[17]I can find no authority for this observation. It may have been spoken in a moment of peevishness, but it is certainly very far from conveying Wycherley's real estimate of his friend's genius.—Ed.
[17]I can find no authority for this observation. It may have been spoken in a moment of peevishness, but it is certainly very far from conveying Wycherley's real estimate of his friend's genius.—Ed.
[18]This "strange friendship" only terminated, as has been already shown, with Wycherley's death.—Ed.
[18]This "strange friendship" only terminated, as has been already shown, with Wycherley's death.—Ed.
[19]Our information respecting the closing scene of Wycherley's life is too scanty for the formation of a definite judgment. We are, however, under no necessity of believing the circumstances which attended it to have been in any way scandalous. Pope's letter, on this occasion, to Mr. Blount is here subjoined."Jan. 21, 1715-16."I know of nothing that will be so interesting to you at present, as some circumstances of the last act of that eminent comic poet, and our friend, Wycherley. He had often told me, as I doubt not he did all his acquaintance, that he would marry as soon as his life was despaired of. Accordingly, a few days before his death, he underwent the ceremony: and joined together those two sacraments, which, wise men say, should be the last we receive: for, if you observe, matrimony is placed after extreme unction in our catechism, as a kind of hint of the order of time in which they are to be taken. The old man then lay down, satisfied in the conscience of having by this one act paid his just debts, obliged a woman, who, he was told, had merit, and shown an heroic resentment of the ill-usage of his next heir. Some hundred pounds, which he had with the lady, discharged those debts: a jointure of four hundred a year made her a recompense; and the nephew he left to comfort himself as well as he could, with the miserable remains of a mortgaged estate. I saw our friend twice after this was done, less peevish in his sickness than he used to be in his health; neither much afraid of dying, nor (which in him had been more likely) much ashamed of marrying. The evening before he expired, he called his young wife to the bedside, and earnestly entreated her not to deny him one request, the last he should make. Upon her assurances of consenting to it, he told her, 'My dear, it is only this, that you will never marry an old man again.' I cannot help remarking, that sickness, which often destroys both wit and wisdom, yet seldom has power to remove that talent which we call humour. Mr. Wycherley shewed his, even in this last compliment; though I think his request a little hard, for why should he bar her from doubling her jointure on the same easy terms."So trivial as these circumstances are, I should not be displeased myself to know such trifles, when they concern or characterise any eminent person. The wisest and wittiest of men are seldom wiser or wittier than others in these sober moments. At least, our friend ended much in the character he had lived in: and Horace's rule for a play may as well be applied to him as a play-wright:'——Servetur ad imumQualis ab incepto processerit, et sibi constet.'"I am, &c."It is stated that the lady's name was Jackson, and that she brought Wycherley a fortune of £1,500. The following additional particulars are given, on the authority of Pope, in Spence'sAnecdotes, "Wycherley's nephew, on whom his estate was entailed (but with power to settle a widow's jointure) would not consent to his selling any part of it; which he wanted much to do, to pay his debts, about a thousand pounds. He had therefore long resolved to marry, in order to make a settlement from the estate, to pay off his debts with his wife's fortune, and 'to plague his damned nephew,' as he used to express it.... After all, the woman he did marry proved a cheat; was a cast mistress of the person who recommended her to him; and was supplied by him with money for her wedding clothes." This last assertion is hardly to be reconciled with the assumption that Wycherley paid his debts with his wife's fortune. From an allusion to his nephew's "ill-carriage" to him, in a letter to Pope, dated Aug. 11, 1709, we gather that the quarrel between them was of old standing; of its origin we are completely ignorant.—Ed.
[19]Our information respecting the closing scene of Wycherley's life is too scanty for the formation of a definite judgment. We are, however, under no necessity of believing the circumstances which attended it to have been in any way scandalous. Pope's letter, on this occasion, to Mr. Blount is here subjoined.
