THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. THIS Tragi-Comedy was the first of our author's dramatic performances which he sent to the press. 'Tis pity she's a Whore did not see the light till four years after. Whether The Lover's Melancholy was the greater favourite with our author, or whether the horrid plot of the former made him fearful to submit it to the eyes of the world, we cannot determine. The full title of the present play is, "The Lover's Melancholy. Acted at the Private House in the Blacke Friars, and publikely at the Globe, by the King's Majestie's seruants. London, printed for H. Seile, and are to be sold at the Tyger's Head in St Paul's Church-Yard. 1629." In 1748 this play was revived for a benefit by the celebrated comedian Macklin. His letter in the General Advertiser, together with an account of the controversies it has occasioned, will be found in the Introduction. ΤΟ MY WORTHILY RESPECTED FRIENDS, NATHANIEL FINCH, JOHN FORD, ESQRS. MR HENRY BLUNT, MR ROBERT ELLICE, AND ALL THE REST OF THE NOBLE SOCIETY OF GRAY'S INN. MY HONOURED FRIENDS, THE account of some leisurable hours is here summed up, and offered to examination. Importunity of others, or opinion of mine own, hath not urged on any confidence of running the hazard of a censure. As plurality hath reference to a multitude, so I care not to please many: but where there is a parity of condition, there the freedom of construction makes the best music. This concord hath equally held between you the patrons, and me the presenter. I am cleared of all scruple of disrespect on your parts, as I am of too slack a merit in myself. My presumption of coming in print in this kind, hath hitherto been unreprovable*; this piece * We have here a proof of the modesty of Ford, in not having as yet printed his other pieces, composed previously to this. It |