Tamerlane there is some ridiculous mention of the God of Love; and
Rodogune, a savage Saxon, talks of Venus and the eagle that bears
the thunder of Jupiter.

This play discovers its own date, by a prediction of the Union, in
imitation of Cranmer's prophetic promises to Henry VIII. The
anticipated blessings of union are not very naturally introduced,
nor very happily expressed. He once (1706) tried to change his
hand. He ventured on a comedy, and produced the Biter, with which,
though it was unfavourably treated by the audience, he was himself
delighted; for he is said to have sat in the house laughing with
great vehemence, whenever he had, in his own opinion, produced a
jest. But finding that he and the public had no sympathy of mirth,
he tried at lighter scenes no more.

After the Royal Convert (1714) appeared Jane Shore, written, as its
author professes, IN IMITATION OF SHAKESPEARE'S STYLE. In what he
thought himself an imitator of Shakespeare it is not easy to
conceive. The numbers, the diction, the sentiments, and the
conduct, everything in which imitation can consist, are remote in
the utmost degree from the manner of Shakespeare, whose dramas it
resembles only as it is an English story, and as some of the persons
have their names in history. This play, consisting chiefly of
domestic scenes and private distress, lays hold upon the heart. The
wife is forgiven because she repents, and the husband is honoured
because he forgives. This, therefore, is one of those pieces which
we still welcome on the stage.

His last tragedy (1715) was Lady Jane Grey. This subject had been
chosen by Mr. Smith, whose papers were put into Rowe's hands such as