THE SIEGE OF DAMASCUS; A TRAGEDY, IN FIVE ACTS;. BY JOHN HUGHES, Esq. AS PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN. PRINTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE MANAGERS FROM THE PROMPT BOOK. WITH REMARKS BY MRS. INCHBALD. LONDON: PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, AND ORME, PATERNOSTER ROW. REMARKS. John Hughes, the author of this tragedy, is described by his biographers as a man who possessed high talents, and a most amiable character. He was beloved, admired, and trusted, by the great Addison; and Steele has written on him the following panegyric: "He may be the emulation of more persons of different talents than any one I have ever known. His head, hands, or heart, were always employed in something worthy imitation. His pencil, his bow, or his pen, each of which he used in a masterly manner, were always directed to raise and entertain his own mind, or that of others, to a more cheerful prosecution of what is noble and virtuous." This respected author was the son of a citizen of London, and born at Marlborough, in Wiltshire, in 1677. From his earliest youth, he gave testimony of an inclination for the three sister arts, painting, music, and poetry; in each of which he made a considerable progress by close application, and the enjoyment of a fine taste. |