Page:Lives of Poets-Laureate.djvu/203

Rh and the greatest master-pieces in every department of art or science have been the result of the most toilsome study. Much, however, depends on an author's habit of composition. Some writers put on paper every thought as it originates; others, without any mechanical aid, select and combine in their own minds, and there compose the independent whole; so that the act of writing is the mere transcription of what has already been carefully elaborated.

"Epsom Wells," a comedy, was printed in London in 1676, and dedicated to the Duke of Newcastle. This play won the praise of St. Evremont, and Shadwell tells us he was more fond of it than of any he ever wrote.

"The History of Timon of Athens, the Man-hater." In the dedication of this play to the Duke of Buckingham, Shadwell writes: "It has the inimitable hand of Shakespeare in it, which never made more masterly strokes than in this. Yet I can truly say I have made it into a play."

"The Miser," taken from Molière's "Avâre," and dedicated to the Earl of Dorset.

"A True Widow." A comedy, dedicated to Sir Charles Sedley, and which had the benefit of his correction. The prologue to this play was written by Dryden.

"The Lancashire Witches, and Teague O'Divelly the Irish Priest." A partizan production, which excited some opposition.

"The Woman Captain," dedicated to Lord Ogle, son of the Duke of Newcastle.

"The Squire of Alsatia." A comedy, founded on "The Adelphi" of Terence, dedicated to the Earl of Dorset.

"Bury Fair," dedicated to the Earl of Dorset, and founded partly on the Duke of Newcastle's "Triumphant Widow," partly on Molière's " Précieuses Ridicules."