THE LIVES AND CHARACTERS OF THE English Dramatic POETS. ALSO An Exact ACCOUNT of all the PLAYS that were ever yet Printed in the English Tongue; their Double Titles, the Places where Acted, the Dates when Printed, and the Persons to whom Dedicated; with Remarks and Observations on most of the said Plays. First begun by Mr. Langbain, improved and continued down to this Time, by a Careful Hand. LONDON: Printed for Tho. Leigh at the Peacock against St. Dunstan's-Church, and William Turner at the White Horse, without Temple-Bar. THE Epistle Dedicatory, TO CHARLES CAESAR, Esq OF Bonnington in Hertfordshire. Honoured Sir, I Have long had an Ambition to lay something at your Feet that might be worthy your Protection, but despairing to produce any thing myself deserving of that Honour, and impatient of making known how Proud I am of being in the Crowd of your Admirers, I could not but lay hold of this Opportunity, where the Merit of the Subject, and Assistants I have had, might in some Measure atone for what is deficient in my Performance. I offer, Sir, to your Protection this History of the Lives and Works of all the Dramatic Poets of your Native Country, of which few Nations have produced so great a Number under so very little Encouragements. But to show them, Sir, the more Worthy your Patronage, I shall lay down a short Account of what Value their Art has been, in the most Polite and Politic, as well as most successful Government in the World. Athens, Rome, and France will furnish me with the Proofs I want. Athens gave Birth and Perfection to the Art, and seems, like the true Mother, to have been most fond of it, and ●herefore gave its professors the greatest Encouragement. The Value that Government had for both is evident from these two Instances: Sophocles, as a Reward of his Antigone, had the Government of the City and Island of Samos conferred upon him: And on the Death of Eupolis in a Sea-Fight, there was a Law published, that no Poet for the Future should go to the Wars; so great a Loss they thought the Death of one Poet to the Commonwealth. Thus we see that Athens that was the most Populous and Trading City of Greece, and which produced braver, better, and more learned Men than all Greece besides, prove, by the Encouragement she gave Dramatic Poetry, that it was the Opinion of the Wisdom of that State, that Plays were so far from being destructive of Industry and good Morals, that they were equally conducive to the Honour and Advantage of its People. To say nothing of the Care that was taken of the Poets, and the Esteem they were in among the Greatest and Bravest of the Old Romans; I shall only mention the Great Maecenas, who laid the Foundation of the greatest Monarchy that ever was in the World; who formed as Great and Politic Designs, did as Great Services to his Prince as any Man whatever; and and who indeed established the greatest Emperor over the most Free and Polite People in the Universe; Maecenas I say, thought Poetry so worthy his peculiar Care, that we owe the best of the Roman Poets to him, and his Name is passed from a Proper to a Common Name for all Generous Patrons. 'Tis yet fresh in our Memories what that Master in Politics, the great Richelieu has done for these Politer Studies in France. The Theatres, the Academy remain a glorious Monument of it; and yet no Man could have fled with a better Pretence to the Multiplicity of Affairs, no Man ever dispatching more Business, or forming more Successful, and Serviceable-Designs for his Master's Advantage, and the present and succeeding Glory and Grandeur of Fr●●●e; for to his Counsels the French Monarchy owes all that Terror and Power, with which we have seen all Europe so lately struggle with: And yet this great and busy Politician could find a time in spite of the Weight of the whole Administration of France, to take Care of the Muses, and thought it an Honour to himself and Country for the lasting Advantage of learned Men and Poets. He took Care of the Reformation of the Stage, and by his Order the Abbe Hedeline, composed a Piece of the whole Art of the Stage. But our Nation, alas! Furnished with as brave a People, and a greater Genius for Poetry than our Neighbours, had never yet been so happy, as to find in the Administration, any Man with Soul enough, to think the Care of the Muse's worth their Thoughts; and yet the World will never be induced to believe, that they are wiser or greater Politicians than Maecenas or Richelieu. This Neglect of their Science has forced the Poets, who had nothing to expect from the Government, to make the most Noble and useful School of Virtue, degenerate into a mere Diversion; that they might Please an Audience, whence they could only hope for their Support. And this has laid the Stage open to the weak Assaults of those whom either Biggottry, Interest, or Hypocri●y have made its Enemies. 'Tis not therefore the supine and criminal Neglect of the Great Men (I mean the Ministers) of our Nation, that we are to form the Esteem that is due to this Science by; but the Care and value the most refined and most successful Politicians in the World have Discovered for it; If the English Statesmen come short of this, 'tis to be looked on by all Men of true Sense, as their Defect and Infamy, not their Wisdom. Wherefore, tho' the Public has not yet thought fit to take this into its Consideration and Protection, yet I had reason to think a Man of Mr. Caesar's Qualifications, could not but be pleased to extend his Protection to those, whose Business it is to celebrate the Virtues that gain you the general Esteem. You that forsook the lower Pleasures of Fortune and Youth, for the Pursuit of Honour and Glory in the War; You, Sir, that in your Actions have shown the Hero, have a nearer Reason than other Men, to take care of the Poets, whose task it is to celebrate the Hero's Deeds, and to transmit them in their most engaging Form to Posterity, for their Honour and Imitation. Carmen amat quisque carmina digna gerit. You, Sir, that have added to your Birth and Fortune so strong and general a Love, that your Wit, Sweetness of Temper, and Honour, defeat that Envy which Merit usually raises, will naturally take care of those, whose Employment it is to distinguish betwixt the Pretence, and Reality; the Man of true Sense and Bravery, and the Flashy Opiniator, and the vain Boaster of his own Deeds. From you therefore I hope, Sir, a favourable Reception, when I shelter all our Dramatic Writers under the Protection of your Name; for in you we shall find a Manly, yet Modest Merit Worthy at once, and negligent of Fame. Wit without Opiniatreture; but balanced with a true and penetrating judgement; Bravery which has nobly distinguished you from the Remissness of the Inglorious Youth of the Age, witness your Voluntary Campaigns in Flanders; a Generosity that gets you the Esteem of all Men, while the sordid are the Contempt and Laughter of Men of Sense. I need be no farther particular in the Enumeration of your Virtues, since where ever Generosity goes justly to the making up of a Character, there can be no Virtue wanting. On this Virtue, Sir, it is that I depend for your Pardon for the Presumption of this Dedication, which I hope I shall gain with the greater ease, because I have kept clear of the Crime of Dedications, Flattery, having confined myself much within the Compass of severe Truth, and the Sentiments of, Sir, Your most Devoted, Humble, and Obedient Servant, etc. THE PREFACE. I Do not trouble the Reader with this Preface because 'tis the Mode to say something before every Book; but because there is a Necessity of premising a Word or two as to the following Treatises, and the other Essays of this Nature, that have already been seen. I shall take no notice of Mr. Winstanley's or Mr. Phillips', for one I never saw, and the other I could not read, and Mr. Langbain has discovered their Defects sufficient to justify his undertaking a more perfect Work; and which he indeed in the last Edition he has pretty near accomplished. I must own that his Undertaking has saved me a great deal of Trouble, but then he is every where so partial, that he destroys the Character of a Critic and Historian at once, whose Object ought always to be Truth; whereas Mr. Langbain seems every where to gratify some private Pique, and seldom to regard the Merit of the Person he reflects upon. This I have every where avoided, and distinguished betwixt the Desert and Defect of the Auth●r. Mr. Langbain is farther generally mistaken in his Censures as a Critic, he seems to have known nothing of the Matter, to have had little or no Taste of Dramatic Poetry: and a Stranger to our Stage● would from his Recommendation make a very odd and ridiculous Collection of our English Plays. He often commends, Shirley, Heywood, etc. and will scarce allow Mr. Dryden a Poet; whereas the former have left us no Piece that bears any Proportion to the latter; the All for Love of Mr. Dryden, were it not for the false Moral, would be a Masterpiece that few of the Ancients or Moderns ever equalled; and Mr. Shirley, and Mr. Heywood have not left enough in all their Writings to compose one tolerable Play, according to the true Model and Design of a Play. Mr. Langbain has in many of the Lives, swelled them out with interlarding them with tedious Copies of Verses little to the purpose in Hand, which I was obliged to avoid for Two Reasons; First I designed to give the Reader as compendious an Account of our Dramatic Writers as I could, and so to bring my Book to an easier Price than Mr. Langbain's. And therefore I was, Secondly, forced to leave out all that was Superfluous: And this the rather, because I had several Lives and Remarks to add to this Edition, which he could give no Account of, foam of the Authors having appeared since his time, and others, by the Advantage of the ingenious Mr. Ash's admirable Collection of English Plays, I have met with, which he never saw; all which has rendered this more Perfect in its Kind than his could be: besides, writing after him, I have endeavoured to avoid his Faults, and preserve his Beauties. Next I have to inform the Reader, that the following Piece is not writ all by one Hand, as will, I believe, be perceived in the Reading. And lastly, I find on the perusal of it, something in the Book, which I must differ from in the Preface, and that is in the Account of Mr. Oldmixon's Amintas, where 'tis remarked, that Pastoral is a Modern Invention, when in reality, the Ancients had a sort of Dramatic Performance not unlike it, that is, their Satyrs, which might be said to be something of a nature with our Pastoral; but if we may guests at what is lost by what remains of that kind, it was also something different. In the Cyclops of Euripides, we find the Shepherds were the mayor part of the Dramatis Personae; for such was Polyphemus, Silenus, and the Chorus: But the Character of Ulysses heightened the Play, and gives a greater Force to the Passions; 'tis not the Love of Polyphemus, but his Cruelty we see; and the Dexterity and Wisdom of Ulysses. Of this sort of Poem, Mr. Dacier in his Preface to the Satyrs of Horace, will give you something a fuller Account. And as this takes its Rise from Antiquity, so Farce, in some Measure, may derive itself from the Pantomimi; at least that sort of Farce which the Italian Players in Paris used to act; tho' the Mimi and the Pantomimi were esteemed for their admirable Expression of Nature in Action and Dancing; but our Farce is something beyond Nature, and Extravagant to a Degree of Nauseousness, to all good judges. I have lately read Mr. Congreve's Love for Love over, and am of Opinion, that the Contrivance of the Marriage of Tattle and Mistress Frail is highly probable, tho' the Reflections on that Play do seem not to admit it as absolutely so. Lastly, I have to advertise the Reader, that on the Perusal of the last Sheets of this Book, I found that in the Remark on Beauty in Distress, one of my Assistants has seemed to imply, that the Author is more a Comic than Tragic Poet; I cannot agree with him, for I think 'tis an extraordinary Effort for the first Undertaking in Tragedy, in which most have failed in their first Attempt: I say this, lest any thing my Friend said, should seem a lessening of that Performance of the Author, which he assures me he never meant. THE NAMES OF THE Known Authors. A. ALexander William, Earl of Sterline page 1 Armin Robert 4 B. Bailie Abraham 5 Bancroft john Ibid. Banks john 6 Barnes Barnaby 7 Baron, Esq Robert 8 Beaumond Francis Ibid. Bedloe William Ibid. Behn Aphara Ibid. Belchier Dawbridgecourt 10 Bernard Richard Ibid. Boothby, Mistress Frances 11 Boil Roger, Earl of Orrery. Ib. Brandon Samuel 12 Breton Nicholas Ibid. Brewer Anthony Ibid. Brome Alexander Ibid. Brome Richard 13 Bourn Reuben Ibid. Birkhead Henry 14 Burnel, Esq Henry. Ibid. C. CArew, Lady Elizabeth 14 Carew Thomas Ibid. Carlell, Esq Lodowick 15 Carlisle james Ibid. Carpenter Richard 16 Cartwright George Ibid. Cartwright William Ibid. Chamberlain Robert 17 Chamberlain William Ibid. Chapman George 18 Cibber coley 19 Cockain, Sir Aston 21 Congreve William Ibid. Cook, Esq Edward 25 Cook john 26 Corey john Ibid. Cotton, Esq Charles Ibid. Cowley Abraham 27 Cox Robert 28 Crown john Ibid. D. DAncer john 31 Daniel Samuel Ibid. D'Avenant, Sir William 32 D'Avenant, Dr. Charles p. 35 Davenport Robert Ibid. Dauborn Robert Ibid. Day john Ibid. Deckar Thomas Ibid. Denham, Sir john 37 Dennis john 38 Dilke Thomas Ibid. Dogget Thomas 39 Dover john Ibid. Drake, Dr. james 40 Dryden, Esq john Ibid. Dryden, junior, john 47 Duffet Thomas 48 D'Urfey Thomas Ibid. E. ECcleston Edward 53 Etheridge, Sir George Ibid. F. FAne, Sir Francis 54 Fanshaw, Sir Richard Ibid. Falkland Henry, Lord Viscount 55 Field Nathaniel Ibid. Filmer, Dr. Edward Ibid. Fishbourn 56 Flecknoe Richard Ibid. Fletcher john 57 Ford john 61 Ford Thomas 62 Fountain john Ibid. France Abraham Ibid. Freeman, Sir Ralph Ibid. Fulwell Ulpian 63 G. GAscoign George 63 Glapthorn Henry 64 Goff Thomas Ibid. Gomershal Robert 65 Gould Robert Ibid. Goldsmith, Esq Francis 65 Granvile, Esq George p. 66 Green Alexander Ibid. Green Robert Ibid. H. HAbington, Esq William 67 Harris joseph Ibid. Hausted Peter Ibid. Haynes joseph 68 Head Richard Ibid. Hemings William Ibid. Heywood jasper 69 Heywood john Ibid. Heywood Thomas 70 Higden, Esq Henry 72 Holiday Barton Ibid. Hool Charles 73 Hopkins Charles Ibid. Howard, Esq Edward 74 Howard, Esq james 75 Howard, Sir Robert Ibid. Howell, Esq james. 76 I IEvorn Thomas 76 Ingeland Thomas 77 johnson Benjamin Ibid. jones john 81 jordan Thomas Ibid. joiner William 82 K. KIlligrew Henry 82 Killigrew Thomas Ibid. Killigrew, Sir William 83 Kirk john 84 Knevet Ralph Ibid. Kid Thomas Ibid. L. LAcey john 84 Leanard john 85 Lee Nathaniel pag. 85 Lily john 87 Lodge Thomas 88 Lower, Sir William ibid. Lupon Thomas ibid. M. Machine Lewis 89 Maidwell L. ibid. Maine, Dr. jasper ibid. Manley, Mistress Delarivier 90 Manuch Cosmo 91 Markham Gervase 92 Marlowe Christopher ibid. Marmion Shakerly 93 Marston john ibid. Mason john 94 Massinger Philip ibid. May Thomas 96 Mead Robert 97 Medbourn Matthew ibid. Meriton Thomas ihid. Middleton Thomas 98 Milton john 100 Montague, Esq Walter 101 Motteux Peter ibid. Mountsord William 102 N NAbs Thomas 102 Nash Thomas 103 Nevile Alexander 104 Nevile Robert ibid. Newcastle, Duke ibid. Newcastle, Duchess 105 Newton Thomas 106 Norton Thomas ibid. Nuce Thomas 107 O OTway Thomas 107 Oldmixon john 109 P. PAlsgrave john Pag. 110 Peaps ibid. Peel George ibid. Philip's, Mistress Catharine ibid. Pix, Mistress Mary 111 Pordage, Esq Daniel 112 Porter Henry ibid. Porter Thomas ibid. Powel George 113 Preston Thomas ibid. Prestwich Edmund 114 Q. QUarles Francis 114 R. RAndolph Thomas 115 Ravenscroft Edward ibid. Rawlins Thomas 117 Revet Edward ibid. Richard's Nath. 118 Rider William ibid. Rowley William ibid. Rowley Samuel 119 Rutter joseph ibid. Rymer Thomas ibid. S. SAckvile Tho. see Norton 106 Samson William 120 Sandys, Esq George 121 Saunders Charles ibid. Scot Thomas ibid. Settle Elkanah 122 Shadwell, Esq Thomas 124 Shakespeare William 126 Sharp Lewis 129 Sharpham Edward 130 Shepherd, S. ibid. Sherburn, Esq Ed. ibid. Shipman, Esq Tho. Pag. 130 Shirley Henry 131 Shirley james ibid. Sidley, Sir Charles 134 Smith john ibid. Smith William ibid. Southern Thomas 135 Stanley, Esq Thomas 137 Stapleton, Sir Robert ibid. Stephen's john ibid. Strode William ibid. Studley I 138 Suckling, Sir john ibid. Swinhoe Gilbert. 139 T. TAte, Esq Nahum 139 Tateham john 140 Taylor Robert 141 Thompson Thomas ibid. Trot Nicholas ibid. Tuke Richard ibid. Tuke S. ibid. Turner Cyril 142 Tutchim john ibid. V. VAnbrug, Captain 142 W. WAger Lewis 145 Waller, Esq Edw. ibid. Wapul George 146 Wager William ibid. Waver R. ibid. Webster john pag. 146 Weston, Esq john 147 Whitaker ibid. Wild, Dr. Robert 148 Willan Leonard ibid. Wilkins George ibid. Wilmot Robert ibid. Wilson john ibid. Wilson Robert 149 Wood Nathaniel ibid. Wright john ibid. Wright Thomas ibid. Wycherly ibid. Y. YArrington Robert 150 Supposed Authors 151 Unknown Authors 156 In the Appendix. GIldon Charles 174 Grevile Fulk, L. Brook 180 Pembroke Countess 177 Phillips, Esq William ibid. Pix, Mistress Mary 178 Plautus 181 Rivers 178 Shadwell, Esq Tho. 178 Shirley james 179 Terence ibid. Trother, Mistress Catharine 179 Walker William 180 ERRATA. PAge 3. Line 12. put the Comma after she. p. 9 l. 7. for is read are. p. 16. l. 18. read Antiquary. p. 22. l. 40. for Nor read And. p. 39 l. 22. for Account read Action. l. 27. deal e. p. 41. l. 16. read Albianus. p. 45. l. ult. for first read last. p. 47. l. 20. read Lollius. p. 51. l. 3. read Victrix. l. 11. read Vandosme. l. 17. deal fairer. l. 33. deal Cinic. p. 90. l. 36. for adding read Address. p. 102. for Three read Four. p. 175. l. 3. read proboque THE Lives and Characters OF THE English Dramatic Poets: WITH AN ACCOUNT OF ALL THE PLAYS, Printed to the Year, 1698. A William Alexander, Earl of Sterline. THE Title of this Nobleman makes it evident that he derives his Birth from Scotland, as the Dedication of his Works affords us a Proof that he lived in the Time of King james the First, for there he has this Stanza: Of this dived Isle the Nurselings brave Erst from intestine Wars could not desist, Yet did in Foreign Fields their Names engrave, Whilst whom one spoilt, the other would assist. These now have One; whilst such a Head they have, What World of Words were able to resist? Thus has Thy Worth (Great JAMES) conjoined them now, Whom Battles oft did break, but never bow. That he was in Favour with King james, is evident from Sir Robert Ayton's Verses before his Tragedies. As ●or any Particulars of his Family and Private Affairs I can give you no Account, but that it may be reasonably drawn from his Quality, Nation, and Favour at that time, that he was not unhappy in any of them, at least that depended on Fortune. This Nobleman has by his Writings showed Posterity, that he had a just Right to his King's Favour, as any one that reads his Recreations of the Muses will allow. Mr. Langbain tells us of former Editions, but the best is in Folio, London, Printed for Tho. Harper, 1637. and dedicated to King james, not King Charles the First, as Mr. Langbain mistakes. In this Volume are Four Plays, which he calls, Monarchick Tragedies; The Alexandrean Tragedy, Croesus, Darius, and julius Caesar. Nor can I agree with Mr. Langbain, that he has proposed the Ancients for his Model, whom he has followed in nothing but the Chorus: For as for the Unities of Action, Time and Place, always observed by them, he seems to know nothing of them. He seems to mistake the very Essence of the Drama, which consists in Action, most of his being Narration; and may rather be termed Historical Dialogues, than Dramatic Pieces. There is scarce one Action performed in View of the Audience; but several Persons come in, and tell of Adventures performed by others or themselves, and which often have no more to do with the Business of the Play, than the Persons that speak, as in the First Scene of the Fifth Act of the Alexandrean Tragedy, Aristotle and Phoceon, who have no hand in the various Revolutions of that Play, spend a long Scene on the Uncertainty of Human Grandeur, only to tell a few Lines of Business done by some of Alexander's Captains. This Play is so far from being after the Model of the Ancients, the Action so far from being one, that 'tis multiplied enough for at least Ten Plays, it containing the various Revolutions, and Murders of the Commanders of the Macedonean Army, after the Death of Alexander; and here, as in the rest, he runs too far back to bring things ab ovo, that have no Relation to the Action, as the Scene between Harpagus and Cyrus, and Croesus and Sandanis, and many more will evince. If he has not followed the Model of the Ancients, he has yet borrowed very freely their Thoughts, translating whole Speeches from Seneca, Virgil, and others, as the First Act of julius Caesar from Juno's Speech in the First of the AEneids; and many of his Sentences, as well as the Defect of his Sententiousness, he owes to Seneca. The Two First Acts generally are wholly foreign to the Business of the Play, as indeed the greatest part of the other Acts are too. This at least may be said of my Lord, that he is a very good Historian, and from his Plays the Reader may gather a great deal of the Affairs of Greece, and Rome. juno in the first Act of julius Caesar, gives us the History of all the Invasions of the Roman Empire, by the barbarous Nations, whether Gauls or the Cimbri, etc. to the time of julius Caesar, and finding none of them effectual enough to ruin the Power of the Roman State, which deriving itself originally from the Trojan Race, she could not but hate, therefore she now resolves to destroy it by Civil Wars, and to raise her Brother's Servants, the Furies, always obsequious to mischievous Commands, Whilst Furies furious by my Fury made. Says, she shall at last do the Work; with which, after a Speech of Two or Three Hundred Lines she ends the Act. Indeed my Lord seems often to have a peculiar Fancy to punning, and that in all his chief Characters; as Caesar says in the Second Act, Great Pompey's Pomp is passed— and To seem uncivil in these Civil Wars. But not to wrong my Lord in the judgement of the Readers, by these ridiculous Quotations; they are to consider, First, that this was the Vice of the Age, not the Poet; he having in that, as well as some other things, imitated the Vices of our admirable Shakespeare, and next that these punning Fits come not very often upon him. To show that he writes in another estrain sometimes, I must give you Three or Four Lines, (my Brevity denying more large Quotations) which will give you a Taste of his better Parts. Love is a joy, which upon Pain depends; A Drop of sweet drowned in a Sea of Sowers: What Folly doth begin, that Fury ends; They Hate ●or Ever, who have Loved for Hours. 'Tis the Reflection of Adrastus in Croesus, the most moving Play of the Four; but to return to Caesar. in the Second Act, Caesar thinks it a part of his Grandeur to boast his Deeds to Anthony (who knew 'em well enough before) and betwixt 'em both, we have an Account of his Commentaries, and almost a Diary of his Actions. I can't omit one thing in this Play, in the Fifth Act he brings Brutus, Cassius, Cicero, Anthony, etc. together after the Death of Caesar, almost in the same Circumstances as Shakespeare had done in his Play of this Name. But Shakespear's Anthony and Brutus ravish you, while my Lord's Brutus, Cicero, and Anthony would make you sleep, so much our English Poet excels. This must be said for my Lord's julius Caesar, that it is much the most regular of all his Plays, at least in the Unity of Action, which is only Caesar's Death, tho' the whole last Act is almost redundant, for when Caesar is once dead, we have no occasion to hear of the Consequence of it, either in the Grief of Calpurnia, or the Disagreements of the Noblemen and Commons; but this may be objected likewise to Shakespeare, who gives us a History, not a Play. But 'tis time now to give over our Reflections on this Poet, and give the Reader a more particular account of their Plots, in their Alphabetical Order. The Alexandrean Tragedy, For the Plot you may consult Quintus Curtius, and the 13th Book of justin, Diodorus Sciculus, l. 18. Orosius, l. 3. c. 21. josephus' l. 12. c. 1. Appian de Bellis Syriacis. Saliani annal Ecclesiastici A. M● 3730. N. 30. etc. Torniel. A. M. 3730. N. 5. Raleighs Hist. l. 4. c. 3. Heylin's Hist. of Greece, Howel, etc. Croesus, Taken from Herodot. Clio. justin, l. 1. c. 7. Plutarch's Life of Solon. Salian. Torniel. A. M. 3510. Xenophon's Cyropaideia. Darius, This, as Mr. Langbain assures us, was the First Fruit of his Lordship's Dramatic Muse, Published at Edinburgh, 1603. when he was yet Lord Menstrie: The Language and design very much improved in this last Folio Edition. As to the Plot, consult Quintus Curtius, lib. 3, 4, & 5. justin, l. II. c. 5. etc. Diodorus, l. 17. Arrian, de Expeditione Alexandri, l. 2. Plutarch's Life of Alexander, Salian, A. M. 2719, etc. julius Caesar, The Story of this Play will be exactly found in the Roman Histories, Plutarch and Suetonius in the Life of Caesar, Appian de Bellis Civilibus, lib. 2. Florus, l. 4. c. 2. Salian, Torniel, etc. He has writ besides these Plays, Doomsday. A Paraenaesis to Prince Henry, on whose Death he dedicated it to Prince Charles, afterwards King Charles I. A Fragment of an intended Heroic Poem of jonathan, of which he has left but one Book. Robert Armin. THE Author of a Play which Mr. Langbain never saw, and is called, The History of the Two Maids of Moor Clack, with the Life and Simple Manner of john in the Hospital; Played by the Children of the King's Majesty's Revels, and Printed in 4 to. London, 1609. I believe the Plot may be taken from some Old Story in those Times. This Author lived in the Reign of King james I. and in the Title Page discovers himself to be one of his Majesty's Servants, and was, I believe, of the then Company of Actors, for I find his Name Printed in the Drama of Ben. Johnson's Alchemist, among the rest of the eminent Players of that Age; and indeed the Preface of his Play seems to intimate as much. B Abraham Baily. A Gentleman of the Honourable Society of Lincolns-Inn, and the Author of a Comedy called, The Spiteful Sister; London, Printed in 4 to. 1667. which I presume never was Acted, being Printed without Prologue, Epilogue, or Dedication, and with Mr. Langbain, I must acquit him entirely of being a Plagiary, either as to Characters of Language, and if it fall to any one's Chance to read it, and to observe my Lord Occa's and Winifred's Characters, will easily allow that what he has writ is surely all his own. john Bancroft. THIS Author was born in London, and tho' by Profession a Chirurgeon, was infected by the Vicinity of the Wits with Poetry, and has left behind him Two Tragedies, dying about a Year and half ago, he lies interred in St. Paul's Covent-Garden. Henry the Second, with the Death of Rosamond, a Tragedy Acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants, London Printed 4 to. 1693. This Play has not our Author's Name prefixed to it, but is dedicated by Mr. Mountfort to Sir Tho. Cook, Knight, Alderman and Sheriff of the City of London. For the Plot consult Daniel, Stow, Speed, Sir Richard Baker, and the rest of the English Chronicles. Sertorius, a Tragedy, Acted at the Theatre Royal by their Majesty's Servants, and London, Printed 1679. 'tis Dedicated to Captain Richard Savage, and the Epilogue was writ by Mr. Ravenscroft. The Elder Corneil has writ on the same Subject. The Story is to be found in Plutarch's Life of Sertorius, Velleius Paterculus, l. 2. Florus, l. 2. c. 22. etc. Whatever the Fate of this Play was, his other had no ill Success, and may claim a Place of equal Rank with several celebrated Tragedies of this Age. john Banks. THIS Author is now living, and was once a Member of the worthy Society of New-Inn; who quitted the more profitatable Practice of the Law, for some Years, in pursuit of the Bays, till Experience convinced him of his Error, and that the ingrateful Stage, like other Friends we often esteem, forgets the Obligations it has to one. And tho' of late he has given us a Cyrus, yet it was ●rit some Years ago, he wholly applying himself to a more gainful employ. If the Golden Age of Poetry carried him from that in the Luxurious Reign of Charles II. when more People run Mad after the Muses than even now; the Iron Age that soon ensued, recalled him from so fruitless a Pursuit. Thou by his Episodes, being generally inartificial, we may conclude he has not much studied Aristotle, and the Art of the Stage, yet in Two of his Plays he has gained the true End of Tragedy, the moving Terror and Pity, which many more celebrated Authors are so far from, that they seem never to have aimed at it: And this indeed makes some Amends for the Defects of Language, in which he seems to me very faulty. He has Seven Plays in Print, of which the Alphabetical Order brings the last first. Cyrus' the Great, a Tragedy, Acted at the New Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields, Dedicated to her Royal Highness the Princess Ann of Denmark, 4 to. 1696. The Plot of this Play is taken out of Scudery's Romance of the Grand Cyrus, and for the true Story of Cyrus, you may consult Herodotus, justin, Xenophon's Cyropaideia, etc. Thou this Play had been formerly refused the Action, yet it held up its Head about Six Days together, and has been since Acted several Times. Destruction of Troy, a Tragedy, Acted at his Royal Highness the Duke's Theatre. Lhndon, Printed 4 to. 1679. and dedicated to the Right Honourable the Lady Katherine Roos: This Play wanted the Success the Poet desired on the Stage. For the Story you may read Homer, Virgil, Ovid, Dares Phrygius, Dictys Cretensis, etc. The Innocent Usurper, or the Death of the Lady jane Grace, a Tragedy, 4. to. London, Printed 1694. and dedicated to Mr. Bently the Bookseller that Published it, in which he complains of the mistaken Cause of its Prohibition of the Stage, appealing from the false Insinuations of his Enemies, to Mr. Bently's Knowledge of its being writ Ten Years before, so that he could design no Reflection on the present Government. His Defense seems reasonable, and I think him as much in the Right, when he tells us, that this Tragedy is inferior to none of his former, and that he's confident it would move the Lady's Tears. He assures us, he has nicely followed the Truth of the Story, which you may find in our Chronicles. This Play I look on to be much better than any of the late Tragedies; tho' in his Metaphors, he seems not to have consulted that justness which the Rules of good Rhetoric requires; but like all other human Performances, as it has its Beauties, it has also its Faults, but not enough of the later to overbalance the former. The Island Queen, or the Death of Mary Queen of Scotland, 4 to. 1684. This Play too had the ill fortune to be denied the justice of appearing on the Stage, but Published by the Author in defence of himself and the piece, The Story you may read in Causon's Holy Court, etc. Rival Kings, or the Loves of Oroondates and Statira a Tragedy, 4 to. Acted at the Theatre Royal, 1677. Dedicated to the Lady Catharine Herbert. For the Plot consult the Romance of Cassandra, Quintus Curtius, and justin. Virtue Betrayed, or Anna Bullen, a Tragedy, Acted at his Royal Highness the Duke's Theatre, 4 to. Lon. Printed 1682. Dedicated to the illustrious Princess, Elizabeth Duchess of Somerset; for the Plot consult a Book called, The Novels of Elizabeth Queen of England, etc. Speed, Herbert, Du Chesne, Dr. Burnet's History of the Reformation, etc. Unhappy Favourite, or the Earl of Essex, a Tragedy, Acted at the Theatre Royal by their Majesty's Servants, 4 to. Lon. 1682. Dedicated to the most High and most Illustrious Princess, the Lady, Ann, Daughter to his Royal Highness. This has always been Acted with Success, and never failed to draw Tears from the Eyes of the fair Sex. For the Story, see the Novel called, The Secret History of the most Renowned Queen Elizabeth, and the Earl of Essex. Camden's Elizabeth, Speed, Du Chesne, Stow, Baker, etc. Barnaby Barns. AN Author who lived in the time of King james I. he writ but one Play Published, which bears the Name of the Devil's Charter, a Tragedy. 4 to. 1607. It seems to be written in imitation of Shakespear's Pericles, Prince of Tyre; an ancient Play, and is an Account of the Life and Death of Pope Alexander VI See Guiccardin's Hist. Italy: and Massonius de Gestis Pontificum Romanum. There is also Published under this Author's Name, a Book of Offices, about Princes, fol. 1606. Robert Baron, Esq A Young Gentleman who Lived in the Reign of King Charlaes' I. and the Interregnum of Oliver, first bred at Cambridge, and afterwards was a Member of the Honourable Society of Grays-Inn: He writ these three Plays, Deorum Dona, a Mask, 8vo. This is part of a Romance, writ by Baron, called the Cyprian Academy, Printed at L●nd. 1647. Gripus and Hegio, Past. 8vo. A Play consisting of three Acts only, and borrowed a great part from a Play of Webster's, called, The Duchess of Malfey, and the aforesaid Romance. Mirza, Trag. 8vo. Plot from Herbert's Travels, fol. accounted by his Friends a good Play, is Dedicated to the King, and recommended to the World by divers Copies of Verses; for most of the Scenes and Language he seems to have Consulted Ben. Johnson's Catiline. Sir john Denham's Sophy is on the same Subject, and writ about the same time. Lodow Barrey. THIS Author Lived in the time of King Charles I. he writ one Play called, Ram-Alley, or Merry Tricks, C. 4 to. 1611. Francis Beaumond. See Fletcher. Capt. William Bedloe. THIS Author was a Famous Evidence in the Popish Plot, before the Expiration of which he Died, leaving behind him one Play, called, The Excommunicated Prince: or, The False Relic, T.C. Fol. 1679. The Plot taken out of Heylin's Geography, in his Account of Georgia. His Life is Printed in 8vo. 1681. Aphara Behn. THIS Authoress, whose Name was Aphara, not Astrea, as many have thought, was Born in the City of Canterbury in Kent, her Maiden Surname johnson; she was much admired in her Youth for her Beauty, as afterwards for her Poetic Works, in which she excelled not only all that went before her of her own Sex, but great part of her Contemporary Poets of the other: She had a great Facility in Writing, a●● much of Nature in all she writ, was employed by Charles II. in the Discovery of the Dutch Intrigues, in the Dutch War; Lived beloved, and Died lamented by all that knew her, and lies Buried in the Cloisters of Westminster Abbey, under a great Marble Stone, on which is inserted these two Verses: Here lies a Proof that Wit can never be, Defence enough against Mortality. Her Plays, Seventeen in Number, are as follow in their Alphabetical Order; Abdelazer, or the Moor's Revenge, T. 4 to. Compare this Play with one of Christopher Marlo's, called Lust's Dominion, 8vo. and you will find it almost the same. Amorous Prince, or Curious Husband, T. C. 4 to. Part of it taken from the Story of the Curious Impertinent in Don Quixot, Part 4. Ch. 6,7,8. City Heiress, or Sir Timothy Treat-All, C. 4 to. Part of it from a Play of Middleton's, called, A mad World, my Masters, 4 to. and part from another of messengers, called, the Guardian, 8vo. Dutch Lover, C. 4 to. Plot from Don Fenise, 8vo. See the Stories of Eufheme, Theodore, Don jame, and Frederic in that Romance. Emperor of the Moon, F. 4 to. Taken from Harlequin, Empereur dans le Monde de la lune. Forced Marriage, or The jealous Bridegroom, T.C. 4 to. The first Play the Writ. False Count, or a New way to play an Old Game, C. 4 to. Isabella's being deceived by the Chimney Sweeper, taken from Molieres des precieuses Ridicules. Feigned Courtesans or a Night's Intrigue, C. 4 to. This Play was well accepted, and accounted one of the best she writ. Lucky Chance, or the Alderman's Bargain, C. 4 to. Gayman's enjoying Lady Fulbank, and taking her for the Devil, taken from Mr. Alexander Kick-shaw, and Lady Aritina, in the Lady of Pleasure, written by Shirley, 4 to. Rover, or The Banished Cavaliers, two Parts, C. 4 to. Taken from Tho. Killegrew's Don Thomaso, or The Wanderer, fol. Round Heads, or The good Old Cause, C. 4 to. A Play of john Tateham's, called, The Rump, altered, 4to. Sir Patient Fancy, C. 4 to. Part of this Play taken from Richard Broom's Damoiselle, 8vo. and Le Malade Imaginaire. Town Fop, or Sir Timothy Tawdry, C. 4 to. A great part of this Play borrowed from a Play, called, The Miseries of Forced Marriage, written by George Wilkins, 4 to. Widow Ranter, or The History of Bacon in Virginia, F. 4 to. This Play was Published after her Death by G. I Plot from the known Story of Cassius. Young King, or, The Mistake: A Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1683. This Play is Dedicated to a particular Friend of hers, under the name of Philaster. The Design is borrowed from Calpranedes Cleopatra. See the History of Alcamenes and Menalippa Part 8th. Younger Brother, or The Amorous jilt, C. 4 to. This Play was Published after her Death (with her Life added) the Story was of her own Knowledge, and written above ten years before she died, it was much esteemed by her, and it must be owned, in spite of the ill success it met with, that there is a great deal of Wit at least in the beginning of it, the first two Acts being very well received but the tedious Scenes in Blank Verse, betwixt Mirtilla and Prince Frederick, lost the Diversion they would have given in another more easy Dress. Taken from a true Story of the Brother of Coll. Henry Martin, and a Lady that must be nameless. See the Novel called Hatige. These Plays were all written between the Years 1670. and 1690. Dawbridgcourt Belchier. THIS Gentleman writ one Interlude in the time of King james I. whilst he lived at Utrecht, in the United Provinces, which he entitled, Hans Beer-pot, his Invisible Comedy of See me, and See me not, Int. 4 to. 1618. Acted by an honest Company of Health-Drinkers, says the Title. He was an English Man, and in his Epistle calls it neither Comedy nor Tragedy, wanting both number of Speakers, and Parts or Acts it should have, it consisting of three Acts only. Richard Bernard. A Gentleman that Lived in Lincolnshire, in the time of Queen Elizabeth, and gave us then a Translation of Terrences Comedies, in a Language and Style suitable to the time he Lived in. Pub. Terentius was a Carthaginian born, and brought a Slave to Rome in his Youth, there well Educated by his Patron Terent. Seneca, and by him made Free for his Wit, and left behind him six Comedies (viz.) Andrea, Adelphi, Eunuchus, Heutontimorumenos. Hecyra and Phormio, the Fourth Edition in 4 to. 1614 The four first of these Comedies are borrowed from Menander. The two last taken from Apollodorus. He generally brought two of Menander's into one of his. He was thought to have the help of Laelius and Pub. Scipio, in his Writings which he thought an Honour, not Disgrace. Mistress Frances Boothby. WHether this Authoress be yet Living, I know not, she Lived, and Writ in the time of King Charles II. a Play called, Marcelia, or The Treacherous Friend, T. C. 4 to. 1670. Roger boil, Earl of Orrery. A Noble Man of the Kingdom of Ireland, eminent both in Arts and Arms, as a Poet and as a Patron; he died Octob. 1679. and has Published these following Plays, Black Prince: For the Story consult Walsinghami Hist. Angl. Wigornensis Chronicon. Polid. Virgilii. Florentii Monarch. Froissard Chron. de France, & d' Angleterre, English Chronicles in Reign of Edw. III. Tryphon: Consult the first Book of Maccabes, josephus, lib. 13. Appian de Bellis Syriacis, etc. Henry V. See the English Chronicles in the Reign of that King, and the Reign of King Charles VI in the French Chronicles, as jean juvenal des Vrsins, Le Hist. de Charles VI Mezeray, etc. Mustapha: Consult for the Plot Thuanus, lib. 12. Tho. Artus lafoy continuacon de le Hist. des Toure's, and Knowles' Turkish Hist. These four in Folio; the two first Published 1672. the other two in 1677. Guzman, A Comedy Acted at the Theatre Royal. 1693. The Plot of this Play is taken from a Romance of that Name. Herod the Great, a Tragedy, Printed 1694. I do not find that this Play was ever Acted. The Story of this Prince you will find in josephus, and his Life in Caussin's Holy Court. These two Plays are bound up with the rest of his Plays, in fol. and tho' the Title Page tells us that the first was Acted, yet there is no dramatis Personae before it. He also writ one other Play, called, Master Anthony, 4 to. 1690. The Prologue to this, is the same of that to one of Durfey's Plays, called, The Fool turned Critic. Samuel Brandon. HE Lived in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, and writ this Play towards the latter part of her time, called, The Virtuous Octavia, T. C. 8vo. 1598. and tho' this Play was never Acted, yet the Author had a very good Opinion of it; and his Epistles Printed with it, Composed in imitation of Ovid's. Plot from Plutarch's Life of M. Antony. See also the Life of Augustus in Suetonius. Dion. Cassius, etc. Nicholas Breton. HE has Writ and Published nothing more than this one Interlude, called, The old Man's Lesson, and Young Man's Love. Interl. 4 to. a very old Piece. Anthony Brewer. AN Author in the Reign of King Charles I. Published these two Plays following (viz.) The Country Girl, C. 4 to. 1647. This Play was Revived just thirty years after its first Publishing, by one Leanard, who gave it a new Title, calling it, Country Innocence, or the Chambermaid turned Quaker. 4 to. 1677. Lovesick King, T. C. 4 to. 1655. This Play was also Revived, and Acted at the King's House, under the Title of The Perjured Nun, 4 to. 1680. See Speed, Polyd. Virgil, Gu. Malmsb. Ingulfus, Higden, Du Chesne, etc. Alexander Brome. HE Lived in Charles I. time, and was a Stirring Attorney and Poet in the Royal Cause, during the Government of those Times. He Published but one Play of his own, entitled, The Cunning Lovers, C. 4 to. 1654. The Story of the Cunning Lovers, taken from the 7 Wise Masters. See also the Nou. of the Fortunate Deceived, and Unfortunate Lovers. Yet he took care to give the World a Volume of Mr. Richard Brome's after his Decease, Printed in 8vo. This Author has Published also a Volume of Poems, which he writ in the late Troublesome Times, together with Epistles and Epigrams, Translated from divers Authors, Printed about the time of the Restauration of King Charles II. and again 1664. Besides these, we have under his Name Horace, 8vo. tho' not wholly Translated by him. Richard Brome. HE Lived in the time of King Charles I. was servant to Ben. johnson, and writ himself into Reputation by his Comedies; was Complimented with Copies of Verses, from most of the Poets of his time, and even from his Master Ben. His Plots are his own, and studying more Men than Books, he has not fallen into Plagiarism. Besides those Plays writ by himself, he joined with Heywood, in a Play called, The Lancashire Witches. His Plays, in all fifteen, as they were Published follow (viz.) City Wit, or The Woman wears the Breeches, Court Beggar, Damoiselle, or The New Ordinary; Mad Couple well Matched; Revived under the Title of Debauchee, or The Credulous Cuckold, 1677. Novella: These five are Printed together in one Vol. 8vo. 1653. Covent Garden Weeded; English Moor, or The Mock Marriage; Lovesick Court, or The Ambitious Politic; New Academy, or The New Exchange; Queen and Concubine: These five are Printed in another Vol. 8vo. 1659. Antipodes, C. 4 to. 1640. jovial Crew, or The Merry Beggars, C. 4 to. 1659. Revived and Reprinted 1686. Northern Lass, C. 4 to. 1663. Revived and Reprinted 1684. with new Prologue and Epilogue. Queen's Exchange, C. 4 to. 1657. Asparagus Garden, C. 4 to. 1640. Most of these Plays were Acted with general Applause. Fulk Grevile, Lord Brook, see Grevile. Reuben Bourne. I Can say no more of this Author, but that I'm informed he is or lately was of one of the Temples, and has a Play in Print under this Title: The Contented Cuckold, or The Woman's Advocate, 4 to. C. 1692. This Play was never Acted, but Dedicated to his Worthy Friends john Huxly of Wyerhall in Edmonton, in the County of Middlesex, Esq and Richard Andrews of the same Gentleman. Henry Burkehead. THIS Author was a Merchant in Bristol, in the Reign of King Charles I. his Play called, Colas Fury, or Lyrindas Misery, T. 4 to. was never Acted, it represents the Troubles of Ireland under feigned Names. Henry Burnel, Esq A Gentleman that Lived in Ireland in King Charles I. time, Writ a Play called, Landgartha, T.C. 4 to. 1641. Acted at Dublin with good Applause, and some time after Printed there. The Plot which is founded on the Conquest of Fro (and called by our Author Frollo) King of Suethland, by Regner King of Denmark, which the Repudiation of Landgartha Q. to Regner. See Krantzius, Lib. 4. c. 6. Io. Magnus, Lib. 17. cap. 4, 5. & Saxon Gramat. Lib. 9 C Lady Elizabeth Carew. THIS Lady lived in Queen Elizabeth's Reign, and has left behind her a Tragedy called, Mariam the Fair Queen of jury, 4 to. There is another Tragedy written by Pordage, more Modern, on the same Subject, called, Herod and Mariam. Plot taken from joseph. Hist. jews, lib. 14 & 15. Salian. Tom. 6. A. M. 4012. Torniel. Tom. 2. A. M. 4026● etc. Thomas Carew. ONE of the Gentlemen of the Bed Chamber, and Sewer in Ordinary to King Charles I. by whose command, and the Assistance of Inigo jones, he composed a Masque, called, Coelum Britannicum, 8vo. performed in the Banqueting House at White-Hall, by his said Majesty, King Charles I and his Nobles, An. Dom. 1633. (Mr. Hen. Laws, one of the King's Private Music, and Gentleman of the Chapel Royal, set all the Music to the same. This Author Published a Volume of Poems and Songs, which have been divers times (with this Masque) Reprinted, the last Edition, 1670. Lodowick Carlell, Esq THIS Gentleman was an Old Courtier, and lived in the Time of both the King Charles', and possessed the Places of Gentleman of the Bows to King Charles I and of Groom of the King and Queen's Privy-Chamber. He has Published Eight Plays (viz.) Arviragus and Philicia, in Two Parts, T.C. 12●, 1639● (revived since with a new Prologue writ by Mr. Dryden, and spoke by the famous Actor, Mr. Hart. For the Story on which this Play is grounded, see Geif. Monmouth, lib. 4. c. 16. Pol. Virgil, lib. 2. Matth. West. pag. 93. Grafton, Part 7. pag. 7●. Deserving Favourite, T. C. 8vo. 1659. This Play was represented before King Charles I and his Queen at White-Hall, and o●ten in Blackfriarss, with great Applause. Fool would be a Favourite; or, The Discreet Lover, 8vo. 1657. Osmond the Great Turk; or, The Noble Servant, Tragedy, 8vo. 1657. (The Action of this Play is, the taking of Constantinople, in the Year 1453. See Knolles' Turkish Hist. in the Life of Mahomet II. Bandello's Novels, Tom. 1. Hist. 2. Lipsii Monita, lib. 2. Cap. 9 Artus le Contin. de l' Hist. des Tur●s. Lib. 11. This Play, with the two preceding, are Printed together in 8vo. 1657. Passionate Lover, in Two Parts, T. C. 8vo. 1655. This Play was published by Mr. Alex. Gough, it having been before twice presented before the King and Queen's Majesties at Somerset-House. Her 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the East, Trag. 4 to. 1664. This translation 〈…〉 the Fr●●h of Monsieur Corre●lle, was designed by the 〈◊〉 for the Stage, but never Acted. See Zonar, Baronius, etc. james Carlisle. HE was born, as I'm informed, in Lancashire, he first appeared in the World as a Player, and gave no small Promises of making considerable Progress in that way; he left the Stage while he was yet young, and took to the Wars; got no little Reputation in the Irish Expeditions under his Present Majesty, and with his Brother, lost his Life in the Bed of Honour. He gave us a Play called, The Fortune Hunters; or, Two Fools well met. Com. 4 to. This was Acted with Applause, as it has been lately revived by the Patentees Company. Richard Carpenter. THIS Author lived in the latter end of King james I. and the beginning of King Charles I Published one Play called, The Pragmatical jesuit new Leavened, 4 to. A Play tends to Morality and Virtue; so 'tis doubted whether the Author was not a Divine, there being Three Sermons Published under the same Name, in the latter end of the Reign of King james I George Cartwright. OF this Gentleman I can only say, that he lived at Fulham, and that he has writ a Play called, Heroic Love; or, The Infanta of Spain, a Tragedy, dedicated to King Charles II. and Printed, London, 1661. 8vo. William Car●wright THE Name of our Author's Father and Place of Nativity, are differently Related by Mr. Wood, (a) Antiquit. Oxon. p. 274. the late Antiquarian in his Antiquit. Oxon. and (b) Lloyds Memoirs, p. 422. Mr. Loyd in his Memoirs, the first making him Gloucestershire, and the latter Oxofordshire; but all agree he was brought up a King's Scholar at Eton, under Dr. Olbaston, and chose Student of Christ-Church-Colledge in Oxon, where he passed through his Degrees of Bachelor and Master of Arts: The House made choice of him for Proctor, and was admitted by the University with Mr. Wake of Magdalen College in the Year 1643. in the Winter that Year he Died of a Malignant Fever, and lies Buried in the South Isle of that Church. He was beloved by the King and Queen, and lamented by all his Acquaintance and Friends. He was expert in the Latin, Greek, French, and Italian Tongue●; was extreme modest, as well as handsome; and admired, not only by his Acquaintance but Strangers. Ben. johnson among the rest writ in his Praise; and Bishop Fell gives him the highest, if not Hyperbolical Praise, in saying, He was the utmost that Man could come to. He writ four Plays, viz. Lady Errand, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1657. This was esteemed by many about that time a good Play. Ordinary, a Comedy 8vo. 1657. Part of the first Act is insert●ed in a Book called, Wit's Interpreter, as a Love Dialogue, unde the Title of the Old Widow, p. 81. Royal Slave, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1651. This Play was first presented to the King and Queen, by the Students of Christ-Church-Colledge, Oxon, Dr. Busbie, late Schoolmaster of Westminster, acting a part therein; and afterwards at Hampton Court, to both Their Majesties, by the Players, at the Queen's Command; and tho' the Poet gave equal Instructions, the Students carried the Prize. Siege, or Love's Convert, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1651. Occasion in Plutarch's Life of Cymon, and part from Boccaces Novels, Day 9th. Nou. 1st. These Plays are Printed together with his Poems in 8vo. where you may find most of the Wits in the University appear with Copies of Verses, to show the great Esteem they had for him. Our Author has also extant other Pieces, viz. a Sermon Printed 1652. a Latin Book entitled, Dies in Mense Novemb. maxim notabiles Coronam, etc. 1671. Robert Chamberlain. THIS author Lived in the time of King Charles I and Writ a Play called, The Swaggering Damsels ● a Comedy 4 to. 1640. Whether ever this Play was Acted I cannot learn, nether can I say it deserved Acting. William Chamberlain. A Doctor of Physic who Lived and Died in Shaftsbury in Dorsetshire, was an old Cavalier, and had received several Marks of his venturing in those Wars. He gave us a Testimony of his Poetic Capacity in an Heroic Poem, entitled Pharonida, 8vo. 1659. and since has appeared in Prose, with the Title of Eromena, or The Noble Stranger, a Novel, 1683. He writ but one Play Printed, called, Love's Victory, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1658. This has appeared since under a new Title and Acted, called, The Wits led by the Nose, or A Poet's Revenge, 4 to. 1678. George Chapman. THIS Poet Flourished in the latter part of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth and King james I. He was received among the foremost of the Poetic Writers of that Age, for his Translations, as well as Original Writings. He joined with Ben. johnson and Marston, in the Composing one Play called, Eastward Ho. He also Translated all Homer, Hesiod, and Musaeus, which Works were esteemed well done in that Infancy of Translation: His Plays which follow, are 18 in Number. All Fools, a Comedy, 4 to. 1605. Then accounted a good Play; it is Built on Terence's Heautontimorumenos or Self-Denyer, and was Acted before King james I Alphonsus' Emperor of Germany, a Tragedy 4 to. 1654. Plot from Chron. de Rebus Germanicis, see also Reynolds on the Passions, Wanley's Hist of Man, Mariana de Reb. Hist. lib. 13. c. 10. Hist. Generale d'Espagne, lib. 12. Blind Beggar of Alexandria, a Comedy, 4 to. 1598. Acted by the Earl of Nottingham, than Lord High Admiral his Servants; this Play is neither divided into Acts nor Scenes. Bussy d'Amboise, a Tragedy 4 to. This hath been presented formerly at St. Paul's, and since the Restauration by the King's Servants, with good Applause. Plot from the French Chron. Hen. III. Thuan●s, Déserres, & Rossets Hist. Trag. de notre temps, (under the names of Lysis and Silvie) Hist. 17. p. 363. Bussy d'Amboise his Revenge, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1613. This Play met not with that Esteem as the former, nor is it founded on so great Truth as the other. Conspiracy and Tragedy of Charles Duke of Byron, Marshal of France, two Plays 4 to. 1608. For the Plot which is founded on History, see Davilas Hist. France, Mezeray and other French Chron. in the time of H. IVth of France. Caesar and Pompey, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1631. Divers are the Authors that have treated on this Story, as Lucan in his Pharsalia, Svetonius in the Life of julius Caesar, Plutarch, Vill. Paterculus, Florus, Dion, etc. Gentleman Usher, a Comedy 4 to. 1606. A Play which deserves no great Commendation, and I question whether ever 'twas Acted. Humorous days Mirth, a Comedy, 4 to. 1599 A Play of indifferent Repute, but entitled, A Pleasant Comedy, as it has been sundry times Pulickly Acted by the Right Honourable the Earl of Nottingham, Lord High Admiral's Servants. Masque of the Middle Temple and Lincolns-Inn, 4 to. 1614 This was presented at Court before the King, at the Celebration of the Nuptials between the Palsgrave and the Princess Elizabeth, Mr. Inigo jones was the Engineer to order the Machine's and Decoration of the Scenes. Mayday, a Comedy 4 to. 1611. Divers times Acted with good Applause. Monsieur d'Olive, a Comedy, 4 to. 1606. This Play was often Acted by her Majesty's Children with good Success. Revenge for Honour, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1654. When the Nursery Acted in Barbican, since the Restauration they sometimes made use of this Play. Temple, a Masque, 4 to. As I Conjecture, may be the same with that before of the Middle Temple, and Licolns-Inn; Mr. Langbain, nor any other that I could ever learn, having seen any of this Title. Two Wise Men, and all the rest Fools, 4 to. 1619. Mr. Langbain's former Remark on this Play was, that it exceeded in the Number of Acts any Play of what Language whatever. But if he had seen the Spanish Bawd, either in the Original, or the Folio Edition in English, he might have found one with three times as many Acts; the Prologue and Epilogue of this Play are both writ in Prose, as was sometimes used in those times: Mr. Chapman's Name not being to the Title of this Play, it's a question whether it be really his, tho' former Catalogues make it so. Widow's Tears, a Comedy, 4 to. 1612. Plot from Petronius Arbiter. See also the Ephesian Matron, Printed in 8vo. 1668. Eastward Ho, a Comedy, 4 to. 1605. This was his but in part, Ben johnson and Marston having joined with him in it; 'twas thought worth the reviving by Mr. Tate, our present Poet Laureate, who gives it the Title of Cuckolds-Haven. coley Cibber. AN Author now Living, he is of Foreign Extraction, his Father being a Native of Holstein, and a very skilful Statuary. I cannot understand that his Education ever reached either of the Universities; he having been early by his Fancy led to the Stage, tho' it was not till the division of the Houses that he made any considerable Figure there, and then he at once exerted both the Poet and the Player, in his first Play called, Loves last Shift, and in the part of Sir Novelty fashion, which he played himself, and so increased both his Profit and his Reputation; he has already Published two Plays of something a different Character, of which in their Order. Love's last Shift, or The Fool in Fashion, a Comedy, Acted at the Theatre Royal by his Majesty's Servants. London, Printed 1696. 