Page:The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, Volume 2.djvu/423

Rh could neither allow him long possession, nor quick enjoyment.

His last work was his tragedy, The Siege of Damascus; after which a Siege became a popular title. This play, which still continues on the stage, and of which it is unnecessary to add a private voice to such continuance of approbation, is not acted or printed according to the author's original draught, or his settled intention. He had made the Phocyas apostatize from his religion; after which the abhorrence of Eudocia would have been reasonable, his misery would have just, and the horrors of his repentance exemplary. The players, however, required that the guilt of Phocyas should terminate in desertion to the enemy; and Hughes, unwilling that his relations should lose the benefit of his work, complied with the alteration.

He was now weak with a lingering consumption, and not able to attend rehearsal; yet was so vigorous in his faculties, that only ten days before his death he wrote the dedication to his patron lord Cooper. On February 17, 1719–20, the play was represented, and the author died. Rh