LOVE'S SACRIFICE. THE full title of this play is as follows: "Love's Sacrifice. A tragedie, received generally well, acted by the Queene's Ma jestie's servants, at the Phoenix in Drury-Lane. London: Printed by J. B. for Hugh Beeston, dwelling next the Castle in Cornhill. 1633." 4to. A curious poem of congratulation, by the excellent dramatic author James Shirley, is prefixed, which will be found among the recommendatory poems at the end of the Introduction. ΤΟ MY TRUEST FRIEND, MY WORTHIEST KINSMAN, JOHN FORD OF GRAYE'S INNE, Esq. THE title of this little worke (my good cousin) is in sense but the argument of a dedication; which, being in most writers a custom, in many a compli ment, 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 acknowledgement 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 my respects to virtue, and to the equal My good cousin.] Old copy-may good cousin. The first words of this truly admirable dedication refer to the title of the play. The author says, "that the argument of his dedication is in sense but a sacrifice of his love to his kinsman." Both from this dedication and Shirley's address to him (see Recommendatory Poems), there is no doubt that his former plays had been invidi ously censured. Ford's manly indignation at his opponents is well expressed. |
