Vossius in Addend. l.2. Institut. Poetic.
The
question is, whether it bee lawfull to make
a Dramatique Poem of a sacred argument: if
examples may be pleaded; Ezekiel a Iewish
Tragique Poet, hath written the deliverance of the
Israelites out of Egypt. There is likewise extant
Christs Passion, whether by Gregory Nazianzen, or
Apollinaris of Laodicea. Neither have there been
wanting in our age famous men also, who have written
sacred Dramatiques both Comicall and Tragicall:
But I am rather of opinion, it were better to choose another
argument, then sacred. For it agrees not with
the majesty of sacred things to be made a play and fable.
It is also a work of very dangerous consequence to mingle
humane inventions with things sacred; because
the Poet adds uncertainties of his owne, sometimes falsities;
which is not onely to play with holy things, but
also to ingraft in mens minds uncertaine opinions, and
now and then false.—These things have place especially,
when we bring in God, or Christ, speaking, or
treat of the mysteries of Religion. I will allow more
where the History indeed is taken out of the sacred
Scriptures, but in the nature of its argument is civill.
As if the action bee of David flying from his Sonne
Absolon, or of Joseph sold by his Brethren; advanced
by Pharaoh to the government of Egypt, and
in that dignity adored by, and made known unto his
Brethren. Of which argument is Sophompaneas,
made by the most illustrious and incomparable man,
Hugo Grotius, Embassador, when hee lived, of the
most gracious Queen and Kingdome of Sweden, to
the most Christian King of France. Which Tragedy
I suppose may be set for a pattern to him that would
handle an argument fetcht from the holy Scriptures;
and I would even more commend it in this place, then
which a fitter could not be; did I not fear, I might
seem to do it as well in regard of that love, which was
ever between us, as also in officiousnesse of a gratefull
minde, forasmuch as hee would have this excellent
Poem come forth into the light, dedicated unto my
name.
