PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION. ZOBEIDE was introduced at Covent Garden "Les Theatre by Mrs. Yates. It was taken in part from an unfinished Tragedy, entitled, Scythes," by Mons. de Voltaire, who, in consequence of its completion, was pleased to honour the author with an English letter and couplet, which are now prefixed. The Play was received with very great applause, and had a full run, which may be attributed to the excellent acting of Mrs. Yates and Mr. Smith, as well as that of other performers, who made every possible exertion. It has now been revised and corrected, and may so far be more worthy of a critical perusal. The Prologue and Epilogue were supplied by the Author's kind friends, Dr. Goldsmith and Mr. Murphy. "Thanks to your Muse, a foreign Copper shines, Turn'd into Gold, and coin'd in Sterling lines. "You have done too much honour to an old sick man of eighty. "I am, with the most sincere esteem and gratitude, "Sir, "Your obedient servant, "VOLTAIRE.” PROLOGUE. WRITTEN BY DR. GOLDSMITH. SPOKEN BY MR. QUICK. IN these bold times, when Learning's sons explore With Scythian stores, and trinkets deeply laden, To make an observation on the shore. Where are we driven? Our reck'ning sure is lost! There Mangroves spread, and larger than I've seen 'em (Pit.) Here trees of stately size-and turtles in 'em (Balconies.) Here ill-condition'd oranges abound (Stage.) And apples (takes up one and tastes it) bitter apples strew the ground. The place is uninhabited I fear! I heard a hissing-there are serpents here! signs.) Good Savages, our Captain craves assistance; Our ship's well stor'd;-in yonder creek we've laid her, His honour is no mercenary trader; This is his first adventure, lend him aid, Or you may chance to spoil a thriving trade. His goods he hopes are prime, and brought from far, Equally fit for gallantry and war. What no reply to promises so ample? I'd best step back-and order up a sample. |