Title page
Measure for Measure. AS PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, COVENT-GARDEN. REVISED By Mr. YOUNGER, Prompter of that Theatre.
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.
It is one of the greatest errors sovereignty can commit, to
place unlimited confidence in ministers unproved; no
professions, no fawnings, no fair external appearance, should
prevent a watchful eye over those, who, by their rank and
stations, are enabled to do much public good, or much public
prejudice; under this commendable idea, Shakespeare conceived
Measure for Measure; and he has handled his subject
in a masterly manner; he has taken very successful pains
with four of the characters: the Duke, Angelo, Lucio,
and Isabella; however, the two former require great help
from the actors who personate them; the two latter assist the
performers. Had the plot been possessed of greater latitude,
that heavy sameness we perceive in many parts of this piece,
would have been avoided—The sentiments in general are
fine, and extremely well adapted, the language poetical and
nervous.