4 to. And Dedicated to Richard Norton of Southwick, Esq. In the Epistle our Author informs us that the usual Enmity at the Success of an unknown Author, had produced some Surmises that this Play was not his own; but he assures his Patron, that he should think he affronted him, if he should dedicate a Play to him that he could not entirely call his own; no part of this, either of the Plot or the Expression being borrowed from either the Dead or the Living. He indeed took a very rational Way to that Success, which his Epistle lets us know this Performance of his met with, by making use of the extensive Acquaintance of Mr. Southern. For that Author that will stand on the bare Merit of his Play, may satisfy himself in its justness and Perfection, but will seldom or never reap that Profit from his Labours, that will answer either his Hopes or his Merit. Being sensible of this, I suppose Mr. Cibber took care to engage the Interest of a great many, by obliging their Vanity, in submitting his Play to their Perusal and Censure; for there is no Compliment so prevailing with Mankind, as that which is made to their Wit. Mr. Cibber has taken Care to avoid the Gild of an unconfessed Theft, in avowing his Innocence, only so far as he could remember. The Plot indeed seems to be new, as it is surprising and admirable; but some of the Critics will have it founded on a very great improbability, viz. on Loveless' not knowing his Wife: Thou it may be urged in defence of it, That young Worthies Confirmation of her Uncle's former Account of her Death might very much contribute to his being imposed on. But were this insufficient, yet the Beauty of the Incident, and the excellent Moral that flows from it, abundantly outweigh the Fault. The Characters of Sir Novelty, Snap, Narcissa, and the Elder Worthy, seem to be good Copies of Sir Fopling, jerry in Love for Love, Setter in the Old Bachelor, etc. Of Melantha in Marriage Alamode, etc. and Vain-love in the Old Bachelor. Woman's Wit, or The Lady in Fashion, a Comedy acted at the Theatre Royal by his Majesty's Servants, 4 to. 1697. This Play is much short of the former in the Easiness of Wit and Style, as in the Artful working up of the Plot. The Characters of Rakeish, Father and Son, with the Plot of their Walk, is much borrowed from the Fortune Hunters; from Otway's Dare Devil; from Sir Thomas Revel and his Son in Greenwich-Parke; and indeed among the other Characters there is not much new. Sir Aston Cockain. THIS worthy Knight lived (about the Restoration) at his Seat at Ashbourn, a Market Town in Derbyshire, his Family Ancient, pretending an Alliance with * Cockain's Epigr. Lib. 2. Epig. 7. William the First: He had Education in Trinity College in Cambridge, made the Tour of France and Italy in his Five and Twentieth Year, finishing it in the Year 1632. † See his Poems p. 93. and 118. Poetry being his darling Study. Among other Pieces, he has left us Three Plays and a Masque, of which in their Order. Masque, presented at Berthie in Derbyshire, 1639. before the then Earl of Chesterfield, on a Twelfth-Night, his Two Sons acting Par●s in the same. Obstinate Lady, a Comedy, 8vo. 1658. This Play seems a mere Imitation of Massenger's Very Woman. Ovid's Tragedy, 8vo. 1669. Some part taken from his Elegies, and pa●t from Il Atheisto Fulminato, an Italian Play. Trappolin supposed a Prince, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1658. Plot from Trapoléns credulo Principe, which he owns to have seen acted at Venice. It has been revived by Mr. Tate, and acted in the Year 1685. by the Duke's Servants in Dorset Garden. Thersites, and Tyrannical Government, which may well be supposed to be none of his, tho' placed to him by Winstanly and Philips, you may find it in their Alphabet among the Anonymous Plays. These are all printed with his Poems, Epigrams, etc. in 8vo. William Congreve. A Gentleman now living, who derives himself from an Ancient Family in Staffordshire of that Name. His Politer Knowledge he owes to Dublin College, from whence being returned to England, his first Applications were to the Law. But Mr. Congreve was of too delicate a Taste, had a Wit of too fine a turn, to be long pleased with that crabbed, unpalatable Study; in which the laborious dull plodding Fellow, generally excels the more sprightly and vivacious Wit; for the Law is something like Preferment at Court, won by Assurance and Assiduity; this concurring with his Natural Inclinations to Poetry, diverted him from the Bar to the declining Stage, which then stood in need of such a Support; and from whence the Town justly received him as Rome's other Hope. Rochfoncault truly observes, that Merit alone will never make a Hero, without the friendly Assistance of Fortune; and therefore Mr. Congreve must be said to be as much obliged to her for his Success, as to Nature for his Wit, which truly deserved it, and of which all those that read his Plays, must allow him a more than ordinary Share. And indeed he took the most certain way to make sure of Fortune, by the Intimacy he contracted with the most active part of the established and received Wits and Poets of the Age, before he ventured his Reputation to the Public. For as a celebrated French Writer has observed, an Author should never expect to raise his Fame in the World, from an unknown State, by the Single Force of his own Genius, and without the Help and Concurrence of the Men of Wit, that have an Influence over the Opinion of the World in things of that Nature. But then on the other side, it must be confessed, that his Merit was certainly of more than ordinary Power, to oblige them to forget their habitual Ill-Nature; and criminal Emulation or jealousy (to give it no worse Name) of all those, whom they have any Cause to fear, will once prove any considerable Rivals in their Fickle Mistress, Fame. Mr. Congreve has already given us Four Plays, of whi●h in their Alphabetical Order. The Double Dealer, a Comedy, Acted at the Theatre Royal by their Majesty's Servants, 1694. 4 to. and Dedicated to the Right Honourable Charles Montague, Esq. one of the Lords of the Treasury. This Play not meeting with that Success as was expected, the Author, as Poets are generally apt to do, engages a little too violently in a Defence of his Comedy. The Character of Mask-well I take to be an Image of Varnish in The Plain Dealer. Love for Love, a Comedy, Acted at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants, 1695. 4 to. and Dedicated to the Right Honourable Charles, Earl of Dorset and Middlesex. This Play, tho' a very good Comedy in itself, had this Advantage, that it was Acted at the Opening of the New House, when the Town was so prepossessed in Favour of the very Actors, that before a Word was spoke, each Actor was Clapped for a considerable Time. And yet all this got it not more Applause than it really deserved: For there is abundance of Wit in it, and a great deal of diverting Humour. The Characters are justly distinguished, and the Manners well marked. Yet in the Plot he has not given himself the Pains of avoiding that so often repeated Improbability of Marrying in Masques and Disguises, which Mr. Tattle, nor Mrs. Frail had Sense enough to avoid, if we may judge by the rest of their Characters; yet it must be owned, that he has much better prepared this Incident to gain it, at least some show of Probability, than in the Old Bachelor, or than I have generally met with in other Plays. I leave the nicer Critics to decide whether the unravelling of the Plot, and the Conduct of Angelica in it, be extremely just or no: I shall only say it pleased, and that is a considerable Defence, whatever some may think to the contrary. The Mourning Bride, a Tragedy, Acted at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by His Majesty's Servants, and Dedicated to her Royal Highness the Princess AND of Denmark, 1697. 4 to● This Play had the greatest Success, not only of all Mr. Congreve's, but indeed of all the Plays that ever I can remember on the English Stage, excepting none of the incomparable Otway's; and if what Dr. Blackmore says of it be true, it deserved even greater than it met with; for the learned Doctor in the Seventh Page of his Preface to King Arthur, says thus: — Since the writing of this, I have seen a Tragedy, called, The Mourning Bride, which I think myself obliged to take Notice of in this Place. This Poem has received, and, in my Opinion, very justly, universal Applause; being looked on as the most perfect Tragedy that has been wrote in this Age. The Fable, as far as I can judge at first sight, is a very Artful and Masterly Contrivance; the Characters are well chosen, and well delineated; that of Zara is admirable. The Passions are well touched, and skilfully wrought up. The Diction Proper, Clear, Beautiful, Noble, and Diversified agreeably to the Variety of the Subject. Vice, as it ought to be, is punished; and oppressed Innocence at last rewarded. Nature appears very happily imitated excepting one or two doubtful Instances, through the whole Piece; in which there are no immodest Images, or Expressions; no wild, unnatural Rants, but some few Exceptions being allowed, all things are chaste, Just, and Decent. This Tragedy, as I said before, has mightily Obtained, and that without the unnatural, and foolish Mixture of Farce and Buffoon'ry; without so much as a Song or a Dance to make it more agreeable. By this it appears, that as a sufficient Genius can recommend itself, and furnish out abundant Matter of Pleasure and Admiration, without the paltry Helps above named: So likewise, that the Taste of the Nation is not so far depraved, but that a Regular and chaste Play, will not only be forgiven, but highly applauded. Thus far the Learned Doctor, of whom I will not say, as the Plain Dealer says of my Lord Plausible, That rather than not Flatter, he will Flatter the Poets of the Age, etc. Yet I must needs say, so very great a Commendation, will make some of the Censorious Critics imagine what it was that obliged him to take such particular Notice of this Play; which, tho' I should be never so willing to allow a Place in the first Form, yet I can never prefer it to the All for Love of Mr. Dryden, The Orphan, and Venice Preserved of Mr. Otway, or the Lucius junius Brutus of Mr. Lee, either in true Art in the Contrivance and Conduct o● the Plot; or the Choice and Delineation of the Characters for the true End of Tragedy, Pity and Terror; or the true and natural Movement of the Passions, in which Particular, none of the Ancients (I was going to say equalled, but I will boldly say) surpassed our English dead Bards in those Plays, and our living Poet in this of his that I have mentioned. Or the Diction, either in regard to its Propriety, Clearness, Beauty, Nobleness, or Variety. Let any impartial judge read but All for Love, and tell me if there is or can be a Style more Pure, or more Sublime, more adapted to the Subject in all its Parts: And I believe, notwithstanding all that some Gentlemen have urged against the Language in Otway's Plays, it seldom wants any of those Qualities that are necessary to the Perfection of the Piece he has undertaken; he has seldom given us any Persons of Kings or Princes, and if his Style swell not so much in the Mouths of those of a Lower Degree, whom he has chosen, it was because he had too much regard to the Nature of the Person he introduces. And in Lee (with the Critics permission let me speak it) you find always something Wildly Noble, and Irregularly Great; and I am unwilling, with some, to think his Style puffie or tumid; I'm sure in his Play of Lucius junius Brutus he is generally Just, both in his Thoughts and his Expressions; and it is rather for want of a true Taste of him, than his want of Merit, that he is condemned in that Play, I mean, if there be any that do not exempt that from the Faults of his other Plays. I urge not this as any Reflection on Mr. Congreve's Performance, for which I have all the just Value the Merit o● the Play commands; but to do justice to his great Predecessors on the Stage, at the depressing whose Praise, the Doctor, both in this and his former Preface, seems rather to aim, than at the raising that of Mr. Congreve. No, had I a mind to exert the Critic, I might, like many other of that Denomination, urge those Defects that either the Malice, or too nice Palate of others have descovered in the Play itself. But I think 'tis a very ungenerous Office (and not to be excused by any thing but some extraordinary Provocation) to dissect the Works of a Man of Mr. Congreve's undoubted Merit, when he has done his Endeavour to please the Town, and so notoriously obtained his End; and when the Faults that may perhaps be found in 'em, are of a Nature that makes them very disputable, and in which both his Predecessors and Contemporaries have offended; and I suppose he does not pretend to infallibility in Poetry. But tho● I purposely omit all Critical Reflections, yet the Duty of this Undertaking, and the Foundation I build on, obliges me to examine what he may have borrowed from others; which indeed is not much, tho' the Incident of the Tomb, seems to be taken from the Meeting of Artaban and Eliza, at the Tomb of Tyridates, in the Romance of Cleopatra. And Zara has many Features resembling Nourmahal in Aurenge Zebe, and Almeria in the Indian Emperor; I know some will have the whole Play a kind of a Copy of that; but I confess I cannot discover likeness enough to justify their Opinion: unless it be Zara's coming to the Prison to Osmin, as Almeria does to Cortes. I believe our Poet had the Bajazet of Racine in view, when he form his Design, at least there is as much Ground for this as the former Opinion. Perez resenting the Blow the King gave him, is like an Incident in Caesar Borgia; but the Spaniard's Revenge is more generous, and lesle cruel than that of the Italian. Thus much for the Mourning Bride, of which, if I may be allowed to speak my impartial Sense, I must needs say, that in spite of its Excellence, it discovers Mr. Congreve's Genius more inclined and turned to Comedy, than Tragedy, tho' he has gained an uncommon Praise for both; however, it being his first Poem of that Kind, it promises more perfect Products hereafter; and for which all Lovers of Poetry long with Impatience. Old Bachelor, a Comedy, Acted ●t the Theatre Royal by their Majesty's Servants, and Dedicated to the Right Honourable Charles Lord Clifford, of Lanesborough, 1693. 4 to. This Comedy was Acted with so general an Applause, that it gave both Fame and Fortune to our Author; at once made him known to the Town, and to an Honourable Maecenas; who, to the Satisfaction of all Lovers of Learning, Wit, and Poetry, has ever since proved a generous Friend to our Poet. The Old Bachelor was ushered into the World with several Copies of Verses of his Friends, and which the Merit of the Play abundantly justifies: For there's a genteel and sprightly Wit in the Dialogue, where it ought to be; and the humorous Characters are generally within the Compass of Nature, which can scarce be truly said of those of several Poets, who have met with Success enough on the Stage. Bluff seems an Imitation of the Miles Gloriosus of Plautus; of Bounce in Greenwich Park; and Hackum in the Squire of Alsatia, etc. The Incident of Sir joseph Wittoll's Marrying Sylvia, and Captain Bluff, Lucy, in Masques, has been too often an Incident on the Stage, since I'm confident it was scarce ever done in reality. Some other Characters are not entirely new, but that is very excusable in a Young Poet, especially in a Play, which I have been assured was writ, when our Author was but Nineteen Years Old, and in nothing altered, but in the Length, which being considered, I believe few Men that have writ, can show one half so good at so unripe an Age. Edward Cook, Esq. THIS Gentleman, only known to me by a single Play, never Acted, but Printed, (viz.) Love's Triumph, or The Royal Union, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1678. Plot from Cassandra, Romance, Part 5. Book 4. john Cook. THIS Author has but one Play in Print, called, Green's Tu Quoque, a Comedy, 4 to. Published with a Preface by Tho. Heywood, who says in his * Heywood's Epistle to the Reader. Epistle, That it past the Stage with general Applause, and that the Title had its Nam● in regard that excellent Commedian, Thomas Green, Acted the chief Part in it, whose general Repartee to all Compliments was, Tu Quoque; and gives him this Character, That there was not an Actor of his Nature in his time, of better Ability in Performance of what he undertook, more applauded by the Audience, of greater Grace at the Court, or of more general Love in the City. The Printed Copy is not divided into Acts, but has since King Charles the Second Restauration, been Revived and Acted with good Applause. john Corey. A Gentleman that has set together a Play, called: The Generous Enemies, or The Ridiculous Lovers, a Comedy, Acted at the Theatre Royal, 4 to. 1672. This Play is patched up out of four several Poets: The chief Design is borrowed from Quinault's La Genereuse Ingratitude; that of the Ridiculous Lovers from Corneille's D. Bertram de Cigarral, which is also founded on the Spanish Play, Entre bobos anda el juego; Bertran's Testy Humour is partly borrowed from Randolph's Muses Looking-Glass, Act 2. Scene 1. and Act. 3. Scene 3, and 4. and the Quarrel betwixt him and Robatzi, Act 5. wholly stolen from Love's Pilgrimage, Act 2. Scene 1. Act 3. Scene 3. Charles Cotten, Esq. A Gentlemen of a good Family in Staffordshire, who has written many Originals besides Translations, but nothing with more Success than his Burlesque on Virgil, in Imitation of the French Scarron; among the rest, he translated one of Corneille's Plays, called, Horra●●, T. 4 to. 1671. This Play has been translated by Two other Hands, viz. Sir William Lower, and Mrs. Katherine Phillips; but this has been accounted equal to Madam Phillips' Translation, and far to exceed that Version of Sir William Lower. For the Plot consult Livii Hist. Lib. 1. L. Florus, Lib. 1. C. 3. Cassiodorus, Dionysius Hallicarnassaeus, etc. This Author has published (besides this Play) divers other Pieces; as a Volume of Poems on several Occasions, 8vo. 1689. The Complete Angler, being a Second Part of that Book on the same Subject written by Mr. Isaac Walton, 8vo. 1676. in which Book are excellent Instructions how to Angle for a Trout or Grailing in a clear Stream. The Wonder of the Peak, a Poem, 8vo. 1681. Scaronides, or Virgil travesty, a Mock Poem on the 1st and 4th Books of Virgil's AEneis, 8vo. 1678. And one more attributed to him, tho' his Name not thereto, called, The Scoffer Scoffed; which are several of Lucian's Dialogues put into Burlesque Verse, Printed 8vo. 1675. Abraham Cowley. THIS eminent Author was Born in London, 1618. at Ten Years Old (whilst he was a Westminster Scholar) he writ the Tragical Story of Pyramus and This●e; at Twelve that of Constantia and Philetus. By Thirteen he had published several Poetical Pieces. From a Boy he was very Studious, and his Chance lighting on Spencer's Fairy Queen, roused his Inclinations to Poetry, which never forsook him till he Died. Whoever would read a just Account of his Life, will find it admirably writ by the present Bishop of Rochester. He Died of a Stoppage in his Breast and Throat, having lain Ill a Fortnight; and was Buried the 30th of August, 1667. in Westminster-Abbey, next Chaucer, and near Spencer and Drayton, with a neat Marble Monument erected (as the Inscription informs us) to him, by the late Duke of Buckingham. He has published Three English Plays, of which in their Order. Cutter of Coleman-Street, a Comedy, 4 to. 1663. This Play was Represented at the Duke's Theatre in Salisbury-Court, with good Applause; yet met with Opposition by some few, who at that time envied the Author for his Loyalty to his Prince, but was afterwards Acted with universal Applause, it being a revised Comedy, and much altered and enlarged from that Mr. Cow had about Ten Years before hastily drawn up, under the Name of the Guardian, a Comedy, 4 to. 1650. Acted several times privately during the Prohibition of the Stage; as also at Cambridge before Prince Charles, and after the Restauration publicly Acted at Dublin with good Applause. Love's Riddle, a Pastoral Comedy, 4 to. 1633. This Play was written in the Author's Youth, whilst a King's Scholar at Westminster, first printed with his Poetical Blossoms; and since that, in the Second Volume of his Works. In any of his Plays he cannot be taxed with borrowing from any other. The Works of this admirable Author are eminent enough to the Ingenious, so needless to be here characterised. He left Two Volumes in Folio, Verse and Prose, also a Volume in 8vo. Entitled, Poemata Latina. It is a great Pity he lived not to finish that incomparable Epic Poem of Davideis, being only Four Books of the Troubles of David; which he designed to extend in all, to Twelve. For his Life and Works I refer you further, to Dr. Sprat, Bishop of Rochester's Account thereof. Robert Cox. THIS Author was a celebrated Comedian in King Charles the First's time: On the Suppression of the Stage he made several Drolls, and, with his Companions, Acted them by stealth, both in London and the Country Towns: He Acted the chief Parts himself, and so very naturally, that at Oxon he gained great Applause. He published one Interlude, called, Actaeon and Diana, Interl. 4 to. The Plot from Ovid's Metamorph. This, with some Drolls of his, may be found a second time printed 1656. in 4 to. the first Edition being printed for the Author's own Use, and in the Year 1673. they were again printed, with other Drolls collected by Kirkman, under the Title of Sport upon Sport, 8vo. john Crown. A Gentleman yet living, whose Father having ventured most of his Estate (which was considerable) in a Foreign Plantation, that was afterwards taken by the French, and all King Charles' Reign neglected, he took, by the Encouragement of the late famous Lord Rochester, to Dramatic Writing, and has performed very well both in Tragedy and Comedy; tho', with Mr. Langbain, I look on Comedy to be his Talon; he has given us a Proof of his Ability in these following Plays: Ambitious Statesman, or The Loyal Favourite, a Tragedy, 4 to. 16-9. Acted at the Theatre Royal, and Dedicated to her Grace the Duchess of Albermarle. This Play met not with the Applause the Author and his Friends expected. For the Plot, See De Serres, Mazeray, and other French Chronicles. Andromache, a Tragedy 4 to. 1657. Acted at the Duke's Theatre in Dorset-Garden. This Play was translated from the French of Monsieur Racine, by another Hand, into Prose, and turned into English Verse by Mr. Crown, as he owns, and tho' the Original is well esteemed, yet this had not its expected Success on our English Stage. It seems founded on Virgil, Lib. 3. Ver. 292. and in some things the Author follows the Andromache of Euripides. Calligula, Emperor of Rome, a Tragedy, London, Printed 4 to. 1698. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants. For the Plot consult Suetonius in his Life: for the Poet has very nicely followed his Character given us by that Author. Calisto, or, The chaste Nymph, a Masque, 4 to. 1675. This was writ by the Command of her late Majesty, and often tim●s represented at Court, by Persons of great Quality, with Songs between the Acts. The Foundation from Ovid Metam. Lib. 2. Tab. 5, 6. Charles the Eighth of France, or The Invasion of Naples by the French; a Hist. Tragedy 4 to. 1680. writ in Heroic Verse; Acted at the Duke's Theatre in Salisbury-Court. Plot taken from Guicciardine's Hist. Philip de Comines' Memoires: Andre de la Vigne, and other French Chronicles in the Reign of Charles VIII. City Politics, a Comedy, 4 to. 1683. Acted at the Theatre Royal in Drury-Lane, with good Applause. This Play the Whiggish Party in those times took to be a severe satire on them. Country Wit, a Comedy, 4 to. 1675. This Play, tho' but one Degree above Farce, was Acted at the Duke's Theatre in Dorset Garden, and approved of by his then Majesty, King Charles II. Part of the Plot and Language is taken from that Comedy of M●lliere's, called Le Sicilien, ou L'Amour Peintre. Darius, King of Persia, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1688. Acted by their Majesty's Servants. For the Plot see Quint. Curt. Lib. 3, 4, and 5. justin. Lib. 11. Cap. 5. and Diodorus, Lib. 17, etc. Destruction of jerusalem by Titus Vespasian, in Two Parts, T. 4 to. 1677. Both these Tragedies are writ in Heroic Verse, and when first appeared on the Stage, were Acted at the Theatre Royal, with great Applause. For the Plot see josephus Hist. Lib. 6, & 7. Tacitus Hist. Lib. 5. Suetonius, Eusebius, etc. English Friar, or The Town Sparks, a Comedy, 4 to. 1690. This Play was Acted by their Majesty's Servants; but met not with that Success the Author expected. See his Preface thereto. Henry the Sixth, the First Part, with the Death of the Duke of Gloucester, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1681. This Play was Dedicated to Sir Charles Sidley, and Acted at the Duke's Theatre with good Applause at first, but at length, the Romish Faction opposing it, by their Interest at Court, got it suppressed. See the Second Part of Shakespear's Henry VI. from whence part of this is borrowed. Henry the Sixth, the Second Part, or The Miseries of Civil War, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1681. Acted also at the Duke's Theatre, with good Applause. Part of it is likewise borrowed from Shakespeare. For the Plot see the English Chronicles writ in those times, by Grafton, Hollingshed, Stow, Speed, etc. juliana, or The Princess of Poland, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1671. This Play was Acted at the Duke's Theatre, and Dedicated to the Earl of Orrery, being the first of this Author's Production. The Married Beau, or The Curious Impertinent, a Comedy, 4 to. 1694. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants; and Dedicated to the Lord Marquis of Normanby, Earl of Mulgrave, etc. To this Play the Author has also prefixed a Preface in Vindication of himself from the Aspersions cast on him by some of his Enemies, as to his Morals and Loyalty, which I think he sufficiently clears, particularly in Mr. Lovely's, yielding to Polidos', and I think Mr. Crown in the Right, when he tells us, 'tis hard to find which offends the Ladies, the Sin, or the Confession; the latter Example perhaps they like worst. This is accounted a good Play, and has been often Acted with general Approbation. The Story is taken out of the Comical History of Don Quixot. Regulus, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1694. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants; it has no Dedication, and met with no very good Success, though the Design be Noble; the Example of Regulus being the most celebrated for Honour and Constancy of any of Antiquity: nor is it confined to the Roman Historians; Horace has writ an Ode upon it. You may read the History in Livy, Lucius Florus, etc. Sir Courtley Nice, or It cannot be, a Comedy, 4 to. 1685. Acted by his Majesty's Servants, and Dedicated to his Grace the Duke of Ormond. The Plot and Part of the Play from a Spanish Play, No Puedeser; another Play called, Tarugo's-Wiles, first Acted 1668. hath the same Plot, and much resembles this in many Parts thereof. The Song of stop Thief is taken out of Flecknoe's Demoisell a la Mode, who likewise had it from the French of Molliere. This Play was often Acted with good Success. Thyestes, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1681. Acted at the Theatre Royal by their Majesty's Servants. Plot from Poetical History. There are Two other Plays on the same Subject, one in Spanish, the other in French, which are also founded on Seneca's Thyestes'. john Dancer. THIS author lived a great part of his Time in Ireland, if not born there; about the Year 1670. he came over into England, and understanding well the Italian and French Tongues, he then Translated Two Plays, as also a Pastoral before. The first in Order is, Agrippa King of Alba, or The False Tiberinus, T. C. 4 to. 1675. written in Heroic Verse; printed in London, with Amendments from what it was before, when Acted divers times with great Applause in Dublin, before his Grace the Duke of Ormond, than Lord Lieutenant of Ireland; and Dedicated to the Lady Cavindish, Daughter of the said Duke: Translated from the French of Monsieur Quinault. Aminta, a Pastoral, 8vo. 1660. This has been translated into Five several Tongues, from that celebrated Wit, Torquato Tasso, accounted the Father of Pastorals, and is, above all others he ever writ, the most esteemed; this is printed with several Love Verses, etc. of the same Author. Nicomede, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1671. Acted at the Theatre Royal in Dublin; and Dedicated to the Right Honourable the Earl of Ossery. Translated from the French of Monsieur Corneille, being a Piece he much valued. Story from justin, Book 34. He writ besides, a Romance, called, The English Lovers and (if we believe Mr. Winstanly) A complete History of the late Times, and A Chronicle of the Kingdom of Portugal. Samuel Daniel. A Gentleman that flourished in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth and King james I. he was born near Taunton in Somersetshire, and was entered Commoner of St. Marry Magdalen-Hall, Oxon, 1581. ●n the 19th Year of his Age; from whence, after Three Years Study, his Merit, and his Brother-in-law, Florio, preferred him to be one of the Grooms of Queen Ann. Most of his Plays he writ at a little Retreat from London: weary of the World, he at last retired into Wiltshire or Somersetshire, and there turned Farmer, living in those Parts till he was near Eighty Years Old, to whose Memory a Monument was erected in the Parish-Church, at the Charge of the Lady Ann Clifford (to whom he had been Tutor) afterwards Countess of Pembroke, Dorset, and Montgomery. Besides his excellent History of England, Printed in Folio, and continued by Trussel, he left behind him several Poetical Pieces, among them Five Dramatic, of which in their Order: Cleopatra, a Tragedy, 8vo. 1611. and 4 to. 1622. Dedicated to the Right Honourable the Countess of Pembroke: The last Edition is much amended, and far excels the first. For the Story see Plutarch's Lives of Pompey and Anthony; Florus, lib. 4. c. 11. Appian de Bel. Civil. lib. 5. but chiefly, Otway's Translation of a French Book called, The History of the Three Triumvirates, 8vo. 1686. This Play was much esteemed in its time. Hymen's Triumph, a Pastoral Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1623. This was presented at the Queen's Court, at the Nuptials of the Lord Roxborough, and Dedicated in Verse to the most excellent Majesty of the Highest Born Princess, Ann of Denmark, Queen of England, etc. Philotas, his Tragedy, 4 to. 1623. and Dedicated to King Charles the First, when he was Prince. This was the first Play our Author writ, and then esteemed, tho' at first met with some Opposition, the Reason you may find by his Apology, at the End of the Play; where he handsomely acquits himself from the Imputation cast on him. Plot from Plutarch's Life of Alexander; Quint. Curt. Book 6, etc. Queen's Arcadia, a Pastoral Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1623. This Play was presented to the Queen and her Ladies, by the University of Oxon in Christ Church College, 1605. Dedicated to the Queen's Majesty. Act. 1. Scene 2. of Carinus and Amintas, resemble Quinault's Philene, and Daphnis, in his Comedy Sans Comedy, and Scene 4. Act 2. and the 7th Scene of the same Act, are very like Randolph's Amintas. Vision of the Twelve Goddesses, a Masque, 4 to. 1623. Presented by the Queen and her Ladies at Hampton Court, and Dedicated to the Right Honourable the Lady Lucy, Countess of Bedford, and because this was first published imperfect, the Author soon after published it from his own Copy to prevent its suffering for the Future. Sir William D'avenant, THE Son of john D'avenant, Vintner of Oxford, in that very House that has now the Sign of the Crown near Carfax; a House much frequented by Shakespeare in his frequent journeys to Warwickshire; whither for the Beautiful Mistress of the House, or the good Wine, I shall not determine. Our Author was Born there in the Year 1605. in February, and Christened on the 3d of March following, he was admitted a Member of Lincoln College, 1621. the same Year that his Father was Mayor of that City: After some Smattering in Logic, he quitted those Studies for Poetry, which proved more advantageous to him than to any Modern Professor of that Art. From Lincoln-Colledge he went first into the Service of the Duchess of Richmond, and afterwards to that of Foulk Lord Brook; after whose Death he applied himself to Writing of Plays. In the Year 1637. he succeeded Ben. johnson as Poet Laureate; 1641 he was accused of endeavouring to Seduce the Army; Flying on a Proclamation, he was taken at Feversham in Kent, committed Prisoner to a Sergeant at Arms, was Bailed, and fled for France; returning he was made General of the Ordinance, by the Marquis of Newcastle, he was Knighted by the King, 1643. toward the end of the Civil Wars he retired again into France, and began his Gondibert, in the Year 1650. he was taken at Sea by an English Ship, carried Prisoner to the Isle of Weight; thence removed to the Tower, and had been tried for his Life, 1651. had not the Mediation of the Divine Milton prevented it, and got him his Liberty, as Prisoner at Large. His Patrons Endymion Porter, and Mr. Iermin (afterwards Lord St. Alban) got him as a Reward of his Poetry and Services, the Place of Commissioner of the Customs, and a Patent for a Company of Actors, who first set up in the same Tennis-court in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, where they now Act: But finding the good Acting of the other Company won the Favour of the Town, he set up the Whim of Opera's. He was Laureate to Charles the I. & II. he died the 7th of April, 1668. Aged 63, and is Buried among the Poets in Westminster-Abbey. His Works are Published Fol. 1673. His Plays which follow in Order, were most of them Acted with Applause, and Printed in the Author's Life-time separately in 4 to. and since together in Folio. Albovin King of the Lombard's, his Tragedy 4 to. and fol. The Design is founded on History, and the whole Story related in Bandello's Histoires Tragiques', Tom. 4. Nou. 19 Paulus Diaconus de Gestis Longobardorum, lib. 2. c. 28. Greg. Episc. Turonensis Hist. Franconum, lib. 2. c. 28. Heylin's Cosmog. Part 1. Book 1. Page 57 Britannia Triumphans, a Masque, 4 to. written by him, and Inigo jones the King's Surveyor. Cruel Brother, a Tragedy 4 to. and fol. Dedicated to the Right Honourable the Lord Weston, Lord High Treasurer of England. The Distresses, a Tragicomedy, Printed in Fol. 1673. Entertainment at Rutland House, Printed in fol. 1673. This was presented by way of Declamation, and Music, after the manner of the Ancients: The Music, Vocal and Instrumental was Composed by Dr. Coleman, Captain Cook, Mr. Laws, and Mr. Hudson, all eminent at the time it was first represented● The Fair Favourite, a Tragicomedy, first Printed in 4 to. and since in fol. 1673. The Just Italian, a Tragicomedy, first Printed in 4 to. and since in fol. 1673. Dedicated at first Publishing to the Right Honourable Earl of Dorset, with Recommendatory Verses of Mr. Hopkins and Mr. Carew. The Law against Lovers, a Tragicomedy, fol. 1673. Taken from two Plays of Shakespeare, viz. Measure for Measure, and, Much ado about nothing; the Language much amended and polished by our Author. Love and Honour, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. and fol. Acted both at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, and in Dorset-Garden, with Applause. The Man's the Master, a Comedy, 4 to. and fol. often Acted with Applause. Plot from Scarron's joddelet, ou Le Maistre Valet, etc. The Platonic Lovers, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. and fol. first Printed in 8vo. with the Wits, another Play of this Authors. The Playhouse to be Let, fol. The second Act consists of a French Farce Translated from Mollieres Sagnarelle: The third and fourth Acts contain the History of Sir Francis Drake, and the Cruelty of the Spaniands in Peru: The fifth Act relates the Actions of Caesar Anthony and Cleopatra; most of these Acted in Oliver's time, separately by stealth, and some of them Printed first in 4 to. The Siege, a Tragicomedy, fol. 1673. The Siege of Rhodes, in two Parts, 4 to. and fol. Dedicated to the Right Honourable the Earl of Clarendon, Lord High Chancellor of England, Acted with good Applause at the Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields. For the true Story see Boissardi Icones & vitae Sultanorum Turcicorum in Vit. Solym. 2. Tho. Artus Continuation de la Histoire des Turc's, and our English History of the Turks, by Knolles. News from Plymouth, a Comedy, fol. 1673. Acted formerly at the Globe. The Temple of Love, a Masque, fol. 1673. This was in King Charles the Ist's time, presented at Court by his Queen, and divers of the Nobility, both Lords and Ladies, the Scenes and Habits were very magnificent and Glorious. The Triumphs of the Prince d' Amour, a Masque, presented by his Highness, at his Palace in the Middle Temple, fol. 1673. Acted by the Members of that Honourable Society, as an Entertainment to the Prince Elector. The Author Composed it in three Days time; the Music of the Songs set by Mr. Henry, and Mr. William Laws. The Wits, a Comedy, 8vo. 4 to. and fol. first Acted at Black Friars, and since at the Duke's Theatre, with Applause. ● Dr. Charles Davenant. THIS Gentleman is the eldest Son of Sir William, and Dr. of Laws; he is yet Living, and has given us one Proof that Horoum filii noxae, is not always true in his Play called, Circe, an Oper●, 4 to. 1677. Acted at the Duke's Theatre with Applause. Plot founded on Poetical History; see Ovid's Metamorph. Natal. Comes, Boccace, etc. Robert Davenport. HE lived in the time of King Charles I. writ two Plays, which were not Printed till the succeeding Reign; he is Author of two Dramatic pieces, Acted with great Applause. The City Nightcap, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1661. Plot from Don Quixot's Novel of the Curious Impertinent, and Boccaces Novels, Day 7. Nou. 7. john and Matilda, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1655. This Play is Dedicated to the Right Honourable Montague Bertie, Earl of Lindsey. For the Plot see Holinshed, Martin, Stow, Speed and Baker's Chronicles in the Reign of King john. Robert Dauborn. THIS Author was both Poet and Divine; he lived in the time of K. james I. was Master of Arts, but of which University is uncertain. He writ these two Plays following, The Christian turned Turk, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1612. The Story from a Printed Book, entitled, The Overthrow of Captain Ward and Dansiker, two Pirates, written by one Barker, and Published 1609. 4 to. The Poor Man's Comfort, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. Printed 1665. but Acted many Years before. john Day. HE lived in the time of King james I. was once Student of Gonvile and Caius Coll. in Cambridge, and has Writ Six Plays, (viz.) The Blind Beggar of Bednal-Green, with the merry Humour of Tom. Stroud the Norfolk Yeoman, a Comedy, 4 to. 1659. For the true Story see our English Chronicles in the Reign of King Henry VI. Humour out of Breath, a Comedy, 4 to. 1608. Isle of Gulls, a Comedy, 4 to. 1633. This Play was often Acted in the Black Friars, by the then Children of the Reve●s; Plot from Sir Philip Sidney's Arcadia. Law Tricks, or who would have thought it, a Comedy, 4 to. 1608. This Play was also divers times Acted by the Children of the Revels. Parliament of Bees, with their proper Characters, or (says the Title) A Beehive, furnished with Twelve Honey-Combs, as pleasant as profitable: This in former Catalogues is accounted a Masque. Printed 4 to. 1607. Dedicated to a worthy Gentleman (viz.) Mr. George Butler, who has Writ and Published a Treatise of Bees. Travels of the Three English Brothers, Sir Thomas, Sir Anthony, and Mr. Robert Shirley, an Historical Play, 4 to. 1607. Ro●ley and Wilkins joined with this Author in Composing this History for the Stage. See Dr. Fuller's Worthies, in his Description of Sussex, p. 107. see also our English Chronicles. Thomas Deckar. THis Author was a Contemporary of Ben. Johnson's, in the Reign of K. james I. and his Antagonist for the Bays; he Writ Eight Plays entire, and four others assisted with Webster, Rowley, and Ford, in all Twelve, which take as follow. Fortunatus, a Comedy, 4 to. 1600. styled, Old Fortunatus. This Play is not divided into Acts; the story is taken from the stitched Book of Fortunatus. Honest Whore, the First Part, with the Humours of the Patient Man, and the Longing Wife; a Comedy, 4 to. 1635. Acted by her Majesty's Servants with great Applause. Honest Whore, the Second Part, with the Humours of the Patient Man, and the Impatient Wife, also the Comical passage of an Italian Bridewell, a Comedy, 4 to. 1630. This Play is not divided into Acts, nor ever, (I suppose) Acted. See Harrington's Epig. at the end of his Orlando Furioso. If this b'ent a good Play, the Devil's in't; a Comedy, 4 to. 16 a Play then Acted with great Applause by the Queen's Majesty's Servants. See Machiavel's Novel of Belphegor. Match me in London, a Comedy, 4 to. 1631. This was then accounted a good Play and often Acted both at the Bull in St. John's street, and in Drury-Lane. Northward Ho, a Comedy, 4 to. 1607. sundry times Acted by the Children of Paul's. john Webster joined with our Author in this Play. See Ducento Novelle del Signior Celio Malespini, part 1. Nou. 2. Satyromastyx, or, The Untrussing the Humorous Poet, a Comedy, 4 to. 1602. presented Publicly by the Right Honourable the Lord Chamberlain's Servants, and privately by the Children of St. Paul's. Ben. Johnson's Poetaster (wherein he is severe on this our Author) occasioned the Writing of this Play. Westward Ho, a Comedy, 4 to. 1607. This Play was divers times Acted by the Children of Paul's. Mr. Webster also was concerned in producing this Play. The Whore of Babylon, a History, 4 to. 1607. Acted by the Prince's Servants. This Play was designed to expose the Roman Catholics, especially the jesuits at that time, and sets forth the excellent Virtues of Queen Elizabeth, and the many Dangers she escaped. Wyat's History, 4 to. 16 In this Mr. Webster joined with him, and is a Play Mr. Langbain never saw. See the English Chron. in the Reign of Queen Mary. The Witch of Edmonton, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1658 In this Play Mr. Rowley and Mr. Ford joined with him. The Wonder of a Kingdom, a Comedy, 4 to. 1636. He likewise writ with Mr. Philip Massinger, the Virgin Martyr, and with Mr. Middleton, the Roaring Girl. Sir john Denham, Knight of the Bath. HE was born in Ireland, tho' his Father was Sir john Denham of Horsley in Essex, but was at the Birth of this his only Son a judge in that Kingdom, and Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer; on his being promoted to the Exchequer in England, he brought over our Author very young. In the year 1631. he was sent to Trinity-college in Oxon: After some few years he left Oxon for London, where he applied himself to the Study of the Civil Law. By the Assistance of Hugh Peter, he got admission to Charles I. then in the Army's Hands at Causham, being then employed on a Message to him by the Queen, to whom he had offered his Service, which Negotiation he performed, so that he was further employed by the King: but being discovered by Mr. Cowley's Hand being known, he escaped beyond Sea, where he afterwards gave his Attendance on King Charles II. who oftentimes gave him Subjects to write on. He made him Surveyor General of his Royal Buildings, and at his Coronation Knight of the Bath. He died at his House near Whitehall, March 10th, 1668. and was Buried among the Poets in Westminster-Abbey. He hath writ divers Poems and Translations in 8vo. among them Cooper's Hill, a Piece much commended; at the end of these Poems is one Play of this Author's, wherein he shows his Ability in Dramatic Poesy. It is Entitled, The Sophy, a Tragedy, 8vo. 1671. Acted at the Black Friars with good Applause; it was first Printed in 4 to. 1642. Plot from Herbert's Travels, Life of Abbas. The same Story is differently handled by Mr. Baron in his Tragedy of Mirza. john Dennis. THis Gentleman now Living, has made himself a Name by several Books, both in Prose and Verse, which he has Published, but for none more than his Critical Observations on the so much Celebrated Prince Arthur, writ by Sir Richard Blackmore, in which he has showed himself a perfect Critic, and Master of a great deal of Penetration and judgement; his Remarks being beyond Controversy just, and the Faults he finds undeniably such. I am not able to give any Account of his Parents. He was Born in London, his Education was at Gonvile and Caius College in Cambridge, which he improved afterwards by Travel and the best Conversation; but the occasion of his being mentioned here, is a Dramatic piece he has lately Published, called, A Plot and no Plot, a Comedy, 4 to. Acted at the Theatre Royal, 1697. and Dedicated to the Right Honourable Robert, Earl of Sunderland, Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty's Household. The Plot of this Play is our Author's own, tho' I confess, an Incident or two are not so new as the rest of the Play may justly be said to be; for old Bulls being persuaded, that he is in Newgate, when he's in his own House, is not unlike an incident in the City-Politicks, and young Bulls being married by Baldernoe has been in the Old Bachelor, The City Match, etc. This Play is exactly regular, and discovers itself writ by a Master of the Art of the Stage, as well as by a Man of Wit; the justness, fineness, and delicacy of the Reflections, the pleasantness of the Humours, the Novelty and Distinction of the Characters, the admirable Conduct and Design of the whole, with the useful Moral of the Play, places it in the Rank of the best Comedies of this latter Age of Poetry; and tho' he himself term it low Comedy, gives us a Desire, as well as Hopes, of some more Noble Performance. Thomas Dilke. A Gentleman now living, who (as I am informed) was some time a Student of Oriel Coll. in Oxon, has since quitted the Camp for the Theatre, and Mars for Apollo; he has given the World two Plays with different Success, the last of which comes first in order. The City Lady, or Folly Reclaimed, a Comedy Acted by his Majesty's Servants, at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, 4 to. 1697. Dedicated to Fisher Wentworth, Esq This Play, as the Author tells us in the Epistle, miscarried in the first Night's Representatation, and owns he has not hit the Humours of the Town in some of his principal partest The Lover's Luck, a Comedy, Acted at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants, 4 to. 1696. Dedicated to the Right Honourable the Lord Raby. This Play, as the Author takes care to inform us, met with a general Applause. As to the Characters, they are most but Copies, Sir Nicholas Purflew, of the Antiquary of Marmion; Goosandelo, of Sir Courtly, and Sir Fopling, etc. I won't say, that the Poet had the Sharpers in the Squire of Alsatia in his Eye, when he drew Eager, etc. but there is some resemblance. Tho. Dogget. AN excellent Comedian, now living, who dealing daily in the Products of Parnassus, found himself inspired with the Vein of Poetry, that has spread so far among his Brothers of the Stage, and has given us a very diverting Play called, The Country Wake, a Comedy, Acted at the New Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants, 1696. 4 to. Dedicated to the Illustrious and truly Noble james, Duke, Marquess and Earl of Ormond, in England and Ireland, etc. This Play was well received, but whether it was owing to the admirable Account of the Author, or his Writing, or to both, I leave to the Reader; that it has Merit, is not to be doubted, nor do I know of any remarkable Thefts from other Plays, unless the imitation of Shakespear's Clowns, in the Character of Hob, which I look on as a praise to Mor. Dgget, and no Fault. john Dover. A Gentleman of Grays-Inn, in the time of Charles II. whether he be yet living, I know not; he Writ one Play, (viz.) The Roman Generals, or, The Distressed Ladies, 4 to. 1697. Dedicated to the Right Honourable the Lord Brook. For the Plot see Plutarch's Lives of Caesar and Pompey. See also Lucan, Suet●nius, etc. Dr. james Drake. A Member of the College of Physicians, and formerly of Gonvile and Caius College in Cambridge. He has lately Published a Play, called, The Shame Lawyer, or, The Lucky Extravagant, a Comedy, 4 to. Acted at the Theatre Royal, 1697. This Play, as it wanted Success, so it is for the most part borrowed from two of Fletcher's, (viz.) The Spanish Curate, and Wit without Money; but whether our Author has improved the Materials, or not, I leave to the Critics. john Dryden, Esq THis Gentleman, who was Poet Laureate, and Historiographer to the late King james, is of a good Family, (if I mistake not) in Northamptonshire, was Bred at the University of Cambridge, and had some thoughts once (as I have been told) of entering a more profitable state of Life than Poetry, where Learning met with more Encouragement, I mean the Church: How early his Genius led him to Poetry, I am not able to inform you; but he was above thirty before he gave us his first Play, which met with so little Success, that if he had not had a peculiar force of Inclination to Writing, he had been Discouraged, for that Play indeed made no Promises of that great Man he was afterwards to be. He is a Poet that has met with Applause often above his Merit; tho' in many of his Writings, it must be confessed, he deserved the highest: But I must own, I think, his Dramatic Pieces, if we must take our Standard of their Excellence from the Ancients, the most incorrect of his Productions. There is generally indeed the sublime, but very rarely the Pathetic; for in all his Plays he has not touched Compassion above thrice, and that but weakly; Terror he has often hit on; but 'tis not for me to Censure a Man of no Vulgar Genius; but what is necessary for the making this of a piece in its Impartiality. I shall give some Instances of his playing the Plagiary, omitting all those scurrilous and Digressory● Reflections with which Mr. Langbain has bespattered him, and through which indeed runs all along a great evidence of private and ungenerous Malice, brought in, tho' nothing to the Business before him. On the other hand, it must be confessed, that he has, (where he detects his Thefts) urged a great deal of Truth; for Mr. Dryden has borrowed from the French, at the same time that he seems to contemn them; unless it may be pretended, that he has used them as Virgil did Ennius of old, to extract Gold out of their Dung. For I never found him in any Theft indeed, but what he gave a new Lustre too, when taken, even from the best of the Ancients; and I may therefore believe the same of what he has taken from the French. I shall not therefore pursue Mr. Langbain's steps in his Excursions; only at the Foot of each Play, lay down the places from whence he has borrowed. But the Reader must not expect I shall give him all that he owes for in each Play, for that would exceed the Limits of this Compendium; it must suffice that I give some Instances of each, to put him in mind of his own Deeds, and so mollify his Reflections on those young Men that are now coming up, and who may think it not below them to follow that Path which they have seen Conduct him to so much Glory; of which in their Order. Albion and Albanus, an Opera, fol. 1685. presented at the Queen's Theatre in Dorset-Garden. All for Love, or The World well Lost, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1678. For the Plot and some of the Descriptions, especially Cleopatra's sailing down the Cydnus, see Plutarch's Life of Antony, Suetonius in Aug. Dion Cassius, lib. 48. 