I am perfectly sensible, that from the length of these tragedies, and, perhaps some other defects, they are not altogether adapted to the stage; but I would fain flatter myself, that either of the parts of Ethwald, might, with very little trouble, be turned into an acting play, that would neither
fatigue nor offend. I should, indeed, very much regret any essential defect in this work, that might render it unfit for being more generally useful and amusing.
The scene of these plays is laid in Britain, in the kingdom of Mercia, and the time towards the end of the Heptarchy. This was a period full of internal discord, usurpation, and change; the history of which is too perplexed, and too little connected with any very important or striking event in the affairs of men, to be familiarly known, not merely to common readers, but even to the more learned in history. I have therefore, thought, that I might here, without offence, fix my story; here give it a "habitation and a name," and model it to my own fancy, as might best suit my design.—In so doing, I run no risk of disturbing or deranging the recollection of any important truth, or of any thing that deserves to be remembered. However, though I have not adhered to history, the incidents and events of the plays will be found, I hope, consistent with the character of the times; with which I have also endeavoured to make the representation I have given of manners, opinions, and persons, uniformly correspond. I have, indeed, given a very dark picture of the religion and
