The Lives and Characters of the English Dramatick Poets/William, Duke of Newcastle
William, Duke of Newcastle.
Mr. Langbain has always, a good Word for Quality, he can see no Blemish in that Person that has a Title, tho’ he be so sharp sighted in all those of a lower Station; and he is so transported on this worthy Nobleman, that he baulks the Curiosity of his Reader, for some Account of his Life, to vent a clumsey Flattery. He was of the Illustrious and Ancient Family of Cavendish, a zealous Follower of the Royal Cause, and with it exil’d; during his Aboad at Antwerp, he writ a Book of Horsemanship. He was an Encourager of Poetry, and a Poet himself. You may find his Life at large, written by his Dutchess. We have four Comedies of his in Print; as
The Country Captain, a Comedy, 8 vo. 1649. It was acted at the Black-Fryars, by his Majesty’s Servants, with good Applause; and usually bound up with another of his, called, The Variety.
The Humorous Lovers, a Comedy, 4 to. 1677. Acted by his Royal Highness the Duke of York’s Servants, with great Applause.
The Triumphant Widow; or, The Medley of Humours, a Comedy, 4 to. 1677. and acted by his Royal Highness the Duke of York’ Servants. This was esteemed a good Play, and Mr. Shadwell had so good an Opinion of it, that he borrowed a great part thereof, to compleat his Comedy, call’d, Bury-Fair.
The Variety, a Comedy, 8 vo. 1649. presented by his Majesty’s Servants at the Black Fryars. Tho’ the Duke’s Name be not to this, or The Country Captain, which is usually bound with it; yet, by Mr. Cartwright’s Works, and others, we find Satisfaction enough to believe them his.