 | Secret Love, or The Maiden-Queen |  |
Prologue.
1
He who writ this, not without pains and thoughtFrom French and English Theaters has brought
Th'exactest Rules by which a Play is wrought.
2
The Unities of Action, Place, and Time;The Scenes unbroken; and a mingled chime
Of Johnsons humour, with Corneilles rhyme.
3
But while dead colours he with care did lay,He fears his Wit, or Plot he did not weigh,
Which are the living Beauties of a Play.
4
Plays are like Towns, which howe're fortifi'dBy Engineers, have still some weaker side
By the o'reseen Defendant unespy'd.
5
And with that Art you make approaches now;Such skilful fury in Assaults you show,
That every Poet without shame may bow.
6
Ours therefore humbly would attend your doom,If Souldier-like, he may have termes to come
With flying colours, and with beat of Drum.
| Secret Love, or The Maiden-Queen | |