However well executed these pieces were, yet they came to the ear in
the same undistinguished utterance, by which almost all their plays
had equally suffered; for as few could plainly hear, it was not likely
a great many would applaud.
In this situation it appears, that nothing but the union of the two
companies could restore the stage to its former reputation.
Sir John Vanbrugh therefore, tired of theatrical management, thought
of disposing of his whole farm to some industrious tenant, that might
put it into better condition. It was to Mr. Owen Swiny, that in the
exigence of his affairs, he made an offer of his actors under such
agreements of salary as might be made with them; and of his house,
cloaths, and scenes, with the Queen's license to employ them, upon
payment of the casual rent of five pounds every acting day, and not
to exceed 700 l. per annum. With this proposal Mr. Swiny complied, and
governed that stage till another great theatrical revolution.
There are two plays of our author not yet mentioned, viz. The False
Friend, a Comedy; acted in 1698, and A Journey to London, a Comedy;
which he left unfinished. This last piece was finished by Mr. Cibber
to a very great advantage, and now is one of the best comedies in our
language. Mr. Cibber, in his prologue, takes particular notice of our
author's virtuous intention in composing this piece, which, he says,
was to make some amends for those loose scenes, which in the fire of
his youth he had with more regard to applause, than virtue, exhibited
to the public: but this design will be best understood by inserting
the prologue.