[In the essay below, Langbaine provides a favorable account of Etherege and his plays.]

A Gentleman sufficiently eminent in the Town for his Wit and Parts, and One whose tallent in sound Sence, and the Knowledge of true Wit and Humour, are sufficiently conspicuous: and therefore I presume I may with justice, and without envy, apply Horace's Character of Fundanus, to this admirable Author;

Argutâ meretrice potes, Davoque Chremet,
Eludente senem, comis garrire libellos,
Unus vivorum, Fundani.———

This Ingenious Author has oblig'd the World by publishing three Comedies, viz.

Comical Revenge,or Love in a Tub, a Comedy, acted at his Royal-Highness the Duke of York's Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-fields: printed quarto Lond. 1669. and dedicated to the Honourable Charles Lord Backburst. This Comedy tho' of a mixt nature, part of it being serious, and writ in Heroick Verse; yet has succeeded admirably on the Stage, it having always been acted with general approbation.

Man of Mode, or Sir Fopling Flutter, a Comedy acted at the Duke's Theatre printed 40. Lond. 1676. and dedicated to her Royal Highness the Dutchess. This Play is written with great Art and Judgment, and is acknowledg'd by all, to be as true Comedy, and the Characters as well drawn to the Life, as any Play that has been Acted since the Restauration of the English Stage. Only I must observe, that the Song in the last Act written by C.S. is translated from part of an Elegy written in French by Madame la Comtesse de la Suze, in Le Recüeil des Pieces Gallantes, tom. 1. p. 42.

She wou'd if she cou'd, a Comedy Acted at his Highness the Duke of York's Theatre, and printed quarto Lond. 1671. This Comedy is likewise accounted one of the first Rank, by several who are known to be good Judges of Dramatick Poesy. Nay our present Laureat says, 'Tis the best Comedy written since the Restauration of the Stage. I heartily wish for the publick satisfaction, that this great Master would oblidge the World with more of his Performances, which would put a stop to the crude and indigested Plays, which for want of better, cumber the Stage.