A Discourse Upon Comedy

Excerpt from A Discourse Upon Comedy

Soon after the appearance of his first play, F arquhar rendered as service to the stage by the discovery of Anne Oldfield. By reason of his retiring nature (his German biographers will have it) the young dramatist frequented quiet taverns in preference to the wit haunted coffee-houses. It was in the Mitre that he accidentally heard the sixteen-year old niece of the hostess reading from The Scornful Lady. Impressed with her talent, he enlisted Vanbrugh's interest. This resulted in her engagement by Rich. The actress and playwright became intimate friends. She created the parts of Silvia and Mrs. Sullen in his last comedies, and is believed to have been the Penelope to whom some of his letters are addressed.