The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes (1907–21).
Volume VIII. The Age of Dryden.
§ 11. Stapylton
Among other names which occur in the dramatic annals of the years immediately following the return of king Charles is that of Sir Robert Stapylton, the author of a comedy, The Slighted Maid, described by Genest as “a pretty good comedy” and as “not acted for the first time in 1663.” Stapylton’s tragi-comedy, The Stepmother, followed in the same year. He is the author, too, of a tragedy on Hero and Leander. Stapylton was a translator from French and the classics, and of some repute in his day. His post as gentleman-usher to king Charles doubtless disposed him, like other royal servants, to an interest in the drama. Whether the trivial but witty comedy, Mr. Anthony, printed in 1690, be the work of Roger Boyle, earl of Orrery, or not, its clear following of the models of earlier comedy is sufficient to place it here. Orrery is memorable for his heroic dramas, which have been already noted.