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.

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.

My Lord, -A young poet is liable to the same vanity and indiscretion with a young lover; and the great man who smiles upon one, and the fine woman who looks kindly upon t'other, are both of 'em in danger of having the favour published with the first opportunity

Sir, -I heartily wish this play were as perfect as I intended it, that it might be more worthy your acceptance, and that my dedication of it to you might be more becoming that honour and esteem which I, with everybody who is so fortunate as to know you, have for you. It had your countenance when yet unknown; and now it is made public, it wants your protection.

Some Authors are so fond of a Preface, that they will write one tho' there be nothing more in it than an Apology for its self. But to show thee that I am not one of those, I will make no Apology for this, but do tell thee that I think it necessary to be prefix'd to this Trifle, to prevent thy overlooking some little pains which I have taken in the Composition of the following Story.

William Congreve (24 January 1670 - 19 January 1729) was an English playwright and poet.William Congreve was born in Bardsey, West Yorkshire, England (near Leeds).His parents were William Congreve (1637-1708) and Mary (nee Browning; 1636?-1715). The family moved to London in 1672. They relocated again in 1674 to the Irish port town of Youghal where his father served as a lieutenant in the British army. Congreve spent his childhood in Ireland, where his father, a Cavalier, had settled during the reign of Charles II. Congreve was educated at Kilkenny College where he met Jonathan Swift, who...

William Congreve was a highly influential English playwright and poet. Congreve is generally credited for shaping the English comedy of manners through his sharp satirical wit. Congreve's popular plays include The Way of the World, Love for Love, and The Mourning Bride. Love for Love is a comedy that centers around Valentine, a man who has racked up a lot of debt due to extravagant spending. This causes Valentine's father great embarrassment and he offers to pay off his son's debt if he will sign over the right to his inheritance to his younger brother.

William Congreve was a highly influential English playwright and poet. Congreve is generally credited for shaping the English comedy of manners through his sharp satirical wit. Congreve's popular plays include The Way of the World, Love for Love, and The Mourning Bride. The Old Bachelor is Congreve's first play. The action centers around Heartwell, an old man who pretends to hate women. Heartwell eventually falls in love with Silvia, a woman who is carrying a big secret.