Читать книгу The Orphan, or, The Unhappy Marriage - Thomas Otway - Страница 5

BY THOMAS OTWAY.

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CORRECTLY GIVEN,

AS PERFORMED AT THE THEATRES ROYAL.

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With Remarks.

London:

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Printed by D. S. Maurice, Fenchurch-street;

SOLD BY

T. HUGHES, 35, LUDGATE STREET, AND J. BYSH, 52,
PATERNOSTER ROW; & J. CUMMING, DUBLIN.

REMARKS.

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To the great merit of Miss O'Neil, in Monimia, we are indebted for the revival of this tragedy, which was originally played at the Duke's Theatre, in 1680; and long kept possession of the stage. The language of this play is poetical and tender, and the incidents affecting; but, amidst many beauties, there is great inconsistency*.

Dr. Johnson observes,—"This is one of the few pieces that has pleased for almost a century, through all the vicissitudes of dramatic fashion. Of this play, nothing new can easily be said. It is a domestic tragedy, drawn from middle life:—its whole power is upon the affections; for it is not written with much comprehension of thought, or elegance of expression. But, if the heart is interested, many other beauties may be wanting; yet not be missed."

* Many readers will, probably, exclaim with the critic, when he first saw it,—"Oh! what an infinite deal of mischief would a farthing rush-light have prevented!"

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

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	Drury-Lane, 1780.	Covent Garden, 1815.
Castalio	Mr. Reddish	Mr. C. Kemble.
Acasto	Mr. Packer	Mr. Egerton.
Polydore	Mr. Brereton	Mr. Conway.
Chaplain	Mr. Usher	Mr. Chapman.
Ernesto	Mr. Wrighten	Mr. Jefferies.
Page	Master Pulley	Miss Prescott.
Chamont	Mr. Smith	Mr. Young.
Serina	Miss Platt	Miss Boyce.
Florella	Mrs. Johnston	Mrs. Seymour.
Monimia	Miss Younge	Miss O'Neil.
SCENE—Bohemia.