1623, though the two fucceeding parts are extant in two editions in quarto. That the fecond and third parts were published without the firft, may be admitted as no weak proof that the copies were furreptitiously obtained, and that the printers of that time gave the publick thofe plays, not fuch as the author defigned, but fuch as they could get them. That this play was written before the two others is indubitably collected from the series of events; that it was written and played before Henry the Fifth is apparent, because in the epilogue there is mention made of this play, and not of the other parts:

"Henry the fixth in fwaddling bands crown'd king,
"Whofe ftate fo many had the managing,

"That they loft France, and made his England bleed :
"Which oft our stage hath shown.”

France is loft in this play. The two following contain, as the old title imports, the contention of the houses of York and Lancafter.

The second and third parts of Henry VI. were printed in 1600. When Henry V. was written, we know not, but it was printed likewife in 1600, and therefore before the publication of the first and fecond parts. The first part of Henry VI. had been often shown on the ftage, and would certainly have appeared in its place, had the author been the publisher. JOHNSON.

That the second and third parts (as they are now called) were printed without the firft, is a proof, in my apprehenfion, that they were not written by the author of the firft: and the title of The Contention of the houses of York and Lancafter, being affixed to the two pieces which were printed in quarto in 1600, is a proof that they were a diftinct work, commencing where the other ended, but not written at the fame time; and that this play was never known by the name of The First Part of King Henry VI. till Heminge and Condell gave it this title in their volume, to distinguish it from the two fubfequent plays; which being altered by Shakspeare, affumed the new titles of The Second and Third Parts of King Henry VI. that they might not be confounded with the original pieces on which they were formed. This first part was, I conceive, originally called The hiftorical play of King Henry VI. See the Effay at the end of these contested pieces. MALONE.

THE END OF THE NINTH VOLUME.

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