51. Orosius, lib. 6. c. 7. Clunie, lib. 4. c. 11. Appian de bellis Civilibus, l. 5. Amboyna, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1673. acted at the Theatre Royal, see Purchas' Pilgrimage, Vol. II. l. 16. c. 16. Sanderson's History of King james, p. 577. Stubb's Relation of the Dutch Cruelties to the English at Amboyna; Wanley's History of Man, lib. 4. c. 10. ex. 1. The Rape of Isabinda by Horman, is built on a Novel of Cynthais Gyraldi, Idea 5. Nou. 10. Amphitryon, or, The Two Socia's, a Comedy, 4 to. from Moliere and Plautus of the same N●me. Assignation; or, Love in a Nunnery, a Comedy, 4 to. 1678. Acted at the Theatre Royal. Most of the Incidents borrowed, as well as Characters. The Characters of the Duke of Mantua, Frederick and Lucretia, from Constance the fair Nun in The Annals of Love, p. 81. those of Aurelian, Camillo, Laura, and Violetta, from Scarron's Comical Romance; San's Destiny, and Madam Star. cap. 13. p. 43. Benito's Affectation of Music, from Quinault's jadolet, in his Comedy sous Comedy, Frontonas' throwing Water on L●ura, from Les contes de M. de la Fontaine, Par. 1. Nou. 11. p. 74. See likewise Les Cent. Novelles, La Damoiselle a ceur ouvert, etc. Aureng-zebe, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1676. Acted at the Theatre Royal; for the Plot consult Tavernier's Travels, vol. 1. part 2. C. 2. I will not determine with Mr. Langbain, that the Characters of Anreng-zebe and Nourmahal, are borrowed from Seneca's Phaedra and Hippolytus; since I see nothing alike through their whole Story, but the Love of a Son-in-Law, and his Aversion; but that does by no means constitute the Character, (which is a thing Mr. Langbain seems never to understand) Hippolytus has an Aversion to Love, Aureng-zebe is in Love, and much more Polite; Hippolytus was a Hunter indeed, and Aureng-zebe a Warrior: Nourmahal is a degree beyond the Lewdness of even Seneca's Phaedra, who Degenerated extremely from her Original in Euripides, and indeed shows none of her Qualities, but Revenge for disappointed Love: It must be owned, that these Lines which Mr. Langbain instances are borrowed from Seneca in that place; Aur. Heavens! Can you this without just Vengeance bear? When will you Thunder, if you now are clear? Yet her alone let not your Thunder seize, I too deserve to dye, because I please. Hip. Magne Regnator deum Tam lentus audis scelera tam lentus vides Ecquando saeva fulmen emittes Manu Si nunc serenum est — Me velox cremet. Transactus ignis sum Nocens; merui mori Placui Novercae. Here, what is uncommon with Mr. Dryden, he seems to have lost the Beauty of Seneca's Expression of Me velox cremet Transac●us ignis, which gives you some Image of the stroke of a Thunder-Bolt, whereas Mr. Dryden Yet her alone let not your Thunder seize, looks more like the taking a Thief or Debtor by a Constable or Bailiff; for seizing is too calm, and impotent a word to express the force of a Bolt sent from the Arm Trisulci jovis. But this is the effect of Writing in Rhyme; for I'm confident he had never used that word in Blank Verse. Hipp.— Thesei vultus amo Illos priores, quos tulit quondam puer Cum prima turas signare barba Genas. I am not changed, I love my Husband still, But love him as he was when youthful Grace, And the first Bloom began to shade his Face. Again from Milton's Samson Agonistes. Dal. I see thou art implacable, more Deaf To Prayers, than Winds and Seas; yet Winds to Seas Are reconciled at length, and Sea to Shoar Thy anger unappeasable still rages; Eternal Tempest never to be calmed. Eng. Unmoved he stood, and deaf to all my Prayers, As Seas and Winds to sinking Mariners: But Seas grow calm, and Winds are reconciled; Her Tyrant Beauty never grows more mild. Cleomenes, The Spartan Hero, Trag. 4 to. Acted at the Theatre Royal, 1692. and Dedicated to the Right Honourable the Earl of Rochester, Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter: To which is prefixed the Life of Cleomenes, Translated from the Greek of Plutarch, by Mr. Creech. This Play was by some Enemies of the Poets, so misrepresented at Court, that it was stopped; but by the generous Friendship of the late Lord Falkland, cleared from the Aspersions cast on it, and Acted with great Applause. As for the Plot or Story, the Author in his Preface owns it taken from Plutarch, and that he has closely followed the Truth as he found it there; only that he has changed, for the sake of their sound, some Names, as that of Agathoclea, the King's Mistress, into Cassandra, and that of Nicagoras into Caenus. To the Story he has added the Love of Cassandra for Cleomenes, and has given him a second Wife, which the Story only gave him a small hint for. And indeed our Author has trod upon Plutarch so close, that the very words of that Author, are Transplanted with little variation, into the Play. You may read more of Cleomenes in Polybius, and Cornelius Nepos in his Life. Conquest of Granada by the Spaniards, Two Parts, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1678. Acted at the Theatre Royal. Almanzor is very like Ponce de Leon, in Almahide, as Mr. Langbain observes; but in my Opinion, tho' there may be many Features like Ponce in the Draught, yet Almanzor seems rather to be a Copy of the Achilles of Homer, ill understood, for he does more alone, and without an Army to back him, than Achilles with his Myrmydons; Achilles was injured, and desisted from fight, but Almanzor goes over to their Enemies; nor is he fixed there, but receiving another Injury from Abdalla, returns to B●abdelin, takes it ill that he is mistrusted, and tells them he will again change his side, if provoked: But of him enough, since no Man of good sense can think that Play's Success owing to the Excellency o● the Poet's Performance, but the Extravagance; for I have always observed it to have the Effect of Comedy on the Audience: But Mr. Langbain will indeed have him a Knight of the Shire almost, and Represent the Extravagant Heroes of two or three Romances more; as the Osmin of Gusman, and Artaban of Cleopatra, Boabdeline, Almahide, Ferdinand, Isabel, Arcos, Hamet, Gomel, from the Romance of Almahide, Ozmin and Benzaida, from Ozmin and Alibech in Ibraim, etc. see also Grand Cyrus, S. ix. Book 1. for Abdelmelech, Lydaraxa, etc. so much for the Characters, now for the thoughts; the Description of the Bull-Feast, if allowing for the Rhyme, almost entirely taken from Gusman's juego de Toores, and Cannas; Consult the Story of Ozmin and Daraxa, Pt. ●. page 82, 85● the Description of the Factions from Almahide, page 1. The four ensuing lines spoke by Boabdeline, from Prince Massa's Advice to Almahide, p. 6. the King's Speech going betwixt the Factions, p. 5. taken from Almahide, pt. 3. p. 63. Tariffa and Ozmin's Quarrel, and the Rise of the Famlies, from Abindacray's Speech, Al. p. 2. Almanzor's killing Gomel, his quelling the Tumult, from Alm. p. 64, 65. His Victory, Act 2d. and taking Acaos Prisoner, ibid. The Scene betwixt Lindaraxa and Abdalla, from Al. p. 62. and from the Story of Elibesis in Cyrus, pt. 9 B. 1. p. 20. Zulemus Plea for Abdalla●s Right to the Crown, which one would scarce think is so childish a fancy, from Al. p. 62. and Cyrus as above; Almanzor's Description of Boabd. p. 18. from Al. p. 55. etc. nay, the Alarm after the Zambra-Dance, in which there is an absurdity of bringing in the Images of a Heathen Deity. The first meeting of Alman. and Almahide, p. 69. of Abdalem and Almanzor, p. 71. and the Controversy betwixt Almanzor and Zulema, ibidem, and his returning to Boabdelin, from the same Romance, p. 72. Abdelmeleck's Visit to Lynidaraxa, in Disguise, from Elibesis in Grand Cyrus, p. 25. and Abdalla's Visit, from the same, p. 67. Almanzor's delivering Almahide, copied from Almahide, p. 73. Abdalla's Converse with Lyndaraxa, under the Walls of Albayzin, from the fore cited Story of Cyrus, p. 61. his flying to the Christians from p. 72. of the same; Osmin and Benzaida's Flight, from p. 8. of Ibrahim. This is enough for the two Parts, to give a taste of how many Feathers are borrowed from other Pieces; now I shall proceed to another. Don Sebastion King of Portugal, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1690. Acted at the Theatre Royal; Founded on a French Novel of the same Name. See also Vasconcellos' Anacephaleosis, sine summa capitum Actorum Regum Lusitaniae. Anace. 20. and other Writers of that time, it being 1578. when Sebastian was killed. The Duke of Guise, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1683. Acted by their Majesty's Servants. Mr. Lee joined in this. For the Plot consult Davila, Mezeray, and other Writers of the Reign of Charles IX. or rather the Reigns of Henry III. etc. the ridiculous Story of Malicorn you may find in Rosset's Histoires Tragiques' en la vie de Canope 8vo. p. 449. Ev'ning's Love, or The Mock ginger, a Comedy, 4 to. 1671. Acted at the Theatre Royal. Almost wholly made up out of Corneilles le faint Astrologue; Molliers depetit Amoreux; and Les Precieuses Ridicules; Quinault's L'Amant Indiscreet; some hints too from Shakespeare, Petronius Arbiter, and the main Plot on Calderon's El Astrologo fingido: But to be a little particular, Aurelia's Affectation in her Speech from Les Precieuses Ridicules; Scene between Alonzo and Lopez, p. 39 is from Mollieres de petit Amoreux, Act 2. Scene 6. Camilla●s begging a Boon of Don Melchor, from the same; the Love-Quarrel betwixt jacinta and Wild Blood, and Mascal and Beatrix, from the same Play, Act 4. Scene 3, 4. Aurelia's falling into Alonzo's Arms, from L'Amant indiscreet Act 5. Scene 4. Kind Keeper, or, Mr. Limberham, a Comedy 4 to. 1680. Acted at the Duke's Theatre. Mistress Faintlies' discovery of Love All in the Chest; See pt. 1. Cynthio Giraldi, dec. 3. N. 3. Mistress Brainsick's pricking and pickling him. See a Novel, called, The Triumph of Love over Fortune. King Arthur, or The British Worthy, a Tragedy, Acted at the Theatre in Dorset-Garden, 1691. and Dedicated to the Marquis of Halifax. This Play is writ more for the sake of the Singing part and Machine's, than for any Excellence of a Dramatic Piece; for in it shines none of Mr. Dryden's great Genius, the Incidents being all extravagant, many of them Childish; the Enchanted Wood, as well as the rest of the Wonders of Osmond's Art, he entirely owes to Tasso; where Rinaldo performs what Arthur does here. I shall not presume to expose any of the Faults of this great Man in this particular piece, he having suffered so much under the Hands of my Predecessor in this Undertaking. The fabulous Story of this King Arthur, you may read in Geoffrey of Monmouth, and in the Preface of a late famous Poem, that bears his Name, as well as in the first Volume of Mr. Tyrrell's History of England. Indian Emperor; or, The Conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards, being the sequel of the Indian Queen, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1670. Acted at the Theatre Royal. For the true Story consult Lopez de Gamara. Hist. general de las Incas & de Conquista de Mexico, de Bry. Americae pars 9 l. 7. Ogilby's America, Chap. 3. Sect. 10. Mariana de Reb. Hisp. lib. 26. cap. 3. Sir Paul Ricaut's Hist of Inca's. Love Triumphant, or Nature will Prevail, a Tragicomedy, Acted at the Theatre Royal by their Majesty's Servants, 4 to. 1694. Dedicated to the Right Honourable james Earl of Salisbury, etc. In the Epistle Mr. Dryden informs us, That it is the last he intends for the Theatre. I take this Play to be Founded on the Story of the King and no King of Fletcher, at least on the Corrections of the Fable of that Play made by Mr. Rymer, in his Reflections on the Tragedies of the first Age. Thou this Play had not that Success which most of Mr. Dryden's met with, yet it must be confessed, That in several parts the Genius of that Great Man breaks out, especially in the Scene of the Discovery of Alphonso's Victorious Love, and the very last Scene, where the Catastrophe is extremely moving, tho' contrary to Aristotle it be made from the change of Will in Veramond. Marriage A-la-mode, a Comedy, 4 to. 1673. Acted at the Theatre Royal. The serious part built on the Story of Sesostris and Timareta, in B. 3. pt. 9 of Cyrus. The Characters of Palamede and Rodophil from the Story of Tyrianthes and Parthenia, in the same Romance, pt. 6. B. 1. some Features at least of Doralice drawn from Nogaret, in the Annals of Love. Melanth●● making Love to herself, from Les Contes D'Ouville, pt. 1. p. 13. The Mistaken Husband, a Comedy, 4 to. 1675. Acted at the Theatre Royal. This is is not Mr. Dryden's, who only added a Scene; for the Plot consult Plautus' Maenechmi. Oedipus' King of Thebes a Tragedy, 4 to. 1679. Acted at the Duke's Theatre. This Play was writ by Mr. Lee and Mr. Dryden; therefore to whom to attribute the Faults is difficult; and we have so little to accuse them of being Plagiaries here, that the most understanding judges wish they had followed Sophocles yet closer, it had then been the best of our Modern Plays, as 'tis of the Ancients; but as it is, they have destroyed the Character of Oedipus, and made it absolutely Contradictory. For Oedipus that fled from a Crown, for fear of threatened Incest, and had pulled out his Eyes on the Discovery of it, can relish an Embrace of jocasta too well, in the 5th Act, till the Ghost of Laius frights him; but this place admits not all those just Criticisms that might be made on this Play. The Rival Ladies, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1679. Acted at the Theatre Royal. The Dispute betwixt Amideo and Hippolito, and Gonsalva's fight with the Pirates, borrowed from Encolpius, Giton, Eumolpus and Tryphena's, on Boarding the Vessel of Lyca's, in Petronius Arbiter, and the Catastrophe resembles Scarron's Rival Brothers. Secret Love, or, The Maiden Queen, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1679. Acted at the Theatre Royal. The serious part founded on Cle●buline Queen of Corinth, pt. 7. B. 7. Celadon, Florimell, Olinda, and Sabina, from the History of Pisistratus and Cerintha, in the said Cyrus, pt. 9 B. 3. and the French Marquis Ibra. Part 2. Book 1. Figned Innocence, or Sir Martin Marall, a Comedy, 4 to. 1678. Acted at the Duke's Theatre. The greatest part, both Plot and Language of Sir Martin and Warner, stolen from Quinaults L'Ama●● indiscreet, and Mollieres L'Etourdy ou le Contre temps. Sir Martin's foolish Discovery of his not Playing on the Lute, from Firmur●n, L. 7. and Sir john Moodies being set up in their Altitudes, from Shakerly's Marmion's Fine Companions, Act 4. Sc. 1. etc. The Spanish Friar, or, The double Discovery, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1681. Acted at the King's Theatre. The Comical part built on the Novel, called, The Pilgrim. The State of Innocence, or, The Fall of Man, an Opera, 4 to. 1678. Taken from Milton's Paradise Lost, tho' guilty of many absurdities, which are not in Milton, whose being a Narration of things done long since, made room for several things, which had he placed it in Action, could never have been brought in; to give one Instance; Mr. Dryden makes Lucifer (before the World was made, or at least before the Devil knew any thing of its Form, Matter or Vicissitudes,) compare the prostrate Devils to Leaves in Autumn, before there was an Autumn, etc. The Tempest, or, Enchanted Island, a Comedy, 4 to. 1676. Acted at the Duke's Theatre. This is an Alteration only of one of Shakespear's, by Sir William D'Avenant and Mr. Dryden. Troilus and Cressida, or, Truth found out too late, a Tragedy 4 to. 1679. Acted at the Duke's Theatre. One of Mr. Shakespear's, altered by Mr. Dryden. The Story is to be found in Lellius a Lombard, in Latin, and in our old Chaucer in ancient English. Tyrannic Love, or, The Royal Martyr, a Tragedy, 4 to., 1679. Acted at the Theatre Royal. For the Plot see Zosimus, lib. 4. Socrates, lib. 5. c. 14. Herodian, l. 6, 7; and 8. jul. Capit. in cit. Mac. jun. The Wild Gallant, a Comedy, 4 to. 1669. Acted at the Theatre Royal. This was his first Play, published 1669. being about Twenty eight Years since, and by which he was near Thirty eight years old when this was Played. john Dryden, junior. THis Gentleman is second Son to the abovesaid great Poet of that Name, and is now living in Rome, in the Pope's Service, as a Gentleman of the Bedchamber, where he wrote a Play, called, The Husband his own Cuckold, a Comedy 4 to. 1696. Acted at the Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants, and Dedicated to the Right Honourable Sir Robert Howard, etc. and is ushered into the World by a Preface of his Father, who in it indeed shows the tenderness of a Parent● but I think not the Impartiality and justice of a true Critic, when he excludes all from Poetry and Nature but his Friends, at least since the Revolution. The young Gentleman in his Epistle, has gone a little too far for a Beginner, as yet too uncertain of his own Success, to fall upon the other Writers of the Age. Thomas Duffet. HE was before he became a Poet, a Milliner in the New Exchange, he has writ four Plays, two of them in a Burlesque Style, their Names follow. The Mock Tempest, or, The Enchanted Castle, a Farce, 4 to. 1675. Acted at the Theatre Royal by his Majesty's Servants. Writ on purpose to draw Campany from the other Theatre, where was great resort about that time, to see that revived Comedy, called, The Tempest, then much in vogue. Psyche Debauched, a Comedy, 4 to. 1678. Acted at the Theatre Royal by his Majesty's Servants. This Mock Opera is a Burlesque on Shadwell's Psyche, and writ for the same purpose as that above. Spanish Rogue, a Comedy, 4 to. 1674. Acted at the Theatre Royal by his Majesty's Servants, and Dedicated to Madam Ellinor Guin. this Play had no great Success. There is likewise a Masque under his Name omitted by Mr. Langbain, 'tis called. Beauty's Triumph, presented by the Scholars of Mr. jeoffery Banister, and Mr. james Hart, at the new Boarding School at Chelsey, Printed, London 4 to. 1676. This Author has also writ a small Volume of Poems, Songs, Prologues and Epilogues which were first disposed of to one Bookseller, and laying long in the Licenser's Hands, were again disposed of to another, without Consent of the first Purchaser, and Printed 8vo. 1676. Thomas Durfey. THis Gentleman (if I am not misinformed) was Born in Devonshire, and designed for some part of the Law; whatever provoked him to Poetry I can't tell; but whatever it was, he has with various Success given us above Twenty Plays, and if the prosperous Success of the Mayor part will give him the Credit of a Poet, he has a just pretence to it, and may justly Challenge it from all the Vindicators of Dr. Blackmores' Poem from that Topic. For my part, I can only say, that I have laughed heartily at his Plays, which is one end of Comedy, or Farce at least; and if the Critics will deny him to be a good Writer of Comedy, they must allow him a Master of Farce. His Plays follow in Alphabetical Order. The Banditti; or, A Lady's Distress, a Comedy, 4 to. 1686. Acted at the Theatre Royal. Plot from Don Fenise, 8vo. See also the History of Don Antonio, B. 4. p. 250, Diego's turning Banditti, etc. from Pipperollo in Shirley's Sisters. Bussy D'Ambois; or, The Husband's Revenge, a Tragedy, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Acted at the Theatre Royal, 1691. newly Revised by Mr. Durfey, and Dedicated to the Right Honourable, Edward, Earl of Carlisle, Viscount Howard of Morpeth, etc. In his Epistle he owns it to be Chapman's, only challenges to himself the Merit of having Purged it of a great deal of Obsol●te Phrases, and intolerable Fustain; tho' some are of Opinion, that with those Defects, he has injudiciously pared away many of its Beauties. The Character of Tamyra, he will have us believe, he has altered for the better; tho' he'll hardly persuade, that Pity is due to a Woman, that quits her Honour and Virtue on any Account. You may find the Story in Thuanus jean de Serres, and Mezeray, in the Reign of Henry III. of France, and the particular Intrigue of Bussy with Tamyra in Rosset, in his Histoires Tragiques' de Nôtre temps, under the Names of Lysis and Siluie, Hist. 17. p. 363. Commonwealth of Women, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1686. Acted by their Majesty's Servants at the Theatre Royal, and Dedicated to the truly Noble and Illustrious Prince Christopher, Duke of Albemarle. This Play is borrowed from Fletcher's Sea Voyage. Cynthia and Endymion; or, Loves of the Deities; a new Opera, as it was designed to be Acted at Court before the late Queen, and now Acted at the Theatre Royal by his Majesty's Servants, 1697. 4 to. Dedicated to the Right Honourable Henry, Earl of Rumney, Viscount Sidney, etc. Our Author is not contented in the Title Page, to let his Patron know the Honour her late Majesty designed this Offering of his Muse, but repeats it in the Epistle, which had indeed been the more pardonable piece of Vanity; but that's a small fault in a Poet, especially when there are so many greater in the Work itself. For by a sort of Poetic Licence, unknown to our great Master Horace, he perverts all those known Characters given us by Ovid; he has made the Chaste Favourite of Diana, (Daphne) both a Whore and a jilt; and so sordid, as to contemn the God of Wit and Light, for a pitiful dull Country Lad: and fair Syrinx must lose her Reputation, in the unknown ignomy o● an envious, jilting, mercenary, infamous Woman. Thou this Play ●ook, yet it merits not a nice Enquiry into its Virtues and Vices; but as I have given a specimen of one, my impartiality obliges me to own, that there are many Lines in it above the Genius which generally appears in his other Works. The Versification is often good, and the Expression often significant and Poetical. The Story of Cynthia and Endymion, as well as the others contained in this Opera, you may find beautifully done in their Original, in the several parts of Ovid's Metamorphoses, and that of Psyche in the 4th, 5th, and 6th Books of Lucius Appuleius de Asino Aureo. The Comical History of Don Quixot, Acted at the Queen's Theatre in Dorset-Garden, by their Majesty's Servants, Part I. 1694. 4 to. Dedicated to the Duchess of Ormond. This Play met with an extraordinary Applause; and is taken entirely from that famous, and much Celebrated Antic Romance of the same Name, written by Michael Cervantes, a Spaniard. Part II. Acted at the same Theatre, in the same Year, and Dedicated by an Epistle in Heroic Verse, to the Right Honourable Charles, Earl of Dorset and Middlesex, etc. This as well as the former, is taken from the foresaid Romance, and met with great Applause, which encouraged our Author to proceed to Part III. adding to the Title of that only, With the Marriage of Mary the Buxom. This was Acted and Printed 1696. and Dedicated to the Right Honourable Charles Montague, Esq one of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, etc. in which he will not allow that its innate Defects are so obnoxious as are supposed; but owns its want of Success, which never Poet yet attributed to himself: This is as the other two Parts borrowed from the incomparable Cervantes. The Fond Husband; or, The Plotting Sisters, a Comedy, 4 to. 1678. Acted at the Duke's Theatre, and Dedicated to his Grace the Duke of Ormond: This when Presented first was accounted a good Play. The Fool turned Critic, a Comedy, 4 to. 1678. Acted at the Theatre Royal by their Majesty's Servants. The Characters of Old Wine Love, Tim, and Small Wit, are something like Simo, Asotus, and Balio in Randolph's jealous Lovers. A Fool's Preferment; or, The Three Dukes of Dunstable, a Com. 4 to. 1688. Acted at the Queen's Theatre in Dorset-Garden, by their Majesty's Servants, with Songs set by Mr. Henry Purcell, and Dedicated to the Honourable Charles, Lord Morpeth, transcribed from Fletcher's Noble Gentleman, except one Scene from the Novel of the Hum●urs of Bassett. The Injured Princes; or, The Fatal Wager, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1682. Acted at the Theatre Royal by their Majesty's Servants; the Prologue to this Play is the same with the Epilogue of another of his own, called, The Fool turned Critic; and the Foundation of the whole Play from Shakespeare. The Intriqus of Versailles; or, A jilt in all Humours, a Comedy; Acted at the Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields. 1697. 4 to. This Play had not the Success the Author desired; who in his Epistle to the two Sir Charles Sidley's, is pleased to Condemn the Taste of the Town for not liking it, when they had approved others of his Plays of lesle value, and Merit, it having been approved by two such judges as Mr. Congreve and Mr. Betterton, as he tells us it would be a sort of presumption to descent from them, tho' with the Town on ones side; for of them, as of Cato, it may be said, Viatrix causa diis placuit sed victa Catoni; yet 'tis to me unaccountable, that Ramlure should be introduced speaking broken English, or a sort of jargon between French and English, when all the Persons in the Play except Guillamour are French, and the Scene laid at Versailes. Nor can I imagine how Mr. Durfey and his two judges could oversee the young Count Tornese absconding in the very Court of the King, in so thin a Disguise as that of a Woman, when he had committed so unpardonable a Fault as a Duel is there, and have such a Confident of his Disguise as Voudosm, who had a better way of Attacking him than with a pruning Knife: But Nequid Nimis. As for the Thefts they are numerous enough. Tornezres' Disguise, and Count Brisack's falling in Love with his Wife's Gallant in Woman's clothes, are Borrowed from a Novel called, The Double Cuckold. Vandosms Character seems to be a fairer Copy of Olivia in The Plain Dealer, and Mirtilla in Mistress Behn's Play, called, The Amorous jilt; but Vandosms Language is more Billingsgate than either, wanting the Wit of the first, and the Genteelness of the last. Love for Money; or, The Boarding-School, a Comedy, Acted at the Theatre Royal, 1691. 4 to. and Dedicated to the Right Honourable Charles, Lord Viscount Lansdown, Count of the Sacred Roman Empire, etc. This Play it seems in the first Days Representation met with Enemies, which endeavoured to Damn it, especially the Dancing-Masters, and other Friends to the Boarding-Schools, who supposed themselves, and their Livelihood exposed; from which the Poet clears himself, and lets us understand, that all this Opposition could not oppress the Merit of the Play; which is, without doubt, a sufficient Proof that there was something in it that pleased more than ordinary. I do not find many new Characters; Deputy Nicompoop, Ned Bragg, etc. being the Refuge of every Cinic Writer, at least of late. The Plot in general I take to be his own. Madam Fickle; or, The Witty False One, a Comedy, 4 to. 1677. Acted at his Royal Highness the Duke's Theatre, and Dedicated to his Grace the Duke of Ormond. Old Love resembles Veterano in Marmion's Antiquary, Zechiel's creeping into the Tavern-Bush, and Tilb●●y's being drunk under it, etc. from Sir Reverence Lamard and Pimpwell in Isling●●n and Hogsden-Walks. See also a Play called The Fawn, writ by Marston. The Marriage Hater Matched; a Comedy, Acted at the Theatre-Royal by their Majesty's Servants, 1693. 4 to. and Dedicated to the Illustrious, and truly Noble Prince james, Duke, Marquess, and Earl of Ormond in England and Ireland, etc. This Play was very well received, and in it Mr. Dogget gave the first Proofs that were taken great notice of, what an admirable Actor he was. Before this Play is prefixed a Letter to the Author in Defence of it; and with that I do agree, that this is by much the best of his Comedies, tho' I can never allow the rest of that Epistle free from Flattery; and we may conclude that Friendship, or some other Motive blinded his Eyes very much, when he made so large an Encomium of it. The Richmond Heiress; or, a Woman once in the Right, a Comedy, Acted at the Theatre Royal by their Majesty's Servants, 1693. 4 to. Dedicated to the Honourable, and my very good Friend Sir Nicholas Garrard, Bar. whom he is pleased to inform, that in the piece offered him, there appears no defect of Genius, whatever there might be of judgement; whether the Poet be in the Right or no the Reader must Determine; but 'tis evident, it was not Received with an Applause Answerable to his Expectations; tho' upon a Revival and Alterations he has pleased the Town. The royalist; a Comedy, 4 to. 1682. Acted at the Duke's Theatre. Camillas Trick of Sir O●iver Oldcut, for Sir Charles King-Love, borrowed from Boccace's Novels, Day 7. Nou. 9 and the Song of hay boys up go we, stolen from an E●clogue, 4 to. in The Shepherd's Oracle. The Siege of Memphis; or, The Ambitious Queen, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1676. Acted at the Theatre Royal, and Dedicated to Henry Chivers, Esq This Play met not with that Success the Author desired. Sir Barnaby Whig; or, No Wit like a Woman's; a Comedy, 4 to. 1681. Acted at the Theatre Royal by their Majesty's Servants, and Dedicated to the Right Honourable George, Earl of Berkley. Plot from The Fine Companion, a Play of Marmion's, and part from a Novel called The Double Cuckold, 8vo. Trick for Trick; or, The Debauched Hypocrite, a Comedy, 4 to. 1678. This is only Monsieur Thomas (a Play of Fletcher's) Revived. The Virtuous Wife; or, Good Luck at last; a Comedy, 4 to. 1680. Several Hints stolen from other Plays (viz.) The Fawn, Marriage A-la-mode, etc. He has written besides the abovementioned Plays, some Volumes of Songs and Poems, as Butler's Ghost, Collins' Walk, etc. E Edward Eccleston. THis Author is (I suppose) still living, and has writ a Play set off with Sculptures, and several Titles to make it sell; it was first called, Noah's Flood; or, The Destruction of the World, an Opera, 4 to. 1679. Dedicated to the Duchess of Monmouth; the second Title was The Cataplasm, or General Deluge of the World, 4 to. 1684. and again the third time, under the Name of The Deluge, or, The Destruction of the World, 4 to. 1691. The Foundation of it is from Sacred Writ. Sir George Etheridge. A Gentleman very famous in the Reign of King Charles the Second; his Country I am ignorant of; but his first Applications were to the Law; his Love in a Tub, and his Wit brought him into good Acquaintance, and general Esteem, till for Marrying a Fortune he was Knighted, and by King james the Second, he being in particular esteem with the late Queen his Consort, sent him Envoy to Hamburgh. After the Revolution he went for France to his Master, and died there, or very soon after his arrival in England from thence; He is the Author of three Plays; two of them are admirable; and were the first divided from the serious part, it would not want a considerable Praise, at least it still meets with a general Applause. The Comical Revenge; or, Love in a Tub, a Comedy, 4 to. 1679. Acted at the Duke of York's Theatre then in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields. This Play, tho' part serious, and part Comical, yet (as before) met with a general Applause. The Man of Mode; or, Sir Fopling Flutter, a Comedy, 4 to. 1676. Acted at the Duke of York's Theatre, and Dedicated to his Duchess. This Play met with extraordinary Success; all agreeing it to be true Comedy, and the Characters drawn to the Life. She would if she could, a Comedy, 4 to. 1671. Acted also at the Duke of York's Theatre. This Comedy is accounted by Mr. Langbain, with whom I agree, one of the first Rank, and by Mr. Shadwell (in his Preface to his Humorists) the best Comedy written since the Restauration of the Stage. F Sir Francis Fane, jun. Knight of the Bath. THIS Honourable Author is lately deceased, his late Residence was at Fulbeck in Lincolnshire; he was Grandson to the Earl of Westmoreland, and has given us the two following Plays: L●ve in the Dark; or, The Man of Business; a Comedy, 4 to. 1675. Acted at the Theatre Royal by his Majesty's Servants, and Dedicated to the Right Honourable john, Earl of Rochester. The Plot taken from the Invisible Mistress in Scarron's Novels, 8 vo. Boccace's Novels, Day 3. Nou. 3. and Day 7. Nou. 7. Loves of Great Men, p. 59 The Sacrifice, a Tragedy 4 to. 1686. and Dedicated to the Right Honourable Charles, Earl of Dorset and Middlesex. This Play tho' Published without Acting, was highly commended by two Copies of Verses to the Author by Mr. Tate and Mistress Behn; For the Plot see Chalcoco●dyla●, lib. 3. Leundavius, lib. 6. See also the Lives of Bajazet and Tamerlain, the last by Mr. D'Assigny, and the former by Knoll's in his Turkish History. Sir Richard Fanshaw. BRother to the Right Honourable Thomas Lord Fanshaw of Ware-Park in Hert●ordshire; he was Educated at Cambridge, from thence removed to Court; he perfectly understood Latin, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese; was Secretary to the King in Holland, France, and Scotland, was after the Restauration sent Ambassador to Portugal, to Consummate the Match between the present Queen Dowager and Charles the Second. In the Year 1664. he was s●nt into Spain, Ambassador, to confirm the Treaty of Commerce and League between the two Crowns, and died at Madrid, 1666. to say nothing of his Capacity as a Statesman, we confine ourselves only to his Poetry, and particularly his Dramatic Pieces. Pastor Fido, The Faithful Shepherd, a Pastoral, 8vo, and 4 to. Dedicated to King Charles the Second, when Prince of Wales. Translated from Guarini's Italian, and Printed with his Poems, 8vo. Querer por Solo querer, To Love only for Love's sake, 4 to. 1671. This is a Dramatic Romance, Translated from the Spanish of Mendoza, when Sir Richard was a Prisoner in Tankersly-Castle in Yorkshire, after the Battle of Worcester, where he was on the King's side, this Play consists but of three Acts, the Spanish Poets seldom exceeding that Number. Henry Lord Viscount Faulkland. FAther to the late Lord Faulkland, celebrated by Cowley. He was of Oxfordshire, and Lord Lieutenant of that County, and a Member of Parliamen●t; his Diversion led him to write one Play, called, The Marriage Night, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1664. This Play never appeared public on the Stage. Nathaniel Field. THis Poet Lived in the time of King james I. and King Charles I. he was assistant to old Massinger in the writing a Play called, The Fatal Dowry, and commonly called Son by Mr. Chapman, who, as well as most of the then Poets, had our Author in good Esteem, he was an Actor, and writ himself two Plays, (viz.) Amends for Ladies, with the merry Pranks of Moll Cutpurse, or the Humour of Roaring, a Comedy, 4 to 1639. Acted at the Black Friars, by the Prince's and Lady Elizabeth's Servants. This Play the Author writ to please the Ladies whom he had offended by his other Play. The Plot in part taken from the Novel of the Curious Impertinent in Don Quixot. Woman's a Weathercock, a Comedy, 4 to. 1612. Acted before the King at Whitehall, and several times privately at the White Friars by the Children of her Majesty's Revels. This Play pleased much in those Days, and highly commended by Mr. Chapman. Edward Filmer. AN Author that has been pleased to visit the Town with a Play in the Autumn of his Age, if I am rightly informed; 'tis therefore no great wonder if it wanted fire and force enough to preserve its Life above three Days. He is a Doctor of the Civil-Law, and otherwise esteemed a Man of good Sense and judgement; and some Lines in this Play confirm that Opinion, 'tis called, The Unnatural Brother, a Tragedy, 4 to. Acted at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, 1697. by his Majesty's Servants; he owns the Plot to be taken from Cassandra, particularly the Story of Alcinoe in that Romance. Mr. Fishbourn. A Gentleman who writ an unlicensed Play without his Name, called, Sodom; before this Play are put the two Letters E. R. the Printer having a mind to have it pass for one of the Works of the late Earl of Roche●●er, as it had been formerly imputed to him, and which he denies and detests in a Copy of Verses made on purpose against the Author of it, who was, as I'm very well assured, one Mr. Fishbourn, an Inns of Court Gentleman; nor indeed has it an● of my Lord Rochester's Wit to make amends for the abominable ●ilth of the Obscenity which must nauseate every Reader of any tolerable judgement. Richard Flecknoe. THis memorable Author lived in the Reign of both the Charle's, was (as I have had it from good hands) a jesuit, but forsook the knavish part of his Office for Poetry, tho' his Works, if I may credit those that have read him with more regard than myself, is not enough to quit him of all the tricks of that Order, he is for nothing so ●amous, as for naming a Poem of Mr. Dryden's called, Mac Flecknoe, he has Published several Plays, but whether any of 'em were Acted or not, I'm not able to determine. Damoyselles A-la-mode, a Comedy, 8vo. 1667. Dedicated to their Graces the Duke and Duchess of New Castle, borrowed from Moliere's Precieuses Ridicules, L'Escole des Femes, & L'Escole des Maris. Erminia; or, The chaste Lady, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1667. Dedicated to the fair and virtuous Lady the Lady Southcott. Love's Dominion, a Postoral, 8vo. 1654. Dedicated to the Lady Elizabeth Claypole: A Play full of Morality, and written as a Pa●●ern for the Reformed Stage. Love's Kingdom, a Pastoral Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1664. Dedicated to his Excellency the Marquis of Newcas●le. This Published with a fresh Title ten years after; the other going before, is almost the same, only Corrected, and a very little altered. Marriage of Oceanus and Britania, a Masque. This Author has written divers Epigrams and Enigmatical Characters; also a short Discourse of the English Stage, Published at the end of his Love's Dominion, 8 vo. Diarium, or The journal, another piece of his in Burlesque Verse, 12 ves. 1656. etc. john Fletcher, and Francis Beaumond. MR. Fletcher was the Son of Dr. Fletcher, created Bishop of Bristol by Queen Elizabeth, and afterwards translated to the See of London, 1593. He died the first year of Charles I. of the Plague in London, 1625. in his Forty ninth Year, and was Buried in St. Mary Overy's Church, Southwark. His Colleague in writing most of his Plays, Mr. Beaumond, I can say little of, but what the Reader may gather from the Verses of the Poets in that Age, before their Works; that he was a Man of Learning none can question; but to imagine, as Mr. Langbain does, that he was perfectly versed in the Dramatic Laws, is more than can be drawn from their Plays, of which there is scarce one regular. Their Comedies are much the best; yet of them take away five or six, and they will not bear Acting, scarce reading by a nice judge. I say not this to derogate from Men of undoubted Merit, but only prompted by my impartiality, a Character which Mr. Langbain professes but has no where preserved. Their Plays are Fifty two in Number, all which are Printed and Published in one large Volume Folio, 1679. They follow in Alphabetical Order. The Beggar's Bush; a Comedy, fol. often Acted formerly with good Applause. Bonduca, a Tragedy, fol. This Play has been twice revived, Plot from Tacitus' Annals, Book 14. See also Milton's History of England, Book 2. The Bloody Brother; or, Rollo Duke of Normandy, a Tragedy, fol. This Play hath been sometimes Acted of late Days in Dorset Garden, with good Success. Plot from Herodian. Hist. Lib. 4. and part of the Language from Seneca's Thebais. The Captain, a Comedy, fol. This Play has not been Acted of late years. The Chances; a Comedy, fol. Revived by the late Duke of Buckingham, and Printed with Alterations 4 to. 1682. oftentimes Acted with great Applause of late days at the Theatre in Dorset Garden, etc. Plot from the Lady Cornelia in Exemplary Novels, fol. or the Novels of Cornelia in Miguel des Cervantes Novels, translated by Dr. Pope. The Coronation; a Tragicomedy, fol. not Acted these many years. This Play, tho' Printed in this folio Edition, is claimed by Shirley to be his. The Coxcomb, a Comedy, fol. This Play has been Revived and Acted at the Theatre Royal, but met with little Success. Cupid's Revenge, a Tragedy, fol. The Custom of the Country; a Tragicomedy, fol. The Plot of Rutilio, Duarte, and Guyomar, built on Malispinis Novels, Decad. 6. Nou. 6. The Double Marriage; a Tragicomedy, fol. This Play was Revived some Years since, but met not with that Success expected. The Elder Brother; a Comedy fol. oftentimes Acted formerly, and met with indifferent Success. The Faithful Shepherdess; a Pastoral, fol. This was entirely Fletcher's, and commended by ( * See Beaumond and Fletcher's Plays, last Edition, fol. p. 233. ) Copies of Verses by Mr. Beaumond and Ben. johnson. 'Twas first Acted on a Twelfth Night, at Somerset-house; instead of a Prologue was a Song in Dialogue, writ by Sir William D'avenant, and Sung between a Priest and a Nymph; and the ( † Covent Garden Drollery, p. 86. ) Epilogue was then spoken by the Lady Mordant. The Fair Maid of the Inn; a Comedy, fol. Marianus disowning Caesario, and the Duke's Injunction to Mary him, you may find in Causin's Holy Court, and Wanly's Hist. of Man, Book 3 Cap. 26. The False One, a Tragedy, fol. ● See Plutarch, Suetonius, Dion, Appian, Florus, Orosius, etc. Four Plays; or, Moral Representations in One, Tragicomedy, fol. (viz.) The Triumphs of Honour; built on Boccace's Novels, Day 10. Nou. 5. Triumph of Love, on Nou. 8. Day 5. Triumph of Death, on Nou. 3. Part 3. of the Fortunate Deceived, and Unfortunate Lovers, also The Palace of Pleasure, Nou. 4. And The Triumph of Time, the Author's own Invention. An Honest Man's Fortune; a Tragicomedy, fol. See Heywood's Hist. of Women, Book 9 p. 641. The Humorous Lieutenant; a Tragicomedy, fol. Some hint may be taken from Horace, Lib. 2. Ep. 2. but rather from Ford's Apothegms, p. 30. See also Plutarch's Life of Demetrius, Appian, justin, etc. Island Princess, a Tragicomedy, fol. and 4 to. This Play was about ten Years since Revived by Mr. Tate, the present Poet Laureate, with Alterations. Acted at the Theatre Royal, and Dedicated to the Right Honourable Henry, Lord Walgrave, the Quarto Edition, Printed 1687. A King and no King; a Tragicomedy, fol. Revived since the Restauration, and Acted with Applause at the Theatre Royal. The Knight of the Burning Pestle; a Comedy, fol. Revived also in King Charles the Second time, and Acted at the Theatre Royal, with a new Prologue, spoken by the famous Madam Ellen Guin. A Knight of Malta, a Tragicomedy, fol. not Acted of late years. The Laws of Candy; a Tragicomedy, fol. not Acted these many years. The Little French Lawyer, a Comedy, fol. Plot from Gusman's Don Lewis● de Castro, and Don Roderigo de Montalvo. See also Scarroon's Novel of the Fruitless Precaution. Love's Cure; or, The Martial Maid, a Comedy, fol. Love's Prilgrimage, a Comedy, fol. The Plot from a Novel, called, The Two Damsels, in a Book Entitled Exemplary Novels, and part of the Play taken from Johnson's New Inn. The Lover's Progress, a Tragicomedy, fol. Plot from a French Romance, called Lysander and Calista. The Loyal Subject; a Tragicomedy, fol. The Mad Lover, a Comedy, fol. See the Story of Mundus and Paulina, in josephus Hist. of the jews, Book 18. Chap. 4. The Maid in the Mill, a Comedy; This Play was Revived, and sometimes Acted at the Duke's Theatre after the Fire of London. Plot of the serious part from Gerardo, a Romance, and the Comical part from Bandello's Novels. The Maid's Tragedy, a Tragedy, fol. This Play was often Acted at the King's Theatre since the Restauration; but somewhat in it displeasing King Charles the Second, it was for some time forbid coming on the Stage, till Mr. Waller Reviving it, and wholly altering the last Act (which is Printed in his Poems) appeared again publicly. A Masque of Grays-Inn and the Inner Temple-Gentlemen, fol. This was presented at the Marriage of the Princess Elizabeth, and the Prince Palatine of the Rhine, in the Banqueting House of White●all; written by Mr. Beaumond alone. Monsieur Thomas, a Comedy, fol. This has appeared since on the Stage, with a new Title, called, Trick for Trick. Nice Valour; or, The Passionate mad Man; a Comedy, fol. The Night Walker; or, The little Thief, a Comedy, fol. This has been Acted since the Restauration, by the King's Servants. The Noble Gentleman; a Comedy, fol. This Play has appeared of late years with a new Title, called, The Fool's Preferment; or, The Three Dukes of Dunstable, Rivived by Mr. Durfey. Philaster; or, Love lies a Bleeding; a Tragicomedy, fol. A Play often Acted formerly, and sometimes of late Years, is accounted one of the best our Authors have Published. The Pilgrim; a Comedy, fol. Revived and Acted some Years since. The Prophetess; a Tragicomedy, fol. This is Revived under the name of the Prophetess; or, The History of Dioclesian, an Opera, 4 to. 1690. I know not what reason Mr. Langbain has to attribute the revival to Mr. Dryden, when 'twas Mr. Betterton's. The true History you may find in Nicephorus, lib. 6. and 7. Eusebius lib. 8. Baronii An. 204. etc. The Queen of Corinth; a Tragicomedy, fol. Rule a Wife, and have a Wife, a Comedy, fol. This Play has been sometimes Acted of late days with good Applause. The Scornful Lady, a Comedy, fol. Acted often in these days with good Applause. This Play is likewise Printed in Quarto, 1691. The Sea Voyage, a Comedy, fol. This Play has been Revived by Mr. Durfey, with a new Title, called, The Commonwealth of Women, and in part resembles Shakespear's Tempest. The Spanish Curate, a Comedy. Plot from Gerardo's Hist. of Don john p. 202. and from the Spanish Curate of the same Author, p. 214. Thiery and Theodoret, a Tragedy, fol. and 4 to. imperfect in the last Act in the folio Edition, but supplied in the 4 to. Plot from the French Chronicles, in the Reign of Clotair II. See Fredegarius, De Serres, Mezeray, etc. Two Noble Kinsmen, a Tragicomedy, fol. Mr. Shakespeare assisted in the writing of this Play. Valentinian, a Tragedy, fol. and 4 to. This Play, has been Revived and Altered by the late Earl of Rochester, and so Acted at the Theatre Royal with great Applause. The Quarto Edition, Published 1685. with a Preface relating to the Author and his Works. Plot from Amm. Marcellinus. Procopius. Hist. Evagrius, and other Writers of those times. A Wife for a Month, a Tragicomedy, fol. See the Story hereof in Mariana, and Louis de Mayerne Turquet, and the History of Sancho VIII. King of Leon. The Wild Goose Chase, a Comedy, fol. This Play has been in good repute. Wit at several Weapons, a Comedy, fol. built on the Wits; writ by Sir William D'avenant. Wit without Money, a Comedy, fol. This Play was Revived and Acted in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, immediately after the Theatre in Drury Lane was burnt, with a new Prologue by Mr. Dryd●n. The Woman Hater, a Tragicomedy, fol. Revived by Sir William D'avenant, with a * Si● William D'avenant's Works, fol. p. 249. new Prologue writ in Prose. Mr. Fletcher writ this Play without the Assistance of Mr. Beaumond. The Woman's Prize; or, The Tamer Tamed; a Comedy, fol. built on the Taming of the Shrew, writ by Mr. Shakespeare, and may be taken as a Counter part thereof. Women Pleased; a Comedy, fol. See the most Comical parts hereof taken from Nou. 6. Day 7. and Day 8. Nou. 8. etc. of Boccace's Novels. Mr. Fletcher joined with Ben. johnson and Middleton, in one other Comedy, called, The Widow, placed under johnson; and Mr. Beaumond has writ a Book of Poems, Elegies, Sonnets, etc. last Edition, 8vo. 1653. john Ford. A Gentleman of the Middle Temple, in the Reign of King Charles I and besides those Plays he has joined with Rowley and Decker, he has writ seven entirely alone. The Broken Heart, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1633. Acted by his Majesty's Servants, at the private House in Black Friars, and Dedicated to the Lord Craven. Fancies chaste and Noble; a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1638. Acted at the Phoenix in Drury-Lane, by the Queen's Majesty's Servants, and Dedicated to the Lord Macdonel, Earl of Antrim● in Ireland. The Lady's Trial; a Tragicomey 4 to. 1639. Acted by their Majesty's Servants in Drury Lane, and Dedicated to john Wyrley, Esq and Mistress Mary Wyrley his Wife. Lover's Melancholy; a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1629. Acted at the private House in Black Friars, and publicly at the Globe by the King's Servants, and Dedicated to several of his Friends of Grays-Inn in particular, and to the whole Society in general. Love's Sacrifice; a Tragedy, 4 to. 1633. Acted by the Queen's Servants at the Phoenix in Drury Lane, and Dedicated to john Ford of Grays-Inn, Esq. Perkin Warbeck; an Historical Play, 4 to. 1634. Acted by the Queen's Servants in Drury Lane, and Dedicated to the Right Honourable William, Earl of New Castle. For the truth of the Story see Gainsford's Hist. of Perkin Warbeck, 4 to. and our English Chronicles in the Reign of Henry VII. 'Tis Pity she's a Whore; a Tragedy, 4 to. 1633. Acted by the Queen's Majesty's Servants at the Phoenix in Drury Lane, and Dedicated to the truly Noble john, Earl of Peterborough, Lord Mordant, Baron of Turney. The Sun's Darling; a Mask, 4 to. 1657. Presented by their Majesty's Servants at the Cockpit in Drury Lane, and Dedicated to the Right Honourable the Earl of Southampton. This Play was not wholly written by this Author, but Decker joined with him therein. Thomas Ford. THIS Author lived in the Reign of King Charles I and has writ one Play, called, Love's Labyrinth; or, The Royal Shepherdess, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1660. Part of it taken from Gomersal's Tragedy of S●●rza, Duke of Milan, and is bound up with his other Works in 8vo. 1661. john Fountain. A Devonshire Gentleman who lived in the Reign of K. Charles II. and writ one Play, called, The Reward of Virtue; a Comedy, 4 to. 1661. never Acted whilst the Author lived, but after his Death Mr. Shadwell Revived and Altered it; and then under another Title, (viz.) The Royal Shepherdess, it was Acted with Applause. Abraham France. THIS Poet lived in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth; in a Book writ by him, called, The Countess of Pembroke's Ivy-Church, is one Dramatic Pastoral, entitled. Amintas Pastoral; 4 to. 1591. writ in Hexameters, and is a Translation of Tasso's. Sir Ralph Freeman. THis Gentleman after the Martyrdom of K. Charles I. writ one Play, called, Imperiale; a Tragedy, 4 to. 1655. and Dedicated to john Morris, Esq For the Plot consult Pontanus, Budaeus' Treasury of Ancient and Modern Times, Beard's Theatre of God's judgements, part 2. page 45. Wanley's History of Man, Book 4. Chapt. 