 | Heraclius, Emperour of the East |  |
THE PROLOGUE Intended for the PLAY.
We nothing change that does the Plot concern,Though in the Verse some change you may discern;
All tongues have proper idioms of their own,
Their Elegance in ours is hardly shown;
This, but a Copy, and all such go less,
Great Beauties may be alter'd by the dress.
You see how carefull an excuse we make,
That one so mean, CORNEILLE does undertake;
But sure no envy to his share can fall,
Who once kept shop, translates, so keeps a stall:
Those who have need we should interpret this,
Their Clap bears the same value with their Hiss.
Of one of these you are too lavish grown;
A Song, a Dance; nay, if an Ape were shown,
You'd cast your Caps, but lest you them should loose
Some in good husbandry, their hands mis-use.
This bold digression thrust in by the way,
Too oft the By exceeds the Main; the Play
What's French you like, if vain; exceed their height,
What's Solid, Worthy, too few imitate:
But we have those, when they things serious write,
May give Them Patterns, You, more just delight.
| Heraclius, Emperour of the East | |