Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but Luttrell's copy (Huntington Library) of the play bears the date of acquisition 3 June [1690, apparently], and the play was advertised in the London Gazette, No 2566, 12-16 June 1690. See Fredson Bowers, A Bibliographical History of the Fletcher-Betterton Play, The Prophetess, 1690, The Library, 5th Series, XVI (1961), 169-75. It seems likely that the opera was first given early in June 1690. An edition of The Vocal and Instrumental Musick of The Prophetess appeared in 1691. See Works of Henry Purcell, Purcell Society, IX. Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 42): The Prophetess, or Dioclesian an Opera, Wrote by Mr Betterton; being set out with Coastly Scenes, Machines and Cloaths: The Vocal and Instrumental Musick, done by Mr Purcel; and Dances by Mr Priest; it gratify'd the Expectation of Court and City; and got the Author great Reputation. [See also R. E. Moore, Henry Purcell and the Restoration Theater (Cambridge, Mass., 1961), Chapter V; and E. W. White, Early Theatrical Performances of Purcell's Operas, Theatre Notebook, XIII (1958-59), 44.] The Muses' Mercury (January 1707, pp. 4-5): This prologue was forbidden to be spoken the second Night of the Representation of the Prophetess. Mrs Shadwell was the occasion of its being taken notice of by the Ministry in the last Reign: He happen'd to be at the House on the first Night, and taking the beginning of the Prologue to have a double meaning, and that Meaning to reflect on the Revolution, he told a Gentleman, He would immediately Put a stop to it. When that Gentleman ask'd, Why he wou'd do the Author such a Disservice? He said, Because while Mr Dryden was Poet Laureat, he wou'd never let any Play of his be Acted. Mr Shadwell informed the Secretary of State of it, and representing it in its worst Colours, the Prologue was never Spoken afterwards, and is not printed in Mr Dryden's Works, or his Miscellanies. Cibber, Apology (ed. Lowe, II, 13-14): A Prologue (by Dryden) to the Prophetess was forbid by the Lord Dorset after the first War in Ireland. It must be confess'd that this Prologue had some familiar, metaphorical Sneers at the Revolution itself; and as the Poetry of it was good, the Offence of it was less pardonable

Event Comment: At the particular Desire of several Persons of Quality. Alter'd from Milton's Masque at Ludlow-Castle, and now adapted to the Stage

Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but the Preface states:...the many inconveniences this hasty Peice has been expos'd to, as the Season of the being [sic] so near Christmas. [The Preface also refers to several scenes omitted in the action and expresses gratitude to Mountfort who wrote one scene of the fifth act.] This play was entered in the Term Catalogues, Feb. 1690@1

Event Comment: The tragedy of the Revenge is in rehearsal at Covent Garden in which the part of Zanga will be attempted by the Gentleman who appeared in the character of Osman in Zara, will be performed someday this week, as are also the plays of King Lear and Alexander the Great, revis'd and alter'd in which the parts of Lear and Alexander will be played by Barry

Event Comment: For twentieth night the New Masque in Three Parts call'd The Institution of the Garter, or Arthur's Round Table Restor'd, Paid six day's salary list at #83 10s. 7d. per diem #501 3s. 6d.; Paid Mrs Abington on Cloaths acct #2 2s.; Paid Mr Vernon per order on note #20; Rec'd Stopages #13 5s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #142 13s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Mrs Baddeley who play'd the Lady in Comus got out of the Enchanted Seat before her time & made a great Laugh the Farce was much hiss'd at the End (Hopkins Diary). [The Masque (never performed there) is the version reduced to two Acts by George Colman.] Benefit for Cautherly. Paid Mr J. Aickin in part of #60 in lieu of Benefit (remiting #10 to his credit) #50. Receipts: #197 11s. 6d. Charges: #68 17s. Profits to Cautherly: #128 15s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)