Chapter I: Preface: To the Fourth Edition

Prompted by the interest which has arisen since the publication of former editions of this comedy, the author takes occasion to state that “The Merchant Prince of Cornville” was written between the years 1875 and 1879. It was circulated and read in manuscript copies until 1895, when, at the request of many persons, it was placed in the hands of the printers for publication in book form, from whom printed proofs were received in July, of that year. In 1896 the first edition appeared in print from the University Press of Cambridge. In the same year it was given a single representation at the Novelty Theater, London, with the object only of securing the acting rights in England.

One of the purposes of the author is to present the poetic and ideal in dramatic contrast with the materialistic and commonplace spirit, which, perhaps, somewhat more strongly than to-day, prevailed two decades ago, when this comedy was completed; the underlying theme intended to be developed being that the love of a high-minded and refined woman can be gained only by appealing to her poetic fancy and finer sensibilities. How well the objects sought have been attained is left to the judgment of the reader.

S. E. G.

CHICAGO, March 1, 1899.

The Merchant Prince of Cornville.

_A Comedy._

THE CHARACTERS.

WHETSTONE _The Merchant Prince, suitor to Violet._
BLUEGRASS _His secretary._
SCYTHE _A scientist._
IDEAL _A poet, suitor to Violet._
NORTHLAKE _A philosopher._
FOPDOODLE _A fop, suitor to Violet._
TOM _His valet._
PUNCH _A miscellaneous person._
JACK _Son to Northlake and Catharine._
POMPEY _A butler._
HANNIBAL _A servant._

VIOLET _Niece and ward to Northlake._
NINON _Her maid._
CATHARINE _Former wife to Northlake._
SUSAN _Housekeeper to Whetstone._

_Maskers, Musicians, etc._

PLACE _The Seaside._
TIME _The Last Quarter of the Nineteenth Century._

SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY AND INCIDENTS.