Page:Dramas 1.pdf/5



T greater number of the Dramas contained in the following volumes have been written many years ago; none of them very recently. It was my intention not to have them published in my lifetime; but that, after my death, they should have been offered to some of the smaller Theatres of our Metropolis, and thereby have a chance, at least, of being produced to the public with the advantages of action and scenic decorations, which naturally belong to dramatic compositions. But the present circumstances connected with our English Theatres are not encouraging for such an attempt; any promise of their soon becoming so is very doubtful; and I am induced to relinquish what was at one time my earnest wish. This being the case, to keep them longer unpublished would serve no good purpose, and might afterwards give trouble to friends whom I would willingly spare. They are, therefore, now offered to the public, with a