The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume III.Cibber, Theophilus
General
The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume III.
Cibber, Theophilus
Poets, English -- Biography -- Early works to 1800; Poets, Irish -- Biography -- Early works to 1800
Before we give an account of our author's works, it will not be amiss to
observe, that he was extremely active in effecting the revolution, which
was thought the more extraordinary, as he had received favours from King
James II. That Prince, it seems, had fallen in love with a daughter of
Sir Charles's, who was not very handsome; for James was remarkable for
dedicating his affections to women who were not great beauties; in
consequence of his intrigue with her, and in order to give her greater
lustre in life, he created Miss Sedley countess of Dorchester. This
honour, so far from pleasing, greatly shocked Sir Charles. However
libertine himself had been, yet he could not bear the thoughts of his
daughter's dishonour; and with regard to this her exaltation, he only
considered it as rendering her more conspicuously infamous. He therefore
conceived a hatred to James, and readily joined to dispossess him of his
throne and dominions.
Being asked one day, why he appeared so warm against the King, who had
created his daughter a Countess? It is from a principle of gratitude
I am so warm, returns Sir Charles; for since his Majesty has made
my daughter a Countess, it is fit I should do all I can to make his
daughter a Queen.
Our author's works are,
1. The Mulberry Garden, a Comedy, acted by his Majesty's servants at the
theatre-royal 1668, dedicated to the duchess of Richmond and Lennox.
2. Anthony and Cleopatra, a Tragedy, acted at the Duke of York's theatre
1667. This play was acted with great applause. The Story from Plutarch's
Life of Anthony.
3. Bellamira; or the Mistress, a Comedy, acted by his Majesty's
servants, 1687. It is taken from Terence's Eunuch. While this play was
acting, the roof of the play-house fell down, but very few were hurt,
except the author: whose merry friend Sir Fleetwood Shepherd told him,
that there was so much fire in the play, that it blew up the poet, house
and all: Sir Charles answered, No, the play was so heavy it brought down
the house, and buried the poet in his own rubbish.
4. Beauty the Conqueror; or the Death of Mark Anthony, a Tragedy.
Besides these plays, Mr. Coxeter says, he is author of the two
following, which were never printed till with his works in 2 vols. 8vo.
1719, dedicated by Briscoe the bookseller to the duke of Chandois.
The Grumbler, a Comedy of three acts, scene Paris.
The Tyrant King of Crete, a Tragedy.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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