I cannot ascertain when this tragedy was first given to the stage; but it was printed in the same year as The Broken Heart. The old title is "Loues Sacrifice. A tragedie Receiued generally well. Acted by the Queenes Majesties Seruants at the Phoenix in Drury-lane. London: Printed by I. B. for Hvgh Beeston, dwelling next the Castle in Cornhill. 1633." 4to. It has neither prologue nor epilogue. ΤΟ MY TRUEST FRIEND, MY WORTHIEST KINSMAN, JOHN FORD, OF GRAY'S INN, Esq. THE title of this little work, my good cousin, is in sense but the argument of a dedication; which being in most writers a custom, in many a compliment, I question not but your clear knowledge of my intents will, in me, read as the earnest of affection. My ambition herein aims at a fair flight, borne up on the double wings of gratitude for a received, and acknowledgment for a continued love. It is not so frequent to number many kinsmen, and amongst them some friends, as to presume on some friends, and amongst them little friendship. But in every fulness of these particulars I do not more partake through you, my cousin, the delight than enjoy the benefit of them. This inscription to your name is only a faithful deliverance to memory of the truth of ray respects to 1 The title of this little work, my good cousin, is in sense but the argument of a dedication;] i. e. LOVE'S SACRIFICE. The affection between the cousins appears to be mutual; for, on the appearance of Perkin Warbeck, this gentleman returned the compliment with an introductory copy of verses, which are neither the best nor the worst called forth by that drama. virtue, and to the equal in honour with virtue, desert. The contempt thrown on studies of this kind by such as dote on their own singularity2 hath almost so outfaced invention and proscribed3 judgment, that it is more safe, more wise, to be suspectedly silent than modestly confident of opinion herein. Let me be bold to tell the severity of censurers how willingly I neglect their practice, so long as I digress from no becoming thankfulness. Accept, then, my cousin, this witness to posterity of my constancy to your merits; for no ties of blood, no engagements of friendship, shall more justly live a precedent than the sincerity of both in the heart of JOHN FORD. 2 Here is an allusion to Prynne, who is also noticed by Shirley in the complimentary verses prefixed to this play. That restless "paper worm," as Needham calls him, had the year before produced his Histriomastix, or Actor's Tragedy, to the sore annoyance of the stage; and was at this time before the Star-Chamber for the scurrilous and libellous language in that "voluminous" farrago of puritanic rancour.-There is a quaintness in the style of this little piece; but the frank and grateful tone of affection which it displays is truly pleasing. It is not his dramatic powers that Ford is solicitous to assert; but his respect to virtue and desert, and his boldness to avow and praise them in a dear relation. 3 proscribed] The 4to has "prescrib'd." D. |