her will to unknown Authors John WATSON Esq An Author who in the Reign of King Charles the Second writ a Play in Heroick Verse call'd Amazon Queen or The Amours of Thalestris to Alexander the Great a Tragi-comedy in Heroick Verse and printed 4o. Lond.
Suffolk and the tragical End of the proud Cardinal of Winchester with the notable Rebellion of Jack Cade and the Duke of York's first Claim to the Crown printed 4o. Lond. 1600. This Play is only the Second part of Shakespear's Henry the Sixth with little or no Variation Counterfeits a Comedy acted at the Duke's Theatre printed 4o. Lond. 1679. This Comedy is ascribed by some to Leanard but I believe it too good to be his Writing 't is founded on a translated Spanish Novel call'd The Trapanner trapann'd octavo Lond. 1655. and I presume the Author may have seen a French Comedy writ by Tho. Corneille on the same Subject call'd D. Caesar D'Avalos Counterfeit Bridegroom or The Defeated Widow a Comedy acted at His Royal Highness the Duke's Theatre printed 4o. Lond. 1677. This Play is only an Old Play of Middleton's call'd No Wit like a Woman's printed octavo Cromwell's Conspiracy a Tragi-comedy which I never saw Cruel Debtor a Play only nam'd by Mr. Kirkman Cupid's Whirligig a Comedy sundry times acted by the Children of his Majesty's Revels printed 4o. Lond. 1616. and dedicated by the Publisher to Mr. Robert Hayman This Play is part founded on Boccace as for Instance the Conveyance of the Captain and Exhibition out of the Lady's Chamber is founded on the Sixth Novel of the Seventh Day and is the Ground-work of many other Plays Cyrus King of Persia a Tragedy mention'd by Kirkman which I never saw D. Damon and Pythias a History of which I can give no Account Debauchee or The Credulous Cuckold a Comedy acted at his Highness the Duke of York's Theatre and printed 4o. Lond. 1677. This Play is by some ascrib'd to Mrs. Behn but is indeed only a Play of Brome's reviv'd call'd A mad Couple well matcht Destruction of Jerusalem a Play which I never saw but in the Catalogue printed with the Old Law 't is ascrib'd to one Thomas Legge Dick Scorner a Play mention'd in Mr. Kirkman's Catalogue but which I never saw nor do I know what species of Dramatick Poetry it is Divine Masque printed in quarto Lond. The Title-page of mine is lost but 't is dedicated to General Monk by One Anthony Sadler who I take to be the Author E. Edward the Third his Reign a History sundry times play'd about the City of London printed 4o. Lond. 1599. The Plot is founded on English Chronicles See Walsingham M. Westminster Fabian Froissart Pol. Virgil Hollingshead Stow Speed c. See besides AEschasius Major and a Novel call'd The Countess of Salisbury octavo translated from the French Elvira or The worst not always true a Comedy written by a Person of Quality suppos'd to be the Lord Digby and printed 4o. Lond. 1667. Empress of Morocco a Farce acted by His Majesty's Servants said to be writ by Thomas Duffet and printed 4o. Lond. 1674. English Princess or The Death of Richard the Third a Tragedy in Heroick Verse ascribed to Mr. John Carel and printed 4o. Lond. 1673. For the Plot see Fabian Pol. Virgil Hollingshead Grafton Stow Speed Baker c. English-men for Money or A Woman will have her Will a pleasant Comedy divers times acted with great applause printed 4o. Lond. 1626. Enough 's as good as a Feast a Comedy which I never saw but mentioned by Mr. Kirkman Every Woamn in her Humour a Comedy printed quarto Lond. 1609. F. Factious Citizen or The Melancholy Visioner a Comedy acted at the Duke's Theatre and printed quarto Lond. 1685. Fair Em the Miller's Daughter of Manchester with the Love of William the Conqueror a pleasant Comedy sundry times publickly acted in the Honourable City of London by the Right Honourable the Lord Strange his Servants printed quarto Lond. 1631. Fair Maid of Bristow a Comedy play'd at Hampton before the King and Queen's most Excellent Majesties printed quarto Lond. 1605. in a Black Letter False Favourite disgrac'd and the Reward of Loyalty a Tragi-comedy never acted printed octavo Lond. 1657. This Play is ascribed to George Gerbier D'Ouvilly Fatal Jealousie a Tragedy acted at the Duke's Theatre and ascribed by some to Mr. Pane printed quarto Lond. 1673. Part of the Plot is in Johannes Gigas's Postills See besides Theatre of God's Judgments 2 d part p. 55. Unfortunate Lovers Nov. 1. Feigned Astrologer a Comedy translated from the French of Monsieur Corneille and printed 4o. Lond. 1668. The Plot of this Play which is borrow'd from Calderon's El Astrologo fingido is made use of in the Story of the French Marquess in the Illustrious Bassa when he play'd the part of the Feigned Astrologer Fidele and Fortunatus I know not what sort of Play it is whether Comedy or Tragedy having never seen it but in Old Catalogues 't is ascribed to Thomas Barker Flora's Vagaries a Comedy acted at the Theatre-Royal by His Majesty's Servants ascribed to Mr. Rhodes and printed quarto Lond. 1670. This Plot of Orante's making use of the Fryar to carry on her Intrigue with Ludovico is founded on Boccace Day 3. Nov. 3. Free-Will a Tragedy which I know not where or when printed the Title-page of Mine being lost 'T was written Originally in Italian by F. N. B. which I take to be Franciscus Niger Bassentinus and was translated into English by H. C. that is Henry Cheek 'T is printed in an Old English Character Fulgius and Lucrelle a Piece of which I can give no Account having never seen it G. Ghost or The Woman wears the Breeches a Comedy writ in the Year 1640. and printed quarto Lond. 1650. H. Hell's Higher Court of Justice or The Tryal of the Three Politick Ghosts viz. Oliver Cromwell King of Sweden and Cardinal Mazarine printed quarto Lond. 1661. Histriomastix or The Player whipt printed quarto Lond. 1610. This Play was writ in the time of Queen Elizabeth tho' not printed till afterwards as appears by the last Speech spoken by Peace to Astraea under which Name the Queen is shadowed Henry the Fifth his Victories containing the Honourable Battle of Agin-court a History acted by the Kings Majesties Servants printed quarto Lond. 1617. For the Plot see the English Chronicles as Hollingshead Stow Speed c. Hector or The False Challenge a Comedy written in the Year 1655. and printed quarto Lond. 1656. I know not the Author of this Play but I think it may vye with many Comedies writ since the Restauration of the Stage Hyppolitus a Tragedy which as I have been told is printed in octavo and translated from Seneca by Edmund Prestwith For the Plot see the Poets as Ovid's Epistle of Phaedra to Hyppolitus his Metamorphosis Lib. 6. Virgil. AEn Lib. 7. c. Hoffman his Tragedy or A Revenge for a Father acted divers times with great applause at the Phoenix in Drury-lane and printed 4o. Lond. 1631. This Play was adopted by One Hugh Perry and by him sent to the Press and dedicated to his Honoured Friend Mr. Richard Kilvert How a Man may chuse a Good Wife from a Bad a pleasant