I thought I deserved some praise, but thrice my deserts
were showered upon me by those I love above everything in the
world.
When commendation and congratulation had a little given way to
reflection, my mother and John entreated my father not to let the
play be acted, or, if he did, to have it published first; for they
said (and their opinion has been sanctioned by several literary
men) that the work as a literary production (I repeat what they
say, mind) has merit enough to make it desirable that the public
should judge of it as a poetical composition before it is submitted
to the mangling necessary for the stage.
Of course, my task being finished, I have nothing more to do with
it; nor do I care whether it is published first or after, provided
only it may be acted: though I dare say that process may not prove
entirely satisfactory to me either; for though Mr. Young and my
father would thoroughly embody my conception of the parts intended
for them, yet there is a woman's part which, considering the
materials history has furnished, ought to be a very fine
one--Louisa of Savoy; and it must be cut down to the capacity of a
second-rate actress.
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