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Show Ill i Ii 1,1 i 11 1 in .Ml I V 6 PREFACE. torn likewife has obtain'd , that we form an Under-Plot of Second Perf( which muft be depending on the Firft. their By-Walks muft be like thofe in a x byrinth , which all of 'em lead into fo anil Lodging-Chambers, which have their Out lets into the fame Gallery. Perhaps, afteJ all, if w e cou'd think fo , the ancient Me thod , as 'tis the eaiieft , is alfo the moft natural, and the beft : For Variety, as % manag'd ,' is too often fubject to breed Diftraction ; and while w e wou'd pleafe too many ways , for want of Art in thi Conduct , w e pleafe in none. But ^ have given you more already than was ne. ceilary for a Preface ; and for ought wj k n o w , may gain no more by our Inftruc tions , than that politick Nation is like to do , w h o have taught their Enemies ti fight fo long, that at laft they are fa Condition to invade them. PROLOG L ( /, P ROLOGUE. W H e n Athens all the Grecian State did guide, iAnd Greece gave Laws to aU the World be fide , Then Sophocles with Socrates did fit, Supreme in Wifdom one , and one in Wit : tJnd Wit from Wijdom differ*d n§t in thofe , But as 'twM fung in Verfe , or faid in Profe. Then Oedipus on Crowned Theatres j Drew all aimirin^ Eyes and /i'[?wi*fj Ears j The fleas'd Spectator fhouted every Line , The Noblefl , Manliefl, and the Bejl Defign ! ^4nd every Critick of each learned ^A%e» By this jujl Model has reform d the Stage. Now, fhould it fail, { as Heav'n avert our fear!) Damn it in Silence, left the World fhould hear. For were it known this Poem did not pleafe , You might fet up for perfetf Savages : Your Neighbours would not look on you as Men : But thinly the Nation aU turn'd Picts agen. 'Faith , at you manage Matters, 'tis not fit You fhould fufpeft your {elves of too much Wit. Drive not the \e$ too far , but fpare this Piece : c^f/td, for this once, be not more Wife than Greece. See twice ! Do not pell-mell to damning fall, Lil^e true born Britains, who ne'er thinl^at aU: Pray be advis'd - and though at M o n s you won , On pointed Cannon do not alvjays run. With fome refpett to ancient Wit proceed; You take the four firjl Councils for your Creed. But when you lay Tradition wholly by , <yind on the private Spirit alone rely , You turn Fanatick? in your Poetry. A4 , I I 1 ,1 mr -!*- \\ |