ADVERTISEMENT.

It is the general opinion, that this comedy abounds with weeds; and there is no one, I think, will deny, who peruses it with attention, that it is adorned with several poetical flowers, such as the hand of a Shakespeare alone could raise. The rankest of those weeds I have endeavoured to remove; but was not a little solicitous lest I should go too far, and, while I fancy'd myself grubbing up a weed, should heedlessly cut the threads of a flower.

The other part of my design, which was to give a greater uniformity to the scenery, and a connection and consistency to the fable (which in many places is visibly wanted) will be deemed of more importance, if it should be found to be executed with success.

As to the two additional scenes of Launce and Speed in the last act, I shall leave them to the candid judges of dramatic composition, whether they contribute any thing to the representation, or afford any amusement to the reader.

N. B. All the characters in this comedy were well performed.