PREFACE. THE Tragedy of The Czar was brought to the morning of rehearsal, when the two Queens were to have been personated by Mrs. Yates and Mrs. Crawford, but a disappointment was then chiefly occasioned by the latter lady, who soon after retired from the theatre. Ottokesa was certainly intended for Mrs. Yates, but she claimed to play the youthful Catharine, that she might speak the Author's Epilogue in that character. If this celebrated actress would have taken the part of the repudiated Queen, Mrs. Hartley, in point of beauty, might have supplied every requisite as the rival bride. The Tragedy, by engagement, should have made its appearance under the sanction of Mr. Garrick, but it was the Author's fault that it was not presented till the very night that Mr. Garrick was in treaty for the sale of Drury Lane. From that time it has never been offered to any theatre. * Mrs. Yates had before introduced the Tragedy of Zobeide by the same Author at Covent Garden Theatre. To the Lord Chamberlain the Author's acknowledgments were due, who suggested a judicious alteration in the Ambassador's scene. * To His Excellency the Russian Ambassador at the English Court likewise, who not only offered to attend the rehearsals, but to furnish the theatre with any hints or specimens of Russian costume; indeed many other circumstances at that time seemed to combine to render its appearance particularly favourable. The Author has no complaints whatever to make, as he was treated with the greatest civility by the managers of both theatres, a coalition having taken place, between Mr. Sheridan and Mr. Harris; and he had his option (as it might best suit) to bring his Tragedy out at either. To the Letters of Mr. Garrick and Mr. Sheridan, as now printed, he can best appeal, in proof of their kindness to him, and flattering approbation of his dramatic performance. Mr. Garrick, though very ill, devoted a morning to hearing and criticising the Tragedy of The Czar, at his house in the Adelphi. This was the last time the Author ever saw his most excellent and truly valued friend. * See Extract from Walpole hereafter. |