"Jan. 21, 1715-16."I know of nothing that will be so interesting to you at present, as some circumstances of the last act of that eminent comic poet, and our friend, Wycherley. He had often told me, as I doubt not he did all his acquaintance, that he would marry as soon as his life was despaired of. Accordingly, a few days before his death, he underwent the ceremony: and joined together those two sacraments, which, wise men say, should be the last we receive: for, if you observe, matrimony is placed after extreme unction in our catechism, as a kind of hint of the order of time in which they are to be taken. The old man then lay down, satisfied in the conscience of having by this one act paid his just debts, obliged a woman, who, he was told, had merit, and shown an heroic resentment of the ill-usage of his next heir. Some hundred pounds, which he had with the lady, discharged those debts: a jointure of four hundred a year made her a recompense; and the nephew he left to comfort himself as well as he could, with the miserable remains of a mortgaged estate. I saw our friend twice after this was done, less peevish in his sickness than he used to be in his health; neither much afraid of dying, nor (which in him had been more likely) much ashamed of marrying. The evening before he expired, he called his young wife to the bedside, and earnestly entreated her not to deny him one request, the last he should make. Upon her assurances of consenting to it, he told her, 'My dear, it is only this, that you will never marry an old man again.' I cannot help remarking, that sickness, which often destroys both wit and wisdom, yet seldom has power to remove that talent which we call humour. Mr. Wycherley shewed his, even in this last compliment; though I think his request a little hard, for why should he bar her from doubling her jointure on the same easy terms."So trivial as these circumstances are, I should not be displeased myself to know such trifles, when they concern or characterise any eminent person. The wisest and wittiest of men are seldom wiser or wittier than others in these sober moments. At least, our friend ended much in the character he had lived in: and Horace's rule for a play may as well be applied to him as a play-wright:'——Servetur ad imumQualis ab incepto processerit, et sibi constet.'"I am, &c."
"Jan. 21, 1715-16.
"I know of nothing that will be so interesting to you at present, as some circumstances of the last act of that eminent comic poet, and our friend, Wycherley. He had often told me, as I doubt not he did all his acquaintance, that he would marry as soon as his life was despaired of. Accordingly, a few days before his death, he underwent the ceremony: and joined together those two sacraments, which, wise men say, should be the last we receive: for, if you observe, matrimony is placed after extreme unction in our catechism, as a kind of hint of the order of time in which they are to be taken. The old man then lay down, satisfied in the conscience of having by this one act paid his just debts, obliged a woman, who, he was told, had merit, and shown an heroic resentment of the ill-usage of his next heir. Some hundred pounds, which he had with the lady, discharged those debts: a jointure of four hundred a year made her a recompense; and the nephew he left to comfort himself as well as he could, with the miserable remains of a mortgaged estate. I saw our friend twice after this was done, less peevish in his sickness than he used to be in his health; neither much afraid of dying, nor (which in him had been more likely) much ashamed of marrying. The evening before he expired, he called his young wife to the bedside, and earnestly entreated her not to deny him one request, the last he should make. Upon her assurances of consenting to it, he told her, 'My dear, it is only this, that you will never marry an old man again.' I cannot help remarking, that sickness, which often destroys both wit and wisdom, yet seldom has power to remove that talent which we call humour. Mr. Wycherley shewed his, even in this last compliment; though I think his request a little hard, for why should he bar her from doubling her jointure on the same easy terms.
"So trivial as these circumstances are, I should not be displeased myself to know such trifles, when they concern or characterise any eminent person. The wisest and wittiest of men are seldom wiser or wittier than others in these sober moments. At least, our friend ended much in the character he had lived in: and Horace's rule for a play may as well be applied to him as a play-wright:
'——Servetur ad imumQualis ab incepto processerit, et sibi constet.'
"I am, &c."
It is stated that the lady's name was Jackson, and that she brought Wycherley a fortune of £1,500. The following additional particulars are given, on the authority of Pope, in Spence'sAnecdotes, "Wycherley's nephew, on whom his estate was entailed (but with power to settle a widow's jointure) would not consent to his selling any part of it; which he wanted much to do, to pay his debts, about a thousand pounds. He had therefore long resolved to marry, in order to make a settlement from the estate, to pay off his debts with his wife's fortune, and 'to plague his damned nephew,' as he used to express it.... After all, the woman he did marry proved a cheat; was a cast mistress of the person who recommended her to him; and was supplied by him with money for her wedding clothes." This last assertion is hardly to be reconciled with the assumption that Wycherley paid his debts with his wife's fortune. From an allusion to his nephew's "ill-carriage" to him, in a letter to Pope, dated Aug. 11, 1709, we gather that the quarrel between them was of old standing; of its origin we are completely ignorant.—Ed.
[20]It is difficult to understand in what the impropriety of these speeches is supposed to consist. They are both placed in the mouth of Sparkish, an affected fop, whose utmost ambition is to be recorded a wit, and to whom no sacrifice would seem excessive for the sake of a smart saying. His indifference to the young lady in question occasions his loss of her in the end.—Ed.
[20]It is difficult to understand in what the impropriety of these speeches is supposed to consist. They are both placed in the mouth of Sparkish, an affected fop, whose utmost ambition is to be recorded a wit, and to whom no sacrifice would seem excessive for the sake of a smart saying. His indifference to the young lady in question occasions his loss of her in the end.—Ed.
