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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 451 DUDLEY*. A GRAND HISTORIC BALLET, IN FIVE ACTS. A R G U M E N T. THE troubles and wars caused by the dissention between the houses of York and Lancaster, are rendered celebrated by the accounts given of them in English History. These two families aspired with equal ardour to the crown, for which they disputed with unexampled fury, frequently drenching that country with blood which they should have protected f. Henry VI, of the house of -Lancaster, at length attained to the crown, and his rival was obliged to submit. During his reign the Yorkists, though they had missed their aim, yet they had not lost their intrepidity; they still entertained a hope of revenge, and flattered themselves they should be one day able to place upon the throne young Edward, son of the Duke of York, on w h o m Dudley, Earl of Warwick I, a m a n renowned in these wars, bestowed the most careful attention. In the mean time, Henry V I continued to reign, but the weakness of his character rendered him ever insecure; Margaret of Anjou, his consort, perceived it, and, uniting talent with courage, she frequently preserved him from ruin. Yet, notwishstanding the efforts * The History of England, and the tragedy of Warwick, have been my guides in composing this Ballet; a subject never before treated on by any other composer. -f- The faction of Lancaster chose for their device, a red rose; that of York, a white rose. \ History relates that, in the latter part of his life, he became Duke of Northumberland. |