THOMAS KYD, the translator of the following Play, is better known as the Author of the Second Part of Jeronimo, a performance which was ridiculed by almost every contemporary Poet, than by any other of his works. The time and place of his birth and death, the circumstances of his life and his profession, otherwise than as a writer, are all equally unknown. From the Dedication of Cornelia to the Countess of Sussex, it may be inferred that, like the generality of the devotees of poetry in his time, he was poor; and from the promise of another Tragedy, called Portia, as his next summer's better travel which never appeared, it may be conjectured that he was prevented by death. Notwithstanding the ridicule thrown upon him on account of the Spanish Tragedy, he appears to have been well-esteemed by some of his contemporaries. 1 Francis Meres enumerates him among the best tragic writers of his times; and 2 Ben Jonson ranks him with Lyly and Marlow, calling him Sporting Kyd. Another writer 3 says, "Cornelia's Tragedy, however not re"spected, was excellently well done by Thomas Kyd." Mr. Hawkins 4 was of opinion, that Kyd was the Author of Solyman and Perseda, a Play which certainly in its manner bears a striking resemblance to the Spanish Tragedy. Robert Garnier, from whom this Play is translated, was a Poet in considerable estimation during the reigns of Charles IX. and Henry III. and IV. He was born in the country of Maine, in 1534, studied the 1 Second Part, Wit's Commonwealth, 1598, p. 283. 2 Verses to the Memory of Shakspeare. 3 Polimantcia, &c. by W. C. 4to. Cambr. 1595. &c. (Oldys's MS. Notes on Langbaine). 4 Origin of the Drama, vol. II. In the Epistle, Law, and obtained some preferment, as well as reputation, in that profession. He was the Author of eight Plays, and died at Paris in the year 1590, at the age of 56 years. See Recherches sur les Theatres France, par M. De Beauchamps, 4to. 1755, p. 39. De To the vertuously Noble, and rightly honoured Lady, the COUNTESS OF SUSSEX. HAVING no leisure (most noble Lady) but such as evermore is traveld with th' afflictions of the mind, than which the world affords no greater misery, it may be wondered at by some, how I durst undertake a matter of this moment: which both requireth cunning, rest and oportunity; but chiefly, that I would attempt the Dedication of so rough unpolished a work, to the survey of your so worthy self. But being well instructed in your noble and heroick dispositions, and perfectly assured of your honourable favours past (though neither making needless glozes of the one, nor spoiling paper with the other's Pharisaical embroidery,) I have presumed upon your true conceit and entertainment of these small endeavours, that thus I purposed to make known, my memory of you and them to be immortal. A fitter present for a patroness so well accomplished, I could not find, than this fair president of honour, magnanimity, and love. Wherein, what grace that excellent GARNIER hath lost by my default, I shall beseech your Honour to repair, with the regard of those so bitter times, and privy broken passions that I endured in the writing it. And so vouchsafing but the passing of a Winter's week with desolate Cornelia, I will assure your Ladyship my next Summer's better travell, with the Tragedy of Portia. And ever spend one hour of the day in some kind service to your Honour, and another of the night in wishing you all happiness. Perpetually thus devoting my poor self Your Honour's in all humbleness. T. K. |