2. Goulart Hist. Admirables de Notre temps, Tom. 1. p. 362. and Bandello's Novels. Ulpian Fulwell. AN Author in Queen Elizabeth's Reign, who writ in Rhyme one Play, called, Like will to like quoth the Devil to the Collier; an Interlude 4 to. 1587. This ancient piece was so contrived, that it might be Acted by five Persons; shows what Punishments overtake the Licentious, and what Rewards the Virtuous receive; it's printed in an old black English Letter. G George Gascoign, Esq. AN ancient Poet who writ in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, he was of Grays-Inn, and has left us four Dramatic pieces, of which in their order. The Glass of Government; a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1575. This Play was also printed in an old black Letter, like that of Fulwell's, and shows the Punishments for Vice, and the Rewards for Virtue. jocasta; a Tragedy, 4 to. 1556. Translated from the Greek of Euripides by this Author, and one Mr. Kinwelmersh of Grays-Inn, where it was presented. Supposes; a Comedy, 4 to. 1566. presented also at Grays-Inn, Enlished from the famous Italian Oriosto. This and the former, are two of the Ancients Plays in our English Tongue. Pleasure at Kenelworth-Castle; a Masque, but what year when Printed I cannot tell. This Play was played before the Queen for her Entertainment there. The Author has Published divers Poems with his Plays, printed 4 to. 1587. Henry Glapthorn. I Know no more of this Author, than that he writ five Plays in the time of K. Charles I which follow; Albertus Wallenstein; a Tragedy, 1640. Acted at the Globe on the Bank side by his Majesty's Servants. See the Germane Writers of Ferdinand the 2 d's Reign. Spondanus●s Continuation of Baronius, etc. Argalus and Parthenia, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1639. This Play was presented before the King and Queen at Court; and afterwards Acted at the private House in Drury Lane by their Majesty's Servants. Plot from Sir Philip Sidney's Arcadia, sol. The Hollander; a Comedy, 4 to. 1640. Acted at the Cockpit in Drury Lane, as also at Court before their Majesties. The Lady's Privilege; a Comedy, 4 to. 1640. Acted both at Court before their Majesties, and at the Cockpit in Drury Lane, by their Majesty's Servants. Wit in a Constable; a Comedy, 4 to. 1640. Acted at the Cockpit in Drury Lane, by their Majesty's Servants. He also Published a Poem called Whitehall, which are Printed in Quarto 1639. Tho. Goff. HE was born about the year 1592. began his Studies at Westminster-School, finished them at Christ-Church, Oxon, whether he removed at Eighteen. He went out Bachelor of Divinity, and had the Living of East-Clandon in Surrey, and a Xantippe to his Wife, whose Tongue, etc. he could not bear so indifferently as sometimes, but as my Author observes, let it shorten his Days. He was Buried in the said Parish-Church, 1627. and has written divers Poetical Pieces: His Plays five in Number, follow: The Careless Shepherdess, a Pastoral, 4 to. 1656. Acted at Salisbury-Court, before their Majesties the King and Queen with good Applause. To which Play is added an Alphabetical Catalogue of all Plays till that time published i● English, but very Erroneous. The Courageous Turk; or, Amurath the First; a Tragedy, 8vo. 1656. Acted by the Students of Christ-Church in Oxon. For the Plot, see Leunclavius, Chalcocondylas, Knolles, etc. in the Reign of Amurath. Orestes his Tragedy, 8vo. 1656. Acted also by the Students of Christ-Church in Oxen. Plot from Euripides' Orestes; or, Sophocles' Electra. Raging Turk; or, Bajazet the Second; a Tragedy, 8vo. 1656. which was likewise Acted by the Students of Christ-Church, Oxen. For the Plot consult the same Turkish Histories before mentioned. Solimus Emperor of the Turks, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1638. For the Plot consult also the Turkish Historians, as Paul. jovius, Mezeray, etc. in the Reign of Solimus the First. Three of these five Plays mentioned to be Acted at Oxon, are Printed together in one Volume 8vo. Robert Gomersal. THis Author, like the last, a Divine, born 1602. at London, at Fourteen was entered at Christ-Church in Oxon, and chosen Student of that Royal Foundation, passed through his several Degrees to Bachelor of Divinity, and died 1646. He writ one Play by the Name of, Lodovick Sforza, Duke of Milan, a Tragedy, 8vo. 1632. For the Story see Guiccardine, lib. 1,2. etc. Mezeray and Philip de Comines in the Reign of Ch. VIII. This Author has writ several Poems, some of them Divine, which are Printed with this Play in 8vo. Also some Sermons Printed 4 to. 1663. Robert Gould. A Gentleman now living, formerly a Domestic of the Right Honourable Charles, Earl of Dorset and Middlesex; and since teaches School in the Country. He has given us One Play, called, The Rival Sisters, or the Violence of Love, a Tragedy, Acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants 4 to. 1696. and Dedicated to the Right Honourable, james, Earl of Abingdon, etc. This Play was well received, tho' delayed for some time the Acting, as the Author complains in his Epistle. The Plot is almost entirely taken out of Shirly's Maids Revenge, tho' he has left out the Characters of Signior Sharkino, a sharking Doctor, and his Man Scarabeo; the Story is taken originally out of Reynolds' God's Revenge against Murder, Book 2. Hist. 7. Francis Goldsmith, Esq I Can only say, this Author lived in Charles the First's time, and writ a Play, called, Sophompaneos, or the History of joseph, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1640. with Annotations, this Divine Drama was writ in Latin by Hugo Grotius, translated by our Author in Heroic Verse. For the Plot, ●ee the 44th, and 45th Chapter of Genesis, Philo, in the Life of josephus, justin, Book 36. Eusebius' Preparation to the Gospel, etc. George Granville, Esq THIS Gentleman is of the Noble Family of the Right Honourable the Earl of Bath, and his Nephew: A Person of uncommon Qualifications, and one that gives as much Honour to the Name he bears, as he has received from it; whose Wit, Personal Bravery, and Sweetness of Temper, have made him the Delight of all that know him. The great Mr. Waller has expressed his Esteem of him, in a Copy of Verses in return of some made to him by Mr. Granville. He has already given the World Two Plays. Heroic Love, a Tragedy, Acted at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields. This Play is one of the best of our Modern Tragedies, and writ after the manner of the Ancients, which is much more natural and easy than that of our Modern Dramatists. The Plot is built on the First Book of Homer, etc. The She-Gallants, a Comedy, Acted at the Theatre Royal in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, 1696. 4 to. This Play has, next the Plain Dealer, more just and substantial Reflections and Satirical Observations, than any of our English Comedies; the Dialogue is not only easy, but nervous; and indeed he makes his Persons speak more Wit than the Stage is generally used to, which armed a Faction against it, tho' even that was not sufficient totally to suppress its Success, for it was very often Acted to the Satisfaction of most that saw it with impartiality, and would be contented to be pleased. The Episode of the Four Sisters is taken out of the French Marquis, in the Romance of Ibraim. Alexander Green. HE lived in the Reign of King Charles the Second, and writ a Play, called, The Politician Cheated, a Comedy, 4 to. 1663. This Play I do not find to be ever Acted. Robert Green. T●IS Poet lived and writ One Play and part of another in Queen Elizabeth's Reign, was Master of Arts in Cambridge, and has Published some other Pieces. The Honourable History of Friar Bacon, and Friar Bungy, a Comedy, 4 to. For the Plot consult Plot's Hist. of Oxonshire, and Wood Antiquit. Oxon. etc. Looking-Glass for London and England. For this see the Account of Dr. Lodge, with whom he joined in this Divine Drama. This Author has writ divers other Pieces, most of them Printed in an old Black Letter. H. William Ha●ington, Esq OUR Poet in the midst of the late Civil Wars, devoted himself to the Muses, and among their Productions is a Play, called, The Queen of Arragon, a Tragicomedy, Fol. 1640. Acted both at Court and the Blackfriarss. He has a Book of Poems, called, Castara, 8vo. 1640. also the History or Chronicle of Edward the Fourth, Fol. 1640. joseph Harris. A Player yet living, and Brother to the Famous Organist of the City of London; he has been more than once aiming at Authority, by the Help of his Friends; he has Published Two Plays under his Name, called, The Mistakes, or the False Report, a Comedy, 4 to. 169. which Play, as I am informed, was originally composed by another, and put into his Hands, and so he made shifted, by altering it, to spoil it. The City-Bride, or the Merry Cuckold, a Comedy, Acted at the new Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants; 4 to. 1696. and dedicated to the Honourable Sir john Walter, Bar. This Play miscarried, tho' borrowed from john Webster's Cure for a Cuckold, whole Scenes being the same, but spoiled by the Transposer; for which he would seem to make amends, by the Performances of the Musicians, and ●o far he is in the Right. Peter Hausted. HE was born at Oundle, in Northamptonshi●e, proceeded to Master of Arts, in Queens-College, Cambridge, in the Reign of Charles the First; he was impatient of Censure, as well as his admired Ben. and writ a Play, called. The Rival Friends, a Comedy, 4 to. 1632. Acted before the King and Queen at Cambridge. The Scene betwixt Love-all and Hamershin, Act 3. Scene 7. from that betwixt True-wit, Daw, and La-Fool, in Ben's Silent Woman. joseph Haynes. THIS Person is mentioned here, for the sake of an abominable Play that is mentioned under his Name, but he is not the Author of it, called, A Fatal Mistake, or the Plot spoiled, Printed 4 to. 1696. but never Acted. Richard Head. THIS Author, born in Ireland of English Parents, his Father was a Minister, and murdered in the Massacree 1641. He had a little smattering of the University of Oxon, but was soon removed to a Bookseller in St. Paul's Churchyard, London. He writ one Play, called, Hic & Vbique, or the Humours of Dublin, a Comedy, 4 to. 1663. Dedicated to Charles, Duke of Monmouth. He writ the First, and most of the Third Parts of the English Rogue, The Art of Wheedling, 8 vo. The Complaisant Companion, 12 more. Venus' Cabinet unlocked, 12 more. with several other small Treatises. William Hemmings. AN Author, of whom I can only say, That he lived in the Reign of Charles the First, was Master of Arts of Oxford, and he writ Two Plays, viz. Fatal Contract, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1653. Acted by her Majesty's Servants, and Dedicated to the Right Honourable, james, Earl of Northampton, and to Isabel, his Virtuous Countess. Since the Restauration of King Charles the Second, it has been twice revived, first under the Title of Love and Revenge, with little Alterations; and about Ten Years ago, under the Title of the Eunuch. For the Plot, consult Gregory de Tours, lib. 4, 5, etc. Aimion, Valois, De Serres, Mezeray, etc. in the Reigns of Chilperic the First, and Clot●air the Second. jews Tragedy, a Tragedy, Printed 4 to. 1662. For the Plot, consult Iosephus' History of the jews, Book 6, and 7. where you may find the fatal Overthrow by Vespasian and Titus his Son, agreeable to that famous History by josephus, Printed 4 to. 1662. jasper Heywood. SON of john Heywood, first of Merton, and then of All-Souls-College, Oxon, which he left for St. Omers, where he proved a zealous Biggotted jesuit, and the first that seminary sent for England: some say he was (a) Fuller's Worthies, p. 222. Hanged; others, That he was, with Seventy more, of that and other Orders, taken the Year 1585. and (b) Baker's Chron. Reign of Queen Eliz. p. 364. sent away beyond Sea. While he was of Oxford, he translated Three of Seneca's Plays, (viz.) Hercules Furens, a Tragedy, 4 to. Compare this with a Tragedy of Euripides, bearing the same Title. Thyestes, a Tragedy 4 to. which our Author translated, whilst he was of All-Souls, in Oxon; he has added a Scene at the End of the Fifth Act. Tr●as, a Tragedy, 4 to. Farnaby styles this, a Divine Tragedy, and highly commends it; Dan. Heinsius also commends and prefers it before the Troades of Euripides. These Three Tragedies, translated by our Author from Seneca, are printed together in a Black Letter, 4 to. 1581. john Heywood. FATHER of the foregoing Poet, and lived in the Reigns of Edward the Sixth, and Queen Mary the First, at North-Mims, in Hertfordshire, was Sir Tho. More's Neighbour, and in Favour with Queen Mary; after whose Death, flying for Religion, he died at Mechlem, 1556. was one of our first Dramatic Writers; and● tho' a Papist, severe on their Regular Clergy, as they call 'em. Four P●s, an Interlude, 4 to. A Play between john the Husband and Tib his Wife. A Play between the Pardoner, the Friar, the Curate and Neighbour Prat. A Play of Gentleness and Nobility, Two Parts. A Play of Love. A Play of the Wether, styled, A new and very merry Interlude of all manner of Weathers, Fol. 1533. These being some of the first Plays appeared in our English Language, nothing in Commendation will be expected of them. This Author writ Two or Three Books of Epigrams, Published in 4 to. also a Book called Monumenta Literaria. Thomas Heywood. THIS Author was both Actor and Poet, lived in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, and King james I. He writ, or had assisted in composing Two Hundred and Twenty Plays, of which there are but Twenty Five remain entire. (a) Langbain's Account of the Dram. Poets, p. 258. Mr. Langbain sets up for a Vindication of this Author, in the same Book that he condemns Mr. Dryden, which indeed is enough to render his judgement very much suspected, and that the Variety of Plays he had read, either corrupted his Taste, or else that he never had any. The Golden Age, or The Lives of jupiter and Saturn, etc. 4 to. 1611. Acted at the Red Bull, by the Queen's Majesty's Servants. See Galtruchius' Poetical Ross' M●stagogus Poeticus● Hollyoak, Littleton, and other Dictionaries. The Silver Age, a History, 4 to. 1613. See Plautus, Ovid's Metamorph. lib. 3. and other Poetical Hist. Brazen Age, a History, 4 to. 1613. See Ovid's Metamorph. lib. 4, 7, 8, and 9 Iron Age, Part I. a History, 4 to. 1632. For the Plot, etc. see Virgil, Homer, Lucian, Ovid, etc. Iron Age, Part II. 4 to. 1632. For the Plot, consult the same Authors before mentioned. A Challenge for Beauty, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1636. Acted at the Blackfriarss, and at the Globe on the Bank Side, by his Majesty's Servants. The Duchess of Suffolk, her Life, a History, 4 to 1631. Acted then with good Applause. For the Plot, see Fox's Martyrology, An. Dom. 1558. and Clark's Martyrology, pag. 521. Edward the Fourth, Two Parts, a History, 4 to. 16●●. See the Story hereof, in the Chronicles of Holinshed, Speed, Du Chesne, etc. The English Traveller, a Tragicomidy, 4 to. 1633. Acted at the Cockpit in Drury-Lane, by her Majesty's Servants. Both Plot and Language of Lyonel and Reignald, stolen from Plautus' Mostellaria. See the Story of Wincote, Geraldine, and Dalavil, in the History of Women, by this Author, where he affirms the said Stories at large to be true. Fair Maid of the Exchange, a Comedy, 4 to. 1637. wherein are related the pleasant Passages, and merry Humours of the Cripple of Fanchurch. Mr. Kirkman, and others, reckon this Play to our Author; but Mr. Langbain makes a Question thereof, Langbain's Account of Dramatic Poets. p. 263. since his Name is not prefixed; nor, says he, the Style and Oeconomy does not resemble the rest of his Labours. Fair Maid of the West, or, A Girl worth Gold, a Tragicomedy, Part I. 4 to. 1631. Acted before the King and Queen, by her Majesty's Servants. Fair Maid of the West, or, A Girl worth Gold, Part II. 4 to. 1631. Acted likewise before the King and Queen, by her Majesty's Servants. Both these Plays had, in those Times, good Repute; and afterwards served for the Subject of a Romance, called, The English Lover, writ by john Dancer, one of our foregoing Authors. Fortune by Land and Sea, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1655. Acted by the Queen's Majesty's Servants, with good Applause. Our Author was joined, in composing this Play, by William Rowley, hereafter mentioned. Four London Prentices, with the Conquests of jerusalem, History, 4 to. 1635. Acted at the Red Bull, by the Queen's Servants. Founded on Godfrey of Bulloign. See Tasso, Fuller's Hist. of the Holy War, and Dr. Nalson's History of the Crasaide. If you know not me, you know no body, or, The Troubles of Queen Elizabeth, in Two Parts, 4 to. 1623. Plot from Cambden's History of Queen Elizabeth, also Speed, and other our English Chronicles in her Reign. The Lancashire Witches, 4 to. London, 16●●. See this Story in Verse, in a large Volume of the same Author, called, The Hierarchy of Angels, Fol. lib. 8. Love's Mistress, or, The Queen's Mask, 4 to. 1640. Acted before their Majesties, and divers Ambassadors, at the Phoenix in Drury-Lane. Plot from Apuleius' Golden Ass. 4 to. Maidenhead, well lost, A Comedy, 4 to. 1634. Acted by her Majesty's Servants in Drury-Lane, with good Applause. Rape of Lucrece, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1638. Acted at the Red Bull, Plot from Tit. Livius, dec. 1. cap. 58, etc. Robert, Earl of Huntingdon's Down-fall, a History, 4 to. 1601. Acted by the Earl of Nottingham, Lord High Admiral of England's Servants. Plot from Stow, Speed, and Baker's Chronicles, in the Life of King Richard the First; Fuller's Worthies in the Account of Nottinghamshire. Robert, Earl of Huntingdon's Death, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1601. This Earl was usually called, Robin Hood, of merry Sherwood, Plot from the aforesaid English Chronicles. Royal King, and Loyal Subject, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1627. Acted by the Queen's Servants, with good Applause. Compare this with the Loyal Subject, writ by Beaumond and Fletcher. Wise Woman of Hogsden, a Comedy, 4 to. 1638. often times Acted with good Applause. Woman Killed with Kindness, a Comedy. 4 to. 1617. Acted by the Queen's Servants, with good Applause. Our Author has Published several other Pieces, in Verse and Prose, as The Hierarchy of Angels, Fol. The Life and Troubles of Queen Elizabeth, 8 vo. The Lives of Nine Women Worthies, 4 to. The General History of Women, 8 vo. An Apology for Actors, 4 to. and Pleasant Dialogues and Drama's 8vo. Henry Higden, Esq I Know not whether this Gentleman be yet living or not; but he was a Barrister of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple: A Person known to all the conversable part of the Town, for his Pleasant and Facetious Company; and allowed to be a Man of Wit, tho' it were to be wished he had not Published his Play of The wary Widow, or, Sir Noisy Parrot, a Comedy, 4 to. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants, 1693. and Dedicated to the Right Honourable, Charles, Earl of Dorset and Middlesex, etc. The ill Success of this Play, the Author gives us in the Preface, which complains of the ungenerous Usage the Bear-garden Critics gave it with Catealls, etc. which, how short soever it may be of what might be expected from so celebrated a Wit, as Mr. Higden was esteemed, it could never deserve; since Sir Charles Sidley could think it worthy a Prologue of his making. 'Tis ushered into the World by Five Copies of English Verse, and One of Latin. Barton Holiday. HE was born in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, in All-Saints Parish in Oxon; his Cousin, Dr. Ravis, early entered, and chose him Student of Christ-Church; after his Degrees of Bachelor and Master of Arts, was made Archdeacon of Oxonshire, died 1661. at Ei●ly, near Oxon, and was buried at Christ-Church in Oxon. He writ One Play, under the Title of TEXNOTAMIA, or, The Marriage of the Arts, a Comedy, 4 to. 1630. Acted by the Students of Christ-Church, aforesaid, at Shrovetide. This Play was then in good Esteem. He hath written divers Pieces, as his Translation of the Satyrs of juvenal and Perseus, with Notes and Sculptures, Fol. A Version of the Odes of Horace; divers Sermons, 4 to. and Two Tracts in Latin. Charles Hool. THIS Gentleman lived in the Reigns of the Two Charles, being born at Wakefield, in Yorkshire, was entered at Lincoln-College in Oxon, at Eighteen, and afterwards taking his Master's Degree, he taught School at these several Places (viz.) Rotheram in Yorkshire, Red-Cross-Street, and Arundel-Buildings, in London. And, after the King's Restauration, in Wales, he translated Terrence's Comedies, in all, Six, 8vo. 1676. Printed in English and Latin, for the use of Young Scholars, in many Places Castrated. He hath translated divers other things, as AEsop's Fables, Corderius, Cato, Comenii Orbis Pictus, etc. He has also Published a Grammar, an Explanation of the Accidence, and a Greek Testament with Themes in the Margin, etc. Charles Hopkins. A Young Gentleman that is now living, his Father was that eminently Learned and Pious Divine, Ezekiel Hopkins, Bishop of London-Derry, in the Kingdom of Ireland. Our Poet was born in Devonshire, but carried, when a Child, to his Father's See; and when he had past his Childhood under so good a Father, he removed first to Dublin-College, and thence to Cambridge; whence he went to the Wars of Ireland, and having there exerted his early Valour, in so Glorious a Cause as that of his Country, Religion, and Liberty, he returned to England, and made London his Abode; where he fell into the Acquaintance of Gentlemen of the best Wit, and Parts, whose Age and Genius were most agreeable to his own. He is one of those who is, beyond Controversy, born a Poet, which he has shown in all the Pieces he has already Published; the Sweetness of his Numbers, and Easiness of his Thoughts, in the several Copies of Verses he has Published, particularly his Translations out of Ovid, Printed for Mr. Tonson, show him born to translate that Author; for, if that Opinion of Pythagoras were true, we should conclude, the Soul of the tender Naso, were transmigrated into Mr. Hopkins: All the other Translators of that Po●t, have lost his Genius, his Versification and Softness. But the Occasion of his being mentioned here is, his having Published Two Plays, with different Success. Boadicea, Queen of Britain, a Tragedy, Acted at the Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields, 1697. 4 to. and Dedicated, in Verse, to Mr. Congreve. This Play met with great Applause, pleasing both the Ladies and Gentlemen; and indeed, besides the peculiar Sweetness of his Numbers, for it is written in Heroic Verse, he has in this Play touched the Passions, and the First Scene of the Fourth Act, betwixt Cassibellan and Camilla, where she discovers her Rape, is most Masterly performed. The Story is the same with Bonduca, she being sometimes called, Boadicea, and sometimes Bonduca. You may read of her in the Fourteenth Book of Tacitus' Annals, the Second Book of Milton's History of England, the Seventh Page of Vbaldino de cita delle donne illus●ri del Regno d' Ingelterra & Scotia, and Mr. Tyrrell's History of England, lately Published, Vol. 1. Pyrrhus, King of Epirus, a Tragedy, Acted at the new Theatre, in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants, 1695. 4 to. and Dedicated to his illustrious Highness, the Duke of Gloucester. This was our Author's First Play, in which there is a great deal that shows him a Poet, but not enough, it seems, to gain it that Success which he desired: He was very Young when it was writ, and therefore may be well excused for wanting that Correctness, which a more Mature Author, perhaps, would have observed. The History of Pyrrhus is to be found in Livy, Book Plutarch, in the Life of that King, Lucius Florus, etc. Edward Howard, Esq BRother to the Right Honourable, Sir Robert Howard, and of the Noble Family of Berk-shire, 'tis to be wished, that his Friends could either have prevailed with him to have Published none of his Poetry, or have been lesle severe upon him, he has Four Plays in Print, viz. Man of Newmarket, a Comedy, 4 to. 1678. Acted at the Theatre Royal, but with little Applause. Six Days Adventure, a Comedy, 4 to. 1671. Acted at the Duke of York's Theatre, in Dorset-Garden. This Play met with no good Success. The Usurper, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1668. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants. Woman's Conquest, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1677. Acted by the Duke of York's Servants, in Dorset-Garden. This Author has written Two Books of Poetry, in 8vo. One called, The British Princess; the other, Poems and Essays, with a Paraphrase on Cicero's Laelius; Printed 1675. james Howard, Esq A Gentleman of the Noble Family of the Howards, that has Two Plays in Print, under the Titles of All Mistaken, or, The Mad Couple, a Comedy, 4 to. 1672. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants. English Monsieur, a Comedy, 4 to. 1674. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants. These Two Plays met with somewhat better Success than those of the beforegoing Author. Sir Robert Howard. THIS Honourable Person is Brother to the above mentioned Mr. Edward Howard, and to the Earl of Berks, who has long since quitted the barren Fields of Poetry, for the more advantageous Post of the State, in which he has, for many Years, made a considerable Figure, being Auditor of the Exchequer, etc. I have not the Honour to say much of my own Knowledge of him, but I am told, that it is no small Part of his Character, to be a Patron and Encourager of Learning; which is a peculiar Merit, in an Age when the selfish Vices of the trading Part of the Nation, are got into the first Ranks of Men, who will not be so expensive, to keep a Creature merely for its Wit, as Mr. Prior says of one. He has writ these Six following Plays, viz. The Blind Lady, a Comedy, 8vo. This is usually bound with divers other Poems of his, and are reprinted, or at least, a new Title Printed, 1696. The Committee, a Comedy, Fol. 1665. This is esteemed an excellent Play, and often times Acted in these Times. The Great Favourite, or, The Duke of Lerma, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1688. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants. See Mariana, Turquet, De Mayern, etc. The Indian Queen, a Tragedy, Fol. 1665. This Play is writ in Heroic Verse, and formerly Acted with general Applause, at the Theatre Royal, but now turned into an Opera, and many times of late represented at the same Theatre, with the like Success. The Surprisal, a Tragicomedy, Fol. 1665. This was formerly Acted at the same Theatre, by his Majesty's Servants. The Vestal Virgin, or, the Roman Ladies, a Tragedy, Fol. Acted also at the same Place, and by the same Actors, but not of late Years. This Play has a double Fifth Act, one ending Tragically, the other Successfully. Four of his above Plays, are Printed together Fol. james Howel, Esq A Gentleman born at Abermarlis, in Caermarthenshire, in South-Wales, 1594. the Seat now of a worthy Gentleman of the Noble Name and Family of Cornwallis, he was at Sixteen sent from Hereford-School, to jesus-college, Oxon. In the Year 1618. he was sent beyond Sea, by Sir Robert Mansel; he traveled the Low Countries from Italy, etc. was employed by King james, in Negotiations in Spain; was Secretary to the Lord Scroop, when he was Precedent of the North, etc. He writ and translated Nine and Forty Books: He died about the Beginning of November, 1666. and lies buried on the North Side of the Temple-Church, with this Inscription over him on the Wall; jacobus Howel, Cambro Britannus, Regius Historiographus, in Anglia primus; qui post varias peregrinationes, tandem Naturae Cursum peregit, Satur Annorum, & famae Domi, forisque huc usque erraticus, hic fixus, 1666. He writ One Play, called, The Nuptials of Peleus and Thetis, a Masque and Comedy, 4 to. 1654. Acted at Paris, by the French King, Duke of York, Duke of Anjou, Henrietta Maria, Princess of Conti, with others of the Nobility there. The Author translated it from an Italian Comedy. The Plot is taken from Ovid's Metamorph. Lib. 11. and Catulli Argonoutica ●ive Epithalamium. I Thomas jevorn. A Dancing-Master and Player, was a Man of uncommon Activity, lived in the Time of Charles and james the Second, writ one Play, entitled, The Devil of a Wife, or, The Comical Transformation, a Farce, 4 to. 1686. Acted by their Majesty's Servants, at the Queen's Theatre Dorset-Garden. Taken from the Story of Mopsa in Sir Philip Sidney's Arcadia. Thomas Ingeland. HE was of Cambridge, in Queen Elizabeth's Reign, writ a Play, entitled, The Disobedient Child, 4 to. which he calls, A Pretty Merry Interlude. 'Tis Printed in an old Black Letter, so long since, that it had not any Date of the Year. Benjamin johnson. WEstminster gave him Birth, and the First Rudiments of his Learning, under Mr. Cambden; which St. Iohn's-College of Cambridge, and Christ-Church of Oxon finished, where he took his Master of Arts Degree; Necessity drove him thence, to follow his Father-in-Law's Trade of a Bricklayer; working at Lincolns-Inn, with a Trowel in his Hand, and Horace in his Pocket, he found a Patron that set him free from that Slavish Employment. He was of an open, free Temper; blunt and haughty to his Antagonists and Critics; a jovial and Pleasant Companion; was Poet Laureate to james and Charles the First. He died in the Sixty Third Year of his Age, An. Dom. 1637. and is buried in Westminster-Abby, near the Belfry, with only this Epitaph: O RARE BEN. JOHNSON. His Dramatic Pieces, about Fifty in Number, follow: The Alchemist, a Comedy, Acted by the King's Majesty's Servants, first, 1610. and afterwards printed, viz. 1640. and 1692. Bartholomew-Fair, a Comedy, Fol. 1640. and 1692. Acted first at the Hope, on the Bankside, 1614 by the Lady Elizabeth's Servants, and Dedicated to King james the First; and Acted with good Applause, since King Charles the Second Restauration. Catiline his Conspiracy, a Tragedy, Fol. 1640. and 1692. and in 4 to. 16. Acted first by the King's Majesty's Servants, 1611. and sometimes since the Restauration, with good Applause. Is Dedicated to William, than Earl of Pembrock. Plot from Sallust. Hist. Plutarch in Vit. Cic. Challenge at Tilt, at a Marriage, a Masque, Fol. 1640. and 1692. Christmas' Masque, Fol. 1640. and 1692. This was first Presented at Court, 1616. Cloridia, or, Rites to Cloris, a Masque, Fol. 1692. presented by the Queen's Majesty, and her Ladies at Court, at Shrovetide, 1630. Mr. Inigo jones assisted in the Invention hereof. Cynthia's Revels, or, the Fountain of Self-Love; a Comedy, Fol. 1640. and 1692. Acted by the Children of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel. 1600. Devil's an Ass, a Comedy, Fol. 1641. and 1692. Acted by his Majesty's Servants, 1616. See Boccace's Novels, Day 3. Nou. 5. Entertainment at King james the First his Coronation. Fol. 1692. This contains only Gratulatory Speeches at the said Coronation, with a Comment by the Author to illustrate the same. Entertainment of King james and Queen Ann, at Theobalds', Fol. 1640. and 1692. Entertainment of the King of England, and the King of Denmark, at Theobalds', july 24. 1606. Fol. 1640. and 1692. Entertainment of the King and Queen on Mayday, at Sir William Cornwallis' House at Highgate, 1604. Fol. 1640. and 1692. Entertainment of the Queen and Prince at Althrop; this was the 25th of june, 1603. at the Lord Spencer's House there, at their coming First into the Kingdom. Fol. 1640. and 1692. Every Man in his Humour, a Comedy, Fol. 1640. and 1692. Acted first in the Year 1598. by the then Lord Chamberlain's Servants, and Dedicated to Mr. Cambden, Clarenceux. It has been revived and Acted since the Restauration, with good Applause, and a new * Collection of Poems on several Occasions, 8vo. 1673. pag. 29. Epilogue writ for the same, part of it spoken by Ben. Johnson's Ghost. Every Man out of his Humour, a Comedy, Fol. 1640. and 1692. Acted by the then Lord Chamberlain's Servants. This was also revived and Acted at the Theatre Royal, 1675. with a new † Duffet's Poems, 8vo. pag. 72. Prologue and Epilogue, writ by Mr. Duffet, and spoken by joseph Haynes. Fortunate Isles, a Masque, Fol. 1641. and 1692. designed for the Court on Twelfth Night, 1626. Golden Age Restored, a Masque, Fol. 1641. and 1692. This was presented at Court by the Lords and Gentlemen, the King's Servants 1626. Hymnaei, or, The Solemnities of a Masque and Barriers at a Marriage, F●l. 1692. See the Learned Marginal Notes, for the Illustration of the Greek and Roman Customs. Irish Masque at Court Fol. 1692. presented at Court by Gentlemen, the King's Servants. King's Entertainment, at Welbeck, in Nottinghamshire, Fol. 1692. This Entertainment was at the then Earl, since Duke of Newcastles House, 1633. Love freed from Ignorance and Folly, a Masque, Fol. 1692. Love Restored, a Masque, Fol. 1692. presented at Court by Gentleman the King's Servants. Love's Triumph through Callipolis, a Masque Fol. 1692. performed at Court by his late Majesty King Charles the First, with the Lords and Gentlemen assisting, 1630. Mr. johnson and Mr. Inigo jones joined in the Invention. Love's Welcome, an Entertainment for the King and Queen, at the then Earl of Newcastles at Bolsover, 1634. and Printed Fol. 1692. Magnetic Lady, or, Humours Reconciled, a Comedy, Fol. 1640. and 1692. Acted at the Black Friars. This Play occasioned some Difference or jarring, between Dr. Gill, Master of Paul's School, and our Author, Ben. as appears by a Satirical Copy of Verses writ by the former, and as sharp a Repartee by the latter. Masque at the Lord Hadington's Marriage, presented at Court on Shrove-Tuesday-Night, 1608. Printed Fol. 1692. Masque of Augurs, Fol. 1692. This was presented on Twelfth-night, 1622. with several Antimasques. Masque of Owls, at Kenelworth, Fol. 1692. In this Presentation there was the Ghost of Captain Cox, mounted on his Hobby-Horse. Masque of Queens, celebrated from the House of Fame, by the Queen of Great Britain, with her Ladies, at White-Hall, Feb. 2● 1609. Fol. 1692. See the Marginal Notes. The Author was assisted by Mr. Inigo jones, in the Invention and Architecture of the Scenes belonging thereto. Masque at the Lord Hayes House, Fol. 1692. This was presented by divers Noblemen, for the Entertainment of Monsieur Le Baron de Tour, Ambassador Extraordinary from the French King. 1617. Metamorphosed Gipsies, A Masque, Fol. 1692. presented to King james the First, at Burleigh on the Hill, at Belvoyr, and at Windsor-Castle. 1621. Mercury Vindicated from the Alchemists at Court, a Masque, Fol. 1692. presented by Gentlemen, the King's Servants. Mortimer's Fall, a Tragedy, Fol. 1640. and 1692. This was not quite finished by the Author, but left imperfect, by reason of his Death. Neptune's Triumph for the Return of Albion, a Masque, Fol. 1692. presented at Court on Twelfth-Night, 1624. News from the New World discovered in the Moon, a Masque, Fol. 1692. presented also before King james the First, 1620. Oberon, the Fa●●y Prince, a Masque of Prince Henry's, Fol. 1692. The Author has divers Annotations on this Play. Pan's Anniversary, or, The Shepherd's Holiday, a Masque, Fol. 1692. This was presented at Court before King james the First. Mr. Inigo jones assisted our Author in the Decorations. Pleasure reconciled to Virtue, a Masque, Fol. 1692. This was also presented at Court, before King james the First, 1619. Hereto were some Additions for the Honour of Wales. Poetaster, or, His Arraignment, a Comedy, Fol. 1692. Acted by the Children of his Majesty's Chapel, 1601. This Play is adorned with several Translations from the Ancients. See Ovid's Elegies, Lib. 1. Eleg. 15. Horat. Sat. Lib. 2. Sat. 9 and Lib. 2. Sat. 1, etc. Queen's Masque of Blackness, Fol. 1692. This was Personated at the Court at White-Hall, on the Twelfth-Night, 1605. — Her Masque of Beauty, Fol. 1692. This also was presented at the same Court, at White-Hall, on the Sunday-Night after the Twelfth-Night, 1608. Sad Shepherd, or, A Tale of Robin Hood, a Pastoral, Fol. 1692. This Play has but Two entire Acts, finished, and a Third left imperfect. Sejanus' Fall, a Tragedy, Fol. 1692. first Acted by the King's Majesty's Servants, 1603. Plot from Tacitus, Suetonius, Seneca, etc. There is an Edition of this Play 4 to. 1605. by the Author's own Orders, with all the Quotations from whence he borrowed any thing of his Play. Silent Woman, a Comedy, fol. 1692. Acted First by the Children of her Majesty's Revels, 1609. Act I. Scene. I. borrowed from Ovid de Arte Amandi: Act. II. Scene II. Part from Iuvenal● Sat. 6. Act II. Scene V. from Plaut Auricular, Act 3. Scene 5, etc. This Play has been in good Esteem, and for a farther Commendation you are referred to Mr. Dryden's Examen. * Dryden's Dramatic Essay, page. 50. Speeches at Prince Henry's Barriers, Fol. 1692. These are indeed Printed among his Mosques, but cannot be accounted one; only reckoned so in former Catalogues. Staple of News, a Comedy, Fol. 1692. Acted by his Majesty's Servants. In this Play Four Gossips appear on the Stage, criticising on the same, during the whole Action. Tale of a Tub, a Comedy, Fol. 1692. Time vindicated to himself and his Honours, a Masque, Fol. 1692. This was presented at Court on Twelfth-Night, 1623. Vision of Delight, a Masque, Fol. 1692. This was also presented at Court in Christmas, 1617. Volpone, or, The Fox, a Comedy, Fol. 1692. Acted by the King's Majesty's Servants. This is writ in Imitation of the Comedies of the Ancients. The before mentioned Plays, and other Poems, etc. were formerly printed together in Two Volumes, Fol. 1640, and 1641. but Three other Pla●● which are there omitted, are hereunder mentioned, a●d may be found in the late Edition, printed 1692. The Case is Altered, a Comedy, 4 to. 1609. and fol. 1692. This was sundry times Acted by the Children of the Black Friars. See Plautus' Comed. etc. The Widow, a Comedy, 4 to. 1652. and fol. 1692. Acted at the Private House in Black Friars, by his late Majesty's Servants, with good Applause. Fletcher and Middleton joined with the above Author in this Play, which has been revived since the Restauration, at the King's House, with a new * London Drollery, pag. 11. 12. Prologue and Epilogue. The New-Inn, or, The Light Heart, a Comedy, 8vo. 1631. This Play (says our Author's Title) was never Acted, but most negligently played, by some of the King's Servants, and more squeamishly beheld, and censured by others, the King's Subjects, 1629. Now at last set at Liberty to the Readers, his Majesty's Servants and Subjects, to be judged. These last, with all the beforegoing Plays, Masques and Entertainments, with an English Grammar, are now published together in one large Volume, fol. 1692. john jones. HE writ, in the Time of King Charles the First, One Play, called, Adrasta, or The Woman's Spleen and Love's Conquest, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1635. Part of it from Boccace's Novels, Day 8. Nou. 8. Thomas jordan. A Player and Poet of King Charles the First his Reign, who writ and published One Masque and Two Comedies; viz. Fancies Festivals, a Masque, 4 to. 16. Money's an Ass, a Comedy, 4 to. 1668. The Walks of Islington and Hogsdon, with the Humours of Wood-street-Compter; a Comedy, 4 to. 1657. This Play had good Success, it being Acted Nineteen Days successively. William joiner. THIS Gentleman was born in Oxonshire, sometime Fellow of Magdalen-College; which, with his Religion, he quitted, till in King James' Time he was again replaced in the same College, with the other Popish Fellows; who were all soon after displaced, by an Apprehension of the Revolution. He has one Play in Print, called, The Roman Empress, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1671. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants, and dedicated to Sir Charles Sidley. For the Plot, consult Zosomi Histor. * Langbain's Dram. Poets, pag. 308. Mr. Langbain supposes this to be the Story of Constantine, and his Wife and Son, Crispus and Faustina. The Author has imitated Oedipus and Hippolytus. K Henry Killigrew. A Person of eminent Wit in K. Charles the First's Time, he writ a Play at Seventeen Years of Age, called first, The Conspiracy, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1638. Afterwards altered, under the Name of Pallantus and Eudora, a Tragedy, Fol. 1653. This Play was first Acted at the Black Friars, with Applause, and the first Impression Printed without the Author's Consent, whilst beyond Sea, which occasioned afterwards a new Impression with a new Title. At the first Acting of the aforegoing Play, it met with some few Cavillers against some part thereof; but that was soon over, when Ben. johnson, and the Lord Viscount Falkland gave it another Encomium. Tho. Killigrew, A Gentleman of a good Family, and a celebrated Wit in the Reigns of the Two K. Charles'; he was Page of Honour to the First, and Groom of the Bedchamber to the Second: during the King's Exile, he saw France, Italy, and Spain; was resident at Venice 1651. In his Banishment he writ most of these Plays, and died several Years after the Restauration. Bellamira, her Dream; or, Love of Shadows, in Two Parts, a Tragedy, fol. written at Venice, and the first dedicated to the then Duchess of Richmond and Lenox, and the second to her Sister, Ann Villiers, than Countess of Essex. Cicilia and Clorinda; or, Love in Arms, in Two Parts, a Tragicomedy, fol. the first writ at Turin, the second at Florence. The Scene betwixt Amadeo, Ducius, and Manlius, seem copied from Aglatidas, Artabes, and Megabises, in the Grand Cyrus, Part 1. Lib. 3. Story of Aglatidas and Amestris. Claracilla, a Tragicomedy, fol. written at Rome, and dedicated to the Lady Shannon. The Parson's Wedding, a Comedy, fol. writ at Bazil in Switzerland. The chiefest Incidents in this Play, are to be found in former Plays; as the Antiquary, Ram-Alley, etc. The Pilgrim, a Tragedy, fol. writ whilst at Paris, and dedicated to the Countess of Carnarvan. The Princess; or, Love at first Sight, a Tragicomedy, fol. writ at Naples, and dedicated to the Lady Lovelace, his Niece. The Prisoners, a Tragicomedy, fol. writ at London, and dedicated to the Lady Compton, another of his Nieces. Thomaso; or, The Wanderer, in Two Parts, a Comedy, fol. The Author has here borrowed, not only a Story from Fletcher's Captain, but several things from Johnson's Fox. The above named Plays, belonging to this Author, are all printed in one Volume, Fol. 1664. Sir William Killigrew. A Gentleman lately deceased, being in his Life time Vice-Chamberlain to the Queen Dowager, and has writ several Plays; as Ormasdes, a Tragicomedy, fol. Pandora; or, The Converts, a Tragicomedy, fol. Selindra, a Tragicomedy, fol. The Siege of Urbin, a Tragicomedy, fol. There's another Play ascribed to him, called, The Imperial Tragedy, fol. The chief Part of this Play out of Latin, for the Plot see Marcelinus, Cassiodorus, Cedrenus, Evagrius, Zonatus, Baronius, etc. of Zeno, the Twelfth Emperor from Constantine. These Plays are Printed in one Volume, fol. Oxon, 1666. john Kirk. THIS Author we find in the time of the First K. Charles, when writ a Play, called, The Seven Champions of Christendom, a History, 4 to. 1638. Plot from the old History of the Seven Champions of Christendom, and Heylin's Hist. of St. George. Ralph Knevet. A Norfolk Gentleman, of the same time with the former, writ a Pastoral represented at Norwich, called, Rhodon and Iris, a Pastoral, 4 to. 1631. Dedicated to Nicholas Bacon, Esq. Thomas Kyd. THIS Translator Lived in Queen Elizabeth's Reign, and Published One Play called, Pompey the Great, his Fair Cornelia's Tragedy, 4 to. 1595. dedicated to the Countess of Sussex. This he translated from the French of Robert Garnier. L john Lacey. AN Excellent Comedian of the King's Company, was born near Doncaster in Yorkshire, originally a Dancing Master, of a rare Shape of Body, and good Complexion; was a Lieutenant and Quarter Master under Col. Gerrard, afterwards Earl of Macclesfield; he died, Sept. 17. 1681. King Charles' the Second fancied him so much, as to have his Picture drawn in Three several Figures, in the same Table, as Teague in the Committee, Scruple in the Cheats, and Gallyard in the Varieties. He was not satisfied to excel only in Acting, but attempted these Three following Plays, or rather, Farces; besides which, he added the— of Sauny the Scot, to the Taming of the Shrew. The Dumb Lady; or, The Farrier made Physician, a Comedy, 4 to. 1672. Plot and Language from Mollieres le Medicin Malgre luy. The Old Troop; or, Monsieur Ragou, a Comedy, 4 to. 1672. Sir Hercules Buffoon; or, The Poetical Squire, a Comedy, 4 to. 1684. published after his Death. I. Leanard. A Plagiary of extraordinary Assurance● that set up with other men's Writings for the Name of an Author. He published Two Plays under these Titles, (viz.) The Country Innocence; or, The Chambermaid turned Quaker, a Comedy, 4 to. 1677. Taken from a Play, called, The Country Girl, by Brewer. The Rambling justice; or, The jealous Husbands, a Comedy 4 to. 1680. Most part from a Play, called More Dissemblers besides Women, a Comedy, 4 to. by Middleton. Nath. Lee. ALL the Account I can give you of our Author, is, That he was Son of a Minister of the Church of England, had part of his Education at Cambridge, was received with general Applause in most of his Plays. He run Mad, and was some Years in Bethlem, and after he was let out he was never perfectly well; so died in the Street in the Night Time. That he has shown a Masterpiece in Lucius junius Brutus, which scarce one of his Contemporaries have equalled, and none excelled, can never be doubted. Caesar Borgia, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1680. Acted at the Duke's Theatre. See Guiciardine, lib. 5, 6. Mariana, lib. 27, 28. Sir Paul Ricaut's Contin. of Platina, in the Reign of Pope Alexander the Sixth. Constantine the Great, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1684. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants. Plot from Eusebius de vitâ Constantini, Zonarus, Eutropius, Baronius, Ammianus Marcellinus, and Beard's Theatre of God's judgements. Gloriana, the Court of Augustus Caesar, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1676. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants, and dedicated to the Duchess of Portsmouth. See the Stories of Caesario, Marcellus and julia, in Cleopatra, Part 1. Book 3. Part 5. Book 3. etc. Lucius, junius Brutus, Father of his Country, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1681. Acted at the Duke's Theatre, and dedicated to the Right Honourable, the Earl of Dorset and Middlesex. See the Story of junius Brutus in Clelia, a Romance, Par. 2. Book 1. and Part 3. Book 1. And for the true History, consult Florus, Livy, Dion, Hallicar, Orosius, etc. Massacre of Paris, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1690. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants. See Thuanus Pierre Mathieu, Davila, Mezeray, etc. If you compare a Play, called, The Duke of Guise, with this, you may find divers Passages there borrowed from hence. Mithridates, King of Pontus, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1678. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, the Earl of Dorset and Middlesex. Plot from Appian, Alexand. Roman Hist. Florus, Vell. Paterculus, and Plutarch in the Lives of Scylla, Lucullus, Pompey, etc. Nero, Emperor of Rome, his Tragedy, 4 to. 1675. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants, and dedicated to the Right Honourable, the Earl of Rochester. Plot from Suetonius in vita Neronis, Aurelius Victor, Tacitus Annal. etc. The Princess of Cleve, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1689. Acted at the Queen's Theatre in Dorset Garden; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Charles, Earl of Dorset and Middlesex, Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty's Household. Founded on a Romance of the same Title; see also a Book called, the French Rogue, 8vo. The Rival Queens; or, The Death of Alexander the Great, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1677. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, john, Earl of Mulgrave. Plot from Quint. Curt. Plutarch's Life of Alexander the Great, justin, josephus, etc. Sophonisba; or Hannibal's Overthrow, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1676. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Duchess of Portsmouth. Plot from Sir Walter Raleighs Hist. of the World, Book 5. Chap. 3. Sect. 18. Livy, Florus, Appian, Diodorus, Polybius, justin, etc. Theodosius; or, The Force of Love, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1680. Acted at the Duke's Theatre, by their Royal Highness' Servants; and dedicated to her Grace, the Duchess of Richmond. Plot from Pharamont, a Romance; Euseb. Hist. Ecclesiastica; Varannes'; Martian, and Theodosius. Most of these Plays have been applauded by the Spectators, and their Worth acknowledged by Dryden, and other Poets, in divers Copies of Verses before some of them. He joined with Mr. Dryden, in Two other Plays, viz. The Duke of Guise, and Oedipus, both Tragedies, for which see under Dryden Senior. john Lilly. ONE of the first Reformers of our Language, in Queen Elizabeth's Days; he was born in Kent, bred in Magdalen-College, Oxon, and there took his Degree of Master of Arts, 1575. The Time of his Death I know not; he has published these Nine Plays following. Alexander and Campaspe, a Tragicomedy, 12 mo. 1632. Acted on a Twelfth Night, before the Queen, by her Majesty's Children, and those of Paul's, and sometimes after at Black Friars. Plot from Pliny's Natural Hist. Lib. 35. Cap. 10. Endymion, a Comedy, 12 mo. 1632. Presented also before Queen Elizabeth, by the same Children. Plot from Lucian's Dialogue between Venus and the Moon, Natales Comes, and Galtruchius' Hist. of the Heathen Gods. Galathea, a Comedy, 12 mo. 1632. Presented likewise before the Queen at Greenwich, by the Children of Paul's on New-Year's-Day. See the Story of Iphis and janthe, in Ovid Metamorph. Lib. 9 Tab. 12, etc. Love's Metamorphosis, a Pastoral 4 to. 1601. First played by the Children of Paul's, and afterwards by her Majesty's Children of the Chapel. The Maid's Metamorphosis, a Comedy 4 to. 1600. Acted sundry times by the Children of Paul's. Mother Bombie, a pleasant conceited Comedy (says the Title) printed 12 mo. 1632. and sundry times played by the Children of Paul's. Midas, a Comedy, 12 mo. 1632. This was also played before the Queen on Twelfth Day at Night, Apuleius has writ this Story at large in his Aureus Asinus. See also Natales Comes, Galtruchius' Hist. of the Heathen Gods, and Ovid's Metamorph. Lib. 11. Sappho and Phaon, a Comedy, 12 mo. 1632. Presented before the Queen on Shrove Tuesday, and afterwards at the Black Friars. Plot Ovid Epist. Woman in the Moon, a Comedy, 4 to. 1667. Six of the above Plays are printed together 12 more. and published by one Mr. Blount, called Court Comedies; the other three are printed single in 4 to. Mr. Lily also writ a Book called, Eupheus and his England, 4 to. at that time much esteemed. Thomas Lodge. THis Author we find was a Doctor of Physic, in the Time of Queen Elizabeth, who, during his Study at Cambridge, writ several pieces of Poetry; among the rest, Two Plays. A Looking-Glass for London and England, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1598. One Green joined with our Author towards completing this Play, which is founded on the Story of jonas and the Ninevites, in the Holy Scripture. The Wounds of Civil War; or, The Tragedies of Marius and Scylla. Plot from Plutarch in vit. Mar. & Silla: see also Aurelius Victor, Eutropius, Vell. Paterculus, Salustius, and T. Livius. Sir William Lower. A Cavalier that left these Nations during the Civil Wars, and, in Holland, gave himself the Diversion of Poetry; among the rest, six Plays. The Amorous Phantasm, a Tragicomedy, 12 more. printed at the Hague, 1658. translated from Quinaults Le Fantome Amoreux. The Enchanted Lovers, a Pastoral, 12 more. printed also at the Hague, 1658. Horatius, a Roman Tragedy, 4 to. 1656. translated from Corneille; consult Dion. Hallicarnasceus, Cassiodorus, T. Livius, and L. Florus. The Martyr; or, Polyeucte, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1655. For the Story, see Coeffeteau Hist. Rom. Surius de Vitis Sanctorum, etc. Noble Ingratitude, a Pastoral Tragicomedy, 12 more. London, 1658. translated from the French of Monsieur Quinault. Phoenix in her Flames, a Tragedy, 4 to, 1639. This was the first the Author writ, and published before he was a Knight. Thomas Lupon. ALL I know of him is, That 'tis said he writ this one Play, called, All for Money, a Tragedy, 4 to. M Lewis Macchin. THIS Author lived in the Time of King Charles the First, and writ one Play, called, The Dumb Knight, a Comedy, 4 to. 1633. Acted by the Children of his Majesty's Revels. Compare this Play with one called, The Queen; or, The Excellency of her Sex: see also, The Complaisant Companion, 8vo. and 12 more. and Bandello's Novels, Tom. 1. Nou. 13, etc. Maidwell. A Gentleman yet living, who having made it his Business for some Years, to educate young Gentlemen, and initiate them in the Learned Tongues, has at length quitted this Ludum Literarium, for a quiet retreat, during his Application to this Business, he found time to write a Play, called, The Loving Enemies, a Comedy, 4 to. 1680. Acted at the Duke of York's Theatre in Dorset Garden, and dedicated to the Honourable, Charles Fox, Esq The Author seems to have imitated the Virtuoso, in this Play. Dr. jasper Maine. THis learned Author was * Wood Athenae Oxonienses Vol. 2. p. 372, 373. born at a place called, Hatherleigh, a Market Town in Devonshire, An. Dom 1604. and in the Time of King james the First, passed from Westminster-School, to Christ-Church, Oxon, An. Dom. 1623. in the Condition of a Servitor, where he was encouraged in his Studies by Dr. Duppa, and the next Year chosen into the Number of Students on that noble Foundation. He passed his Degrees till he entered into Orders, and Plurality of Two Livings near that University, both in the Gift of the College. After his being made Doctor of Divinity, and turned out by the Visitation of the late Government of Oliver Cromwell, he was received into the Family of the Earl of Devon, having lost both his Livings. In the Restauration of the King, he found his Two Livings, and Advancement to a Canon of Christ-Church, as also Archdeacon of Chichester. He died Decemb. 6. 