Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1824 Excerpt:... be rendered a conspicuous character upon the stage by the actor's skill, though Cooke, in Glenalvon, is the See oage 25., sole evidence that can be adduced to substantiate this feet. The fairies, who preside over the Norval of young Betty, protect him from rational criticism, till time shall have chased away all tiny agency, and have left him to engage on equal ground with his giant competitors. This tragedy of Douglas, extolled by Gray as a work, that had "retrieved the true language of the stage, lost for three hundred years,"--this play, written with the minutest attention to morality in fable, incident, and dialogue, drew upon its meritorious author (who was a minister of the church of Scotland) anathemas from the elders of the Kirk, and bitterest persecution from all the laity of that christian sect. It may be supposed that the church of Scotland would have been less severe on a less moral production; but, for a dramatist to encroach on their exclusive prerogative of reaching virtue, was not to be forgiven. Stripped of his benefices, and wholly repudiated for this enormous presumption. Home took shelter in England. His present Majesty, then Prince of Wales--and not less compassionate for being strictly religious,--moved by the author's misfortunes, and impressed by his genius, bestowed on him a pension, whit1" to this day he enjoys. DRAMATIS PERSONS. Douglas Master Betty. Lord Randolph Mr. Murray. Glenalvon Mr. Cooke. Nobval Mr. Hargrave. Stranger Mr. Truman. Lady Randolph Mrs. Litchfield. Awna Mrs. Humphries Servants, &c. SCENE--Scotland. DOUGLAS ACT THE FIRST. SCENE I. The court of a castle, surrounded with woods. Enter Lady Randolph, Lady R. Ye woods and wilds, whose melancholy gloom Accords with my soul's sadness, and draws fort...