The Works of John Dryden Now First Collected Volume 18 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1808 Excerpt: ...my good friend Mr Vanbrook; to which I have added a new masque; and am to write a new prologue and epilogue. Southern's tragedy, call'd the "Revolt or Capua," will be play'd at Betterton's house within this fortnight. I am out with that Company, and therefore, if I can help it, will not read it before 'tis acted, though the authour much desires I shou'd. Do not think I will refuse a present from fair hands; for I am resolv'd to save my bacon. I beg your pardon for this slovenly letter; but I have not health to transcribe it.f My service to my cousin, your brother, who, I heare, is happy in your company, which he is not who most desires it, and who is, Madam, Your most obliged obedient Servant, John Dryden. For Mrs Stuart, Att Cotterstock, near Oundle, in Northamptonshyre, These. To be left with the Postmaster of Oundle. More commonly called Vanbrugb. In Dryden's age, the spelling of proper names was not punctiliously adhered to. t Dryden died on the 1st of May, and this letter was written on the 11th of the preceding month. The prologue and epilogue were therefore composed within less than a month of his death. APPENDIX. No. I. Dryden's Degree as Master of Arts, granted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, preserved in the Faculty Book, (Book 6. p. 236. b.) "Dispensatio Joanni Dryden, pro gradu Artium Magistri. "Gilbertus providentia divina Cantuariensis Archiepiscopus, &c. dilecto nobis in Christo Joanni Dry Den, in Artibus Baccalaureo, perantiqua Dreydenorum familia in agro Northamptoniensi oriundo, salutem et gratiam. Quum in scholis rite constitutes mos laudabilis et consuetudo invaluerit, approbatione tarn ecclesiarum bene reformatarum, quam hominum doctissimorum, a multis retr6 annis, ut quicunque in aliqua artium liberalium scient...