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The person who undertook to alter, and adapt the following piece to the stage, did it with a view to preserve to the theatre two characters which seemed to be drawn in as masterly a manner as any that came from the pen of the inimitable Shakespear. These he found were likely to be admired in the closet only; for the play, in general, seemed but ill calculated for representation. Upon examining a play of Thomson's upon the same subject, tho' he saw great beauties in it, he could not but perceive that it was defective in some essential points, and must always appear tedious in the acting. From a closer view of both, he thought they might mutually assist one another, and each supply the other's wants. Shakespear's play was purely historical, and had little or no plot. Thomson's plot was regular, but too much of the epic kind, and wanted business. He thought, by blending these, a piece might be produced, which, tho' not perfect, might furnish great entertainment to, and keep up the attention of an audience. The success it has met with in both kingdoms (for it was first performed on the Dublin stage) has more than answered his expectation.

And he has good reason to hope that he has been the means of adding one play to the stock, which is likely to live in any company, where the characters of Coriolanus and Veturia can be properly supported.

As the military entry in this play, representing a Roman Ovation, has been universally admired, it is judged not unnecessary, for the use of such as are not acquainted with the Roman customs, to give the following

account of that ceremony, together with the order of the procession, as it was exhibited at the Theatre-royal in Covent-garden.

Ovation was a lesser sort of triumph. It had its name from ovis, a sheep, which was sacrificed on this occasion, instead of a bull, used in the great triumph. The ovation was granted upon any extraordinary success against the enemy, in gaining a battle, taking a town, some remarkable exploit, or making an advantageous peace to Rome. But a triumph was never obtained, unless a kingdom was entirely subdued, and added to the Roman territories. They differed in form from each other principally in this, that in the Ovation all marched on foot, but in the triumph the victor was carried in a chariot drawn by horses, and followed by horse-men, which makes the representation of the latter, on the stage, impracticable.

Underneath is the order of the Ovation, as it was exhibited.

But, previous to that, there was a civil procession from the town, consisting of Priests, Flamens, Choiristers, Senators, Tribunes, Virgins, Matrons, and the Mother, Wife, and Child of Coriolanus. These walked to the sound of flutes and soft instruments, and lined the way to behold the military entry, and congratulate the victor. The Ovation was performed to the sound of drums, fifes and trumpets, in the following order.

Six Lictors. One carrying a small Eagle. Six Incense-bearers. Four Souldiers. Two Fifes. One Drum. Two Standard-bearers. Ten Souldiers. Two Fifes. One Drum. Two Standard-bearers. Six Souldiers. Two Standard-bearers. Four Serpent Trumpets Four carrying a Bier with Gold and Silver Vases, Part of the Spoil. Two Souldiers. Two Standard-bearers. Two Souldiers. Four carrying another Bier with a large Urn and Four Vases. Four Souldiers carrying a Bier loaden with Trophies, Armour, Ensigns, &c. taken from the Enemy. Five Souldiers with mural and civick Crowns. Four Captive Generals in Chains. One carrying a small Eagle. Twelve Lictors preceding the two Consuls.

M. Minucius

C. Cominius.

Coriolanus.

Two carrying a large Eagle.

Four Standard-bearers.

Twelve Souldiers.

In the military Procession alone, independent of the Civil, there were an hundred and eighteen persons.

Dramatis Personæ.

MEN.

WOMEN.

[Citizens]

Coriolanus,	Mr. Sheridan.
M. Minucius,	Mr. Anderson.
Cominius,	Mr. Ridout.
Menenius,	Mr. Shuter.
Sicinius,	Mr. Bennett.
Brutus,	Mr. Stevens.
1 Senator [Senator 1],	Mr. Redman.
2 Senator [Senator 2],	Mr. Wignell.
Ædile [Aedile],	Mr. Hurst.
1 Plebeian [Citizen 1]	Mr. Barrington.
2 Plebeian [Citizen 2]	Mr. Collins.
3 Plebeian [Citizen 3]	Mr. Dunstall.
4 Plebeian [Citizen 4]	Mr. Stoppelaer.
5 Plebeian [Citizen 5]	Mr. Costallo.
Officer	Mr. Holtom.
Tullus [Aufidius],	Mr. Ryan.
Galesus,	Mr. Gibson.
Volusius,	Mr. Sparks.
Titus [Lartius]	Mr. Cushing.
Herald,	Mr. White.
Veturia,	Mrs. Woffington.
Volumnia,	Mrs. Bellamy.
Lady [Gentlewoman].	Mrs. Helm.

CORIOLANUS: OR, THE ROMAN MATRON. A TRAGEDY.

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