As the example of Persons of rank and quality, must ever have
a powerful influence upon all others in society, and as I know
none among the many eminently virtuous characters of your sex,
(for which this kingdom is above all others distinguished) with
whom I have the honour of being acquainted, more conspicuous
than your Ladyships, for excellence of conduct in every female
department in life, I, therefore, thus presume in taking the
liberty of presenting the following DRAMATIC ESSAY to your
patronage, and am, with the highest respect,

Your Ladyships'

Most obedient servant, &c.
The Author.



To the
Reader.


I have always been of the same opinion with the Author of
the Preface to the translation of Brumoy's Greek Theatre;
in which, speaking of Tragedy, he hath expressed himself
in the following lines: "In England, the subject is frequently
too much exalted, and the Scenes are too often laid too high.
We deal almost solely in the fate of Kings and Princes, as if
misfortunes were chiefly peculiar to the great. But our Poets
might consider, that we feel not so intensely the sorrows of