THERE was a play licensed 30th Nov. 1639 called "the Spanish Lovers," which is believed by many to have been "The Distresses," but, although there is every probability of this, the question remains open. It is "The Distresses" is a very good play, and well suited, with slight alteration, for the stage. Geneste says:"There is a good deal of fighting in this play,-Langbaine and the editors of the Biographia Dramatica call it a Tragi-comedy, but without sufficient reason. not so called in D'avenant's works, nor does the dialogue ever rise above serious comedy. A play, simply, is the best title for such pieces."-By fighting" Mr. Geneste means only rencounters in the street by two persons, the consequences of quarrel. 66 THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY. ANDROLIO, son to the Governor. BASILONTE, a noble man of Cordova. ORGEMON, sons to Basilonte, but unknown to each BALTHAZAR, brother to Claramante. LEONTE, his brother, a hot-spirited gentleman. GONSALVO, Friends to Balthazar. ARGILO, ORCO, a merry gentleman, friend to Androlio. SURGEON, SERVANTS, MUSICIANS, BRAVOES, AMIANA, daughter to Basilonte, MARILLA, an old woman. Scene: CORDOVA. THE DISTRESSES. ACT I. SCENE I. Enter ARGILO, GONSALVO, DORANDO, BALTHAZAR, surgeon, who binds up Balthazar's wound. AR. Bring lights! more lights! and set a guard upon The gates. Be sure none enter here, but those GON. Send unto th' governor; entreat him that His officers take care the people be Dispers'd that throng about the house, though some Are so ill natur'd that they take the pains Of hast'ning hither to see mischief; yet DOR. Vice, famine, and mistaken zeal consume them! How their wise courages affect to gape On danger when themselves stand safe! brave sir, BAL. I am oblig'd unto your valour, sir, DOR. I saw you were Distress'd with numbers, sir; I could not think |
