 | Poems on several occasions |  |
EPILOGUE TO THE SAME.
Your ancient bards were wiser far than we;
Their usual epilogue was, Plaudite.
What need of many words, when one would do?
Though sometimes they would add, Valete, too.
But different now with us the mode is grown;
None but long-winded epilogues go down;
Of smooth and suppliant words an idle store,
That sometimes mean as much, but never more.
'Tis true, excuses were superfluous then:
The plays were sterling sense, and worthy men,
The characters of life were mark'd so fair,
And all who trod the stage had business there.
Why should apologies perplex the brain?
They then were needless, and they now are vain;
Unless to' acquaint the gentle lookers-on,
“Take notice, this is all; the play is done;”
Which else the sharpest critic had not thought,
And ne'er had guess'd at by the finish'd plot.
Their usual epilogue was, Plaudite.
What need of many words, when one would do?
Though sometimes they would add, Valete, too.
But different now with us the mode is grown;
None but long-winded epilogues go down;
581
That sometimes mean as much, but never more.
'Tis true, excuses were superfluous then:
The plays were sterling sense, and worthy men,
The characters of life were mark'd so fair,
And all who trod the stage had business there.
Why should apologies perplex the brain?
They then were needless, and they now are vain;
Unless to' acquaint the gentle lookers-on,
“Take notice, this is all; the play is done;”
Which else the sharpest critic had not thought,
And ne'er had guess'd at by the finish'd plot.
Now wit is scarcer grown, for more you call;
As taxes heaviest on the poorest fall.
Say, is not Terence of applause secure,
Without this fond, unclassic garniture?
Our author's merit is our strongest hold;
Not antiquated yet, however old.
For us, your favour we desire to share:
For him, condemn the' Adelphi if you dare!
As taxes heaviest on the poorest fall.
Say, is not Terence of applause secure,
Without this fond, unclassic garniture?
Our author's merit is our strongest hold;
Not antiquated yet, however old.
For us, your favour we desire to share:
For him, condemn the' Adelphi if you dare!
| Poems on several occasions | |