Mr.C.'s play was, as is well known, brought forward several years after, through the kindness of Mr.Sheridan.In conclusion, I may observe, that while I was composing this play, I wrote a short essay, illustrative of that constitution and those tendencies of human nature, which make the apparently _motiveless_ actions of bad men intelligible to careful observers.

This was partly done with reference to the character of Oswald, and his persevering endeavour to lead the man he disliked into so heinous a crime; but still more to preserve in my distinct remembrance what I had observed of transitions in character, and the reflections I had been led to make, during the time I was a witness of the changes through which the French Revolution passed.
25.

The following is the 'short printed note' mentioned in above: This Dramatic Piece, as noticed in its title-page, was composed in 1795-6.

It lay nearly from that time till within the last two or three months unregarded among my papers, without being mentioned even to my most intimate friends.

Having, however, impressions upon my mind which made me unwilling to destroy the MS., I determined to undertake the responsibility of publishing it during my own life, rather than impose upon my successors the task of deciding its fate.