| Citation |
PC.772.123
7-14 Nov 1772:1771 [=1751] (305)
A genuine anecdote. It is pretty generally known, that
George I. held a firm opinion, that his Queen had proved
false to his bed, and that the object of her affections was
Count Koeningsmark. . . [Cause of suspicion being a hat
found in her room. However, King is persuaded not to set
her son, later George II, aside.] Some time after this Dr.
Hoadley, reflecting on the above circumstance, worked up the
comedy of the Suspicious Husband, the principal plot of
which is the ceaseless jealousy of Mr. Strickland, which the
author artfully confirms by introducing Ranger's hat unto
Mrs. Strickland's chamber, which being found by Mr.
Strickland, confirms his suspicion, and he resolves to part
with his lady. This play the Doctor dedicated to King
George the Second, who was so highly pleased with it, that
he ordered a private gratification of one thousand guineas,
and some other emoluments to the author; was present at the
first representation, and was so charmed with Mr. Garrick's
performance of Ranger, that he honoured the house with his
presence for several nights during the run of the play.
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