The Politician Out-Witted

New York's argument over the proposed federal Constitution spills into household conversation in Samuel Low's five-act comedy. Old Loveyet demands newspaper reports that agree with his opinions, then flies into a temper when his servant reads news favourable to the new government. His determination to seem young adds another source of comedy, especially when Trueman mentions his age. Political conviction and personal vanity compete for attention in dialogue full of interruptions and sharp asides.

Alongside these disputes runs the engagement of Charles Loveyet and Harriet, Trueman's daughter. In a confrontation with Worthnought, Harriet challenges his habit of treating her ordinary courtesy as evidence of special affection. His wounded pride and the surrounding exchanges turn manners into a contest over who gets to define another person's intentions. The play offers readers an early American comedy in which public controversy, courtship and social pretension share the stage.