Chapter XLVI: Preface

In offering the following dramatic production to a discerning public, the author respectfully intimates, that, notwithstanding an accidental similarity in name between this play and one by Mr. William Shakspeare, in plot, language, and situations, the two dramas will be found to differ totally. "_Love in the City_" is of that order generally termed "the Domestic;" and, while the incidents are varied, simple, and common-place, it is to be hoped that the _dénouement_ will be acknowledged singularly striking and effective.

To restore the legitimate drama, whose neglect has been so long and uselessly deplored, has been the author's principal aim; and, in the construction of the play here presented to the world, he trusts that he has eminently succeeded. No German horrors have been employed; the use of thunder and lightning has been dispensed with; not even a dance of demons has been introduced; and, with the exception of reproducing Mr. Clipclose, senior, in the second act, after he had shuffled off this mortal coil, there is not an event in the whole drama, but those of every-day occurrence.

Although "_Love in the City_" has been expressly written for the eminent performers whose names are attached to the _dramatis personæ_, the author will extend a limited privilege of acting to country managers, he receiving a clear half of the gross receipts of their respective houses. Any offer short of this stipulation will remain unattended to. Music-sellers may address proposals for the melodies to Mr. Richard Bentley; and, should my attempt at piracy be detected,--the copyright of the drama being duly entered at Stationers' Hall,--persons thus offending are respectfully informed that they will be subjected to an action at law. THE AUTHOR. Camomile-street, May 1, 1837.

LOVE IN THE CITY;
OR, ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL.

A MELODRAMATIC EXTRAVAGANZA,
_In Two Acts._

_As it is to be performed at the Theatre-Royal, Drury-Lane, with rapturous applause._

_The words_ not _by Thomas Moore,_ nor _the music by Henry R. Bishop._

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

_Captain Connor_,--a gentleman from Ireland, with black whiskers and four wives, six feet two high, a sergeant in the 2nd Life-Guards, in love with Mrs. Clipclose, _cum multis aliis_,--MR. CHARLES KEMBLE (his reappearance on the stage for this occasion only).

_Mr. Robert Clipclose_,--an eminent mercer, of amorous disposition, and in embarrassed circumstances,--MR. SHERIDAN KNOWLES.

_Old Clipclose_,--father to Robert, a retired tradesman, afflicted by gout and avarice, with a house at Highgate,--MR. WILLIAM FARREN.

_His Ghost_,--MR. T. P. COOKE.

_Jeremiah Scout_,--in the confidence of Mr. and Mrs. Clipclose, and porter to the establishment,--MR. HARLEY.

_Samuel Snags_, } clerks to Clipclose and Co. and men of fashion,
_Matthew Mags, and_ } their names omitted by mistake in the Court
_Philip Poppleton_, } Calendar,--MESS. LISTON, VINING, and YATES.

_Timothy O'Toole_,--corporal, 2nd Life-Guards, troop No. 4--MR. TYRONE POWER.

_Benjamin Blowhard_,--trumpeter, same troop,--MR. J. RUSSELL.

_Pieman and All-hot_,--by a POST-CAPTAIN and an ASSISTANT-SURGEON, H.P. R.N. Their first appearance on any stage.

_Policemen A. and S._--by two gentlemen from the country, of great provincial celebrity.

_Mrs. Clipclose_,--lady-like and extravagant, in love with Captain Connor,--MRS. BUTLER, who has kindly promised to come from North America to sustain the character, and is hourly expected, per the "Silas Tomkins, of New York."

_Miss Juliana Smashaway_,--a young lady of great personal attraction and small fortune, in lodgings in Upper Stamford-street, and in love with Captain Connor,--MISS ELLEN TREE.

_Annette_, vulgò _Netty_,--a maid of all work, engaged to Samuel Snags, and in love with Captain Connor,--MADAME VESTRIS.

_Captains Wife_, _No. 1_, --MISS HELEN FAUCIT.
_Do._ _No. 2_, --MRS. YATES.
_Do._ _No. 3_, --MRS. NISBIT.
_Do._ _No. 4_, --MISS VINCENT.

_Kitty_,--lady of the bed-chamber to Miss Smashaway,--MISS MORDAUNT.

Men about town, women ditto, apprentices, guardsmen, police A. 27 and F. 63, attendants, &c. &c. &c. _by eminent performers_.

_Time_, rather indefinite. _Scene_, always within sound of Bow-bell, and chiefly in Ludgate-hill _or_ Upper Stamford-street.