A Select Collection of Old English Plays: Originally Published by Robert Dodsley in the year 1744

"A Select Collection of Old English Plays" by William Carew Hazlitt is a historical anthology of English dramas, originally published in the early 18th century. The work comprises a selection of theatrical pieces dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, showcasing the rich tapestry of early English theatre. Through its collection, the book aims to revive and celebrate the dramatic forms and narratives that predate contemporary theatre, appealing to those interested in the evolution of English drama. At the start of the collection, Hazlitt provides context about Richard Edwards, an early English dramatist, along with a focus on his play "Damon and Pithias," a tragicomedy illustrating the themes of friendship and loyalty. The opening scenes introduce characters such as the philosophers Aristippus and Carisophus, who navigate the treacherous court of Dionysius in Syracuse. As the plot unfolds, tensions arise when Damon is falsely accused of espionage and faces execution, prompting a desperate act of loyalty from his friend Pithias, who offers his own life in exchange for Damon's return. This sets the stage for a dramatic exploration of virtue and friendship amidst political intrigue. (This is an automatically generated summary.)