This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1811 edition. Excerpt: ...in Venice Preserved, when left entirely to the judgment of the audience, is perhaps one of the most improper for public view, that ever was produced on any stage. It is almost impossible, but some part of the spectators should go from the representation with very false and immoral impressions. But had the tragedy been written on the ancient plan; had Pierre's character been drawn just as it is, and some few alterations made in Jaffier's, I know no two characters more capable of doing service in a moral view, when justly animadverted upon by the Chorus. I don't say, I would have trusted Otway with the writing of it. To have done, and to release you. Bad characters become on this plan as harmless in the hands of the poet, as the historian; and good ones become infinitely more useful, by how much the poetic is more forcible than the historical mode of instruction. LETTER V 1 H E reason, why in a former Letter you advised me to alter the Chorus, is made very apparent in your last. For by persuading me to get the Odes set to music, and to risk the Play on the stage, I understand only that you are willing, any how to make it a more profitable work for me, than it can possibly be by means of the press alone. Yet certainly, Sir, one single reflection on our British pit will make you change your sentiments effectually. Think only on the trial made by M. Racine, in a nation whose taste for probability and decorum in theatrical diversions is much before ours. In his two last tragedies, you know, he has fully succeeded in the very thing I aimed at; and has adapted a noble imitation of ancient simplicity to the taste of his own times: particularly ia his Athalia, a poem, in which the most superb and august spectacle, the most interesting event, and...