Contrast this bumptious self-assertion with the modest prefaces of Purcell previously quoted. However, notwithstanding the patronage of the King and the flatteries of Dryden, _Albion and Albanius_ proved a great failure: it was performed only six times, and from the date of its last performance (1685) Dryden became impressed with the conviction that he must look elsewhere for his future composer, and, as we have already seen, he at last recognised the merits of Purcell. In the preface to _King Arthur_, intended by Dryden as a sequel to _Albion and Albanius_, the author says, "he submitted himself in writing and preparing it for the stage" entirely to the guidance of Purcell. This confession was probably made with considerable compunction. The following extracts from Dryden's _Epistle Dedicatory_, prefixed to the libretto, will be read with interest:-- "I humbly offer you this trifle, which if it succeed upon the stage, is like to be the chiefest Entertainment of our Ladies and Gentlemen this summer. When I wrote it, seven years ago, I employ'd some reading about it, to inform myself out of Beda, Bochartus, and other authors, concerning the rites and customs of the heathen Saxons; as I also used the little skill I have in Poetry to adorn it. But not to offend the present times, nor a government which has hitherto protected me, I have been obliged so much to alter the first design, and take away so many beauties from the writing, that it is now no more what it was formerly, than the ship of the _Royal Sovereign_, after so often taking down, and altering, to the vessel it was at the first building. There is nothing better, than what I intended, than the Musick; which has since arriv'd to a greater perfection in England, than ever formerly; especially passing through the artful hands of Mr. _Purcel_, who has compos'd it with so great a genius, that he has nothing to fear but an ignorant, ill-judging audience. But the numbers of poetry and vocal musick, are sometimes so contrary, that in many places I have been oblig'd to cramp my Verses, and make them rugged to the reader, that they may be harmonious to the hearer: of which I have no reason to repent me, because these sorts of Entertainments are principally design'd for the ear and the eye; and therefore, in reason, my art on this occasion ought to be subservient to his." Dryden had evidently by this time become aware of Purcell's superiority to his contemporary musical brethren; the poet and musician met on intimate and friendly terms. It is recorded that Purcell, by virtue of his court appointments, had an apartment in the clock tower of St. James's Palace, and that Dryden when in debt availed himself of his friendship with Purcell, to escape arrest by taking refuge in Purcell's room, where he was perfectly safe, and could moreover enjoy the air and exercise in the Palace gardens.[40]