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CORRECTLY GIVEN, AS PERFORMED AT THE THEATRES ROYAL. With Remarks.
London: Printed by D. S. Maurice, Fenchurch-street;
T. HUGHES, 35, LUDGATE STREET; J. BYSH, 52, PATERNOSTER ROW; & J. CUMMING, DUBLIN.
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[1].
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."
[1] 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!"
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.
_Cas._ Polydore, our sport Has been to-day much better for the danger: When on the brink the foaming boar I met, And in his side thought to have lodg'd my spear, The desperate savage rush'd within my force, And bore me headlong with him down the rock.
_Cas._ Ay, then, my brother, my friend, Polydore, Like Perseus mounted on his winged steed, Came on, and down the dang'rous precipice leap'd To save Castilio.--'Twas a godlike act!
_Pol._ But when I came, I found you conqueror. Oh! my heart danc'd, to see your danger past! The heat and fury of the chase was cold, And I had nothing in my mind but joy.