Stranger Travestie--by Momus Medlar
George Barnwell Travestie--by Momus Medlar
Punch's Apotheosis--by T. H.
Footnotes and other notes



PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION



On the 14th of August, 1812, the following advertisement appeared in
most of the daily papers:-


"Rebuilding of Drury Lane Theatre.

"The Committee are desirous of promoting a free and fair competition
for an Address to be spoken upon the opening of the Theatre, which
will take place on the 10th of October next. They have, therefore,
thought fit to announce to the public, that they will be glad to
receive any such compositions, addressed to their Secretary, at the
Treasury-office, in Drury Lane, on or before the 10th of September,
sealed up, with a distinguishing word, number, or motto, on the
cover, corresponding with the inscription on a separate sealed paper,
containing the name of the author, which will not be opened unless
containing the name of the successful candidate."


Upon the propriety of this plan men's minds were, as they usually are