[21]Wycherley's "slowness" has been denied by both Pope and Lansdowne. The former declares that "he was far from being slow in general, and, in particular, wroteThe Plain Dealerin three weeks." And Lansdowne observes, "If it had been a trouble to him to write, I am much mistaken if he would not have spared himself that trouble." It seems certain, however, that he revised and altered his plays before committing them to the public, and he by no means belonged to the class of so-called Easy Writers, with respect to whom abon-motof his is recorded in the ninthTatler. "The town has for half an age been tormented with insects called Easy Writers, whose abilities Mr. Wycherley one day described excellently well in one word: 'That,' said he, 'among these fellows is called Easy Writing, which anyone may easily write.'"—Ed.
[21]Wycherley's "slowness" has been denied by both Pope and Lansdowne. The former declares that "he was far from being slow in general, and, in particular, wroteThe Plain Dealerin three weeks." And Lansdowne observes, "If it had been a trouble to him to write, I am much mistaken if he would not have spared himself that trouble." It seems certain, however, that he revised and altered his plays before committing them to the public, and he by no means belonged to the class of so-called Easy Writers, with respect to whom abon-motof his is recorded in the ninthTatler. "The town has for half an age been tormented with insects called Easy Writers, whose abilities Mr. Wycherley one day described excellently well in one word: 'That,' said he, 'among these fellows is called Easy Writing, which anyone may easily write.'"—Ed.
[22]A remarkably free translation, one would say; and the "whole scene" is, in fact, but a small portion of a scene. But see, for Wycherley's plagiarisms, the Introductions to the plays.—Ed.
[22]A remarkably free translation, one would say; and the "whole scene" is, in fact, but a small portion of a scene. But see, for Wycherley's plagiarisms, the Introductions to the plays.—Ed.
[23]Democritus excludes sane poets from Helicon.—De Art Poet.296-7.
[23]Democritus excludes sane poets from Helicon.—De Art Poet.296-7.
[24]See theIntroduction toThe Gentleman Dancing-Master.
[24]See theIntroduction toThe Gentleman Dancing-Master.
[25]Some Account of the English Stage, vol i. p. 135.
[25]Some Account of the English Stage, vol i. p. 135.
[26]The Mulberry Garden was situated at the further extremity of the Mall in St. James's Park, upon the site now occupied by Buckingham Palace and its grounds. Its name was derived from a plantation of mulberry trees which James I. caused to be made there. Later, the spot was converted into a public garden, with shrubberies, walks, arbours, and a house of refreshment, and was much frequented by persons of fashion as well as citizens. Pepys found it "a very silly place, worse than Spring-garden," but "a wilderness here that is somewhat pretty." The following extract from Sedley'sMulberry Gardengives an idea of the doings at this place. The scene is laid in the Garden:—"Wildish.What, is there store of game here, gentlemen?Modish.Troth, little or none; a few citizens that have brought their children out to air 'em, and eat cheesecakes.Wildish.I thought this place had been so full of beauties, that like a pack of hounds in a hare warren, you could hunt one for another: what think you of an arbor and a bottle of Rhenish?"
[26]The Mulberry Garden was situated at the further extremity of the Mall in St. James's Park, upon the site now occupied by Buckingham Palace and its grounds. Its name was derived from a plantation of mulberry trees which James I. caused to be made there. Later, the spot was converted into a public garden, with shrubberies, walks, arbours, and a house of refreshment, and was much frequented by persons of fashion as well as citizens. Pepys found it "a very silly place, worse than Spring-garden," but "a wilderness here that is somewhat pretty." The following extract from Sedley'sMulberry Gardengives an idea of the doings at this place. The scene is laid in the Garden:—
"Wildish.What, is there store of game here, gentlemen?
Modish.Troth, little or none; a few citizens that have brought their children out to air 'em, and eat cheesecakes.
Wildish.I thought this place had been so full of beauties, that like a pack of hounds in a hare warren, you could hunt one for another: what think you of an arbor and a bottle of Rhenish?"
[27]A gull; a courtesan's dupe; "one who may be easily led by the nose or put upon."—Bailey's Dict.
[27]A gull; a courtesan's dupe; "one who may be easily led by the nose or put upon."—Bailey's Dict.
[28]Fegue or feague. "To beat, to whip, to drive."—Wright Dict. of obsolete and provincial English.Hence our wordfag.
[28]Fegue or feague. "To beat, to whip, to drive."—Wright Dict. of obsolete and provincial English.Hence our wordfag.
[29]Cheated of his portion.
[29]Cheated of his portion.
[30]Whetstone's Park was the name of the district lying between Lincoln's Inn Fields and Holborn. The character of its inhabitants had given it at this time an ill reputation. In Crowne's comedy of theCountry Wit(1675) occurs the following allusion to Whetstone's Park: "After I had gone a little way in a great broad street, I turned into a Tavern hard by a place they call a Park; and just as our Park is all Trees, that Park is all Houses. I asked if they had any Deer in it, and they told me, not half so many as they used to have; but that if I had a mind to a Doe, they would put a Doe to me."
