Still, it is a production which claims high respect, from a degree of refinement which pervades the whole work; from the peculiar situation of its author; and from other circumstances closely connected with its performance on the stage.—"The Heiress" is dedicated to the Earl of Derby; and the present Countess of Derby was the Lady Emily of the drama when it was first acted.
The author, in his Preface, has, with much art, paid a deference to Miss Farren, by a compliment separate from her brother and sister performers; at the same time, wisely taking care not to excite their jealousy, while he soothed the partiality of his noble relation. He thanks and praises her merely for speaking his Epilogue, in which, of course, no other performer had a claim to his acknowledgments.
Lieutenant General Burgoyne is the author of another comedy, called "The Maid of the Oaks," and the excellent farce of "Bon Ton."—He was enamoured of the stage, and was at a play, in the little theatre of the Haymarket, the night previous to that on which he died suddenly, in the summer of 1792.
He was a Privy Counsellor, Colonel of the 4th regiment of foot, and Member of Parliament for Preston, in Lancashire. He had held many offices of great emolument; but having resigned them all about the time he wrote this comedy, he was at length rather a confirmation of, than an exception to, the adage—an author is seldom wealthy.
[!--Note--] 1 ([return])
The late Earl of Derby was grandfather to the present Earl, his son having died before him.
DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.
| Sir Clement Flint | Mr. King. |
| Clifford | Mr. Smith. |
| Lord Gayville | Mr. Palmer. |
| Alscrip | Mr. Parsons. |
| Chignon | Mr. Baddeley. |
| Mr. Blandish | Mr. Bannister, jun. |
| Prompt | Mr. R. Palmer. |
| Mr. Rightly | Mr. Aickin. |
| Lady Emily | Miss Farren. |
| Miss Alscrip | Miss Pope. |
| Miss Alton | Mrs. Crouch. |
| Mrs. Sagely | Mrs. Booth. |
| Tiffany | Miss Tidswell. |
| Mrs. Blandish | Mrs. Wilson. |
| Chairmen, Servants, &c. | |
SCENE—London.