Letter XLI To Mr. M ——4
January 4, 1777.
I have read, but have found nothing of the striking kind of sentimental novelty—which I expected from its great author—the language is good in most places—but never rises above the common pitch.—In many of our inferior tragedies—I have ever found here and there a flower strewn, which has been the grace and pride of the poetic parterre, and has made me involuntarily cry out, Bravo!—From dress—scenery—action—and the rest of play-house garniture—it may shew well and go down—like insipid fish with good sauce;—the Prologue is well—the Epilogue worth the whole—such is my criticism—read—stare—and conclude your friend mad—though a more Christian supposition would be—what’s true at the same time—that my ideas are frozen, much more frigid than the play;—but allowing that—and although I confess myself exceeding cold, yet I have warmth enough to declare myself yours sincerely,
I. SANCHO.
Love and many happy new years to the ladies.
Notes
4 On reading the Tragedy of Semiramis, from the French of Mons. Voltaire.