[30]Whetstone's Park was the name of the district lying between Lincoln's Inn Fields and Holborn. The character of its inhabitants had given it at this time an ill reputation. In Crowne's comedy of theCountry Wit(1675) occurs the following allusion to Whetstone's Park: "After I had gone a little way in a great broad street, I turned into a Tavern hard by a place they call a Park; and just as our Park is all Trees, that Park is all Houses. I asked if they had any Deer in it, and they told me, not half so many as they used to have; but that if I had a mind to a Doe, they would put a Doe to me."
[31]Strumpet.
[31]Strumpet.
[32]A prostitute.
[32]A prostitute.
[33]The present Pall Mall, so called from the game of Pall Mall formerly played there with ball and mallet. In Wycherley's time Pall Mall was already a street of houses, and the game was then played at the Mall in St. James's Park, also called Pall Mall.
[33]The present Pall Mall, so called from the game of Pall Mall formerly played there with ball and mallet. In Wycherley's time Pall Mall was already a street of houses, and the game was then played at the Mall in St. James's Park, also called Pall Mall.
[34]i.e.The New Exchange, a long building, erected upon the site of the stables of Durham House, on the south side of the Strand, and nearly opposite Bedford Street. Opened in 1609, it became a fashionable lounge after the Restoration, and was pulled down in 1737. "It was erected partly on the plan of the Royal Exchange, with vaults beneath, over which was an open paved arcade; and above were walks of shops, occupied by perfumers and publishers, milliners and sempstresses."—Timbs' Curiosities of London.
[34]i.e.The New Exchange, a long building, erected upon the site of the stables of Durham House, on the south side of the Strand, and nearly opposite Bedford Street. Opened in 1609, it became a fashionable lounge after the Restoration, and was pulled down in 1737. "It was erected partly on the plan of the Royal Exchange, with vaults beneath, over which was an open paved arcade; and above were walks of shops, occupied by perfumers and publishers, milliners and sempstresses."—Timbs' Curiosities of London.
[35]Strumpet.
[35]Strumpet.
[36]Bulk. "A stall before a shop."—Bailey.
[36]Bulk. "A stall before a shop."—Bailey.
[37]Or Ferrandine: a stuff made of silk and wool.
[37]Or Ferrandine: a stuff made of silk and wool.
[38]In 1577, William Lamb (formerly a gentleman of the chapel to Henry VIII.) caused to be constructed, in the fields where now stands Lamb's Conduit Street, a reservoir and a conduit by which the water was conveyed to Snow Hill. These fields formed a place of resort for the inhabitants of the adjoining districts. The conduit was restored, from a design by Sir Christopher Wren, in 1667.
[38]In 1577, William Lamb (formerly a gentleman of the chapel to Henry VIII.) caused to be constructed, in the fields where now stands Lamb's Conduit Street, a reservoir and a conduit by which the water was conveyed to Snow Hill. These fields formed a place of resort for the inhabitants of the adjoining districts. The conduit was restored, from a design by Sir Christopher Wren, in 1667.
[39]"Cross or pile": equivalent to our "heads or tails." A cross was usually on the reverse of old English coins; the obverse was called the "pile," from the pile or punch with which the impression was struck.
[39]"Cross or pile": equivalent to our "heads or tails." A cross was usually on the reverse of old English coins; the obverse was called the "pile," from the pile or punch with which the impression was struck.
[40]The New Spring Garden, at Vauxhall; afterwards under the name of Vauxhall, the most famous place of resort of that kind in the metropolis. It was first opened about 1661, when Evelyn describes it as "a pretty-contriv'd plantation," and was closed in 1859. Pepys has an interesting entry concerning it, under date of May 28, 1667; "I by water to Fox-hall, and there walked in Spring-garden. A great deal of company, and the weather and garden pleasant: and it is very pleasant and cheap going thither, for a man may go to spend what he will, or nothing, all as one. But to hear the nightingale and other birds, and here fiddles and there a harp, and here a Jew's trump, and here laughing, and there fine people walking, is mighty divertising."—The Neat-house was a place of entertainment at Pimlico.
[40]The New Spring Garden, at Vauxhall; afterwards under the name of Vauxhall, the most famous place of resort of that kind in the metropolis. It was first opened about 1661, when Evelyn describes it as "a pretty-contriv'd plantation," and was closed in 1859. Pepys has an interesting entry concerning it, under date of May 28, 1667; "I by water to Fox-hall, and there walked in Spring-garden. A great deal of company, and the weather and garden pleasant: and it is very pleasant and cheap going thither, for a man may go to spend what he will, or nothing, all as one. But to hear the nightingale and other birds, and here fiddles and there a harp, and here a Jew's trump, and here laughing, and there fine people walking, is mighty divertising."—The Neat-house was a place of entertainment at Pimlico.
