
In this spirited early American comedy, the action unfolds on a single bustling day in New York City, where the clash of political ideals fuels the humor. Two patriarchs—one a staunch supporter of the new Constitution, the other an outspoken anti‑federalist—spar over the future of the young republic while their children navigate love and ambition. The playwright draws on the sharp wit of Sheridan, delivering rapid repartee that feels both of its time and surprisingly fresh.
Among the lively cast are Trueman, a pragmatic tradesman; his son Charles, hopelessly in love with the headstrong Harriet; and a parade of colorful neighbors like Worthnought, Humphry, and the ever‑chatty Dolly. Their banter reveals the everyday concerns of citizens caught between liberty and centralized power, offering listeners a window into the ideological battles of the 1790s. With its clever turns of phrase and vivid period details, the play invites anyone who enjoys a blend of history and humor to lean in and listen.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (147K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Starner, Brownfox and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2009-06-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
b. 1765
An early American poet and dramatist, this little-known writer captured the excitement and arguments of the young United States in both verse and on the stage. His surviving work offers a glimpse of the new republic as it was being imagined in real time.
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