1672. and was buried on the North side of the Cathedral of Christ-Church, where is to be seen a short † Hist. and Antiquit. Oxon. Lib. 2. p. 282. Epitaph on a Marble Stone, placed over his Grave by his Executors, Dr. South and Dr. Lamphire. He gave by his Will 500 l. towards re-building of St. Paul's, and to Cassington, and Pyrton, near Watlington, (of which Places he was Vicar) 100 l. each. He writ and published the two following Plays: The Amorous War, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. Oxon, 1658. also printed fol. and 8vo. The City Match, a Comedy, 4 to. Oxon, 1658. printed also Fol. and 8vo. This Comedy was acted before their Majesties at White-Hall, and divers times afterwards at Black Friars, with great Applause. These two Plays are usually bound together. This Author published divers other Books; as part of Lucian's Dialogues, Eng. Fol. divers Sermons, 4 to. and a Poem on the Victory over the Dutch, 1665, etc. Mistress Delarivier Manley. THis Lady has very happily distinguished herself from the rest of her Sex, and gives us a living Proof of what we might reasonably expect from Womankind, if they had the Benefit of those artificial Improvements of Learning the Men have, when by the mere Force of Nature they so much excel. Rules indeed are but the Leading-strings to support and carry the Weaker, and more unobserving Heads, and which those of a strong Genius and Penetration will have no need of, since a just Consideration of Nature will conduct them with more Ease and Success. Of this our present Authress is an evident Proof, for in the Two Plays she has already published, we find no part of Art wanting, but what is the Mechanic Part, and by much the least valuable. There is a Force and a Fire in her Tragedy, that is the Soul that gives it Life, and for want of which, most of our Modern Tragedies are heavy, languid, unmoving, and dull. In her Comedy there is an easy Freedom of adding, which confesses a Conversation in the Authress no lesle genteel and entertaining. This Lady was born in the Isle of jersey, her Father, Sir Roger Manley, being then Governor of it; a Gentleman of a double Merit, both the Gown, and the Sword claiming no small share in his Glory, and the Republic of Learning owed as much to his Wit and judgement, in those Books which he was pleased to publish, as his King and Country to his Loyalty, Valour and Conduct. And well might our Delarivier prove a Muse, being begot by such a Father. She has as yet given us but two Plays, of which in their Order: The Royal Mischief, a Tragedy, 4 to. Acted by his Majesty's Servants, at the Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields, 1696. and dedicated to his Grace, William, Duke of Devonshire, etc. The Story, as she owns, is originally taken from Sir john Chardin's Travels, but has received this Advantage, that the Criminals are here punished for their Gild, who in the Story escape; a Poetic justice, which ought ever to be observed in all Plays; for a Just Audience could never have been pleased with the Prosperity of Homais, and Leavan, after so very criminal an Amour. I could here give the Reader a Proof how well the Rules of Aristotle are observed in this Tragedy, by a Lady who never read him; and how just all her Metaphors and Allegories are: but that would exceed the Bounds I am prescribed by the Model I'm obliged to build on. I shall therefore proceed to The Lost Lover; or, The jealous Husband, a Comedy, 4 to. acted at the Theatre Royal by his Majesty's Servants, 1696. To this Play is no Epistle Dedicatory, and the Preface informs us of its ill Success, which we could never gather from the reading of it; and if we would, as we ought, give any Allowance for the Sex that wrote it, the Time it was wrote in, and its being the first Essay of that Nature, we should agree with her, that it met with a much severer Fate than it deserved. This Lady has Published several other Books, which have not her Name to 'em, and which, for that Reason, I shall forbear to mention their Titles. Cosmo Manuch. A Major in the King's Army, in the late Civil War, and Author of two Plays, called, The just General, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1650. This the Author designed for the Stage, but was not ever acted. The Loyal Lovers, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1652. The Author, in this Play, represents divers of the Committee Men and their Informers. Gervase Markham. THis Author was Son to Robert Markham, of Cotham in Nottinghamshire, Esq was born in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, and lived to have a Captain's Command in the Civil War, under King Charles the First. He writ curious Pieces of Husbandry, Horsemanship, and War, and one Play, in which one Sampson assisted, entitled, Herod and Antipater, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1622. Plot from josephus Hist. jews, Book 14, 15, etc. Spondanus, Baronii Ann. Salian Torniel, etc. Christopher Marlowe. A Famous Poet of Queen Elizabeth and King James' Time, contemporary with the Immortal Shakespeare, was Fellow-Actor with Heywood, and others, he writ a Poem called, Hero and Leander, much commended, as also these seven Plays following: Dr. Faustus his tragical History, 4 to. 1661., being the last Edition, printed with the Addition of many Scenes. Plot, Camerarii Opera Subsc. Cent. 1. Cap. 70. Wierus de Praestig. Daemonum, Lib. 2. Cap. 4. Lonicerus, etc. Dido, Queen of Carthage, a Tragedy, 4 to. 16. In this he was joined by Nash. Plot from Virgil's AEneids, Book 4. Edward the Second, a Tragedy, 4 to. 16. Plot from Thomas de la More, Sir Francis Hubert, and other English Historians of that Time. jew of Malta, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1633. Acted by her Majesty's Servants at the Cockpit, and at Whitehall, before the King and Queen. A Play of great Esteem in those Days. Lust's Dominion; or, The Lascivious Queen, a Tragedy 8vo. 1661. This Play has been acted of late Years, under the Title of Abdelazar; or, The Moor's Revenge: with few Alterations, by Mrs. Behn. Massacre at Paris, with the Death of the Duke of Guise, a Tragedy, 8vo. Acted by the Lord Admiral's Servants. Is not divided into Acts. Plot from Davila, Thuanus, Dupleix, and Mezeray, in the Reigns of Char. IX. and Hen. III. of France, Tamburlaine the Great; or, The Scythian Shepherd, in Two Parts, a Tragedy, 8vo. 1593. Acted also by the Lord Admiral's Servants. Plot, jean du Bec, Laonicus, Chalcocondilas, Pet. Bizarus, Knolles Hist. Turks, L'Histoire de Tamerlain, 8vo. and his Life in English, 8vo. Shakerly Marmion. AN Author born at Ainoe, in Northamptonshire, january, 1602. initiated in Letters at Thame-School, Oxonshire; from thence about sixteen Years of Age, was sent to Wadham-College, Oxon, and continued a Member thereof, till after he took his Master of Arts Degree. He writ these three Comedies: The Antiquary, a Comedy 4 to. 1641. Acted at the Cockpit, by their Majesty's Servants. Aurelio's Marriage is an Incident in some other Plays. The Fine Companion, a Comedy, 4 to. 1633. Acted by Prince Charles' Servants, in Salisbury-Court, as also before the King and Queen at White-Hall, with great Applause. It is dedicated to Sir Ralph Dutton. Holland's Leaguer, a Comedy, 4 to. 1632. Acted also by Prince Charles' Servants in Salisbury-Court, with good Applause. Several Things in this Play borrowed from Petronius Arbiter. john Marston. THis Poet lived in the Reign of King james the First, and writ eight Plays, six of which are usually bound together in one Volumn, 8vo. 1633. and one of them revived not many Years since, and acted with Success, under the Name of The Revenge; or, The Match in Newgate. Antonia and Melida, Two Parts, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1602. and 8vo. 1633. frequently acted by the Children of Paul's. The Dutch Courtesan, a Comedy, 4 to. 1605. and 8vo. 1633. Acted at the Blackfriarss, by the Children of the Queen's Majesty's Revels. The Story of Cockledemoy, in this Play, is borrowed from a French Book, entitled, des Contes du Monde, also from the English Book of Novels called, the Palace of Pleasure. The Insatiate Countess, a Tragedy, 4to. 1603. Acted at the Black Friars. Plot from Montius Hist. of Naples: see also Dr. Fuller's Profane State, Chap. 2. and God's Revenge against Adultery, etc. Hist. 5. The Male Content, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1604. Mr. Webster laid the Platform, and our Author Marston, moulded it into a Play. Parasitaster; or, The Fawn, a Comedy, 4 to. 1606. and 8vo. 1633. Act 3. Scene 1. from Ovid's Amor. Lib. 2. Eleg. 4. see Boccace's Novels, Day 3. Nou. 3. Sophonisba, her Tragedy; or, The Wonder of Women, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1633. Plot from Sir Walter Raliegh, Polybius, Appian, Livy's Hist. etc. What you will, a Comedy, 8vo. 1633. Copied from Plautus Amphitryo. Mr. Phillips and Mr. Winstanly have made him Author of another Play, called, the Faithful Shepherd, but his Name not being thereto, nor he ever owning it, I conclude, with Mr. Langbain, that 'tis none of his. john Mason. THis Poet was Master of Arts in King james the First's Time, and writ one Play called, Muleasses, the Turk; a Tragedy, 4 to 1610. Acted by the Children of his Majesty's Revels. This Author, in his Title Page, calls it, A Worthy Tragedy, and had a great Conceit of its meeting with Success, adding in the Front, this Sentence of Horace, Sume Superbiam quaesitam meritis. Philip Massinger. A Poet who was born at Salisbury in the Reign of Charles the First, his Father lived and died in the Service of the then Earl of Montgomery, and sent his Son, our Poet, to St. Alban-Hall, in Oxon, where he remained a Student for three or four Years. He was intimate with Rowley, Middleton, Field, Decker, and even Fletcher. He left this World in March, 1669. and on the seventeenth Day of that Month, was buried in St. Marry Overies-Church in Southwark, in the Grave where Mr. Fletcher had been before buried. In Sir Ast●n Cockain's Epigrams you may find an Epitaph on him, Book 1. Ep. 100 He writ fourteen Plays entire, and joined with Middleton and Rowley in some others; of which in their Order: The Bashful Lover, a Comedy, 8vo. 1655. Acted at the private House in Blackfriarss, by his Majesty's Servants, with good Applause. The Bondman, a Comedy, 4 to. 1638. Acted at the Cockpit in Drury-Lane, by the most excellent Princess, the Lady Elizabeth, her Servants: Dedicated to the Right Honourable, Philip, Earl of Montgomery. The reducing the Slaves by the Sight of the Whips, is taken from the Story of the Scythian Slaves. The City Madam, a Comedy, 4 to. 1659. Acted at the Private House in Blackfriars, with great Applause, and Dedicated to the truly Noble and Virtuous Lady, Ann, Countess of Oxon. This has been esteemed a good Play. The Duke of Milan, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1638. as it had been often acted by his Majesty's Servants, at the Blackfriars. Plot from Iosephus' Hist. jews, Book 15. Chap. 4. The Emperor of the East, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1632. Acted at the Blackfriars and Globe, by his Majesty's Servants: Dedicated to the Right Honourable, john, Lord Mohun, Baron of Oke-hampton. Plot from Socrates, Lib. 7. Nicephorus, Lib. 14. Baronius, etc. The fatal Dowry, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1632. Acted at the Blackfriars, by his Majesty's Servants; Mr. Field, an Author beforementioned, joined with him in this Play. Charlois Ransoming his Father's Corpse by his own Imprisonment, taken from Cymon, in Val. Max. Lib. 5. Cap. 4. Ex. 9 The Great Duke of Florence, a Comedy, 4 to. 1636. The Title calls it, a Comical History, often presented with good Allowance, by her Majesty's Servants, at the Phoenix in Drury-Lane. The Dedication to the truly Honoured, and his Noble Favourer, Sir Robert Wiseman, of Thorrells-Hall, in Essex. Plot from Speed, Stow, and other our English Chronicles, in the Reign of King Edgar. The Guardian, a Comedy, 8vo. 1655. The Title also calls this, a Comical History, often acted at the private House in Blackfriars, by his late Majesty's Servants, with great Applause. Plot from Boccace's Novels, Day 8. Nou. 7. and from the Cimmerian Matron, 8vo. The Maid of Honour, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1632. This was oftentimes acted with good Allowance, at the Phoenix in Drury-Lane, by her Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to Sir Francis Foliambe, and Sir Tho. Bland. The Play is recommended by Sir Aston Cokain, who prefixed a Copy of Verses thereto. A New Way to pay Old Debts, a Comedy, 4 to. 1633. often acted at the Phoenix in Drury-Lane, by the Queen's Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Robert, Earl of Carnarvan. Sir Thomas jay, and Sir Henry Moody have very much commended this Play. The Old Law. Vide Middleton. The Picture, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1636. Acted at the Globe and Blackfriars Playhouses, by his Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Noble Society of the Inner-Temple. Plot from the Fortunate deceived, and Unfortunate Lovers, Nou. 4. of the Deceived Lovers. The Renegado, a Comedy, 4 to. 1630. Acted at the private Playhouse, in Drury-Lane, by her Maiesty's Servants; dedicated to the Right Honourable, George Harding, Baron of Barkley-Castle, and Knight of the Honourable Order of the Bath. Mr. Shirley, etc. have commended this Play by Copies of Verses. The Roman Actor, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1629. Acted at the private House in the Blackfriars, by the King's Majesty's Servants; dedicated to Sir Philip Knivet, Sir Tho. jay, and Tho. Bellingham, of Newtimber, in Sussex, Esq This Play is recommended by divers Copies of Verses from Ford, Goff, May, and other Dramatic Poets. Plot from Tacitus, Aurelius, Victor, and Suetonius in the Life of Domitian. A Very Woman, or the Prince of Tarent, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1655. The Plot of this resembles that of the Obstinate Lady, writ by Sir Aston Cokain. The Virgin Martyr, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1661. Acted by his Majesty's Servants with great Applause. Mr. Decker assisted our Author in this Play. Plot from Valesius, Roswedius, Eusebii Hist. Lib. 8. Cap. 17. The Unnatural Combat, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1639. presented by the King's Majesty's Servants, at the Globe; and dedicated to his much honoured Friend, Anthony Sentliger, of Oukham in Kent, Esq This Play is without Prologue or Epilogue. The Bashful Lover, the Guardian, and the Very Woman, are printed together in one Volume, 8vo. Thomas May. A Gentleman of a good Family in Sussex, in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth; he was some Years a Fellow-Commoner of Sidney-College in Cambridge ● whence removing to London, and the Court, he grew to an Intimacy with Endymion Porter, Esq and others; but disgusted with the little Encouragement he met with, which is indeed no Place for Reward of Merit, he retired. In the Year 1652. he died suddenly, being Five and Fifty Years Old, and lies buried in the West Side of the North Isle of Westminster-Abby, near Mr. Cambden. But now to his Plays. Agrippina, Empress of Rome, her Tragedy, 12 mo. 1639. In the first Act of this Play, the Printer committed an Error, by printing some few Pages twice over. Plot, see Tacitus, Suetonius, and Petronius Arbiter. Antigone, the Theban Princess, her Tragedy, 8vo. 1631. Dedicated to the most Worthily Honoured Endymion Porter, Esq Plot from Sophocles' Antigone, and Seneca's Thebais; see also Statius' Thebais. Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, her Tragedy, 12 mo. 1639. Acted some Years before printed, and dedicated to the accomplished Sir Kenelm Digby. Plot from Appian de Bellis Civ. L. Florus, Lib. 4. Suetonius in vit. August. and Plutarch in Vit. M. Antonii. he has also made bold with Calimachus' Epig. on Timon, etc. The Heir, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1633. Acted by the Company of Revels. This was accounted an ingenious and modest Play, and much commended by Mr. Thomas Carew, who has a Copy of Verses to that purpose, printed with the Play. The Old Couple, a Comedy, 4 to. 1651. This Play has been formerly in repute, and the chief Design of it seems to be against Covetousness. Two of the above Plays, (viz.) Agrippina and Antigone, are usually bound together in a small Volume, 12 more. This Author has published a Translation of Lucan's Pharsalia, 8vo. 1635. and Virgil's Georgics, with Annotations, 1622. also a History of the late Civil Wars in England, which he calls, A Breviary. Robert Mead. HE lived in the Time of King james and King Charles the First, was of Christ-Church-College, Oxon, and writ one Play, which was published after his Death. The Title of his Play is, The Combat of Love and Friendship, a Comedy, formerly presented by the Gentlemen of Christ-Church in Oxon, 4 to. printed at London, 1654. Matthew Medbourn. AN Actor in the Duke's Company, being a Papist and committed to Newgate about the Popish Plot, where he died; but some Years before he published one Play, called, Tartuffe; or, the French Puritan, a Comedy, 4 to. 1670. Acted at the Theatre Royal; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Henry, Lord Howard, of Norfolk. Translated from the French of Molliere. Thomas Meriton. THis Scribbler lived since the Restauration, and accounted the dullest and most impotent of Dramatic Poets in his Time, he published Two Plays: Love and War, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1658. and dedicated to the truly Noble, judicious Gentleman, and his most esteemed Brother, Mr. Geo. Meriton. I do not find this Play was ever acted, or deserved acting. The Wand'ring Lover, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1658. The Title makes you believe it was acted several times privately, at sundry Places, by the Author and his Friends, with great Applause; and the Dedication is to the Ingenious, judicious, and much Honoured Gentleman, Francis Wright, Esq Tho. Middleton, vide Fletcher. THis Author lived in the Time of King james and King Charles the First; was Contemporary and Associate with Deckar, Rowley, Massinger, Fletcher and johnson. Under the Title of johnson, you have an Account that he joined with him and Fletcher, in one Play, called, the Widow. He was assisted by Massinger and Rowley, in writing another Play, called, the Old Law: by Deckar, in the Roaring Girl, and by Mr. Rowley, in three others; besides those he writ and published, entirely his own. Any thing for a Quiet Life, a Comedy, 4 to. 1662. This was not printed till that Year, tho' long before acted at the Blackfriarss, with good Success. Blurt, Mr. Constable; or, the Spaniard's Night-Walk; 4 to. 1602. Acted sundry times privately, by the Children of Paul's. Our Author's Name is not in the Title Page; but nevertheless, on good Grounds, attributed to him by Kirkman, etc. The Changeling, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1653. Acted at the Private House in Drury-Lane, and Salisbury-Court, with great Applause. This is one of those Plays in which he was assisted by Mr. Rowley. For the Plot, consult the Story of Alsemero, and Beatrice joanna, in God's Revenge against Murder, fol. writ by Dr. Reynolds. The chaste Maid in Cheapside, a Comedy, 4 to. 1620. This is entitled, A pleasant conceited Comedy, often acted at the Swan on the Bankside, by the Lady Elizabeth, her Servants. A fair Quarrel, a Comedy, 4 to. 1622. This is another of those Plays, in which Mr. Rowley joined, and is dedicated to the nobly disposed, and faithful Breasted, Robert Grey, Esq one of the Grooms of his Highness' Chamber. Plot from Cynthio Giraldi, a Novel, Dec. 4. Nou. 5. The Family of Love, a Comedy, 4 to. 1608. Acted by the Children of his Majesty's Revels. A Game at Chess, a Comedy, 4 to. Acted at the Globe on the Bankside. The Game being played before Loyola, between one of the Church of England, and the other of the Church of Rome, the latter loses. Inner-Temple Masque; or, Masque of Heroes, 4 to. 1640. presented by Gentlemen of the same ancient and noble House, as an Entertainment for many eminent Ladies. Thou this Play was writ about Twenty Years before printed, yet Mrs. Behn approved of it so much, that when she writ her Comedy called, the City Heiress, she borrowed part thereof. A Mad World, my Masters, a Comedy, 4 to. This Play is said to be often acted, with good Applause. The Mayor of Queenborough, a Comedy, 4 to. 1661. often acted with much Applause, by his Majesty's Servants. You have in this Play, several Dumb Shows. Plot, see the Reign of Vortiger, in Du Chesne, Stow, Speed, and other English Chronicles. Michaelmas-Term, a Comedy, 4 to. I know not whether ever acted. More Desemblers besides Women, a Comedy, 8vo. 1657. No Wit, no Help like a Woman's, a Comedy, 8vo. 1657. This and the other preceding Play, with Women, beware Women, may be had bound together, in a small 8vo. or 12 more. The Old Law; or, A New Way to Please you, 4 to. 1656. The Title calls it, An Excellent Comedy, acted before the King and Queen, with great Applause. Mr. Rowley and Massinger joined with him in this Play. The Phoenix, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1607. Acted several times by the Children of Paul's, before his Majesty, with good Applause. See the Story writ by Mignel de Cervantes, called, the Force of Love, being a Spanish Novel. The Roaring Girl; or, Mall Cutpurse, a Comedy, 4 to. 1611. as it has lately been acted on the Fortune Stage, by the Prince's Players. Mr. Langbain says, he never saw this Play, and Ranks it under Middleton; but I take most part of it to be Deckar's, who joined in it. This Play has an odd sort of an Epistle Dedicatory, to the Comic Play-Readers, Venery and Laughter. The Spanish Gipsies, a Comedy, 4 to. 1661. acted both at the Private House in Drury-Lane, and Salisbury-Court, with great Applause. In this Play he was joined by Mr. Rowley. See part of the Plot in a Spanish Novel, called, the Force of Blood, writ by M. de Cervantes. A Trick to catch the Old One, a Comedy, 4 to. 1616. The Title says, it has been often in Action at Paul's and Blackfriarss, before their Majesties. This was, in those Times, accounted a good Play. Triumphs of Love and Antiquity, a Masque, 4 to. 1619. Dedicated to the Right Honourable, Sir William Cockain, Knight, then Lord Mayor of the City of London, and Lord General of his Majesty's Military Forces. This, tho' accounted by other Catalogues a Masque, is little more than Speeches spoke, as now in these Days, to the Lord Mayor, in Pageants, etc. Women, beware Women, a Tragedy, 8vo. 1657. See Hippolito and Isabel, a Romance, 8vo. This is usually bound with two others of his beforementioned, 8vo. The World tossed at Tennis, a Masque, 4 to. 1620. said to be divers times acted to the Contentment of many Noble and Worthy Spectators, by the Prince's Servants. The Dedication is to the truly Noble, Charles, than Lord Howard, Baron of Effingham; and to his Virtuous and Worthy Wife, the Right Honourable, Mary, than Lady Effingham, the Eldest Daughter of Sir William Cockain, Knight, then Lord Mayor of London, etc. Your Five Gallants, a Comedy 4 to. Acted at the Blackfriarss. A Play printed without any Date, and in all probability, the first he ever writ. john Milton. AN Author of that Excellence of Genius and Learning, that none of any Age or Nation, I think, has excelled him: during the Civil Wars, and after the Death of King Charles the First, he was advanced to considerable Posts in the Government, as Under Secretary of State, etc. and he was a strenuous Defender of the Power and Liberty of the People, upon which that Government immediately stood. His Controversy with Salmatius was very famous all over Europe, and his Victory cost his Adversary his Life, tho' he himself lost his Eyes. I have been told, that after the Restauration of King Charles the Second, he taught School at, or near Greenwich. The Time or Place of his Birth, Education or Death, I am ignorant of. He writ two Dramatic Pieces, viz. Samson Agonistes, a Tragedy, 8vo. 1680. Mr. Dryden Sen. has, in his Aureng-zebe, borrowed some Thoughts from this Poem, which is founded on Scripture. Consult the Thirteenth Chapter of judges, etc. also Tornier, Salian, and joseph. Antiq. lib. 5. A Masque presented at Ludlow-Castle, 1634. Printed 4 to. 1687. It was published by Mr. Laws, who composed the Music, dedicating they to the Right Honourable, john, Lord Viscount Brackley, Son and Heir Apparent to john, Earl of Bridgewater, Viscount Brackley, Lord Precedent of Wales, and one of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council; before whom it was presented. He writ besides, divers Pieces in Poetry and History, as Paradise Lost, 8vo. and Fol. with Sculptures; Paradise Regained, 8 vo. Hist. of Britain, 4 to. Pro populo Anglicano defensio, 12 more. The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce, 4 to. etc. Walter Montague, Esq THE Shepherd's Paradise, a Pastoral, 8vo. 1649. This was privately acted before King Charles the First, by the Queen's Majesty, and Ladies of Honour; and was then well esteemed. Peter Motteux. AN Author now living, who, tho' born and bred at Rouen in Normandy, has made himself so far Master of our Language, as to be able to divert the Town in Two Plays, the first called, Love's a jest, a Comedy, 4 to. Acted at the new Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants, 1696. and dedicated to Charles, Lord Clifford, of Lanesborough. The Author owns, in his Preface, himself indebted to the Italians, for the hint of the two Scenes where Love is made in jest; as also some Speeches and Thoughts here and there. The Loves of Mars and Venus, a Play set to Music, as it is acted at the New Theatre, in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants, 4 to. 1696. and dedicated to the Honourable Collone Codrington. In his Preface he owns the Story to be Ovid's, an● that he has taken the Dance of the Cyclops from Mr. Shadwell's Psyche. The Novelty, every Act a Play, being a short Pastoral, Comedy, Masque, Tragedy, and Farce; acted at the new Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants, 4 to. 1697. and dedicated to Charles Caesar, of Bonnington, Esq In the Preface he lets us know, that the Pastoral, called, Thyrsis, is written by his ingenious Friend, Mr. I Oldmixon. The Tragedy, which he calls, The Unfortunate Couple, is the latter and most moving part of Dr. Filmer's Unnatural Brother. That the Farce, called, Natural Magic, is an Imitation of Part of a French Comedy, of one Act, after the Italian Manner, as you may find many in the Theatre Italien. Hercules, the Masque, is his own, tho' I have seen one on the same Subject by a French Author, and represented at Brussels. The Comedy is his own too, called, All without Money. Thou this bears the Name of The Novelty, it can be called so only as some of our modern Opinions in Philosophy are called new, that is, because they have laid by unthought of a great while; for as these are to be met with among the Old Philosophers, so is this Model to be found in Sir William Davenant's Playhouse to be Lett. I shall only add, That the greatest Novelty is the odd sort of Numbers used in his Friends Pastoral: What Authority he may have for it, I don't know. William Mountford. THE Birth and Parentage of this Author I know nothing of; the first Figure he made was, in the part of Tall-Boy, on the Stage, for which, being taken Notice, he was advanced on the Theatre, till he got into the Family of the late Lord Chancellor jefferies'; from whence he returned to the Stage, where he continued till he was killed in Norfolk-Buildings, London. He has published three Plays. Greenwich-Park, a Comedy, 4 to. 1691. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants, and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Algernon, Earl of Essex, Viscount Malden, etc. This is a very pretty Comedy, and has been always received with general Applause. The Injured Lovers; or, The Ambitious Father, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1688. the Dedication is to the Right Honourable, james, Earl of Arran, Son to his Grace, the Duke of Hamilton. This Play did not succeed as the Author wished. The Life and Death of Dr. Faustus, made into a Farce, with the Humours of Harlequin and Scaramauch, as they were several times acted by Mr. Lee and Mr. jevoa, at the Queen's Theatre in Dorset-Garden, newly revived at the Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields. The Successful Strangers, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1690. Acted by their Majesty's Servants, at the Theatre Royal. It's Dedication is to the Right Honourable, Thomas (now Lord) Wharton, controller of his Majesty's Household. The Catastrophe from The Rival Brothers, in Scarron's Novels. This Play somewhat exceeded the preceding one. N. Thomas Nabbs. HE was accounted a Third Rate Poet, who lived in King Charles the First's Time, there is published of his Writings, Eight Dramatic Pieces, which follow in Alphabetical Order: The Bride, called, a pleasant Comedy, 4 to. 1640. Acted first, Two Years before, at the Private House in Drury-Lane, by their Majesty's Servants. Dedicated to several Gentlemen of the Honourable Houses of the Inns of Court, his Friends. Covent-Garden, a Comedy, 4 to. 1638. first acted by the Queen's Majesty's Servants, 1632. The Dedication is to the Right Worthy, Sir john Suckling. Hannibal and Scipio, called, An Historical Tragedy, 4 to. 1637. but acted first in the Year 1635. by the Queen's Majesty's Servants, at the private House in Drury-Lane. Plot founded on History; see the Lives of Hannibal and Scipio, in Corn. Nepos, and Plutarch; see also Livy, L. Florus, etc. An Entertainment on the Prince's Birthday, 4 to. This is ranked under Nabbs, in Mr. Langbain's Catalogue, as also in Kirkman's and others, but omitted in Mr. Langbain's Account of the Poets, for what Reason I know not. Microcosmos, a Masque, 4 to. 1637. presented (says the Title) with general liking, at the private House in Salisbury-Court, and here set down, according to the Intention of the Author. The Dedication is to the Service and Delight of all truly Noble, Generous, and Honest Spirìts. This is a Masque which has good Morality in it, and (as I find) was commended by Bro●e, and others. Spring's Glory, Vindicating Love by Temperance, a Masque, 4 to. 1638. This has much of Morality also, and is commended by Mr. Chamberlain, a than noted Poet, and others. It's dedicated to Peter Ball, Esq. There is joined with this A Presentation, as intended for Prince Charles' Birthday, (viz.) May 29. which, in other Catalogues has been styled an Interlude. There are besides, many Poems, Epigrams, Elegies and Epithalamiums. Tottenham-Court, a Comedy, 4 to. printed 1638. but acted five Years before, in Salisbury-Court: And is dedicated to the Worshipful, William. Mills, Esq. Unfortunate Mother, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1640. It is dedicated to the Right Worshipful, Richard Brathwait, Esq. Some of the Author's Friends bestowed commendatory Verses on this Play, tho' it did not bear acting. The Woman-Hater Arraigned, a Comedy, and Charles the First, a Tragedy, have been by Philip's and Winstanly, placed to this Author, but without any Ground or Reason: for which see among the Anonymous Plays, hereafter mentioned. Thomas Nash. A Contemporary with the former, tho' of a more eminent Character; he was bred at Cambridge, and writ two Plays, called, Dido, Queen of Carthage, a Tragedy, 4 to. This was not wholly writ by him, for Marlowe did somewhat assist therein. The Story from Virgil's AEneids, lib. 1, & 4. Summers' Last Will and Testament, a Comedy, 4 to. This Author has writ divers other small Pieces, both in Verse and Prose; but not that Play of See me, and see me not, as alleged by Mr. Philip's and Winstanley. Alexander Nevile. A Young Gentleman, that at sixteen undertook to translate the Oedipus of Seneca, and lived in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. Oedipus, a Tragedy, 4 to. printed 1581. but was Englished by him about twenty Years before, and is dedicated to Dr. Wotton, than one of the Queen's Majesty's Privy Council. Robert Nevile. A Fellow of King's-College, Cambridge, in King Charles' the First's Time, and writ a Play, entitled, The Poor Scholar, a Comedy, 4 to. 1662. written divers Years before printed, but I do not find it was ever acted, though recommended by some Copies of Verses by three other Poets of that Time. William, Duke of Newcastle. MR. Langbain has always, a good Word for Quality, he can see no Blemish in that Person that has a Title, tho' he be so sharp sighted in all those of a lower Station; and he is so transported on this worthy Nobleman, that he baulks the Curiosity of his Reader, for some Account of his Life, to vent a clumsey Flattery. He was of the Illustrious and Ancient Family of Cavendish, a zealous Follower of the Royal Cause, and with it exiled; during his Abode at Antwerp, he writ a Book of Horsemanship. He was an Encourager of Poetry, and a Poet himself. You may find his Life at large, written by his Duchess. We have four Comedies of his in Print; as The Country Captain, a Comedy, 8vo. 1649. It was acted at the Blackfriarss, by his Majesty's Servants, with good Applause; and ●sually bound up with another of his, called, The Variety. The Humorous Lovers, a Comedy, 4 to. 1677. Acted by his Royal Highness the Duke of York's Servants, with great Applause. The Triumphant Widow; or, The Medley of Humours, a Comedy, 4 to. 1677. and acted by his Royal Highness the Duke of York's Servants. This was esteemed a good Play, and Mr. Shadwell had so good an Opinion of it, that he borrowed a great part thereof, to complete his Comedy, called, Bury-Fair. The Variety, a Comedy, 8vo. 1649. presented by his Majesty's Servants at the Blackfriars. Thou the Duke's Name be not to this, or The Country Captain, which is usually bound with it; yet, by Mr. Cartwright's Works, and others, we find Satisfaction enough to believe them his. Margaret, Duchess of Newcastle. THE Honourable Consort of the forementioned Duke, whose Plays and Poetry have made some Noise in the World, and have at least met with Mr. Langbain for an Admirer and Defender. I know not her Family, nor Time of Birth or Death. She has published six and Twenty Plays, reckoning those writ in two Parts, each of them for two. They are usually bound in two Volumes fol. 1662., and 1668. Their Names follow: The Apocryphal Ladies, a Comedy, fol. 1662. This Play is not divided into Acts, but has variety of Scenes, to the Number of three and twenty. Bell in Campo, a Tragedy, in two Parts, fol. 1662. In the last Part you may find several Copies of Verses writ by his Grace, the Duke, her Husband. The Blazing World, a Comedy, fol. 1668. This, though styled a Comedy, yet was never perfected by the Authoress. The Bridals, a Comedy, fol. 1668. The Comical Hash, a Comedy, fol. 1662. This Play was, by Accident, omitted in Mr. Langbain's Catalogue of Plays, and ignorantly by other Catalogue Publishers. The Convent of Pleasure, a Comedy, fol. 1668. The Female Academy, a Comedy, fol. 1662. Lady Contemplation, in two Parts, a Comedy, fol. 1662. The Duke assisted in some Scenes of both Parts. Love's Adventures, in two Parts, a Comedy, ●ol. 1662. The Duke writ also the Epithalamium and Song in the last Part. Matrimonial Troubles, in two Parts, the first Comedy, the last Tragedy, fol. 1662. Nature's Three Daughters (viz.) Beauty, Love, and Wit, in two parts, a Comedy, fol. 1662. The Presence, a Comedy, fol. 1668. The Scenes designed for this Play, were so numerous, that the Duchess thought it would lengthen it too much, therefore printed them separately. Public Wooing, a Comedy, fol. 1662. Two Scenes and two Songs at the End of this Play, with divers Speeches therein, are writ by his Grace, the Duke of Newcastle. Religions, a Tragicomedy, fol. 1662. Several Wits, a Comedy, Fol. 1662. The Sociable Companions; or, The Female Wits, a Comedy, fol. 1668. The Unnatural Tragedy, fol. 1662. The Prologue and Epilogue of this Play, were writ by his Grace, the Duke of Newcastle. Wit's Cabal, in two Parts, a Comedy, fol. 1662. The Epilogue of the first Part was also writ by his Grace, the Duke of Newcastle. Youth's Glory, and Death's Banquet, in two Parts, a Tragedy, fol. 1662. Two Scenes, and the Speeches of the first Part, as also the Songs and Verses in the second Part, were also writ by his Grace, the Duke of Newcastle. Besides these Dramatic Works, she has writ divers other Pieces; as, The Life of the Duke of Newcastle, 1667. also the same in Latin, 1668. Philosophical Fancies, 1653. A Volume of Poems, 1653. Philosophical Opinions, 1655. Nature's Picture, drawn by Fancies Pencil, to the Life; at the End of which was her own Life, 1656. A Volume of Orations, 1662. Philosophical Letters, 1664. Two hundred and eleven So●●●bl● Letters, 1664. All which Volumes are printed in fol. Thomas Newton. ONE of the Translators of Seneca, in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, he translated one entirely, and clubbed with jasper Heywood and Alexander Nevile in the rest; but published them all together, with a Dedication to Sir Thomas Henage, than Treasurer of her Majesty's Chamber. Philip's, in his Theatrum Poetarum, ascribes one other Play to this Author, called, Tamburlaine the Great, which is none of his, but Marlo's. Thebais, a Tragedy, 4 to. Translated from Seneca, as before intimated, it has no Chorus, and is the shortest of all that Author's Tragedies. Thomas Norton, and Tho. Sackvile. THese Twin Authors lived in Queen Elizabeth's Reign, the latter was Lord Buckhurst, and in 1 jac. created Earl of Dorset, Mar. 13. 1603. Ferrex and Porrex, a Tragedy, 8vo. first printed 1665. but since by the Title of Gorboduc, a Tragedy, 4 to. reprinted, 1590. This Play was presented by the Gentlemen of the Inner-Temple, before the Queen's most excellent Majesty; and accounted an excellent Play, full of Morality. Plot from our British Chronicles. Thomas Nuce. AN Author likewise in Queen Elizabeth's Time, who translated one of Seneca's Plays, called, Octavia, a Tragedy, 4 to. Consult Sueton. in vit. Claud. Tacitus, lib. 12. c. 14. Dion. Nero, etc. O Thomas Otway. THE Place of Mr. Otway's Birth I know not; but he was of a good Family, and has a Nephew a Captain in the present Service. He was bred at Christ-Church, in Oxford, and thence removed to London, not going on with the Design of being of the Clergy. Thou at first he met with but little Encouragement here, but what a small Allowance and Salary from the Playhouse afforded (for he was first a Player) but after he had writ Don Carlos, he began to have a Name, having in that Play discovered some Touches of a Talent, very few of our English Poets have been Master of, in moving the Passions, that are, and aught to be the Aim of all Tragic Poets, Terror and Pity; and in which none equalled him, in his two following Tragedies of The Orphan, and Venice Preserved. He was a jovial Companion, and a great Lover of the Bottle, and Particularly of Punch; the last thing he made before his Death, being an excellent Song on that Liquor. We have in Print of his, ten Plays; another more excellent than all of them, is, by some malicious or designing Person suppressed, either hereafter to set up a Reputation to themselves, by owning it, or to procure a Profit by selling it for their own. Alcibiades, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1675. acted at the Duke's Theatre. The Dedication is to the Right Honourable, Charles, Earl of Middlesex. This was the first Product of our Author. The Plot from Corn. Nepos, and Plutarch, both in the Life of Alcibiades; but he has varied from the Story, making Alcibiades a more scrupulous Man than the Historians do, who accuse him of Adultery with the Queen of Agis, etc. The Atheist; or the second Part of The Soldier's Fortune, a Comedy, 4 to. 1684. The Dedication is to the Lord Eland, Eldest Son to the Marquis of Hallifax. Plot, in Part, taken from The Invisible Mistress, in Scarron's Novels. The Cheats of Scapin, a Farce, 4 to. 1667. acted at the Duke's Theatre: It is printed with Titus and Berenice, a Tragedy after mentioned, writ by the same Author. 'Tis translated from Molliere, which, originally is Terrences Phormio. Caius Marius, his History and Fall, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1680. acted at the Duke's Theatre; and its Dedication to the Lord Viscount Faulkland. Part of it stolen from Shakespear's Romeo and juliet. Plot from Plutarch, in his Life of Caius Marius, and Lucan's Pharsalia, Book 2. Don Carlos, Prince of Spain, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1679. The Dedication is to his Royal Highness, the Duke. This is the second Play our Author ever writ, and gained him great Reputation. Plot from the Novel so called, 12 more. you may also consult the Spanish Chronicles in the Life of Philip the Second. Friendship in Fashion, a Comedy, 4 to. 1678. acted at the Duke's Theatre, with good Applause. It's Dedication is to the Right Honourable, Charles, Earl of Dorset and Middlesex. The Orphan; or, The Unhappy Marriage, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1680. acted at the Duke's Theatre. It's Dedication to her Royal Highness, the Duchess. This is accounted an excellent Play, and often acted of late Days. Plot from the History of Brandon, p. 17. and The English Adventures, a Novel. The Soldiers Fortune, a Comedy, 4 to. 1681. acted by their Royal Highness' Servants, at the Duke's Theatre. The Lady Dunce, making her Husband Agent, is from Moliere Escole de Maris, etc. See also Boccace's Novels, Day 3. Nou. 3. and Scarron's Comical Romance, p. 227. Titus and Berenice, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1677. to which is joined The Cheats of Scapin, acted at the Duke's Theatre; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, john, Earl of Rochester. Translated from Monsieur Racine; it wants two Acts of the usual Number. The Story of Titus and Berenice you may find in Suetonius, Dionysius, josephus, etc. Venice Preserved; or, A Plot discovered; a Tragedy, 4 to. 1688. acted at the Duke's Theatre; dedicated to the Duchess of Portsmouth. This is an incomparable Play, and often acted of late Days. The Plot is taken from a little Book, printed 8vo. being an Account of the Conspiracy of the Spaniards against Venice. This Author writ a small Piece, called, The Poet's Complaint to his Muse, 4 to. 1680. also a Pastoral on King Charles the Second, which is published in Mistress Behn's Lycidas, 8 vo. p. 81. and since his Death, is printed a Translation of his from the French, called, The History of the Triumvirates, 8vo. 1686. I. Oldmixon. THis Gentleman is of an ancient Family of Oldmixon, near Bridgewater in Somersetshire. As for the particulars of his Life, I can say little of them, only that he has given the World a Pastoral, called, Amintas, acted at the Theatre Royal. The Title Page lets us know, that it is taken from the Aminta of Tasso, and the Preface informs us of the ill Success it met with on the Stage: which indeed cannot be attributed to the English Author's Performance, which is as well as the Original would allow; but, with Submission to our Author's better judgement, I must needs say, that Pastoral itself, tho' never so well writ, is not a Subject fit for so long an Entertainment as that of the Stage. This the Ancients very well knew, and therefore they wisely confined it to a narrower Compass, as is evident from the Idyllia of Theocritus, and the Bucolics of Virgil: For the sedater Passions (which our Author himself attributes to a Shepherd's Life) of these Innocent People represented in a Pastoral, cannot afford so lively Pleasure to an Audience, as may balance the Length of their Attention, that must of necessity grow languid, and tired, with so very calm an Emotion, which is still kept active by the more violent Passions, proper for Tragedy. This extending of the ancient Pastoral to so unreasonable a length was, as well as Farce, an Italian Invention, and not one jot the better, because covered with so great a Name as Tasso's. I could never find that Authority would silence the Sentiments of Nature and Reason; and Tasso, that has been guilty of Absurdeties enough in his Epic Poem, must not be supposed infallible in his Pastoral. After all, I am of Opinion, that it is but a weak Refuge to fly to the Opinion or Taste of a Foreign Nation, from the judgement of our own; for I'm satisfied that there are not fewer Men of Sense, in England, and a great many more of Learning, than Italy affords us. Aminta might please there, but if we judge by our Taste of Poetry, and with ours by the Ancients, it pleased without Reason, and only perhaps for the Novelty, or, which is yet most likely, because it was sung in Italy, that Musical Nation minding more the Performance of the Composer, than Poet. All that can be said for our Author is, that in an ill Choice, he has equalled his Original, and in some Places improved it. P john Palsgrave. THIS Author was a Bachelor of Divinity, and Chaplain to King Henry the Eighth. He published one Play under the Title of Acolastus, a Comedy, 4 to. 1540 dedicated to King Henry th● Eighth; translated from the Latin Play of the same Name, writ by Guil. Fullonius, and printed in Old English Character. 'Tis the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Peaps. A Scholar of Eaten School, who at seventen, writ a Play, called, Love in its Ecstasy, a Pastoral, 4 to. 1649. but written many Years before 'twas printed. George Peel. THis Author was Master of Arts in Christ-Church-College, Oxon, in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, writ two Plays. David and Bethshabe, their Love, with the Tragedy of Absalon, 4 to. 1599 This Play, as the Title says, was divers times played on the Stage. Plot from Holy Scripture. Edward the first, a History 4 to. 1593. This King was surnamed Long-Shanks, and the Play gives an Account of his return from the Holy Land, with the Life of Kewellin, Rebel in Wales; it also relates the Story of Queen Eleanor's sinking by Chairing-Cross, and rising again at Queen-Hithe, before called Potters-Hithe. See Grafton, Martin, Holinshed, Stow, and other English Chronicles. The Tragedy of Alphonsus, Emperor of Germany, by mistake, placed to him, in ●ome Catalogues, is not his, but Chapman's. Mistress Catharine Philips. SHE was, if I mistake not, born in Brecknockshire, in Wales ● Contemporary of Cowley, and much praised by him. I must confess, I cannot but prefer Mistress Behn infinitely before her; she seems to be a very cold Writer, while you may find in Aphra both Fire and Easiness, which Mrs. filips wanted. She died of the Small Pox, june, 22. 1664. Aged 31. Horace, a Tragedy, Fol. 1678. Translated from the French of Corneille. This Authress leaving the Play unfinished at her Death, Sir john Denham completed it, by adding the fifth Act; after which, it was acted at Court by Persons of Quality. Plot from Livy, lib. 1. c. 2. L. Florus, etc. Pompey, a Tragedy, fol. 1678. acted at the Duke's Theatre, with great Applause. There was usually at the End acted a Farce of Sir William Davenant's, which you may find in his Playhouse to be Lett. The Earl of Orrery, and Countess of Cork, were the Chief Instruments of bringing this Play in English, to light. Translated also from Corneille, and Plot from Lucan's Pharsalia. Mistress Marry Pix. THis is a Lady yet living, and in this Poetic Age, when all Sexes and Degrees venture on the Sock or Buskins, she has boldly given us an Essay of her Talon in both, and not without Success, tho' with little Profit to herself. Ibrahim, the Thirteenth Emperor of the Turks, a Tragedy, acted at the Theatre Royal, 1696. 4 to. and dedicated to Richard Minchal, of Burton, Esq This Play, if it want the Harmony of Numbers, and the Sublimity of Expression, has yet a Quality, that at least balances that Defect, I mean the Passions; for the Distress of Morena never failed to bring Tears into the Eyes of the Audience; which few Plays, if any since Otway's, have done; and yet, which is the true End of Tragedy. She informs us, that by mistake it was called Ibrahim the Thirteenth, when it should have been called, Ibrahim the Twelfth, the Story you may find in Sir Paul Ricaut's Continuation of the Turkish History. The Innocent Mistress, a Comedy, acted at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants, 1697. 4 to. The Prologue and Epilogue writ by Mr. Motteux. This is a diverting Play, and met with good Success, tho' acted in the hot Season of the Year, our Poetress has endeavoured to imitate the Easiness and Way of the Author of Virtue in Danger, and The Provoked Wife. She has borrowed some Incidents from other Plays; as Mistress Beauclair's carrying of Mrs. Flywife from Sir Francis Wildlove, from the Virtuous Wife doing the same to her Husband's Mistress. Then the Scene in the Park betwixt Sir Francis and her in her Mask, is a kind of Copy in young Bellair, and Harriots in Sir Fopling. Miss Peggy seems a Copy of Miss Hoyden, as Chattal is of several of the parts written of late for Mr. Dogget. But notwithstanding these Imitations, which ever have been allowed in Poets, the Play has its peculiar Merit; and as a Lady carried the Prize of Poetry in France this Year, so in justice, they are like to do in England; tho' indeed we use them more barbarously, and defraud them both of their Fame and Profit. The Spanish Wives, a Farce, acted at the Theatre in Dorset-Gardens, by his Majesty's Servants, 1696. and dedicated to the Honourable Colonel Tipping, of Whitfield. This Farce had the good Fortune to please, and it must be owned, there are two or three pleasant Turns in it. For the Plot consult the Novel of the Pilgrim. Samuel Pordage, Esq Lately, if not still, a Member of Lincolns-Inn, and Author of two Plays, called, Herod and Mariam, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1673. acted at the Duke's Theatre, dedicated to the Duchess of Albermarle. A Play writ many Years before it was preferred to the Stage, where it was received with great Satisfaction. Plot from joseph. Hist. Philo judaus, and Cleopatra, a Romance, in the Story of Tyridates. Siege of Babylon, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1678. dedicated to her Royal Highness the Duchess of York. Plot from the aforesaid Romance of Cleopatra. Henry Porter. AUthor of an Historical Play, in Queen Elizabeth's Reign, called, Two Angry Women of Abingdon, with the humourous Mirth of Dick Coomes, and Nicholas Proverbs, two Servingmen, a Comedy, 4 to. 1599 acted by the Right Honourable, the Earl of Nottingham, Lord High Admiral's Servants. Thomas Porter. THis Gentleman lived in the Time of the two Charles, and writ, 1664. a Play, called. The Carnival, a Comedy, 4 to. 1664. acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants. The Villain, a Comedy, 4 to. 16. acted at the Duke's Theatre. This Play is now sometimes acted, Mr. Sandford having gained great Reputation by playing the part of Malignii. George powel. SON of Mr. powel, an ancient Player, lately dead; he is more eminent for playing than writing, tho' there are some Plays under his Name; as, Alphonso King of Naples, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1691. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants, and dedicated to her Grace the Duchess of Ormond. The Prologue is written by Io. Haynes, and Epilogue by Mr. Durfey. Brutus of Alba; or, Augustus' Triumph, a new Opera, acted at the Theatre in Dorset Garden, by his Majesty's Servants, 1690, 4 to. and dedicated by Sam. Briscoe, Bookseller to George Powel, and john Verbruggen. This Play has not so much as the whole Title new, for Brutus of Alba is a Play of Mr. Tate's, and all the Design taken out of several old Plays. The treacherous Brother, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1690. acted by their Majesty's Servants, at the Theatre Royal, and dedicated to the Patentees and Sharers of their Majesty's Theatre. Plot from The Wall-Flower, a Romance, fol. writ by Dr. Baily, formerly Precedent of St. John's, Oxon. A very good Wife, a Comedy, 4 to. 1695. acted by their Majesty's Servants, at the Theatre Royal; and dedicated to the honoured Alexander Popham, Esq The Prologue is writ by Mr. Congreve. This Play is taken whole Pages together out of Brome. Thomas Preston. I Know no more of this Author, than that he has writ one Play, called, Cambyses, King of Persia, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. a very ancient Play with an odd, long Title, which runs thus, (viz.) A lamentable Tragedy, mixed full of pleasant Mirth; containing the Life of Cambyses, King of Persia, from the beginning of his Kingdom unto his Death; his one good Deed of Execution, after the many Wicked Deeds, and Tyrannous Murders committed by and through him: and last of all, his odious Death, by God's justice appointed. Done in such Order as followeth. London, Printed by john Old. It is writ in old fashioned Metre, and has no Date. Plot from Herodotus and justin. Edmund Prestwich. OF whom I know no more, than that 'tis said, he has writ a Play, called, Hippolytus, a Tragedy, 8vo. 1641. A Play, which Mr. Langbain says, he never saw; the Author's Name is to it, who took the Plot from that of Seneca, or the Phaedra of Euripides. The Hectors, another Play, has been by some Catalogues attributed to this Author; but I cannot learn for any Reason it should be his, so you find it placed among the Anonymous Plays. Q Francis Quarles. HE was born at Stewards, a Seat in Rumford, in the Parish of Horn-Church, Essex, his Father was james Quarles, Esq Clerk of the Green Cloth, and Purveyor to Quen Elizabeth. He studied first at Christ-Church, Cambridge, then at Lincolns-Inn; was Cupbearer to the Queen of Bohemia, Secretary to Bishop Usher, and Chronologer to the City of London. He suffered Persecution by the Government than it being, for a Book called, The Loyal Convert. The Troubles of Ireland brought him to die at Home, in the Two and Fiftieth Year of his Age, Sept. 8. 