[41]A powdering-tub means properly a tub in which meat is salted, to sprinkle with salt being an occasional sense of the verb "to powder." Hence the name of powdering-tub was applied to places where persons afflicted with a certain disease were cured. Compare Shakespeare,Measure for Measure, iii. 2; "Troth, sir, she hath eaten up all her beef, and she is herself in the tub." AlsoKing Henry V., ii. 1.
[41]A powdering-tub means properly a tub in which meat is salted, to sprinkle with salt being an occasional sense of the verb "to powder." Hence the name of powdering-tub was applied to places where persons afflicted with a certain disease were cured. Compare Shakespeare,Measure for Measure, iii. 2; "Troth, sir, she hath eaten up all her beef, and she is herself in the tub." AlsoKing Henry V., ii. 1.
[42]The Mortlake tapestry was of some note at this time. The works had been founded under the patronage of James I., and Rubens and Vandyck subsequently lent their services to the undertaking.
[42]The Mortlake tapestry was of some note at this time. The works had been founded under the patronage of James I., and Rubens and Vandyck subsequently lent their services to the undertaking.
[43]The angel was worth 10s., and the piece 22s.
[43]The angel was worth 10s., and the piece 22s.
[44]The mark was worth 13s.4d.
[44]The mark was worth 13s.4d.
[45]This incident is evidently borrowed from the story of "La procureuse passe la raie," inLes Cent Nouvelles Nouvelles, or from the more recent version in Bandello'sNovelle.
[45]This incident is evidently borrowed from the story of "La procureuse passe la raie," inLes Cent Nouvelles Nouvelles, or from the more recent version in Bandello'sNovelle.
[46]Mother Clifford was a noted procuress, who is mentioned in several comedies of the time.
[46]Mother Clifford was a noted procuress, who is mentioned in several comedies of the time.
[47]Brothel.
[47]Brothel.
[48]Prostitute.
[48]Prostitute.
[49]Dutch, literally "Jack in the Cellar;" a jocular term for an unborn infant.—Wright.
[49]Dutch, literally "Jack in the Cellar;" a jocular term for an unborn infant.—Wright.
[50]The part of Dapperwit was originally acted by Mohun.
[50]The part of Dapperwit was originally acted by Mohun.
[51]'Tis not sufficient to make the hearer laugh aloud; although there is nevertheless a certain merit even in this.—Sat.I. 10, 8-9.
[51]'Tis not sufficient to make the hearer laugh aloud; although there is nevertheless a certain merit even in this.—Sat.I. 10, 8-9.
[52]Punchinello had a booth at Charing Cross in 1666; this was probably the earliest appearance of Punch in this country, under that name.
[52]Punchinello had a booth at Charing Cross in 1666; this was probably the earliest appearance of Punch in this country, under that name.
[53]Seenote 26.
[53]Seenote 26.
[54]"Hogsdone, Islington, and Totnam Court,For cakes and cream had then no small resort."Wither's Britain's Remembrancer, 1628.
[54]
"Hogsdone, Islington, and Totnam Court,For cakes and cream had then no small resort."Wither's Britain's Remembrancer, 1628.
[55]Seenote 40.
[55]Seenote 40.
[56]Jest; taunt.
[56]Jest; taunt.
[57]Rough-coated.
[57]Rough-coated.
[58]Coranto, a quick and lively dance.
[58]Coranto, a quick and lively dance.
[59]The saraband was a slow and stately dance.
[59]The saraband was a slow and stately dance.
[60]A farcical personage of the Italian stage, in the character of a military braggart. Tiberio Fiurelli, the creator of this part, was acting in Wycherley's time at the Italian Theatre in Paris. Angel and Nokes were eminent comic actors of the day, and this scene must have been sufficiently diverting if, as Genest supposes, the part of Monsieur de Paris was actually played by Nokes, and that of Don Diego by Angel.
[60]A farcical personage of the Italian stage, in the character of a military braggart. Tiberio Fiurelli, the creator of this part, was acting in Wycherley's time at the Italian Theatre in Paris. Angel and Nokes were eminent comic actors of the day, and this scene must have been sufficiently diverting if, as Genest supposes, the part of Monsieur de Paris was actually played by Nokes, and that of Don Diego by Angel.
[61]Gavanhoin former editions, but there is no such word in the Spanish language. I venture to substitutegabacho, a term of contempt applied to a Frenchman.
[61]Gavanhoin former editions, but there is no such word in the Spanish language. I venture to substitutegabacho, a term of contempt applied to a Frenchman.
[62]Thegolillawas a collar of pasteboard, covered with white muslin, starched and plaited. It was at this time generally worn in Spain, but later only by lawyers.
