The Works of Hildebrand Jacob ... Containing Poems on Various Subjects, and Occasions; With the Fatal Constancy, a Tragedy; and Several Pieces in Prose. The Greatest Part Never Before Publish'd |
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The Works of Hildebrand Jacob | ||
187
PROLOGUE.
Spoken by the late Mr. BOOTH.
This Night we represent a modern Play,
Short, plain, and simple, in the ancient Way:
Instead of Ornament, and borrow'd Grace,
The Unities of Action, Time, and Place.
We raise no Ghosts, call down no gay Machines,
Nor tempt you with Variety of Scenes:
With no rich, pompous Pageantry surprise,
Nor, to secure your Hands, delude your Eyes:
On Thought we now rely, and hope Success
From easy Words, and natural Distress.
In early Ages with no Charms but these
The Fathers of the Drama sought to please;
By Nature Nature's Passions they refin'd,
Search'd their own Hearts, to gain the Hearer's Mind,
And from their own Emotions mov'd Mankind.
But, O, for such a Muse, and such a Eire,
As did of old the Grecian Bards inspire!
While Athens from the manly Scene grew Sage,
And sat whole Days attentive to the Stage.
When Theatres were Schools, and the pleas'd Youth
Was kindly cheated into Sense, and Truth.
Then might our Author too demand Applause,
And boldly trust in Aristotle's Laws,
Sure to instruct, as sure to give Delight,
And Art with Nature happily unite.
Short, plain, and simple, in the ancient Way:
Instead of Ornament, and borrow'd Grace,
The Unities of Action, Time, and Place.
We raise no Ghosts, call down no gay Machines,
Nor tempt you with Variety of Scenes:
With no rich, pompous Pageantry surprise,
Nor, to secure your Hands, delude your Eyes:
On Thought we now rely, and hope Success
From easy Words, and natural Distress.
In early Ages with no Charms but these
The Fathers of the Drama sought to please;
By Nature Nature's Passions they refin'd,
Search'd their own Hearts, to gain the Hearer's Mind,
And from their own Emotions mov'd Mankind.
But, O, for such a Muse, and such a Eire,
As did of old the Grecian Bards inspire!
While Athens from the manly Scene grew Sage,
And sat whole Days attentive to the Stage.
When Theatres were Schools, and the pleas'd Youth
Was kindly cheated into Sense, and Truth.
Then might our Author too demand Applause,
And boldly trust in Aristotle's Laws,
Sure to instruct, as sure to give Delight,
And Art with Nature happily unite.
188
Dramatis Personæ.
MEN.
- Zimon, an Athenian General. Mr. Mills.
- Omphales, a young Nobleman of Athens, betrothed to Zimon's Daughter. Mr. Booth.
- Tryphon, an Augur, retain'd by Zimon. Mr. Cibber.
- Ammon, an Orphan, depending upon Zimon. Mr. Williams.
WOMAN.
- Hesione, Daughter to Zimon. Mrs. Porter.
- A Herald, Guards, and Attendants.
Time of the Action no longer, than that of the Representation.
The Works of Hildebrand Jacob | ||