Event Comment: The date of the premiere is not known, but the fact that the opera was advertized in the
Post Man, 14-16 Jan. 1696@7, suggests that it was first acted not later than December 1696. As the title page indicates, the work had been intended for presentation before the Court, but the death of
Queen Mary prevented its appearance at Court.
A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 19:
Sullen: But to go on,
Cynthia and Endymion.
Ramble: What a Pox is that? I never heard on't. Sullen: I believe not; 'tis one of
Durfey's Toys. Ramble: Durfey's? what again? 'twas just now we parted with him. Sullen: Ay but Sir, you must know this is an Opera--
and as he tells us in the Title-page, design'd t be perform'd
at court before the late
Queen--there's for you; Durfey in his Altitudes--but notwithst
anding the vain
and conceited Title-page, 'tis good for nothing within: He's the very Antipodes to all the Poets, Antient
and Modern: Other Poets treat the Deities civilly, but Mr Durfey makes the Gods Bullies,
and Jilts of the chastest Goddesses. Ramble: So, I suppose that was mawl'd, notwithst
anding the Honour which he says the Queen intended it. Sullen: 'Twas well for Durfey her late Majesty never saw it; Gad if she had, People wou'd ha' said, it had first been the cause of her Illness,
and then of her Death; for 'tis a mortifying Piece o' my Word; Yes, yes,--it was Damn'd