“Queries. Whether the best
conclusion would not be a solemn judicial pleading, appointed by the king,
before himself in person
| SUGGESTIONS FOR ANTONIO. | 39 |
“The pleadings must be conducted by short speeches—replies, taunts, and bitter recriminations by Antonio, in his rough style. In the midst of the undecided cause, may not a messenger break up the proceedings by an account of Roderigo’s death (no improbable or far-fetch’d event), and the whole conclude with an affecting and awful invocation of Antonio upon Roderigo’s spirit, now no longer dependent upon earthly tribunals or a froward woman’s will, &c., &c.
“‘Almanza’s daughter is now free,’ &c.
“This might be made very affecting. Better nothing follow after; if anything, she must step forward and resolve to take the veil. In this case, the whole story of the former nunnery must be omitted. But, I think, better leave the final conclusion to the imagination of the spectator. Probably the violence of confining her in a convent is not necessary; Antonio’s own castle would be sufficient.
“To relieve the former part of the Play, could not some sensible images, some work for the Eye, be introduced? A gallery of Pictures, Almanza’s ancestors, to which Antonio might affectingly point his sister, one by one, with anecdote, &c.
“At all events, with the present want of action, the Play must not extend above four Acts, unless it is quite new modell’d. The proposed alterations might all be effected in a few weeks.
“Solemn judicial pleadings always go off well, as in Henry the 8th, Merchant of Venice, and perhaps Othello.”
