[HAWKINS'S PREFACE.]
The "Tragedy of Soliman and Perseda" is given from Mr Garrick's copy, printed by Edward Allde, 1599. The author having concealed his name, we cannot pronounce by whom it was written; though, might the editor be allowed to indulge a conjecture, he would ascribe it to Kyd, as it carries with it many internal marks of that author's manner of composition. The plan is similar to that of "The Spanish Tragedy," and the same phrases frequently occur in both. It is farther observable, that in "The Spanish Tragedy" the story of "Erastus and Perseda" is introduced by Hieronimo, in order, it should seem, to bespeak the attention of the audience to a more regular and a more perfect representation of their tragical catastrophe. Shakespeare has frequently quoted passages out of this play, as the reader will occasionally observe. It is not divided into acts—at least, they are not particularly marked; but there is no doubt that the author intended each act should close with the Chorus, and it is therefore divided accordingly.