1644. Home had Eighteen Children by one Wife, and lies buried in St. Foster's Church, London. He writ one Play, called, The Virgin Widow, a Comedy, 4 to. 1649. He writ divers other Pieces, as a Book of Emblems, which has born many Editions; a Book of Poems, wherein is the History of Samson, jonah, Esther, and job Militant; Argalus and Parthenia; Enchiridion of Meditations, Divine and Moral; Pentalogia, or, The Quintessence of Meditation; The Loyal Convert, with some others. R Thomas Randolph. HOughton in Northamptonshire gave Birth, Westminster School, and Trinity College, Cambridge, (where he was Fellow) a learned Education to this Poet. He was an adopted Son of Ben. johnson; and died Young, tho' his exact Age I know not; he writ these following Plays. Amintas; or, The Impossible Dowry, a Pastoral, 8vo. 1688. This was acted before the King and Queen at White-Hall. Aristippus; or, The jovial Philosopher, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1688. to which is added, The Conceited Pedlar. This was presented in a private Show. hay for Honesty, Down with Knavery, a Comedy, 4 to. 1651. Translated from Aristophanes' Plautus. This was since augmented and published in 8vo. by another Hand, (viz.) F. I The jealous Lovers, a Comedy, 8vo. 1668. This was presented to their Majesties at Cambridge, by the Students of Trinity-college, and has been accounted the best of his Plays, it was revised by the Author in his Life-time, and since revived on the Stage, 1682. It is dedicated to Dr. Comber, Dean of Carlisle. The Muse's Looking-Glass, a Comedy, 8vo. 1681. before called, The Entertainment. Sir Aston Cockain, and one Mr. Rich, formerly of Christ-Church College, Oxon, have given great Commendation of this Play. The two first and two last of these Plays are printed at Oxon with his Poems. Edward Ravenscroft. A Gentleman of an Ancient Family, and tho' designed for the Law, and once a Member of the Middle Temple, was pleased to quit the rugged Paths of Business for Poetry, in which he has performed with various Success. So omitting Mr. Langbain's Personal Reflections, which ●avour strongly of the University, I shall proceed to an Account of the Plays. The Anatomist; or, The Shame Doctor, a Comedy, 4 to. 1697. acted at the Duke's Theatre in Little-Lincolns-Inn-Fields, and dedicated to Thomas Ravenfcroft, Esq late High-Sheriff of Flintshire. This Play met with extraordinary Success having the Advantage of the excellent Music of The Loves of Mars and Venus performed with it. The Canterbury Guests; or, A Bargain Broken, a Comedy, 4 to 1695. acted at the Theatre Royal, and dedicated to Rowland Eyre Esq this Play had not that Success the Poet desired, as may be gathered from the Epistle. The Careless Lovers, a Comedy, 4 to. 1673. Acted at the Duke's Theatre. Part of this Play borrowed from Molliere's Monsieur de Pourceaugnac, 8vo. The Citizen turned Gentleman, a Comedy, 4 to. 1675. acted at the Duke's Theatre, and dedicated to his Highness, Prince Rupert. Borrowed from the same Author he made use of in the foregoing Play, and Molliere's le Burgois Gentlehome. Dame Dobson; or, The Cunning Woman, a Comedy, 4 to. 1684. acted at the Duke's Theatre. Translated from La Deveniresse, a French Comedy. English Lawyer, a Comedy, 4 to. 1678. acted at the Theatre Royal, translated from the Latin Ignoramus. The Italian Husband, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1697. acted at the Theatre in Little-Lincolns-Inn-Fields. To this Play, besides the Prologue, is prefixed a Dialogue, which he calls, The Prelude. This Discourse is managed by the Poet, a Critic, and one Mr. Peregrine, the Poet's Friend; Mr. Peregrine and the Poet would make it out, that the Italian Way of writing a Tragedy in Three Acts, is very commendable; That I shall leave to the Decision of our great Master Horace, who will have the Drama neither more nor lesle than Five. Then the Poet seems under another Mistake, in thinking, that because an Italian Lady would esteem you a dull, heavy and Phlegmatic Lover, if you should waste time in idle Ceremony and Compliment; it is Excuse enough for her yielding so soon in his Play: For if they are such, they are no fitter for a Tragedy, than one of our English Prostitutes, and can here merit no more Pity. And tho' it is an extraordinary thing to make us pity the Guilty, (which I know none but Otway could do) yet the Audience must be very Compassionate, to pity so willing an Adultery as this; and her Repentance proceeds from Fear, more than a Sense of the Crime, or at least from the seeming Generosity of the Husband, joined with a Fear of Death. Our Poet is under the same Mistake with other of our modern Writers, who are fond of cruel, barbarous, and bloody Stories, and think no Tragedy can be good, without some Villain in it; but of this elsewhere. As for the Laconic Way he effects, I shall only say this, That it was in use only with the Lacedæmonians, who were also Masters of their Passions; and never the more natural for being short, for very few Passions, and only some part of them, are to be drawn in that snip-snap way. I only say this in respect to the Ancients, whose Practice is natural, and directly contrary to our Author's. King Edgar and Alfreda, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1677. Plot from English Chronicles; see also The Annals of Love, 8vo. The London Cuckolds, a Comedy, 4 to. 1683. acted at the Duke's Theatre. Plot part from Scarron's Novels, 8vo. Nou. 1. viz.) The Fruitless Precaution. Part from Les-Contes Du-Sieur D'ouville, 8 vo. part 2. pag. 121. And part from Boccace's Novels, Day 7. Nou. 6, 7. Scaramouch a Philosopher, Harloquin a School-Booy, Bravo a Merchant and Magician; a Comedy after the Italian Manner, 4 to● 1677. acted at the Theatre Royal. Part of this Play taken from Molliere's Le Bourgeois Gentlehomme; and part from Le Marriage Force, 8vo. The Wrangling Lovers; or, The Invisible Mistress, a Comedy, 4 to. 1677. acted at the Duke's Theatre. Compare this with a Play called, Les Engagements du Hazard, by Corneille; and a Romance, called, Deceptio Visus; or, Seeing and Believing are two Things, 8vo. The Tragedy of Titus Andronicus, by Shakespeare, was about the time of the Popish Plot, revived and altered by this our Author; who, in his Epistle, denies it to be Shakespear's, and then boasts of his own Labour and Pains therein, by making great Alterations and Additions, and that he had not only refined the Language, but made many Scenes entirely new. Thomas Rawlins. PRincipal Graver of the Mint to both the K. Charles', till he died, 1670. and when he was very young, writ a Play, called, The Rebellion, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1640. acted by his Majesty's Company of Revels, Nine Days successively, as also divers times since with good Applause, and dedicated to a Kinsman of his, Robert Ducie, of Aston in the County of Stafford, Esq There is printed 11 Copies of Verses with this Play, in Commendation of the Author. Edward Revet. THE Author of a Play, published 1671. called, The Town Shifts; or, The Suburbs justice, a Comedy, 4 to. 1671. acted at his Royal Highness, the Duke of York's Theatre. This is an instructive Play. Nathaniel Richards. AN Author in the time of King Charles the First, and published one Play about the beginning of the Civil Wars, called, Messalina, the Roman Empress, her Tragedy, 8vo. 1640. This was acted divers times by the Company of his Majesty's Revels, with great Applause; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, john Cary, Viscount Rochfort. Plot from Suetonius, Claudian, Pliny, juvenal, and Plutarch. William Rider. THis Author was Master of Arts, and writ one Play, called, The Twins, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1655. acted at the private House in Salisbury-Court, with general Applause. William Rowley, vide Webster, etc. HE studied once at Pembrook-Hall, Cambridge, and was in writing Associate with Shakespeare, Fletcher, Massinger, Heywood, etc. All's lost by Lust, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1633. acted at the Phoenix in Drury-Lane, by the Lady Elizabeth's Servants. Plot, Lipsii Monita, Lib. 1. Cap. 5. etc. Turquet, Lib. 5. Cap. 30. Unfortunate Lovers, Nou. 3. A Match at Midnight, a pleasant Comedy, 4 to. 1633. Plot of Bloodhound's being hid under the Widow's Bed, taken from an old Story, you may also find in The English Rogue, part 4. chap. 19 A Shoemaker's a Gentleman, a Comedy, 4 to. 1638. styled, A merry and Pleasant Comedy, as it has been sundry times acted at the Red Bull. Plot from The History of the Gentle Craft, 4 to. A new Wonder, a Woman never vexed, a Comedy, 1632. The Widow's finding her Wedding Ring in a Fish's Belly, founded on the Story of Polycrates, in Thalia of Herodotus. The Spanish Gipsies, a Comedy, 4 to. See Middleton, who joined with him in this. The Witch of Edmonton, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1658. acted by the Prince's Servants at the Cockpit in Drury-Lane, as also once at Court, with great Applause. Samuel Rowley. THis Author writes himself Servant to the Prince of Wales, which by the Date of his Play must be Charles II. The Noble Spanish Soldier; or, A Contract broken justly revenged, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1634. This Play was printed after the Author's Death. When you see me, you know me, or the famous Chronical History of Henry VIII. with the Birth and virtuous Life of Edward, Prince of Wales, 4 to. 1632. This was played by the Prince of Wales' Servants. Plot from English Chronicles; see also the Life of King Henry VIII. by the Lord Herbert, of Cherbury. joseph Rutter. A Dependant of the Family of the Lord Dorset, and Servant to his Son, and at his Command, translated the Cid of Corneille. The Cid, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1637. acted before their Majesties at Court, and at the Cockpit in Drury-Lane, by their Majesty's Servants; dedicated to Edward, Earl of Dorset, whose Son put his Hand to some part of the Translation from Corneille. The Cid, Part II. a Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1640. dedicated to the Lady Theophil a Cook. This part was also translated from Corneille, by our Author, at the Command of his Majesty. These Plays are generally bound together, and are founded on History; see Roderic de Tolede, and Mariana, etc. The Shepherd's Holiday, a Pastoral Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1635. acted before their Majesties at White-Hall, by the Queen's Servants. This is written in Blank Verse, and attributed to our Author by Kirkman, in his former Catalogues, though there is no more than I. R. affixed to the Title Page. Thomas Rymer. A Gentleman born in the North of England, the Country of his Family, but I cannot be positive to the County; of which University he was I know not, but his first Applications in this Town were to the Law in Grays-Inn. However, his Learning and Love to Poetry led him to a Consideration of those Authors, which set him up for a Critic; and it must be confessed, that he has merited some Praise in his Preface to Rapine, and the first part of this View of the Tragedies of the last Age; tho' I cannot so much as agree with those that allow most of the Errors he has found in Shakespeare, Just; for I'm confident it may be made Evident, that not the fifth part have any justice.. He, since the Death of Mr. Shadwell, has the Place of Historiographer to his Majesty, for which Office 'tis certain his Learning very well qualifies him. Edgar; or, The English Monarch, an Heroic Tragedy, 4 to. 1678. dedicated to King Charles the Second. Mr. Ravencro●t hath writ a Play on the same Subject, published the Year before this. For the Plot, consult W. Malmsbury, H. H. Huntingdon, Rog. Hoveden, Pol. Virgil, and other English Chronicles: see also The Annals of Love, 8vo. S Thomas Sackvile, see Norton. Thomas St. Serf. THE Author of one Play, called, Tarugoes Wiles; or, The Coffeehouse, a Comedy, 4 to. 1668. acted at the Duke of Y●rk's Theatre; dedicated to the Right Honourable, George, Marquis of Huntley. One part of this Play is built on No Puedeser; or, It cannot be, a Spanish Play: and another part on Si● Courtly Nice, written by Mr. Crown. William Samson. A Retainer of Sir Henry Willoughby's Family of Richley in Derbyshire, in the Reign of King Charles the First. He writ one Play and part of another. The Vow breaker; or, The Fair Maid of Clifton, in Nottinghamshire; a Tragedy, 4 to. 1633. acted by several Companies with great Applause; and dedicated to● Mistress Ann Willoughby, Daughter to Sir Henry, aforesaid. Herod and Antipater, a Tragedy, 4 to. See Markham, with whom he joined in this. George Sandys, Esq THis Poet was Son of Edwin, Archbishop of York, born at Bishops-Th●rp, in Yorkshire, 1577. was ●nter'd in St. Mary-Hall, Oxon, at Eleven Years old; began his Travels about the World 1610. the Year of the Murder of Henry IV. of France. among his Poetical Works he translated a Latin Play of Hugo Grotius, entitled, Christ's Passion. He died at Boxley-Abby, in Kent, being his Nephew Mr. W●at's Seat, and buried in the Chancel of that Church, March 7. 1643. Christ's Passion, a Tragedy, 8vo. 1640. dedicated to King Charles the First. Translated from the Latin of Hugo Grotius, with Annotations. It was reprinted with Sculptures, 8vo. 1688. This Author also translated Ovid's Metamorphosis, published likewise with Sculptures, Fol. 1632. Charles Saunders. THis young Gentleman writ a Play, whilst a King's Scholar, called, Tamburlaine the Great, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1681. acted by his Majesty's Servants at the Theatre Royal, as also before the King at Oxon. This Play was highly commended by Mr. Banks, and other Poets. Plot from Asteria and Tamerlane, a Novel, 8vo. Thomas Scot AN Author yet living, he was a Westminster Scholar, and lately a Student in Cambridge, who has given the Town two new Plays in Appearance, at least two new Titles, the first in Order, and writing, is, The Mock Marriage, a Comedy, 4 to. acted at the Theatre in Dorset-Garden, by his Majesty's Servants, 1696. This Author has given us no Proof of his Talon in Flattery, for he has dedicated neither of those Plays he has appeared in; but he has that part of a Poet however, of flattering himself (as indeed every Man does more or lesle) in defending what the Town has once condemned, for tho' a bad Play may take, yet we hear very few Instances that a good one miscarried; 'tis true, this is like other general Rules, not without its Exception. This particular Play met with pretty good Success, for the Season of the Year, considering it the first Essay of a young Writer, unacquainted with the Town. The Unhappy Kindness; or, A Fruitless Revenge, a Tragedy 4 to. acted at the Theatre Royal, 1696. This Play is only the Wife for a Month of Fletcher's altered, tho' he has thought fit to retain its greatest Faults, in the Character of the Wife, whose Behaviour to her Husband, to provoke him to ease her of her Maidenhead, is by no means agreeable to the Modesty of the Sex, which is a Sin against the Manners. Elkanah Settle. AN Author now living, who was some time at Trinity-college, Oxon; but coming to London, and having been there possessed with Poetry, spent a very good Fortune, and then stuck to the Stage, which yet would not stick to him; his ●ickleness in political Principles (having once been an active Man for the Whigg-Party) lost him too his Friends on the other Side, without any Reward for his Desertion. Whatever his Plays are (which if compared with the best of our present Writers, I mean some of them, far excel 'em) in the Opinion of his Enemies, he has performed in some, with no lesle applause than Merit; in his Dispute with Mr. Dryden, he had evidently the better of him; tho', being a modest Man, he suffered himself to be run down by his Antagonist in his Interest in the Town. The Ambitious Slave; or, A Generous Revenge, a Tragedy acted at the Theatre Royal, 4 to. 1694. and dedicated to the Honoured john Bright, Esq which Dedication the Author begins with the ●ll Fortune of the Play. The Scene he has placed in Persia, from whence I find he is scarce to be got. Cambyses, King of Persia, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1675. acted at the Duke's Theatre; dedicated to the Illustrious Princess Ann, Duchess of Monmouth. This Play sold two Impressions before this time of printing, and is in Heroic Verse. Plot, justin, Lib. 1. Cap. 9 Amianus Marcellinus, Lib. 23. Herodotus, etc. The Conquest of China by the Tartars, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1676. acted at the Duke's Theatre; and dedicated to the Lord Castle-Ris●●g. This Play is founded on History, and writ in Heroic Verse. Plot, Heylin's Cosmography, Book 3. Conquest of China by Signior Palafax, Englished, 8 vo. Lewis de Gusman, and Gonzales de Mendoza. Distressed Innocence; or, The Princess of Persia, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1691. acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Right Honourable john, Lord Cutts, Baron of Gowram. This Play our Author writ after ten Years Silence, and pays his public Acknowledgement to Mr. Betterton, for his several extraordinary hints to the heightening of its best Characters, and how he was indebted to Mr. Montfort for the last Scene thereof, who also writ the Epilogue. The Story of Hormidas and Cleomira built on true History. The Empress of Morocco, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1673. writ in Heroic Verse, with Sculptures; acted at the Duke's Theatre; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Henry, Earl of Norwich, and Earl Marshal of England. This Play was writ against by Mr. Dryden, Mr. Shadwell, and Mr. Crown, and 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. 4 to, 1674. Which Pamphlet was answered by another. Fatal Love; or, The forced Inconstancy, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1680. acted at the Theatre Royal; and dedicated to Sir Rob. Owen. Plot from Achilles Tatius' Clitophon and Lucippe, a Romance, Book 5. which Romance is likewise in English, printed 8vo. The Female Prelate; or, The History of the Life and Death of Pope joan, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1680. acted at the Theatre Royal; and dedicated to the Right Honourable Anthony, Earl of Shaftsbury. Plot from Platina's Lives of the Popes, Englished by Sir Paul Ricaut, and the Life and Death of Pope joan, 8vo. 1675. wherein is a List of such Authors who affirm, and others who deny the Truth of this Story. There is also another small Book of the Life and Death of Pope joan, writ Dialogue-wise, by one Mr. Cook, formerly Fellow of Vniversity-Colledge, Oxon. which Piece was so much valued then, that 'twas translated into French by I de la Montaign. The Heir of Morocco, with the Death of Gayland; a Tragedy, 4 to. 1682. acted at the Theatre Royal; and dedicated to the Lady Henrietta Wentworth, Baroness of Nettlested. Ibrahim, the Illustrious Bassa; a Tragedy, 4 to. 1677. acted at Duke's Theatre; and dedicated to the Duchess of Albermarle; it is writ in Heroic Verse. Plot from The Illustrious Bassa, a Romance, Fol. Love and Revenge, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1675. acted at the Duke's Theatre; and dedicated to the Duke of Newcastle. A great part of this Play taken from another, called, Fatal Contract, writ by Mr. Hemmings, formerly of the University of Oxon. Pastor Fido; or, The Faithful Shepherd, a Pastoral, 4 to. 1677. acted at the Duke's Theatre, and dedicated to the Lady Elizabeth Delaval. It was first translated by Sir Richard Fanshaw, from the Italian of Guarini, which Translation our Author has endeavoured to improve. The World in the Moon, an Opera; 4 to. 1698. as it is performed at the Theatre in Dorset-Garden, by his Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to Christopher Roth, Esq This is something unusual, being a comical Opera. I think great part of the Run betwixt Palmerin, Worthy, Sir Dotterel, and Iacin●ha, pleasant enough, tho' the first and late Essay of our Author in the Soc. Tho. Shadwell, Esq A Gentleman of a good Family in the County of Norfolk, was well received by the Noblemen of Wit, especially the present Earl of Dorset, the late Duke of Newcastle, etc. he was on the Revolution made Poet Laureate, which place he held till his Death, which happened about three or four Years since. His Comedies, at least some of them, show him to understand Humour; and if he could have drawn the Character of a Man of Wit, as well as that of a Coxcomb, there wou●d have been nothing wanting to the Perfection of his Dramatic Fables. But to his Plays in their Order, being Seventeen in Number, (viz.) The Amorous Bigotte, with the Second part of Teague O Divelly, a Comedy 4 to. 1690. acted by their Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Right Honourable Charles, than Earl, now Duke of Shrewsbury. Bury Fair, a Comedy, 4 to. 1689. acted by his Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Right Honourable Charles, Earl of Dorset and Middlesex, than Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty's Household. Part of this Play taken from the Duke of Newcastles Triumphant Widow, and part from Molliere's Precieuses Ridicules. Epsom Wells, a Comedy, 4 to. 1676. acted at the Duke's Theatre; and dedicated to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle. 'Tis a pleasant Commendation of Mr. Langbain, (whose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mr. Shadwell is) to bring Monsieur St. Euveremont's Praise of it who cannot speak a Word of English, and by Consequence none of the best judges of the Goodness of our English Plays, which require a Mastery of our Tongue. The Humourists, a Comedy, 4 to. 1671. acted by his Royal Highness' Servants; and dedicated to the most Illustrious Margaret, Duchess of Newcastle. This Play (tho' the Design of it was good) met with many Enemies at its first appearance on the Stage. The Lancashire Witches, and Teague O Divelly, the Irish Priest; a Comedy, 4 to. 1682. acted at the Duke's Theatre. Heywood and Brome have writ on the same Subject, but not so diverting. The Libertine, a Comedy, 4 to. 1676. acted by his Royal Highness' Servants; and dedicated to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle. This is accounted one of his best Plays, and is diverting enough. Plot from Molliere's L'Athee Foudroye, & H. Atheisto Fulminato. The Miser, a Comedy, 4 to. 1672. acted by his Majesty's Servants, at the Theatre Royal; and dedicated to the Right Honourable Charles, Lord Buckhurst, now Earl of Dorset and Middlesex. Plot from Mollieres L'avaree. Psyche, an Opera, 4 to. 1675. acted at the Duke's Theatre, and dedicated to his Grace james, Duke of Monmouth. This being the first Play he writ in Rhyme, met with divers Enemies. Our Author made use of the French Psyche, and of Apuleius' Asinus Aureus, which is also in English, 4 to. 1639. The Royal Shepherdess, a Tragicomedy. 4 to. 1669. acted by his Highness the Duke of York's Servants. This Play is taken from The Reward of Virtue, writ by Mr. Fountain. The Scowrers, a Comedy, 4 to. 1691. acted by their Majesty's Servants; and dedicated by his Widow, to the late Queen, of ever blessed Memory. I think in this Comedy there is a great deal of noisy Humour, and that not unpleasant. The Characters of Eugenia, and Clara are Copies of Sir George Etheridge, at least that of Eugenia is of Harriot, and so is Sir William Rant, a faint one of Dorimant, and Sir Frederic Frolic. The Squire of Alsatia, a Comedy, 4 to. 1688. acted by their Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Earl of Dorset and Middlesex. This Play, which met with good Success, is founded on Terence's Adelphi. The sullen Lovers; or, The Impertinents, a Comedy, 4 to. 1670. and dedicated to his Grace William, Duke of Newcastle. Plot from Molliere's Les Facheaux. Timon of Athens; or, The Man-hater, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1678. acted at the Duke's Theatre, and dedicated to the late Duke of Buckingham. Most part of this Play is Shakespear's; nay, and the Critics say, all of it that is good for any thing. The True Widow, a Comedy, 4 to. 1679. acted at the Duke's Theatre, and dedicated to Sir Charles Sidley. This Play has not appeared very often on the Stage, tho' Mr. Langbain commends the Characters and Humours to be as well drawn as any of this Age. The Volunteers; or, The Stock-Iobbers, a Comedy, 4 to. 1693. and dedicated by his Widow to the Queen. Sir Timothy Kestrels growing Valiant on his Rencounter with Nickum, is very like the Little French Lawyer of Fletcher; only Sir Timothy preserves his Valour to the end of the Play; tho' we have not the Experiment whether the sight of his Blood would not have had the same Effect on him. The Woman Captain, a Comedy, 4 to. 1680. acted at the Duke's Theatre, by his Royal Highness' Servants; and dedicated to Henry, Lord Ogle, Son to the Duke of Newcastle. William Shakespeare. HE was born and buried in Stratford upon Avon, in Warwickshire. I have been told that he writ the Scene of the Ghost in Hamlet, at his House which bordered on the Charnel-House and Churchyard. He was both Player and Poet; but the greatest Poet that ever trod the Stage, I am of Opinion, in spite of Mr. johnson, and others from him, that though perhaps he might not be that Critic in Latin and Greek as Ben; yet that he understood the former, so well as perfectly to be Master of their Histories, for in all his Roman Characters he has nicely followed History, and yo● find his Brutus, his Cassius, his Anthony, and his Caesar, his Coriolanus, etc. just as the Historians of those times describe 'em. He died on the 23d of April, 1616. and is buried with his Wife and Daughter in Stratford-Church aforesaid, under a Monument on which is a Statue leaning on a Cushion, and this Inscription: Ingenio Pylum, genio Socratem, arte Maronem, Terra tegit, Populus moerit, Olympus habet. Stay, Passenger, why dost thou go so fast? Read, if thou canst, whom envious Death has placed Within this Monument, Shakespeare, with whom Quick Nature died, whose Name doth deck the Tomb Far more than cost, since all that he hath writ Leaves living Art, but Page, to serve his Wit. Obiit An. Dom. 1616. AEt. 53. Die 23. Apr. Near the Wall on a plain Stone, which covers him, is this Epitaph: Good Friend, for jesus Sake forbear To dig the Dust enclosed here. Blessed be the Man that spares these Stones, And cursed be he that moves my Bones. All's well that ends well, a Comedy. Plot from Boccace's Novels, Day 3. Nou. 9 juliet of Narbona, etc. Anthony and Cleopatra, a Tragedy, fol. Plot from Plutarch in vita Antonii. As you like it, a Comedy, Fol. The Birth of Merlin; or, The Child has lost his Father, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1662. Mr. Rowley joined with our Author in this Play. Plot, Ethelword, G. Monmouth, Bede, Polidor, Virgil, Stow, Speed, etc. A Comedy of Errors, a Comedy, fol. The Ground from Plautus, Amphitruo, and Maenechmi. Coriolanus, a Tragedy, fol. Plot from Plutarch's Life of Coriolanus, from Livy's History, Dionysius Hallicarnassaeus, etc. Cromwell, (Thomas, Lord) his Life and Death, a History, fol. and 4 to. Plot from Fox's Martyrology, Fuller's Church Hist. Dr. Burnet's Hist. Reformation, Wanly's Hacwell's Apology, and Lloyd's English Worthies. Cymbeline, his Tragedy; fol. Mr. Durfey's Injured Princess; or, The Fatal Wager, is only this Play revived. The Plot from Boccace's Novels, Day 2. Nou. 9 Henry the Fourth, Two Parts, History, fol. the first Part containing the Life of Henry Percy, surnamed Hotspur; and the comical part the Character of Sir john Falstaff, which has been played by the late famous Mr. Lacey, to Admiration. In the second part you have an Act of the Death of this King, and the Coronation of his Successor. See Geoffry of Monmouth, Caxton, Harding, Hall, Grafton, Martin, Holinshed, Stow, and other our English Chronicles. Henry the Fifth, his Life; History, fol. A Comical part is mixed with the Historical, and contains the Reign of this King, to his Marriage with Katherine of France. See the aforesaid English Chronicles. Henry the Sixth, Three Parts, History, fol. In the Second is the Death of the good Duke Humphrey, in the Third the Death of the Duke of York; all the Pa●ts contain the whole Reign of this King. See the same English Chronicles. Henry the Eighth, his Life; History, fol. The part of King Henry was often in King Charles the Second Time extraordinary well acted by Mr. Betterton. See our English Chronicles beforementioned. Hamlet, Prince of Denmark; a Tragedy, fol. and 4 to. For the Plot see Saxo-Grammaticus, Crantzius, Pontanus, Idacius etc. john, King of England; History, fol. for the Plot see our English Chronicles. john, King of England, his troublesome Reign, in two parts, History, 4 to. 1611. with the Discovery of King Richard Caeur de Lions, Base Son (as vulgarly called) Fawconbridge; also the Death of the said King john at Swinstead Abby. These Plays were several times acted by the Queen's Majesty's Players, though not divided into Acts, and differ much from the other Play in Folio. julius Caesar, a Tagedy, fol. and 4 to Founded on History. It was revived and acted divers times in the Reign of the late King Charles II. For the Prologue, which was highly commended, see a small Book, called Covent-Garden Drollery, pag. 9 and for the History, see Plutarch, Livy, Suetonius. Lear, King of England; a Tragedy, fol. and 4 to. This Play has been revived with Alterations by our present Poet Laureate. For the true Story, see Milton's Hist. of England, beginning pag. 17. see also Leland, Monmouth, Gloucester, etc. Locrine, Eldest Son to King Brutus, a Tragedy, fol. and 4 to. For the Plot, see Milton's Hist. of England, and the aforesaid Authors. London Prodigal, a Comedy, fol. and 4 to. Love●s Labour lost, a Comedy, fol. Macbeth, a Tragedy, fol. and 4 to. revived and reprinted with Alterations and Songs, and now often acted. For the Plot consult Buchanan, and others who have written Scottish Affairs; see also Heywood of Angels, p. 508. Heylin's Cosmography, Book 1. Measure for Measure, a Comedy, fol. For the Plot see Cynthio Giraldi, Dec. 8. Nou. 5. Lipsii Monita, p. 125. Histoirs Admirabiles de nôtre temps. p. 216. The Merchant of Venice, a Tragicomedy, fol. Midsummer-nights' Dream, a Comedy, fol. The comical part hereof is printed 4 to. under the Title of Bottom the Weaver, and acted by small Parties at Bartholomew Fair, and other Places: and since published under the Name of The Fairy Queen. Much ado about nothing, a Comedy, fol. Sir William D'avenant made use of this Play, and Measure for Measure, in composing his Law against Lovers. For the Plot see Ariosto's Orlando Furioso, Book 5. and Spencer's Fairy Queen, Book 2. Oldcastle, Lord Cobham's Life and Death, a Tragedy, fol. See Fuller's Church Hist. and Fox's Book of Martyrs, where you may find Sir john Oldcastles Life at large. Othello, Mo●r of Venice, a Tragedy, fol. and 4 to. This is still often acted, and esteemed one of the best of our Author's Plays. Plot from Cynthio's Novels, Dec. 3. Nou. 7. Pericles, Prince of Tyre, History, fol. This Play was much admired in the Author's Life time and published before his Death. The Puritan; or, The Widow of Watling-Street, a Comedy, fol. This was accounted a very diverting Play. Richard the Second, History, fol. 4 to. Our Poet Laureate, Mr. Tate, altered it, An. 1681. he and Mr. Dryden have much applauded this Play. Plot from English Chronicles. Richard the Third, with the Landing of the Earl of Richmond, and the Battle of Bosworth-Field, History, fol. for the Plot consult our English Chronicles. Romeo and juliet, a Tragedy, fol. Plot from Bandello's Novels. The Taming of the Shrew, a Comedy, fol. The Story of the Tinkar, so diverting, may be found in Goulart's Hist. Admirabiles and Pontus Heuterus, Rerum Burdicarum. The Tempest, a Comedy, fol. and 4 to. This has been revived and altered by Mr. Dryden, who brought it much in esteem, and is of late Days often acted. Titus Andronichus, a Tragedy, fol. and 4 to. This Play has been revived and altered by Mr. Ravenscroft. Timon of Athens, a Tragedy, fol. and 4 to. This Play, as published first by our Author, was not divided into Acts, but has been revived with Alterations, by Mr. Shadwell, and for a few Years past, as often acted at the Theatre Royal, as any Tragedy I know. Troilus and Cressida, a Tragedy, fol. This was revived with Alterations, by Mr. Dryden; who added divers new Scenes. Plot from Chaucer's Troilus and Cressida. Twelfth-Night; or, What you will; a Comedy, fol. Plot from Plautus, Amphitruo, Maenechmi, etc. Two Gentlemen of Verona, a Comedy. fol. A Winter's Tale, a Tragicomedy, fol. Plot from Dorastus and Fawnia, 4 to. The Yorkshire Tragedy, fol. When this Play was first printed, the Title than told you, the Story was new, lamentable, and true. The Play, being but very short, is not divided into Acts, and may rather be accounted an Interlude than a Tragedy. The Arraignment of Paris, which you may find among the Anonymous Plays, has been by Kirkman ascribed to this Author, but not being in any Edition of Shakespeare, I much question whether it be any of his. Our Author writ little else, we find in print only two small pieces of Poetry published by Mr. Quarles, viz. Venus and Adonis, 8vo. 1602. and The Rape of Lucrece, 8vo. 1655. Lewis Sharp. THis Author, who lived in the Reign of King Charles the First, writ but one Play, viz. The Noble Stranger, a Comedy, 4 to. 1640. acted at the private House in Salisbury-Court, by her Majesty's Servants; dedicated to Sir Edmund Williams. Edward Sharpham. A Member of the Middle-Temple, in the time of King james the First, writ and published one Play, called, The Fleir, a Comedy, 4 to. 1615. acted in the Blackfriarss, by the Children of the Revels. Compare this with a Play of Marston's, called, The Fawn. S. Shepherd. A Zealous Cavalier in the Civil Wars, writ a Play against the Parliament Party, styled, The Committee-Man curried, a Comedy, in Two Parts, 4 to. 1647. Much of it stolen from Sir john Suckling, and Sir Robert Stapleton's Translation of juvenal. Edward Sherburn, Esq THis Gentleman Translated Two of Seneca's Tragedies, and is, for aught I know, yet living. Medea, a Tragedy, 8vo. 1648. with Annotations. Mr. Stanley in his Poems has writ a Vindication of this Play. Troades; or, The Royal Captives; a Tragedy, 8vo. 1679. These are printed together, with some Poems of the same Author. Tho. Shipman, Esq. THis Gentleman died in King Charles the Second Time, having writ one Play, called, Henry the Third of France, Stabbed by a Friar; with the Fall of the Guises; a Tragedy, 4 to. 1678. acted at the Theatre Royal; and dedicated to the Right Honourable Henry, Lord Marquess of Dorchester. Plot from Davila, and the Duke of Espernon's Life, fol. Henry Shirley. AN Author who lived in the 〈◊〉 King Charles the First, and writ one Play, which was published after his Death, called, The Martyred Soldier, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1638. acted at the private House in Drury-Lane, and other public Theatres by her Majesty's Servants, with great Applause. Plot, Baronius, etc. james Shirley. A Contemporary, as well as Namesake of the Former's he was once of Grays-Inn, and Servant to the King, and a Poet esteemed in the Days of Charles the First. Mr. Langbain gives him no small Praise, and indeed he does to most of the indifferent Poets, so that should a Stranger to our Poets read him● they would make an odd Collection of our English Writers, for they would be sure to take Heywood, Shirley, etc. and leave Dryden, etc. He has printed 37 Plays, of wh●ch in their Order. He died since the Restauration. Arcadia, a Pastoral, 4 to. 1640. acted at the Phoenix in Drury-Lane, by her Majesty's Servants. Plot from Sir Philip Sidney's Arcadia, fol. The Ball, a Comedy, 4 to. 1639. acted at the private House in Drury-Lane, by her Majesty's Servants. Our Author was assisted by Chapman in this Play. A Bird in a Cage, a Comedy, 4 to. 16●●. acted at the Phoenix in Drury-Lane; and dedicated to Mr. William Prinne. The Brothers, a Comedy, 8vo. 1652. acted at the private House in Blackfriarss; and dedicated to his noble Friend, Thomas Stanley, Esq The Cardinal, a Tragedy, 8vo. 1652. acted at the private House in Blackfriarss; and dedicated to his Friend, G. B. Esq The Changes; or, Love in a Maze; a Comedy, 4 to. 1632. presented at the private House in Salisbury-Court, by the Company of his Majesty's Revels; and dedicated to the Honourable, the Lady Dorothy Shirley, in Verse. Compare this and the Maiden Queen. Chabot, Admiral of France, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1639. acted by her Majesty's Servants at the private House in Drury-Lane. Mr. Chapman joined with our Author in this Play. Plot, Paul jovius, Paul AEmilius, Mezeray, and other French Chronicles and Histories in the Reign of Francis the First. The Constant Maid; or, Love will find out the Way; a Comedy, 4 to. 1667. This was acted at a new House, called, The Nursery in Hatton-Garden. You may find Hadwell's courting of the Widow Bellamy, by the Advice 〈…〉 fair, to be the Subject of divers other Plays. Contention for Honour and ●●●●es, a Masque, 4 to. 1633. dedicated to Edward Golding 〈◊〉 Colston, in Narthamptonshire, Esq This Author, with this and ●ome other Matter, composed a Comedy, called, Honoria and Mammon, hereafter mentioned. The Contention of Ajax and Ulysses for Achilles' Armour, a Masque, 8vo. 1658. Plot from Ovid's Metamorposis, Book 13. The Coronation, a Comedy, 4 to. Which Play by some means or other, was printed with Beaumont's and Fletcher's Plays, tho' none of theirs. A Cou●● Secret, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. firs● printed 1653. then acted at the Blackfriarss; and dedicated to William, Earl of Strafford. Cupid and Death, a Masque, 4 to. 1659. For the Plot, see Ogilby's AEsop's Fables, Vol. 1. Fab. 39 The Doubtful Heir, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1652. acted at the Blackfriarss; and dedicated to Sir Edmund Bowyer. For part of the Story, see The English Adventurers. 8 vo. part 3. The Duke's Mistress, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1638. acted at the private House in Drury-Lane, by her Majesty's Servants. The Example, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1637. acted at the private House in Drury-Lane, by her Majesty's Servants. The Gamester, a Comedy, 4 to. 1637. acted at the private House in Drury-Lane. Plot, Queen Margaret's Novels, Day 1. Nou. 8. and Unlucky Citizen, 8vo. The Gentleman of Venice, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1655. acted at the private House in Salisbury-Court, by her Majesty's Servants, and dedicated to Sir Tho. Nightingale, Baronet. For the Plot, consult Gayton's Notes on Don Quixot, Book 4. Chap. 6. etc. The Grateful Servant, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1655. acted at the private House in Drury-Lane, by her Majesty's Servants, with good Applause; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Francis, Earl of Rutland. Compare this Play with The Humorous Courtier, writ by the same Author. Hyde-park, a Comedy, 4 to. 1637. presented by her Majesty's Servants at the private House in Drury-Lane; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Henry, Earl of Holland. Honoria and Mammon, a Comedy, 8vo. Plot grounded on a Masque of the same Author's, called, Contention for Honour and Riches. The Humorous Courtier, a Comedy, 4 to. 1640. presented at the private House in Drury-Lane, with good Applause. The Imposture, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1652. acted at the private House in Blackfriarss; and dedicated to Sir Rob. Bolles, Baronet. The Lady of Pleasure, a Comedy, 4 to. 1637. acted at the private House in Drury-Lane, by her Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Richard, Lord Lovelace, of Hurley. Part of this Play resembles part in The Grateful Servant. Love Tricks; or, the School of Compliments; a Comedy, 4 to. 1667. acted at the Theatre in Little-Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Royal Highness, the Duke of York's Servants. Love's Cruelty, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1640. acted at the private House in Drury-Lane, by her Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to Cornet George Porter, and Mr. Charles Porter. See Cynthio's Novels, Dec. 3. Nou. 6. and Q. Margaret's Novels, Day 4. Nov' 6. The Maid's Revenge, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1639. acted at the private House in Drury-Lane, with good Applause, by her Majesty's Servants. This Play is dedicated to Henry Osborn, Esq Plot from Reynold's God's Revenge against Murder, fol. Book 2. Hist. 7. The Opportunity, a Comedy, 4 to. acted at the private House in Drury-Lane, by her Majesty's Servants; it is dedicated to Capt. Richard Owen. Compare this Play with Shakespear's Measure for Measure. The Politician, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1655. presented at Salisbury-Court, by her Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to Walter Moyle, Esq For the Plot see the Countess of Montgomery's Urania. The Royal Master, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1638. acted at the Theatre in Dublin, and in the Castle there before the Right Honourable, the Lord Deputy of Ireland; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, George, Earl of Kildare. By the many Copies of Verses in Commendation of this Play, we may guests it was well esteemed. St. Patrick for Ireland, a History, 4 to. 1640. There is but one part of this Play printed; a second was designed by the Author for the Press, but never published. See Bedes Life of St. Patrick, Sigibert, Baleus, Baronius, etc. The Sisters, a Comedy, 8vo. 1652. acted at the private House in Blackfriarss; and dedicated to William Paulet, Esq The Traitor, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1635. acted by her Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Duke of Newcastle. This Play was one Mr. Rivers', a jesuit, tho' altered a little and introduced into the House by Shirley. The Triumph of Beauty, a Masque, 8vo. 1646. Compare this to the comical Part of the Midsummer-nights' Dream, and another part to Bottom the Weaver, both by Shakesp●ar: see also Lucian's Dialogues. This is printed with the Author's Poems, 8vo. The Wedding, a Comedy, 4 to. 16. acted by her Majesty's Serva●●s at the Phoenix in Drury-Lane; and dedicated to William Gower, Esq The Witty Fair one, a Comedy, 4 to. 1633. acted at the private House in Drury-Lane; and dedicated to Sir Edward bushel. The Young Admiral, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1637. acted at the private House in Drury-Lane; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, George, Lord Barkley. Sir Charles Sidley. THis Noble Gentleman is yet living, and has been esteemed a Man of the First Rank of Wit. He writ these three following Plays: Anthony and Cleopatra, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1677. acted at the Duke's Theatre. Plot from Appian, Dion Cassius, Plutarch's Life of M. Anthony. Bellamira; or, The Mistress; a Comedy, 4 to. 1687. acted by his Majesty's Servant. The Ground from Terrence's Eunuchus. The Mulberry Garden, a Comedy, 4 to. 1668. acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants. This Play is dedicated to her Grace the Duchess of Richmond and Lenox. Sir john Everyoung, and Sir Samuel Forecastle copied from Molliere's L'Escole de Maris. john Smith. A Gentleman of Snenton, in Yorkshire, and now (or lately) living; he writ a Play that was never acted, called, Cytherea; or, The Enamouring Girdle, a Comedy, 4 to. 1677. This Play the Author dedicated to the Northern Gentry. William Smith. THis Author writ one Play in King james the First his Reign, called, The Hector of Germany; or, The Palsgrave Prime Elector; a History, 4 to. 1615. acted at the Red Bull, etc. by a Company of young Citizens, and dedicated to the right Honourable, Sir john Swinnerton, Lord Mayor of London. This Play is not divided into Acts. He writ, with the Assistance of one Mr. Webbe, a Book called, The Description of the County Palatine of Chester. Thomas Southern. A Gentleman now living, who, as I have been informed, made his first Application to the Law; but quitted those rougher Studies for the more pleasing Entertainment of the Muses; and after the writing of two Plays, with no ill Success, at least with very good judges, moved by his active Temper, he left, for some Years, the calmer retreat of Poetry for the War; till, in the Year 1690. he presented the Town with that diverting Comedy of Sir Anthony Love, and Six more, but of all in their order: The Disappointment; or, The Mother in Fashion; acted at the Theatre Royal, 1684. 4 to. and dedicated to the Right Honourable, james, Earl of Ossery (the present Duke of O●mond). The Curious Impertinent of the incomparable History of Don Quixot, seems to have given our Author an Hint of the Plot. The Loyal Brother; or, The Persian Prince; a Tragedy, acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants, 1682. 4 to. and dedicated to his Grace, the Duke of Richmond. This was his first Play, and is built on the Novel of Tachmas, Prince of Persia, 8vo. The Fatal Marriage; or, The Innocent Adultery; a Play, acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants, 1694. 4 to. and dedicated to Anthony Hammond, of Somersham Place, Esq In the Dedication our Author owns his taking a hint of the Tragical part of this Play, from a Novel of Mistress Behn's, called, The Nun; or, The Fair Vow-breaker. This Play was received with vast Applause, and is yet acted with Success; the Distress of the Story being extremely moving, and the Passions very well touched by the Author; tho' had he made Villeroy and Byron Friends, it would have something heightened the Distress. In the Comical part, the Hint of Fernando being persuaded to believe that he had been dead, buried, and in Purgatory, seems to be owing to The Little Thief of Fletcher. The Maids Last Prayer; or, Any thing rather than Fail; a Comedy, acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants, 1693. 4 to. and dedicated to the Honourable, Mr. Charles Boyl. Oroonoko, a Tragedy, acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants, 1696. 4 to. and dedicated to his Grace, William, Duke of Devonshire, etc. in which the Author makes this ingenuous Acknowledgement, which few Poets have formerly done; viz. I stand engaged to Mistress Behn for the occasion of a most passionate Distress in my last Play, (which was The Innocent Adultery) and in a Conscience that I had not made her a sufficient Acknowledgement, I have run farther into her Debt, with a Design to oblige me to be Honest, and that every one may find me out for Ingratitude, when I don't say all that's fit for me upon that Subject: she had a great Command of the Stage, and I have often wondered that she should bury her Favourite Hero in a Novel, when she might have revived him in the Scene. I have quoted this, because 'tis very uncommon with Authors to speak well of those they borrow from in their Writings, for I have known a great Man perpetually rail at the French Authors, and yet contradict his Reflections on them, by filling his Writings with their● Wit and Designs; and I have so often experienced this Particular, among the Writers of our Age, that when I hear any of them condemn, either our Ancient or Modern Authors, I conclude, he has been robbing there, and would deter us from finding out his Theft. But as to this Play of Oroonoko, you find our Poet has allowed the Plot of it Mistress Behn's; for on that Prince she has composed the best of her Novels: and as it must be confessed that the Play had not its mighty Success without an innate Excellence; so in my Opinion, the necessary regularities a Dramatic Poet is obliged to observe, has left many Beauties in the Novel, which our Author could not transfer to his Poem. As Mistress Barrey did the Poet all the justice so admirable an Actress, when she most exerts herself, could do, in the Innocent Adultery; so Mr. Verbruggen, in the Part of Oroonoko, by doing the Author Right, got himself the Reputation of one of the best Actors of his time. Sir Anthony Love; or, The Rambling Lady; a Comedy, 4 to. 1690. acted at the Theatre Royal by their Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to Tho. Skipwith, Esq (now Sir Thomas). This Play met with extraordinary Success. The Wife's excuse; or, Cuckolds make themselves; a Comedy, acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majestses Servants, 1692. 4 to. This Play it seems did not take as well as was expected, but is ushered into print by a Copy of Verses of his Friend, Mr. Dryden; in which he ●ustly reflects on the depraved Taste of the Age, especially in these Two Lines, on the Fault of those Poets, who debauch the Palate of the Audience. Far●e in itself is of a nasty Scent; But the Gain smells not of the Excrement. For if there be not so intricate a Plot, there is certainly a gaiety of Conversation, and Purity of Language, which few of our Poets observe. Thomas Stanley, Esq A Learned Gentleman of Cumberloe-Green, in Hertfordshire, who in the time of King Charles the First, writ the History of the Philosophers, and in that a Play of Aristophanes, called, The Clouds, a Comedy, fol. 1687. Translated from Aristophanes, printed with his History of Philosophy, reprinted about Ten Years since. He translated Aeschylus' Tragedies into Latin; also Anacreon and Moschus, from the Greek. He has published likewise divers Translations from Latin, Spanish, and Italian; besides his Poems in English, 8vo. and two small Romances or Novels, 8vo. Sir Robert Stapleton. A Learned Author who was Gentleman Usher of the Privy Chamber to King Charles the Second; and is, I suppose, still living. He writ Two Plays: Hero and Leander, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1669. dedicated to her Grace, the Duchess of Monmouth. Plot from Ovid's Epistles, and Musaeus' Erotopagnion, Greek, and Latin. The Slighted Maid, a Comedy, 4 to. 1663. dedicated to his Grace, the Duke of Monmouth. Plot from Mart. Epigr. 4. etc. john Stephens. THis Author, who lived in the Reign of King james the first, writ one very long Play, called, Cynthia's Revenge, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1613. Plot from Lucan's Pharsalia, and Ovid's Metamorphosis, lib. 13. William Strode. POet and Divine in the Reign of King Charles the Frst; he was born in Devonshire, entered at Nineteen, and admitted Student of Christ-Church, Oxon; having taken most of his Degrees, was chose University-Orator, and after that commenced Doctor, and was made a Cannon by the King. He died March 11. 1644. and was buried at Christ-Church aforesaid. The Floating Island, a Comedy, 4 to. 1655. acted by the Students of Christ-Church, before his Majesty, at Oxon. 1639. The Airs and Songs were set by Mr. Henry Laws. The Author had transcribed and dedicated the Play to his honoured Patron, Sir john Helle, but it was not printed till some Years after his Death. This Play is full o● Morality. The Author published three Sermons besides the Play. I. Studley. ANother Translator of Seneca's Tragedies, in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, of which he Englished Four: viz. Agamemnon, a Tragedy, 4 to. Our Author has added a whole Scene in the Fifth Act. Hippolytus, a Tragedy, 4 to. This is a very regular Play, as to Time, Place, and Action. Hercules Oetaeus, a Tragedy, 4 to. A Resemblance of Sophocles Trachiniai. Medea, a Tragedy, 4 to. In this Seneca imitates Euripides, but at too great a distance, and is also regular, as most of his Tragedies are. This Translator has altered the Chorus of the First Act. Sir john Suckling. WAS born at Witham, in Middlesex, 1631. in the beginning of the Eleventh Month; he spoke Latin at Five Years old, and writ it at Nine. He was controller to King Charles the First. An excellent Musician and Poet: made a Campaign with Gustavus, and was in Five Sieges, Three Battles, etc. he was at the Expense of 12000 l. to raise a Troop for the King. He writ Four Plays, viz. Aglaura, a Tragicomedy, fol. and 8vo. presented at the private House in Blackfriarss. The Author has so altered the last Act, that 'tis at the Pleasure of the Actors to make it a Tragedy or Tragicomedy. Brenoralt; or, The Discontented Colonel; a Tragedy, 8vo. presented by his Majesty's Servants, at the private House in Blackfriarss. The Goblins, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. presented by his Majesty's Servants at the private House in Blackfriarss. The Sad One, a Tragedy, 8vo. This Play Sir john never finished. These Plays, with his other Works, are printed together 8vo. the last Edition printed 1676. If you would see a farther Character of this Author, see Lloyd's Memoirs, fol. pag. 159. Gilbert Swinhoe. A Northumberland Gentleman, who in the Reign of King Charles the First, writ a Play, called, The Unhappy Fair Irene, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1658. Plot from Bandello's Novels, and Turkish Chronicles, Life of Mahomet the First. T Nahum Tate, Esq OUR present Poet Laureate, a Person of great Probity of Manners, Learning, and good Nature: His Birth and Education (as I have been told) he owes to the Kingdom of Ireland: He has, for several Years, had the Patronage of the present Earl of Dorset, and has Merit to deserve more than he has met with from others: He is guilty of Modesty, of which few of his Profession know much; and it is the noisy pushing Man in Poetry, as well as other things, that prevails with Fame as well as Fortune. But now to his Dramatic Composures. Brutus of Alba, an Opera, 4 to. 1678. acted at the Duke's Theatre; it is dedicated to the Right Honourable, Charles, Earl of Dorset and Middlesex. Plot from Virgil's AEneids, Book 4. The Cuckold's Haven; or, An Alderman no Conjurer, a Farce, 4 to. 1685. acted at the Queen's Theatre in Dorset-Garden; and dedicated to Col. Edmund Ashton. Plot from Eastward Ho, and The Devil's an Ass. A Duke and no Duke, a Farce, 4 to. 1685. acted by their Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Sir john Hewyt. In this Play are divers Songs set to Music with thorough Bases for the Theorbo or Bass-Viol. Plot from Trappolin supposed a Prince. The Ingratitude of a Commonwealth; or, The Fall of Caius Martius Coriolanus; a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1682. acted at the Theatre Royal; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Charles, Lord Herbert, Marques of Worcester. Part of this Play borrowed from Shakespear's Coriolanus ● The Island Princess, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1687. and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Henry, Lord Walgrave. Revived with Alterations from Fletcher. The Loyal General, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1680. acted at the Duke's Theatre; and is dedicated to Edward Taylor, Esq Lear, King of England, and his Three Daughters; an Historical Play, 4 to. 1687. acted at the Duke's Theatre; it is Dedicated to Thomas Boteler, Esq and revived with Alterations from Shakespeare; and now called, The Ancient History of King Lear, etc. Richard the Third; or, The Sicilian Usurper; a History, 4 to. 1681. acted at the Theatre Royal, and dedicated to George Raynsford, Esq with a Prefatory Epistle in Vindication of the Author by Reason of the Prohibition of this Play on the Stage. Revived from Shakespeare. This our Author has published divers Poems on several Occasions, some of them printed 8vo. one Volume whereof are all his own, another Volume by several Hands. john Tateham. CIty Poet in King Charles the First's Time. Mr. Langbain has found out a pleasant Compensation for his want of Wit, viz. his Loyalty, which might be something to atone for the Defects of a Servants Brains, but I think very little for those of a Poet. The Distracted State; a Tragedy, 4 to. 1651. This Play was written Ten Years before printed, and is dedicated to Sir john Sidley. The Rump; or, The Mirror of the late Times; a Comedy, 4 to. 1661. acted at the private House in Dorset-Court, and dedicated to Walter james, Esq This Play has been revived under the Title of The Roundheads. For the Plot consult our English Chronicles of the Civil Wars. Scots Vagaries; or, A Knot of Knaves; a Comedy, 4 to. 1652. and dedicated to Robert Dormer, Esq This Play is writ in a Sc●tch Dialect. Love Crowns the End, a Tragi-comedy, 8vo. 1657. acted by the Scholars of Bringham in the County of Nottingham. This Play is very short and not divided into Acts; you may find it printed with his Poems, 1657. 