----Vivit Tanquam Vicina Mariti. Juv. Sat. VI.
[TO THE]
QUEEN.
May it please your Majesty,
The English Theatre throws itself with this Play, at Your MAJESTY's Feet, for Favour and Support.
As their Public Diversions are a strong Indication of the Genius of a People; the following Scenes are an Attempt to Establish such as are fit to entertain the Minds of a sensible Nation; and to wipe off that Aspersion of Barbarity, which the Virtuosi among our Neighbours have sometimes thrown upon our Taste.
The Provok'd Husband, is, at least, an Instance, that any English Comedy may, to an unusual number of Days, bring many Thousands of His Majesty's good Subjects together, to their Emolument and Delight, with Innocence. And however little Share of that Merit my unequal Pen may pretend to, yet I hope the just Admirers of Sir John Vanbrugh will allow I have, at worst, been a careful Guardian of his Orphan Muse, by leading it into Your Majesty's Royal Protection.
The Design of this Play being chiefly to expose, and reform the licentious Irregularities that, too often, break in upon the Peace and Happiness of the Married State; Where could so hazardous and unpopular an undertaking be secure, but in the Protection of a Princess, whose exemplary Conjugal Virtues have given such illustrious Proof of what sublime Felicity that holy State is capable?