ever
heard or found but that the sight was very agreeable to an Audience, and
very Awfull: besides the Apparition of the Ghost was necessary, for it
was that which struck a Terror in the Queen, and frighten'd her from
heark'ning to the Love of _Bacon_, believing it a horrid thing to
receive the Caresses and Embraces of her Husbands Murderer: And Lastly,
many of the Parts being false Cast, and given to those whose Tallants
and Genius's suited not our Author's Intention: These, Madam, are some
of the Reasons that this Play was unsuccessfull, and the best Play that
ever was writ must prove so: if it have the Fate to be Murder'd like
this.

However, Madam, I can't but believe you will find an hours diversion in
the reading, and will meet with not only Wit, but true Comedy, (tho'
low) by reason many of the Characters are such only as our _Newgate_
afforded, being Criminals Transported.

This play, Madam, being left in my hands by the Author to Introduce to
the Publick, I thought my self oblig'd to say thus much in its defence,
and that it was also a Duty upon me to choose a Patroness proper for it,
and the Author having pitcht upon your Name to do Honour to some of her
Works, I thought your Protection, could be so usefull to none, as to
this, whose owning it may Silence the Malice of its Enemies; Your Wit
and Judgment being to be Submitted to in all Cases; Besides your Natural
Tenderness and Compassion for the Unfortunate, gives you in a manner
another Title to it: The Preference which is due to you upon so many
Accounts is therefore the Reason of this present Address, for at the
Worst, if this Play should be so Unfortunate as not to be thought worthy
of your Acceptance; Yet it is certain, that its worth any Man's while to
have the Honour of subscribing himself,

Madam,
Your Most Obedient Humble,
Servant,
G. J.

THE WIDOW RANTER:

Or, the History of Bacon in _Virginia_.

PROLOGUE,

By Mr. _Dryden_.

Heaven save ye, Gallants; and this hopeful Age,
Y' are welcome to the downfal of the Stage:
The Fools have laboured long in their Vocation;
And Vice (the Manufacture of the Nation)
O'er-stocks the Town so much, and thrives so well,
That Fops and Knaves grow Drugs, and will not sell.
In vain our Wares on Theaters are shown,
When each has a Plantation of his own.
His Cruse ne'er fails; for whatsoe'er he spends,
There's still God's plenty for himself and Friends.
Shou'd Me