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Show The Eftftle "Dedicatory. i a Play once a Year, looks very like turning into the Profelfion, 1 am a little better acquainted with the T o w n , than to impofe m y felf this way upon W and let it be the defence of my Writing, that I have nothing elfe to do. I know Play Writers, like M e n of other Employments, where the honeft Advantages are fo fmall, arc fufpeded in their Dealings, of indireft, underhand Prices, to carry on their Trade. For my part, Sir, I propofe nothing more than an Opportunity of declaring my felf in m y turn, that I have grown up by degrees, with the general Undemanding, and Judgment of the T o w n , into a Refpeft and Honour that every Body has for you; This, Sir, is the only way I have of publishing mine : And Writing has always been allow'd of, when there was no other way left of difcovering the Paffion. Some Convenience, and a great deal of Plca-fure, firft canyd me into this wanton way of Wickednefs, (thofeold Seducers, Profit, and Plea-fure) that have brought at laft a great many of both Sexes, into the common Entertainment of the Town. I have had my Ends of this Play, and fhou'd have been glad if it had anfwer'd every Bodies: I think it has its Beauties, tho' they did not appear upon the Stage, and 'tis not the fmalleft Commendation, to be able to divert you in private. The Efifle "Dedicatory. If I run into the Courfe of a Dedication, I (hall be loft in the Charader of Mr. Boyl; for when I have faid all I can, I (hall fall fliort of every M a n s Opinion; and no Body, but your felf,will think I can fay enough of you: At Home, or Abroad; In the Camp, or in the Court, Mr. BoyPs Behaviour, and Addrefs, is the Pattern of every Gallant Man's Imitation; fo much, that, from what 1 havefeen, and heard of you, I m u d believe that there is no Province of Humanity, but, at one time or other of your Life, you are defign'd to Command. Let it fatisfie, Sir, your prefent Ambition, to conquer in the foireft Field of Viaory, to triumph in the Court, and in fpight of the Cabals and Whifpers of the Drawing-Room, to be univerfally allow'd the fine Gentleman: Which as it feems the eafieft, has always been thought the hardeft Charafter of a Great M a n to maintain. Sir, fince the diftance of your Quality and Fortune, has made it impoffible to come near you, as a Friend, I hope you will allow m e to wait upon you as, S I R> Tour real Humble Servant^ T. SOUTHERNS, A 4 |