[62]Thegolillawas a collar of pasteboard, covered with white muslin, starched and plaited. It was at this time generally worn in Spain, but later only by lawyers.
[63]i.e., To bow in the Spanish fashion.
[63]i.e., To bow in the Spanish fashion.
[64]Scarlet. A new method of dyeing scarlet was brought to England in 1643 by a German, who established his dye-house at Bow; hence Bow-dye came to signify scarlet. It is also used as a verb: "Now a cup of nappy ale will bow-dye a man's face."
[64]Scarlet. A new method of dyeing scarlet was brought to England in 1643 by a German, who established his dye-house at Bow; hence Bow-dye came to signify scarlet. It is also used as a verb: "Now a cup of nappy ale will bow-dye a man's face."
[65]Cudden or cuddy; a clown; a silly fellow.
[65]Cudden or cuddy; a clown; a silly fellow.
[66]Blot.
[66]Blot.
[67]The "Checkers" was a common sign of public houses; from the game of checkers, or draughts.
[67]The "Checkers" was a common sign of public houses; from the game of checkers, or draughts.
[68]Jump: a short coat.
[68]Jump: a short coat.
[69]I am out of patience when anything is blamed, not because it is thought coarsely and inelegantly composed, but because it is new: when for the ancients not indulgence, but honour and rewards are demanded.—Epist.II. i. 76-8.
[69]I am out of patience when anything is blamed, not because it is thought coarsely and inelegantly composed, but because it is new: when for the ancients not indulgence, but honour and rewards are demanded.—Epist.II. i. 76-8.
[70]Charles Hart, grandson of Shakespeare's sister, Joan Hart, was one of the most distinguished actors of his time. He excelled chiefly in tragedy, and it was said of him that he "might teach any king on earth how to comport himself." He retired from the stage in 1682, and died in the following year.
[70]Charles Hart, grandson of Shakespeare's sister, Joan Hart, was one of the most distinguished actors of his time. He excelled chiefly in tragedy, and it was said of him that he "might teach any king on earth how to comport himself." He retired from the stage in 1682, and died in the following year.
[71]A character in Ben Jonson's comedy,The Alchemist.
[71]A character in Ben Jonson's comedy,The Alchemist.
[72]Sir Martin Mar-allis the title of a comedy by Dryden, first produced in 1667. In the scene referred to, Sir Martin serenades his mistress, going through the motions of singing and accompanying himself with the lute, while the actual performance is that of his man, who is concealed behind him. The lady discovers the imposition, through Sir Martin's failing to leave off at the right time.
[72]Sir Martin Mar-allis the title of a comedy by Dryden, first produced in 1667. In the scene referred to, Sir Martin serenades his mistress, going through the motions of singing and accompanying himself with the lute, while the actual performance is that of his man, who is concealed behind him. The lady discovers the imposition, through Sir Martin's failing to leave off at the right time.
[73]Chatelain's was a famous French ordinary in Covent Garden, much frequented by wits and men of fashion. It is mentioned by Pepys, and often referred to by Shadwell in his plays. The Cock Tavern was in Bow Street, near where Wycherley and his first wife, the Countess of Drogheda, lodged; and it was here that the windows had to be left open when Wycherley frequented it, that the countess might see there were no ladies in the company.
[73]Chatelain's was a famous French ordinary in Covent Garden, much frequented by wits and men of fashion. It is mentioned by Pepys, and often referred to by Shadwell in his plays. The Cock Tavern was in Bow Street, near where Wycherley and his first wife, the Countess of Drogheda, lodged; and it was here that the windows had to be left open when Wycherley frequented it, that the countess might see there were no ladies in the company.
[74]Seenote 34.
[74]Seenote 34.
[75]"Covent Garden Drolery, Or a Colection of all the Choice Songs, Poems, Prologues, and Epilogues (Sung and Spoken at Courts and Theaters) never in Print before. Written by the refined'st Witts of the Age. And Collected by R[ichard] B[rome] Servant to His Majestie. London, Printed for James Magnes neer the Piazza in Russel-Street, 1672."—Tarugo's Wiles, or the Coffee House; a comedy by Sir Thomas St. Serle, produced in 1668.—The Slighted Maid, a comedy by Sir Robert Stapleton, produced in 1663.
[75]"Covent Garden Drolery, Or a Colection of all the Choice Songs, Poems, Prologues, and Epilogues (Sung and Spoken at Courts and Theaters) never in Print before. Written by the refined'st Witts of the Age. And Collected by R[ichard] B[rome] Servant to His Majestie. London, Printed for James Magnes neer the Piazza in Russel-Street, 1672."—Tarugo's Wiles, or the Coffee House; a comedy by Sir Thomas St. Serle, produced in 1668.—The Slighted Maid, a comedy by Sir Robert Stapleton, produced in 1663.