8vo. Robert Taylor. THE Author of one Play, called, The Hog has lost his Pearl, a Comedy, 4 to. 1611. divers times publicly acted by certain London Prentices. Thomas Thompson. A Poor Plagiary, that could not disguise or improve his Thefts. These two following Plays go under his Name; viz. The English Rogue, a Comedy, 4 to. 1668. acted (says the Title) before several Persons of Honour, with great Applause, and dedicated to Mistress Alice Barret. Mother Shipton, her Life; 4 to. The Author hereof says, 'twas acted Nine Days together, with great Applause. Plot from a Book so called in Prose, 4 to. but most of the Characters and Language from The City Madam, and The chaste Maid of Cheapside. Nicholas Trot. HE writ one Play, called, Arthur, a Tragedy. Richard Tuke. AUthor of a Play that represents the Danger of the Soul in this World, and was once called The Soul's Warfare; now, The Divine Comedian; or, The right Use of Plays, improved in a Sacred, Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1672. and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Mary, Countess of Warwick. S. Tuke. AN Essex Gentleman, a Colonel, who in 1661. translated a Play from the Spanish, called, The Adventurers of Five Hours, a Tragicomedy 4 to. 1662. being the Second Edition; it is dedicated to the Right Honourable, Henry Howard, of Norfolk. This Play is of good Repute. Cyril Turner. AN Author who writ in the Time of King james the First, two Plays, entitled, The Atheists Tragedy, 4 to. The Conveyance away of Sebastian and Fresco, on her Husband's approach, is taken from Boccace's Novels, Day 7. Nou. 6. The Loyal Brother; or, The Revenger's Tragedy, 4 to. john Tutchim. A Gentleman of those Times, who has writ one Play, called, The Unfortunate Shepherd, a Pastoral, 8vo. 1683. This is printed with a Piece called, A Discourse of Life, in Prose; and some Poems on several Occasions, 8vo. V Captain Van Brug. THO' this Gentleman's Modesty has hitherto hindered him from setting his Name to any of the Plays that he has Writ, yet they are so Universally known to be his, and owned by him to the Stage by all other ways, that it cannot reasonably be taken amiss by him, to find his Name here, since it is not in the Power of Envy to mention it, without the highest Value and Esteem. This Gentleman, as I am informed, was born in Cheshire, and by more than a Common Education, and Converse with the best Company qualified for these Performances, which have got him the Preference to all our Modern Writers of Comedy, since Mr. Wycherly, and Sir. George Etheridge have left the Stage; and with all the due Respect that I owe those two great Men, I must place Mr. Van Brug in their Form, for the sprightliness of his Wit, the ea●iness, and at the same time, force of the Conversation of his Plays are such, that none else can stand in Competition with him. Methinks in the Comparison of his Plays, with most of our other Drammatic Pieces, there is the same difference, which there is betwixt the Draughts of Van Dike, Titian, and other great Masters of former Days, and some of our best Painters now; these are indeed good Representations, but his are the things they Represent; (if you'll pardon that seeming Contradiction of the Expression) many of our Writers have given us good Images of the Fools of our Age, but they are still but Images; but, when you read or see Mr. Van Brug's, you see the very Originals, all is so free, so easy and so bold, as persuade them to be no Copies, you evidently see the Lineaments of Nature, without the stifness of Art, which would but debase his Work. Others of our Comic Writers, who have succeeded most in that way, pick out Characters that are indeed diverting enough on the Stage, but which scarce one sensible Man in a Thousand can read in his Chamber, so much is left to the Action: But Mr. Van Brug's Characters are Composed of that part of Nature, which is not so Monstrous to shock the Reader, or Nauseate his Palate, but which yield a pleasing Entertainment; he puts Folly into such a Light, that it is as diverting to the Reader as Spectator; and his Fools are so pleasing, that you are not weary of their Company before they leave you. Another Quality distinct from many of our Received Poets, is, That his Men of Wit are really so, and not like Mr. Shadwell's the dullest in the Play: I have ventured to say all this, without either the Prospect of Encolpius in Petronius Arbiter, Vt foris Cenaris Poetam Laudasti, or the fear of that Witty Censure of The Plain Dealer, for choosing to flatter the Poets of the Age, rather than not flatter at all. Because one that is unknown, can have but little expectations of the former, or justly deserve the latter, when he speaks but what is justly his due; unless the Praise of Wit be as unallowable as superfluous. He has Honoured his Country with three Plays that he owns: Of these in their Order. AEsop, A Comedy 4 to. Acted at the Theatre Royal, 1697. In the Preface we learn both the Fate of the Play, and that the Author owes his Foundation to the French; for it was writ Originally in French by Mr. Boursaut, and had almost the same Fate there as here, as to its Success; the first day it was not liked, the next it scarce gained Ground, the third it held up its Head, and the fourth Triumphed, and was in Paris Acted for near a Month together. It is so far from wanting any Beauties of the French, that it ev'ry where excels it; and that extremely diverting Scene of Sir Polydorus Hogsty, may be said to be entirely his own, as are all the three Scenes that were since added of the Players, the Senator and the Beau, and which were received with Universal Applause, as indeed they justly merited. It will perhaps be wondered that it should Act so very often in Paris, and not hold out a Fortnight nor ten days here; for which there may be two Reasons Assigned: First, in Paris there is not that foolish and extravagant Prejudice against the Stage, as is entertained in a numerous Party of this City, who rail against that and Common Prayer with an equal Zeal: So that in Paris almost ev'ry one goes to the Theatre, here not the tenth part, for Hypocrisy and Business here, divide the greater part to their several and different Offices: Another Reason is, That the Governors of the House were unwilling to wear it out, and so balked the Run of it. I am not ignorant of the several Objections made against this Play by the Critics, viz. that the Scenes are loose, and not at all akin to the Plot● and may be cut out and altered in perpetuum, without the least Injury or Advantage to the thin and frail Design of the Play; that in Lydia, before the time of Alexander the Great, they talk of justices of the Peace, Fox Hunting, Flanders Horses and other things which are entirely Modern; but at the same time that these Accusations must be confessed not to be ill grounded; it must be owned, that without these Faults we must have lost Beauties of greater Consequence. This I'm sure, there has never been on the Stage, a Play of more general satire since the Plain Dealer; and there are such Public and useful Morals recommended to the Audience, that will be as beneficial to the Common-weal, as diverting to the immediate Spectators. The Provoked Wife, a Comedy 4 to. Acted at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants, 1697. To speak of this Play as I ought, I should have the Pen of the Author who Writ it, and the recommending the Reader to a Perusal of it, is the greatest Praise I can give it. But I cannot omit the Objections I have heard made to it, by some of our Critics, viz. That it is a loose Play, without Design, or if there be a Design, 'tis such a one as the just Rules of Comedy exclude, since it teaches the Wives how they ought to return the Brutality of their Husbands. I cannot by any means allow this Objection; for the Design seems to me as just as the Reflections and Wit of it are poignant, the Conversation lively and genteel; for it rather teaches Husbands how they ought to expect their Wives should make them a Return, if they use them as Sir john Brute did his; such Husbands may learn, that slighted and abused Virtue and Beauty, may be provoked to harken to the prevailing Motives of Revenge. I can never think any reasonable Man should suppose a Woman entirely divested of a sense of Humanity, or insensible either of the Power of an agreeable Temptation, or of the Pleasure it yields: and as most of our Vices are the surest Guard, if not source of our Virtues, I'm confident, when the Husband's ill Usage of his Wife deprives himself of her Love, he dismisses the surest Guard of their common Honour; and the other, that is her Pride and Care of her Reputation will not be of force enough against Revenge; and the strong solicitations of an agreeable Person, that demonstrates a value for what the Possessor slights: So that it cannot be denied, that this Moral is of admirable Use; and offers a Truth to our consideration, which would often prevent the Ruin of Families, which generally begins with the Husband's Faults. I know of no Thefts in this Play, or indeed any of this Gentleman's, but what he has owned in his Preface. The Relapse, or Virtue in Danger, being the sequel to Love's last Shift or The Fool in Fashion, 4 to. Acted at the Theatre Royal, 1697. This Play was received with mighty applause, and spite of the broken Scenes, which must be allowed an irregularity that might have been avoided, has its just and uncommon Merits; and I think the Character of my Lord Foppington, if it at all fall short of that Masterpiece of Sir Fopling Flutter, at least challenges the next place, in preference to all of that kind, for the Stage has been almost as Fruitful in Beaux, as the Boxes. The time when these three Plays were written is uncertain; but all appeared in a little time of one another, and this which comes last in the Alphabet, was the first in the Representation; and as he informs us in the Prologue, was Wrote in six Weeks, a sign of a double Blessing, of bringing forth without Pain, and even Children Perfect and Beautiful, without the usual nine months' Travel. W Lewis Wager. THIS Author (who was a Clerk in Queen Elizabeth's time) was then accounted a Man of great Learning. He writ in the beginning of her Reign an Interlude, styled, Marry Magdalen, her Life and Repentance, 4 to. 1567. This was printed in an old Black Letter, it may be acted by four or five Persons. Edmund Waller, Esq THis Gentleman was of a good Family, and Estate, the last ●ncommon with so good a Poets he was beloved by all that knew him, for his personal Merit and Affability, as well as admired for his Poetry. He died about Eight Years ●ince. The Maid's Tragedy, 8vo. 1690. This was a Play of Fletcher's and is revived with great Alterations by this our Author, and printed with his Works. Pompey the Great, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1664. acted by his Highness the Duke of York's Servants. Translated from Corneille, in which the Right Honourable, the Earl of Dorset and Middlesex assisted. George Wapul. AN Author who has writ one Play, called, Tide tarrieth for no Man, a Comedy, 4 to. 1611. printed so long since, that Mr. Langbain could not find what Volume or Date it was of. It is styled, A most pleasant and merry Comedy, right pithy and full of Delight. William Wayer. HE has a Play so long since printed, that Mr. Langbain could never gain a Sight of it. The Title is, The longer thou Liv'st the more Fool thou art, a Comedy, 4 to. but so old that it has no Date. It has also this Title. A very merry and pithy Comedy, etc. R. Waver. AN Author as unknown as the two former: he published but one Play, which Mr. Langbain says he never saw, entitled, Lusty juventus, an Interlude, 4 to. printed without any Date. Thou Mr. Langbain attributes this Play to R. Waver, yet his Name is not to the Title Page, nor any where about the Play, to give him that Assurance; but I suppose he depended on former Catalogues. john Webster. THis Author was Clerk of St. Andrews Parish in Hol●ourn, as he was Contemporary with Decker, Marston, and Rowley; so he joined with 'em in several Plays, besides several he writ himself; as, Appius and Virginia, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1659. acted at the Duke's Theatre. There are more Editions than one of this Play, and has been revived and altered by Mr. Betterton. For the Plot see Livii Hist. Florus, etc. The Devil's Law-Case; or, When Women go to Law, the Devil is full of Business, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1623. acted by her Majesty's Servants, and dedicated to Sir Tho. Finch. Plot in part from Skenkii Observat. Medic. p. 2●. Goulart's Histoires Admirabiles de nôtre Temps, Tom. 1. and V. Maximus, lib. 1. cap. 8. The Duchess of Malfey, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1623. and 1678. first acted privately at Blackfriarss, then publicly at the Globe, by his Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, George, Lord Barkley. Revived and acted at the Duke of York's Theatre. Plot from Bandello's Novels, Nou. 19 Goulart Hist. Admirab. p. 226. Beard's Theatre of God's judgements, Book 2. Ch. 24. The White Devil; or, The Tragedy of P. Giordano Ursini, Duke of Brachiano, with the Life and Death of Vittoria Corombona, the Famous Venetian Courtesan; 4 to. 1612. and 1665. first acted at the Phoenix in Drury-Lane, by the Queen's Majesty's Servants, and since revived and acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants. In these two following Plays our Author was assisted by Mr. Rowley. A Cure for a Cuckold, a Comedy, 4 to. 1661. This was several Times formerly acted with great Applause. The Thracian Wonder, 4 to. 1661. our Authors call this a Comical History, several times acted with great Applause. john Weston, Esq THis Author, whose Name is not Watson, as Mr. Langbain mistakes, writ a Play in King Charles the Second Time, styled, The Amazon Queen; or, The Amours of Thalestris to Alexander the Great; Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1667. This Play writ in Heroic Verse, appeared not on the Stage. Plot from Strabo, lib. 11. Q. Curt. lib. 6. and justin, lib. 3. Mr. Whitaker. THis Author, in King Charles the Second Reign, published a Play, called, The Conspiracy,; or, the Change of Government; a Tragedy 4 to. 1680. in Heroic Verse, and acted at the Duke of York's Theatre. Dr. Robert Wild. THis Author, tho' a Presbyterian Doctor, writ one Play and divers Poems, but is most famous for his Iter Boreale. The Play is entitled, The Benefice, a Comedy, 4 to. 1689. The Design taken from another Play, called, The Return from Parnassus; or, A Scourge for Simony. Leonard Willan. THE Author of a Play, published one Pastoral in Verse, called, As●raea; or, True Love's Mirror; a Pastoral, 8vo. ● 1651. It is dedicated to the Illustrious Princess, Mary, Duchess of Richmond and Lenox. Plot from a Romance so called. George Wilkins. HE lived in the Reign of King Charles the First, and writ (besides one he joined with Day and Rowley in) a Play, called, The M●series of Enforced Marriage, a Tragi-comedy, 4 to. 1637. Mistress Behn took her Plot and great part of the Language of this Play, to her Town Fop; or, Sir Timothy Tawdry. The other Play he joined in, is called, The Travels of Three English Brothers. Robert Wilmot. A Poet of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, and at the Request of the Gentlemen of the Inner-Temple, writ, Tanc●ed and Grismond, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1592. acted before her Majesty by the Gentlemen of the Inner-Temple; and dedicated it to the Right Worshipful and Virtuous Ladies, the Lady Mary Peter, and the Lady Ann Grey. Plot, Nou. 1. Day 4. of Boccace's Novels. john Wilson. AN Author of the Place of whose Birth I am ignorant; he was once Recorder of Londonderry, and sometime resided in Dublin, where he writ Belphegor, which was afterwards acted in London He died about three Years since, near Leicester-Fields, but where buried I know not. He is Author of four Plays; viz. Andronicus Commenius, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1663. Plot from Heylin's Cosmography in the Description of Greece, Cantacusenus, Leunclavius, etc. Belphegor; or, The Marriage of the Devil; a Comedy, 4 to. 1690. acted at the Queen's Theatre in Dorset-Garden. Plot taken from a Novel of Machiavelli, and Quevedo's Novels, 8vo. The Cheats, a Comedy, 4 to. Printed two Editions, the last 1671. This Play met with Applause when first acted, and is a diverting Comedy. The Projectors, a Comedy, 4 to. 1665. This Play met with no great Success. Robert Wilson. A Gentleman that lived in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, and writ one Play, called, The Cobler's Prophecy, a Comedy, 4 to. 1655. Nathaniel Wood HE was a Clergyman, and lived in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, in the City of Norwich; writ one Play, call it, The Conflict of Conscience, a Pastoral, 4 to. 1581. This is a Play of Morality, and may be presented by six Persons. john Wright. A Gentleman, if I mistake not, of the Middle-Temple, and is yet living; has writ Two Plays, of which in their Order: Thyestes, a Tragedy, 8vo. 1674. dedicated to Bennet, Lord Sherrard. Translated from Seneca. Mock Thyestes, a Farce, 8vo. 1674. This is writ in Burlesque Verse, and printed to be bound up with the former. Thomas Wright. I Can give no Account of this Author, only that he has a Play in print, called, The Female Vertuoso's, a Comedy, 4 to. 1693. and dedicated to the Right Honourable Charles, Earl of Winchelsea. The Design our Author owns none of his own, but of some Fri●nd from the French. The Prologue written and spoke by Mr. Dogget; yet all not enough to make it take. William Wycherley. A Shropshire Gentleman, who has excelled all Writers in all Languages, in Comedy, and most of the Poets of the present Age in generous Dealing with those he owns his Friends, he has writ Four Plays, The Country Wise, a Comedy, 4 to. 1683. acted at the Theatre Royal. This Play from the beginning has been frequently acted with great Applause. The Gentleman Dancing-Master, a Comedy, 4 to. 1673. acted at the Duke's Theatre. Love in a Wood; or, St. James' Park; a Comedy, 4 to. 1672. acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Duchess of Cleveland. The Plain Dealer, a Comedy, 4 to. 1678. acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants. This is accounted the most excellent of all his Comedies, of which and the Author, Mr. Dryden and Mr. Evelyn gives a large Encomium. Some of the Characters are in Molliere's Le Misanthrope, and Scarron's City Romance, 8vo. Y Robert Yarrington. AN Author in Queen Elizabeth's Reign, who writ one Play, entitled, Two Tragedies in one, 4 to. 1601. Two Murders, one of a Chandler and his Boy, the other of a Child in a Wood, by Order or Contrivance of his Uncle, are the Subject of this Play. SUPPOSED AUTHORS. R. A. Gent. THIS Author writ one Play, called, The Valiant Welsh Man; or, The True Chronicle History of the Life and Valiant Deeds of Charadoc the Great, King of Cambria, now called Wales; a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1663. acted by the Prince of Wales' Servants, the Plot ●rom Vbaldine le vite del donne illustre, p. 6. Tacitus Annals, Milton's History of England, and from our British Chronicles. H. B. THis Author has published one Play, entitled, The World's Idol; or, Plutus, a Comedy, 8vo. 1650. Translated from Aristophanes, with Notes and a Discourse upon it. P. B. THE Mock duelist; or, The French Vallet; a Comedy, supposed to be writ by Peter Bellon, Gent. 4 to. 1675. acted at the Theatre Royal by his Majesty's Servants, and dedicated to the virtuous, accomplished Lady, Madam S. C. I. C. THis Author writ a very diverting Play, called, The Two Merry Milk Maids; or, The best Words near the Garland, a Comedy, 4 to. 1661. played before the King with great Applause, by the Company of the Revels. Part of the Plot from the Tenth Day, Nou. 5. of Boccace's Novels, and is the Foundation of several Plays, as Fletcher's Four Plays in One, etc. I. D. UNder these Two Letters are these Two Plays following: Hell's High Court of justice; or, The Trial of Three Politic Ghosts, viz. Oliver Cromwell, King of Sweeden, and Cardinal Mazarine; a Tragedy, 4 to. 1661. The Mall; or, The Modish Lovers; a Comedy, 4 to. 1674. acted by the King's Servants, and dedicated to William Whitcom, junior, Esq (supposed by Dr. Hide, the Proto-Bibliothicarius to the University) to be Mr. Dryden's, tho' it differs much from the Style of his Works. R. G. THis Translator and Author was some time Master of Arts of Magdalen-Colledge, Oxon; published Two Plays: Alphonsus, King of Arragon, a comical History, 4 to. 1599 as it has been sundry times acted. Ignoramus, a Comedy, 4 to. 1662. very often acted with Applause before King james the First, written originally in Latin and translated by our Author. S. H. THis Author was of Exeter-Colledge, Oxon; and whilst Bachelor of Arts, writ Sicily and Naples; or, The Fatal Union; a Tragedy, 4 to. 1640. There were several Copies of Verses in Praise of this Play, writ by the Students of Oxon. SUPPOSED AUTHORS. B. I UNDER these Letters are printed these Two Plays: Guy, Earl of Warwick; a Tragedy, 4 to. said by some to be writ by Ben. johnson, though much inferior to the Works of that excellent Poet. The Bashful Lovers, a Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1655. acted at the Blackfriarss, by his Majesty's Servants. E. M. THis Author writ one Play, called, Saint Cecily; or, The Converted Twins, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1667. supposed to be writ by Mr. Matthew Medbourn, the Comedian, and dedicated to Queen Catharine. Plot From Eusebius, Epiphanius, Baronius, etc. N. N. ROme's Follies; or, The Amorous Friars; a Comedy, as it was lately acted at a Person of Quality's House, 4 to. 1681. This Play (which has been omitted by Mr. Langbain) is dedicated to the Right Honourable, Anthony, Earl of Shaftsbury. There's not enough in this Play to recommend it to the nicer judges of Poetry: Instead of the Author's Name, we only find the Two Letters abovementioned. W. N. HVntin●ton's Divertisement; or, An Interlude for the general Entertainment of the County Feast, held at Merchant Taylors-Hall, printed, 4 to. 1678. by W. N. and dedicated to the Nobility and Gentry of that Country. T. P. THis Author has published two Plays: The French Conjurer, a Comedy, 4 to. 1678. acted at the Duke's Theatre. Plot part of it from Gusman, in the Stories of Dorido and Cloridia, and the Merchant of Sevil. A Witty Combat; or, The Female Victor, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1663. acted by several Persons of Quality. Plot from The Germane Princess, a Novel, in 8vo. Monsieur P. P. THis Translator Published, Ariadne; or, The Marriage of Bacchus; an Opera, 4 to. 1674. acted by the Royal Academy of Music at the Theatre Royal, and dedicated to the King; being a Vocal Representation from the French, and set to Music by Mr. Grabutt, Master of the King's Music. S. P. TRoades, a Tragedy, 8vo. 1660. Supposed to be writ by Samuel Pordage, and taken from Seneca. T. R. A Translator, who published this one Play, called, The Extravagant Shepherd, a Pastoral Comedy, 4 to. 1654. and dedicated to Mistress Thornehill, of Ollantigh, in Kent. Translated from Corneille; Plot founded on Lysis; or, The Extravagant Shepherd; a Romance, fol. W. R. CHristmas Ordinary, a Private Show; wherein is expressed the jovial Freedom of that Festival; as it was acted at a Gentleman's House among other Revels; printed 1682. This is a Piece that falls into the Number of Dramatic Writings, though there is not much to recommend it to this Place. The Author is not known, but there are two Letters of his Name put to the Title Page; (viz.) W. R. Master of Arts. The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth, or, The Restauration of the Protestant Religion, etc. Mr. S. Master of Arts. THE Author of this ancient Play, printed in a Black Letter, is styled by him, A right Pithy, Pleasant, and Merry Comedy, called, Gammer Gurton's Needle; a Comedy, 4 to. 1561. acted at Christ's-College, Cambridge, near a Hundred Years ago. I. S. UNder these Two Letters are published these following Plays, viz. Andromana; or, The Merchant's Wife, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1660. Plot from Sir Philip Sidney's Arcadia, in the Story of Plangus, p. 155. Masquerade du Ciel, a Masque 4 to. 1640. and dedicated to the Queen. Phillis of Scyros, a Pastoral, 4 to. 1655. Translated from the Italian of C. Guidubaldo di Bonarelli. The Prince of Priggs Revels; or, The Practices of that grand Thief, Captain james Hind, a Comedy, 4 to. This Piece I could never yet get a Sight of. S. S. THis Author published only this single Play, entitled, The Honest Lawyer, a Comedy, 4 to. 1616. acted by the Queen's Servants. I. T. UNder these two Letters we may find two Plays printed, viz. Grim, the Collier of Croyden; or, The Devil and his Dam, with the Devil of St. Dunstan's, a Comedy, 8vo. 1662. Plot from Machiavel's Marriage of Belphegor, a Novel, fol. 'tis also printed with Quevedo's Novels, 8vo. and in the Ternary of Plays. Troas, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1686. translated from Seneca. C. W. THis Author is supposed to be Christopher Wase, late one of the Squire-Beadles of Oxford, who published a Play called, Electra, a Tragedy, 12. Hague, 1649. presented to her Highness the Lady Elizabeth. Translated from Sophocles. E. W. ONE who does not pretend to be the Author, but the Occasion of publishing this single Play; Apollo Shr●ving, a Comedy, 8vo. 1627. writ by the Master of Hadleigh-School in Suffolk, and acted there by his Scholar's. I. W. UNder these two Letters is printed one Play, called, The Valiant Scot 4 to. 1637. published by William Bowyer, and dedicated to the Right Honourable, james, Marquis of Hamilton. L. W. UNder these two Letters the Author published this Play, entitled, Orgula; or, The Fatal Error, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1658. and dedicated to the most accomplished Lady, the Lady Frances Wildegooss; with a Preface showing the true Nature of Poesy. M. W. Master of Arts. THE Second Author who has this Play in the Ternary of Plays, viz. The Marriage-Broker; or, The Pander; a Comedy, 8vo. 1662. Plot from English Chronicles, in the Reign of Sebert, King of the West Saxons. R. W. THis ancient Author published a Play many Years ago, which Mr. Langbain gave a wrong Title to, by reason he never saw it, and is entitled, The Three Ladies of London. T. W. THE Third Author who has this following Tragedy, in the Ternary of Plays, called, Thornby-Abby; or, The London Maid, a Tragedy 8vo. and dedicated to William Austin, Esq by R. D. the Publisher; and translated from Plautus. W. W. THE Translator of this following Comedy, called, Manaeehmi, a Comedy, 4 to. 1515. This Author had several others translated, tho' never published them. UNKNOWN AUTHORS. A THE Abdicated Prince; or, The Adventures of Four Years; a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1690. acted at White-Hall, by several Persons of Quality. Abraham's Sacrifice, mentioned in former Catalogues, but I question whether it may be properly called a Play, Mr. Langbain, or myself, having never seen it. An Alarm for London; or, The Siege of Antwerp; with the Adventurous Acts, and Valiant Deeds of the Lame Soldier; a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1602. played by the Servants of the Right Honourable, the Lord Chamberlain. Plot from the Tragical History of the City of Antwerp, 4 to. Albion, an Interlude, mentioned in former Catalogues, but never met with by Mr. Langbain, or myself Albion's Triumph, a Masque, 4 to. 1631. personated at Court by the King, Queen, and the Lords, the Sunday after Twelfth-Night, 1631. Albumazer, a Comedy, 4 to. 1634. played at Cambridge before the King, by the Gentlemen of Trinity-college; afterwards revived at the King's House with a new Prologue writ by Mr. Dryden. Aminta, a Pastoral, 4 to. 1628. Translated from Tasso's Aminta, with Ariadne's Complaint, in Imitation of Anguilara. The Amorous Gallant; or, Love in Fashion; sometimes under the Title of The Amorous Orontus; a Comedy, 4 to. 1675. Translated from a French Play, writ by Th. Corneille, styled, L'Amour Alamode; the Plot from a Spanish Play writ by Ant. de Solis, named, El Amor all Vso. The Amorous Old Woman; or, 'Tis well if it take; a Comedy, 4 to. 1684. 'tis also printed with another Title, called, The Fond Lady. Andronicus, a Tragedy, Impiety's Long Success; or, Heaven's late Revenge. 8vo. 1661. This Play is not mentioned by Mr. Langbain, nor can I learn who is the Author thereof. Arden of Feversham, his true and lamentable Tragedy, who was barbarously Murdered by the means of his Wife, who being in Love with one Mosebie, hired two Ruffians, Black Will and Shakebag to kill him, 4 to. 1599 Plot from Goodwin, Hayward, Holinshed, Baker, and Beard's Theatre of God's judgements. The Arraignment of Paris, a Pastoral, supposed by Kirkman to be Mr. William Shakespear's. B THE Banished Duke; or, The Tragedy of Infortunatuo; 4 to. 1690. acted at the Theatre Royal. The Battle of Alcazar, Fought in Barbary, between Sebastian, King of Portugal; and Abdelmelech, King of Morocco; with the Death of Captain Stukely, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1594. acted by the Lord High Admiral's Servants. Plot from Heylin's Cosmography in the History of Spain; De rebus Lusitan. by Andr. Schottum, fol. and Fuller's Worthies. Band, Rufman, and Cuff; accounted an Interlude in former Catalogues, but neither Mr. Langbain nor myself, could ever procure the Sight of one. The Bastard, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1552. Plot and part of the Language is taken from The Loves of Schiarra and Florelia, in the English Lovers. See also The Unfortunate Spaniard. The Bloody Duke; or, The Adventures for a Crown, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1690. by the Author of The Abdicated Prince; acted at the Court of Alba Regalis, by several Persons of Quality. Bonduca, with an Entertainment of Music, Vocal and Instrumental, a Tragedy acted at the Theatre in Dorset-Garden, 1696. 4 to. and dedicated by Mr. Powel to the Right Honourable, the Lord jefferies. This Play on the Revival (for it is scarce to be said more) tho' the two Universities clubbed to the Alterations, did not succeed so well as it deserved, considering it almost all Fletcher's. Braggadocio; or, The Bawd turned Puritan, a Comedy, 4 to. 1690. by a Person of Quality. C CAEsar's Revenge, a Tragedy, of which I can give no Account. Charles the First, King of England, his Tragedy, 4 to. 1649. and dedicated to King Charles the Second, with a Copy of Verses in Praise of it. Plot from English Chronicles. The Combat of Caps, a Masque which is mentioned in divers Catalogues, but I could never see one. The Commmons Condition, a Comedy, of which I can give no Account. The Constant Nymph; or, The Rambling Shepherd, a Pastoral, 4 to. 1678. acted at the Duke's Theatre. The Cornish Comedy, a Comedy, 4 to. 1696. acted at the Theatre Royal in Dorset-Garden, by his Majesty's Servants, this Play was writ by a Cornish Attorney, as I am informed, who had better have kept to the other Offices of the Quill, so very different from those of Parnassus. 'Tis dedicated by Mr. Powel to Christopher Rich, Esq one of the Patentees of his Majesty's Theatre; and ushered in, like other Plays that miss of Success, with a Preface in its Vindication, let its Fate be never so just. The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth; or, The Restauration of the Protestant Religion, and the Downfall of the Pope, 4 to. 1680. being a most excellent Play, as it was acted both at Bartholomew and Southwark Fairs, with great Applause. This is only a Droll, but the Success the Current of the Times gave it, met with a Bookseller to make it pass the Press; but there is no great Poetry to be expected from it, or any Mastery of Design or Conduct; yet if the Readers have a mind to see a particular Account of the Transactions of that glorious Queen, I would advice them, besides our Chronicles of Stow, Speed, Baker, etc. to read the great Cambden's Elizabeth, and Dr. Burnet's History of the Reformation. The Costly Whore, a comical History, 4 to. 1633. acted by the Company of Revels. The Contention between York and Lancaster, two Parts, with the Death of the good Duke Humphrey, and the Banishment and Death of the Duke of 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, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1600. This Play differs very little from the second Part of Shakespear's Henry the Sixth, fol. The Counterfeits, a Comedy, 4 to. 1679. acted at the Duke's Theatre. Plot from a translated Spanish Novel, called, The Trapanner Trepanned, 8vo. 1655. Some account this Play to be john Leanard's, a great Plagiary. The Counterfeit Bridegroom; or, The Defeated Widow; a Comedy, 4 to. 1677. acted at his Royal Highness the Duke's Theatre. 'Tis only an old Play of Middleton's, called, No Wit like a Woman's, 8vo. Cromwell's Conspiracy, a Tragicomedy. This I never saw. Cruel Debtor, a Play only named by Mr. Kirkman, but I never saw ●ny such. Cupid's Whirligig, a Comedy, 4 to. 1616. several times acted by ●he Children of his Majesty's Revels, and dedicated by the Publisher, to Mr. Rob. Hayman. Plot, Boccace's Novels, fol. Cyrus, King of Persia; a Tragedy. D DAmon and Pythias, a History. Darius, (styled) a pretty new Interlude, both pithy and Pleasant, of the Story of King Darius, being taken out of the third and fourth Chapter of Esdras. Lond. 1565. 4 to. This is a good old Play, and the Author has so contrived it, that Six Persons may ●asily act it. The Title Page refers the Reader to the Place where (if his Curiosity requires it) he may read the Story. The Debauchee; or, The Credulous Cuckold; a Comedy, 4 to. 1677. acted at his Highness the Duke of York's Theatre. 'Tis a Play of Broome's revived, called, A Mad Couple well matched. The Destruction of jerusalem. Dick Scorner, mentioned to be a Play in Mr. Kirkman's Catalogue. The Divine Masque, 4 to. dedicated to General Monk, by one Anthony Sadler. E EDward the Third, his Reign, a History, 4 to. 1599 sundry times played about the City of London. Plot from our old English Chronicles. Edward the Third, with the Fall of Mortimer, Earl of March, a History, 4 to. 1690. acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Henry, Lord Viscount Sidney. Plot from the English Chronicles, vide Walsingham, du Chesne, Grafton, Stow, Speed, M. Westminster, Fabian, Fro●ssart, Pol. Virgil, Holinshed, etc. as also AEschasius Major, and a Novel translated from the French, styled, The Countess of Salisbury, 8vo. Elvira, or, The Worst not always True; a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1667. This is by some ascribed to the Lord Digby. The Empress of Morocco, a Farce, 4 to. 1674. acted by his Majesty's Servants. Said to be writ by Tho. Duffet. English Men for Money; or, A Woman will have her Will; a very pleasant Comedy, 4 to. 1656. often acted with great Applause. The English Princes; or, The Death of Richard the Third; a Tragedy, 4 to. 1673. This Play is ascribed to john Carel, and writ in Heroic Verse. Plot from Holinshed, Speed, Baker, Stow, Fabian, Grafton, Pol. Virgil, etc. Enough's as good as a Feast, a Comedy. Every Woman in her Humour, a Comedy, 4 to. 1609. F THE Factious Citizen; or, The Melancholy Visioner; a Comedy, 4 to. 1685. acted at the Duke's Theatre. The Faithful Shepherd, a Pastoral, 4 to. Plot from Guarini's Ill Pastor Fido. Fair Em, the Miller's Daughter of Manchester; with the Love of William the Conqueror, a pleasant Comedy, 4 to. 1631. often acted in the City of London, by the Servants of the Right Honourable, the Lord Strange. The Fairy Queen, an Opera, 4 to. 1692. represented at the Queen's Theatre, by their Majesty's Servants. There's a Preface prefixed to it, in Defence of Operas, etc. 'Tis wholly borrowed from the Midsummer-Night's Dream, of Shakespeare, tho' there is no such Acknowledgement by this Author. The Fair Maid of Bristol, a Comedy, 4 to. 1605. played before the King and Queen at Hampton Court. The False Favourite Disgraced, and the Reward of Loyalty; a Tragicomedy, 8vo. 1657. This Play is ascribed to George Gerbier D'Ouvilly, but never acted. The Fatal jealousy, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1673. acted at the Duke's Theatre, and ascribed by some to Mr. Pane. Plot from johannes Gigas' postils; see also Theatre of God's judgements, part 2. p. 55. Unfortunate Lovers, Nou. 1. The Feigned ginger, a Comedy, 4 to. 1668. translated from the French of Monsieur Corneille, junior. Plot from Calderon's El Astrologo fingido. Fidele and Fortunatus, in former Catalogues has been ascribed to one Barker. Flora's Vagaries, a Comedy, 4 to. 1670. acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants; ascribed to Mr. Rhodes. Plot is founded on Boccace's Third Day, Nou. 3. The Folly of Priestcraft, a Comedy, 4 to. 1690. The Fond Lady, a Comedy, 4 to. The same with The Amorous Old Woman, only different Titles. freewill, a Tragedy, translated from the Italian, by H. C. supposed to be Henry Cheek. Fulgius and Lucrelle, I can say nothing of this Play, having never seen it. G THE Gentile Craft, see Shoemaker's Holiday, which is the same Play. The Ghost; or, The Woman wears the Breeches, a Comedy, writ in the Year, 1640. and printed 4 to. 1650. H THE Hector; or, The False Challenge; a Comedy, 4 to. 1656. Henry the Fifth, with the Battle of Agincourt; a History, 4 to. 1617. acted by the King's Majesty's Servants. Plot from the English Chronicles, viz. Stow, Speed, Baker, etc. Histriomastrix; or, The Player whipped, a Comedy, 4 to. 1610. This Play was writ in the time of Queen Elizabeth. Hoffman his Tragedy; or, A Revenge for a Father; acted with great Applause, at the Phoenix in Drury-Lane, dedicated by Hugh Perry, to his Honoured Friend Mr. Richard Kilvert. How to choose a good Wife from a Bad one, a pleasant conceited Comedy, 4 to. 1634. several times acted by the servants of the Earl of Worcester. The Foundation of this Play is taken from a Novel in Cynthio Giraldi, Dec. 3. Nou. 5. the Story of Anselmes saving of young Arthur's Wife, is related in several Novels; vide the Ninth Novel of The Pleasant Companion (printed in 8 vo. London, 1684.) styled, Love in the Grave. I IAck Drum's Entertainment; or, The Comedy of Pasquil and Catherine, 4 to. 1616. several times acted by the Children of Pauls● Mammon's poisoning of Catherine●s Face, resembles the Usage of Demagoras to Parthenia, in Argulus and Parthenia. jack juggler, a Comedy, according to old Catalogues, but I could never procure one. jack Straw's Life and Death, a notorious Rebel in England, who was killed in Smithfield by the Lord Mayor of London, 4 to. 159●. This Play is divided into but Four Acts. Plot in the English Chronicles, viz. Baker, Speed, Stow, etc. in the Reign of King Richard the Second. jacob and Esau, an Interlude, this Play, as it is easy to be perceived, is founded on Scripture. See Genesis, Chap. 25, 26, etc. See also josephus, Lib. 1. Tornelli annal, etc. james the Fourth, a History. The Play is founded on the King of Scotland of that Name. jeronymo, the First Part, with the Wars of Portugal; or, The Spanish Tragedy, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1605. containing the Life and Death of john Andraea. jeronymo is mad again; or, The Spanish Tragedy; a Tragedy, containing the lamentable End of D. Horatio and Bellimperin, with the pitiful Death of jeronymo, 4 to. 1623. There are some Authors that have quoted several Lines out of this Play, viz. Ben. johnson in Every Man in his Humour, Shirley in his Bird in a Cage, etc. Impatient Poverty, styled a Comedy by some Catalogues. The Imperial Tragedy; fol. 1669. acted at the Nursery in Barbican, Plot from Marcellinus and Cassiodorus, in their Chronicles about Zenon; see also, Baronius, Godeau, Zonarus, etc. 'tis by some ascribed to Sir William Killigrew, and translated from the Latin. The Interlude of Youth, a serious, old, instructive Piece, written in Verse in 4 to. john the Evangelist, The Title page of this also shows the Subject Divine. The jovial Crew; or, The Devil turned Ranter; an Interlude, 4 to. 1651. This is a Character of The Roaring Ranters of those Times represented in a Comedy. K KIng Edgar and Alfreda, a History, 4 to. Plot from English Chronicles. The King and Queen's Entertainment at Richmond, after their leaving Oxford, in a Masque, presented by the most Illustrious Prince Charles, September 12. 1636. and dedicated to her Majesty, the Queen of Great Britain, by a Copy of Verses. A Knack how to know an Honest Man, a Comedy, 4 to. 1596. 'Tis entitled a pleasant conceited Comedy, as it has been sundry times played about the City of London. A Knack how to know a Knave, a very pleasant and merry Comedy, 4 to. 1594. several times acted by Edw. Allen, with Kemp's applauded Merriments of the Men of Gotham, in receiving the King into Gotham. Plot from the Story of King Edgar, Ethenwald and Alfreda; see also Walsingham, Grafton, Malmesbury, Stow, etc. The Knave in Grain new vampt, a Comedy, 4 to. 1640. acted at the Fortune with very great Applause. Knavery in all Trades; or, The Coffeehouse; a Comedy, 4 to. 1664. acted in the Christmas Holy-days, by several Apprentices with great Applause. The Knight of the Golden Shield. See Sir Clyomon. L THE Lady Alimony; or, The Alimony-Lady; an excellent pleasant Comedy, 4 to. 1659. duly authorised, daily acted, and frequently followed. The Late Revolution; or, The Happy Change; a Tragicomedy, acted throughout the English Dominions, in the Year 1688. written by a Person of Quality, and printed in 4 to. 1690. the Epistle Dedicatory is to all true English Men, etc. This Play or Story is what the Title Bears, viz. The Transactions of the Late King's leaving the Nation. The Laws of Nature, a Comedy, by former Catalogues; but I question whether any such. The Levellers Leveled; or, The Independents Conspiracy to root ou● Monarchy; an Interlude written by Mercurius Pragmaticus, 4 to. 1647. This is dedicated to the late King Charles the Second. Liberality and Prodigality, a Comedy. Lingua; or, The Combat of though. Tongue and the five Senses for Superiority; a pleasant Comedy, 4 to. Mr. Winstanly says, that Oliver Cromwell, the late Usurper, acted the part of Lactus, in Cambridge, which first inspired him with Ambition. London Chanticlers, a witty Comedy, full of various and delightful Mirth, often acted with great Applause, and printed 4 to. 1659. Look about you, a pleasant Comedy, 4 to. 1600. played by the Servants of the Right Honourable, Lord High Admiral. For the Historical Part, see the English Chronicles; viz. Baker, Speed, Pol. Virgil, Daniel, etc. in the Reign of King Henry the Second. The Lost Lady, a Tragicomedy, fol. Love A-la-mode, a Comedy, 4 to. 1663. acted at Middlesex House, with great Applause. This Play is justified by the Author, who, if we believe the Title Page, is a Person of Honour. Love's Loadstone, a Comedy, 4 to. of which I refer you to the Letter P. where you may find some Account of it under the Title of Pathomachia; or, The Battle of Affections; which is the same Play, 1630. Luminalia; or, The Festival of Light; a Masque, 4 to. 1637. this was personated (the same Year) on Shrove-Tuesday-Night, by the Queen's Majesty and her Ladies. Mr. Inigo jones assisted in it. M MAnhood and Wisdom, a Play mentioned in other Catalogues. Marcus Tullius Cicero, that famous Orator, his Tragedy, 4 to. 1651. writ in Imitation of Catiline's Conspiracy, by johnson. Plot Plutarch in vita Ciceronis, Appian, Dion, Lambin, etc. Marriage of Wit and Science, an Interlude. Master Turbulent; or, The Melancholicks; a Comedy, 4 to. 1682. as it was acted at the Duke's Theatre. Masque of Flowers, 4 to. 1614 presented at the Banqueting-house at White-Hall, by the Gentlemen of Grays-Inn, on Twelfth-Night, 1631. It is dedicated to Sir Francis Bacon, than Attorney General. Massianello, his Tragedy; or, The Rebellion of Naples; 8vo. 1631. This is dedicated to john Caesar, of Hyde-Hall, in the County of Hertford, Esq Plot from Giraffi's History of Naples, Englished by james Howel. Mercurius Britanicus; or, The English Intelligencer; a Tragicomedy, 4 to. This Play reflects much upon the judges, Cook, Hutton, and other Persons concerned in the Business of Ship-Money. It has but four Acts. The Merry Devil of Edmonton, a Comedy, 4 to. 1655. Plot, Fuller's Church Hist. p. 186. The Morning Ramble; or, The Town-Humours; a Comedy, 4 to. 1673. acted at the Duke's Theatre. This Play some think to be written by one Mr. Pane. Mucedorus, the King's Son of Valencia; and Amadon, the King's Daughter of Arragon; with the Merry Conceits of Mouse; a Comedy, 4 to. 1668. acted at the Globe, and afterwards before the King at White-Hall. Supposed to be writ by Shakespeare, and printed formerly. The Muse of New-market, containing three Drolls; viz. The Merry Milk Maids of Islington; or, The Rambling Gallants defeated: Love lost in the Dark; or, The Drunken Couple: The Politic Whore; or, The Conceited Cuckold. 4 t.. 1681. acted (as the Title says) at New-market. All three Drolls stolen from other Plays. The Mistaken Beauty, or, The Liar; a Comedy, 4 to. 1685. acted by their Majesty's Servants, at the Theatre Royal. Translated from Corneille's Le Menteur. N NEglected Virtue; or, The Unhappy Conqueror; a Play acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants, 1696. 4 to. and dedicated by Mr. Horden the Player, to the Honourable, Sir john Smith, Baronet, etc. in which he lets his Patron know its ill Success, and that it's none of his own, and in that he's much in the Right, for all the Comical Part is taken out of Fletcher. Nero's Tragedy, 4 to. writ many Years since; another bearing the like Title, was writ and published by Mr. Lee. Plot or Hist. from Suetonius in vita Neronis, Aurelius Victor, Sulpitius Severus, and Tacitus Annal. A New Custom, an Interlude, 4 to. 1573. It contains but three Acts, and may be acted by four Persons. This being writ in Queen Elizabeth's Time, was purposely to vindicate the Reformation. New-market-Fair, the First Part, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. New-market-Fair; or, Mistress Parliament's New Fegaries; the Second Part, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1649. and the Title tells you, writ by the Man in the Moon, and printed at You may go look. The Intent of these Two Plays are to expose the Rebels against King Charles the First. The Nice Wanton, a Comedy. No Body, and Some Body; with the true Chronicle History of Elydure, who was fortunately three times Crowned King of England, 4 to. acted by the Queen's Majesty's Servants. It is not divided into Acts. For the true Story consult our English Chronicles. O AN Old Wives Tale. Orlando Furioso, One of the Twelve Peers of Fr●nce; a Hist. 4 to. 1594. acted before the Queen's Majesty. It is not divided into Acts: Translated by Sir john Harrington from Ariosto's Poem so called. P PAstor Fido; or, The Faithful Shepherd; a Pastoral, 4 to. 1602. written in Italian by Guarini, and afterwards translated into English by this Author, who conceals his Name; but (if we believe the Bookseller who printed it after his Decease, was a Relation to Sir Edward Dimock, than Queen Elizabeth's Champion. Sir Richard Fanshaw and Mr. Settle have both put their Pens to the same Subject. Pathomachia; or, The Battle of Affections, Shadowed by a Feigned Siege of the City Pathopolis; a Comedy, 4 to. 1630. published by one Constable, and dedicated to the Lord Hunsdon: But is the same Play as Love's Loadstone, only different in Title. Patient Griselda, a Comedy. Plot from Boccace's Novels, Day 10. Nou. 10 fol. Pausanias, the Betrayer of his Country, a Tragedy, acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants; written by a Person of Quality, 1696. 4 to. and dedicated to Anthony Henly, of the Grange in Hampshire, Esq by Mr. Southern; the Epilogue being writ by Mr. Henly, and the Prologue by an unknown Hand. Mr. Southern informs us in the Epistle, that it was put into his Hands by a Person of Quality; and that the Play is built on the Model of the Ancients, and according to the Reformation of the French Stage; and I am of Opinion that there is something of the Manly Force of the Ancients in it: tho' the perverted judgements of the Town could not relish it. The Story you will find in his Life in Plutarch. The Pedlar's Prophecy, a Comedy. Philotus, a Comedy, 4 to. printed in Scotland, 1612. This Play shows the Mischiefs ofttimes happening by Old Age Marrying with Youth. Piso's Conspiracy, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1676. acted at the Duke's Theatre. This is no more than the Tragedy of Nero, with a Title changed, and if you compare them, will find no Difference throughout. The Presbyterian Lash; or, Noctroff's Maid Whipped; a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1661. and, says the Title Page, acted in the Great Room at the Pye-Tavern at Algate, by Noctroff the Priest, and several of his Parishioners at the eating of a Chine of Beef. The Promises of God manifested, this has been in former Catalogues as a Dramatic Piece, but whether it be so I much question. Promus and Cassandra, in Two Parts. Q THE Queen; or, The Excellency of her Sex; a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1653. published by Alexander Gough, being given him by a Person of Honour; dedicated to the Lady Catharine Mohun. Plot, part of it from Bandello's Novels, and part from Histoires Tragicques par de Bellesorest, 8vo. R THE Rampant Alderman; or, News from the Exchange; a Farce, 4 to. 1685. This is taken out of several other Plays, as Fine Companion, etc. The Rape; or, The Innocent Impostors, a Tragedy, acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants, 1692. 4 to. and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Charles, Earl of Dorset and Middlesex, etc. This Play was writ by a Divine, tho' introduced by our late Laureate, Mr. Shadwel. It met with no great Success, tho● it is not the worst of our English Tragedies. The Reformation, a Comedy, 4 to. 1673. acted at the Duke's Theatre. This Play is accounted to be written by Mr. Arrowsmith. The Rehearsal, a Comedy, 4 to. 1683. This being an excellent Farce, and ascribed to the late Duke of Buckingham, as Author, has boar several Impressions, and is frequently acted of late Days. This Play lashes the ridiculous Model of our modern Tragedies. The Religious Rebel, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1671. The Return from Parnassus; or, The Scourge of Simony, a Comedy, 4 to. 1606. It was acted by the Students of St. John's College in Cambridge. This Play censures the Poets, and is the Original Dr. Wild's Play, called, The Benefice. The Revenge; or, A Match in Newgate; a Comedy, 4 to. 1680. acted at the Duke's Theatre. This is only a Play of Marston's, called, The Dutch Courtesan, revived and ascribed to Mistress Behn. The Rivals, a Tragicomedy, in 4 to. printed 1668. Robin Conscience. This has been styled a Play, but is rather an old Dialougue, entitled, Robin Conscience against his Father Covetous, his Mother Newguise, and his Sister Proud Beauty. Robin Hood's Pastoral May Games. Robin Hood and his Crew of Soldiers. Romulus and Hersilia; or, The Sabine War; a Tragedy, 4 to. 1683. Plot from Livii Hist. lib. 1. Ovidii Metamorph. lib. 14, etc. The Royal Cuckold; or, Great Bastard; giving an Account of the Birth and Pedigree, of Lewis le Grand, the First French King of that Name and Race, a Tragicomedy, as it is acted by his Imperial Majesty's Servants, at the Amphitheatre in Vienna; translated out of the Germane Language, by Paul Veegerius, 1695. 