The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Orphan, by Thomas Otway

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Title: The Orphan
or, The Unhappy Marriage

Author: Thomas Otway

Release Date: March 1, 2010 [EBook #31463]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ORPHAN ***

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[Illustration]

THE ORPHAN;
OR,
_The Unhappy Marriage._

A TRAGEDY,
IN FIVE ACTS.

BY THOMAS OTWAY.

CORRECTLY GIVEN,
AS PERFORMED AT THE THEATRES ROYAL.
With Remarks.

[Illustration]

London:
Printed by D. S. Maurice, Fenchurch-street;

SOLD BY

T. HUGHES, 35, LUDGATE STREET; J. BYSH, 52,
PATERNOSTER ROW; & J. CUMMING, DUBLIN.

REMARKS.

To the great merit of Miss O'Neil, in _Monimia_, we are indebted for
the revival of this tragedy, which was originally played at the Duke's
Theatre, in 1680; and long kept possession of the stage. The language
of this play is poetical and tender, and the incidents affecting; but,
amidst many beauties, there is great inconsistency[1].

Dr. Johnson observes,--"This is one of the few pieces that has pleased
for almost a century, through all the vicissitudes of dramatic fashion.
Of this play, nothing new can easily be said. It is a domestic tragedy,
drawn from middle life:--its whole power is upon the affections; for
it is not written with much comprehension of thought, or elegance of
expression. But, if the heart is interested, many other beauties may be
wanting; yet not be missed."

[1] Many readers will, probably, exclaim with the critic, when he
first saw it,--"Oh! what an infinite deal of mischief would a farthing
rush-light have prevented!"

DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

Drury-Lane, 1780. Covent Garden, 1815.
Castalio Mr. Reddish Mr. C. Kemble.
Acasto Mr. Packer Mr. Egerton.
Polydore Mr. Brereton Mr. Conway.
Chaplain Mr. Usher Mr. Chapman.
Ernesto Mr. Wrighten Mr. Jefferies.
Page Master Pulley Miss Prescott.
Chamont Mr. Smith Mr. Youn