THE DRAMATIC CENSOR dedicates with esteem and respect, this of humble Criticisms LIBERALITY of SENTIMENT, PLEASANTRY of EXPRESSION, WIT, HUMOUR, and INSTRUCTIVE SATIRE, which fo peculiarly unite to ornament the private and public character of Samuel Foote, Efq; ADVERTISEMENT. A Sincere efteem for the Drama, ardent wifes for the profperity of the Stage, admiration of the beauties, and concern for the defects, both in compofition and action, firfi dictated this work; which from many flattering inftances of approbation, has, we apprebend, been conducted with fome fhare of ability, upon commendable principles: wherefore, the fame plan will be pursued that we have hitherto adopted. Not one objection has been offered to our criticisms on the plays which have fallen under our notice; `as to our Strictures on the performers,we have been accufed by Some of too much lenity, by others, of too much severity; a few of the most inconfiderable objects mentioned, have taken great umbrage at the fuppofed injury done their imaginary merits; of their ignorant, illiberal refentment we have heard, with an equal mixture of pity and contempt; refolved neither through fear nor favour to abate the smallest particle of that critical prerogative we have affumed; however, the most abject, difcontented murderers of common fenfe in either boufe, may rail at the DRAMATIC CENSOR, fecure from any trace of refentment for fo doing, in this work, if as it is eagerly hoped fome of the deficiencies pointed out are reformed, the ultimate view of this and the former Volume will be fulfilled. In the wide field of obfervation before us, feveral paffages and circumstances must no doubt escape, though equally deferving regard with several of those we note : however, we flatter ourselves, nothing material has as 1 as yet flipped us, or will hereafter be omitted; and that a review of the work when compleated will prove, that intereft and malevolence, the two worst influences authors can write under, have been equally diftant both from our heads and hearts. THE DRAMATIC CENSOR. I JULIUS CESAR. A TRAGEDY by SHAKESPEARE. F powerfully inculcating one of the nobleft principles that actuates the human mind, the love of national liberty, can ftamp additional value upon works of genius, we may venture to pronounce the tragedy now before us, as to the fubject of it, highly deferving of attention from an English audience; in respect of the executive part, a review of the feveral scenes will,we hope, furnish a competent idea.' At the commencement of this piece, the author introduces two Romans of character and public spirit reproving the mob with great energy for making holiday on Cæfar's account, in whofe ambition the freedom of their country had found a grave. The remonftrances of Marullus and FlaVOL. II. B vius |