4 to. and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Edward Russel, Lord High Admiral of England, etc. This Play was never acted, and is taken from a little Book in 8vo. called, The Secret History of Lewis the Fourteenth. The Royal Masque at Hampton-Court, 4 to. 1604. presented january the 8th, that Year; personated by the Queen's most excellent Majesty, and the Ladies of Honour attending. The Royal Voyage; or, The Irish Expedition; a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1690. You may easily conjecture what the Subject of this Play is, by its Title and Date. S SAlmacida Spolia, a Masque, 4 to. 1639. This was presented by the King and Queen's Majesties, on the 21th of january the same Year at White-Hall. The Scenes, Machine's and Ornaments are the Invention of Mr. Inigo jones, Surveyor General of his Majesty's Works. What was sung or spoken, was writ by Sir William Davenant; and the Music was composed by her Majesty's Master of Music, Mr. Lewis Richards. The Scottish Politic Presbyter Slain by an English Independent; or, The Independents Victory over the Presbyterian Party, etc. a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1647. This is a Play of the same Class with the ●ormer, and of most others that are writ by Anonimous Authors, ●or the particular Gust of the Times they are printed in. The Year of its being printed, the Title of it shows; where the Reader may find more of the Grounds of it, viz. in the Accounts of the Transactions of those Times. She Ventures, and He wins, a Comedy, acted at the New Theatre in Little-Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants, written by a young Lady, 1696. 4 to. The Plot is taken from a very pleasant witty Novel of Mr. Alexander Oldis, called, The Fair Extravagant; or, The Humorous Bride. Sicelides, a Piscatory Drama, or a Pastoral, 4 to. 1631. acted at King's-Colledge, Cambridge. For the Plot consult Ovid Metamorph. lib. 4, & 13. also Orlando Furioso. Shoemaker's Holiday; or, The Gentle Craft; with the Humorous Life of Simon Eyre, Shoemaker and Lord Mayor of London, a Comedy, 4 to. 1657. acted before the Queen's most excellent Majesty, by the Right Honourable the Lord High Admiral's Servants. The Story from the old Book, called, The Gentle Craft, 4 to. The Siege of Constantinople, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1675. acted at the Duke's Theatre. Plot from Heylin's Cosmography, Book 2. in the Description of Greece, Paulus jovius, Knolles Hist. and Constantinopolis a Mabammada 2 da. expugnata, fol. The Siege and Surrender of Mons, a Tragicomedy, exposing the Villainy of the Priests, and the Intrigues of the French, 1681. 4 to. This was never acted, and is built on the public News, and private Reports of that Siege. Sir Clyomon, Knight of the Golden-Shield, Son to the King of Denmark; and Clamydes, the White Knight, Son to the King of Suavia, (both Valiant Knights) their History, 4 to. 1599 Sir Giles Goose-Cap, Knight; a Comedy, 4 to. 1636. acted at the private House in Salisbury-Court, with great Applause. This was published by one Perry, and dedicated to Richard Young, Esq Sir Solomon; or, The Cautious Coxcomb; a Comedy, 4 to. 1671. acted at his Royal Highness, the Duke of York's Theatre. This is mostly a Translation from Moliere's L'Ecole des Femmes, and most agree done by Mr. Carel. This Play, tho' met with some Enemies, yet found Success in the Action; and afterwards the Author printed a justification of it. Soliman and Perseda, their Tragedy; wherein is laid open Love's Constancy, Fortune's Inconstancy, and Death's Triumphs; 4 to. 1599 This old Play, with the before-going long Title, is not divided into Acts. The Sophister, a Comedy, 4 to. 1638. This Play, tho' printed, was not, I believe, ever acted. The Spanish Bawd; or, Calisto and Melibea, represented in Celestina, a Tragicomedy, fol. 1631. The Play is very long, and was originally writ in Spanish, and done into English by Don Diego Puedeser, a Spaniard; who also translated another Book into English, called, Exemplary Novels, fol. There are Twenty Four Acts in The Spanish Bawds. Sport upon Sport; Drolls, 8vo. This is a Collection of Drolls taken from Plays, by Kirkman, and printed 1673. The Stepmother, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1664. acted at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-inn-fields, by his Highness, the Duke of York's Servants. The Strange Discovery, a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1640. Plot and Language from Heliodorus' Aethhiopic Hist. 8vo. Book 10. Susanna's Tears. The Subject's joy; or, The King's Restauration, cheerfully made known in a sacred Masque, etc. 4 to. 1660. dedicated to the Lord General Monk. This Masque has been omitted by Mr. Langbain. Swetnam, the Woman-Hater, arraigned by Women, a Comedy, 4 to. 1620. acted at the Red-Bull, by the Queen's Servants. Plot from an old Spanish Book, called, Historia de Aurelia, Isabel Hija del Rey de Escotia, etc. 12 more. and from an English Pamphlet, entitled, The Arraignment of Lewd, Idle, Froward, and Inconstant Woman. T TEmpe Restored a Masque, 4 to. 1631. This was presented on Shrove-Tuesday, at White-Hall, to his Majesty, by the Queen and fourteen Ladies of Honour. The Descriptions, etc. of the Scenes were invented by Mr. Inigo jones. Thersytes, an Interlude. Tiberius (Claudius Nero) his Tragical Life and Death, a Tragedy, 4 to. 16. Plot from Suetonius, Dion, Tacitus, etc. Timoleon; or, The Revolution; a Tragicomedy, London, printed 1697. 4 to. and dedicated to his Friend, I F. The Comical part is a very good and useful satire on the Mercenary Temper of many Courtiers of preferring Money to Merit. The Story of Timoleon, is in his Life in Plutarch, and Cornelius Nepos, etc. Tom Essence; or, The Modish Wife; a Comedy, 4 to. 1677. This Play succeeded well, and is said to be writ by one Mr. Rawlins; Part from Molliere's Le Cocu Imaginary, and part from Corneilles D. Caesar D' Avalos. Tom Tyler and his Wife, an Interlude, 4 to. printed first many Years ago, in an old English Black Letter, and in a sort of Burlesque Verse. The Drift of the whole Play is to represent and humble a Shrew. If it be compared with Monsieur Poison's Le Sot Venge, a near resemblance will appear. A Traitor to Himself; or, Man's Heart his greatest Enemy; a moral Interlude, in Heroic Verse, 4 to. 1678. This was acted by the Boys of a Public School at a Breaking up, and published that it may be useful on the like occasion. In it are no women's Parts. Plautus' his Captives is writ like it. The True Trojans; or, Fuimus Troes; being a Story of the Britain's Valour at the Romans first Invasion; a History, 4 to. 1633. This Play was publicly presented by the Gentlemen Students of Magdalen-College, in Oxon. Plot from Liv. Lib. 5. Caesar Comment. Lib. 4, and 5. Galfridus ap. Arthur Monumetensis. De Gestis Regum Britanniae, Lib. 4. A Trial of Chivalry, 4 to. Wanting the Title Page, I'm ignorant of the Date and Place of its acting. Trial of Treasure. The Triumphs of Virtue, a Tragicomedy, acted at the Theatre Royal, 1697. by his Majesty's Servants. Thou this Play succeeded not, it seems, among a great many Faults of Language, not to want some Merit; and had the Style and Language been as good as the Design, it could not have failed of Applause. The Beginning seems to be borrowed from Fletcher's Wit without Money; and great part of the Character of Antonio (if I'm not mistaken) is copied from thence. Tunbridge-Wells; or, A Day's Courtship, a Comedy, 4 to. 1678. acted at the Duke's Theatre. This is thought to be writ by Mr. Rawlins, tho' the Title says, by a Person of Quality. This does not equal Epsom-Wells. Tyrannical Government. V THE Unfortunate Usurper, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1663. dedicated to Mr. Edward Vmferville. The same Story of Andronicus Commenus, is writ by one Wilson, beforementioned; which Play I take to excel this, but in this, Act 5. Scene 3. we have a Parallel between those Times, and our late Civil Wars. The Ungrateful Favourite, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1664. writ by a Person of Honour; but I do not find it was ever acted. See Guicciardine Pontanus, and other Writers on the Affairs of Naples. W● A Warning for Fair Women, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1599 The Title tells you it contains the most Tragical and Lamentable Murder of Mr. George Sanders, of London, Merchant, near Shooters-Hill. The Weakest goes to the Wall; a Comedy, 4 to. 1618. acted by the Right Honourable, the Earl of Oxon, Lord Great Chamberlain of England's Servants. Wealth and Health. Wily Beguiled, a pleasant Comedy, 4 to. The Chief Actors in the Comedy are a Poor Scholar, a Rich Fool, and a Knave at a Shift. Wine, Beer, Ale and Tobacco, contending for Superiority; inserted in former Catalogues as an Interlude, but is no other than a Dialogue, 4 to. 1658. Win her and Take her; or, Old Fools will be Meddling; a Comedy, 4 to. 1691. acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants; and is dedicated to the Right Honourable, Peregrine, Earl of Danby, Viscount Latimer, etc. by Mr. Vnderhill. The Wit of a Woman, a pleasant merry Comedy, 4 to. 1604. The Wits led by the Nose; or, A Poet's Revenge; a Tragicomedy, 4 to. 1678. acted at the Theatre Royal, great part of it is taken from Chamberlain's Love's Victory. Woman turned Bully, a Comedy, 4 to. 1675. acted at the Duke's Theatre. This Play met not with that Success as was expected. A Woman will have her William. See English Men for Money. THE APPENDIX. GREAT Part of these Sheets having been printed a good while, has occasioned a Necessity of this Supplement to complete the Design of the Book, in giving the Reader an Account of all the Plays that have been hitherto printed; some whereof were accidentally omitted in their proper Places. KNOWN AUTHORS. Thomas Dilke. THIS Author has lately published another Comedy, called, The Pretenders; or, The Town Unmasked, a Comedy, acted at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants; and dedicated to Thomas Barnadiston, of Ketton, in Suffolk, Esq I have little to say to this Play, for 'tis not fair to attack a Man that's down, tho' I do not think (considering what Plays have pleased) that this aught to have met with so severe a Fate. Vainthroat seems a Copy of Medley, and Scandal; Sir Bellamour, a faint Shadow of the Plain Dealer, or at least of Blunt in The Committee; Captain Bounceby we have had in various Plays, as The Squire of Alsatia, Old Bachelor, Epsom Wells, etc. Since the Miscarriage of this Play, the Author died. Thomas D'Vrfey. THis Author has lately published another Play, called, The Campaigners; or, The Pleasant Adventures at Brussels; with a Familiar Preface upon a late Reformer of the Stage; ending a Satirical Fable of the Dog and the Ottor, 1698. 4 to. 'Tis dedicated to the Right Honourable, Thomas, Lord Wharton, etc. The Intrigue and Discovery betwixt Madam La Marquis, and the Colonel is borrowed from a Novel or Memoir, called, Female Falsehood. Charles Gildon. THis Author, being known too late to be brought in the Order of the Alphabet, I have placed him here in the Appendix, with an Account of those two Plays he has already Published, and are owned by him, tho' his Name, without his Consent, was omitted in the Impressions of the Plays. He is, as I'm informed, a Gentleman born at Gillingham, near S●aftsbury, in the County of Dorset. His Parents and Family were all of the Romish Persuasion, and in the time of the Civil War, doubly incurred the Penalties of the Prevailing Side; both as engaged in the Royal Party, and as Recusants in Religion; for which, after the Plunderings of the War, his Grandfather paid two thirds of his Estate, all the Time of that Government. His Father was of the Honourable Society of Grays-Inn, and tho' a great Zealot for the Faith he was born in, he could not convey that Zeal to his Son, our Author, whom he dying, left but Nine Years of Age, having sold the best part of the Estate that our Author was born to, before he died. Gillingham, the Place of his Nativity, gave our Author the first Rudiments of Learning, under a very Honest and Learned Master, one Mr. Young. Thence his Relations sent him to the English College of Secular Priests at Doway ● in Hainault, with a design of making him a Priest, if his Inclination could away with that Function; which was supposed the best Support of a Gentleman whose Fortunes and Religion could promise him no greater Advantage. But after Five Years Study there, he found his Inclinations point him another way; and at the Age of about Nineteen he returns for England; and as soon as One and Twenty, put it into his Power of enjoying those Pleasures that Age generally pursues, he came to London, where having spent the Remainder of his Paternal Estate, betwixt Two or Three and Twenty he married, and most of the Reign of King james, he spent in reading the Controversies of that Time; being dissatisfied with several of the Tenants of the Church of Rome, that he had imbibed with his Mother's Milk, as they say. In him there was an Example how difficult a thing it is, to overcome the Prejudice of Education; for I am assured that it cost him above Seven Years Study and Contest, before he could entirely shake off all those Opinions● that h●d grown up with him from a Child; tho' he could not answer to himself the Conviction of his Reason in the Points of Religion, yet he did what is said of Medea, by Ovid: Video meliora probque Delesiosa sequor— I have heard him say, that the first Book that gave him the greatest Conviction was, the Discourse of the late pious and ingenious Dr. Tillotson, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, against Transubstantiation, lent him by a Lawyer, that at the same time cheated him of about Four Hundred Pounds, tho' he made way for that Peace of Mind that this Book first opened the Door to. If I should do with our Author, what some other Writers of Lives have done, I might here tell you of his Inclinations to Poetry from his Childhood, and talk of his Performances; but he being my Friend, I shall forbear all things that may argue me guilty of Partiality; and shall only say, as he tells us in a Letter of his Essays, that Necessity was the first Motive of his venturing to be an Author. His first attempt in the Dramatic way, was not till he was was past Thirty Two Years of Age; and then in about a Month's time, he gave us a Tragedy, called, The Roman Bride's Revenge; but of that in its Order: for we must first speak of a Play of the late famous Mrs. Behn's, which he introduced by the Importunity of a Friend of hers and his, on the Stage: It was called, The Younger Brother; or, the Amorous jilt; out of the Respect to her Memory, and a Deference, which was too nice, to her judgement, he durst not make any Alterations in it, but what were absolutely necessary, and those only in the first and second Act, which reflected on the Whigs; when if he had altered the jejune Style of the three last Acts, betwixt Prince Frederick and Mirtilla, which was too heavy, in all Probability it would have been more to the Advantage of his Purse. But now I shall proceed to his own Plays, which are two in Number; the first in our Alphabetical Order, is, Phaeton; or, The Fatal Divorce; a Tragedy, acted at the Theatre Royal, written in Imitation of the Ancients, etc. 1698. 4 to● and dedicated to the Right Honourable, Charles Montague, Esq etc. the most Noble and Generous Patron of the Muses that our Nation has Produced. Thou it was a very bold Undertaking of a Young Author, to attempt to bring so very different a way of Writing on so corrupt a Stage as ours; yet the Success justified his Opinion, that the Irregular, Profane, and Obscene Plays took only because our Audience saw no other, through the Poet's Fault. The Plot, and a great many of the Beauties of the Play, the Author fairly owns that he has taken from the Medea of Euripides; and in his Preface you may find his Reasons for altering the Names and Characters from what they were in the Original that he has here copied. The Roman Bride's Revenge, a Tragedy, acted at the Theatre Royal, 1697. 4 to. dedicated by the Bookseller to William Gregory, Esq This Play was our Author's first; and as it was writ in a Month, so it had the Fate of those untimely Births, as hasty a Death. Thou notwithstanding the Faults of this Play, which must be confessed numerous enough, there is so much Merit in the First, and part of the Second Act, and the Beauty of the Catastrophe, that if the Voice of the Town had not been influenced by the Ill Representation, it must have met with a lesle rigorous Censure. But the Author's Faults lie generally in the Style, and the Incidents of the Third and Fourth Acts. The Style is too near an Imitation of Mr. Lees (the worst Qualification of that Poet, who had Beauties enough to make amends for it) I mean in many Places, for in others 'tis Just enough. The Incidents were too numerous, and not so distinct as to be well discerned by the Audience, especially in the Fourth Act. Thou ay think there is no Incident in this Play so unnatural, as some of our celebrated Plays are esteemed for; and then the Confusion of the Action contributed to the making them seem lesle prepared. The Plot I take to be of the Author's own Invention, allowing for a Hint taken from Camma of Galata, which is thus far improved, that the Husband here is alive after the Wife has drank the Poison, which heightens the Distress of the Chief Characters. But the Moral is one of the most noble of any of our Modern Plays, it being to give us an Example in the Punishment of Martian, that no Consideration in the World, aught to make us delay the Service of our Country. Peter Motteux. SInce the Printing of the foregoing Sheets, this Author has published another Play, called, Beauty in Distress, a Tragedy, as it is acted at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants, 4 to. 1698. dedicated to Henry Heveningham, Esq I cannot perceive that the Author has stole any part of his Design, nor am apt to believe he has, since he has generally been very free in owning to whom he has owed any Part of what he has published. There are a great many very fine Lines in this Play, yet Comedy seems much more the Bent of our Author's Genius than Tragedy; tho' it must be confessed, that in the Multiplicity of his Incidents he has followed only the Example of our native Poets, which may well excuse him. Before this Play we have a Discourse of the Lawfulness and unlawfulness of Plays; lately written (as the Title says) in French, by the Learned Father Caffara, Divinity Professor at Paris. Sent in a Letter to the Author, by a Divine of the Church of England. Europe's Revels for the Peace, and his Majesty's happy Return, a Musical Interlude, 4 to. 1697. performed at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants, at the King's Return after the Conclusion of the Peace; with a Panegyrical Poem, spoken there, on the same Occasion. The Music set by Mr. Eccles. Dedicated to Sir Theodore janssen. Marry, Countess of Pembroke. THis Lady (accidentally omitted by the Printer) was that Sister to Sir Philip Sidney, to whom he dedicates his famed Arcadia, she was the only Woman, almost, that had the Generosity to be a true Patroness to Poetry; for such she was to Mr. Samuel Daniel, who had been her Tutor, we have had many Pretenders to the Muses of that Sex, but I do not remember that I have read of any one, that having Power, did ever exert it in the Encouragement and Patronage of any particular Poet, or Poetry in general. 'Tis true indeed, the Catalogue of Men that have done it, is far from being numerous, tho' this may be said of them, which cannot of our little Politicians, That they have been the greatest Men of their Age, and perhaps of any Age. She published one Play, which Mr. Langbain could never procure a Sight of; it is entitled. Antonius, or, The Tragedy of Anthony; 8vo. 1695. This is a Translation out of French; tho' it was very well for a Lady of those times, but in nothing so desirable, as Mr. Langbain seems to make it, only because the Work of a Person of Quality; for he has always a furious Tender for Quality. William Philips, Esq A Gentleman, as we find by the Epistle Dedicatory, that had his Education in Ireland; he has given us a Play, called, The Revengeful Queen, a Tragedy, as it was acted at the Theatre Royal, by his Majesty's Servants, 1698. The Story, he tells you, is taken from the fourth or fifth Page of Machiavel's History of Florence; and he seems sensible, that the Characters of Alboino, and Rosamund are not agreeable to the present Taste of the Town; and that Sir William D'Avenant has writ a Play on the same Subject. THis Prolific Lady has again gratified the Town with a Play, called The Deceiver Deceived, a Comedy, as 'tis now acted by his Majesty's Servants, at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, 4 to. 1698. and dedicated to Sir Robert Marsham, Knight and Baronet. This Play and The Impostor Cheated, are on the same Bottom, built on a little printed Story of the same Subject. I think the Scene where the Blind Man's Wife makes Love before his Face, is better managed in Mr. Powel's Play, than here, tho' in general, this is the better Play. Queen Catharine; or, The Ruins of Love, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1698. acted at the Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields; and dedicated to the Honourable Mrs. Cook of Norfolk. For the Plot consult Baker, Speed, Stow, in the Lives of Edward the Fourth, and Henry the Sixth. Mr. Rivers. ALL that I know of this Author, is but on Report; which is● that he was a jesuit, and writ a Play, called, The Traitor, which he put into Mr. Shirley's Hands, and by his means it was acted. It was revived in 1692. and dedicated by the Anonymous Reviver to the Earl of Clincarty. Thou I cannot, with the Reviver, say 'tis the best Tragedy this Age has produced, because it is far from being so; yet this I can justly say, That the Character of Sciarrha is very well drawn, and distinguished throughout the Play; and so is that of Lorenzo. As for the Plot, 'tis very irregular, and consists of various Actions; tho' the Poet's Design seems to aim at a very good Moral. The strange Humour that has too long reigned in our English Poets, misled the Author, I suppose, to the Choice of such barbarous and bloody Murders, to fill up his Play; which however frequent and tolerable in Italy, have nothing to do here. Murder is too great a Crime to see voluntarily committed on our Stage; the Law punishes it with Ignominy, tho' the Poet has nothing to do with it, I meanby Right. This Play has gone for Shirley's. Tho. Shadwell, Esq ONE Play of this Author's has been accidentally omitted in its proper Place, viz. The Vertuoso, a Comedy, 4 to. 1679. acted at the Duke's Theatre; and dedicated to the late Duke of Newcastle. This Play, for the great Variety of Characters, etc. has always found Success, and is accounted one of the best Plays this Author writ. ja. Shirley. THis one Play was by Accident overseen in its proper Place, an● therefore inserted here: The Triumphs of Peace, a Masque, 4 to. ● 1633. presented before the King and Queen at White-Hall, by the Four Honourable Houses, or Inns of Court Gentlemen; dedicated by the Author to the Four Equal Honourable Societies of the Inns of Court. Th● Masquers went in a solemn Cavalcade (their Habits being extraordinary Rich) from Ely-House in Holbourn, to White-Hall. Mr. Inigo jones contrived the Scenes and Ornaments: and Mr. Laws and Mr. joes' composed the Music. Mistress Catharine Trother. THis Lady, by her Parents, is of Scotch Extraction, tho' born and bred in England; admirable for two things rarely found together, Wit and Beauty; and with these a Penetration very uncommon in the Sex. She discovers in her Conversation, a Fineness and Nicety of Reasoning on the highest Metaphysical Subjects; nor is she lesle entertaining on the more Gay and Conversible. She has already given us two Plays, which challenge our Admiration, we like the first, but are transported with the last; there is the Chastity of her Person, and the Tenderness of her Mind in both; the Passions are natural and moving, the stile just and familiar, and adapted to the Subject; if there be not the Sublime, 'tis because there was no room for it, not because she had not Fire and Genius enough to write it. What I say will be secured from the Imputation of Flattery, by what she has writ; and 'tis the Brevity I have proposed myself in this Undertaking, that confines me to this little, and obliges me to proceed to her Plays. Agnes de Castro, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1696. acted at the Theatre Royal, and dedicated to the Ri●ht Honourable, Charles, Earl of Dorset and Middlesex, etc. This Play met with good Success. 'Tis built on a Novel of the same Title, written Originally in French, by a French Lady, and translated into English by Mistress Behn. Fatal Friendship, a Tragedy, as it is acted at the new Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, 1698. and dedicated to her Royal Highness the Princess of Denmark. I need say nothing of this Play, the Town has prevented my Approbation; and I can only add, that I think it deserved the Applause it met with, which every Play that has the Advantage of being Clapped, cannot get from the severer and abler judges. William Walker. A Young Gentleman of about Nineteen Years of Age, he was born (if I'm not misinformed) in the Isle of Barbadoes, and of a good Family, his Education was most in England; he ha● published one Play, called, Victorious Love, a Tragedy, as it is acted at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, 1698. 4 to. and dedicated to the Honourable james Kendal, Esq one of the Lords of the Admiralty. He tells us in the Preface, that he acted a part himself in his Play, which I suppose was not Disadvantage to it: for it was, as we learn from the same Preface, well received by the Town. The Play seems to be a kind of Imitation of Oroonoko, only here instead of one, they are all Negro●s. But, if they think the Devil white, methinks she should scarce be so very Amiable in their Eyes; but under this Censure Imoinda would equally fall; and 'tis very excusable in so young a Beginner as Mr. Walker. I only say it, for fear the Public should go on, and we see nothing but Black Heroes for the Future, since the Colour spreads so fast on the Stage. The Greek Poets seldom went out of Greece for their Heroes; but ours on the contrary, find Heroes every where but in their own Country; this is no Argument of their judgement or Virtue; for if Example be that they would instruct by, the nearer the Example is related to us, the more force it will naturally have upon us. Fulk Grevile, Lord Brook. THis Right Honourable Author was Son to Sir Fulk Grevile the Elder of Beauchamp-Court in Warwickshire; he left Cambridge in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth; was made a Baron in the Seventeenth Year of King james the First; and was famous for Valour and Learning: among other Poems he gave us two Plays: He lies buried in Warwick-Church under a Black and White Marble, on which he's styled Servant to Queen Elizabeth, Counsellor to King james, and Friend to Sir Philip Sidney. See more of him in Fuller's History. Alaham, a Tragedy, fol. 1633. This Play is built on the Model of the Ancients; the Prologue is spoken by a Ghost, and the Spectre gives an Account of each Character. The Scene of the Drama lies at the Entrance of the Persian Gulf, of which Place you may read in Mr. Herbert's Travels, fol. the Third Edition, p. 114. Mustapha, a Tragedy, 4 to. 1609. fol. 1633. This Play seems also an Imitation of the Ancients, and for the Plot consult Paulus jovius, and other Turkish Chronicles. These Two Plays are printed together with other Poems of his Lordships, in fol. 1633. The Life of Sir Philip Sidney before his Arcadia, is said to be written by this our Author; as also another Volume of Poems and Remains, 8vo. not printed till the Year 1670. UNKNOWN AUTHORS. AMPHITRYON, Epidicus, and Rudens, made English from Plautus, with Critical Remarks upon each Play. This Translation is supposed to be done by a Divine of the Church of England; but since he has not thought fit to put his Name to it, I shall not presume to do it. 'Tis dedicated to Sir Charles Sidley, Baronet. The Fatal Discovery; or, Love in Ruins, a Tragedy, as it is acted by his Majesty's Servants, at the Theatre Royal, 1698. The Author of this Play is unknown, 'tis ushered into the World by a Preface under Mr. Powel's Name, in Answer to a Copy of Verses writ by Mr. Dryden, in which there was some Reflections on that Theatre. The Story is originally a Case of Conscience put by St. Austin; and after that mentioned in some of our English Divines. It seems to be taken from the hint of the old Story of Oedipus; but 'tis more improbable, and scarce possible to happen, and therefore of no Use, as incapable of affording any Moral. The Pindar of Wakefield, a Comedy, 4 to. 1633. This Play was through mistake, omitted in transcribing the Copy for the Press. Terence, this Latin Poet is translated by the Translator of the former, in Conjunction with two other Divines of Cambridge. I'm sensible the Translators understood the Original very well, but their altering the Terminations of the Proper Names, would make some think that they had taken it only from the French of Madam Dacier. The Unnatural Mother; the Scene in the Kingdom of Siam, as it is now acted at the new Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by his Majesty's Servants; written by a young Lady, 4 to. 1698. This Play is an Argument of the Strange Chance of Plays, when so indigested a heap could be tolerably received; and I think 'tis a great Argument against those judges who receive and permit the Plays to be acted: For I am unwilling that the Nakedness of our Country should be discovered; that is, that an Audience could bear such as this, and some other of a Modern Date. The Writers now (I mean all that attempt Writing) think if they can make a horrid Character or two in a Play, and some bloody and barbarous Incidents, they can presently write a Tragedy, never reflecting that a Poet is not to be a Hangman, he is not to rival jack Catch in his Office, and rob the public Executioners of their Business, by ending a Criminal privately, who ought to have a Public and most infamous Execution. Where the Laws condemn a Villain to the Gibbet, the Poet has nothing to do, such Characters are below the Stage, and aught to appear no where but on the Cart, and in the Ordinaries Paper. The Poet's Court of justice is more sublime, he examines and punishes Crimes that the Political Courts overlook. He is not to make Characters more depraved than Experience ever showed us; for I'm confident Callapeia never had her Fellow, on this side the Line at least, and for the Vices of those of the other, I know nothing that we have to do with them, (having Stock enough of our own) and 'tis with abundance of Reason, called, The Unnatural Mother; for sure there never was such an one in Nature. Bebbemeah's being put on the Couch with a Black Slave, and there found asleep, is borrowed from Mr. Settle's Incident of Cleomira, and Oirantes, in the Princess of Persia. FINIS. AN INDEX OF PLAYS, Referring to the AUTHORS. A ABdelazar Pag. 8 Abdicated Prince 156 Abraham's Sacrifice ibid. Acolastus 110 Actaeon and Diana 28 Ad●lphi 11 Adrasta 81 Adventures of Five Hours 141 Agamemnon 138 Aglaura ibid. Agrippa K. of Alba 31 Agrippina Empress of Rome 96 Alarm for London ibid. Albion 156 Albion's Triumph ibid. Albion and Albianius 41 Albion K. of the Lombard's 33 Albertus Wallenstine 64 Albovine 33 Albumazar 156 Alchemist 77 Alcibiades 107 Alexander and Campaspe 87 Alexandrian Tragedy 4 All Fools 18 All for Love 41 All Mistaken 75 All for Money 88 Alphonsus, Emperor Germany 18 Alphonsus K. of Arragon * 152 Alphonso K. of Naples 113 All's lost by Lust 118 All's well that ends well 126 Amazon Queen 147 Ambitious Statesman 18 Ambitious Slave 122 Amboyna 41 Amends for Ladies 55 Amorous Bigote 124 Amorous Phantasm 88 Amorous Gallant 156 Amorous Old Woman ibid. Amorous Prince 8 Amorous War 90 Amphitryon 41 Amyntas 31,62,119,115,116. Anatomist 115 Andrea 11,73 Andromache 28 Andromana 153 Andronicus 156 Andronicus Commenius 149 Anthony and Cleopatra 126,134 Antigone 96 Antonia and Melida 93 Antipodes 13 Antiquary 93 Any thing for a quiet Life 98 Apocraphal Ladies 105 Apollo Shroving 154 Appius and Virginia 146 Arcadia 132 Arden of Feversham 157 Argalus and Parthenia 64 Ariadne 152 Aristippus 115 Arraignment of Paris 129,157 Arthur 141 Arviragus and Philicia 15 As you like it 127 Assignation 41 Astraea 148 Atheist 108 Atheists Tragedy 142 Aureng-zebe 41 B BAll 131 Band, Rufman, and Cuff 157 Banditti 49 Banished Duke 157 Bartholomew Fair 77 Bashful Lover 94,151 Bastard 157 Battle of Alcazar ibid. Beauty's Triumph 48 Beggars Bush 57 Bell in Campo 105 Bellamira 134 Bellamira, her Dream 33 Belphegor 149 Benefice 148 Bird in a Cage 131 Birth of Merlin 127 Black Prince 11 Blazing World 105 Blind Beggar of Alexandria 18 Blind Beggar of Bednal Green 35 Blind Lady 75 Bloody Banquet * 152 Bloody Brother 57 Bloody Duke 157 Blurt, Mr. Constable 98,157 Boadicea 74 Boarding-School, see Love for Money Bondman 94 Bonduca 28,157 Bragadocio 157 Brazen-Age 70 Brenoralt 138 Bridals 105 Bride 102 Britannia Triumphans 33 Broken Heart 61 Brothers 131 Brutus of Alba 113,139 Bury Fair 124 Bussy D'amboys Revenge 18,49 Bussy D'amboys Tragedy 18 Byron's Conspiracy ibid. Byron's Tragedy ibid. C CAElum Britannicum 15 Caesar Borgia 85 Caesar and Pompey 18 Caesar's Revenge 157 Caius Marius 108 Calisto 29 Calligula ibid. Cambyses, K. of Persia 113,122 Canterbury Guests 116 Captain 57 Cardinal 131 Careless Lovers 116 Careless Shepherdess 64 Carnival 112 Case is altered 81 Cataline's Conspiracy 77 Chabbot Admiral of France 131 Challenge at Tilt 77 Challenge for Beauty 70 Chances 57 Changes 131 Changeling 98 Charles VIII. of France 29 chaste Maid in Cheapside 98 Cheats 149 Cheats of Scapin 108 Christ's Passion 121 Christmas Masque 77 Christian turned Turk 35 Christmas Ordinary 152 Cicilia and Clorinda 83 Cid 119 Cynthia and Endymion 49 Circe 35 Cytherea 134 City Bride 67 City Heiress 9 City Lady 38 City Madam 94 City Match 90 City Night Cap. 35 City Politics 29 City Wit 13 Citizen turned Gent. 116 Claricella 83 Cleomenes 43 Cleopatra 96 Cloridia 78 Clouds 137 Cobblers Prophecy 149 Colas Fury 14 Combat of Caps 158 Combat of Love and Friendship 97 Comedy of Errors 127 Comical Hash 105 Committee 75 Committee Man Curried 130 Commons Conditions 158 Common Wealth of Women 49 Conflict of Conscience 149 Conquest of China 122 Conquest of Granada 43 Conspiracy 82,147 Constantine the Great 85 Constant Maid 132 Constant Nymph 158 Contented Cuckold 13 Contention between York and Lancaster 158 Contention for Honour and Riches 132 Contention for Achil. Armr. ibid. Convent of Pleasure 105 Coriolanus 127 Cornish Comedy 158 Coronation 58,132 Coronation of Q. Eliz. 153,158 Costly Whore 158 Covent-Garden 103 Covent-Garden Weeded 13 Sergeant Bridegroom 158 Counterfeits ibid. Country Captain 104 Country Girl 12 Country Innocence 85 Country Wake 39 Country Wife 150 Country Wit 29 Courageous Turk 64 Court Beggar 13 Court Secret 132 Coxcomb 58 Croesus 4 Gromwel's Life and Death 127 Cromwel's Couspiracy pag. 158 Cruel Brother 33 Cruel Debtor 159 Cuckold's Haven 139 Cunning Lovers 12 Cupid and Death 132 Cupid's Revenge 58 Cupid's Whirligig 159 Cure fo● a Cuckold 147 Custom of the Country 58 Cutter of Coleman-street 27 Cymbeline's Tragedy 127 Cynthia's Revels 78 Cynthia's Revenge 137 Cyrus King of Persia 159 Cyrus the Great 6 D DAme Dobson 116 Damoiselle 13 Damoysell's A-la-mode 56 Damon and Pythias 159 Darius 4,159 Darius, King of Persia 29 David and Bethshabe 110 Debauchee 159 Deorum Dona 8 Deserving Favourite 15 Destruction of jerusalem 29,159 Destruction of Troy 6 Devil's an Ass 78 Devil's Charter 7 Devil's Law-case 147 Devil of a Wife 76 Dick Scorner 159 Dido Q. of Carthage 92,104 Disappointment 135 Disobedient Child 77 Distracted State 140 Distresses 33 Distressed Innocence 122 Divine Comedian 141 Divine Masque 159 Doctor Dodipole 92 Doctor Faustus Doctor Faustus' Life and Death, with the Humours, of Harlequin and Scaramouch 102 Don Carlos 108 Don Quixot 50 Don Sebastian 44 Double Dealer 22 Double Marriage 58 Doubtful Heir 132 Duke and no Duke 139 Duke Guise 144 Duke of Lerma, see Great Favourite. Duke of Milan 82,95 Duke's Mistress 132 Dumb Knight 95 Dumb Lady 85 Dutch Courtesan 93 Dutch Lover 9 Duchess Malfey 147 Duchess of Suffolk 70 E EAstward Hoe 19 Edgar 120 Edward I 110 Edward II. 92 Edward III. 159 — with the Fall of Mortimer ib. Edward IU. 70 Elder Brother 58 Electra 154 Elvira 159 Emperor of the East 95 Emperor of the Moon 9 Empress of Morocco 123,159 Enchanted Lovers 88 Endymion 87 ●●glish Friar 29 ●●●lish Lawyer 116 English Men for Money 159 English Monsieur 75 English Moor 13 English Princess 160 English Rogue 141 English Traveller 70 Enough's as good as a Feast 160 Entertainment of the K. and Q. at Highgate pag. 78 Entertainment of the K. of Engl. and Denm. at Theobalds' 78 Entertainment at K. james I. Coronation ibid. Entertainment of K. james I. and Q. Ann at Theobalds' ibid. Entertainment of the Q. and Prince at Althrop 33 Entertainment on the Prince's Birthday 103 Epsom Wells 124 AEsop 143 Erminia 56 Evening's Love 45 Every Man in his Humour 78 Every Man out of his Humour ibid. Every Woman in her Humour 159 Eunuchus 11 Example 132 Excommunicated Prince 8 Extravagant Shepherd 152 F FActious Citizen 160 Fair Em ibid. Fair Favourite 34 Fair Irene 139 Fair Maid of Bristol 160 Fair Maid of the Exchange 70 Fair Maid of the Inn 58 Fair Maid of the West 70 Fair Quarrel 98 Fair Queen 160 Faithful Shepherd ibid. Faithful Shepherdess 58 False Favourite disgraced 160 False Count 9 False one 58 Family in Love 98 Fancies 61 Fancies chaste and Noble 61 Fancies Festivals 81 Fatal Contract 68 Fatal Dowry pag. 95 Fatal jealousy 160 Fatal Love 123 Fatal Marriage 135 Fatal Mistake 68 Fawn 93 Feigned ginger 160 Feigned Courtesans 9 Female Academy 105 Female Prelate 123 Female Vertuoso 149 Ferrex and Porrex 107 Fidele and Fortunatus 160 Fine Companion 93 Fleir 130 Floating Island 137 Flora's Vagaries 160 Folly of Priestcraft 160 Fond Husband 50 Fond Lady 160 Fool turned Critic 50 Fool would be a Favourite 15 Fools Preferment 50 Forced Marriage Fortunate Isles 78 Fortunatus 36 Fortunate by Land and Sea 70 Fortune Hunters 16 Four London Prentices 70 Four Plays, or Moral Representations 58 Four Ps 69 Four Plays in one 58 Fox 81 Free Will 161 French Conjurer 152 Friendship in Fashion 108 Friar Bacon 67 Fulgius and Lucrelle 161 G GAlathea 87 Game at Chess 198 Gamester 132 Gam. Gurton's Needle 152 Generous Enemies 26 Gentle-Craft pag. 161 Gentleman Dancing Master 150 Gentleman of Venice 132 Gentleman of Verona 129 Gentleman Usher 18 Ghost 161 Glass of Government 63 Gloriana 85 Goblins 138 Golden Age 70 Golden Age Restored 78 Gorboduc 107 Grateful Servant 132 Great Duke of Florence 95 Great Favourite 75 Green's Tu Quoque 26 Greenwich Park 102 Grim, the Collier of Croyden 153 Gripus and Hegio 8 Guardian 27,95 Guy of Warwick 151 Guzman 11 H HAmlet Prince of Denmark 127 Hannibal and Scipio 103 Heautontimorumenos 11 Hector of Germany 134 Hector's 114 Hecyra 11 Heir 97 Heir of Morocco 123 Hell's Higher Court of justice 152 Henry II. 5 Henry III. of France 130 Henry IU. 127 Henry V. 11.121 Henry VI. ibid. Henry VI Part 1. with the Death of the D. of Gloucester 29 Henry VI Part 2. or, The Miseries of Civil War 30 Henry VIII. 127 Heraclius 15 Hercules Furens 69 Hercules Oetus pag. 138 Hero and Leander 137 Herod and Antipater 92,120 Herod and Mariam 112 Herod the Great 11 Heroic Love 16,66 Hey for Honesty 115 Hic & Ubique 68 Histriomastix 161 Hoffman's Tragedy ibid. Hog hath lost his Pearl 141 Hollander 64 Holland's Leaguer 93 Honest Lawyer 153 Honest Man's Fortune 58 Honest Whore 36 Honoria and Mammon 132 Honour of Wales Horace 26,111 Horatius 88 How to choose a good Wife from a Bad 161 Humorous Courtier 133 Humorous Days Mirth 18 Humorous Lieutenant 58 Humorous Lovers 104 Humorists 124 Humour out of Breath 35 Huntingdon's Divertisement 151 Husband his own Cuckold 47 Hyde Park 132 Hymenaei 78 Hymen Triumph 32 Hippolytus 114,138 I IAck Drum's Entertainment 161 jack juggler ibid. jack Straw's Life and Death ibid. jacob and Esau 162 james the Fourth ibid. Ibrahim 111,123 Ibrahim XIII. Emperor of the Turks. 111 jealous Lovers 115 jeronymo 162 jew of Malta pag. 92 jew's Tragedy 69 If this been't a good Play, the Devil's in't 36 If you know not me, you know no Body 71 Ignoramus * 152 Impatient Poverty 162 Imperial Tragedy Imperiale 83,165 Imposture 133 Enchanted Lovers 88 Indian Emperor 45 Indian Queen 75 Ingratitude of a Commonwealth 139 Injured Lovers 102 Injured Princess 50 Inner-Temple Masque 99 Innocent Mistress 111 Innocent Usurper 6 Insatiate Countess 93 Interlude of Youth 162 Intrigues of Versailles 50 jocasta 63 john the Evangel. 162 john K. of England 125 john and Matilda 35 joseph 65 Ioseph's Afflictions jovial Crew 13,162 Irish Masque 79 Iron Age 70 Island Princess 58 Isle of Gulls 35 Italian Husband 116 juliana Princess of Poland 30 julius Caesar 4,128 Just General 91 Just Italian 34 K KIng Arthur 45 Kind Keeper ibid. King and no King 59 King Edgar and Alfreda 117,162 King Lear and his 3 Daughters, see Lear K. of England. King and Queen's Entertainment at Richmond 162 King's Entertainmen at Welbeck 79 Knack to know an Honest Man 162 Knack to know a Knave ibid. Knave in Grain 163 Knavery in all Trades ibid. Knight of the Burning Pestle 59 Knight of the Golden-Shield, see St. Clyomon Knight of Malta 59 L LAdy Alimony 163 Lady Contemplation 105 Lady Errand 16 Lady of Pleasure 133 Lady's Privilege 64 Lady's Trial 61 Lancash. Witches 71,124 Landgartha 14 Late Revolution 163 Law against Lovers 34 Law Tricks 36 Laws of Candy 59 Laws of Nature 163 Lear's Tragedy 128,140 Levellers leveled 163 Liberality and Prodigality ibid. Libertine 124 Like will to like, quoth the Devil to the Collier 63 Lingua 163 Little French Lawyer 59 Locrine 128 London Chanticleers 163 London Cuckolds 117 London Prodigal 128 Longer thou liv'st, the more Fool thou art 146 Look about you 163 Looking-glass for London and England pag. 67,88 Lost Lady 163 Lost Lover 91 Love A-la-mode 163 Love and Honour 24 Love for Love 22 Love for Money 51 Love and Revenge 123 Love and War 97 Love Crowns the End 140 Love freed from Ignorance 79 Love only for Love's Sake 55 Love in a Tub 53 Love in a Wood 150 Love in its Ecstasy 110 Love in the Dark 54 Love Restored 79 Lovesick Court 13 Lovesick King 12 Love Tricks 133 Love Triumphant 45 Love's Adventures 105 Love's Cruelty ibid. Love's Cure 59 Love's Dominion 56 Love's a jest 101 Love's Kingdom Ibid. Love's Labour lost 128 Love's Labyrinth 62 Love's Last Shift 20 Love's Loadstone 163 Loves of Mars and Venus ibid. Love's Triumph through Calipolis 79 Lovers Melancholy 61 Lovers Progress 59 Lovers Metamorphosis 87 Lovers Mistress 71 Lovers Pilgrimage 59 Lovers Riddle 28 Lovers Sacrifice 61 ●overs Triumph 26 Lovers Victory 17 Lovers Welcome 79 Loving Enemies pag. 89 Loyal Brother 135,142 Loyal General 140 Loyal Lovers 91 Loyal Subject 59 Lucius junius Brutus 85 Lucky Chance 9 Luminalia 163 Lusts Dominion 92 Lusty juventus 146 Liar, see Mistaken Beauty M MAckbeth 128 Mad Couple well matched 13 Mad World my Masters 99 Mad Lover 59 Madam Fickle 51 Magnetic Lady 79 Maid of Honour 95 Maid in the Mill 59 Maiden Queen, see Secret Love. Maidenhead well lost 71 Maid's Metamorphosis 87 Maids of Moorclack 4 Maid's Revenge 133 Maid's Tragedy 59,146 Malcontent 93 Mall * 152 Mamamouchi, see Cit tur●'d Gent. Manhood and Wisdom 164 Man of Mode 53 Man of New-market 74 Man's the Master 34 Marriage A-la-mode 46 Marriage Broker 154 Marriage Hater matched 51 Marriage Night 55 Marriage of Oceanus and Britannia 57 Marriage of the Arts 72 Marriage of Wit and Science 164 Married Beau 30 Mariam 14 Marcelia 11 Marcus Tullius Cicero 164 Marius and Scylla, see Wounds of Civil War. Martyr 88 Martyred Soldier 131 Mary Magdalen's Repentance 145 Mary, Q. of Scotland; see Island Queens. Masque at Berthie 21 Masque at the Lord Haddington's House 79 Masque at Lord Hayes House 79 Masque at Ludlow Castle 100 Masque of Augurs 79 Masque of Flowers 164 Masque of Grays-Inn 59 Masque of Owls 79 Masque of Queens ibid. Masque of the Middle Temple and Lincolns-Inn Gent. 19 Masquerade du Ciel 153 Massacree at Paris 86,92 Massacree of Paris Massianello 164 Master Anthony 11 Master Turbulent 164 Match at Midnight 118 Match me in London 36 Match in Newgate, see Revenge. Matrimonial Trouble 105 May Day 19 Mayor of Quinborough 99 Measure for Measure 128 Medea 130,138 Menechmus 155 Merchant of Venice 128 Mercurius Britannicus 164 Mercury vindicated Merry Devil of Edmonton 164 Merry Milkmaids Merry Wives of Windsor Messalina 118 Metamorphosed Gypsies 79 Michaelmas Term 99 Microcosmus 103 Midas pag. 87 Midsummer Night's Dream 128 Mirza 8 Miser 125 Miseries of Civil War, see Henry VI Part 2. Miseries of enforced Marriage 147 Mistaken Beauty 164 Mistakes; or, False Reports 67 Mistaken Husband 45 Mithridates 66 Mock duelist * 151 Mock Marriage 121 Mock Tempest 48 Mock Thyestes 149 Monsieur D'Olive 19 Monsieur Thomas 59 Money is an Ass 81 More Dissemblers besides Women 99 Morning Ramble 164 Mortimer's Fall 79 Mother Bombie 87 Mother Shipton's Life and Death 141 Mourning Bride 22 Mucedorus 164 Much ado about nothing 128 Mulberry Garden 134 Muleasses the Turk 94 Muse of New-market 164 Muse's Looking-glass 115 Mustapha 11 N Natures 3 Daughters 105 Neglected Virtue 165 Neptune's Triumph Nero's Life and Death 86,165 New Custom 165 New Exchange 13 New Inn 81 New Trick to cheat the Devil New-market Fair 165 New Way to pay old Debts 95 News from Plymouth pag. 34 News from the World in the Moon 80 Nice Valour 59 Nice Wanton 165 Nicomede 31 Night Walker 59 Noah's Flood 53 Noble Gentleman ibid. Noble Ingratitude 88 Noble Spanish Soldier 119 Noble Stranger 129 No Body and Some Body 165 Novelty 101 No Wit, no Help like a Woman's 99 Northern Lass 13 Northward-hoe 36 Novella 13 O OBeron the Fairy Prince 80 Obstinate Lady 21 Octavia 107 Oedipus 46,104 Old Bachelor 25 Old Castle's History 128 Old Couple 97 Old Law 95,99 Old Man's Lesson 12 Old Troop 85 Old Wives Tale 165 Opportunity 133 Ordinary 17 Orestes 64 Orgula 154 Orlando Eurioso 165 Ormasdes 83 Oroonoko 135 Orphan 108 Osmund the great Turk 15 Othello 128 Ovid 21 P PAllantus and Eudora 82 Pandora 83 Pan's Anniversary pag. 80 Parliament of Bees 26 Parson's Wedding 83 Passionate Lover 15 Pastor Fido 55 Pathomachia 166 Patient Gristle ibid. Patrick for Ireland 133 Pausanias ibid. Pedlar's Prophecy 166 Peleus and Thetis 76 Pericles Prince of Tyre 128 Perjured Nun 12 Perkin Warbeck 61 Philaster 60 Phillis of Scyros' 153 Philotas 32 Philotus Scotch 166 Phoenix 99 Phoenix in her Flames 88 Phormio 11 Picture 95 Pilgrim 60,83 Pinner of Wakefield. Piso's Conspiracy 166 Pity she's a Whore 61 Platonic Lovers 34 Playhouse to be Let ibid. Play between john the Husband, and Tib his Wife 69 Play betwixt the Pardoner and the Friar, the Curate and Neighbour Prat ibid. Play of Gentleness and Nobility ibid. Play of Love ibid. Play of the Wether ibid. Plain Dealer 150 Pleasure at Kenelworth Castle 63 Pleasure reconciled to Virtue 80 Plot and no Plot 38 Plutus * 151 Poetaster 80 Politician 133 Politician Cheated 66 Pompey 111 Pompey his Fair Cornelias. 84 Poor Man's Comfort 35 Poor Scholar 104 Pragmatical jesuit 16 Presbyterian Lash 166 Presence 105 Prince of Prigg's Revels 153 Princess 83 Princess of Cleve 86 Prisoners 83 Projectors 149 Promises of God manifested 166 Promus and Cassandra ibid. Prophetess 60 Provoked Wife 144 Psyche 125 Psyche Debauched 14 Public Wooing 106 Puritan Widow 128 Q. QUeen 166 Queen and Concubine 13 Queen of Arragon 67 Queen of Corinth 60 Queen's Arcadia 32 Queen's Exchange 13 Queen's Masque of Beauty 80 Queen's Masque of Blackness ib. Querer per Solo querer, see To Love only for Love's Sake R. RAging Turk 65 Ram Alley 8 Rambling justice 85 Rampant Alderman 167 Rape ibid. Rape of Lucrece 71 Rebellion 117 Reformation 167 Rehearsal ibid. Religious 106 Religious Rebel 167 Renegado 95 Return from Parnassus 167 Revenge pag. 167 Regulus 20 Revenge for Honour 19 Revengers Tragedy, see Loyal Brother Reward of Virtue 62 Rhodon and Iris 84 Richard the Second 128,140 Richard the Third 128 Richmond Heiress 52 Rival Friends 68 Rival Kings 7 Rival Ladies 46 Rival Queens 86 Rival Sisters 65 Rivals 167 Roaring Girl 99 Robert, ●Earl of Huntingdon's Downfall and Death 71 Robin Conscience ibid. Robin Hood's Pastoral May-games 167 Robin Hood and his Crew of Soldiers ibid. Roman Actor 96 Roman Empress 82 Roman Generals 39 Romeo and juliet 129 Rome's Follies 151 Romulus and Hersilia 167 Roundheads 9 Rover ibid. Royal Cuckold ibid. Royalist 52 Royal King and Loyal Subject 71 Royal Masque at Hampton-Court 168 Royal Master 133 Royal Mischief 91 Royal Shepherdess 125 Royal Slave 17 Royal Voyage 168 Rule a Wife, and have a Wife 60 Rump 140 S. SAcrifice pag. 54 Sad One 138 Sad Shepherd 80 Saint Cicely 151 Salmacida Spolia 168 Samson Agonistes 100 Sappho and Phaon 87 Satyromastix 136 Scaramouch, etc. 117 School of Compliments, see Love Tricks Scornful Lady 60 Scots Fegaries 140 Scottish Politic Presbyter 168 Scowrers 124 Sea Voyage 60 Seven Champions of Christendom 84 See me, and see me not 10 Sejanus' Fall 80 Selimus Emperor of the Turks 65 Selindra 83 Sertorius 5 Several Wits 106 Sforza, Duke of Milan 65 Shame Lawyer 40 She Gallants 66 She Ventures and he Wins ibid. Shepherd's Holiday 119 Shepherds Paradise 101 shoemaker's a Gentleman 118 Shoemakers Holiday ibid. Sicelides 168 Sicily and Naples * 152 Siege 17,33 Siege of Babylon 112 Siege of Constantinople 168 Siege of Memphis 52 Siege of Rhodes 34 Siege of Urbino 83 Silent Woman 80 Silver Age 70 Sir Anthony Love 136 Sir Barnaby Whig 52 Sir Clyomon, Knight of the Golden Shield 169 Sir Courtly Nice 30 Sir Giles Goose-Cap 169 Sir Hercules Buffoon 85 Sir Martin Marall 46 Sir Patient Fancy 9 Sir Solomon 169 Sisters 133 Six Days Adventure 74 Slighted Maid 137 Sociable Companions 106 Sodom 56 Soliman and Perseda 169 Sophister 37 Sophompaneos 65 Sophonisba 86,94 Sophy 37 Soldiers Fortune 108 Spanish Bawd 169 Spanish Curate 60 Spanish Friar 46 Spanish Gypsies 99,118 Spanish Rogue 48 Spanish Wives 112 Asparagus Garden 13 Speeches at Prince Henry's Barriers 80 Spiteful Sister 5 Sport upon Sport 169 Springs Glory 103 Squire of Alsatia 124 Squire old Sap. 183 Staple of News 80 State of Innocence 46 Stepmother ibid. Strange Discovery 169 Subject's joy ibid. Successful Strangers 102 Sullen Lovers 124 Summers's Last Will and Testament 104 Sun's Darling 62 Supposes 63 Surprisal 75 Susanna's Tears 169 Swaggering Damoiselle p. 17 Swetnam the Woman-hater arraigned 169 T. TAle of a Tub 80 Tamburlaine the Great 92, 121 Taming of the Shrew 129 Tancred and Gismond 148 Tartuff 97 Tarugoes Wiles 120 Tempe restored 170 Tempest 47,129 Temple 19 Temple of Love 34 Terrence's Comedies 73 The longer thou liv'st, the more Fool thou art 146 Thebais 106 Theodosius 86 Thersytes 21,170 Thomaso 83 Thornby Abby 155 Thracian Wonder 147 Three Ladies of London 155 Thyerry and Theodoret 60 Thyestes 29,69,149 Tiberius (Claudius, Nero) 170 Time vindicated to himself and to his Honours 80 Timolion 170 Timon of Athens 125,129 'Tis pity she's a Whore 61 Titus Andronicus 117,129 Titus and Berenice 108 Tom Essence 170 Tom Tyler and his Wife ibid. Tottenham Court 103 Town Fop 10 Town Shifts 117 Trapolin supposed a Prince 21 Travels of Three English Brothers 36 Traitor pag. 133 Traitor to himself 170 Treacherous Brother 113 Trick for Trick 52 Trick to catch the Old One 99 Triumph of Beauty 133 Triumph of Love and Antiquity 99 Triumph of Peace 179 Triumph of the Prince D'Amour 34 Triumphs of Virtue 170 Triumphant Widow 105 Troades 130,152 Troas 69,153 Troilus and Cressida 47,129 True Trojans 170 True Widow 125 Trial of Chivalry 170 Trial of Treasure ibid. Tryphon 11 Tunbridge Wells 171 Twelfth Night 129 Twins 118 Two angry Women of Abington 112 Two Noble Kinsmen 60 Two Tragedies in One 150 Two Wise Men, and all the rest Fools 19 Tide Tarrieth for no Man 146 Tyrannical Government 171 Tyrannic Love 47 V. VAlentinian 60 Valiant Scot 154 Valiant Welshman 151 Varieties 105 Venice preserved 108 Very Good Wife 113 Very Woman 96 Vestal Virgin 75 Villain 112 Virgin Martyr pag. 96 Virgin Widow 114 Virtuoso 178 Virtuous Octavia 12 Virtuous Wife 52 Virtue betrayed 7 Vision of Delight 81 Vision of the Twelve Goddesses 32 Unfortunate Lovers 103 Unfortunate Mother 382 Unfortunate Shepherd 142 Unfortunate Usurper 171 Ungrateful Favourite ibid. Unhappy Fair Irene 139 Unhappy Favourite 7 Unhappy Kindness 122 Unnatural Brother 56 Unnatural Combat 96 Unnatural Tragedy 106 Untrussing the Humorous Poet, see Satyromastix. Volunteers 125 Vow-breaker 120 Usurper 74 Volpone, see Fox W WAlks of Illington and Hogsden 81 Wand'ring Lover 98 Warning for fair Women 171 War● Widow 72 Weakest goes to the Wall 171 Wealth and Health ibid. Wedding 134 Westward-hoe 37 What you will 94 When you see me you know me 119 White Devil 147 Whore of Babylon 37 Wi●t's History ibid. Widow 81 Widow Ranter 10 Widows Tears 19 Wife for a Month 60 Wild Gallant 47 Wild Goose-chase 60 Wilie beguiled 171 Win her and take her 171 Wine, Beer, Ale, and Tobacco 171 Winters Tale 129 Wise Women of Hogsden 72 Witch of Edmonton 37,118 Wit at several Weapons 60 Wit of a Woman 171 Wit in a Constable 64 Wit without Money 60 Wits 34 Wits Cabal 106 Wits led by the Nose 172 Witty Combat 152 Witty Fair one 134 Wives Excuse 136 Woman Captain 126 Woman Hater 61 Woman Hater Arraigned, see Swetnam Woman in the Moon 87 Woman killed with Kindness 72 Woman turned Bully 172 Woman's a Weathercock 55 Woman's Conquest 74 Woman's Prize 61 Woman will have her Will 172 Woman's Wit 20 Women beware Women 100 Woman pleased 61 Wonder of a Kingdom ibid. Wonder, a Woman never vexed 118 World tossed at Tennis 100 World in the Moon 124 World's Idol * 151 Wrangling Lovers 117 Y. YORKSHIRE Tragedy, 129 Young Admiral 134 Young King 10 Younger Brother ibid. 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