Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 1.djvu/159

 148 BOYLE of less importance, he employed his talents in writing those plays on which his reputation as an author principally depends. They are, "The History of Henry V.;" "Mus- tapha, the Son of Soliman the Magnificent," " The Black Prince;" and "Triphon." They were distinguished by much of that brilliant wit which sparkled in the luxurious court of Charles, but found their principal claim to our notice on the sentiments of honour and probity with which they are filled. His lordship unfortunately gained so much applause from his first piece, which was written in rhyme, that he published all his subsequent works in the same style, which is certainly extremely improper for the stage; and in consequence of this, some of the finest thoughts are expressed in so spiritless a manner, as to lay them open to the greatest ridicule. Great allowances, are how- ever, to be made, when we consider that these plays were composed during the excruciating fits of the gout, (a dis- order which, although it may elieit spirited erclamations, is not on the whole, favourable for the development of poetic talents.) This affliction caused Charles to observe, that if he intended to defer finishing his Black Prince till he had another attack, he heartily wished him a good fit of t. His posthumous plays are, "Me An- thony;" "Gusman;" "Herod the Great," and “Alte- mira." His lordship is also well known as an autbor, by his immense romance, "Parthenissa;" a work which has been admired and read in several modern languages. He also published, "The Irish Colours displayed; in a Reply of an English Protestant to a Letter of an Irish Roman Catholic;" and An Answer to a scandalous Let- ter lately printed and subscribed by Peter Walsh, Procu- rator for tbe secular and regular Popish Priests of Ireland, entitled, A Letter desiring a just and merciful regard of the Roman Catholics of Ireland, given about the end of October, 1660, to the then Marquis, now Duke of Ormond, and the second time Lord-Lieutenant of that kingdom. By the Right Honourable the Earl of Orrery, &c., being a full Discovery of the Treachery of the Irish Rebels, since