William Congreve was an English playwright and poet in the late 17th century. Congreve's most famous play was The Way of the World.

Mirabell and Millamant want to get married. To order to get married and get Millamant's full dowry, Mirabell must receive the blessing of Millamant's aunt, Lady Wishfort.

"Incognita" from William Congreve. English playwright and poet (1670-1729).

"Love for Love" from William Congreve. English playwright and poet (1670-1729).

"The Comedies of William Congreve - Volume I" from William Congreve. English playwright and poet (1670-1729).

"The Mourning Bride" from William Congreve. English playwright and poet (1670-1729).

"The Way of the World" from William Congreve. English playwright and poet (1670-1729).

My Lord, -Whether the world will arraign me of vanity or not, that I have presumed to dedicate this comedy to your lordship, I am yet in doubt; though, it may be, it is some degree of vanity even to doubt of it. One who has at any time had the honour of your lordship's conversation, cannot be supposed to think very meanly of that which he would prefer to your perusal. Yet it were to incur the imputation of too much sufficiency to pretend to such a merit as might abide the test of your lordship's censure.

Sure Providence at first designed this place To be the player's refuge in distress; For still in every storm they all run hither, As to a shed that shields 'em from the weather.