[76]A sweet-scented powder.
[76]A sweet-scented powder.
[77]Carefully.
[77]Carefully.
[78]Succeeds.
[78]Succeeds.
[79]Romp; tomboy.
[79]Romp; tomboy.
[80]A well frequented ordinary near Charing Cross, on the site of Drummond's Bank.
[80]A well frequented ordinary near Charing Cross, on the site of Drummond's Bank.
[81]In Wycherley's time the square of Covent Garden must have presented an elegant appearance. The Piazza, designed by Inigo Jones, extended, like the modern piazza, along the northern and eastern sides; on the west stood St. Paul's Church, built by the same famous architect, and on the south the square was bordered by the gardens of Bedford House. "The area was inclosed with railings, at sixty feet from the buildings; and in the centre was a dial, with a gilt ball, raised upon a column."Timbs' Curiosities of London.In 1671 the market was established, but was held, originally, only on the southern side of the square, under the wall of Bedford Gardens. The houses within the Piazza were then occupied by persons of rank and fashion.
[81]In Wycherley's time the square of Covent Garden must have presented an elegant appearance. The Piazza, designed by Inigo Jones, extended, like the modern piazza, along the northern and eastern sides; on the west stood St. Paul's Church, built by the same famous architect, and on the south the square was bordered by the gardens of Bedford House. "The area was inclosed with railings, at sixty feet from the buildings; and in the centre was a dial, with a gilt ball, raised upon a column."Timbs' Curiosities of London.In 1671 the market was established, but was held, originally, only on the southern side of the square, under the wall of Bedford Gardens. The houses within the Piazza were then occupied by persons of rank and fashion.
[82]Paw, adj. naughty. An affected word fashionable in the latter half of the seventeenth century.—Wright.
[82]Paw, adj. naughty. An affected word fashionable in the latter half of the seventeenth century.—Wright.
[83]"Lanterloo" or "langteraloo" was the name of a game at cards.
[83]"Lanterloo" or "langteraloo" was the name of a game at cards.
[84]The glasses.
[84]The glasses.
[85]Or Knipp, the friend of Mr. Pepys. She played the part of Lady Fidget.
[85]Or Knipp, the friend of Mr. Pepys. She played the part of Lady Fidget.
[86]Ridicule commonly decides great matters more forcibly and better than severity.—Sat.i. 10, 14-15.
[86]Ridicule commonly decides great matters more forcibly and better than severity.—Sat.i. 10, 14-15.
[87]It cannot have been earlier than the latter year, asLe Misanthrope, upon which Wycherley's play is based, did not appear until 1666.
[87]It cannot have been earlier than the latter year, asLe Misanthrope, upon which Wycherley's play is based, did not appear until 1666.
[88]Dryden.
[88]Dryden.
[89]Letters concerning the English Nation.London, 1733.
[89]Letters concerning the English Nation.London, 1733.
[90]It is, to say the least, doubtful ifLes Plaideurswere written beforeThe Plain Dealer. The former was produced in 1668. This supposed discovery of a non-existent coincidence appears to have arisen from a misinterpretation of Voltaire's words in the French edition of hisLetters concerning the English Nation: "On a encore lardé cette piece (The Plain Dealer) d'une Comtesse de Pimbesche, vieille plaideuse." But Voltaire clearly employs the title of "Comtesse de Pimbesche" only as a generic term for a litigious female.
[90]It is, to say the least, doubtful ifLes Plaideurswere written beforeThe Plain Dealer. The former was produced in 1668. This supposed discovery of a non-existent coincidence appears to have arisen from a misinterpretation of Voltaire's words in the French edition of hisLetters concerning the English Nation: "On a encore lardé cette piece (The Plain Dealer) d'une Comtesse de Pimbesche, vieille plaideuse." But Voltaire clearly employs the title of "Comtesse de Pimbesche" only as a generic term for a litigious female.
[91]Mother Bennet, a noted procuress. "The ironical commendation of the industry and charity of these antiquated ladies, these directors of Sin, after they can no longer commit it, makes up the beauty of the inimitable dedication toThe Plain Dealer, and is a masterpiece of raillery on this vice."—Steele, in theSpectator, No. 266.
[91]Mother Bennet, a noted procuress. "The ironical commendation of the industry and charity of these antiquated ladies, these directors of Sin, after they can no longer commit it, makes up the beauty of the inimitable dedication toThe Plain Dealer, and is a masterpiece of raillery on this vice."—Steele, in theSpectator, No. 266.
[92]Nothing is bolder than they who are detected; the sense of their own infamy gives them anger and spirit.
[92]Nothing is bolder than they who are detected; the sense of their own infamy gives them anger and spirit.
