"Advertisement. In order to the speedier Publication of this Book, I employed two several Printers; but One of them falling into some trouble, and the Volume swelling to a Bulk beyond my expectation, have been the Occasions of this Delay.
"It has been objected that some of the Songs are already common; but I presume that the Subscribers, upon perusal of the Work, will easily be convinced that they are not the Essential Parts of it. I have, according to my Promise in the Proposals, been very carefull in the Examination of every Sheet, and hope the Whole will appear as Correct as any yet Extant. My desire to make it as cheap as possibly I cou'd to the Subscribers, prevail'd with me so far above the consideration of my own Interest, that I find too late the Subscription money will scarcely amount to the Expense of compleating this Edition."
Although Dioclesian did not prove a lucrative investment for the composer it must have added considerably to his fame; produced at the Queen's Theatre in 1690, Downes, in his Roscius Anglicanus, says, "It gratify'd the expectation of Court and City; and got the author great reputation." One of the airs in the piece, "What shall I do to show how much I love her," was afterwards adapted to the words, "Virgins are like the Fair Flower in its Lustre," and did duty as a part of The Beggar's Opera.
The songs from Amphitryon[37] were published by Heptinstall soon after the production of the comedy.
Purcell's music for Dioclesian and for Amphitryon seems to have opened the eyes of Dryden, who had evidently been blind to the distinguished talent of the composer. In the Epistle Dedicatory to Amphitryon, dated October 24, 1690, Dryden says:—
"What has been wanting on my part has been abundantly supplyed by the Excellent Composition of Mr. Purcell; in whose Person we have at length found an Englishman equal with the best abroad. At least my Opinion of him has been such, since his happy and judicious Performances in the late Opera,[38] and the Experiences I have had of him, in the setting of my three Songs for this Amphitryon: To all which, and particularly to the Composition of the Pastoral Dialogue, the numerous Quire of Fair Ladies gave so just an Applause on the Third Day."
In addition to the before-mentioned plays, Purcell composed in 1690 the music for D'Urfey's "Ode for the Queen's Birthday, April 29," commencing "Arise, my muse," and also an ode for King William beginning with the words, "Sound the trumpet."
We find that he again resigned his appointment as Copyist at Westminster Abbey, and was succeeded by Edward Braddock, who was one of the Lay Vicars and Master of the Choristers, and also a Gentleman of the Chapels Royal.
In the succeeding year, 1691, Purcell produced the music for King Arthur, written by Dryden. It was one of Purcell's most elaborate and most successful efforts in dramatic composition, and contains several pieces which have always been held in popular favour.