Title page
OTHELLO, A TRAGEDY, by SHAKESPEARE, AS PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, DRURY-LANE.
Regulated from the PROMPT-BOOK, With PERMISSION of the MANAGERS, By Mr. HOPKINS, Prompter.
An INTRODUCTION, and NOTES Critical and Illustrative, ARE ADDED BY THE AUTHORS of the DRAMATIC CENSOR.
LONDON:
Printed for JOHN BELL, near Exeter-Exchange, in the Strand; and C. ETHERINGTON, at York.MDCCLXXIII.
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INTRODUCTION.
OTHELLO.
THE exposition of those passions which most prejudice
human nature, which, when in full possession of the
heart, precipitate us into the most violent and irreparable
acts, is noble employment for a dramatic Author's
pen. Where then could Shakespeare find a fitter theme,
than jealousy? which Dr. Young, in his bold imitation
of this play, emphatically calls, the “Hydra
of calamities, the seven-fold death.” A most striking
picture of caution is here held up to view: that,
in matters of such deep concern, we should not give
way to appearances, however plausible and corroborative;
nor trust friendly possessions, when they have a
fatal tendency. Every intelligent person will easily
perceive with what a vast power of idea he has
treated his subject; with what unspurred speed his Pegasus
maintains a daring flight; with what irresistible
force his muse takes possession of our hearts, and to what
sublime pleasure he leads us, through the paths of pain.
In this edition, tho' the unities are still intruded upon,
the play may be esteemed regular, we had almost said
perfect, save some laughs, which Rodorigo occasions:
These we do not like.
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DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.
Drury-Lane.
Covent-Garden.
Othello,
Mr. Barry.
Mr. Ross.
Iago,
Mr. Reddish.
Mr. Bensley.
Roderigo,
Mr. Dodd.
Mr. Dyer.
Cassio,
Mr. Palmer.
Mr. Clarke.
Brabantio,
Mr. Hurst.
Mr. Gardner.
Duke [Duke of Venice],
Mr. Bransby.
Mr. Morris.
Lodovico.
Mr. Packer.
Mr. Owenson.
Montano,
Mr. J. Aickin.
Mr. Perry.
Gratiano,
Mr. Wrighten.
Mr. Redman.
Messenger,
Mr. Wheeler.
Mr. Holtom.
Desdemona,
Mrs. Barry.
Miss Miller.
Æmilia [Emilia],
Mrs. Hopkins.
Mrs. Green.
Officers, Gentlemen, Messengers, Musicians, Sailors, and Attendants.