[93]Indeed, excess is needful for continency's sake. Fire is with fire extinguished.
[93]Indeed, excess is needful for continency's sake. Fire is with fire extinguished.
[94]Hob in the Hall: the name of a game.
[94]Hob in the Hall: the name of a game.
[95]Compare the ensuing dialogue withLe Misanthrope,act I, scene I.
[95]Compare the ensuing dialogue withLe Misanthrope,act I, scene I.
[96]One who gave false bail or evidence, for hire.
[96]One who gave false bail or evidence, for hire.
[97]i.e.Draggled; bespattered with mud.
[97]i.e.Draggled; bespattered with mud.
[98]To keep a strict watch on anyone's actions.Grose: Lexicon Balatronicum.
[98]To keep a strict watch on anyone's actions.Grose: Lexicon Balatronicum.
[99]Look sullen.
[99]Look sullen.
[100]A tragedy by Thomas Shadwell, produced in 1676, partly based on Molière'sLe Festin de Pierre. This allusion must have been inserted after the production ofThe Plain Dealer.
[100]A tragedy by Thomas Shadwell, produced in 1676, partly based on Molière'sLe Festin de Pierre. This allusion must have been inserted after the production ofThe Plain Dealer.
[101]Afterwards Sir Peter Lely, painter of the beauties of the Court of Charles II.
[101]Afterwards Sir Peter Lely, painter of the beauties of the Court of Charles II.
[102]A sweet-scented powder.
[102]A sweet-scented powder.
[103]Been even with.
[103]Been even with.
[104]Seenote 80.
[104]Seenote 80.
[105]L'honneur de contredire a pour lui tant de charmes,Qu'il prend contre lui-même assez souvent les armesEt ses vrais sentiments sont combattus par lui,Aussitôt qu'il les voit dans la bouche d'autrui.Le Misanthrope, act 2, scene 5.
[105]
L'honneur de contredire a pour lui tant de charmes,Qu'il prend contre lui-même assez souvent les armesEt ses vrais sentiments sont combattus par lui,Aussitôt qu'il les voit dans la bouche d'autrui.Le Misanthrope, act 2, scene 5.
[106]"Picaroon," a rogue, from Spanishpicaro. "Loof" is more commonly written "luff."
[106]"Picaroon," a rogue, from Spanishpicaro. "Loof" is more commonly written "luff."
[107]A pert young fellow.
[107]A pert young fellow.
[108]Scotch warming-pan; a wench.Grose: Lex. Balat.
[108]Scotch warming-pan; a wench.Grose: Lex. Balat.
[109]Cheat: gamble.
[109]Cheat: gamble.
[110]The point of the antithesis lies in the opposition of thenewguinea to theoldgold. Guineas were not coined before the year 1662.
[110]The point of the antithesis lies in the opposition of thenewguinea to theoldgold. Guineas were not coined before the year 1662.
[111]Hercules' Pillars was the name of a tavern in Fleet Street, mentioned by Pepys; also of one at Hyde Park Corner, immortalised in the pages ofTom Jones.
[111]Hercules' Pillars was the name of a tavern in Fleet Street, mentioned by Pepys; also of one at Hyde Park Corner, immortalised in the pages ofTom Jones.
[112]A law-term, signifying under the protection of a husband.
[112]A law-term, signifying under the protection of a husband.
[113]A maintenance of any man in his suit, upon condition of having part of the thing if recovered.
[113]A maintenance of any man in his suit, upon condition of having part of the thing if recovered.
[114]Simpleton.
[114]Simpleton.
[115]A puppet-show.
[115]A puppet-show.
[116]Trangame: a toy.Wright.
[116]Trangame: a toy.Wright.
[117]Seenote 96.
[117]Seenote 96.
[118]Mortgaged.
[118]Mortgaged.
[119]Mixed with spirits.
[119]Mixed with spirits.
[120]Westminster Hall was anciently used as a banqueting-room to the old Palace of Westminster.
[120]Westminster Hall was anciently used as a banqueting-room to the old Palace of Westminster.
[121]Fragments: scraps.
[121]Fragments: scraps.
[122]Dislike.
[122]Dislike.
[123]Fr.aîné: first-born.
[123]Fr.aîné: first-born.
[124]Elle fait des tableaux couvrir les nudités;Mais elle a de l'amour pour les réalités.Le Misanthrope, act iii., scene v.
[124]
Elle fait des tableaux couvrir les nudités;Mais elle a de l'amour pour les réalités.Le Misanthrope, act iii., scene v.
[125]Cock-fighting; wantoning.Wright.
[125]Cock-fighting; wantoning.Wright.
[126]Seenote 96.
[126]Seenote 96.
[127]Seenote 112.
[127]Seenote 112.